Triple Bloggers' Treat Giveaway Part 2

Welcome to the Triple Bloggers’ Treat Cash Giveaway! Stu Traveled has teamed up with a group of fabulous bloggers to give our readers a chance to win $150!

This Giveaway will run for four weeks giving you plenty of time to complete the entries, remember that the more entries you do, the more chances of winning.

We have lots of daily entries for you to take advantage of as well, so don’t forget to bookmark this giveaway and come back everyday!

---

Enter via Rafflecopter below:

---

a Rafflecopter giveaway

---

This giveaway is co-hosted by the following:

| Fancy Expeditions | Traveller's Stories | Vacation Booked | Radio XD |

| Social Girl World | Tech-Crash | Tech Dock | Techie Blogs | Pinay Mum |

| Sun of a Beach | Total Travel Blog | Vacation Booked | Planet Vudu |

Giveaway is open worldwide and ends August 15th at 11:59 PM EST. Have fun!

Triple Bloggers' Treat Giveaway

The Triple Bloggers' Treat Giveaway is on! Cold cash will be given away, so join now! Just follow the instructions below.

 

Welcome to the Triple Bloggers’ Treat Cash Giveaway! Stu Traveled has teamed up with a group of fabulous bloggers to give our readers a chance to win $150!

This Giveaway will run for four weeks giving you plenty of time to complete the entries, remember that the more entries you do, the more chances of winning.

We have lots of daily entries for you to take advantage of as well, so don’t forget to bookmark this giveaway and come back everyday!

---

Enter via Rafflecopter below:

 

---

a Rafflecopter giveaway

---

 

This giveaway is co-hosted by the following:

| Total Tech Room | Moms Ups and Downs | Spend Small, Save Big | Wiki Randy |

| Alta One Studio | Oh Locked Heart! | Simplelize | Financial Chaos | The Bro Club |

| SuperMomPreneur | Papers, Bills, Coins | Complete Personal Finance |

Giveaway is open worldwide and ends August 15th at 11:59 PM EST. Have fun!

LaBSPH.com Launched to Kick Off 2LaBS Countdown

The official Laguna Blogging Summit website was launched in Makati. Mac Vasquez

The 2nd Laguna Blogging Summit officially started its social media campaign by launching its new website at the Greenwich store at PhilFirst Building in Makati.

Present during the website launch were Kenneth Dimalibot of the Philippine National Red Cross and representatives of the Zoomanity Group.

All netizens and curious social revolutionists can now check the updates, speakers, and sponsorship packages for 2LaBS at labsph.com, which is just newly constructed with the help of SEO strategist Mark Acsay.

The list of speakers are visible in front page and now everyone could now register for the 2nd Laguna Blogging Summit in advance.

The 2nd Laguna Blogging Summit is expected to be bigger since the first one was a huge success and contributed to the huge influx of tourist to the province of Laguna.

100 Miles Cafe: By Runners for the Runners (and the Non-Runners Too)

If you always drop by the Bonifacio Global City in Makati (Yes! It's part of Makati City once again.) for a jogging session, you may ask, "What's a good place to take a rest after a tiring run?" Check out 100 Miles Cafe along The Fort Strip.

Located right at the heart of the bustling commercial hub, the cafe and restaurant serves not just the runners but also the non-runners coming off a day full of work.

As you enter the restaurant, you will see a collection of the singlets used in various local runs and the running event route maps at the counter.

Also, the service crew will be quick enough to serve you your order once it is done. Oh! They also wear running gear.

100 Miles also has a seminar room where you can set your corporate meetings. In fact, 100 Miles was the place where the 2nd Laguna Blogging Summit was softly launched.

The organizers of the 2nd Laguna Blogging Summit.

So whether you're a runner who's looking for a chillout after a tiring run or work or if you're looking for a lively meeting place, just come to the 100 Miles Cafe along The Fort Strip in Makati City.

2LaBS Commences this October

The biggest social media summit in Southern Luzon, the Laguna Blogging Summit or simply LaBS, will happen again on October 15 and 16 at the Laguna Cultural Center in Sta. Cruz, Laguna.

The summit aims to promote the tourism of Laguna, discuss the latest online trends, and connect the people of the province with the best digital marketing experts and social media evangelists.

This year, the 2nd Laguna Blogging Summit or simply 2LaBS will focus on preparing the people of Laguna for a social media revolution.

This year's edition will also help the people, especially the youth, in becoming social revolutionists by giving them talks on how to become a channel for change through the internet.

COMELEC Spokesman James Jimenez, social media expert and IBlog organizer Janette Toral, renowned voice actor Pocholo Gonzales, and motivational speaker Lloyd Luna return as speakers for the event.

Also joining the four are well-known tourist guide Carlos Celdran, columnist Randell Tiongson, social media activist Alvin Dakis, internet marketing consultant Ben Francia, and former congressman Jack Enrile.

For more on what to expect in 2LaBS, follow its official website: labsph.com, its Facebook page: The Laguna Blogging Summit, and its Twitter handle: @LaBSummit. You can also the pre-event discussions by using the hashtag #2LaBS.

McD Back in LB

McDonald's reopens its UPLB Vega branch.

Hundreds seized the moment as McDonald's reopened its Los Baños branch in grand fashion. After a full summer vacation for the restaurant to be renovated, McD reassured the people that the newly-refurbished branch is here to stay.

Many bought special reopening meals consisting of one free Chicken McDo, a food freebie based on the time the tickets were redeemed, and a non-food freebie of their choice.

Also, a long line almost blocked the main entrance of the Vega Center as a take-out counter was opened to serve the students rushing to their classes or the professionals going to their work in UPLB.

The reopened McDonald's branch will be open 24/7 and soon a Wi-Fi signal will be connected to cater those doing their projects while dining.

McDonald's UPLB Vega Branch is located at the ground floor of the Vega Center, Lopez Ave. cor. Ela St., Bgy. Batong Malake, Los Baños, Laguna.

Sprinto at WU! Fest

The Sprinto booth at the WU! Fest (file photo)

WU! Manila, a new magazine in town, has officially launched its brand through WU! Fest 2013. As what they always say, whether you're fresh off the plane or a balikbayan rediscovering your beloved birthplace, WU! is here to help you find out Whats Up in Manila. Or should we say, what's awesome about Manila! And that's what they did! They've promoted anything and everything awesome about Manila through remarkable entertainment such as the bamboo bike display, yummy food--not necessarily all Filipino but the hospitality made all the difference, and live music from talented Filipino underground artists.

And speaking of awesomeness, a booth in the said fest that caught everyone's attention was the Sprinto booth that sold awesome collection of shades. The standouts would be their Manila and Tokyo models and a new model with wood temple called Shenzhen.

Sprinto is fast gaining popularity in the Philippines because of its stylish yet functional collection of shades through its iDefine polarized lens and iShock polycarbonate lens features. According to its marketing director, Pawlo Misolas. “We believe that shades should be fashionable, protective and affordable and I think that we’ve got the right balance of all three.”

He also adds that the mid-range shades segment is good for fashion.

“The fashion awareness for sunglasses in the Philippines is on the rise.  It used to be you bought one pair of expensive glasses and that was it. I think consumers are becoming smarter nowadays.”

“If you can buy a quality pair of shades that’s fashionable at half the price, that allows you to open up to more options. It just makes fashion sense.”

So just like WU's objective of finding something awesome, Sprinto is definitely one fashion find in the Philippines that you can't afford to miss!

Presently, Sprinto shades are available in major fashion hubs such as Manila, Dubai, Singapore, and Hong Kong. Watch out for more Sprinto international hubs nearest you.

Never Think Twice!

Quiznos Now in PH

Quiznos, a globally-known sandwich food chain, is now in the Philippines! The US-based restaurant known for serving healthy sandwiches to people is about to carve a name in the Philippine food industry as it caters the Filipino looking for a healthy alternative to their usual meals and snacks.

Quiznos is offering over 25 chef-inspired recipes that the Filipinos will surely love. Aside from that, Quiznos will also offer local dishes to alleviate the taste buds of the Filipinos.

If you want to taste delicious yet healthy foods, drop by at any of the Quiznos branches located at the Bonifacio High Street, Eastwood, Greenbelt 3, Alabang Town Center, Regis Center, Shangri-La Plaza, Robinson's Magnolia, and Venice Piazza.

Early Tourist Count Reaches 2M for the First Time

According to a latest report, over two million foreigners visited the Philippines
five months into 2013. Mindoro Travel (file photo)

Philippine tourism keeps exceeding expectations as international visitors reached 2.011 million from January to May this year, reflecting a 10.54 percent growth over 1.819 million of the same period last year.  The figure represents a historic first in breaching the two-million mark in the first five months of a year.

All key tourism markets are bullish, led by South Korea and the United States with a compounded stake of 39.55% in the total inbound traffic. South Korea continues to secure the top rank, rallying 489,389 tourist arrivals to the country. While the U.S. economy has yet to recover from recession, the number of American tourists leaped by 2.58 percent, with 306,056 arrivals compared with the same period last year. Visitors from Japan accounted for 179,984 or 8.95 percent of the overall visitor volume. The Chinese market, on the other hand, saw an uptick at 18.35 percent, rising to 163,879 from 138,466 arrivals. Australia has kept the fifth spot with 88,190 visitors keeping Taiwan at bay for two straight months now.  Nevertheless, Taiwan generated 79,297 arrivals, possibly foreign independent travelers (FIT's) who have more flexibility to pursue their travel itineraries.

Rounding up the top producers in terms of volume and percentage growth are: Singapore with 70,470 (3.50%); Canada with 61,086 (3.04%); Hong Kong with 55,811 (2.77%); United Kingdom with 52,379 (2.60%); Malaysia with 45,447 (2.26%); and Germany with 33,205 (1.65%). 

With the European Union (EU) lifting its aviation safety ban on the Philippines, source markets from this region are expected to yield higher volumes as flag carrier Philippine Airlines readies to resume its flights by September or October with Paris, London, Rome and Amsterdam among its maiden destinations. 

“This augurs well for the industry and in meeting our year-end goal of 5.5 million arrivals and our 2016 objective of 10 million.  Hopefully, PAL services resume as planned and with the Civil Aeronautics Board’s move to start negotiations for new air service agreements with other European countries, we can expect greater movements from the region.  Meanwhile, DOT and PAL can mount more aggressive promotions in that sphere to boost not only arrivals, but also investments,” Tourism Secretary Ramon R. Jimenez Jr. remarked.

In 2012, the Philippines welcomed 442,686 European visitors.  For this year, the DOT is targeting 574,565 European tourists.  For the following years, the DOT projections for European travelers to the Philippines are 699,326 in 2014, 851,176 in 2015, and 1,036,000 in 2016. The DOT forecast for Europe has already taken into consideration optimal conditions like the lifting of the EU ban, which will help the DOT in the achievement of its goals.

“We are also counting on the resolve of other Philippine carriers to improve their aviation security issues as we need to significantly increase access and capacities to penetrate new markets, as well as to grow existing ones,” the tourism chief added.   

SM Store North EDSA 3-Day Sale "Tweet-Day Sale" Blowout

The SM Store North EDSA is giving away P50,000 worth of shopping certificates!!!

Join the SM Store North EDSA 3 Day Sale "TWEET-DAY SALE" Blowout!!!

Ten lucky winners of PHP5,000 worth of gift certificates each will be picked to shop at the SM Store North EDSA! Let's go guys!!!

How to join:

1. Simply follow @thesmstore (http://twitter.com/thesmstore) on Twitter.

2. Tweet "I wanna win @thesmstore North EDSA Tweet-Day Sale for the 3-Day Sale!"  

    with the hashtag #TheSMStore3DS.

3. Attach the promo poster when you tweet.

4. Winners will be announced on July 18, 2013, 12:00 noon.

5. Claiming of Shopping Certificates will be on July 19, 9:00 am at the SM Store North 

    EDSA Prestige Lounge.

5. Validity of Shopping Certificates is from July 19-21, 2013 only.

6. Shopping Certificates are valid at the SM Store North EDSA only.

7. The promo runs until July 18, 2013 at 11:59 AM so tweet @thesmstore now!

DOTC Statement on the Lifting of the EU Ban

“The European Commission (EC) has cleared the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), which means that the EC may now rely on CAAP’s judgment regarding the safety standards being implemented by airlines used by EU citizens within the country. EU Ambassador Guy Ledoux attributes this development to the ‘improved safety oversight provided by competent authorities of the Philippines,’ which serves as an assurance to the public of the country’s compliance with international aviation safety standards. Philippine Airlines has also been allowed to operate flights to the EU again, while Cebu Pacific will have the opportunity to be reevaluated within six months. We anticipate this lifting of the EU ban to have a significant impact on the country’s economic thrust, and look forward to greater ties with the EU community.”

-DOTC Secretary Joseph Abaya

Street Partying at WU! Fest

Since it's located at the Makati City Proper (just near the city's Central Business District), I had a hard time finding A. Venue Mall. But when I made the touchdown. It's party time!

I was at the WU! Fest organized by What's Up! Manila Magazine at the said mall's open parking lot. Over 50 food, booze, and entertainment booths were opened, and the place became a site for a late summer luau party.

First off, I looked at the different shades made available by Sprinto.

Also, I paid a visit to the foosball (or simply table soccer) booth by Table Soccer PH, a group of table soccer enthusiasts who wants to unleash the inner Azkal in us.

Where should I place the Sporty Guy logo here?

Well, since I once played real soccer (the most recent was in 2010), I gave table soccer a try.

"Beat me, man!" Ross Del Rosario

But I just can't beat these guys. So after a series of heartbreaking defeats, here's me...

AWTSU!!!! T_T

Well, I found a kid who wanted to play table soccer. I challenged her and walloped her 22 straight times. So I still got the prize after all, a bottle of wine courtesy of Brut Cava.

"Yuck! Bata lang ka-match mo! Babae pa! Eeeww!" Oo na!
Weak na ako! At least may wine ako! :P

Also, there was a booth by Mojo Boost where all a participant needed was to get a mini pillow into the hole thrice to win a major prize.

There's also a tattoo booth where everyone can have his skin printed with beautiful designs.

Everyone also jived to the live music being played at the main stage.

Do you think it's a cool site to put the watermark in?

Harley-Davidson Philippines also came and brought in one of its bikes to the WU! Fest!

All hail Harley D!

Finally, a special shoutout to the one who made it possible for us to get into the WU! Fest: WazzUp Pilipinas!

Getting to the WU! Fest would not be possible without the help of WazzUp
Pilipinas. Ross Del Rosario

If you missed the fun, there's always another time to join the groove. See you next year!

PS: Since I rushed this thing up, I wasn't able to put the Sporty Guy watermark in the other pictures. But except for the two photos from Ross (me playing table soccer and me holding the WazzUp Pilipinas logo), all the photos taken are from yours truly.

Jose, Wally Team Up Anew in Charity Concert

If you missed their sold-out concert last year and even its sequel last summer, here's another chance to watch Jose Manalo and Wally Bayola tickle your bones out.

The Philippine Society of Nuclear Medicine, in cooperation with Mang Inasal and the Philippine Daily Inquirer, presents "Juan Night with Jose and Wally", which will happen this Saturday at the Crossroads Center in Quezon City.

Anton Diva and Ethel Booba will also be there to join the comedy duo in bringing laughs to the audience. The said comedy concert is in celebration of the World Thyroid Day, and ten people with thyroid problems will benefit from proceeds of the said event.

For ticket inquiries, call TicketNet at (02)911-5555 or go to the concert's Facebook page.

What's Up! Fest Commences Saturday

The WU! Fest, an annual event organized by What's Up! Manila, will happen this Saturday at the open parking lot of A.Venue Mall in Makati.

Foods, booze, and entertainment will highlight the event, so drop by the A.Venue Mall on Saturday and join the fun.

For only PHP300, anyone can join the fun and party with the rest of the crew. The participants could also win a free ride at AirAsia to a destination of their choice.

Be there fast as the first 500 to attend the said event will get free t-shirts. For more information, visit the event's Facebook Page or WU! Manila Magazine's Facebook fan page.

PH Transit App Challenge On

With an upcoming competition, it will become more convenient for the com-
muters to know the latest traffic situation.

The launch of the first national transport application (app) development competition led by the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) will be held tomorrow, 2 July 2013, in partnership with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the Cebu City Government.

In a move to maximize the conveniences made possible by modern technology in delivering its services to the people, the transport agency is opening its database on bus, train, and jeepney routes in Metro Manila, called the Philippine Transit Information Service (PTIS), to the public via the Philippine Transit App Challenge.

The competition will be a three-month long hack-at-home event – a new trend in the IT community which allows software developers to create apps at their own pace and on their own time, using the same data sets provided to them.  Based on the international experience, hack-at-home events lead to the development of a broad spectrum of apps, many of which were not previously conceived and which give end-users a wide range of products to utilize and enjoy.

“We are very excited about the challenge and we expect it to bring out a lot of innovation from software developers. The goal is to create all sorts of apps which will make commuting in Metro Manila much more convenient,” said DOTC spokesperson Migs Sagcal.

The PTIS database contains previously-unavailable data gathered from participating agencies such as the MMDA, the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA), the Metro Rail Transit 3 (MRT-3), the Philippine National Railways (PNR), the Land Transportation Franchising & Regulatory Board (LTFRB), and the Cebu City Traffic Operations Management (CITOM).

It will contain two kinds of data sets: regularly-updated geographic location and service information on bus, train, and jeepney routes in Metro Manila, as well as live traffic incident data streams in both Metro Manila and Cebu City.

This means that the commuters will now be able to easily check the various routes available to take from one point to another, including how many transfers each route will require, how much fare will be needed, and how much travel time will be involved. This will allow the public to make better-informed decisions when they plan their trips, resulting in more convenience and efficiency, and a better passenger experience overall.

“The point is to empower the public with better decision-making abilities using our data.  This project stems from government’s effort to look at public service delivery from the viewpoint of the end-user, and to make commuting better for everyone,” Sagcal remarked.

The Philippine Transit App Challenge, which will be open to all interested app developers, will be launched at the Toyota Auditorium of the University of the Philippines’ Asia Learning Center in Diliman, Quezon City, on 2 July 2013 at 9:30 AM.  More details about the event are available on the competition’s official website, philippine-transit.hackathome.com.