Chef Boy Logro invades Cagsawa Festival

     Chef Boy Logro invades Cagsawa Festival on February 23 at Cagsawa Ruins, Busay, Daraga, Albay.

Parc Cruz's Portraits Southern Luzon 2013

Parc Cruz's Portraits Southern Luzon 2013

Naga City | April 6 & 7

Sorsogon | May 18 & 19

Tabaco | June 2013

Tinagba 2013 | Mt. Asog Mountainbike Xtreme Challenge

Tinagba Festival 2013 | Mt. Asog Mountainbike Xtreme Challenge

February 10, 2013 | Sunday

Iriga City, Camarines Sur

Travel Photographer Kim Lau at PhotoWorld Asia 2013

        Olympus to present Travel Photographer Kim Lau at PhotoWorld Asia on February 2, 2013, 4 pm at the New Activity Center, Glorietta 5 in Makati City.

Photoworld Asia 2013 | Jinri Park Experience

      Jinri Park Experience at Benro Booth on January 31, 2013 at the Activity Center, Glorietta in Makati City.

Photoworld Asia 2013

Photoworld Asia 2013

Janaury 31 - February 5

Glorietta, Ayala Center, Makati City

ACCM (AIM Conference Center Manila)

Photoworld Asia 2013 | Benro Workshop Schedule

       Here's the schedule of the Benro Workshop during the Photoworld Asia 2013 on January 31 to February 5 at the Glorietta Activity Center in Makati City.

Photoworld Asia 2013 | Phottix Workshop Schedule

      Here's the schedule of the Phottix Workshop during the Photoworld Asia 2013 on January 31 to February 5 at the Glorietta Activity Center in Makati City. 

Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho featuring Misibis Bay Resort

Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho featuring Misibis Bay Resort. 

Romance: More Fun in the Philippines

Source: Youtube

AVENUE PLAZA HOTEL HONORED IN THE 2013 TRIPADVISOR TRAVELERS’ CHOICE HOTELS AWARDS

After winning the Smile Awards 2012 as Best Hotel for Stress-free Business Trip And Trip Advisor 2012 Certificate of Excellence, Avenue Plaza Hotel once again made a mark for Bicol Hospitality & Tourism Industry.

Experience the Good Life. Visit www.theavenueplazahotel.com to reserve your room with instant confirmation!

Naga City, Philippines – 19 January, 2013 – THE AVENUE PLAZA HOTEL announced today that it was awarded as one of the winners in the Top 25 Hotel Service in the Philippine category for TripAdvisors Travelers’ Choice® Awards 2013.

“We are proud to be in the TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice 2013’s Top 25 Hotels for Service in the Philippines, number 15 at that, besting more prominent hotels in Metro Manila and renowned hospitality brands in long-established destinations around the country, said Mr. Allan Cu, President and General Manager of Avenue Plaza Hotel. “Being included in the list is another feather in our cap--- one more honor from an independent organization, just like our presence in the Smile Awards Best Brand in Travel and Tourism 2012. This new recognition is an affirmation of the dedication that we put into our work, and a propellant for our determination to unceasingly refine our service.”

Now in its eleventh year, the annual TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice awards honor the world’s best hotels, earning their distinction from those who know them best – real travelers. Unlike any other hotel honors, TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice winners are based on millions of valuable reviews and opinions from travelers around the world. Avenue Plaza Hotel has been constantly awarded with TripAdvisor® Certificate of Excellence award. This accolade, which honours hospitality excellence, is given only to establishments that consistently achieve outstanding traveller reviews on TripAdvisor. Approximately 10 percent of accommodations listed on TripAdvisor receive this prestigious award.

“TripAdvisor is once again thrilled to recognize the world’s most outstanding hotels with the help of more than 75 million reviews and opinions from travelers around the globe,” said Christine Petersen, president, TripAdvisor for Business. “From the best bargain hotels to top luxury properties, outstanding service, value and quality are the hallmarks of our Travelers’ Choice winners.”

Millions of travelers check the website of TripAdvisors for reviews about the hotels and so far, Avenue Plaza gained a lot of excellent reviews. KDsedward, a senior review contributor in TripAdvisor, who have been a regular hotel guest since 2010 shared that it is the "small touches" that truly stands out. He wrote “I was continuously impressed by their importance of the small touches, ONES which really makes a stay memorable and relaxing. When we arrived, we were greeted warmly by the doorman and by the receptionist with their charming smiles. Within minutes, we were presented with a fancy cold lime drink while the counter staff prepared our room key. Check-in was fast and efficient. Once we got into our room we served a complementary fruit plate with a personalized welcome card from the President/General Manager.” 

Aside from the information published by the Avenue Plaza Hotel, first hand experiences from previous guests really help other travelers know what it feels like staying at the hotel prior booking their room. Dom094, also senior review contributor, said that Avenue Plaza is “Truly 5 star hotel of Naga City. I consider it the best hotel in Naga that is comparable to Shangri-la only in a smaller scale.”

At Avenue Plaza Hotel, guests are not just welcome with warm Filipino hospitality but also treated like a family. This signature personalized service that makes you feel very comfortable was also experienced by a long staying guest from USA, Mr.Richard who wrote in the comment card that “the staff were so helpful, accommodating and friendly. Coming back to the hotel each day was like coming home.” Other guests also left notes expressing how they’ll miss the Avenue Plaza because of the fond memories during their stay. Highly satisfied and delighted, guests also refer this first class accommodation to their family, friends and business colleagues. 

President and General Manger Mr.Cu once again expressed his company’s commitment to all those who made all these recognitions possible. “We do not, and we will never rest on our laurels, though. Team Avenue Plaza Hotel’s goal is to improve our service culture and service level every single day; to give our guests that top-notch cosmopolitan treatment at all times.”

“Five years in operations, I can say that Avenue Plaza is on the right tract.” said Ms. Apple Allison Perez, Brand Manager, in realizing the hotel’s vision of being known for its brand of unique service culture and mission of providing a fine tradition of service responsive to global requirements for luxury, lifestyle and individuality of the discerning guests. “We are committed in making the Avenue Plaza, a homegrown Bicolano brand, to be internationally recognized. By sustaining an engaging relationship with our clients through our digital marketing efforts, we are able to connect with them in different social media platforms like TripAdvisor and Facebook. By doing this, we can provide assistance and extend our services to them even before or after they stay at the Avenue,” Ms. Perez added. 

In October 2012, Avenue Plaza Hotel also bested other hotels that mean business. With 61.5% vote from the online poll conducted to traveler readers by Cebu Pacific’s Smile Magazine, Avenue Plaza Hotel won the Smile Award 2012 for BEST HOTEL FOR A STRESS-FREE BUSINESS TRIP category. The award cited “Avenue Plaza’s modern facilities, clean rooms, airport shuttle services, location and outstanding customer service have pleased guests from both the Philippines and abroad”. 

So next time your business or your much needed holiday takes you to Naga City, you already know where to stay. For promo updates and inquiries, visit the Avenue Plaza Hotel Facebook Page or log on to www.theavenueplazahotel.com. You may also call (Manila Line) 250 8199 and (local line) 473 9999.

Alamat Ng Cagsawa Theatrical Competition

Alamat Ng Cagsawa Theatrical Competition

Feb. 22, 2013 | 6:00 PM

Bicol College Gymnasium, Daraga, Albay

Wedding Photojournalism Workshop in Naga City

Wedding Photojournalism Workshop

January 29, 2013

Naga City, Camarines Sur

Cagsawa Festival 2013 | Basic Creative Photography Seminar

Cagsawa Festival 2013

Basic Creative Photography Seminar

February 24-25 

Red Labuyo Restaurant, Daraga, Albay

Rodeo Festival 2013 Schedule of Activities

Here's the Schedule of Activities for Rodeo Festival 2013.

April 1 

• Kick-Off Party and Festival Opening
• Beer Plaza 

April 1 - 14

• Trade Fair 

April 1 - 7

• Pre-Pageant Activities for Mr. & Ms. Rodeo 

April 8 

• Street Barn Dancing
• Beef Cooking Contest 

April 9 

• Governor’s Night at the Provincial Capitol

April 9 - 12

• Livestock Show 

April 9 - 13

• National Finals 

April 10 

• Horse Parade & Competition
• Masbate City Mayor’s Night

April 11 

• Cattle Drive & Herding

April 12 

• Parade of Beauties for Mr. & Ms. Rodeo

April 13 

• Awarding & Closing
• FILMINERA Night

------ 

Source: Rodeo Festival FB

PBA in Naga City | Globalport Batang Pier vs San Mig Coffee Mixers

Globalport Batang Pier versus San Mig Coffee Mixers

March 2, 2013 | 6:30 pm

 Naga City, Camarines Sur 

PBA Live Streaming

PBA in Legazpi City | Talk 'N Text vs Barako Bull

PBA in Legazpi

 Talk 'N Text versus Barako Bull

March 9, 2013 | 6:30 pm

Legazpi City, Albay

PBA Live Streaming 

Halamanan Festival 2013 Schedule of Activities

 Halamanan Festival 2013

January 16 - 23

Guiguinto, Bulacan

Panagbenga Festival 2013 Schedule of Activities

Panagbenga Festival 2013

February 1 - March 3

Baguio City

Source: WhatsUpBaguio

Ku Ikaika Marathon 2013 | La Union

Ku Ikaika Marathon 2013

February 24 | 4 am

San Juan * San Fernando * San Gabriel, La Union

UP Fair 2013 Schedule of Activities

UP Fair 2013: LIVE IT UP

February 12-16 | 6pm

Sunken Garden, UP Diliman

SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES

February 12

Bulkantahan: Unang Pagsabog Para Sa Pagbabago

February 13

Kontrakultura II: Marked for Love, Marked for Destiny

February 14

Roots: Music and Arts Festival

February 15

Freedom Fair: Live More

February 16

Speak UP: Loud, Proud and Unbound

Magayon Festival 2013

MAGAYON FESTIVAL- a celebration of Daragang Magayon and Mayon.

Magayon Festival 2013

April 1 - 30

Albay, Philippines

Source: Gov. Joey S. Salceda FB

Dakot Festival 2013 Schedule of Activities | Cabadbaran City

Dakot Festival 2013

January 25 - February 2

Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte

Malasimbo Music & Arts Festival 2013 Schedule of Events

Malasimbo Music & Arts Festival 2013 

March 1 - 3 | Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro

Bangsi Festival 2013 Schedule of Activities

     Experience Bangsi (Flying Fish) Festival on January 24-25, 2013 in Maitum, Sarangani Province!

18th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta

18th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta

February 21 - 24, 2013

Omni Aviation Complex, Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga

Longganisa Festival 2013 Schedule of Activities

Longganisa Festival 2013 

January 16 - 27

Vigan City, Ilocos Sur

Bicol International Airport Update | January 2013

Airport consultant sought

by Cliff Harvey C. Venzon

Source: www.bworldonline.com

THE TRANSPORTATION department is soliciting bids for a P120.4-million consultancy contract to update the detailed engineering design of the new Bicol International Airport.

“The Department of Transportation and Communications (DoTC) will engage a consultant to update the detailed engineering design for the passenger terminal building of the Bicol International Airport at Brgy. Alobo, Daraga and to assist the bidding process of the project...,” according to a notice published in two newspapers yesterday. [read more]

 Photos by Dante Magayanes

2nd Cagsawa Job Fest

2nd Cagsawa Job Fest 

February 5, 2013

Daraga Covered Court, Daraga, Albay

Artwork by Jan Bailon

Sining Banwa: Cagsawa Theatrical Presentation

SINING BANWA CAGSAWA THEATRICAL PRESENTATION

February 10, 2013

6:00pm-12:00mn

Daraga Covered Court, Daraga, Albay

2nd Cagsawa Tanggulolong Challenge

2nd Cagsawa Tanggulolong Challenge

February 16, 2013

8:00am - 5:00pm

Cagsawa Ruins Park & Resort, Daraga, Albay

Cagsawa Festival 2013 | 2nd Cagsawa Enduro-Cross

2nd Cagsawa Enduro-Cross

February 17, 2013

Cagsawa Ruins Park and Resort

 

Categories:

1. Underbone category
2. Pantra category
3. Enduro category

Registration fFee: P500.00 (freebies, number bib and lunch included).

Prizes Per Category:

1st prize- P5,000. 00 plus trophy
2nd prize- P3,000.00 plus trophy
3rd prize- P2,000.00 plus trophy

For inquiries kindly contact: 

Dr. Gabby Penas | 09233244093/09193340542
Department of Surgery, Bicol Regional Training and Teaching Hospital

Bagasbas Aero and Beach Sports Festival

Bagasbas Aero and Beach Sports Festival

March 1 - 10

Bagasbas Beach, Daet, Camarines Norte

1st Cagsawa Martial Arts Showdown

1st Cagsawa Martial Arts Showdown

February 9, 2013

Daraga Covered Court, Daraga, Albay

Artwork by Jan Bailon

Cagsawa Festival 2013 | Birit Cagsawa Season II

BIRIT CAGSAWA 2013

QUALIFICATION/REQUIREMENTS:

1. This contest is open to all Albayanos aging from 16-21 years old.
2. Original birth certificate and one (1) Xerox copy. (Original certificate will be returned after validating the Xerox copy.)
3. One (1) passport size colored picture.
4. Contestant must bring his/her canned music accompaniment during the elimination.

ELIMINATION : February 03, 2013
6pm
DARAGA COVERED COURT

GRAND FINALS : FEBRUARY 19, 2013
6pm
DARAGA COVERED COURT

PRIZES:

CHAMPION --- 5,000.00
1ST RUNNER-UP --- 3,000.00
2ND RUNNER-UP --- 2,000.00

CONSOLATION --- 1,000.00

CRITERIA FOR JUDGING:

1. MUSICALITY
(Choice of song/mastery/appropriateness) --- 30%
2. VOICE QUALITY
(clarity of tone/timbre phrasing & voice projection/dynamics) --- 40%
3. PERFORMANCE
(stage presence/deportment/expression/song interpretation) --- 30%
_______
TOTAL 100%

------

Text: Daraga Tourism

Artwork: Jan Bailon

Cagsawa Festival 2013 | Pintura Cagsawa

Cagsawa Festival 2013

2nd Pintura Cagsawa

February 13

8 am - 5 pm

GUIDELINES

1. Qualifications
• The artist has no age limit.

2. Competition Requirements/Judging Guidelines
• Completed Registration Form as provided by the Municipal Tourism Office of Daraga.
• Sketch and Synopsis to be submitted on or before February 8, 2013 at the Municipal Tourism Office. It should be in short size bond paper enclosed in a short brown envelope.
• The paint should depict the theme of CAGSAWA RUINS.
• Artist should provide a sketch of his/her entry & synopsis to explain the details of the body art.
• Judges decision is final and irrevocable.
• Each artist must provide their own materials for painting and provide their own model/s.
• Date of Competition February 13, 2013, 8:00am-5:00pm, Wednesday, at Cagsawa Ruins Park & Resort.

3. Criteria
• Creativity 30%
• Color harmony and textures 30%
• Interpretation of theme 20%
• Originality 20%
___________
100%

4. Prizes
• First Place 5,000.00 Php
• Second Place 3,000.00 Php
• Third Place 2,000.00 Php

Consolation 500.00 Php
Source: Daraga Tourism

Artwork by Jan Bailon

Cagsawa Festival 2013 Schedule of Events

Cagsawa Festival 2013

February 1 - 28

Daraga, Albay

Event | Cagsawa Regional Dance Showdown Season II

CAGSAWA DANCE SHOWDOWN

Season II

Mechanics:

1. This contest is open to all Dance Group in the Bicol Region.

2. The contestant is responsible for their piece, props, visual effects and others.

3. The organizer is not liable of any unseemly and unpleasant incident which may happen to a contestant during the presentation. (The contestant will ensure safety in the entire duration of the presentation.

4. The contestant will give one (1) minute to prepare on stage for his/her piece.

5. The contest piece of each grand finalist should have bicol remix song/s.

6. Each group must consist of 10 to 15 members.

7. The Maximum Presentation is five (5) minutes. Violations will demerit 1 point deduction from the total score garnered by the contestant.

8. The contestant will be judged with the following criteria

Showmanship/Mastery - 5 points

Creativity/Choreography - 3 points 

Over-all Impact - 2 points

Total 10 points

9. The contest will be on February 2, 2013 for elimination and February 21, 2013 for the Grand Finals @ 6:00 pm at Daraga Covered Court.

10. The decision of the Board of Judges is final and irrevocable.

CASH PRIZE : 10,000.00 (Champion) 

7,000.00 (1st Runner-up)

5,000.00 (2nd Runner-up)

1,000.00 (consolation) for each Grand finalists

Text: Daraga Tourism

Artwork by Jan Bailon

1st PAGCOR National Photography Competition

         Join the 1st PAGCOR National Photography Competition! 12 Grand winners of P75,000.00 each and 36 consolation prizes of P20,000.00 each! For more details, visit www.pagcor.ph.

Minasa Festival 2013 Schedule of Activities | Bustos, Bulacan

Minasa Festival 2013 

January 13 - 20

Bustos, Bulacan

Daragang Magayon: An Istorya ni Mayon

Daragang Magayon: An Istorya ni Mayon  

February 8, 2013

Cultural Center of the Philippines Main Theater

Fiesta Tsinoy sa Albay

Fiesta Tsinoy sa Albay

February 10, 2013

Penaranda Park, Legazpi City

How To Get There | St. Luke's Medical Center Global City

     St. Luke's Medical Center is a tertiary referral hospital located in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City. It is the most advanced hospital in the Philippines and considered as one of the best hospitals in Asia and in the world.

How to get there?

• From Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) 3 terminal, take Andrews Avenue, then turn left to Sales Road, and proceed all the way to Lawton Avenue, continue proceeding towards 5th Avenue inside Global City. Then turn left to Rizal Drive until you see the entrance to the lobby of St. Luke's Medical Center. The hospital is located at 32nd street near S & R Shopping Center and Bridgestone.
• From Mandaluyong: Ride a bus from Monumento, get off at MRT-Ayala station or take the MRT to Ayala station, from MRT Ayala station take the North Exit and proceed at The Fort bus/shuttle terminal just around the nearest corner. It passes through Market! Market! and St. Luke's Medical Center.
• From Mandaluyong: Ride a bus or MRT and get off at MRT Guadalupe Station.  Proceed at the jeepney terminal near Jollibee. Take the jeep going to Market! Market!. At Market! Market! look for the E-trike pick-up station. It passes through Serendra, Bonifacio High Street and St. Luke's Medical Center.
• From Makati: Arrive at the MRT Ayala station, take the North Exit and proceed at The Fort bus/shuttle terminal just around the nearest corner. It passes through Market! Market! and St. Luke's Medical Center.
• From Muntinlupa: From Alabang, ride a bus to Monumento via EDSA. Get off at MRT Ayala station, take the North Exit and proceed at The Fort bus/shuttle terminal just around the nearest corner. It passes through Market! Market! and St. Luke's Medical Center.

Casino Filipino Now Open at Misibis Bay!

Casino Filipino Now Open at Misibis Bay!

Town & Cities | Batac City: Home of Great Leaders

     The City of Batac, known as the "Home of Great Leaders", is situated in the mid south-western portion of Ilocos Norte. It is bounded by the municipalities namely: San Nicolas on the north; Sarrat and Banna on the east; Nueva Era on the southeast; Pinili on the South; Currimao and Paoay on the west.

     The city is 18 kilometers to Laoag City, capital of the province; 275 kilometers to the Regional Center, San Fernando, La Union and about 472 kilometers to Metro Manila.

How to get to Batac City? 

• From Manila/Baguio/Dagupan/Vigan/San Fernando: Ride a Laoag-bound bus (Partas/Florida/Fariñas) then drop at Batac City.
• From Laoag: Ride a Manila-bound bus from Laoag or ride a jeep labeled Laoag-Batac-Paoay (Terminal is near Fariñas Bus Terminal) then drop at Batac City. 

View Larger Map

Event | Philippine Kite Camp 2013 | Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte

PHILIPPINE KITE CAMP 2013

     Join kite guru Brad Symington to the ultimate wave kiting spot in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte on February 17 - 24, 2013.