This year, I am bound to celebrate my birthday in another unconventional manner. Our chapter, JCI Davaoena Daba Daba has been appointed as the lead chapter for JCI Philippines in the 2012 implementation of the "Liter of Light" project. The "Liter of Light" project aims to provide a cost-effective, ecologically sustainable daytime light source for the urban and rural poor communities. Watch this video: The Liter of Light project helps communities save on electricity costs and also provides livelihood for those who have been trained to install the solar light bulbs. This is a project which gives citizens the opportunity to help out others in a simple and concrete way. It is a great way to live and celebrate the Bayanihan spirit. I have been appointed to spearhead the launch of "Liter of Light" on April 28, 2012, the day I turn 30. And while it will probably cost me a heart attack, I accepted the challenged with the confidence that all you people... relatives, friends, business clients, colleagues, and readers will be there to help me out. Here's where I ask you to help me make my 30th birthday extra-special. This year, I ask you to collect water and…
Category: hobbies and interests
Re-Discovering Chinatown in Binondo
I have been to Manila countless times and I kinda lived there when I was in college. So every time I look for something different to do each time I go back for work or vacation. When I made my November 2011 Manila Checklist, a Binondo Tour was one of my priorities. Binondo is Manila's Chinatown, the oldest Chinatown in the world. It is where most Filipino-Chinese families settled during the Spanish era. It is located along Pasig River across the Manila's Walled City of Intramuros. The enterprising Chinese settlers made it into a bustling center for trade and commerce. Until now, a lot of Fil-Chinese families reside in Binondo and a lot of their businesses are still located in the vicinity. And of course, it is teeming with food establishments that specialize in various Chinese cuisines. I have been to Binondo only a couple of times. Both times, I enjoyed the tour despite the scorching heat of the sun. The combination of food and history was irresistible to me. I was happy that my friend, a Binondo resident (100% born and raised in Binondo) offered to be my tour guide. As a Chinese food lover with Chinese roots, I…
I’m Leaving on a Jetplane…
Well, not really on a jetplane. But I'm leaving for a while. Gonna take a trip to Manila. And to Iloilo. My Manila trip will be full with official functions and work meetings. But I am going to squeeze in some fun. Will try very hard to everything on my Manila checklist. Really looking forward to Binondo, Mercato Centrale, the museums, and the MRT! And I might be able to cook for my friends again. ;) It will be a long trip full of stuff to do, work to accomplish, and people to get in touch with. Might be a bit stressful, but it will definitely be fun. The Iloilo trip will be much shorter but I'm looking forward to doing as many things as I can while I'm there. Iloilo is one of my favorite places. Mostly because it's like Davao, but also because it has a lot of heritage spots and great, great, greaaat food. Won't be able to do a lot in 2 and a half days but I hope to enjoy the trip a lot. :) I know I'll be leaving a lot of work while I'm gone and a lot of things will be put…
Get a Makeover for 2012
If you've seen in in public events, you're likely to ask yourself how I can manage to look nice despite my busy schedule. There's an army of fab stylists who make me look that way. And I'd like to share my army with you. If you think you need a style change for 2012, get a chance to have a makeover by joining my simple promo. Promo Mechanics: Like the Ria Jose FB Page. Post your photo on the page wall and explain in 30 words or less why you need a makeover. You may nominate your friend, girlfriend, cousin, sister, daughter, mother, aunt, or any lady in your life by posting her photo on the wall and explaining why she needs a makeover. Yup, there are only two steps to this promo. This promo is limited to Davao-based ladies only. Deadline is December 2, 2011. I, together with representatives from Envy Me Salon and other promo sponsors will be picking the lady (or ladies) who will be getting a makeover. Submit those entries now. :) Image courtesy of Bernie of HabagatCentral.com.
CNA Invades the Philippines
My girl friend Kring has a baby! Kring and her Korean bf Jimmy are bringing the Korean “Fancy Shop” concept to the Philippines. Needless to say, I'm jumping with joy and excitement. And I'm not the only one. KPop has been growing in popularity in the Philippines. And along with it, the clamor for everything Korean. Enter C.N.A. CNA stands for Culture Nature Art. It's a Korean concept store that sells fancy jewelry, hair ornaments, trinkets, and other stuff Korean! All of the products sold at CNA are manufactured and imported from Korea. Kring Elenzano and Jimmy Kim aka The Krimmy Couple is bringing this cornucopia of everything Korean to the Philippines. CNA Philippines will officially launch in Metro Manila in 2012 but they're giving us a sneak peek this December at various bazaars and events this December. Check out CNA at these venues: Dear Santa Bazaar from December 2 - 4 at The Megatent, Meralco Ave., Ortigas Noel Bazaar from December 9 - 18 at the PICC Forum, CCP Complex Noel Bazaar from December 21 - 23 at the World Trade Center, Pasay The 3rd Philippine Kpop Convention at The Megatent, Meralco Ave., Ortigas I hope to get the…
Looking Forward to Iloilo Again
I was able to go to Iloilo City for the first time last year and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The people, the food, the sights, and the over-all ambiance of the city made me feel at home. My Iloilo trip opened with quite a bang. A relative treated Winston and I to a lunch at Breakthrough. Winston declared that talaba was just as delicious as oysters. LOL! Aside from generous amounts of oysters, we also had shrimps kinilaw, crab meat omelette, and grilled fish. All of them memorable. My uncle almost convinced me to take a road trip to Roxas just to eat even more seafood. I was able to go on a walking tour of Iloilo City with bloggers Fitz, Don, Winston, Rina, and our knowledgeable guide, Sam. I enjoyed it even if I absolutely loathe walking. Iloilo has very interesting architecture and old structures from the Spanish era are still in place. Plus, they have many beautiful churches with interesting stories. The tour ended with a sunset view of Guimaras and a hearty dinner at Carlito's, punctuated with Baye-Baye ala Mode. I was able to go out a couple of nights. I ate yummy ribs and beef stew…