“Palamantasan ng Sarap” — a witty play of words, don’t you think? The idea, according to Cheez Whiz senior brand manager, Paolo Serrano, is to make an educational campaign more fun so that kids will take to it and, thus, learn from it. If you take a look at the Palamantasan website, you’ll know what they mean by engaging kids in a way that’ll get their attention.

At the launching of Palamantasan in Davao, which was held at the Buhangin Central Elementary School, several local grade schools participated in competitions that were designed to create awareness of nutrition issues. There were the usual contests, such as the Sabayang Pagbigkas (group speech contest), cheering, and essay-writing. There was also a unique event called “Jarchitecture“, where participating pupils unleashed their creativity in crafting buildings or robots made of empty Cheez Whiz bottles and caps.

The contest that I liked, though, was the Mom & Child Sandwich-Making Contest. There were three teams that competed at Buhangin Central, and it was fun to watch the pairs (two mom-and-daughter and one mom-and-son teams) concoct fancy- and yummy-looking healthy snacks.

“These schoolchildren are at the stage of developing a sense of responsibility,” explains Serrano. “This is why we want them to realize the significance of proper nutrition themselves — through a series of fun, creative and learning activities.”

Studies by the Philippine government have shown that millions of Filipino children are malnourished. That’s why, among the poorer sectors of society, it’s not uncommon to see ten-year-old kids looking like they were barely six. This could stem from the lack of education about proper nutrition in many Filipino families. What Kraft Foods has started, therefore, is worthy of praise.

I hope that many more big corporations, especially those involved in the food industry, will take it upon themselves to help eradicate the country’s nutrition problems. Better yet, it would be great for other companies to get on board and make a pledge to theh Palamantasan initiative. It will ultimately benefit them, too, because they would be ensuring a healthy workforce for the future.

As for schools that aren’t yet part of the program, they would do well to urge their students to join Palamantasan. I remember when I was in Grade School, it was always fun to take part in those fun-filled activities that involved food. Little did we know that we were in fact learning from the experience already! As Palamantasan has reminded me, the best way to get kids interested is to get their attention through exciting and challenging activities — and with a full stomach in the mix, the Cheez Whiz Palamantasan program certainly concocted the best formula!

It is our privilege to be given an opportunity to share with you the programs of AIM, considered to be one of our country’s invaluable contributions to management development in the region.

AIM was co-founded by the Harvard Business School, Ateneo de Manila University and De La Salle University in 1968. It has had more than forty years of experience in training managers, entrepreneurs and development leaders in both the public and private sectors. Our degree programs — Master in Business Administration, Master in Management, and the Master in Development Management — and our executive, non-degree programs are practitioner-oriented. Using the case method, our programs have a distinctly Asian focus, providing intensive exposure to management principles and best practices in Asia.

The Asian Institute of Management has a strategic role in unlocking these opportunities and to carve the destiny of our region by being an active player in regional integration. Our goal is seek to develop managers, entrepreneurs and leaders who:

• Are knowledgeable and uniquely capable of operating effectively in Asia;
• Have a good understanding of the business opportunities presented by Asian regional economic integration (i.e. from West and South Asia to Southeast and Northeast Asia); and
• Are sensitive to the diverse cultures/belief systems, business structures, as well as governance and regulatory environment

AIM is fortunate to have had a head start as the pioneer business school in Asia, with its accompanying advantages:

• AIM has one of the largest and strategically positioned alumni networks in over 75 countries, with more than 33,000 alumni;
• We have among the most extensive lists of institutional private and public sector clients in the region; and
• Our faculty has had extensive teaching experience in Asia.

On behalf of AIM we would like to invite you to our events on June 9 & 10, 2010.

The AIM Preview on June 9, 5:30pm at the Marco Polo Hotel will highlight our Master in Business Administration and Masters in Management. Learn more about how these programs can bring your career to a higher level. Know more about AIM through your fellow Davaoeños who are students and graduates of AIM.

There will be a one-day admission process on 10 June, 9:00am. To avail of this opportunity, please email enrollment.management.aim [at] gmail.com for the application form. You may take the AIM Admission Test (AIMAT) at the Marco Polo Hotel. After passing the exam, you will be interviewed by the AIM faculty roster. Please confirm attendance by emailing the above address before 8 June, 5:00pm.

Alternatively, you may download the AIM application form from here.

There are several events lined up, including a Green Mobilization and a wildlife photography workshop. Please see the schedule below for more information.

Below is the poster for GreenMob 2010, a movement that’s in line with the Foundation’s objective of saving the eagle’s natural habitat. Everyone is encouraged to join and spread the word about the importance of saving our environment — not only for the eagle but for ourselves.

This poster is for Race for Pag-Asa, Race Against Climate Change:

The Foundation and the Eagle Center are located in Malagos, Baguio District, Davao City. (Dabawenyos commonly refer to this place as being in Calinan.) Tel. no.: 271-2337. Fax: 301-1033. E-mail: info[at]philippineeagle.org. For snail-mail correspondence, please use the following address:

The Philippine Eagle Foundation
PO Box 81015
8000 Davao City
Philippines

Happy Eagle Week to all!

Representing the Philippine Women’s College of Davao, Eevee bested out 12 of the best college bands from across the country during the Finals night. This year’s finalist bands that performed at the Ninoy Aquino Sports Stadium this year are: Little School House (Ateneo de Cagayan – Xavier University), Eevee (Philippine Women’s College – Davao), Disco…Disco…Disco (St. Michael’s College – Iligan City), Lady Suzette (AMA – Tacloban), Sundae Special (Iloilo Doctors College), 3 Hours and 10 (University of the Visayas – Cebu), Iktuz (Colegio de San Juan De Letran Calamba – Calamba Laguna), Mixed Tape (Lyceum – St. Cabrini College of Allied Medicine – Batangas), In Descent (University of Perpetual Help Laguna – Binan Laguna), Nameless Heroes (Mapua Institute of Technology – Makati), Play (Polytechnic University of the Philippines – Quezon City), Soltera (AMA – International Institute of Technology – Cubao) and Project (Jose Rizal University).

“We are very overwhelmed with this victory. All the bands that were with us on our ‘journey to fame’ were really good and it was anybody’s game up until show time. We would like to thank NESCAFÉ 3in1 Soundskool for this opportunity for us to realize our dreams as music superstars,” exclaimed Eevee’s frontman, Enzo Villegas.

The NESCAFÉ 3in1 Soundskool finalists performed alongside some of the country’s best bands who served as the finalists’ mentors leading up to the Grand Finals Night. The young musicians got to interact, jam and perform alongside chart toppers like NESCAFÉ 3in1 Soundskool Grand Prize Winners Hilera and Letter Day Story, 6CycleMind, Pedicab, Itchy Worms, Imago, Sugarfree, Taken By Cars, Urbandub, Spongecola, Paraluman, Callalily, Sandwich and Moonstar 88. Known dance group Philippine All Stars brought the audience to their feet with their performances. Another rare sight during the NESCAFÉ 3in1 Soundskool Grand Finals Night was when all the vocalists from this year’s mentor bands banded together and shared the stage for one outstanding performance. “It didn’t feel like a competition at all during the Grand Finals Night. Yes, we were nervous but in the end the entire night became a celebration of how much the Filipino youth loves music. We’re really proud to be part of this experience — winning the Grand Prize was just the cherry on top of the delicious cake,” Villegas added.

“NESCAFÉ 3in1 Soundskool’s fifth year has proven to be its most exciting so far. We not only found extraordinary talents this year — the competition has never been this close among the finalists. We’re very proud to see the progress all the finalists have made ever since we saw them during the Eliminations leg in October. Eevee, along with the other 12 finalists this year, have all shown that handa na silang sumikat with the lessons they gained from NESCAFÉ 3in1 Soundskool. If anything, the talent we discovered with this year’s competition only proves that the Filipino youth are indeed ready to make a big splash in the music industry,” said Eileen Rose Bangcoro, NESTLÉ Philippines marketing promotions and events cluster head for NESCAFÉ.

Aside from Bangcoro, the judges during the Grand Finals Night were Sony Music Entertainment Philippines’ Vic Valenciano and Jerrick Mina, Soupstar Entertainment’s Darwin Hernandez, and Soundcreation Studio’s Shinji Tanaka.

This year’s NESCAFÉ 3in1 Soundskool, with the theme “Huwag Na Magtago! Magparamdam Ka Na!” is supported by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Sony Music Entertainment Philippines, Paseo de Bahamas, Rudy Project, Boracay Scuba, Boracay Mandarin Island Hotel, Ix Chel, La Carmela de Boracay Resort Hotel and Parkmall in Mandaue City, Cebu.

For more details, log on to the NESCAFÉ 3n1 Soundskool site. View Eevee’s Facebook fan page as well!

[Media release & photos courtesy of Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide, Manila]

Let’s all support the efforts of a group of Davao artists & musicians in their selfless move to help the victims of Typhoon Ondoy. This Sunday, 4 October 2009, there will be a free concert, “Tabang Dabaw”, to be held at TABOAN, Matina Town Square, from 6:00 PM.

Some of the artists who will perform at Tabang Dabaw are: the Alconera Project with Rochelle Venuti, J&J Band featuring Chad Borja, Ahbet Padilla & Rikki Torres of Studio Onnie, IVplay, 8mile, Baby Boomers, Check It Out, and many others. There will be about 15 bands 30+ bands and artists who will be entertaining us this Sunday.

(Click to see image)

Please bring donations to help alleviate the unfortunate condition our brothers and sisters in Luzon are now in. Donations — clothes, footwear, medicine, bottled water, canned goods, cash — will be accepted at the concert by the organizing committee. All the donations will be brought to Manila via Solid Shipping Lines, c/o the Philippine National Red Cross. For bank drafts, please make cheques out to Philippine National Red Cross.

There will also be limited-edition Tabang Dabaw shirts that will be sold at the concert. Grab one (or two) for ₱300 each. Proceeds will go to the victims of Ondoy.

Let’s all chip in and share! See you @ Taboan this Sunday!

Thanks to Ahbet & Rochelle for letting me know about this worthwhile event. And thanks to Louie Solitaria for sharing the Tabang Dabaw graphics which he designed.

The Chinese Mid-Autumn Moon Festival, a very important festival for the Chinese people, falls on the 15th day of the 8th month in the Lunar Calendar. This is when the moon is believed to be in its fullest and roundest. This year, it falls on October 3, 2009.

In Chinese culture, the full moon is a symbol of peace and prosperity for the whole family. Its roundness symbolizes wholeness and togetherness. The number 8 is a symbol of wealth and prosperity.

This year, the Davao City Chinatown Development Council is holding the very first Chinese Mid-Autumn Moon Festival.

On the eve of the moon festival, October 2, 6 PM, Friday, the festivities will begin simultaneously at the Unity and Friendship archways along R. Magsaysay Avenue and Peace Archway along Sta. Avenue, all located within Davao City’s Chinatown.

Starting on Friday, the Night Market will be opened to the public at the Unity Archway Traditional festival activities will be held at the Peace Archway where a Lantern Lighting and Making contest, and the city and barangay Mooncake Dice Game will be played and presented. while the Food and Entertainment Fiesta along Chavez Street will also commence.

On the night of the festival, October 3, Saturday, a Moon Gazing and a Musical Showdown will be participated in by various Chinese schools in the city, and will be held at the Peace Archway. The awarding of the winners will also be held on the same night.

The festivities will continue on to October 4, Sunday, with the Food and Entertainment Fiesta.

For more information, contact the City Tourism Office at 222-1956 to 57.

And here are a few blog posts and news items that have been published online:

• Ginoong Kadayawan 2009
• The Revolution that started in Kadayawan 2009
• Darna flies to Davao for Kadayawan 2009
• Kadayawan 2009 by Councilor Mabel Acosta
• 2009 Kadayawan sidelines: indak-indak
• 2009 Kadayawan sidelines: Pamulak
• Mayor Rody & Inday Sara – Kadayawan football results

This year’s theme, “Naghiusang Katawhan Nakigdait sa Kalibutan” (“One People in Communion with the Earth”), fittingly responds to the need of the times as Dabawenyos are reminded of their responsibilities towards Mother Earth. As Davao’s indigenous tribes have deemed the earth as the core of their existence, they have also maintained a special connection to the earth which is also the source of the life, living, culture and traditions. Thus, the earth seriously needs to be given utmost care especially this time when climactic changes have affected the lives of many. That is the main cause of this year’s celebration.

Kadayawan, a celebration of thanksgiving for the gifts of nature, the wealth of culture, the bounties of harvest and serenity of living while paying tribute to Davao’s artistic, cultural, industrial and historical heritage, will officially begin on August 21, 2009 with “Dawow: Dayaw – Subay sa Suba” at Tionko Field (Agro Foundation College). The opening ceremony will feature a grand water ritual, musical and cultural performances and the sealing of the people’s covenant to protect mother earth.

Under the “Lumadnong Kasaulogan” (Peoples Indigenous Festivals) component of the festival, referring to the showcase of the indigenous peoples’ culture and arts, the following events have been organized: “Hulagway sa Kaliwatan” (Indigenous Peoples Visual Arts Exhibit), a Visual Arts Competition and Exhibit featuring indigenous life ways (August 17-September 17, Museo Dabawenyo); “Panagtagbo”, the Ata Manobo, Ubo Manobo, K’lata, Tagabawa, Matigsalog, Maranao, Maguindanao, Tausug, Sama and Kalagan tribes’ celebration of thanksgiving of their oneness with the earth through performances, culinary fiesta and craftsmanship (August 20-21, Peoples Park and Rizal Park); “Hiyas sa Kadayawan”, the search for the Kadayawan Symbol, the indigenous lass who is knowledgeable of her indigenous culture and wisdom through a pageantry of Mindanaoan myths and legends (August 16, Gaisano Mall of Davao); and “Tugtogan sa Kahiusahan” (Mindanao Indigenous Peoples Music Festival), performances of indigenous music virtuosos from all over Mindanao using various gong percussions, string and wind instruments (August 22, Peoples’ Park).

Meanwhile, under the “Subay Sa Lumadnong Kagikan” (Contemporary Indigenous-motivated Celebrations) component, illustrating the impact of the indigenous culture and traditions to contemporary artists and communities, the following events will be showcased: “Tunog Mindanaw” (World Music Festival), a Mindanao-wide competition of popular yet Mindanao tradition-based music (August 18, NCCC Mall); “Moda Mindanaw”, a fashion and floral design dompetition showcasing indigenous-inspired silhouettes, Mindanawon fabrics, and floral accessories (August 16, Gaisano Mall of Davao); “Sayaw Mindanaw”, competition of Mindanao myths, legends and folklores transformed into dance narratives by Mindanao-based dance groups (August 18-20, SM City Davao); “Indak-Indak sa Kadalanan”, street dancing competition and Mindanao festival showcases (August 22, downtown streets); “Pamulak Kadayawan”, the grand finale featuring floral float and parade competition (August 23, downtown streets); “Kalasikas”, contemporary music and dance concerts (August 17-23, Peoples Park); and “Pakonsyerto ni Mayor Rody ug Vice-Mayor Sara sa Kadayawan” (August 23, Rizal Park).

Other events that are sure to make this year’s festival the grandest ever include the “Baylehan sa Katawhan” (August 23, San Pedro Street), “Kasadalanan” (August 29-30, Streets of Davao), Agro-Industrial Trade Fair and Floral Exhibit (August 1-30, SM City Davao), “Tabo” (August 17, SP Lobby), and Hudyakaan Street Party (August 17-23, Bolton Street), as well as those initiated by the private sector.

For more information, please refer to the Kadayawan festival website. This is a media release from the City Tourism Operations Office.

These are very capable and dedicated people in the steering committee, and the private sector, as always, is very supportive. Ergo, we can expect an even grander celebration in August 2009! So, mark your calendars: Kadayawan sa Dabaw will be from 17 to 23 August 2009. Watch this blog for updates!

Below are the activities planned for the 3-day event. Thanks to Michelle Solon of Go Sarangani Travel for the information, and for helping in the arrangements for the bloggers.

28 May (Thu) • Kiamba

Ceremonial Opening Program, Lumba Bugsay (paddleboat racing), Bike Adventure Race Challenge, Skim Boarding Competition, Skim Boarding Clinic, Dive Sarangani, Underwater Photography, Beach Football, Beach Volleyball, Sayaw Sarangani – Hataw sa Tag-araw, Beach Concert and Fireworks Display.

29 May (Fri) • Maasim – Glan

Swim across the Bay (from Maasim to Glan), Bay Bodies Pageant, Scubasurero (dive to harvest crown of thorns), Sand Castle Competition, Bay Fair (selling and promotions fair), Beach Party with Club DJ and Fire Dancers, and continuing activities of Bike Adventure Race Challenge, Skim Boarding Competition, Skim Boarding Clinic, Dive Sarangani, Underwater Photography, Beach Football, Beach Volleyball.

30 May (Sat) • Gumasa, Glan

Bombo Bancarera (motorboat racing), San Miguel Concert Party (Manila band), Recogntion and Awarding Ceromonies, and continuing activities of Bike Adventure Race Challenge, Skim Boarding Competition, Skim Boarding Clinic, Dive Sarangani, Underwater Photography, Beach Football, Beach Volleyball.

I’m so excited! These three days will surely be a series of scorchingly hot parties and über-cool outdoorsy events! Can’t wait…

Glan, Kiamba, Maasim and the other towns surrounding Sarangani Bay are largely undiscovered jewels of nature. For example, the beaches of Glan are reputed to have sand as fine as that found in Boracay. And the scuba diving is spectacular, by all accounts (check out my post about Lemlunay Dive Resort). Parts of the bay, I was told by Michelle, are protected sanctuaries, so that divers now see much growth and resurgence of indigenous species in the area. When we went for a dive, we saw the cement domes that were installed in different parts of Sarangani Bay to promote the growth of coral.

And the food! I bet I’m going to gorge myself on tuna, sturgeon fish (I wish!), crab, and other goodies from the sea! On the flip side, however, accommodations facilities in the Sarangani province are rather rudimentary.

The bloggers’ excursion into Sarangani is being coordinated by yours truly, Avel Manansala (of Bariles Republic fame), and the indefatigable Michelle, the wife of Vice-Governor Steve Solon. But blogger or not, anyone is very welcome to join the festivities. Budget? Less than ₱3,000 (including transportation to & from Davao) per person will most certainly suffice. To be there to party with everyone is free, but the clinics, competitions, etc. will have minimal participation fees.

For more information, please get in touch with Go Sarangani Travel — gosaranganitravel[at]gmail[dot]com, (83)552-8015 or (83)304-4398. This festival is being organized under the auspices of the Sarangani provincial government. Check out their official site: www.sarangani.gov.ph.