Event Geek

Your Cebu Events Guide! Certified Event Geek!

Dear Graduate, would you rather QWERTY or Touch?

3:11 AM

Vernon Joseph Go

Celebrate your successful finish in the academe with the best reward possible: a Nokia handset! For this year’s graduates, the global leader in mobile communications presents the latest mobile offerings to help you get started in the professional world, keep you connected to the things that matter most to you, and will suit your preference and budget.

Explore your horizons with touch screen smartphones

Aim for success with Nokia 700, the most compact touch screen monoblock smartphone in the world, with 1 Ghz processor, 3.2-inch AMOLED screen ClearBlack display, 2GB of internal memory, HD video capture and a 5 megapixel full focus camera with LED flash. It is also Nokia’s most eco-friendly smartphone, which boasts of a long battery life and uses eco-friendly materials and features to minimize battery consumption. It is priced at PhP13,450.

Get a head start at work without the high price with the Nokia 500. For only PhP8,290, this entry-level colorful smartphone offers high quality and fast performance thanks to its 1 GHz processor. It also boasts of a 5-megapixel camera, HD video, great music and entertainment experiences with HD TV connectivity, preloaded Nokia Maps, and free turn-by-turn navigation.

Take a chance with a QWERTY-Touch smartphone

At only PhP6,290, you can get the best of both QWERTY and touch with the Nokia Asha 303. Enjoy a full QWERTY keyboard for fast texting, chatting and typing in your social networks, and breeze through the web and access your apps with its exceptionally responsive touch screen. Experience fast and convenient connectivity with its 1 GHz processor and the latest 3.5G and Wi-Fi support that allows you to access your social networks, chat and mail more easily. And with its dedicated music key for instant access to playlist, and preloaded apps like Angry Birds Lite, you will always be entertained.

Gear up with the latest QWERTY phones

Stay social and connected with the new Nokia Asha 302, a premium quality QWERTY phone that offers great functionality and powerful performance at only PhP5,290. It supports Mail for Exchange and other great messaging features to help you manage your email, calendar and contacts wherever you go. You can also connect to popular social networks like Facebook, and chat through WhatsApp and other IM services. You can also enjoy faster, better and more affordable access to the Internet with the Nokia Browser.

Enjoy the freedom and convenience of staying in touch with the Nokia Asha 200. Type with ease using its QWERTY keypad and access your favorite email accounts, chat quickly and update Facebook and other social networks, and download music, apps and games directly to your phone. Conveniently change SIM cards with the Easy Swap Dual SIM feature for maximum network coverage. You can do all these for only PhP3,500.

With these great new smartphones and feature phones from Nokia, you will definitely have the best commemorative gift for your educational achievement.

Skechers GOrun launches mid-foot strike running clinic in Cebu

11:19 PM

Vernon Joseph Go

Skechers GOrun introduced Running Essentials to Cebu last March 24, 2012 at the Activity Center of Ayala Center Cebu after two successful legs in Manila last February 18 and March 3, 2012 at Skechers Market! Market!

Fitness Expert Michelle Estuar and her team of ultrarunners led the free clinic with the aim of teaching runners proper running technique particularly mid-foot striking.

According to Estuar, “observing good running techniques is extremely important for every runner. These techniques allow runners to enjoy every run as they are able to improve their overall performance and lessen injuries that will keep them off the road.”

Estuar also shared some of the most important techniques that runners should remember. Below are helpful tips that beginners and professionals runners can keep in mind to enjoy a great run:

Warm up, cool down and stretch - Before and after the start of any run, be sure to engage in warm-up exercises. If muscles are properly warmed up, the strain on muscles, tendons, and joints is reduced. A combination of sustained and steady stretches, not forced, is perfect to help loosen the muscles.
Check your upper body - Make sure to maintain good posture while running by keeping your shoulders back and down and keeping your body upright. A good posture enables the lungs to expand fully and in turn, allows you to breathe deeply.
Be aware of your breathing- Whether you’re a leisure or professional runner, proper breathing can have a significant effect on your performance. Relaxation breathing can help a runner because this type of controlled breathing eases muscle tension, helps your limbs move smoother and increases the oxygen your muscles get.
Check your leg and foot technique - A common mistake among runners is to heel strike. Such style of running is not only inefficient, but generates sudden and large impact that in the long run affects the knees and muscles. Runners must gradually adapt to mid-foot strike by letting the toes touch the ground gently, the heel landing softly and immediately push off from the ground.

To help runners easily transition to mid-foot strike, they can now lace up a pair of Skechers GOrun – a new minimalistic lightweight shoe line that integrates the revolutionary mid-foot strike technology.

Skechers GOrun’s mid-foot strike technology is designed to enhance the natural running performance of runners by positioning the body for an efficient mid-foot strike so that you run faster, stronger and longer.

By keeping these basic tips in mind and sporting on a pair of Skechers GOrun, runners can definitely feel the big difference in their performance as they can now run longer, faster and stronger. This event is also sponsored by Globe, 100 Plus, Vitamilk, Cherifer Premium, Futuro, Gerry’s Grill and Chris Sports, with media partners Juice,ph, Takbo.ph, Cebu Bloggers Society, Inc. and other running blogger friends.

Skechers GOrun also gave runners a chance to try out the new lightweight running shoe at their booth in the Globe Run 4 Home event held last March 25, 2012 at the Cebu International Convention Center.

To get updates on upcoming Running Essentials events, check out www.facebook.com/SkechersFitnessPhilippines. For more information on Skechers GO Run, visit www.skechers.com.ph/gorun or simply drop by the Skechers store at 2nd Level, Active Zone, Ayala Center Cebu.

Globe is exclusive carrier of Lumia 800 smartphone, Nokia’s first Windows-enabled device

3:01 AM

Vernon Joseph Go

Globe Telecom announced that it is the exclusive Philippine carrier of Nokia Lumia 800, Nokia’s latest smartphone device that runs on the Windows platform, featuring Internet Explorer 9, free maps and voice-guided navigation services, and free image and file storage.

Globe subscribers can avail of the Nokia Lumia 800 for only P1,499* a month, complete with unlimited mobile browsing and the most affordable call and text freebies that are changeable monthly**. With Globe My Super Plan Unli Surf Combo, the country’s only customizable unlimited data plan, Globe provides users with uninterrupted surfing, their gadget of choice, monthly load, and freebies all in one subscription. The Nokia Lumia 800 is also offered at minimum cash-out for lower plans.

Nokia Lumia 800 is part of Nokia’s latest portfolio of smartphones, boasting a 16GB memory + 5GB in SkyDrive, 3.7 AMOLED clear black display, 8MP auto-focus camera with HD video recording, corning ®Gorilla glass screen and Carl Zeiss lens, and comes in Cyan and Black colors.

“We are very happy to have partnered once again with Globe in distributing our latest innovation, the Nokia Lumia 800, in the Philippines. The stunningly social Nokia Lumia 800 brings content to life with its head-turning design, Nokia’s best social and internet experience, and familiar Nokia elements such as leading imaging capabilities and new signature experiences,” said Dharmesh Goshalia, General Manager and Head of Sales for Nokia Philippines.

Martha Sazon, Head for Globe Postpaid, added, “We thank Nokia for making us the exclusive carrier of Nokia Lumia 800 in the country. This latest smartphone is best paired with our customizable My Super Plan UnliSurf Combo Plans, which provide users with unlimited and worry-free mobile browsing, call and text freebies plus boosters to boot. And with the Globe Guarantee, subscribers are assured they will never experience bill shock ever again because they will never pay more than P999 as long as they are registered to any of our data plans. On top of that, we guarantee 24/7 access to all our customer service channels and after-sales support for the devices. Truly, Globe and Nokia allow customers to create their own postpaid plan to pair with the most advanced smartphone devices, the way they want.”

Pre-orders begin on March 26, 2012 via www.globe.com.ph/nokialumia. New subscribers can call the Globe Sales Hotline via toll-free number (02) 730-1010 or visit www.globe.com.ph/nokialumia to place their orders. For Platinum subscribers, they can get in touch with their Relationship Managers for reservations. Regular selling in Globe Stores nationwide and pre-order deliveries will start April 16, 2012.

* With Globe UnliSurf Combo Plan 999, cashout of P12,000 a month via 0% 24-months installment payment with a credit card.

**Also includes 1 freebie from any of the following: free 10 mins calls and 200 texts to Globe/TM, free 5 mins calls and 25 texts to other networks, free 20 mins international calls and 10 international texts to 10 destinations, and free unli call and text to 1 Globe/TM number.

Nokia and Microsoft launch Windows phone

3:00 AM

Vernon Joseph Go

San Remigio Beach Club ideal Holy Week retreat

4:08 AM

Vernon Joseph Go

Nokia calls on music enthusiasts to join regional ringtones contest

4:03 AM

Vernon Joseph Go

Would you like your own composition to be featured in millions of Nokia phones around the world?

You now have the chance as Nokia, the global leader in mobile communicaitons, launches Regional Ringtones, Designed by You, a regional crowdsourcing competition for people to create ringtones that are relevant to their specific regions.

Nokia believes in the importance of a thriving local music culture while providing locally relevant content to its customers around the world. Nokia prides itself on maintaining this principle and drive over the years, and now Nokia is empowering everyone to have a shot at creating these ringtones for themselves, and giving participants a unique opportunity to have their work featured on millions of Nokia handsets.

"Nokia has been providing locally relevant content for nearly a decade now, so offering ringtones based on music styles and instruments that are specific to a certain region is not new to us. Feedback for the local ringtone offering has been positive, based on us testing those ringtones within the regions they were targeted at," said Henry Daw, from Nokia’s Sound Design team.

Together with Audio Draft, a group that organizes sound design contests and helps companies outsource their audio productions, Nokia introduces the competition in five different regions – China, India, Southeast Asia and Pacific, Middle East and Africa as well as Latin America.

Each of these regions will have five winning ringtones to be determined by the Nokia Sound Design team, who is looking for ringtones that are first and foremost original and should not resemble the classic Nokia tune. The judging team also wants to hear tones that are upbeat, engaging and exciting and that are not longer than 30 seconds.

“The secret is to be bold and creative,” Henry Daw said.

The winning ringtones will be included in the ringtone selection on certain Nokia phones and their creators will also receive a cash prize of USD 1,500 each.

If you are interested in joining, you may visit the competition website for South East Asia and Pacific and simply register as a user. You may then submit your entry anytime from March 20 to April 17, 2012.

The Nokia Sound Design team will listen to all the entries and will select the winners on April 24. Everyone is also encouraged to visit the competition sites and rate the entries throughout the duration of the contest.

For more information, you may visit http://www.audiodraft.com/contests/nokia/southeastasiapacific

Globe Business promotes IPv6 adaptation in PH

10:06 AM

Vernon Joseph Go

As part of its relentless commitment to business continuity and providing seamless Internet experience to its customers, Globe Business steps-up efforts to fast-track the adaptation of Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6) in the country, in a move that reflects the growing importance of the new protocol as the current IPv4 addresses being used to connect to the Internet are facing near exhaustion.

IPv6 is the next generation of Internet addresses. It supports longer and a vastly larger amount of IP addresses than its predecessor, IPv4, which is facing shortage worldwide, with the last block of the 4.3 billion IPv4 addresses assigned in February 2011.

“In coming years we expect that IPv6 will become the norm and customers will need to adapt to the new IP. It’s not a question of whether you move to it; it’s a requirement. If you don’t, over time, you will run the risk of not being able to talk to parts of the internet. However in the early phases of the transition, we’ll be working directly with customers to support them as they make this change and to ensure a smooth transition to the new IP for continuous Internet access through our IPv6 fora,” said Achie Atienza, Globe Business Product Manager for Internet.

Globe Business has spearheaded learning sessions on IPv6, led by Bayani Lara of the Advanced Science & Technology Institute, Zwicky Cheung of Tata Communications, Mar Apuhin of Cisco, John Delizo, of UST Global and Microsoft’s Most Valuable Professional awardee, and Rick Lowe of R Lowe Services, Inc. The resource speakers highlighted the government’s initiatives on IPv6, global deployment, actual applications and the joint initiatives of Globe and its partners on how to enable businesses towards IPv6 connectivity.

IPv6 can accommodate the immensely growing number of users, devices with wireless or wired access, and web services on the Internet. Major internet companies including Google and Facebook are to enable IPv6 on their websites permanently on June 6, 2012 as part of a transition being orchestrated by a group called the Internet Society. To date, IPv6 represents just one percent of global network traffic.

“While other Internet service providers around the world are still considering the transition to IPv6, Globe is very much prepared to make the move and supports its early adoption in the Philippines. Enterprises can expect a smooth transition as Globe is now 100 percent IPv6 ready,” added Grace Jarin-Castillo, Head of the Enterprise Segments of Globe Business.

As early as mid-2011, the core IP network of Globe has been IPv6-ready, and more than able to provide seamless Internet experience to its customers and will enable enterprise customers to have more public IP addresses to allocate within their organization. Because Globe employed dual stacking IPv4 and IPv6 in its network, enterprises have access to both IPv4 and IPv6 sites on the Internet as infrastructure is capable of transporting both types of traffic.

Unilab Ideas Positive Youth Competition for a Healthier PH

9:45 AM

Vernon Joseph Go

The first WEALTH of a person is HEALTH. If a child is sick or is receiving poor nutrition, no matter how gifted that child is or even a genius child could no excel if one doesn't receive the right form of nutritional support. Aside from that, proper knowledge in the masses about health is also limited. This should not be the case since this is the future generation that we are talking about and they must be well supported for the future of our nation.

Truly we live in very interesting times, not only our nutrition and health are somewhat intertwined with the problems of community hygiene, education and food but also, with agriculture, environment and climate change. These issues we are facing in these interesting times cannot be solved by the same line of thought of the current generation of leaders and movers. This is where the youth must come in and help out in the problems in our community and what better way to show this by inviting young, enthusiastic students to share their creative ideas!

By partnering with more youth on this cause, the higher the chances of helping more communities become healthier and more productive. Fifteen communities all over the country will benefit from this expansion through the social marketing programs by 15 youth teams that will all receive PHP100,000 seed money for
the implementation of their ideas.

The groups will also be flown in to Manila, with free hotel accommodation, meals, and transportation, to attend a 3-day boot camp where they can learn social marketing approaches from a pool of experts through workshops and case studies.

This year, not only is the program expanding to cover more regions, but UNILAB is also giving more focus on outcomes. The reward for the best teams will only be after they have demonstrated that their positive ideas have resulted in positive outcomes for the community.

Interested college students can join by teaming up and registering at www.unilabideaspositive.com. Deadline for submission of entries is on April 16.

Exciting freebies, games and discounts in ‘It’s More Fun in the Philippines with Nokia’ Campaign

1:02 AM

Vernon Joseph Go

Thousands of Nokianatics and mobile phone users from key provinces all over the Philippines proved its more fun in the Philippines with the country’s leading mobile brand when they trooped to select malls as Nokia successfully put its own spin to the now-famous tourism campaign with exciting activities, freebies and treats.

“We share everyone’s excitement with the new tourism campaign, ‘It’s More Fun in the Philippines’ and we decided to inject our own twist to this campaign by bringing the Nokia experience to the provinces. With the Mall Tours we want to show the fun and exciting mobile lifestyle of Filipinos, enriched of course by Nokia,” said Dharmesh Goshalia, General Manager and Head of Sales of Nokia Philippines.

For this campaign, Nokia visited select malls in five provincial cities. The event kicked off at SM Pampanga, where Nokia launched an exciting promotion that had mallgoers and certified mobile phone lovers lining up to take first crack at the amazing deals up for grabs. For a whole month, freebies and treats such as 4GB flash disks, Nokia fans, pouch bags and memo kits will be given away to visitors who purchased Nokia 1280, Nokia 100, Nokia 101, Nokia C2-00, Nokia C2-03 and Nokia Asha 200 models at Nokia’s partner-establishments.

Apart from this exciting sale, Nokia also showed just how fun it is to be a Nokianatic with exclusive activities at the Nokia Kiosk such as SIM redemptions and activations, phone demos, postpaid selling, free consultation with Nokia Care and fun games that gave away exciting Nokia freebies.

Nokia also brought this “invasion” to four other malls in key provinces: SM Cebu, Gaisano Mall Davao, SM Baguio, and SM Calamba.

The Mall Tours aligned with the “It’s More Fun in the Philippines with Nokia” campaign that aims to showcase its most affordable phones with great mobile features. The campaign is in collaboration with Smart and Sun Cellular.

Hurry, visit the Nokia stores in the said malls until the end of March to have a taste of the fun with Nokia.

About Nokia

Nokia is a global leader in mobile communications whose products have become an integral part of the lives of people around the world. Every day, more than 1.3 billion people use their Nokia to capture and share experiences, access information, find their way or simply to speak to one another. Nokia’s technological and design innovations have made its brand one of the most recognized in the world. For more information, visit http://www.nokia.com.ph.

New Globe offer to further drive Facebook penetration in PH

1:00 AM

Vernon Joseph Go

Poised to increase usage of Facebook among Filipinos, Globe Telecom unveiled its newest offer that provides users with unlimited access to the social networking site via their mobile phones at an affordable price.

Exclusively available to Globe Prepaid subscribers, Globe SuperFB is a mobile internet plan for Facebook users who are always on the go. Accessible via m.facebook.com for internet-enabled mobile phones*, the service allows users to browse through their Facebook accounts to post status and comments, add friends, upload and tag photos, and more. TM subscribers can avail of the promo via the AstigFB offer.

Globe SuperFB and AstigFB offers are available for only P10 and valid for an entire day of unlimited use. At less than P0.50 per hour, this is one of the most affordable mobile internet plans in the market today.

With these new offers, Globe targets to exponentially grow its mobile browsing subscriber base by end of the year. The company has recently been cited as the most popular service provider for mobile internet in the Yahoo! Net Index 2011.

The Philippines ranks 8^th in the world with the most number of Facebook users, with over 27 million Filipinos accessing the social networking site. Online penetration has been recorded at over 92%, which means that out of 10 Filipinos who have access to the World Wide Web, 9 users have Facebook accounts.

“Globe continues to make the mobile phone Filipinos’ primary source of social interaction, entertainment, and information. With our new Facebook mobile offers, we are bringing the world’s favorite social networking site closer to Filipinos, complete with a worry-free experience. You don’t need to wait until you’re home with your PC or laptop or constantly search for Wi-Fi just to be Facebook-connected. Get full-day Facebook access at a cost within reach with Globe SuperFB and AstigFB,” shared Joanna Africa, Head for Portfolio Management of Globe.

To avail of the offer, Globe Prepaid subscribers can dial *143#, the company’s newest service that allows subscribers to easily register to various Globe promos without having to memorize keywords. TM subscribers can register by texting ASTIGFB10 to 8888.

*Except for BlackBerry and those using Opera Mini-Browser as internet browser

Nokia sweeps top awards at GSMA Mobile World Congress 2012

12:56 AM

Vernon Joseph Go

Nokia proves once more that it remains a global leader in mobile communications with prestigious awards won at the recent GSMA Mobile World Congress 2012 held at Fira Montjuïc, in Barcelona, Spain.

The GSMA Mobile World Congress is the world’s largest annual trade show in the mobile industry that brings together industry leaders, key players, mobile operators, device manufacturers, technology providers, vendors and content owners worldwide to showcase the latest in mobile technology through exhibitions and conferences provide a venue for participants to collaborate and network to strengthen and explore high-growth opportunities in the mobile phone business.

This year’s GSMA Mobile World Congress featured the theme “Redefining Mobile,” which showcased how mobiles, now more than just a mere communication device, have innovated the world today through its various uses – now serving as books, health monitors, payment transfer devices, social connectors and tour guides. This year’s theme also offered a glimpse into where mobile has the potential to go next.

One of the highlights of the event was the Global Mobile Awards, which recognized the greatest, most creative and innovative products and services driving the mobile ecosystem today and into the future.

At the Global Mobile Awards, Nokia scooped the prestigious Best New Mobile Handset, Device or Tablet Award for the new Nokia 808 PureView. The first smartphone to feature Nokia’s exclusive new PureView technology, Nokia 808 PureView features a revolutionary 41-megapixel camera with the highest performance Carl Zeiss optics to date, redefining the quality of today’s camera phone photography.

This new cutting-edge smartphone also created quite a stir among visitors of the Nokia Booth at the Mobile World Congress. They raved about the Nokia 808’s PureView technology, which uses oversampling to combine up to seven pixels into one “pure” pixel to eliminate the visual noise found on other mobile phone cameras. On top of that, users can zoom in up to 3X without losing any of the details in the shot and without creating any artificially created pixels in the picture. The oversampling technology also allows for significantly improved low light performance than previous camera phones.

Apart from the prestigious award for the Nokia 808 PureView, Nokia likewise received more top awards at the GSMA Mobile World Congress 2012. Nokia was awarded Best Feature Phone for the Nokia C3-00; Tom’s Hardware Best of Show, Laptop Magazine’s Best Budget Smartphone, and Computer Active’s Best Windows Smartphone for the Nokia Lumia 610; and Computer Active’s Best Education Service Award for Nokia Mobile Education.

Through these international recognitions, Nokia is inspired even more to step up its game and bring more innovative handsets to the public. Explained Dharmesh Goshalia, General Manager and Head of Sales of Nokia Philippines: “The Nokia C3-00, introduced almost two years ago, continues to be a well-received product in the Philippines as it gives instant access to social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter. Filipinos can look forward in the next couple of months to the Nokia Lumia 610, our most affordable Lumia smartphone and the Nokia 808 PureView, featuring a high-resolution 41 megapixel sensor and high-performance Carl Zeiss optics.”

Globe eyes growth in BlackBerry usage in PH with new data plans

1:25 AM

Vernon Joseph Go

Globe Telecom is targeting further growth in BlackBerry® penetration in the Philippines with its new roster of unlimited data plans exclusive for BlackBerry users.

Globe recently launched an entire suite of BlackBerry plans that allow users to enjoy the various features of their BlackBerry devices, which include the BlackBerry® Messenger (BBM™), an instant messaging application that connects BBM users with each other wherever they are in the world.

Globe BlackBerry® Chat is the most affordable BlackBerry plan available in the market today that provides users unlimited access to BBM for as low as P99 or just over US$2 a month. Globe Postpaid subscribers using BlackBerry can enjoy the different features of BBM, including free 200 text messages to Globe/TM. Globe Prepaid subscribers can avail of the 1-day variant with unlimited BBM and 100 SMS to Globe and TM subscribers for only P15 a day.

As one of the largest social mobile networks globally with over 50 million users, BBM allows users to stay connected with friends and family wherever they are. With BBM, users can enjoy unlimited messaging and group chats, share photos, files and voice notes and get real-time confirmation when BBM messages are sent and read by their contacts.

Aside from Globe BlackBerry Chat, Globe offers an entire suite of BlackBerry plans fit for every BlackBerry user: Globe BlackBerry® Max offers unlimited surfing, social networking, e-mail, BBM, instant messaging, and streaming; Globe BlackBerry® Social provides users unlimited access to social networking, BBM, and instant messaging; while Globe BlackBerry Messaging is available for subscribers who are heavy e-mail users with their unlimited access to e-mail, BBM, and instant messaging.

Research In Motion’s (RIM) BlackBerry remains to be one of the most popular smartphones worldwide after the number of BlackBerry users surged to over 75 million as of end-2011, an increase of 35% from previous year’s levels.

“As a trusted partner of RIM since 2002, Globe is excited to offer an innovative portfolio of data plans to further boost the penetration of BlackBerry devices in the Philippines,” said Joanna Africa, Head for Portfolio Management of Globe. “With Globe, there is a BlackBerry plan for every user, with all plans bundled with unlimited access to BBM, one of the most popular features of BlackBerry. We look forward to a more fruitful partnership with RIM in bringing the BlackBerry experience to more Filipinos in the next few years.”

For more details on the different Globe BlackBerry plans, visit www.surf.globe.com.ph or text BB INFO to 8888.

Globe Run4Home 2012 races responsibly

2:02 AM

Vernon Joseph Go

Now on its fourth year, the much-awaited Globe Run4Home has always been known for its socially responsible component. Proceeds of the fun runs in the last three years have been donated to partner beneficiaries with missions to attend to the society’s need for quality homes.

Turning corporate accountability up several notches higher, Globe Run4Home 2012 welcomes and seeks to comply with the set of race coordination guidelines that has recently been created for the local government of Cebu City. A group of race organizers, Cebu City Sports Commission, and Cebu City Traffic Operations Management got together to ideate on the various parameters that will now be required of race organizers in an effort to protect runners from fly-by-night schemes.

“We understand – and fully agree – that the journey to the finish line is still part of the entire socially responsible experience. As such, we are delighted to have the expert assistance of Event King, Inc. in putting Globe Run4Home 2012 together. We excitedly look forward to the learning, relationships, and fun that we know Cebu will add to the history of Run4Home,” said Yoly C. Crisanto, Globe Head for Corporate Communications.

Powered by ethical partnerships

Established in 2004, EventKing Corporation boasts of an extensive portfolio that that are national and international in scope. Their end-to-end services include conceptualization, development, sponsorship sales, implementation, documentation, feedback, and evaluation.

“We admire the passion and unwavering commitment of Globe to serve communities in need through Run 4 Home. Globe Run4Home has gained a steady following through the years not only because of the purpose their individual runs serve but also because of the actual service each runner has been given. As Globe’s official race partner, we look forward to upholding, if not improving, the fun run experience this coming race,” said Michael James Galura, president of EventKing Corporation.

Proceeds from Globe Run4Home 2012 will be channeled to four non-government organizations -- Gawad Kalinga (GK), Habitat for Humanity Philippines (HFHP), Cebu Biodiversity Conservation Foundation (CBCF) and Philippine Tarsier Foundation, Inc. (PTF). GK and HFHP both aim to provide housing development projects for their respective communities nationwide. Urgent assistance will also be given to the victims of recent catastrophe Typhoon Sendong.

On the other hand, CBCF strives to empower the communities of key biodiversity areas with transformative solutions for taking being accountable for their wealthy ecosystems. On a similar environmental note, Philippine Tarsier Foundation Nature preserves the habitat of the endemic yet world-renowned tarsier. Nature, after all, is everyone’s common home.

Race details

Registration rates for Globe Run4Home are at its most affordable this year.

Registration fees per category are P300 for 3K, P400 for 5k, P500 for 10K, P600 for 15K, and P700 for 21K. The registration fee of the 21k category includes race shirts in various sizes, race bib number, timing chip, and finisher’s medal.

Registration is ongoing at Paseo de Ciudad, 1^st level, Ayala Center, Cebu City and via www.globe.com.ph/run. Globe Run4Home 2012 is supported by Alaska, Gatorade, Summit Natural Drinking Water, Airphil Express, Marriot Hotel Cebu, McDonald’s, Timex, and Trends & Technologies.

RAFI to award winners, finalists of Triennial Awards

1:58 AM

Vernon Joseph Go

After three years of nomination, extensive screening, and validation, two winners out of 10 finalists will be honored during the 5th Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) Triennial Awards on Mar. 22 at Marco Polo Plaza.

The winners will receive a trophy, cash prize of not less than P400,000, and the opportunity to travel in the Visayas and Mindanao to share expertise to various groups.

The RAFI Triennial Awards is the premier service and humanitarian award in the Visayas and Mindanao, which recognize the philanthropic, humanitarian, and holistic efforts of individuals and institutions in enhancing the quality of life of various groups and communities.

Five finalists vied for each of the awards category—the Ramon Aboitiz Award for Exemplary Individual and Eduardo Aboitiz Award for Outstanding Institution. They are Fr. Angelo Buenavides, Prof. Estrella Cantallopez, Apolinario Leyson Sr., Fr. Dennis Tamayo, and Rene Vendiola for the individual cateogory, and Agri-Aqua Development Coalition Mindanao Inc., Alternative Indigenous Development Foundation Inc., Negros Women for Tomorrow Foundation Inc., SOS Children’s Villages Philippines, and The Great Physician Rehabilitation Foundation for the institution category.

These finalists were selected by an independent search committee composed of distinguished representatives from the academe, private sector, and civil society. They are Island Souvenirs President Jonathan Jay Aldeguer, The Freeman and The Philippine Star Columnist and “Straight from the Sky” Host Valeriano “Bobit” Avila, Marcellin Foundation Inc. Founder Brother Crispin P. Betita, University of the Philippines-Tacloban College Dean and Guiuan Development Foundation Inc. Founder and Executive Director Margarita dela Cruz, and Mag-uugmad Foundation Inc. Executive Director Leonardo Moneva.

The Search Committee is chaired by dela Cruz who was an individual category finalist for the 3^rd RAFI Triennial Awards and a member of the 4^th RAFI Triennial Awards Search Committee.

The selection process starts when individuals and institutions are nominated for the RAFI Triennial Awards. The search committee validates each nominee in the Visayas and Mindanao before the short-listed nominees are screened by the RAFI Board of Trustees to determine the final awardees.

The RAFI Triennial Awards was launched in Dec. 6, 1996 during the 39th anniversary of the foundation to commemorate the philanthropic, humanitarian, and holistic ideals of RAFI founders Don Ramon Aboitiz and his son Don Eduardo Aboitiz. It is now on its 15th year this year, which is also the 45^th year of RAFI.

It is one of the awards capabilities of RAFI, recognizing individuals and institutions that go the extra mile in bringing about change and in uplifting the quality of life of communities.

For more information about the RAFI Triennial Awards, please contact (032) 418-7234 loc. 105 and look for Cathy Margate, or visit www.rafi.org.ph or www.facebook.com/rafi.org.ph.