This fund-raising event for JCI Lipa Scholarship Program will be on February 12, Sunday, at 5am. Starting point is at SM City Lipa.

Registration is now open for 3K or 5K run via the event’s official Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/RunForLove2012.

What makes this fun run more exciting is that you can show off your relationship status by wearing the corresponding shirt color:

RED — in love or married
PINK/BLUE — single and looking
WHITE — celibacy
YELLOW — it’s complicated
GREEN — family with kids

So for those who want to get out of singlehood, you might get to meet ‘the one’ in this fun run. Just like Coach Rio.

And oh, do you know Edsel “Iking” Enriquez a.k.a. The Running Pilot and Barefoot Runner? After winning in the recent 42K Condura Skyway Marathon, he will be running for love together with his beautiful wife.

See you there!

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Below is the schedule of activities for Ibaan’s 180th foundation anniversary.

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The event was dubbed as “New Year, Better Life with JETSET and RC Lipa Academic Competition” with the theme, Sharing our Blessings as We Welcome Better Lives for Others. The event was held at Robinsons Place Lipa’s Activity Area.

Alva chaired the board of judges for the Poster-Making Competition participated by elementary students while I was one of the judges for the Oratorical Competition for high school students.

Although neither of us got the chance to judge Ang Kwento ng Bata (storytelling competition for kindergarten kids), we both had fun and a had express amazement on the kids that joined the contest. Super sharp ng memory nila! Haha.

These are the winners of the said competitions:

Winners for the Ang Kwento ng Bata

CHAMPION – Princess Yvette Fornal – SMKKMS
Coach: Ms. Pricelle Balubar

1st Runner-Up – R-Jay Navarro – Don Leon Dolor Memorial School
Coach: Ms. Cristie Garcia

2nd Runner-Up – Kiella Nazareen L. Adriano – GB Lontoc Memorial School
Coach: Ms. Rea Fajardo

Winners for the Poster-Making Competition

CHAMPION – David Chael Bucal – Inosluban-Marawoy Elementary School
Coach: Mr. Rodel Ortega

1st runner-up – Shaira Yhelen Pabonan – SMKKMS
Coach: Ms. Evelyn Nicol

2nd runner-up- Lynnon Matias – PVMMS
Coach: Ms. Cielito Lozano

Winners for the Oratorical Competition

CHAMPION – Almira Adona – Rizal National High School
Coach: Ms. Roderlyn Libuit

1st Runner-Up – Pauline M. Garcia – San Isidro National High School
Coach: Ms. Mellanie Corachea

2nd runner-Up – Julie Ann Mercado – Bugtongnapulo National High School
Coach: Ms. Roderlyn L. Libuit

Congratulations to JETSET Foundation as headed by its coordinator (and our former OJT) Shane Melu, to Jetbest Multi-Lines Corporation through the leadership of its CEO Mr. Joselito Tapay, and to the members of RC Lipa and Rotaract Lipa who were there to facilitate the event yesterday.

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BITS Conference 2012 will feature sessions from Microsoft, Drupal, Animation, Teletech, WOW Batangas and other IT-industry experts. As a student conference, presentations are focused and aligned with IT students academic loads, among the agenda are as follows:

• Computer Animation
• PhilNITS IT Certification Exam
• Poverty Education through Information Technology
• Microsoft Technology Updates
• Corel Draw
• Web Development using Drupal
• Phyton programming
• Advocacy on Open Source / Android Programming
• Smart Wireless
• Career Development in IT

BITS Conference 2012 features a full day of conference sessions provided by people who are experienced in the topic as well as excellent presenters. Sessions are delivered by enterprise IT, managers and experts covering experiences, strategies and updated information.

The learning that can be acquired from conference attendance although mainly reinforces a students knowledge in IT, is also intended to encourage students commitment and interest in the field of information technology.

The value of information that a student will receive is incredible. It is an effective way to keep the students educated, informed not just with the latest in IT but also the current issues involving the field.

Goals of conference attendance

Attending a conference is a professionally rewarding experience. In addition to socializing with other participants, the two main reasons to attend this conference are to hear presentations and to converse with other students of the same interest.

Information Technology is always a developing and changing agenda. We almost see new things every second. Attending activities such as BITS Conference 2012 provides a wider avenue for students to discover, update, and enrich their knowledge and interest in the fast-paced techie world.

Registration

BITS Conference 2012 is open to all technical schools, colleges and universities in Batangas offering IT/Computer related courses. A pre-registration is required for a fee of Php 300 for bulk registration (minimum of 50 pax) and Php 350.00 for walk in registration or those who did not meet the bulk registration, inclusive of certificate, raffle ticket, conference kit and snacks. You may send a copy of registration at batangas.itech.society@gmail.com, 09206621772.

Location: Cultural Center, Lipa City Batangas.
Date and Time: Friday, February 4, 2012, 7:00am to 5:00PM

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It’s the most awaited holiday of the year! Spend it with your family, friends and loved ones. Be thankful for all the blessings and all the things you have. Share love and happiness this yuletide season and
always remember that we don’t need Christmas in our hands when we have it in our hearts.

Merry Christmas everyone!

- Karen Rose Opeña

It’s Christmas! Let’s celebrate Christmas together with our loved ones and keep the spirit of Christmas in hearts through sharing of love, happiness and forgiveness to each other. Always be thankful for all the blessings that we have and may those people who are suffering find in their hearts the way to celebrate this yuletide season with much joy, hope and faith. May this glorious day of our Savior’s birth lead to a world full of love, peace and happiness.

Have a Merry Christmas everyone!

- Dyan Kristine Real

Christmas is all about love. When we love, we learn to give and share a little of ourselves to other people. So this season is not just to be jolly, but also to be loving. Love. Give. Share.

Happy Holidays!

- Pael Balbaboco

Let us thank God for everything! For all His “yes” that have truly warmed our hearts; for all His “no” that have taught us to trust His hearts; for all his “wait” that remind us He is in control and He means the best for us. Let us thank God for all the blessings and forgiveness He give to us.

Merry Christmas.

- Christian Paula Ramos

Merry, Merry Christmas to all!

Let us not forget what Christmas is all about.. it’s the coming of our new born King!

Let us prepare ourselves. Let us give and forgive. Spread the love. May the spirit of Christmas reign in our hearts always.

- Kay Clemente

Merry Christmas everyone.. May the Christmas season, fill your home with joy, your heart with love & your life with laughter. This year, all we want is a gift bag filled with laughter & joy, with you. May the spirit of Christmas stay always in our HEARTS..<3

- Marianne Bagos

I believe that Christnas is more than the gifts that we could receive but it’s more of the priceless moments shared upon celebrating this wondrous moment. Christmas means happines. I hope that we could spend this time with people who may give us priceless moments filled with love and joy. Despite the odds, I hope everyone could still celebrate Christmas with their families. Being with them makes every single moment remarkable.

Merry Christmas everyone.

- Ken Michael Escamillas

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Lahat ng Katoliko, Pilipino at Batangueño alam na tuwing gabi ng December 15 o madaling-araw ng December 16 ay simula na ng Simbang Gabi. Ibig sabihin lamang nito na malapit na ang pasko.

Ang Simbang Gabi o “Midnight Mass” sa Ingles ang isa sa mga pangyayari di na mabubura sa kulturang Pilipino lalong lalo na sa lahat ng Katoliko.

Ang Simbang Gabi ay bahagi na ng buhay ng tao. Sabi ng ilan, isa ito sa mga gawaing hindi dapat makalimutan ninuman lalo na ngayong buwan ng Disyembre na kung saan lahat ay naghahanda para sa panahon ng Kapaskuhan – ang pagsilang sa ating Panginoong Hesukristo.

Bagamat ganito, isang tanong ang namamayani sa aking isipan. May nakakatagal pa kaya sa pagsi-simbang gabi? Kung meron man, kahanga-hanga sila. Kung kakaunti na ay sana isa na ako dun.

Inaamin ko na isa ako sa mga taong hindi matapos-tapos ang pagsisimbang gabi. Ako yung taong hindi masyadong relihiyoso, pero pinilit ko naman dati na makumpleto sa paniniwalang pag nakumpleto mo
raw ito, matutupad ang mga kahilingan mo. Ngunit sa kasamaang palad, wala akong natapos na Simbang Gabi sa tanang buhay ko. Mga apat hanggang limang araw lang yata ang itinagal. Hindi ko siya natapos.
Hindi ko siya kinaya.

At dahil Simbang Gabi na naman, magla-lakas loob akong magbigay ng payo sa aking sarili at para sa ibang Batangueño para makatagal at matapos ng matiwasay ang pagsisimbang gabi.

Hindi biro ang gumising ng maaga sa loob ng siyam na araw. Kaya naman sa tulong ng mga simpleng payong ito, sana’y matapos na natin ang 9 na Simbang Gabi.

Una, KATOLIKO AKO, TATAPUSIN KO ITO. Ang katagang ito ay para sa 73.8 million (Wikipedia) at patuloy na dumaraming katoliko sa bansa at dito sa Batangas. Tulad ng ibang relihiyon, ang pagiging bahagi nito ay may kaakibat na responsibilidad. Naniniwala rin ako na bahagi ng kultura ang relihiyon. At bilang isang Katoliko, kasama sa mga “responsibilidad” na ito ang pagdalo sa Simbang Gabi. Kung hindi ka mahilig magsimba tuwing Linggo, sana naman ay pagbigyan mo ang siyam na Simbang Gabi at gawing bukal sa puso ang pag-kumpleto nito. Isa pa, napakaraming simbahan dito sa Batangas. At sinisigurado kong
mae-engganyo kang tapusin ang Simbang Gabi kapag nakita ang mga nag-gagandahang simbahan ng Batangas.

Pangalawa, MATULOG NG MAAGA. Habang nagbabasa-basa ako sa Internet kaugnay ng paksang ito, ito na marahil ang pinaka-common na pinapayo ng mga gusto ring magpayo. Piliting ko mang mag-isip ng kakaiba, ang pagtulog ng maaga sadya ang isa sa mga bagay na dapat talaga nating gawin para makadalo sa Simbang Gabi. Kung maraming takdang-aralin ang dapat tapusin, bakit hindi mo ito gawin ng mas maaga? Kung di ka sanay, pwede naman kaso un nga lang, mapupuyat ka. Stressed ka. Mahuhuli ka sa misa. Kaya para makapag-simbang gabi ang lahat, halina’t matulog tayo ng maaga.

Pangatlo, GUMISING NG MAAGA. Napakadaling matulog, mahirap lang gumising ng maaga. Pero kung gustong makapag-simbang gabi, gumising ng maaga. Meron tayong alarm clock. Kung wala, meron sa naman sa cellphone at kung wala paring cellphone, magpagising kay Nanay at kung ayaw magpagising, i-set ang utak “Gigising ako ng Alas-tres”, at kung hindi nakapag-mindset, good luck sa iyo, simbang umaga na ang dadatnan mo.

Pang-apat, MAG-ALMUSAL, MALIGO. MAGSUOT NG KUMPORTABLENG DAMIT. Maraming istorbo kapag nakikinig ng misa. Minsan, hindi ka mapakali kasi gutom ka, maigsi ang iyong padla, malaki ung t-shirt, luwag yung pantalon mo. Kaya naman, mainam na kung naka-higop ka ng isang tasa ng kape o isang subo ng sinangag na kanin bago pumunta sa simbahan. May bibingka naman at puto bumbong sa labas. Siguraduhin lang na ang isusuot na damit ay hindi takaw pansin tulad ng mini-skirts at iba pang maiigsing damit. Mag suot ng kumportable. Yung pwede sa simbahan. At panghuli, maligo. Alam nyo na ang ibig kong sabihin.

Panglima, PUMUNTA NG MAAGA SA SIMBAHAN. Kung natulog ka ng maaga, nagising ka ng maaga, nakapag-almusal, naligo at kumportable ang damit, tiyak hindi ka mahuhuli sa simbahan. Syempre. Iba na iyong nasimulan mo ang misa kaysa sa natapos mo nga, hindi mo naman nasimulan. At;

Pang-anim, MAKINIG SA MISA AT ISA-PUSO ANG DIWA NG SIMBANG GABI. Ngayong nasa simbahan ka na at ayos ang lahat, ito na ang pagkakataon para sa isang masaya at matiwasay na Simbang Gabi. Ang simbahan ay malugod kang tinatanggap. Hindi pwedeng “physically present but mentally absent. Kaya naman, kung gustong mong matapos ang siyam na Simbang Gabi. Pakinggan natin ang Misa ng pari, ang Homiliya kung saan pilit na ipinapadama ang tunay na diwa ng Pasko. Ang paglalakbay ni Jose at ni Maria patungong Bethlehem, ang mismong kapangakan ng Batang si Jesus sa sabsabsan. Lahat ng ito ay mahalaga. Bukod sa kabatiran ng mga Katoliko, ang lahat ng sasabihin sa misa ay para sa kagalingan
at kabutihan ng lahat. Sa lahat ng aking mga payo, dito ako pinaka nahihirapan bagkos hinahamon para gawin ng tama. Ang pagsasapuso ng Simbang Gabi ay pagpapakita ng pagmamahal sa Panginoon. Kaya naman nasa sa atin na ang desisyon kung magsisimbang gabi ba tayo o hindi.

At dahil ako ang nagbigay ng payo, hinahamon ko din ang sarili ko na Magsimbang Gabi. Bagamat hindi ko na nasimulan, hinahamon ko pa rin ang sarili ko na dumalo kahit na madami akong ginagawa. Hindi naman ibig sabihin na kapag hindi nakumpleto ang siyam na araw ng Simbang Gabi, hindi mo na matutupad ang kahilingan mo para sa Paskong ito.

Nasa atin na ang kapangyarihan para sa katuparan ng ating mga
kahilingan. Naniniwala naman ako na nauunawaan ni Lord ang sitwasyon ko. Pero ngayon, nauunawan ko na ang halaga ng Simbang Gabi. Hindi lang dapat makumpleto kundi dapat isapuso ang Simbang Gabi.

Simbang Gabi, kayanin kaya natin? Sana naman sa munting payo ko ay kayanin na natin. At ipinapangako ko sa sarili ko, kakayanin ko na. Magsisimbang gabi na uli ako.

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Much has been said about how festive our very own Ala Eh! Festival is. But for the past years of documenting the what we dubbed as “the mother of all Batangas Festivals”, we say it could only get better and better.

If you were there to witness the festival yourself, you would understand why a lot of spectators got teary-eyed. For a positive reason, that is. The festival which showcased extremely talented young Batangueños was more than just an event typified with drum beats, gaudy costumes, and numbered dance steps. This festival is a representation of everything that Batangas is. And the Batangueño spirit lingered all throughout the venue on that jovial day of December 8th.

The Competitions

Ala Eh! Festival 2011, the competition per se, was divided into four contests: Street Dance, 5-Minute Court Dance, Festival Float, and Festival Costume competitions. Sixteen contingents competed in the Street Dance Competition while there were 17 groups who contended for the 5-Minute Court Dance Exhibition.

The Street Dance competition is far different from the 5-Minute Dance Exhibition as the latter was characterized by stunts, more arduous dance routines, and full-size backdrops, rolling stages, and props.
The dancers of the Tawilis Festival of Agoncillo were the best ones in the Street Dance Competition, seconded by San Juan’s Lambayok Festival dancers and then followed by Tuy’s Kambingan Festival on the third spot. Although they were the third best in street dancing, Tuy’s group bested the rest in the 5-Minute Court Dance Exhibition. Dancers of San Juan’s Lambayok Festival and Lemery’s Sigpawan Festival came in at second and third places respectively.

Meanwhile, 18 towns and the City of Lipa, overwhelmed the streets of Calaca (the host municipality) with their festival floats. The Float Competition is a battle of both mechanical and aesthetic geniuses in which the towns’ festivals or significant trademarks were depicted. Agoncillo’s giant-looking maiden following a smaller float amazed the audience and apparently the judges as well because they won the Best Festival Float. Lambayok Festival was also a big winner this year as they placed second again in the float competition which was once more followed by Kambingan Festival.

What make a festival more appealing are the vibrant, inventive costumes the contingents are wearing. Can you imagine what a huge effort were spent (plus the money invested) in creating such costumes? The Best Festival Costume went to Lambayok Festival of San Juan followed by Tawilis Festival of Agoncillo and then Coco Festival of Mataasnakahoy.

A Collaborative Effort

Ala Eh! Festival 2011 would not be a grand feat if not for the efforts put forward by the Executive Committe headed by the Over-All Chairman, Mr. Pedrito Martin Dijan, Jr. and the man who welcomed the entire Ala Eh! Festival participants, Mayor Sofronio “Nas” Ona of Calaca.

Of course, all these were supported by the HEARTS and SOUL of Batangas Province – Gov. Vilma Santos-Recto and Vice Gov. Mark Leviste. Each year, Ala Eh! Festival ignites solidarity among the locals. It’s hard not to feel the spirit of oneness when people from all walks of life – pure-blooded Batangueños or not – move together to one beat of the drum, sway to one rhythm of Batangas pride.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE ALA EH! FESTIVAL 2011 PHOTOS.

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It was a gigantic opening day full of enthusiasm and excitement showed by everyone. There were early morning visitors from different towns who joined the Calaqueños in preparing for the grand opening of the festival. These include the float that was built exclusively for the candidates of Mutya ng Batangan, the attractive booth designs for the trade fair, and the colorful street decorations artistically made by the Calaqueños.

The highlights of the grand opening day are the parade of beauties which include the gorgeous candidates of Mutya ng Batangan 2011, the opening of booths for the trade fair competition, the official declaration of the opening of Ala Eh! Festival, and the ribbon cutting for the Provincial Trade Fair and Photo Exhibit.

All these are spearheaded by our provincial Governor Vilma Santos-Recto, Vice Governor Mark Leviste, Mayor Nas Ona and the Sangguniang Barangay of Calaca. Also present are the different Mayors from the different towns of the province to show their support and cooperation for this one big event.

Despite the hot temperature, the opening celebration was indeed a great success for it was attended by a lot of Batangueños not just from Calaca but from all over the province. It is expected that a lot more visitors will come in the upcoming days to witness the week-long
celebration of Al Eh! Festival 2011.

So what are you waiting for? Come and see the pride of Batangueños and join the most luxurious festival ever!

Check out this schedule of activities for the week-long celebration of the 430th Foundation Anniversary of the Batangas Province.

Thursday, December 1, 2011
6AM Parade of Mutya ng Batangan
8AM Mass
9AM Opening Ceremonies
Photo Contest : Opening of Exhibit
Trade Fair : Opening Ceremonies
Cheer Dance Competition
Dog Show
DepEd Night – Cultural

Friday, December 2, 2011
Deadline of Submission : Town-Level Event Photo Contest
8AM Job Fair
8AM Cosplay United : Batangas Cosplayers Group
8AM Painting and Photography Workshops – AVA (ARIDFASS VISUAL ARTS of BSU)

Saturday, December 3, 2011
7AM Shoot Fest (Firing)
8AM Mountain Bike
7PM Mutyan ng Batangan : Pageant Night

Sunday, December 4, 2011
8AM Shoot Fest (Firing)
8AM Car Show
8AM Shoot Fest (Airsoft)
7PM SK Night (Dance Evolution)

Monday, December 5, 2011
8AM Mini Olympics
7PM LGU Night – MAyor’s Night

Tuesday, December 6, 2011
8AM VSR Rehearsals and Set-up
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
7PM VSR Grand Finals

Thursday, December 8, 2011
7AM Concelebrated Mass
8AM Street Dancing and Float Parade

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Topics, such as: “Building Teams for Innovative Marketing” by Mr. Anthony Pangilinan, Chief Disturber of Training and Events Company and Chief Trainer of Inspire Leadership Consultancy; “Media and Ethics: Shaping the PR Strategies” by Mr. David Jude Sta. Ana, TV 5 Head of News Operations.; “Market Innovation: Thinking Out of the Box” by Mr. Simplicio Umali, President of Gardenia Philippines; and “Strategic Use of Social Media” by Mr. Anton Diaz, Publisher and Internet Marketer of Our OwesomePlanet will be the highlight of the said event.

A registration fee worth Php 350.00 per participant will cover the conference kit and the certificate of participation. Freebies from congress sponsors and exhibitors also awaits the partakers of the occasion. Congress Coordinators, Ms. Malou Malaluan or Ms. Dona Orcena expects the participant’s confirmation on or before November 20, 2011 ,(043) 981-1100. Potential participants of the event may also send an email for confirmation at mcd@dlsl.edu.ph.

The two consecutive events are  standing proofs of the advent of marketing and its future in the Philippines. Who knows, you could be the top earner of the next generation. So come and join this year’s Regional Marketing Congress!

By: Karen B. Opena

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Here in Batangas, SM City Lipa and SM City Batangas prepared another one-of-a-kind launching. Great performances from local artists and musicians and intricately designed Christmas decors awed Batangueno shoppers.

The event was also accomplished to pay tribute to the youngest customers of SM Supermalls which for them serve as their inspiration.

So let us celebrate this season at SM Supermalls. Enjoy shopping and don’t forget to drop by at the Christmas Center Piece area of SM City Batangas and SM City Lipa and have your memorable photos taken.

Here are some of the photos of the event. Merry ChriSMs everyone!

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