iBlog9: The Philippine Blogging Summit

I am excited once again cos this will be my 3rd year as speaker under this annual Blogging event.

iBlog9: The 9th Philippine Blogging Summit (#iblog9) will be on May 31 and June 1, 2013 at the Malcolm Theater, UP College of Law, UP Diliman, Quezon City from 8 am to 5 pm.

Note that the first 300 registered participants to come early (on or before 9 am) will be given food stub and participant kit. Afterwards, remaining food stubs and participant kits shall be given to early walk-ins.

iBlog9 is a 2-day FREE event. The first day (May 31) is targeted for bloggers, marketers, businesses and entrepreneurs wanting to understand how to tap blogs as a medium to promote their products and services. Also as a means to generate income. Day 1 also tackles advance topics on blogging – taking blogs to the next level.

The second day (June 1) is meant to everyone interested about blogging.

Day 1 AGENDA (May 31)

9:00 to 9:20 Flag ceremony, prayer, participant intro (limited)

9:20 – 9:40 Understanding the Blogger Psyche
(Jonel Uy, BloggerCircles.com)

9:50 to 10:10 Blogging as an effective Content Marketing Tool for Businesses
(Ben Francia, http://www.benfrancia.com)

10:20 to 10:35 break

10:35 – 10:55 Empowerment in Digital Marketing
(Grace Bondad Nicolas, www.empoweredgrace.blogspot.com)

11:05 – 11:25 Working with brands either for your business or advocacy, and even both
(Jeoffrey Solas, www.liberatingjepoy.com)

11:35 to 11:55 Sponsor Talk: Sun iMessenger: blog marketing case study
(Louie Oviedo, President & CEO of Greetings Unlimited Inc.)

12:05 to 1:05 Lunch break

1:05 – 1:25 How to Get the Influencers Write About Your Startup
(Jonha Revesencio, http://ijustdid.org)

1:35 – 1:55 Bloggers and political organizations – the road to 2016
(Mark Pere Madrona, rightonthemark.wordpress.com)

2:05 – 2:25 Fighting corruption online and offline
(Angel Bombarda, www.bantay.ph)

2:35 to 2:55 Income & Opportunities through Blogging
(Khoa Bui, www.secretsentrepreneur.com)

3:05 to 3:20 BREAK

3:20 to 3:40 Bloggers as Digital Influencers
(Janette Toral, DigitalFilipino.com)

4:00 sponsor raffle, shirts raffle, and group photo

DAY 2 AGENDA (June 1)

9:00 to 9:20 Flag ceremony, prayer, participant intro (limited)

9:20 to 9:40 Blogging and Social Thought Leadership
(Jason Cruz, http://jsncruz.com/)

9:50 to 10:10 Why do we blog?
(Wendell Glenn Cagape, www.journeysandtravels.com)

10:20 to 10:35 break

10:35 to 10:55 The Art of Interviewing & Quoting
(Arvin Ello, http://www.vintersections.com)

11:05 to 11:25 Blogging and Social Media Goodness
(Carlo Angelo Gonzales, http://carloangelogonzales.com)

11:35 to 11:55 Sponsor Talk

12:05 to 1:05 Lunch

1:05 to 1:25 Building your Identity as a Video Blogger
(Randolph Novino, http://pinoyscreencast.net)

1:35 to 1:55 The Rise of the Mommy bloggers in the Philippines
(Rhodora Espiritu-Valdez, http://deliberatelymom.blogspot.com/)

2:05 to 2:25 Avoiding Information Redundancy
(Jay Agonoy, http://deremoe.com)

2:35 to 2:55 Working as a homebased blogger
(Christian Melanie Lee, www.eccentricyethappy.info)

3:05 to 3:20 Break

3:20 to 3:40 Q &A Legal Issues in Blogging
(Atty. JJ Disini, Disini.ph)

4:00 to 4:20 The Future of Blogging: Greater or Less Influence?
(Manuel L. Quezon III, http://quezon.ph)

4:30 sponsor raffle, shirts raffle, and group photo

EMCEE: Flow Galindez

The Digital landscape in the Philippines

The digital landscape in the Philippines is changing fast. 100 million Filipinos right now have mobile phones and 33% are surfing the internet. Philippines is the networking capital of the world and ever growing as time goes by. Almost everyone know how to use Facebook and thriving next is the use of Twitter and Instagram. Big companies are researching and integrating Social Media now in their pie and as much as possible putting a bulk of budget to reach a wider audience or target market with the use of digital marketing.

Trying to reach the voters under Blogwatch Citizen Media

Fifteen years ago, Public Relations with the use of traditional media was the only tool to reach the market effectively but now, with the use of Social Media, even politicians are using this tool to reach their constituents. Big companies are contacting bloggers to their events and maximizing the cyberspace which not only cheaper but could make a viral news in one minute if the content is spectacular.

The key in Digital Marketing is quality content. Everyone could disseminate information but how many are your readers? All big corporations that could see the future in Digital Marketing are into it right now and investing to get good and expert professionals that could make a boost in their digital power.

Photo from Blogwatch during the Meeting De Avanze for JuanVote

Digital marketing could make a traditional company have a brand at an instant which is one of the main point in Digital Marketing. We must understand who are changing the game or who are the exceptional leaders who are the key players. Having 500 followers on Twitter is not enough if the basis is 33 million Filipinos online as of 2013. The company must get an effective Digital Marketer that could make the followers turned or convert into customers.

The Magic at Laguna only at Enchanted Kingdom

When Enchanted Kingdom first opened it's magical gates to public, I am with my then Boyfriend Troy. I am like a kid wandering around in this 5 hectares world class theme park facility at santa Rosa, Laguna with my love one in tow. We were both wearing a Guess Brand Jacket, oh yes, I can still recall, I'm like in heaven and I am happy. After 17 years, Troy and I with our 3 kids in tow went back again and this time, our three children big wide eyes are twinklings with awe and excitement for every turn of the rides they are having. It's not the first time they are here, but over and over again, it's like always their first time.

My children enjoying the view at Enchanted Kingdom

Easter day on March 31, 2013 and Enchanted Kingsom once again invited me and my family to experience once again the only magic we have at Laguna. Several egg hunting activities were prepared with the coordination of KIA, Technology Resource Center (TRC) and the communication group of Enchanted Kingdom at 11:00 in the morning till 5:00 in the afternoon. Chocolates were given to all the kids who participated at these activities and for the winning egg hunting group, they received an Eldar wizard stuff toys and more.

Alexis checking out the EK map

At 6:00 in the evening, I attended the Wedding Anniversary of Mr. Mario and Dra. Cynthia Mamon, the CEO and COO of Enchanted Kingdom, it's also a back to back birthday celebration of Dra. Cynthia with all their friends and business partners in attendance. I am there with two reasons this time, As the representative of Robert Laurel Yupangco and as a media covering the event. Anyhow, whatever the reason I am there, I felt the love of this two beautiful people to each other. Santa Rosa Mayor Arlene Arcillias Nazareno attended the celebration with the amazing dance presentation from EK's Head of Communication, PR and International Dance Champion Ana Marie Periquet who also the emcee that night, really amazing lady I supposed wearing different hats in one night.

Alexa Nicolas and Katrina Capili enjoying 

Overall, my kids enjoyed the fireworks at 9:00 in the evening, Ana Marie said it's prepared just for that lovely event. Me and my kids enjoyed once again and for all my coverage, mostly I am doing it for the family and having my family with me enjoying the things I love to do also is the best part in my life. Truly, the magic is here.

Teen Azkals : The future Azkals

The Philippine Under-19 football  "Teen Azkals" hopefuls spent a week-long training camp at Evia City Football field at Daang Hari, Las Pinas City and that will end on April 6, 2013 which also serves as part of the tryouts for the upcoming competition internationally. 

Teen Azkals hopefuls with Assistant Coach Glenn Ramos at Evia Football Field

Team Manager Alvin Carranza made sure that everything is organize and according to plan to choose the best from the rest,  a 28-man pool, which began with the scouting of potentials with the help of the Teams Coach Marlon Maro, Philippine Football Association Ramon Manuel and Assistant Coach Glenn Ramos. 

Mc Carranz Kim & Troi, Star Sports Jun Lim, Assistant Coach Glenn Ramos, PIA4A Dolores Ledesma,

Philippine Football Association Ramon Manuel and me

According to Coach Marlon 

"From this pool will come the national team that will compete in the Asian Football Federation (AFF) Under-19 and Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Under-19 qualifiers that will be held later somewhat in September or October this year" 

Head Coach Marlon Maro with the Teen Azkals hopefulls

Players came from different parts of the world like Italy, Australia among others. "This camp is an opportunity for local and overseas players to showcase their skills so they can play for the Teen Azkals." Maro said.  In terms of selection, Coach Maro stated that everything is fair even players came from abroad or local, it's about the skills of each player.  When asked to give just 5 standout hopefuls, he just smiled and declined to answer for now since the camp is not yet finish. 

Philippine Information Agency 4A writers Ana Demerin & Dolores Ledesma with me and blogger Dianne Salonga

Philippine Football Federation Ramon "Chito" Manuel is asking the public for sponsorship to help the Teen Azkals who will be the future Azkals and our hope for Philippine Football. So far, help came from OneA Event Center, Melba's Farm, Diadora, Comoda Ville, Umbro, Cafe Lupe, McCarranz Graphics International, Topcoms, Larger than life quality posters and Leon Philippe dairy fresh. 

Enchanted Kingdom salutes enchanting women

Enchanted Kingdom salutes all women in celebration of Women’s Month. This month of March which is the International Womens Month, Enchanted Kingdom pay tribute to mothers, sisters and friends who have been the epitome of strength and courage of the modern-day woman.  A Day at the Park with Enchanting Women honors women for their significant roles and contribution to the society and the country.

With my kids in tow, I went to experience the magic again. The event is not only for empowered ladies but for the whole family, my kids enjoyed the jewelry/accesories making and the balloon making under the Technology Resource Center (TRC). We even tried to make our own ring and bracelets for us to keep. After the event, of course, my three girls spent the rest of the day with different rides.

A Day at the Park with Enchanting Women is a fun-filled day of pampering along with educational and livelihood seminars such as bead making, flower arrangement and cologne making seminars with the help of the Department of Science and Technology. The Enchanted Kingdom Circle of Artists also joins the celebration as they feature special performances dedicated to the outstanding women of today.

In line with this, EK invited exceptional, empowered and enchanting Woman Today to be part of this spectacular event. A Day at the Park with Enchanting Women will be on March 09 (Saturday) and all saturdays within this International Women's Month of March, all the fun will start at 2pm at the Spaceport Area of Enchanted Kingdom, Sta. Rosa, Laguna. So what are you waiting for, experience the magic and only at Enchanted Kingdom with different seminars and programs for those ladies who are breaking the glass ceiling today.

Arangkada Philippines: Accelerating continously

My second time to attend  Arangkada Philippines and this time with the attendance of the Ambassador of the United States of America which is not a surprise because of the presence of big international investors like FedEx, Nestle, American, Korean, Japanese, European, Australian Chambers of Commerce and all kinds of industries in the Philippines and abroad. Congressman Erin Tanada, Former Finance Secretary Bobby De Ocampo, Congressman Sonny Belmonte and Former President Fidel Ramos graced this historical event. Last year, Philippine President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino attended the event and answered different inquiries from the audience. According to Arangkada organizers which means to accelerate in english,  "A Business Perspective has a strategic purpose - to provide recommendations that lead to millions of new jobs for Filipinos and higher economic growth for the country. The study includes hundreds of recommendations for action by both public and private sectors in a great number of areas. Together they add up to an agenda for change to help policy makers and business leaders to enable the national economy to compete in a world increasingly interlinked and competitive. In this world, keeping up is an imperative, not a choice. For too many years and in too many sectors of its economy the Philippines has lagged, losing competitiveness despite the nation's immense potential."

US Ambassador Harry Thomas

TransFormers: Finance Secretary Bobby De Ocampo and President Fidel Ramos

This year, Department of Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez mentioned that the Philippines is expecting 10 million visitors within 2016 and that we need to be ready with our infrastructures. " We are now at 90 percent done of agreements for air seats. we need air aggreements to ensure connectivity." Jimenez also told us that the government has a plan to add more airports to be ready with the international flights in the future because of the booming tourism we have right now.

Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo is very optimistic in his speech at the forum, he mentioned that exports has a good chance this year, Philippines is already the fourth biggest shipbuilding hub next to China, Korea and Japan and that investors are coming in. Secretary Domingo asked  to the foreign business groups to support the government in its initiative to promote economic growth and told the foreign businessmen that economic growth rests on the partnership of the government and the business community. “The success story will really depend on us. We don’t even have to make a larger effort this year to achieve big economic growth. My appeal to you is not to be negative, not to block it. Just let it happen,” he said.

According to it's website, "Arangkada Philippines is a comprehensive advocacy paper intended to share recommendations leading to the creation of $75 billion in new foreign investment, 10 million jobs and over one trillion pesos in revenue for the Philippine economy within this decade. In an increasingly interlinked and competitive world, accelerating growth is an imperative, not a choice. The Joint Foreign Chambers of Commerce in the Philippines (JFC) estimates that, to achieve these results, the country must focus on more rapid development of the Seven Big Winner Sectors and move twice as fast!"

Zoocolate Thrills: Tarsier Conservation and Animal Sanctuary

I am very sure that my friends are still thinking what am I doing managing a theme park. So many hats I am wearing right now, as a writer, columnist, building contractor, project manager, business development head, PR relations manager and now as the new Operations manager of Zoocolate Thrills at Loboc, Bohol. (not to mention as an advocate, revolutionist and pasaway at all times).

Zoocolate Thrills at Barangay Gotozan, Loboc, Bohol is the only world class zoological theme park at Bohol

As empowered and confident I am, oh well, as always and because of my background in managing a big organization for years not to mention my six years in sales, being in operations for this newest theme park under the Zoomanity group that handles and expert in Zoological parks is nothing compare in constructing houses or renovating old buildings at UPLB and DOST. Same way of managing with people and same as in construction, we just like to have skilled and expert manpower.

A welcome pavilion

Our famous man made chocolate hills inside Zoocolate Thrills

We have three Siberian tigers inside Zoocolate Thrills and planning to add more

Our friendly guides

This is Tarsi and can only be found at the island of Bohol. We are conservationist and making sure that we are doing what is best to all our species with vets and experts at Zoocolate Thrills.

As an environmentalist and an advocate of human rights, I need to make sure that work is not just business. Well for me since then, work is personal.Animals and the different species I encountered  and taking care of are as delicate as handling my own babies. I might not be perfect or expert in this field, I am not even a vet but I know about rights and yes, my friends have proofs that I will not stop just to prove what is right. At Zoocolate Thrills we have our own Veterinary Doctor checking the animals, we have a curator and zookeepers to make sure they are all in good health.

A press conference was held last February 21, 2013 to introduce our 10 events for this year.

To start with, yes, here is the biggest and Bohol's world class theme park with International standard. This 5 hectares zoological parks is a home for 24 species and we are still planning to add some more. Plans include Zip lines, cable cars

Zoocolate Thrills is the newest theme park from Zoomanity Group under Yupangco Group of Companies (zoomanity.com.ph). 

We own 6 parks like our amazing Zoobic Safari at Subic, Pampanga, Zoocobia at Clark, Pampanga, Residence Inn and Paradizoo at Tagaytay, Cavite, Z Planet and Virtual zoo at Manila. In rediscovering the famous Chocolate Hills and our Loboc River, our team offers different activities for this year and the developments we have to sustain and continuesly develop a world class Zoocolate Thrills at Bohol with a tour to view the biggest and largest Zoological park and International standard developments.

We don't like cages 

2013 Zoocolate Thrills activities (Starting on March 20 and every 20th of the month)

1.  Meet Hello Tiggy

2.  Zoocolate Thrills Zooperb!Chocolate Hills replica

3. ZooMajestic Greyhound race

4. ZooBearcat photo contest

5. ZooM! Loboc

6.  ZooOrganic farming

7. ZooSweet kisses

8. Our Pride for Bohol

9. ZooSpectacular Bird show 

10. Choco loco Animals parade

The biggest bird; Ostrich

Silky Chickens

Our famous Tram

Bearcat

Horseback riding is available at Zoocolate Thrills

Souvenir shop

Burmese Phyton with our curator

This is Hello Tiggy, our 1 year old Siberian Tiger and ready to have a photo opts with you

So join us and let's all make one green theme park. 

For travel and tour and complete package.

Contact:

Grace Nicolas at 

M:  09213191471

E:   gracenicolas@yahoo.com

One Green Theme Park

The visionary behind the success of different Zoo and more than 30 businesses around the Philippines is no other than the grandson of a former President or a nephew of a former vice president of the Philippines. Mr. Robert Laurel Yupangco of the Yupangco Group of Companies who handles the Zoomanity Group (Zoobic Safari at Subic, Zoocobia at Clark, Zoocolate Thrills at Bohol, Paradizoo at Mendez Cavite, Residence Inn at Tagaytay..) has a vision of one big green themed park in the Philippines or if the universe will permits at South East Asia.

An environmentalist and a hands on entrepreneur, Sir Robert or RLY is the man who empowered his employees for thinking outside the box. He likes each of his zoo to grow more on its own with its unique own identity. 

The vision does not stop with the present properties and businesses. From the current 6 zoo and 4 hotels, RLY is focus now to add more than 20 zoo in the near future and still scouting for 7 more locations to build different Japanese restaurants. He manage one Japanese restaurant inside Manila Polo Club. 

For this February, RLY will launch a vacation and travel packages for those who likes to take advantage of the discounted rates of his hotels and those who have kids for the zoo. The Green package with Three different rates will be presented with Php 250,000.00, 180,000.00 and 90,000.00 choices for each package with unlimited access to Zoomanity themed parks, 40 to 420 room nights and a free customized tablet for each successful client. Benefits from this packages ranges from 200k to 1.4M and will surely be a hit to travelers and tourist because of the big chunk of benefits. 

For 2013, the Zoomanity group prepared 100 events and inviting everyone from Paradizoo at Mendez, Cavite to Zoocolate Thrills at Looc, Bohol to enjoy different activities like Cable Car, Zip line, Horseback riding, photo ops with real tigers and white snakes among other things.

Join us and bring all your friends and lets all have one big green theme park. For travel and vacation packages from Php 120k to 699.00 just call or text 09213191471. 

PARADIZOO: POWER OF THREE “Celebrate the Fruits of Agriculture Industry”

Experience one of the celebrated events in the field of agriculture as Paradizoo re-unfold the annual “Power of Three" (floral, vegetable and agri-livestock fair). From January 19 to March 3develop and enjoy your understanding towards agriculture as they will exhibit and display farm produce, sale and auction of livestocks (imported breeds of goats for milk and meat, sheep, several pig breeds animal feed, and a lot more). There will be briefings, discussions on breeding programs and free seminar on livestock care.

                                                             At Residence Inn Tagaytay

Get a chance to interact with animals and know the basics of farming from Feb 16 to Feb 22 in Veggie Festival and Feb 23 to March 3 in Livestock Festival. And once you get to know how to milk a goat, ride the horse, and witness a chicken lay an egg, or plant a coffee, cabbage or flower you can opt to buy the farm produce product. Also enjoy an entertaining presentation in aGoat Show and join one eco-friendly act, the HaribonFoundation Tree Planting Feb 23, 2013. And enjoy mouth-watering dairy products in Milk and Cheese Festival on March 2 and 3.

Be mesmerized to variety of breathtaking floral designs, formal hedges and topiary during Flower Festival starting Jan 19 up to Feb 15. Witness a stunning haven of farm and garden everyone would wish to experience. Additional eye-catching scenery is the Bonsai Preview and Flower Arrangement Demo that highlights the aesthetic beauty of plant art.

Manila Standard Columnist and DSWP Chair Beth Angsio co, 2nd District of Laguna Board Member Neil Andrew Nocon and me at Paradizoo

At Residence Inn tagaytay. Enjoying the Zipline

 Let's go to Bohol this time

                                                             At Residence Inn Tagaytay

Celebrate the Year of the Snake with a bang on February 10asParadizoo gives you full blast Chinese New Year Experience.  Watch and be amazed with the Snake Show, Fire Dance andSky Lantern. Have a prosperous year ahead by consulting the different Fortune Teller, Feng Shui Expert and Astrologist on site and have your wish cast in Paper Money Burning.

Located in Mendez, Cavite, Paradizoo is ideal for picnics, educational field trips, outdoor and group outing programs. It is a fascinating paradise with soothing beauty of its flora and fauna. Have a taste of this magnificent theme farm with its latest attractions. Be part of the opening of Noah’s Ark, a comforting means of expressing a lasting tribute to your pet by selecting a burial vault and permanent marker in marble or granite. And have a sneak preview of Wedding

Actor Chuckie Dreyfus and the only Voice Master Pocholo De Leon Gonzales at Residence Inn Tagaytay

Pavilion and Boot Camplaunching.

This would be one fruitful experience you surely wouldn’t want to miss. So for those who yearn to have this wonderful experience, you can visit our website at www.zoomanity.com.phfor details or call us at telephone numbers 8999828 or 08.