Libotero – Philippine Travel Photo Blog

Libotero supports South Cotabato Tambayan for the 2011 Philippine Blog Awards Bloggers’ Choice

South Cotabato Tambayan is South Cotabato’s #1 community website. With its own social network, forums, events calendar, and even its own radio, South Cotabato Tambayan, or SCT, has successfully brought South Cotabato to the world!

Often marred by misleading news about the whole island, Mindanao, irresponsibly delivered through mainstream media, South Cotabato is actually a very peaceful province at the heart of SOCCSKSARGEN. It is full of natural and cultural destinations and those who do not dare to explore the province will be missing out a lot! Learn more about South Cotabato through SCT!

Actually, this vote would also serve as a very late thank you to Nanardxz who was very accommodating during my visit last July to witness for the very first time, the T’Nalak Festival. So, to Nanardxz and all the members of South Cotabato Tambayan, mabuhay kayo! Good luck! And I wish to visit your wonderful province again sooon!

As I wrote in my Libotero Davao series last year, travelling alone for the very first time was a very difficult thing to do for me to the extent that I cried on my first night in Davao. I was used to always having my family and friends to depend on and so I was having withdrawal symptoms. If I’m feeling that way, besides the fact that I’m usually just away for 3-5 days and reachable via call, text, online and flights more or less than an hour, what more could our Overseas Filipinos feel when they’re thousands of miles away from home on indefinite periods and it would take them extra effort to actually communicate with their loved ones here in the country?

Having said that, it is our time to give back! I could personally relate to the feeling right now as my dad has been recently reassigned to work in Singapore. Let us thank our Overseas Filipinos, our heroes, for their sacrifices and their hard work for us, their families and the country. It is our turn to show our gratitude now and not just when they get home.

Libotero joins Toblerone as they herald the homecoming of heroes.

The Thank You Global Pinoy Awards is an initiative that seeks to search for the most outstanding global Filipino workers, also known as the modern day heroes, who deserve the gratitude not only of their loved ones; but also of the nation as a whole. It is led by the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO), Duty Free Philippines, Good News Pilipinas and Toblerone.

Department of Tourism Secretary Alberto Lim, the diplomatic community, Jaya Singh, Region Director, Middle East and Asia Pacific, Kraft Foods World Travel Retail and GeiserMaclang Managing Director Brad Geiser graced the groundbreaking launching event of the Thank You Global Pinoy campaign. Meanwhile, representatives from ‘Thank You Global Pinoy’ partner establishments Island Cove, Plantation Bay, WADE, Zoo Manity Group, Manila Ocean Park, and Abenson were also present in the event.

“We believe that the Thank You Global Pinoy Awards is a significant step in recognizing the valuable contribution of our Global Pinoys,” said Imelda Nicolas, CFO Chairperson.

The Thank You Chocolate

Inspired by the pasalubong homecoming tradition associated with Toblerone and in continuing its goal to build further on the Filipinos’ art of saying ‘thank you’, the brand took this opportunity to launch the Thank You Global Pinoy Awards.

A purely below-the-line initiative, it is open to outstanding overseas Filipino workers who deserve to be thanked. Participants will have to log on to http://www.thankyouglobalpinoy.com/ to register, nominate and vote for the ultimate Global Pinoy. The top 10 stories will be awarded in March 2012. (As of this posting, the official website is still under construction so nominations may be uploaded to their official FB page for the meantime: https://facebook.com/ThankYouGlobalPinoy )

“We hope that this would become a global effort and that we could turn not only the Philippines into a grateful nation but the whole world as well,” ends Singh.

In cooperation with Duty Free Philippines, Toblerone is also launching the Special Rewards Passport – a collection of perks, with a value of at least P10,000, from 24 partner establishments including salons and spas, recreation and leisure zones, top-of-mind retail and dining destinations.

“Through this promo, Toblerone shows its appreciation to Global Pinoys by not only recognizing their efforts online, but also giving them a pasalubong that they can enjoy with their family,” said Jaya Singh, Region Director, Middle East and Asia Pacific, Kraft Foods World Travel Retail.

In relation to the Thank You Global Campaign, Libotero will be giving away a special gift pack from Toblerone!

MECHANICS:

Be part of a grateful nation. Do you have an overseas Pinoy friend, relative or loved one that you’d like to thank today?

Toblerone, the ambassador of gratitude, wants to encourage Filipinos to remember all the wonderful people who have helped them in their lives.

If there were someone special you could thank right now, who would it be?

Help us celebrate!

Tell us who they are and where they live. We will send them a Toblerone Thank You Present (Toblerone Thank You chocolate bouquet) with a special message from you.

Send your entry to nominate@thankyouglobalpinoy.com and post your story in the comments section of this blogpost.

Delivery of Thank You Bouquet: November 15 to December 20, 2011. (NOTE: The blogger will be choosing the best story that will get a special pack from Toblerone. All stories will be considered a nomination although only the best story from among those submitted will win this special pack from Toblerone.)

Entry should include the following:

For Overseas Filipino Family Member winners:
- Name of entrant
- Mobile
- Name of nominee
- Email Address
- Delivery address and contact number

So what are you waiting for? Thank someone today! Promo runs until November 15, 2011!

It’s that time of the year again when new and emerging blogs that are making an impact to their readers in their own little ways, are given a chance to shine. That is through the annual Emerging Influential Blogs Writing Project initiated by Ms. Janette Toral.

Here are my picks for this year:

1. Libotero – I started this blog last May 1, 2010 only to serve as a repository of our family travels but then things changed when I started travelling solo June last year. I conquered my fear of travelling alone and loved what I was doing. I felt very inspired to share the experiences and insights that I gather from every journey. As of this posting, the blog already has 198 posts and there are hundreds more waiting to be published. I believe that this blog has already influenced a number of people to consider domestic travel first before going abroad. Hey people, our country is beautiful and majority of it remains unexplored by many. Libutin natin ang sariling atin! I thank my readers for the very empowering comments. As a young traveller, I will still be exploring a lot of places. The journey has just begun and I commit to share every bit of it with you, only here at Libotero.com. THANK YOU!

2. iSwallow – a very provocative catchy title for a blog about something we all love to do – EAT! I believe this blog has a very huge potential to make it big.

3. FoodieCraft – this dynamic young girl is all around the place! I’m really very proud at how this new food blog owned by a dear friend is fast-rising to become one of the top food blogs in Cebu. I’ve always wanted to write about food. In fact, I have at least 50 food posts just waiting to be published. It’s just that I can’t manage my time right or I am procrastinating to much. I need to take a crash course from this girl on how she juggles all the things she is doing.

4. CebuMD – one of the things that we take for granted in this modern generation is our health and it’s good to know that there are a few blogs out there that talk about health. This one is written by a health professions education specialist. Afraid you might get a nosebleed? Nah, the blog also has a variety of posts about current events and trends in Cebu.

5. The LostBoy – barely six months old, this travel blog by Lloyd, the Lost Boy, has already helped me in my recent trips to places which he has already visited. One thing that amuses me though is his quest for his one true love, which he hopes to find in one of his travels.

6. Eat’s Terrific – rounding up my magic 6 is another food blog. Well, this isn’t just another food blog, but this is actually THE food blog, by the true food lover, Kuya Orman! The blog contains what I consider as the most honest food reviews ever from Kuya Orman’s gastronomic adventures all around the country. Most of all, it also has that Ganda-Ever-So-Much charm that will surely sway readers of all ages.

The Top Ten Emerging Influential Blogs is a writing project that aims to identify new and emerging blogs that are making an impact to its reader. This year is the 5th year of this writing project. And this writing project would not be possible if not for the following sponsors:  Cyber Monday Deals, TRIbeca Private Residences, How To Videos, Palawan Beaches for Sale,Green and Natural Lubes Philippines, Philippine data center, Philippine online shopping, Singapore Jobs, Pinoy Party Food, Manila rentals, and Great product deals.

The countdown to Christmas has already begun a few days ago! We indeed have the longest Christmas celebration in the world.

And speaking of Christmas, Eden Cheese–the country’s well-loved cheese brand spearheads the world’s longest Christmas celebration with Sarap ng Pasko: 100 Days of Christmas

100 towns are competing to have the country’s number one dish in Eden’s Sarap ng Pasko: 100 Days of Christmas and for that, LIBOTERO is campaigning for his very own city, Lapu-Lapu City’s Special Cheesy Kaldereta to emerge as the country’s top dish and win 2 million pesos!

Lapu-Lapu City, a tadpole-shaped island

Some of the reasons why I’m proud to be an Oponganon:

Lapu-Lapu

- Lapu-Lapu City is named after the chieftain, Lapu-Lapu who is known as first native who resisted to the Spanish Colonization, eventually conquering Ferdinand Magellan. He is the country’s first national hero.

- Lapu-Lapu City is home to international resorts such as Hilton, Shangri-La and Imperial Palace and proudly homegrown resorts such as Plantation Bay and Maribago Bluewater Beach Resort, among others.

Hilton and Shangri-La at the upper half of the photo and Bigfoot Studios at the lower right

- Lapu-Lapu City is home to the Bigfoot Studios, which features world-class entertainment facilities capable of accommodating almost any project from pre-production, to post-production and CGI.

The Mactan-Cebu International Airport is currently being expanded to service more aircrafts simultaneously.

- Lapu-Lapu City is home to the Mactan-Cebu International Airport, the second busiest and most important airport in the country.

The National Shrine of the Virgin of the Rule

- Lapu-Lapu City is home to the Virgen de la Regla, to whom hundreds of pilgrims from different parts of the country come to, to offer candles, flowers, letters and even their precious jewelry to thank the Virgin for favors they have received.

Babag is the center of fireworks production in the city

- Lapu-Lapu City is the fireworks capital of Cebu.

- Lapu-Lapu City is home to the only aquarium in the Visayas, the Mactan Island Aquarium.

The Marcelo-Fernan Bridge

- Lapu-Lapu City is home to the Marcelo Fernan Bridge, the world’s longest center-span extra-dosed cable-stayed bridge

Mactan Export Processing Zone I

- Lapu-Lapu City is home to the Mactan Expore Processing Zones which host thousands of jobs for Oponganons, Cebuanos and even laborers from other parts of the country.

Sutukil

- Lapu-Lapu City is home to the Sutukil: a portmanteau of the three ways fish are cooked: Sugba (grilled), Tula (prepared into a soup), and Kilaw (turned into a raw fish salad).

Be Resorts Mactan

- and many more! Visit Lapu-Lapu City now as most resorts are offering discounts of up to 50% off until the holidays inline with the city government’s program, Lapu-Lapu: The Island Experience!

Having said those, I am encouraging you to please VOTE for Lapu-Lapu City’s Special Cheesy Kaldereta in Eden’s Sarap ng Pasko: 100 Days of Christmas. By voting, you get a chance to win ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND PESOS! Here’s how you could vote:

1. Buy one Eden 35g, 180g or 500g pack at any supermarkets, public market stalls, groceries, convenience stores or sari sari stores nationwide.

Lapu-Lapu City’s SPECIAL CHEESY KALDERETA

2. Write the following information on a piece of paper attached to one (1) empty pack Eden pack size:
a. Name of Favorite Featured Town: Lapu-Lapu City
b. Name of Eden Dish for that Town: Special Cheesy Kaldereta
c. Your Name
d. Age
e. Complete Address
f. Contact Number(s)
g. Signature

3. Submit entries at Drop Boxes within participating Towns or mail entries to

Prime Cast Event Concepts Plus, Inc.
Lower Ground Level, Grayline Ventures Building,
14 Arayat St. Boni, Mandaluyong City

OR:
ABS CBN Foundation Inc.
ELJ Communications Building
Mother Ignacia St. Quezon City

4. Deadline for Submission of Entries is on December 2, 2010.

5. Send as many entries as you want. The promo period is from September 4-December 2, 2010. The promo shall be announced on TV through participating ABS CBN Shows.

For more information on Eden’s Sarap ng Pasko: 100 Days of Christmas please visit www.sarapngpasko.com

The contest ran for two weeks and we received an overwhelming 80 valid entries! Thank you so much for the support! Here are the actual contestants:

1. Dominic Ylagan
2. Rhadem Morados
3. Debbie Rojonan
4. Kenny Rosal
5. Praline Ramirez
6. Vernon Go
7. Novell Tagailo
8. Raymund Ritchie Salasayo
9. Mary Angeli Bas
10. Mark Gallardo
11. Ethelbert Ouano
12. Fleire Castro
13. Ka Bino Guerrero
14. Jerome Locson
15. Ariel Cabalquinto
16. Kim Alvin Giner
17. Cepriane Lorca
18. Kriztian Etulle
19. Karen Veloso
20. Keir Halasan
21. Mharcia
22. Jeremy Ng
23. Jewell Santos
24. Pat
25. Flaviano Calope
26. Thea Marie Tuzon
27. Jera Canam
28. Romel Delosa
29. Jinky Guevarra
30. Jemalyn Quiñanola
31. Jenny
32. Ma. Hernila Halog
33. Beautz
34. Leticia dela Merced
35. Carmie Sanoria
36. Dennis Casanes
37. Leandro Indon Jr.
38. Bebot Gerasmio
39. Aida Pentecoste
40. Jan Michael Lukban
41. Jetty Paghinayan
42. Lorelie
43. Melvyn Gerald Mancao
44. Kaye
45. Eleniza Pira
46. Grace
47. Ellen Sy
48. Chona Bello
49. Remedios Raon
50. Marivic Listana
51. Aida Garcia
52. Jonalyn Plucena
53. Queen Ann Macalipay
54. Narciso Callang
55. Vicente Babiera
56. Cherrie Belmonte-Lim
57. Lydia Naira
58. Ma. Silvith Miano
59. Gerardo Dumaran
60. Yay Bucog
61. Yolly Conturno
62. Ricavir Medina
63. Rizza Jutar
64. Edna Mejala Bacordio
65. Chester Hazel Duata
66. Blas Villaruel Jr.
67. Analyn Yee Concepcion
68. Marilen Tolentino
69. Ma. Concepcion Valladolid
70. Bienvenido Solidad Jr.
71. Myrisia Franklin
72. Sharon Vicente
73. Janet Sibayan
74. Sheila Fernandez
75. Rowena Narciso
76. Michelle Lim
77. Edcel Ceniza
78. Maricel Abutas
79. Angelica Joy Lee
80. Maria Lourdes Boone

GRAND PRIZE!
And Randomizer picked the number: 79

Congratulations ANGELICA JOY LEE! You just won for yourself an overnight stay good for 2 at the Maribago Bluewater Beach Resort!

SECOND PRIZE!

And Randomizer picked the number: 20

Congratulations KEIR HALASAN! You just won for yourself a Torque E35 Cellphone!

CONSOLATION PRIZES!

And the randomizer picked the following numbers:

Congratulations VERNON JOSEPH GO, EDCEL CENIZA and ETHELBERT OUANO! You just won for yourselves P500 each!

Please wait for an email for instructions on how to claim your prizes. Thanks again for joining the first ever Libotero Giveaway! ‘Til the next

Hey everyone! Since Libotero first opened its doors last May 2010, a few thousand visitors have already joined us in saying, “Libutin natin ang sariling atin!”. I didn’t expect such numbers as I only envisioned this site to be a repository of all my past, present and future travels, regardless if it will have readers or not. For that, I can’t thank you guys enough for inspiring me to publish articles regularly on this site, and to express my gratitude, Libotero, together with the organizers of Cebu Blog Camp, will be giving away some prizes!

MECHANICS:
- Direct family members of Libotero are not eligible to join the contest.
- The contest is open to Cebu and Manila residents only.
- Airfare, transfers and transportation to and from Maribago Bluewater Beach Resort are to be shouldered by the contest winner.

**THE PRIZES:
- 1st Prize: an overnight stay good for two (2) at the Maribago Bluewater Beach Resort (Gift Certificate is valid until November 20, 2010)
- 2nd Prize: a Torque E35 cellphone
- Consolation Prize: 3 winners of P500 in cash
**The 1st and 2nd Prizes are not convertible to cash.

**HOW TO JOIN:
- Like the Libotero Facebook Page.

- Fill out the comments section below with your name, email address and on the comment box, write at least one reason why TRAVELLING IS FUN.
- Contest ends on September 24, 2010, 5:59pm. Valid entries (liked the Facebook Page and placed a comment on the comment box) will be raffled off electronically via a randomizer. Those who placed a comment on this blogpost but did not like the Libotero Facebook Page will be deemed invalid.
- Winners will be notified via email.

So what are you waiting for? Join now! Good luck!

To know more about Maribago Bluewater Beach Resort, please see their website.