Canon Photomarathon 2011 Mindanao Leg

When I heard of the Canon Photomarathon 2011 Mindanao leg being held in Cagayan de Oro, I instantly got excited about it even if I didn't know what it was about. I just shifted to a Canon DSLR this year so I haven't been in the know of the past Canon activities. Part of me was scared that it had to take some athletic skills, as the term marathon suggested some degree  of physical fitness. I quickly googled it and learned that it was a fun annual event attended by photographers from Luzon, Vizayas, and Mindanao that involves shooting for the whole day. In Asia (apart from the Philippines), there are even bigger Canon Photomarathon events where the prizes include a trip to Australia to attend a photo clinic.

Last year's Canon Photomarathon Mindanao leg was held in Davao. Now that they picked Cagayan de Oro as its destination for the Mindanao leg, I made sure to sign up for it as it changes cities for its destinations every year. The only place constant is Manila where thousands of participants flock to the event.

Even if I knew that it would be attended by rabid photographers who live and breathe photography, I still wanted to join. Professional photographers, serious hobbyists, and amateurs alike are expected to bring out their intimidating canon gears. I knew that winning in it was like hitting the lotto jackpot with my newbie skills and inexpensive lens, but the fun and experience of it was hard to miss. Plus, the free lunch, snacks and dinner would save me from cooking for this day.

The Canon Photomarathon 2011 in CDO was successfully held yesterday, August 27, 2011 at the Limketkai Center Atrium.Some people traveled from Davao, Iligan, Pagadian, etc to join the Mindanao leg. We were provided with shirts and caps to use during the event for identification. We were free to shoot anywhere, as long as we return to the Atrium within the time limit to upload our best shots for the designated theme. There were three themes that we had to interpret throughout the day, with 2 and a half hours budget for each. Post-processing was not allowed except for built-in editing tools within the camera. It was called a photomarathon because it tested our endurance for a day of shooting under the scorching heat of the sun or while getting soaked in the rain.

The first theme was:
" The people of this golden friendship city, inherent and traditional traits. Camaraderie and hospitality. The Beauty of this golden glimpse."

Second theme:
" The golden blessings that glow and behold to this city of the river of gold. Like the confessions of His love and passion. You will deeply cross this rare Kagay-anon."

Third theme:
" A city considered as a melting pot in Mindanao, where modern lifestyle and booming economy arise. With the goal of nature preservation for future generation. They put eco-tourism as the core of it's tourism attraction."

I'd rather not bore you with my entries for each theme in the DSLR category coz I realized they suck. But I was thrilled that two of my husband's entries to the point and shoot category made it to the top 9, and one of it placed 2nd runner up in the said category. I didn't want to go to the event alone, I had to convince my husband to come along. My old compact Canon, the Ixus 55 has  long retired so I bought him an affordable Canon Powershot A2200 just so he could come with me. We never knew it would be his winning gear. He's not really passionate about photography as much as I am, but I'm guessing the win will spark up interest in him.

Here are his entries which made it to the top:

For theme 1:

For theme 2, which won the 2nd runner up in the Point and Shoot Category:

It sure was an exhausting event but nonetheless fun, especially with the ongoing city fiesta parade. As for me and my husband, we only went away from Limketkai during the second theme, in which we headed to San Agustin Cathedral. Although we brought a car, we took a taxi, taking cue from " The Amazing Race" to get there quicker and not to be bothered where to park when we come back because Limketkai Mall was more packed than usual.

In the first theme, the energy was up, we kept shooting to our hearts' content. But towards the afternoon, especially on the 3rd theme, we got really tired and went back to the site much earlier and submitted whatever we had, whether or not it had potential for winning.

We had pictures printed at the Canon Pixma station where each participant is entitled to one print out.  While waiting for the results of the competition, the hosts gave away prizes for games.There were loads of prizes given out. I just wished that they also gave at least a pen to the top 9 finalists (aside from the recognition of being up on stage) for each category because it wasn't an easy feat to be chosen in a sea of amazing photographers from Mindanao.

If you're from Visayas, Luzon, and NCR, be sure to join the upcoming Canon Photomarathon events in your area. Have fun and don't take the challenges too seriously.  Otherwise, the pressure might eat you up. It's anybody's game at the Canon Photomarathon. You can be a newbie like my husband and still win.  Bring  along your spouse or kids as it can be a great bonding time with them. With or without prizes, you're sure to bring home new experiences, memories captured, and do i need to mention, freebies?

The youngest shooter with her dad, awarded with Canon Freebies

Check out these following dates:

Tagbilaran City Bohol (Visayas)- September 3
Vigan City, Ilocos Sur (North Luzon)- September 10
Legazpi City, Bicol (South Luzon)- September 24
Metro Manila- To be announced

You may register at the http://www.canon.com.ph/photomarathon2011/. Hurry coz the slots tend to fill out quickly, but be patient with the registration if you don't get in initially. My hubby had trouble registering so I had to come back often to finally sign him up. Stay tuned for my next post where I will be featuring the winners for each category.

 

Smooth 365 Serum

Get to know the anti-aging product from Good Skin Labs that made it to the Annual Cosmo Beauty Awards as the "Best Wrinkle Buster":

SMOOTH-365
Intensive Clarity + Smoothing Peptide Serum

Product Profile:

Clinically proven to help amplify natural collagen production to smooth skin’s surface and instantly improve skin tone and clarity

•71% measurable improvement in skin clarity in clinical studies
•After 4 weeks, 3 out of 4 subjects felt their skin was velvety smooth
•After 8 weeks, 52% visible reduction in lines and wrinkles in clinical studies

Key Ingredients:
•Clarity-Promoting Extracts–perfect skin tone for a more uniform, translucent complexion
•Optical Diffusers–instantly blur imperfections, lines and wrinkles
• Power Peptides–boost collagen production to help keep skin less lined

Smooth-365 Additional Ingredient Information

Immediate: TONE
•Flamenco blue pearl and “soft focus”silicasknown as Monoveil-which match the refractive index of the skin and work synergistically to blur and perfect skin tone immediately.

Long Term: TONE
•Clarity promoting cocktail-comprised of Yeast, Mulberry, Grape and Scutelleria. Yeast breaks up melanin which already exists in the skin. VitC plus Mulberry, Grape and Scutelleriareduce the production of melanin. The result is a more radiant, luminous complexion.

Immediate: TEXTURE
•Blend of 3 silicones for softness, smoothing, evening, (apply tohand) application speaks for itself. Silicones have an affinity for the skin and they cling to one another.

Long Term: TEXTURE
•One of the 3 silicones flashes off when in contact with the skin“releasing”the PalmitoylOligopeptide, and Acetyl Hexapeptideinto the skin. Peptides increase collagen synthesis = firmed and less lined skin

FAQ's

WHAT IS IT?

This peptide-infused, all over face serum helps skin amplify its natural collagen production while instantly blurring the look of lines & wrinkles for visibly less lined skin. Immediately upon application, skin’s clarity, tone and texture are instantly improved which allows makeup to be applied seamlessly for a flawless finish.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?

- Instantly smoothes skin and gives skin a silky, velvety smooth feel
- Immediately improves in skin’s tone and clarity
- Provides the perfect canvas for flawless makeup application
- Visibly blurs imperfections
- Amplifies natural collagen production for visibly less lined skin

WHO IS THE SMOOTH-365TM Intensive Clarity + Smoothing Peptide Serum
CUSTOMER?

The SMOOTH-365TM Intensive Clarity + Smoothing Peptide Serum customer has no age range. It is a great product for anyone that seeks an immediate improvement in skin’s texture, tone and clarity as well as long term benefits.

WHY IS SMOOTH-365TM Intensive Clarity + Smoothing Peptide Serum SO UNIQUE?

This breakthrough formula visibly smoothes skin instantly. Because skin’s clarity, tone and texture are immediately improved, all makeup applies seamlessly for a flawless finish. In addition, power peptides help skin amplify its natural collagenproduction so skin stays younger-looking longer.

WHAT ARE THE STATE-OF-THE-ART INGREDIENTS THAT MAKE SMOOTH-365TM Intensive Clarity + Smoothing Peptide Serum SO EFFECTIVE?

SMOOTH-365TM Intensive Clarity + Smoothing Peptide Serum features a blend of state-of-the-art ingredients that make this product so exceptional!

Palmitoyl Oligopeptide and Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 are combined to form this unique high-tech peptide cocktail blend which helps improve the clarity of skin by keeping skin firm and less lined.

Clarity-promoting extracts perfect skin tone for a more uniform, translucentcomplexion while optical diffusers instantly, weightlessly and invisibly blurimperfections, line and wrinkles.

WHAT RESULTS CAN I EXPECT TO SEE WHEN I USE IT?

Immediately, those tested experience a 71% measurable improvement in skin clarity and skin’s texture will feel more velvety smooth. After 8 weeks, a 52% visible reduction in lines and wrinkles.

HOW DO I USE IT?

After cleansing, apply 1-2 pumps all over the face and neck, both in the morning and at night.

WHEN DO I USE IT?

SMOOTH-365TM Intensive Clarity + Smoothing Peptide Serum should be used both morning and night on freshly cleansed skin. Because SMOOTH-365TM Intensive Clarity + Smoothing Peptide Serum is not a moisturizer, you should follow with an application of your favorite moisturizer and SPF.

CAN SMOOTH-365TM Intensive Clarity + Smoothing Peptide Serum BE USED AS A TRADTIONAL MAKEUP PRIMER?

Absolutely. In fact, that is just one of many benefits that SMOOTH-365TM Intensive Clarity + Smoothing Peptide Serum. Not only will skin have greater clarity, the texture will be silky smooth allowing makeup to apply flawlessly.

CAN SMOOTH-365TM Intensive Clarity + Smoothing Peptide Serum BE USED ALL OVER MY FACE?

SMOOTH-365TM Intensive Clarity + Smoothing Peptide Serum should be applied all over the face and neck. It is also ophthalmologist tested and is safe to use around the eye area.

WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO DEMONSTRATE SMOOTH-365TM Intensive Clarity + Smoothing Peptide Serum?

Apply a single pump of SMOOTH-365TM Intensive Clarity + Smoothing Peptide Serum on to the back of your hand and massage it into the skin. Next apply a small amount of moisturizer over the serum. Follow by applying any liquid or powder foundation formula over the treated area and then apply foundation alone on the untreated hand. Compare the two hands. Notice the difference in the skin’s clarity. Next, feel the back of both hands. Notice the difference in skin’s smoothness on the treated hand as opposed to the untreated hand. Finally, see how flawless the finish is on the hand wearing foundation over SMOOTH-365TM Intensive Clarity + Smoothing Peptide Serum.

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Shutterbug Promo

Shutterbug Photo Booth by Shutterbug Events Provider is a fun, photo booth service ideal for all kinds of events, where guests can have their pictures taken and get the high quality photos instantly.

They are currently holding an online promotion wherein one winner will get a chance to win a FREE photo booth package.

2-hour photo booth package inclusions:
• Unlimited photos (4 photos per print)
• Unlimited photo standees
• Personalized design for all prints
• Online gallery of uploaded photos
• CD of high-resolution photos for the client
• Highly competent and friendly technical team
• Chic photo booth set-up with red carpet glam
• Shutterbug backdrop
• Props
• Studio lights
• Delivery and set-up within Metro Manila only

They will also give the following prizes:
• 20 Shutterbug gift cards worth P1,000 each
• 3 Rustans gift certificates worth P500 each

How to join?

STEP 1: You must accomplish either of the two options:

Option 1:
a) Like Shutterbug on Facebook
b) Share Shutterbug’s post on your Facebook wall

OR

Option 2:
a) Follow Shutterbug on Twitter
b) Retweet Shutterbug’s tweet

STEP 2: E-mail the screen capture of your post or tweet along with the contact info.

Promo ends on August 30, 2011 and they will hold a raffle in the Shutterbug office on August 31, 2011. Complete promo information and detailed instructions with photos can be found at:
http://www.shutterbug.ph/Shutterbug/Promos.html.

To know more about Shutterbug, please visit their website at http://www.shutterbug.ph

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Make Your Own Havaianas 2011

Whenever I try buying a pair of Havaianas slippers, I get excited about how cute they look  and comfy it must feel to walk in them. For some reason, I never end up purchasing them. I set them aside for a new makeup palette or an exciting shade of lipstick. But then I guess I was fated to own one when Spruce sent me an invitation to the "Make Your Own Havaianas 2011" event at the Limketkai Mall in Cagayan de Oro.

A giant boarding pass  to the event was delivered at the clinic yesterday while I was  in the midst of a rather toxic but productive day of patient consultations.  I made a mental note to make time for this must-attend gathering of fashionable flip-flops lovers, which I seemed to miss year after year.

This year's Make Your Own Havaianas sparks the wanderlust in us, with designs that feature the fashion capitals of the World. The current venue at the Limketkai Center transports us to our dream destinations, as they turned  it into some sort of  airport, with flight announcements through paging systems to boot.

I was assisted by Astrid, one of the young "stewardess" of the event to pick the designs that I liked. With the vast selection of colors, I was overwhelmed with the choices I could make. Customization of designs allow us to pick a pair of Havaianas that define our uniqueness. This could be the reason why customers look forward  to "Make your Own Havaianas" each year. I used to pass by this affair for the past couple of years and wonder why it's always packed with people.

There was a gazillion of combinations to choose from but I finally picked my first Havaianas: turquoise soles  and straps which are a mix of turquoise and pink. It was accentuated with a yin yang  pin on the left and Eiffel tower on the right. These perky bubblegum colors remind me of  Barbie dolls when I was still a kid. Yin yang signifies my advocacy for acupuncture while the Eiffel tower is a reminder that I got to go to Europe someday when I get rich. Whew! Never thought a pair of slippers could tell a story.

If you haven't got your latest pair, be sure to catch the event today (August 12) until Sunday, August 14, 2011 at the Limketkai Rotunda. Entrance is free so go ahead and browse around . There's a pair waiting for your creative juices to come to life. Limited edition designs featuring the different fashion cities of the world are available, stocks of which can run out if you don't hurry.

Thanks are in order to Spruce, especially to the owner Ms. Trisha Tamparong who I met while I was having my slippers done. She told me she insisted on having my invitation delivered just so I could come. Thanks a lot, Ms.Trisha!

For more info regarding  Make Your Own Havaianas (MYOH) in the Philippines, please visit this website: http://www.makeyourownhavaianas.com.ph/

Below are pics I took during my visit:

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Controversial Designer Confesses Mistakes

You've probably heard the story. The controversies surrounding the young designer were feasted on in blind items, blogs, social network sites and the like. More than ever, a public scandal causes a famous individual to lose everything he had worked hard for. The previous litany of praises suddenly wilt into phrases of dismay, disappointment and even denouncement of association. In the very exclusive and oftentimes unforgiving circle of the social elite, judgment is quickly casted long before light is shed on the issue.

The clues were practically screaming his name. Puey Quinones is the top choice of celebrities, society figures and the wealthy crowd for wedding gowns. The testimonials of these influential people who were impressed by his talent catapulted him to A-list status. It was very recently that the man famous for his wrap-arounds and avant-garde designs became the subject of ridicule. Starting with one photograph tagged by a lot of people on Facebook, soon enough, everyone was pointing fingers. Suddenly, everyone has something to say.

In the August 2011 Issue of MEGA magazine, the man in question opens up to no less than the President and CEO of Mega Publishing Group, and Editor-in-Chief of MEGA Sari Yap for the first time to talk about the incident. “I agreed to do the interview only because of Sari,” Puey says. It is never easy to go public and admit your wrong deeds, but Puey chose to brave the odds and asked for an apology to those of whom he let down. In the said interview, he also shared that he didn’t like to prolong the agony anymore so he opted to face the music and say sorry than deny the allegations.

What does it take to make a scandal? Simple! But to erase the stigma of the scandal will take a lot more than the usual select all-delete-your-inbox command. Puey may have done some things wrong, but to err is human. Coming out clean by admitting his fault is the start. It is a long way indeed, but he is starting a new journey the right way.

Read more about the exclusive confession of Puey Quinones in the August Issue of MEGA Magazine with the gorgeous doctor/model/actress Maricar Reyes on the cover, out on stands now! Like them on Facebook , follow on twitter or visit  megastyle.ph.

MEGA is a prestige publication of the Mega Publishing Group.

Mega Fashion Crew

I caught the second episode of the reality TV show  "MEGA Fashion Crew" on ETC after getting curious over my friend's facebook status regarding the pilot episode saying "I don't feel talented creatives need to go through such a horrible thing."  My friend who excels in artistic matters himself,  is obviously not pleased with the show, but  his statement was strong enough to get me grabbing the remote control at 7pm on a Saturday evening.

MEGA Fashion Crew Season 2 is a boobtube venture of one of my favorite glossy magazines, MEGA, which  spotlights on the creative people working behind the scenes for exquisite fashion spreads: the makeup artist, hair stylist, fashion stylist, model and photographer.

It started with 60 participants from different fields  aiming to penetrate into the Philippine fashion industry. Each week, the number is tapered  down until the 5 ultimate winners  emerge. The second episode was sponsored by L'oreal hair, thus focusing the shoot on glorious locks. I find it interesting how the crew members came up with their own versions of a hair fashion editorial. I felt for the model with curly hair who seemed to be in agony while the hair stylist was mercilessly straightening it out. Pulling off a spectacular fashion editorial is not just about the photographer and the model, who oftentimes receive the louder praises. The makeup artist, hairstylist and fashion stylists work just as hard for high -end results, and should be applauded for their efforts too.

In this week's panel of judges, I never realized how the benign-looking Phoem Baranda could bluntly speak out her thoughts. I actually agreed with her on some points but I guess I'm just shocked at the different side of Phoem that we don't usually see on TV. The other judges blurted out varying degrees of snarky comments, but I was amused at Phoem's brutally honest opinions.

If I were told the art I created was reminiscent of a shoot for a starlet, I'd probably be scarred for life.  But then comments like this are nothing compared to what really happens in the cut-throat business of fashion. Contestants most likely know what they're getting into so disheartening comments should fuel them forward instead  of stripping off confidence.  I guess in any field, we can't expect all people to be tactful with their criticisms. There will always be mentors and tormentors along the way.

It was evident how the contestants were so passionate about their own crafts and I'm looking forward to what they can offer in the following weeks. Among the talented roster of participants is photographer Melson Bolongaita from Cagayan de Oro, whose exceptional eye for beauty should be celebrated, whether or not  he wins in this competition.

On the technical side, I was having difficulties deciphering some of the conversations because there were times when the audio would get really soft then turn loud in an instant.

Despite the horrific challenges that the artists have to go through, I applaud MEGA publishing for staging a TV show that pays attention to the creative minds  that are usually the unsung heroes in the riveting world of fashion. I just hope they'd be accorded due respect even during the contest.

The MEGA Fashion Crew airs at ETC,  7:00 PM on Saturdays, with replays on Sundays, 10:00 AM. I just wish they had more schedule of replays or upload it somewhere in the net so more people can view it. Visit their website at http://www.megastyle.ph/

If you've watched it, what do you think of it?  Too bad I didn't catch the first episode so I couldn't really tell which part my friend found lackadaisical  but if I were a TV marketing specialist, I'd hire this friend to stir up people's  interest in a show, just as how he did on me.

 

BlackBerry PlayBook for Pre-order from Smart

Wireless services provider Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) is readying its freshest pick of gadget goodies as it puts the BlackBerry PlayBook up for pre-order. Designed by Canada-based smartphone company Research In Motion (RIM), the PlayBook is touted to be the first “professional-grade” tablet given its impressive range of features and capabilities.

Packed and compact

The PlayBook packs a powerful 1GHz dual core processor and 1GB of RAM inside a thin 0.4-inchchassis. It runs on the new BlackBerry Tablet OS which makes it capable of PC-like multitasking all without compromising speed and reliability.

Should you want to add more software, mobile applications are readily available from RIM’s official online store, the BlackBerry App World. Choose from thousands of programs which can instantly turn your tablet into a bonafide productivity tool.

Internet in a Flash
The Web is a multimedia environment and one of the things that makes it so is Adobe’s Flash technology. Flash support comes standard in the PlayBook thus assuring you that you’ll get the same rich Internet experience on a tablet device like you would on a notebook or a desktop.

What’s more, the PlayBook comes with a front-facing camera which can be used for video-chatting with other PlayBook users via WiFi for free. You can also view your email, BlackBerry MessengerTM messages, calendar, and address book from your BlackBerry smartphone with the help of BlackBerry BridgeTM.

Available today
The BlackBerry Playbook is available for pre-order from August 8 until August 17, 2011 from Smart’s official website, www.smart.com.ph/bbplaybook. Get it for free with a BlackBerry Pearl 3G 9105 at Plan 3000 or with a BlackBerry Torch 9800 at Plan 4000.

Smart’s BlackBerry Plans gives users the freedom to surf the web at no extra cost and to send and unlimited number of messages to fellow BlackBerry users such as Azkals star Phil Younghusband.

Also on prepaid
Smart offers BlackBerry services in prepaid to suit the needs of every user.  BB Unlimited Data Plans are available for as low as P50 for one day of unlimited surfing or for as low as P35 a day for unlimited email and messaging.

For those into social networking services such as Facebook and Twitter, Smart also offers the BlackBerry Lite Social Bundle at just P35 a day.

To know more about Smart’s Blackberry services and offers, visit www.smart.com.ph or http://store.smart.com.ph.

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