PAL RAINE

Showing posts with label Davao Event. Show all posts

Hey there, bookworms! I am beyond thrilled to share the exciting news that the highly anticipated Big Bad Wolf Davao Book Sale 2023 has officially opened its doors! Get ready to immerse yourself in a world of literary wonders and embark on a thrilling adventure through the pages of countless books. This extraordinary event is a haven for all book enthusiasts, offering an extensive collection of titles that cater to every taste and preference. Whether you're a fan of a comic or anime character, a romance, or an adventure book, or you like to cook or are just a foodie enthusiast, BIG BAD WOLF has it all!

Let me share a little anecdote that left me feeling a tad blue. You see, when I didn't receive an invitation to the highly anticipated BBW Media Day, my heart sank. I couldn't help but wonder if I had somehow been inadvertently removed from their prestigious PR list. But,my goodness, I am absolutely thrilled to share the most exciting news with you all! Can you believe it? I recently had the most incredible stroke of luck when I received a divine email from the lovely Ms. Raye herself. She graciously extended an invitation for me to attend the highly anticipated BBW Davao Book Sale VIP Day. Can you even imagine the sheer joy and excitement that coursed through my veins upon reading those words? It was as if the universe had aligned just perfectly for this extraordinary opportunity to come my way. I am beyond grateful for this incredible chance to immerse myself in the world of books and indulge in the sheer bliss of literary treasures.

Upon receiving the email, I eagerly accepted the invitation. I couldn't contain my excitement when I received the invitation for the third time. I am thrilled to share that I have been chosen as one of the esteemed VIP guests for the grand opening of the BBW in Davao, taking place at the prestigious SMX Convention Center, SM Lanang, Davao City.

As I eagerly arrive at the venue, I find myself surrounded by a vast ocean of books. Although I wouldn't necessarily consider myself a book enthusiast, the sight of all these literary treasures fills me with a sense of anticipation. You see, I have a special plan in mind for this Christmas: I intend to gift my beloved nieces and nephews with a collection of delightful children's books.

RIBBON CUTTING

Two of the great individuals from BBW, Mr. Andrew Yap, co-founder of Big Bad Wolf Books, and Ms. Carol Chuaying, Philippine partner of BBW Books, delivered the opening remarks. His Excellency Dato'Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino bin Anthony, the Malaysian Ambassador to the Philippines, also delivered a motivational address.

The event was subsequently followed by the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, which was presided over by Mr. Andrew Yap, Ms. Carol Chuaying, and His Excellency Dato'Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino bin Anthony. Ms. Generose Tecson, the former head of Davao tourism and current manager of the vice president of the Davao satellite office, represented Vice President Sara Duterte, and Ms. Jennifer Romero, the newest OIC for Davao Tourism. Ms. Cherry Faye Banquil Al-ag, the spouse of Councilor Bernie Al-ag, along with several leaders of SM Lanang and other local organizations, are in attendance.

BIG BAD WOLF BOOK SALE 2023 IN DAVAO CITY IS NOW OPEN & IT'S FREE ADMISSION!

Don't waste another moment, my dear readers! It's time to embark on a delightful journey into the vast ocean of knowledge and imagination at the enchanting Big Bad Wolf Davao Book Sale. Prepare to be captivated as you immerse yourself in the boundless selection of literary treasures awaiting your discerning eye. Whether it be for yourself, your beloved ones, cherished friends, or even your precious godchildren, this is the perfect opportunity to discover and acquire the most exquisite books that will surely make this Christmas a truly unforgettable one. So, without further ado, let us set sail and indulge in the joy of selecting our favorite literary gems!

Mark your calendars because the highly anticipated BBW Book Sale is back and better than ever! From December 15 to 23, 2023, make your way to the stunning SMX Convention Center Function 1, nestled within the vibrant SM Lanang Premier. Prepare to be enchanted by a literary wonderland that awaits you from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Yes, you read that right! A whole 12 hours of bookish bliss, where you can immerse yourself in the world of words and lose track of time. It's a dream come true for all bookworms and literature enthusiasts out there! So, gather your fellow book lovers, grab your tote bags, and get ready to embark on a magical journey through the pages of countless books. Whether you're seeking a thrilling adventure, a heartwarming romance, or a thought-provoking non-fiction piece, the BBW Book Sale has got you covered.

Watch video here:

I was invited to attend the 7th anniversary of the first in-vitro fertilization (IVF) facility in Mindanao, which was hosted by In-Vitro Fertilization Davao, Inc. (IVF Davao), held on Sunday, October 23, at Lumpini Ballroom, Dusit D2 Hotel.

IVF Davao continues to celebrate life and help infertile parents realize dreams of parenthood. That's why, a mass and a reunion of children conceived through the IVF facility was one of the centerpieces of the daylong anniversary celebration held at the Waterfront Hotel.

Photo credit to Mr. Eli Villagonzalo of Elifestylemanila.com

Some parents talked about how IVF Davao helped them become parents, in addition to doing fun things with their families.

Welcome Message from Dr. JeanMarie Cabrera-Salvador
PRESIDENT - IVF DAVAO INC.

Photo credit to Mr. Eli Villagonzalo of Elifestylemanila.com

As of the year 2020, a total of 122 IVF babies, including twins, have been born.

Photo credit to Mr. Eli Villagonzalo of Elifestylemanila.com

I did not attend the event at the Waterfront Hotel, but I did attend the press conference at Dusit D2 Davao.

After the press conference, a lay discussion was held to talk about what causes infertility and bust some common myths about it. Speakers from IVF Davao and Merck Philippines were there to help.

Dr. Lourdes Cabling
IVF Davao Medical Director

"We are fulfilled to have been helping many families realize their dreams of having their own children through IVF technology," said Lourdes Cabling. "Throughout our seven-year history, we have welcomed many couples and helped them go through the parenthood journey with comfort, care, and utmost guidance."

IVF for Couples

Mr. Jomel Esperat and Dra. Dessa Marie Esperat, IVF Couple with their IVF Baby

IVF is a medical process in which egg and sperm cells collected from a couple are joined in a laboratory for fertilization. After about two weeks, the fertilized egg or embryo is put into the uterus of the woman to start a pregnancy.

IVF Davao was the very first in vitro fertilization center to open anywhere on the island of Mindanao. Before it opened in 2015, the majority of the country's in vitro fertilization facilities were located in Metro Manila and Cebu. IVF Davao has been offering fertility treatments, in vitro fertilization (IVF), and other forms of assisted reproductive technology not only to couples living in Davao and Mindanao, but also to would-be parents coming all the way from the Sulawesi region in Indonesia.

Egg freezing, sperm freezing, embryo freezing, testicular sperm extraction, intracytoplasmic sperm injection, and fertility counseling are some of the assisted reproductive technology treatments that may be obtained through IVF Davao. It offers treatment and care that is oriented toward the patient, and it is available to people of all ages. The facility has made various investments in various pieces of machinery in order to adopt the most recent fertility technology.

Mr. and Mrs. Esperat's accounts of IVF procedures and their ability to manage everything physically, emotionally, and financially have been enlightening. Given Dra. Esperat's comorbidity, the timeline they've traversed is incredibly remarkable. I am speechless after hearing about the suffering they have endured and how they have overcome it.

Reproductive expertise support

Mr. Henry Wilson
Managing Director and General Manager of Merck, Inc (MERCK)

"Merck is happy to support IVF Davao, which we consider as a milestone in itself in terms of making the technology available to more Filipino families. This is in line with our company's commitment to building families amd enabling many couples to achieve their dreams of becoming parents, " said Henry Wilson.

Merck Inc. is the Philippine affiliate of the global pharmaceutical firm Merck KGaA, a global market leader in fertility treatments. It has actively supported fertility health in the country by participating in lay discussions and dissiminating disease-related information. Through its JOURNEY TO PINOY PARENTHOOD page on Facebook, Merck helps increase public awareness about infertility and its related health issues.

Apart from infertility, Merck offers a variety of treatment options to challenge difficult diseases in the areas of immunology, oncology, and cardio metabolism, among other therapeutic areas.

During the panel questioning, I ask Mr. Wilson, "What Merck doing for patients and the public in the area of fertility?"

Here's an excerpt from his answer:

Infertility in Philippines

According to a 2011 study conducted by the market research firm Synovate, around 10% of Filipino couples are infertile. In 2004, the United Nations Development Program said that about 8 percent of couples in the Philippines were unable to have children.

Infertility is defined by the World Health Organization as not being able to get pregnant after 12 months or more of regular, unprotected sexual activity.

According to medical professionals, infertility is caused by various variables, including genetics, lifestyle, age, and a couple's overall health.

For more information, you may visit IVF Davao located at Brokenshire Women's Center Building, Brokenshire Hospital, Madapo Hills, Davao City. Or contact these numbers 082 298 0311 or 0927 2019568.

Every year in the month of August, the city of Davao hosts a festival known as Kadayawan. This event is a celebration of appreciation for the many blessings bestowed upon the city, including the wealth of culture, bounty of harvest, and tranquility of daily life. In addition to this, it honors and commemorates the 11 Tribes, who are a confederation of native people that currently reside in the city.

The origin of the word Kadayawan is Madayaw, which signifies precious, good, and outstanding.

The Kadayawan Festival of Davao began in 1986 as a collection of tribal festivals showcasing the thanksgiving traditions of Mindanao's indigenous tribes. Historically, Davao's ethnic communities residing at the base of Mount Apo would gather for a bountiful harvest.

Indak-Indak sa Kadalanan, Pamulak, or the floral float festival, and Hiyas sa Kadayawan are the three primary attractions of the celebration. In addition to this, the Kadayawan Tribal Village in Magsaysay Park and the Kadayawan 3D Mapping Light Show is a major tourist attraction.

The Kadayawan Tribal Village welcomed visitors for the first time on August 5 of this year. I was not present for the opening, but I did go to the location the next day, and I was astounded by the modifications that had been done to the village. In comparison to the past, they now enjoy a significantly larger and superior space.

11 Tribes of Davao City are Ata, Bagobo Klata, Bagobo Tagabawa, Obu-Manuvu, Matigsalog comprising the lumad peoples, then the Moro groups consisting of the Tausug, Sama, Iranun, Maguindanaoan, Maranao and the Kagan peoples.

LUMAD

ATA TRIBE

BAGOBO-KLATA TRIBE

BAGOBO TAGABAWA

OBU-MANUVU TRIBE

MATIGSALUG TRIBE

MORO GROUPS

TAUSUG TRIBE

SAMA TRIBE

IRANUN TRIBE

MAGUINDANAOAN TRIBE

MARANAO TRIBE

KAGAN TRIBE

Kadayawan Tribal Village at night.

I was able to catch a glimpse of the Hiyas sa Kadayawan Talent Presentation event on that same day. But I have to get going early since I don't want to miss the 3D Mapping that will be taking place at the Davao City Hall.

The 3D Mapping Light Show is one of the attractions in Kadayawan that you absolutely cannot miss. Not only does it provide interesting information about the history of Kadayawan, but it also highlights the development that our city has undergone over the course of the past years.

The "Kadayawan Festival" is a celebration of Davao's commitment to preserving its legacy. Festivities showcasing Davao's rich local culture, accompanied by an upbeat atmosphere, make the festival a must-visit for both locals and tourists.

Next week, we will be holding our Misa Pasasalamat and Pag-abli sa Kadayawan or the Official Opening of Kadayawan Festival 2022 with the theme: "KASIKAS SA KADAYAWAN," which will be held at Bantawan Amphitheatre in Magsaysay Park.

There are countless opportunities to learn about and celebrate LGBTQ+ culture throughout the year. Some of these celebrations are planned by the LGBTQ+ community as a whole, while others are arranged by groups. And I am quite honored to have been asked by PROJECT DYESABEL to attend one of Davao's LGBTQ+ Community events on June 26, 2022, which highlighted the Sama Dilaut Bajao community residing in Matina Aplaya, Davao City.

Formerly known as Ateneo de Davao University Dyesebel, PROJECT DYESABEL has a new moniker. A social and civic club were created in 2018. As they continue to aid and serve our Bajao brothers and sisters, they have become one of the most active non-profit, Bajau- and youth-led organizations in Davao, collaborating with the Badjao community in Matina Aplaya on environmental projects.

Education and Training, Sustainable Livelihood, Research and Innovation, Good Governance, and Culture and Arts are DYESABEL Inc.'s five core advocacy areas. Since 2018, it has undergone three major changes:

At #WorldEnvironmentDay last June 5, 2018, the founder spotted the Bajaus diving into plastic-filled waters, which inspired the campaign's first makeover on #BeatPlasticPollutionDay. "Project Dyesable" intends to provide the kids (Php 10 each) dyes in exchange for them picking up garbage at the sea so that they might be able to do their part to protect our environment. Symbolically, their gesture is similar to that of the Filipino mermaid "Dyesabel" from a well-known Philippine television series.
During the second change, they learned that paying kids to pick up trashes is a band-aid approach to a systemic problem. Dysabel is a Bajau mermaid that took on human form in order to spread awareness about the degradation of our oceans. A storytelling session for children and a discussion with their parents/grandparents were used to enhance our educational initiatives in coastal areas.
For this reason, they chose to co-create the organization as a Bajau and youth-led organization so that our marine indigenous peoples "Sama Dilaut," or Bajaus, as well as the young, could engage and lead efforts to mainstream inclusivity in conservation activities. Last April 2021, DYESABEL Inc. became an SEC-registered company.

𝗺𝘂𝗦𝗘𝗔𝗸𝗮𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟮: 𝗙𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗲𝘁

Last June 26, Project Dyesabel held an event called muSEAkahan 2022: FOUR the PEOPLE and the PLANET to commemorate their fourth anniversary of founding and to raise money for community members who have been forced to leave their homes due to coastal road construction, while also promoting the organization's core mission of assisting the Sama Dilaut Bajao Community.

Sama Dilaut Bajao Community together
with the Project Dyesabel Organizer

Some of the CULTURED PEARL for sale during the event

A music concert was held in order to show support for the Bajao community. After two years of only holding the celebration online, they decided that they wanted this year's event to be more interactive and exciting than the previous two. To do this, they asked stars from Davao to perform in front of real audiences while holding an online live streaming event at the same time.

At the event, local businesses were given support, and Sama-Bajau goods and ways of making a living were displayed for the duration of the whole day. In the evening, as part of the socialization process, there are special concerts put on by local artists from Davao.

The following are some of the more memorable photos that I was able to photograph.

A Facebook Live Stream of the concert was also made available for those who were not able to attend the performance in person. But the outpouring of funds they receive from those who support their advocacy after the event is what really counts to them.

THE ADVOCACY

To live in harmony with nature, Project Dyesabel promotes sustainable management of our natural resources as the top priority for a sustainable lifestyle.

Plastics make up the majority of the garbage and marine debris that is found in our oceans and along our shores. This problem occurs on an annual basis and results in tons of waste and damage. Plastics pose a significant threat to marine life, and they are responsible for the deaths of birds, turtles, whales, and an incredible number of fish in our ocean. This debris in the ocean is a major contributor to pollution, which has a negative impact not only on human health but also on the health of marine life and the economies of coastal communities. By collecting trash that has washed up on shore and that has been left by visitors, this coastal clean-up program encourages everyone to come to our beaches and help limit this problem.

The fact that CLIMATE CHANGE has emerged as a topic of intense interest in modern times, particularly across all forms of social media, my mind jumped to the question of whether or not the programs and campaigns to clean up the coast were successful. After a long pause, I started by saying that the ocean is an important part of our lives and that water covers about 70% of the earth's surface.

The ocean is a very important factor in the fight against climate change. Almost half of the carbon dioxide (CO2) that is made when fossil fuels are burned is taken up by the ocean. This is because the ocean is one of the best natural places to store carbon. The contamination of the ocean is a significant contributor to the problems facing it today. It is not a myth. Wastes such as plastics, chemical runoffs, crude oil, and other potentially harmful substances are dumped, pumped, spilt, and leaked into bodies of water. Some of them are even removed when we do the laundry.

Plastic pollution is prevalent in areas where the local waste management techniques are ineffective and where there is a considerable quantity of improperly managed waste that has the potential to infiltrate rivers and the ocean. Both of these things may be seen in the biggest cities in our country.

For this reason, Project Dyesabel has come up with this advocacy to help aid in the cleansing of our coastal areas and plant trees for the improvement of the environment. The first step in taking action to create a cleaner and more sustainable world is realizing that marine pollution is a problem that has to be addressed. The next stage is to actually put anything into motion. We need to immediately start cleaning up our coastlines and we have to stop putting rubbish into the water. These are two essential steps that need to be taken. One of the many things that can be done to preserve the ocean is to participate in pollution prevention and reduction efforts by cleaning up coastal areas.

It is a wonderful opportunity for everyone to participate. A coastal cleanup is an outdoor activity that welcomes participants of all ages, including schoolchildren, teenagers, adults working in government or the commercial sector, and concerned individuals. To put it more succinctly, it is a community-based action that can be done on a regular basis to clear rubbish and debris with the purpose of making the planet better and healthier. Trash is removed and collected by our team in order to make coastal areas a more pleasant location for everyone. Cleaning up the beaches is good for the environment because it makes sure that none of the trash there is harmful to the marine life.

GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY

Volunteering for a good cause that you believe in is the kind of thing you will never look back on with regret. By taking part in this program, not only will you have the opportunity to enrich your life, but you will also gain knowledge about the people and ideas in your community, which will forever alter the way you look at things. By helping the people in your community, you can gain a better understanding of who you are and where you fit in the world.

For a variety of reasons, it is critical to look for a cause that is meaningful to you and to contribute some of your time to that cause. Spending time in your community helping others is an excellent way to broaden your understanding of the world. You can gain a tremendous amount of knowledge about the workings of the world if you enlist the assistance of a community as well as a group of people who share your values. When you help other people, it gives you a sense of purpose that can frequently be carried over into other aspects of your life.

It is also very important for the general health of the neighborhood that you live in! Without the dedication of volunteers, many of the services and activities that are available in our communities, which we frequently take for granted, would not be feasible. It is a worthwhile attempt to give back to those in the community who are less fortunate by helping at local shelters or food banks. If you give something back to the community, you might be able to help bridge some of the social, economic, and political divisions that exist in your area.

It's a win-win situation for everyone concerned when you give back to the community you live in. It has been established that regular volunteers enjoy better health on both a physical and mental level than those who don't volunteer as often. People who participate in regular volunteer work have a greater likelihood of living longer and enjoying better mental health throughout the course of their lives. In addition to the positive effects on one's health, volunteering can also give one a feeling of purpose. When it comes to the feeling of fulfillment you get from helping others and making a difference in the world, there is nothing else that can compare.

Giving back to the community is a great way to get to know your neighbors and the other people that live in your area on a deeper level. When you volunteer, you get the opportunity to interact with a diverse range of people. By collaborating with other individuals who have the same interest as you do in enhancing the quality of the environment, you'll have the opportunity to broaden your social circle. It will also give you a better insight into the lives of the people who reside in your neighborhood, which is a nice bonus. To be a good citizen, you need to have a mind that is willing to be changed and a broad base of experience from which to draw.

The lessons you pick up from volunteer work go much beyond simple people skills. Helping other people will teach you patience, kindness, and resiliency all at the same time. In addition, you will be presented with a myriad of experiences, such as working with a varied team, that might be of assistance to you in the process of navigating your career path in the foreseeable future. There is a chance that doing volunteer work will help you find a new hobby or interest for yourself.

There is a dizzying array of worthy endeavors that are looking for people to donate their time and energy to support them. No matter what your passions are, participating in volunteer work presents an excellent opportunity to contribute something back to the community. Community centers can be found in a variety of towns and cities across the country. These centers provide residents with opportunities to give back to the communities in which they live. You can also look for opportunities to help on the Facebook page that is dedicated to Project Dyesabel. It is possible to make a huge difference in the lives of others around you by volunteering as little as a few hours of your time each month.

Congratulations to Project Dyesabel! Magsukol!

After an hour of driving south from downtown Davao to Malagos, Calinan, I find myself carefully guided in the dark rainy and uneasy streets leading to what seems to be in the middle of nowhere. A fearful apprehension within the darkness that you will find only you - alone entering a new kind of Halloween experience: "Mga Handuraw sa Baul".

Mga Handuraw sa Baul celebrating Halloween for its second year, an immerse experience set in the forest of Malagos Garden Resort full of myth and mystery, ready to entertain guests looking for a new variety of adventure this Halloween season.

Not your typical Halloween affair for your family and friends but a fun-filled activity from morning to night starting with treats & trivia games (Halloween Edition), music fest, horror movie watching, horror costume contest, food fest and more....

Definitely creepy from the moment you arrive, walking down an unlit, unpaved walk way to reach what to appears to be a rustic forest campground.

But nice to see the newly renovated hall wherein the movie watching and music fest was held, it's more comfy and relaxing. (see link here: Malagos)

In reality, by day, the resort is a tourist attraction. But at night, for this season, the creative Malagos Team headed by Ms. Charisse Puentespina (Malagos Garden Resort Managing Director) brought a new atmosphere to this resort.

One of the added attraction is bringing in 6 guests at a time through a lighthearted, but simultaneously spooky 10-15 minutes Malagos Horror House experience.

Entering the horror house is to know what happened to the college students who where out there to film a documentary on the famous suburb Purok Dos.

Naturally the students disappeared and no one has been able to find them, so the guests will enter the said place and search or discover what horrible fate they have met.

Stepping to the darkened hallway, you can really feel the creepiness inside, without knowing who or what lurking with you ahead, its a nerve-wracking idea for sure that you have to keep your breath in and out and not to hold on or to stumble across, pushing and pulling your friends deeper and deeper into the forest until you reach the barrio and the house itself. It was a different experience because not one but three location that you have to surpass compared to the last year concept they only have one location, the abandoned hospital. Which is also designed by the team of eight architects from C. Puentespina Design and Architects (CPDA).

Guests who are willing to give themselves over to this experience and play along will surely find great fun, just like we did with my Davao Digital Influencers team.

Mga Handuraw sa Baul is somewhat a light to scare activity, a new immersive experience and a welcome addition to Davao events ( season like Halloween) scene. For me, this is a fantastic departure from the usual "Boo" scares of a haunted houses, not only focusing on it but rather simple, yet entertaining event from day to night.

Though yearly, Malagos Garden Resort held event like this on a rainy day -- just a word of warning for next Halloween season: Wear long pants, bring jackets and shoes you do not value..hahahaha..just wear comfy shoes. I will be glad to be invited again next year and see myself running away from the dangers that lurk within the darkened forest of Malagos.

***Photos and video credit to: Malagos Garden Resort and Ian Garcia

ABOUT ME

SUBSCRIBE & FOLLOW

POPULAR POSTS

DISCLOSURE POLICY

Popular Posts

Popular Posts

Featured Post

My Transformative Experience at Tubod Wellness: Embracing Self-Care and Giving Back

Linkie ♥