PLDT Ultera Brings Volleyball Fans and Supporters Closer to their Favorite National Team Players and Sport in General Trias Cavite

Heads up to Team Amihan and Bagwis National Volleyball Teams! [Photo Credits to Ms. Bianca Frost aka Beverly Hawksworth]

Long ago, volleyball used to be a quiet sport in the Philippines, in a country who patronizes Basketball and Boxing as main focus constantly eyeing to win in international competitions and in Olympics. We had Smart Gilas Team Pilipinas that got it big on FIBA and the Philippine AZKALS Football Team that rocked Asia and made Filipinos proud. Now, Volleyball is rapidly winning each of our hearts. Let us give credits to the fantastic and highly talented collegiate players of UAAP (University Athletic Association of the Philippines) and NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association of the Philippines) and the experienced and very skillful players of Shakey’s V-League. From these athletic groups, our very own Volleyball National Teams: Amihan Women’s Volleyball Team and Bagwis Men’s Volleyball Team are now in spotlight as Filipinos were now embracing the sport in tighter grips than before. To add, the line-ups of the players are more promising that we could pray and hope for a brighter future for Philippine Volleyball for these national teams to achieve greater heights and make us more proud in competing internationally.

The prettiest volleybelle Rachel Ann Daquiz on the motorcade. [Photo Credits to Ms. Bianca Frost aka Beverly Hawksworth]

Pinoy fans are the best!  [Photo Credits to Ms. Bianca Frost aka Beverly Hawksworth]

Last February 22, 2015, PLDT Ultera spearheaded their first stop in the series of events that aims to bring the sport closer to the Filipino masses for them to meet their National Team idols in person and also to the players to express their gratitude on the continuous support and bringing them where they are today. Through this event, the Filipinos especially the youth would be inspired to play and appreciate Volleyball more. With happy hearts and warm welcome they played and interacted with the very humble players they admire and love.

Bagwis!  [Photo Credits to Ms. Bianca Frost aka Beverly Hawksworth]

Amihan!  [Photo Credits to Ms. Bianca Frost aka Beverly Hawksworth]

Drills and Warm-Ups by Phenom Eagle and Iron Eagle.  [Photo Credits to Ms. Bianca Frost aka Beverly Hawksworth]

Game with the locals.  [Photo Credits to Ms. Bianca Frost aka Beverly Hawksworth]

The Youth.  [Photo Credits to Ms. Bianca Frost aka Beverly Hawksworth]

This first leg was held in General Trias, Cavite at 9am and the venue was in General Trias Sports Complex after a motorcade attended by popular Volleyball Players like Jen Reyes, Aiza Maizo and Peter Torres followed by drills and learning the basics of volleyball as taught by star members of the team. There was also a game between the two teams and the Gen. Trias citizens and the sought after meet and greet where smiles surrounded the place as they had this chance of meeting their favorite players in person.

Powerhouse.  [Photo Credits to Ms. Bianca Frost aka Beverly Hawksworth]

The two captains. Rivalry?! What rivalry?!!! :)  [Photo Credits to Ms. Bianca Frost aka Beverly Hawksworth]

Present in the event were the star studded members of both Men’s and Women’s National Volleyball Teams (Amihan and Bagwis) who shared their time and effort to impart some of their knowledge and inspiring talk. To mention a few, what gave people so much bliss were the presence of the icons of Philippine Volleyball today namely Rachel Daquiz, Jovelyn Gonzaga, Mary Balse, Dindin Santiago, from the MVT Peter Torres, Howard Mojica and Mark Alfafara, and the very famous star collegiate players of the UAAP today: AdMU’s Alyssa Valdez and Denden Lazaro as well as DSLU’s power trio Victonara Galang, Mika Reyes and Kim Fajardo. I love those pictures when these five girls were bonded together like a barkada amidst the very intense rivalry of their schools in the court.

These kinds of events are truly inspiring and empowering especially for the youth. Let us wait for updates of when will their next legs would be. -FAF

PHOTO CREDITS:
Ms. BIANCA FROST | BEVERLY HAWKSWORTH (For the article and slideshow pictures) YSABELA SIDOCON (For some of the pictures in the slideshow)

RELATED LINKS:

• Where are Bagwis and Amihan Pilipinas headed next? [Rivals.ph]
• Amihan, Bagwis kick off national volleyball tour in Gen. Trias [Philstar.com]
• PLDT Home Facebook Fanpage

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Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda): What could a typical netizen do to help?

Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda):  What could a typical netizen do to help?

International typhoon Haiyan (also known in the Philippines as Yolanda) devastated the South East Asian nations such as Micronesia, Southern China, Vietnam and the Philippines. The second deadliest typhoon that killed an estimated number of 3,633 people and still counting, destroyed houses and properties and collapsed transportation and communication lines in the country.  Arriving with strong 10-minute sustained winds of 230km/hr, the terror of the days between November  3-11, 2013 broke the hearts of Filipinos as evidenced by the bodies of casualties on the streets, lost children searching for their parents and vice versa, extreme starvation and lack of clean water to drink and destroyed shelters. This cyclone terrorized the Visayan Islands and the most dreaded affected areas were Samar and Leyte.

Photo By: NOAA/AFP/Getty Images/ National Geographic News (No Copyright Infringement)

            

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Photo By: mirror.co.uk (No copyright infringement intended)

Concerned countries, NGOs and International Organization donated what they could offer to help those victims to provide food and basic needs for their survival. So if you were just an ordinary person with no riches and checks to donate but still want to help, what could you do? Or what could we do? Being connected to the internet with just your typical computer or smartphone on hand could mean a lot. All we have to do is be aware and share information that could help and bridge people to reach out the calamity victims of the typhoon. Here are some:

• If you have a Twitter of Facebook account, you can RETWEET tweets from OFFICIAL ACCOUNTS of government agencies, organizations, and concerned individuals assigned and those information fed by media personalities and agencies like updates about missing people, conditions of the families there, electrical lines and so on.
• You can re-post videos of news clips from television stations and institutions but make sure they were from a credible official source.
• You can lead or form a group and team up to gather things that you could donate or volunteer by group by using the social media as a tool for reaching your friends and relatives.

In these times, social media can be used as a helpful tool to reach and help others, all we have to do is think of smart and spread the correct and helpful information for a good cause.

Here are some links of my favorite/trusted institutions in the Philippines case that you guys are searching.

• Philippine National Red Cross
• ABS-CBN Foundation Sagip Kapamilya
• World Vision Philippines
• Habitat for Humanity Philippines
• Caritas Manila

            

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2013 Wow Korea Supporters Orientation

The country where art, music and beautiful scene and people live - KOREA. Nowadays, Filipinos patronize the country's culture and beauty through it's media (K-Pop music and Korean drama series) and these aspects makes us curious about what other wonderful things the country is having like more of their food, technology and beautiful nature and cultural sites found in this country of cute and talented people rich in history.

Korea Tourism Organization Manila was established to promote Korea as a leisure destination among Filipinos who dream of getting a chance to step their feet on the amazing land someday and to discover what more wonders it could give as a very beautiful and rich country.

Last October 10, 2013 at the Korean Wave Hall of the Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines, K-Pop fans/ Korea Supporters were gathered to be appointed as Wow Korea Supporters at the 2013 Wow Korea Supporters Orientation. Their aim is to promote the country's tourism and culture within the best of their passion and love for the country. Among the lucky chosen ones was my dear friend, Grachelle Valencia aka Ylla who loves the country as though as it was her alter ego nationality. Here are some of the photos from the event, all credited to her and KTO as well. More great works and good job to the Wow Korea Supporters. Aja! --faf

You can Visit Korea Tourism Organization Manila Office at 26th Flr Tower 2 The Enterprise Center 6766 Ayala Avenue cor. Paseo de Roxas, Makati City.

Ther Facebook Fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/ktomanila

Photo By: Grachelle Valencia

Photo By: Grachelle Valencia

Photo By: Grachelle Valencia

Photo By: Grachelle Valencia

Photo By: Grachelle Valencia

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SHANE FILAN Live! In Manila Tour at Skydome

Photo By: Karen Feaster

Shane Filan performing at the Skydome. PHOTO CREDITS: Myphotographics and Shane Filan Fan Club Philippines Fanpage

Westlife has been a part of our musical world since late 90s up to present. The boyband made impact to the world of music with their sweet to live pop songs and even their covers and remakes. To the adult to young adult women of today's generation, these lads were prince charmings who serenaded their radio and ipods and so were the concert grounds all over the world. All things they say should come to an end for the better and just last year, they decided to disband and go on separate ways and one of them is their front man who possesses  amazingly powerful voice, Shane Filan. Just last September 28, 2013 at SM North EDSA Skydome, the nightingale lad graced his Filipino fans for the fifth time but as a solo artist promoting his album. There were a hundred lucky fans who had a chance to meet him face to face before his performance. 

The event started at 6PM, with a front act from acoustic artist Sabrina. Shane serenaded the crown with his first song "Everytime" from his "Everything to Me EP". Girls from every age stages shouted and screamed due to the ecstatic and euphoric mood. The night ended with the song "Everything to Me", hi debut song. Following that was the autograph signing that completed the day and made fans' hearts tattooed  with happy hearts. -faf

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I am PGH - A Person Giving Hope

“Health is wealth.” –This famous saying says in three words that being healthy is a treasure all of us should take care and value. Healthy people are happy and productive people. Not all people could afford to go and stays admitted in the hospital and maintain their doses of expensive medicines because we live in a country where there are high mortality rates on some diseases.  The main basic needs being focused on some economically depressed families are food and shelter rather than stay in the hospital to have their appropriate treatments.

The Philippine General Hospital (PGH), our national hospital provides services for all Filipinos especially the poor and needy but it doesn’t mean that it could cater all needs and facilities in just a snap. The institution also needs support from us who are willing to give some of our little fortune to support them in providing quality healthcare for our poor countrymen. Isn’t it fulfilling with pride that in a small way, we helped our country’s top healthcare institution not just to help but to be more globally competitive at the same time? Just like many of us, I too had a medical check-up at the institution years ago because my doctor referred my condition for confirmation. Also, I stayed there for almost a month as a watcher for my aunt who has had a Stroke (Cerebrovascular Accident) last year. In my free times, I always wander within the hospital grounds. My aunt stays in pay room but I also saw other patients in charity ward. I could say that the services were just the same as in pay room but the difference is that charity patients should buy almost all their medicines at the pharmacy. What if they have no money in hand?

For them, a little help from a great number of people could help lengthen their lives or give them a second chance to recover and live better from their conditions. Healthy citizens could yield a very healthy future for the country.

Leandro Fernandez, Asi Taulava and Mijo Solis. [Photo By: Mr. Jose B. Baylon/Bing Basit]

Charles Tiu, John Sacro and Chris Tiu. [Photo By: Jose B. Baylon/Bing Basit]

Alex Crisano and Leandro Fernandez. [Photo By: Mr. Jose Baylon/Bing Basit]

Mr. Ren Cayetano. [Photo By: Mr. Jose B. Baylon]

From this situation emerged a very eager man- Mr. Jose Bayani Baylon, a maroon. From working at Coca-cola Bottlers Inc., to his present work at Nickel Asia Corps., he has been raising funds for the hospital with a drive to raise an overwhelming  100 Million Pesos and search for 1 million Filipinos to share their not-so-tight the pocket  100 pesos. An article said that the institution had been a great part of his life. Donating is not just for the rich; we ordinary citizens could also help. -faf

Southridge High School Representatives. [Photo By: Bing Basit]

The campaign was launched last January 30, 2012 at Makati.

You can contact them here:

Site: www.pghmedfoundation.com

Hotline: 554-8400 local 3061

E-mail: iampgh1907@gmail.com

Facebook Fanpage: http://facebook.com/iampgh

RELATED ARTICLE: ‘I AM PGH: Hope and a Hundred’ [Manila Times]

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Planting Hope: A Lifestyle Asia and Tagaytay Highlands Tree Planting Event

Event Invitation. [Photo Credits: Tagaytay Highlands]

Mother nature nurtures our lives but we need to nurture her too. One of top leisure development complexes, Tagaytay Highlands maintains its role not only being a premier leisure center in the Philippines but a friend of biodiversity. Being awarded with the title by ASEAN Center  for  Biodiversity on 2011, it aims to help mother nature by planting trees to conserve its beauty.

Belle View Drive. [Photo By: Stephanie Denise Credo]

Arrival. [Photo By: Stephanie Denise Credo]

My newly planted tree seedling and my baby bear. [Photo By: Me]

Last November  17, 2012, in partnership with Lifestyle Asia, the country’s premier lifestyle magazine together with the non-government organizations, Pilipinas Ecowarriors which vision is to conserve and protect the environment and other sponsors held an event called “Planting Hope” in which participants would plant their tree seedlings which is specifically, African Tulips within the pathways of Tagaytay Highlands’ Belle View Drive leisure complex.

Chris Tiu giving his talk on how the youth could contribute in helping mother nature. [Photo By: Me]

Club members, some homeowners, officers and staff as well as the editorial team of Lifestyle Asia were present to support the cause. Mr. Willy Ocier, the founder of Tagaytay Highlands gave the welcome remarks, emphasizing the event’s mission. After that, Club president and One Mega Group Chairmain, Mr. Jerry Tiu, with all his wit and charm thanked the participants for their presence and time. Pilipinas Ecowarriors ambassador, TV Host, basketball icon and entrepreneur, Chris Tiu, also gave a speech on how the youth could help by utilizing and empowering the campaign of caring for mother earth on the social media and internet.

My seedling. So proud!

Lovely Jumpshot! [Photo By: Anna Karanina Alfonso]

Lovely group shot at the midlands. [Photo By: Anna Karanina Alfonso]

The event started at 8am, when we arrived, the ushers gave us small laminated cardboards and asked us to write our name, and this was to be tied after our trees were planted on the soil. The ambiance exclusive view of Tagaytay Highlands is truly breath taking because all you can see is the beauty of nature without pollution and congestion. I fell in love with those old green trees, and the views overlooking Taal Lake. Planting trees had never been that good and enjoyable mixed with giggles and high spirits of my friends. As an ecowarrior, it was really fulfilling that you have planted a tree after your name in one of the Philippines’ exclusive nature heaven. Special thanks to our idol/co-ecowarrior, Chris Tiu who toured us around. -faf

Slideshow Photos: Anna Karanina Alfonso, Peachy Octavo and Me

References:

http://www.tagaytayhighlands.com

http://www.philstar.com (Health and Family section)

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Ateneo de Manila's ONE BIG FIVE BONFIRE 2012

One Big Five! October 13, 2012, a day of blue blast, fireworks and a bonfire held  in one of the premier universities of the Philippines as they celebrated championships, lasting friendships, alumni memories and excellence in collegiate sports. Ateneo de Manila University’s eagles once again bag numerous achievements in this year’s UAAP (University Athletic Association of the Philippines). Students, alumni, faculties, staff and supporters gathered to celebrate the event on a night of music, fun chitchats and pictorials with the players, booths, reminiscing and saying good byes.

Ateneo Blue Eagles Men's Basketball Team being interviewed on stage. [Photo By: Karen Feaster]

One of the most notable parts was when the community lead by the Ateneo Blue Eagles Men’s Basketball team paid their tribute to their coach who lead them to five consecutive championships –Coach Normal Black. Coach Norman bid goodbye to the team because he of his plan to go back on coaching into professional basketball. It was a very touching part. They played a photo slideshow and sang “Hey Coach”, an improvised version from the song “Hey Jude”. Also, five players were about to leave: Oping Sumalinong, Luis Gonzaga, Justin Chua, Greg Slaughter and their two time finals MVP, Nico Salva.

Enjoying the night with friends! [Photo By: Kimberly Ann del Pilar]

Blue Girls! [Photo By: Grachelle Valencia]

Coach Norman Black giving his farewell speech. [Photo By: Karen Feaster]

"Maraming salamat sa inyong lahat. Lalaban lang. Itatry namin ang six-peat para sa inyo.," as said by Kiefer Ravena, last 2010’s Rookie of the Year. [Source: Rappler.com]
Indeed, Ateneo community is not just a home for academically excellent students but also those with great passion and perseverance for sports and athleticism. -faf

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World Vision 12-Hour Famine 2012

Hunger fighters before the program. [Photo By: World Vision Famine PH Fanpage]

You will never know how it feels to have others’ shoes fully if you are not going to wear them. Some of the world’s children including ours suffer malnutrition and other health problems due to hunger. The face of them today is a clear reflection of what tomorrow would become so it will depend on us of what future we are going to establish with our concerns and actions in the present. Hunger is also a cause of death which could be prevented if we would just act and help each other hand and hand to protect our children from its claws.

The beautiful Ms. Tippy Dos Santos gracing the stage. [Photo By 12-Hour Famine Fanpage]

My 12-Hour Famine flag! [Photo By Flordeliz Fullo (Me)]

World Vision 12 Hour Famine is one of the biggest youth movements for hunger in the Philippines by World Vision which is a huge non-profit international organization that helps communities, children and refugees motivated by Christian faith. The movement’s main goal is to encourage the pinoy youth to be hard on hunger while raising funds and provide awareness to help feed starving children in the country. Famine 2012 is now the third in the Philippines since the campaign started last 2010. In other country there is 30-Hour, 24 Famine. It was held at Skydome, SM North EDSA last September 29, 2012 with the presence of WV staff, volunteers, notable celebrities, sponsors and most of all, those young people who had chosen to spend their time not eating food to get hungry to feel what other children are going through and to learn how can they help in diminishing to eradicating it.

Gloc 9 singing his rap songs which elevated the mood in the dome. [Photo By Grachelle Valencia]

Slater Young enjoying the activities. [Photo By 12-Hour Famine Fanpage]

Handsome Kaya-FC players. [Photo By 12-Hour Famine Fanpage]

Tweeting our thoughts to be seen in the screen, [Photo By Flordeliz Fullo (Me)]

Energetic Ms. Nikki Gil gracing the stage which her  singing prowess and superb hosting. [Photo By 12 Hour Famine Fanpage]

This was my second time and just the same as last year, it was blasted. We experienced hunger of course but the fun and learning filled our hearts. I admire those celebrity ambassadors who spent their time with us, the hunger fighters and shared their talents not just in entertaining us but helping us in widening our awareness. Also, those world vision volunteers should be considered as heroes for their heart and dedication to help improve and build hunger free communities for our future. It was always a pleasure joining this kind of advocacy and we should thank God that he gives His mighty hands in this form to reach out and feed the hungry. -faf

Posing at 12-Hour Famine glam wall. The two cardboard kids were so cute! [Photo by Flodeliz Fullo (Me)]

Being hungry had never felt this good! [Photo By Flordeliz Fullo (Me)]

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PBA Rookie Draft 2012

The newly drafted PBA Players. [Photo Banny Bravante for AKTV-on-IBC13, No copyright infringement intended.]

The country’s professional basketball league Phillipine Basketball Association (PBA) held their Rookie Draft Event 2012 last August 19, 2012 at Robinson’s Place Manila. Players, coaches, PBA officials and hundreds of PBA fans gathered to witness the unveiling of new promising players which would soon grace the court with their exceptional playing skills.

 

Most awaited and talked about draftee Chris Tiu picked by Rain or Shine Elastopainters. [Photo By: http://www.interaksyon.com. No Copyright Infringement Intended]

TIU-natics. Super proud of their idol. [Photo By: Flordeliz Fullo (Me)]

Chris Tiu talking and taking pictures with his supporters after his first dinner as a PBA Player. [Photo By: Flordeliz Fullo for OfficialTIU]

 Among the top amateurs waiting to be picked were June Mar Fajardo from University of Cebu and was selected by Petron Blaze Boosters being to number one overall pick; Calvin Abueva with his beast-in-the-court image from San Sebastian College-R claimed the second spot as a new member of the Milk Republic –Alaska Aces. Also, all eyes in that evening were glued the former king Ateneo king eagle, Smart Gilas 1 former team captain, GMA TV host, entrepreneur and philanthropist, Christopher John Tiu who did not only conquer the hearts of girls but also the basketball world as well with him trending on twitter when he filed his application for drafting on August 13, 2012 which was also the last day of filing. Tiu landed on the 7^th spot and was selected by Rain or Shine Elastopainters.

With my buddies. Hah! Our feet never got tired of standing there for hours! [Photo By: Flordeliz Fullo (Me)

 This year’s draft was indeed exciting because these players were seen with passion in the sport that basketball analyst, players and fans experienced some kind excitement of what these players could bring and exhibit this year. Our friends never missed the chance to witness this event and though we stood there for many hours within a congested environment of different people who also went there to see the players, it was indeed bliss to hear Chris being picked with pride as we supported him since his Ateneo Blue Eagle days. There were great UAAP players too who had been a part of our basketball-fangirling world since then. -FAF

Here is the list of all draftees with their corresponding teams:

First round

1. Petron Blaze – June Mar Fajardo
2. Alaska – Calvin Abueva
3. Petron Blaze – Alex Mallari
4. Meralco – Cliff Hodge
5. Barako Bull – Aldrech Ramos
6. Ginebra – Chris Ellis
7. Rain or Shine – Chris Tiu
8. Ginebra – Keith Jensen
9. GlobalPort (from B-MEG) – Vic Manuel
10. GlobalPort – Jason Deutchmann

Second round

1. Air 21 – Yousef Taha
2. Barako Bull (from B-MEG) – Dave Marcelo
3. B-MEG – Jewel Ponferrada
4. GlobalPort – AJ Mandani
5. Barako Bull – Lester Alvarez
6. Barako Bull – Emman Monfort
7. Meralco (from Rain or Shine) – Kelly Nabong
8. Barako Bull – Woody Co
9. Alaska – Ralph Reyes
10. Talk ‘n Text – Jaypee Belencion

Third Round
1. Air 21 – Simon Atkins
2. Alaska – Karl Matthew Dehesa
3. Barako Bull – Ryan Boado
4. Meralco – Janus Lozada
5. Petron– Mark Sarangay
6. GlobalPort – Mark Acosta
7. Rain or Shine – Bacon Austria
8. Ginebra – Jerick Canada
9. B-MEG – Gian Chiu
10. Talk ‘N Text- Jason Escueta

Fourth Round
1. Alaska – Passed
2. Air 21 – Passed
3. Barako Bull – Kokoy Hermosisima
4. Meralco – Erick Suigitan
5. Petron – Passed
6. GlobalPort – Jan Colina
7. Rain or Shine – Jewel Palomique
8. Ginebra – Paul Zamar
9. B-MEG – Ramon Mabayo
10. Talk ‘N Text – Passed

Fifth Round
1. Air 21 – Passed
2. Alaska – Passed
3. Barako Bull – Passed
4. Meralco – Passed
5. Petron – Passed
6. GlobalPort – VJ Serios
7. Rain or Shine – Passed
8. Ginebra – JR Buensuceso
9. B-MEG – Passed
10. Talk ‘N Text – Passed

Sixth Round
1. Ginebra – Elliot

References:

www.interaksyon.com
www.pba-online.net

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