PEBA 2011

        This is a late post but still worth sharing. Last Dec. 09, 2011 I’ve attended my first blog nomination awards night at Trinoma Mall in Quezon City. This is for PEBA or The Pinoy Expats/OFW Blog Awards (PEBA), Inc. "It’s a non-profit, non-stock organization of international Filipino Bloggers located from different parts of the world & duly registered in Securities & Exchange Commission and Bureau of Internal Revenue.  It has grown to have liaison offices in the Middle East, South East Asia-Pacific, North America, Europe and North Africa.

        Originally, PEBA serves as an award-giving body that recognizes and honors the exemplary work of blogging Filipino Expats and Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW); to present their blog work and bring out their creative talents through the power of cyberspace.

        It has evolved to become a respectable new media network through its affiliate KABLOGS, the gateway portal of PEBA, Inc., an online journal of OFW experiences and stories.

        PEBA is engaged in Blog Awards for both local (Philippine based bloggers) and OFW and Expats Bloggers (International), and the International OFW Photo contest."

        I was nominated to the Trabyaheng Blog (Travel Blog) Category of the Any Blogger Anywhere contest. I know that I have a slim chance of winning but I still attended to know more about PEBA and the people behind it. And sure it was a perfect decision for me as they’ve got so many surprises for everyone including this opening number:

        Great flash mob style opening number. And now some pictures from the event:

The stage at Trinoma Activity Center

Mr. Jim Paredes giving an inspirational message

Some winners at PEBA 2011

More winners at PEBA 2011

 Mr. Jebee Kenji Solis the founder of PEBA

        Thank you again to PEBA for one unforgettable evening. I won a PhP 1000.00 worth of Ayala Malls gift card from the raffle. Others won Nokia phones and other stuffs from different sponsors. Until this year PEBA. Hopefully I’ll be nominated again...;-)

        To know more about PEBA visit their website at www.pinoyblogawards.com

My Top 11 for 2011

This list is the top destinations and events I’ve been to for the past 12 months. A lot of firsts here for me! Here we go...

February 2011

Batulao Forest Trek, Nasugbu, Batangas – February 19, 2011 - My first time here and wanted to go back this 2012. Thanks to Sandari Batulao for organizing such a meaningful and wonderful activity. It's a must for those who wanted a side-trip before going swimming down town and for those camping and hiking at Mt. Batulao. It's only a two hour trek so it will not be that difficult to do...;-)

Corregidor Island, Cavite – February 20, 2011 - My 3rd and 4th time this year (another one was last August 2011) but it never ceases to amaze me especially this mile long barracks. Very beautiful ruins. I wish to explore this at night someday...;-)

March 2011

Mt. Batulao, Nasugbu, Batangas – March 12, 2011 - I've been to some famous mountains of the Philippines but it's my first time to climb the highest peak of Nasugbu. Again thanks to some serious effort of  Sandari Batulao for organizing this event. I climb this same mountain after a month as organized again by Sandari Batulao.

April 2011

Twin Islands, Nasugbu, Batangas – April 24, 2011 - Another first for me to stay in one of the twins. Very cool place to go to when you go swimming in Nasugbu. It's only 30-minute boat ride from one of the beach resorts along the famous Nasugbu coast line. Rent a motorized banca for as low as 700-2000 (depends on the season).

July 2011

Smart Ultimate All-Star Weekend at Smart Araneta Coliseum, Cubao, Quezon City– July 24, 2011 - Kobe Bryant. Need I say more?

August 2011

Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte – August 27, 2011 - First stop on the twin city tour. All I can say is there are so many businesses (small or medium). The local government here is doing a great job for employment and tourism. Need to go back here and explore their tourist attraction someday...;-)

Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte – August 28, 2011 - The main destination of our twin city tour. This is part of the Lakbay Jose Rizal Heritage Trail. The city was clean and the foods were great. Only had one bad experience and dunno if I ever go back to Dakak.

September 2011

Rock Rizal Concert, Mall of Asia, Pasay City – Sept. 16, 2011 - The best and the brightest rock bands in one FREE concert. Totally epic night! Thanks Rock Ed Philippines.

October 2011

Taal, Batangas – Oct. 15, 2011 - The heritage town of Batangas. My first time to explore the town up to its hidden Spanish cemetery. But the best part, I was so amazed at the collection of Mr. Manny Inumerable, the owner of Galleria Taal aka Camera Museum. From the oldest to the rarest camera he has it. Ever seen a gold Nikon FA camera? Visit Galleria Taal...;-)

November 2011

San Jose, Batangas – Nov. 20, 2011 - The poultry capital of Batangas. One small town so rich in history. Also home to one of the best organic restaurant in the province - the Casa Rap. That's why I'm surely coming back for more - food....;-)

December 2011

PEBA 2011, Trinoma, Quezon City – Dec. 09, 2011 - My first time to be nominated as a blogger. Even though that I have a slim chance of winning I still attended the event for experience purposes. Luckily for me, Mr. Jim Paredes was there to give an inspirational talk. Been wanting to see him for the longest time. And as a bonus for attending, I won a gift card worth 1000 from Ayala Malls... Merry Christmas to me...;-)

And. That. Is. All... Happy New Year Everyone!!!