Press Release: CBSI@4 - It's More Fun in CBSi

“Individually, we are a drop.  Together, we are an ocean.” ~ Ryunosuke Satoro

There is only one blogging group in Cebu that continues to thrive in reshaping the online publishing norm in the locality, and introduces a new form of media to the locales, bringing citizen journalism and independent online publishing to the next level.  Cebu Bloggers Society, Inc. empowers the common people to know their rights and capabilities toward information dissemination which also changes the way they consume them.

A Simple and Fun Dinner for CBSi’s 4^th Year of Promoting Cebu

Cebu Bloggers Society Inc. will be celebrating its 4^th anniversary on February 11, 2012 at Azkals Sports Bar and Grill.  This dinner celebration is a get-together party among old members and new ones.

CBSi has grown from a mere bloggers’ group to an incorporation headed by leaders who organized huge social media events like Visayas Blogging Summit and online celebrations like World Bloggers’ Day.

In its 4^th year, CBSi is still true to its commitment to the Queen City of the South – promoting the Cebuano culture and the city’s diversities both offline and online.

In lieu with this year’s theme – It’s More Fun in CBSi, the organization aims to bring more fun to its members by creating events and activities that would benefit them as bloggers and as individuals.

Fun and Bonding through the Years

Since CBSi’s creation four years ago, there have been countless testimonials from members published on their blogs on how great and fun it was spending time and working with the growing CBSi family.

From attending the US Election Watch on 2008, being interviewed in radio and TV shows, to organizing and doing outreach activities like helping the poor fire victims through gift giving and staging a mini-concert, teaching students in mountainous areas on how to use a computer to feeding the less fortunate and abandoned elders and children.  It’s always more fun and heartwarming doing all these activities with the CBSi family.

“Cebu Bloggers Society Inc. is more than an organization for me, it is a family of different kinds of people but of the same bloodline, blogging. In CBSi, we don’t see each other as competitors, instead as brothers and  sisters who might need help in their corresponding fields or who can help the family (organization) grow into a more organize and respectable blogging institution. As a founder, I am so blessed that CBSi has gained such name and is patrionized by members who make working in the group more fun and enjoyable.”, stated Mark M. Monta, Founder of Cebu Bloggers Society, Inc.

Aside from outreach activities, and fun-filled events by invitations, CBSi has also organized various events that tighten the bond between its members like the Wild CBSi Camp Out in Busay, World Bloggers’ Day Offline Celebration here in Cebu, the CBSi 2010 Election Coverage, the Filipino Blogosphere and Political Participation Forum, and most recently the 2^nd Visayas Blogging Summit, one of the largest social media summits in the country.

CBSi, along with its current set of leaders and active roster of new and old members, will be more visible in Cebu’s online scene, rocking 2012 and the blogosphere, enjoying one another’s company while having more fun and glam.

Cebu Bloggers Will be Checking In at Azkals Sports Bar and Grill

Azkals Sports Bar and Grill’s foursquare map on February 11 will surely be filled with black dots as members of CBSi would simultaneously check in for their 4^th anniversary dinner celebration.  The whole CBSi gang would surely love to fill their foursquare page with fun photos and comments.

Visit Cebu’s newest and coolest hang out place at Treehouse Bldg, Ramon Aboitiz St, Cebu City. (right next to backgate of St.Theresa’s College). They are open Mondays through Thursdays at 4PM – 1AM and Fridays to Saturdays at 4PM to 3AM.  For reservation contact them through these numbers: +639153433251 / +63 32 2391967, or email them at azkalssportsbarandgrill@gmail.com.

Visit their Facebook Fanpage here.

RAFI receives two Quill Awards for its environmental advocacy

Run 2 Plant 4 GREENIN Philippines was such a success that it became a blueprint for the Cebu local government's greening projects as well as the national government. This success was made because of good communication management by RAFI people.

It was no surprise that RAFI won a Quill Award: the Quill Award for communication management: economic, social and environmental development -- a testament that "RAFI has achieved that competitive edge in terms of pushing its program and advocacies forward through communication...", quoting RAFI's Integrated Development Executive Director Rowena Bandola-Alensonurin.

The Run 2 Plant for GREENIN Philippines (Generation, REdemption and Expansion of Natural resources INitiatives in the Philippines) was held last June 25, 2011 and was participated in by a total of  55,372 runners and "feeling" runners who collectively plant close to 240,000 native tree seedlings after a fun run held in various parts of Cebu province. These figures actually exceeded RAFI's expectations.

RAFI's Tree of the Month, a bi-monthly section that comes out in Freeman with the aim of educating the public on the various native tree species and encourage their propagation, is a finalist under the writing category of the communication skills division of the Quill Awards.

RAFI Executive Committee Chair Ma. Cristina Aboitiz, RAFI Chief Operating Officer Dominica Cua, RAFI Deputy Director for Operations Amaya Aboitiz, RAFI's Integrated Development Executive Director Rowena Bandola-Alensonurin and RAFI Communications Officer Haidee Palapar received the two awards during the 10th Philippine Quill Awards held last November 18, 2011 at Crowne Plaza Galleria Manila, Quezon City.

They were joined by Lucky Malicay, news editor of the Freeman.

Students, like RAFI let us educate others about forest conservation, reforestation or planting of native tree seedlings and caring for the environment. Let us support RAFI in this advocacy.

Diamond Suites and Residences in Cebu turns 1

Diamond Suites and Residences Cebu is one of the hotels which supported the Visayas Blogging Summit where some of the speakers stayed.

Last December 6, 2011, this hotel celebrated its first year anniversary with very nice music by a live band (I wish I knew the name of the band), good food and raffle prizes.

During the party, we even met a very friendly guest from Africa (the tall guy on the center).

Once again, thank you to Diamond Suites and Residences for supporting the organizers of the Visayas Blogging Summit.

Diamond Suites and Residences is located in Apitong corner Escario Street, within walking distance of Ayala Center Cebu. They have 102 modern guestrooms with high-speed internet access and many other amenities.

Visit their website for more details.

The Ciudad Project, Beneficial or Bad for Cebu?

Based on the video above, the planned Ciudad Project to be built in the BanTal Road looks promising.

A mall designed to look like Cebu many years ago. Security guards dressed like guardia sibil. Balut vendors, "dirty ice cream" vendors selling their products in the vicinity. Replicas of Cebu's historical sites. Museum featuring works of Cebuano artists. The usual things you see in a mall except for the appearance of old Cebu. More potential job openings.

But traffic appears to be a legitimate issue which the project planners plan to address by putting jeepney stops within the Ciudad and not in the BanTal road itself. The developers, Fifth Avenue Development Corp. claimed the local government do not need to spend for addressing this problem.

There are still many questions you probably want to ask. Like what happens to the Cebu Medical Society office and the ERUF in the area? How exactly will the traffic problem there be eased with the building of the Ciudad Project?

Today, December 2, there will a public hearing to decide whether an Environmental Compliance Certificate will be issued for the project developer to start the work. It will be at the Brgy. Apas, Lahug Gymn at 10 AM. You may want to raise issues or questions during the hearing.

You can do more with Globe Blackberry Social

BlackBerry is more than just the BlackBerry Messenger, or BBM since Globe Telecom has an innovative service for BlackBerry users allowing them to do more with their BlackBerry devices. 

Introducing... Globe BlackBerry Social, another breakthrough offer from Globe. It provides users unlimited access to their favorite social networking and instant messaging sites. Aside from access to the ever popular BBM, BlackBerry fanatics also get unlimited use of Facebook, Twitter and Instant Messaging with Globe BlackBerry Social. Cool! 

TV host Bianca Gonzalez and fashion icon Liz Uy can attest to how the service enables them to do more despite their busy schedules: guestings and hosting stints for Bianca, and pictorials and fashion shoots for Liz. Both manage to squeeze in some time with people who matter most thanks to Globe BlackBerry Social and the exciting services bundled with the offer. 

Bianca makes sure that she’s always equipped with a phone that can let her express herself and keep up with the pace of her lifestyle. Using her Globe BlackBerry Social plan, Bianca keeps friends and supporters close to her regardless of where she is or what she is doing. From sending an inspirational tweet to kick start the day, posting photos of her adventures and day-to-day activities on Facebook or chatting away with her brother JC Gonzalez and godson who are based in the United States.  

Globe BlackBerry Social also empowers style and fashion royalty Liz Uy to do more than what she can handle. Every item in Liz’s wardrobe is chosen with keen precision - and her mobile phone is no exception. Sleek, sexy and with curves in all the right places, her BlackBerry suits her to a ‘T’. As a familiar face in the social scene, Liz knows that she needs more out of her phone than just looks, and as any good stylist will tell you, picking the right accessories is key.

With Globe BlackBerry Social, Liz is always properly accessorized and powered up to keep her 160,000 loyal Twitter followers in the loop, ensuring that all of them are apprised of her latest fashion finds, events she is attending, and clients she is working with.

If you are also on the lookout for a mobile internet plan that can empower you to do more even with your busy lifestyle like Bianca and Liz, to say that Globe BlackBerry Social is the perfect service for you is an understatement. Globe BlackBerry Social gives users full and unlimited access to BBM, Facebook, Twitter and Instant Messaging anytime and anywhere at a cost that’s easy on the pocket - only P299 for 30 days. Text BB SOCIAL ON to 8888 to subscribe now.

For more information, please contact:

Yoly Crisanto

Head, Corporate Communications

Globe Telecom, Inc.

Tel No. (02) 7302627

Fax No. (02) 7393075

globe.corpcomm@gmail.com

Coffee Dream now on its 15th year

The above video is one of the many untold stories that happen in Coffee Dream.

Coffee Dream started out operating as a small kiosk at the 4th level in Ayala Center Cebu. But now it has grown to be one of the country's leading specialty coffee chain with a total of 36 branches not only in Cebu but nationwide thanks to the vision of its President and Founder Glenn Anthony O. Soco. Coffee Dream ventured into franchising in 2001. Currently it has 13 franchised outlets.

Coffee Dream is famous for its regular brews like Cafe Americano, Cappucino, Cafe Latte, Cafe Mocha and Chilled Blends which goes well with its delectable selection of cakes and pastries.Tsokolate, a traditional local recipe using fresh "tableya" is also a favorite. Recently, it has expanded its food selection by offering all day breakfast, sandwiches and pastas in some outlets.

For its 15th year anniversary, Coffee Dream launched the following:

1. Pick-a-prize promo – entitles customers to a freebie/privilege for a minimum purchase of 150 pesos. The customer will pick-a-prize and instantly gets a prize.
2. Capture your dream – an on-line photo contest where entries will be submitted and posted on-line through Coffee Dream’s Facebook fan page. The most creative photo showcasing Coffee Dream will win cash prizes and gift certificates.
3. Coffee Dream extends a 15% discount on a special featured Chilled Blend of the month.
4. Free re-fill of freshly brewed coffee from 10:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. every 15th of every month.

A “Your Piso, My Dream” campaign will also be launched with the cancer-stricken children as the chosen beneficiaries.

With the continued evolution and pursuit for excellence, Coffee Dream aims to further expand its operations nationwide. By the end of 2011, it has opened and renovated a total of 10 stores. Coffee Dream targets to open a total of 7 new stores next year, 4 of which will be in Metro Manila. It estimates to cost 30 million pesos in additional capital. An upgraded commissary is currently being set-up at the central office and another commissary will be set-up in Metro Manila next year to service its branches in the area. The total capital expenditures for the next 3 years is estimated to be around 100 million pesos.

Glenn Soco’s dreams of purveying only the finest coffee to the local communities, sharing the Coffee Dream experience one homegrown cup at a time has gradually become a reality. And the Dream continues…

VBS Participants Going Crazy over Hero Sausages

During the Visayas Blogging Summit 2011 held in SM City Cebu Trade Hall One last November 26, participants were lining up to have a taste for Hero Hungarian Sausages. Well, it's no surprise because looking at it, one cannot resist taking a bite.

Good news for these participants, Hero Sausages offer MSG-free, preservative-free, 100% pure meat sausages. The company behind it is HeroDeli Food founded in December 2005. Hero is actually open to wholesale and distributorship under Hero Great Bites brand and franchising under Hero Sausages brand.

Speaking of Hero sausages, I just learned that they offer different types of sausages like bratwurst, frankfurters, italian garlic to name some. They also have a wide variety of meat selections including pork, chicken, tuna to exotic meats like lamb and crocodile meat. It is the first to offer DUNDEE Croc Sausages which come in 2 variants -- Hungarian and Australian Cheese.

DUNDEE meat are supplied by Coral Agri-Venture Farm, Inc (CAFI) which is HACCP and GMP certified with a AAA-grade slaughterhouse for the highest-quality standards of meat processing. It is the only farm in the Philippines that is certified to process crocodile meat.

CAFI in collaboration with HeroDeli Food Inc. in October 2010 came up with DUNDEE Croc Sausages that are filled with pure farm-bred crocodile meat, completely MSG-free, preservative-free and extender- free sausages.

CONTACT INFORMATION

HeroDeli Food Inc.
67 Banlat Road Tandang Sora Quezon City 1116
T/F 355-5343; T 355-4165; 0922-888-3636

www.facebook.com/herosausages
www.herogreatbitesweb.multiply.com