In this rather late post, I would like to enumerate some of the blogging events in 2010 that I have been a part of, or at least have heard about, last year. I said late because I already made a post on the two of them.

Anyway, these are some of the blogging events that I wish to attend this year.

The first blogging event that will take place this April, which is now on its 6th installment.

iBlog6 will be held on April 16 & 17, 2010 at the Malcolm Hall, UP College of Law, UP Diliman, Quezon City.

Spearheaded by the energetic Janette Toral, the 6th Philippine Blogging Summit will tackle subjects like, relevance of blogging to business, creating buzz through blogs, the different blogging niche… and yes, including Blogging 101 for those who want to start blogging.

Register here for free and see you at the iBlog6!

The Top 10 Emerging Influential Blogs of 2010 will kick off this May. Winners will be announced and awarded in a major blogging event this August.

This is one project where I have been a very active part of last year, and I wish to bring in that same enthusiasm this year if only give back what this event has done for me.

Another project by Janette, The Emerging Influential Blogs award aims to give, not only recognition, but to encourage new blogs and blogger to continue developing their craft and to take an active part in this wonderful world called blogging.

The Philippine Blog Awards is another annual event “that aims to give recognition to outstanding blogs in, but not limited to the Filipino Blogging Community.”

I was never a part of this last year, I don’t think I was even able to vote (if ever there was voting involved) on those who were nominated for this award.

Recognitions are given to blogs in different categories, like technology, personal, business, travel and news, among others.

No date is still given for this year’s event, although it was usually held at the latter part of the year.

“Excited” would be an understatement if I would describe the feeling I have in anticipation of this event.

Without prejudice to the other events, this is the event that I want to attend most this year. Perhaps the term “word” in the WordCamp have some psychological effect to this trying-hard-wannabe-aspiring-writer.

Truth to tell, I am clueless about this event and really don’t know what to expect. But I am curious and I really want to know what this camp for “worders” is all about.

The date for this year is set on October 2, 1010 although there are still no information given as to the venue of the event. Stay tuned to this blog for more information.

Of course, Kapampangans won’t be outdone. Thanks to Kabalen Rachel who spearheaded the Pampanga Blogging Workshop 101 which will be held on April 24, 2010 at the Universe Internet Cafe, 2nd floor,  SM City, City of San Fernando, Pampanga (Beside SM Cinema 4, 5 & 6)

Rachel will have no less than Janette Toral as the resource person in this first major blogging event in Pampanga.

To all Kapampangans (and non-Kapampangans alike), who want to know what is a blog and to learn how to blog, this event is for you. And tor all Kapampangan bloggers, this is a great opportunity for us to meet and see the people behind the blogs.

For more information on this blogging workshop, visit Rachel’s post.

There you are, some of the blogging events this year that I hope to take part of. If you know of other blogging events, do give me a buzz. It’s one of my blogging goal this year… to reach out and get to meet more bloggers.

Yes, this early Janette Toral sent out her invitation for the Top 10 Emerging Influential Blogs of 2010 via her teaser post.

There will be modifications in the rules for this year’s EIB nominees, and I believe, the same  requirements also apply to the blogs who will make the nomination.

The Top 10 Emerging Influential Blogs of 2010 will officially start on May this year, but Janette already posted some of the changes this year, which are:

• Recognition of blogs (and their bloggers) will be in a major blogging event happening this August.
• Blogs created from March 2009 to the present are qualified to be cited as one of the Top 10 Emerging Influential Blogs for 2010.
• A blog must be at least 3 months old in order to participate in the writing project. (for further clarification)

Since last week, in spite of my busy schedule, I have been scouting around (silently) for my nominees this year. I want my list to be as diverse as possible.

And yes! If you’re asking, I’m still joining this writing project and supporting Janette in this cause, because I see the project for what it really is.

More updates as the writing project progresses.

Whoever photoshopped the picture above is a genius!

I first saw it on Facebook, and afterwards on many internet sites. It depicts Manny Pacquiao as a one-man-demolition team, leaving fallen bodies – boxer’s bodies, wherever he passed.

Eric Morales, Ricky Hatton, Miguel Cotto, Marco Antonio Barrera and even the great Oscar “Golden Boy” Dela Hoya, were just some of his victims.

Pacquiao with his seven titles in as many weight divisions makes him the undisputed pound-for-pound king. And in all his fights, especially in his latest ones, the Pacman appeared to be invincible, which makes this really non-boxing aficionado wants to ask, “Is Manny Pacquiao for real?”

His recent fights showed Pacquiao in his top form, demolishing every boxer who crossed his path. And each fight would always show a better Pacquiao from his previous match… almost making him appear to be “superhuman.”

And his supposedly latest nemesis, Floyd Mayweather Jr., when he came to his senses, realized this. That is why he cunningly devised ways to wiggle himself out of the contract, lest he tarnish his “undefeated” record.

Mayweather was successful. His accusations that Pacquiao uses steroids was able to sever the contract for their match. An escape act that would put Houdini to shame.

Pacquiao’s boxing supremacy has somewhat earned him immortality. He has brought hope to the Filipino people. Made the country shine out for a good reason. He brought honor and pride to our countrymen.

On Sunday, Pacquiao’s “immortality” will be put on the line as he faces Joshua Clottey on the ring. A boxer who is not afraid of fighting a “non-human” opponent.

The truth is, Pacquiao is as human as you and me. His foray into politics proves that he is no different from the rest of us – gullible at times.

His only difference – his discipline. The thing that was lacking from other Filipino boxing greats who came before him.

And once again on Sunday, even for just a brief moment in history, the whole country – including government officials and politicians alike, on a traffic-free EDSA and zero-crime rate day, will be united to rally in support for the its hero…  the undisputed pound-for-pound king…

Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao.

I wish I could attend this writing seminar.

I saw it on the lifestyle section of the Philippine Daily Inquirer and got curious on the title of the article – “Baguio Travel Writing Workshop.”

It’s a seminar on writing… and it’s about Baguio!

For one who loves writing and knows that there’s a lot that he needs to improve on, I read the article with the hope that I could attend this seminar… wishful thinking.

This blogger admits that there is still a long way to go as far his writing is concern.

If only I could attend seminars like this, I know it won’t be long ‘til I get to even half of Jan’s eloquence, Jena’s deep vocabulary and Zorlone’s literary creativity. Who knows? It won’t be long ‘til I get to be a published author like Holly.

Again, wishful thinking.

Well, those who might be interested, the details of the seminar are: It is organized by the Baguio Travel Writing Workshop and it will provide basic instructions on travel writing as well as providing some tips on improving your writing style. This, while enjoying the food, art and natural landscapes of the City of Pines.

Okay, so it’s about travel writing. Still, it is writing. I mean, the concepts… the discipline… the development of style, are still there. Right?

Besides, it would be great to be included in a crowd of writers. Makes one feels that he is a writer too.

The schedules of activities are: March 23, lecture will be held from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. On March 26 to 28, a tour around Baguio, and a workshop on March 30 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Lecture and workshop venue would be the Filipinas Heritage Library located in Makati Avenue, Ayala Triangle while accommodations will be at Microtel Baguio.

The slots are limited, and the seminar fee is P9,000. This includes the transportation, accommodation, meals, materials and certificate. Deadline of reservation is March 22. Early birds who will register and pay in full on or before March 17 will be given a 5 percent discount.

Now you know why I say it’s just a wishful thinking on my part. But believe me, if I only have that amount to spare, I would definitely jump on this.

Anyway, if you have the interest (and the funds to boot), you can call  899-7171 or email marketing@microtel.ph for more details.

This is NOT a paid post, nor do I have anything to do with neither the hotel nor the organization holding this seminar. I’m just writing my sentiments on what I read on the paper today.

And maybe some kind-hearted soul may read this… and take heed.

Wishful thinking.

I appreciate art, in all its medium of expression, especially the ones that I can understand.

I dreamed of becoming an artist when I was young. Unfortunately, I wasn’t blessed with the hand for it. So I am contended in appreciating works done by other artists.

Since I started my photoblog, I make it a point to bring my camera every time I go out, you can never tell when you will find some interesting subjects to capture.

This afternoon, when the kids and I went to SM Clark, I was glad that I was bringing my camera.

When went up to the mall’s CyberZone, we saw a beautiful sculpture made of junk, craps, and other pieces of metal that would otherwise be thrown.

As we approached it, I immediately pulled-out my camera and take pictures of the sculpture called “Predator” as it resembled the character from the movie by Arnold Schwarzenegger Predator.

I took picture from every angle imaginable.

Thanks to digital technology, I can take as many pictures as I want until I am contented that I have covered all points, like I was making a picture jigsaw puzzle which I would later.

Satisfied, we continued walking.

As we turned on the other corner, we saw another sculpture from the same materials – nuts and bolts, wires, scrap metals and what-have-you.

This time, the piece resembled the Alien from the Sigourney Weaver movie of the same title.

And just like what I did with “Predator,” I took pictures of the “Alien” sculpture from different angles, in different sections, like I was a “real photographer.”

Never mind if what I’m using is a low-end digital camera, it is able to capture pictures, and it’s all that matters.

So, with pictures from the two art pieces complete, I immediately transferred them to my PC when we arrived home and come up with the most intelligible story I can think of.

The result –  “Predator versus Alien,” my latest entry in my photoblog.

Alien invasion on planet Earth?

Let us pray that one of them is on our side.

I have created blogs in the past out on a whim. It’s more of the “because I can” attitude that the number of my blogs have grown. But every now and then, there comes a special reason for a blog to be born.

Such is my new blog, HAU Grand Alumni Homecoming which I created as my humble contribution in making our high school batch’s hosting of the grand alumni homecoming this year a success.

I have been a blogger for quite a while now, and I have seen the power of blogging, especially in reaching out to different people. It is with this acknowledgment that hopefully,  with the help of my blog, I can reach out to our batchmates, as well as to all alumni of our alma mater, the HolyAngel University, to “come home” this December.

The blog’s mission is help disseminate information to all alumni, especially our batchmates, all plans and actions being undertaken towards the hosting of the grand homecoming.

Aside from the updates, I hope to write some articles too, where in my own little way, I try to all convince alumni to attend the homecoming. And if I can gather some resources, I also would like to post some trivia about “the year that was” in what could be like a “walk down memory lane.”

I believe that by doing so, the yearning will grow in the heart of an alumnus to visit the alma mater and relive all those beautiful memories.

And that is specifically the reason… the mission, of my homecoming blog.

In less than a month, in February 11 to be exact, the 15th Hot Air Balloon Fiesta will be held at the Clark Freeport Zone in Angeles City and it will run until February 14.

The Hot Air Balloon Fiesta is an annual event showcasing different hot air balloons, and other things that has something to do with flying -- kites, planes, parachutes, anything that flies.

In fact, it is dubbed as a “weekend of everything that flies.”

I am looking to attending balloon fiesta this year. I have the previous years’ event, but I’ll make that I get to see it this time… with my kids, of course.

So, see you on February 11 to 14, 2010 at Clark Field, Pampanga for the 15th Hot Air Balloon Festival.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=CI6zDEIvZuU

This annual event has greatly boosted tourism in Angeles City, both domestic and international, and is always anticipated every year.

Last month, I joined the whole nation in its campaign to help Efren Peñaflorida win in the search for the CNN Hero of Year.

This time, I join the whole nation in celebrating because Efren won the CNN Hero of Year award!

In a headline entitled “Pushcart educator named CNN Hero of the Year,” the CNN website announces the proclamation of our very own as the winner in this year’s search for modern day hero

Perhaps, when Efren started his advocacy, he never expected nor even dreamed that he would reach this far. His only intention then was to bring hope to poor children who can’t afford to go to school… a simple, honest and pure intention.

So while our leaders were busy throwing brickbats at each other (only to reconcile later to pursue a common political interest), Efren and his group, the Dynamic Teen Company were in the streets bringing education to poor children in their own little way.

While lawmakers where busy passing bills and modifying existing laws, Efren was already doing his best to help change the lives of poor children.

Efren didn’t expect this international recognition to come the day he started to trek the streets with his pushcart… but because he was sincere in his actions… his efforts didn’t go unnoticed, so he could also inspire others to help others… as he said in his acceptance speech… “be the hero to the next one in need…”

Here’s a video of his acceptance speech during the awarding.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=oBTb5iAFLrE

Thanks for pinaswatcher for uploading the video on YouTube.

Mabuhay ka Efren!

May you to continue to inspire more “sincere heroes” as you continue your selfless devotion to help the poor children of our country.

We are proud of you!

I don’t know which is creating more buzz lately, the Pacquiao-Mayweather fight or the Pacquiao-Ranillo rumored affair. But let’s just talk about the Pacquiao-Mayweather fight, shall we?

In an earlier interview, Manny Pacquiao, when asked about a possible fight with Floyd Mayweather Jr.  was quoted to have said that if both of them won their respective fights, then the match is a go.

We all know that Pacquiao defeated Miguel Cotto (and how!) in their match, and earlier, Juan Manuel Marquez lost to the returning Mayweather Jr.

Does this mean that this match is a go?

That would be a very interesting match-up if it is finalized – Mayweather, who was earlier tagged as the pound for pound king, and Pacquiao, who the undisputed pound for pound king at present.

Perhaps, one of the problem that can prevent from this match from happening, as was always the case with other matches – the talk on the match purse.

Mayweather may want to get a bigger share of the money, believing that he is still worth it, and Pacquiao, after very convincing successive victories against Oscar De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton and Cotto, certainly does not deserve less either.

How will the negotiations go, remains to be seen.

Fact is, it would a very interesting match-up, one that  would be watched out for with great anticipation.

Question: Since the Pacquiao-De La Hoya match up was already billed as the Dream Match, how will the Pacquiao-Mayweather match-up billed?

The Battle for Pound-for-pound supremacy? Or simply, the Deciding Match?

Anyway, title would follow later, what’s important is for the match to be sealed.

(and here’s hoping that Pacquiao’s personal life and political career doesn’t get in the way of the match).

I’m sure that by now you know that Manny Pacquiao has won against (now former welterweight champion) Miguel Cotto by technical knock out before the end of the 12th round.

The victory has won for Pacquiao his seventh world title in as many weight division, a feat that no boxer in history has achieved before him.  This proves beyond any doubt that Pacquiao is the undisputed pound-for-pound king!

Well, so much for Pacquiao, I’m sure there are lots of blow-by-blow post about his recent victory, which will do more justice since I wasn’t really able to watch the fight.

As the title of this, what happens to boxers after they are defeated by Pacquiao?

We know Oscar De La Hoya has retired after his humbling loss against the pound-for-pound king. A decision which he actually announced even before their match.

Erik Morales is now also into retirement, after two consecutive losses from Pacman and a swan song delivered to him by David Diaz.

And Ricky Hatton, who after his humiliating defeat from Pacquiao in a division where he was previously undefeated, have also contemplated on retiring his gloves.

But did he?

There isn’t any news about him lately… as far as his boxing career is concerned.

But it looks like he is embarking on a new career -- the Hitman was on WWE Monday Night Raw and fought against pro-wrestler Chavo Guerrero.

Here’s a YouTube video of his WWE appearance. Notice how far he is now from the very fit Hatton who fought against Pacquiao back in May 2009.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=BqMH3qoW2DI

And now, what would happen to the pound-for-pound king’s latest casualty Miguel Cotto? Will he also retire? Embark on a new career? Or ask for a rematch?

The last one would be interesting… but of course, not until Pacquiao has gone up against Floyd Mayweather Jr.