Google Innovation Forum 2010 And Winning Second Place In Hackathon
Mar 14th
Last March 12, 2010, Google came to UP Cebu to hold the Innovation Forum 2010 entitled Inspiring Innovation: The Google Way. Guest speakers Christine Songco of Google, Inc. and Dan de Lima of Google Japan shared to us a lot of things about Google like the history of Google, new technologies and innovations involving Google, it’s aims in helping developers and a lot more. Both shared their life as Google employees too, and how they became one. I’d say that the forum was really informative and inspiring. I am surprised that I was listening eagerly to their talks. When I learned that Dan de Lima was also an Iskolar ng Bayan and once worked for a local software company, then I thought I might have a chance of being part of the Google team someday too. But I must prove my worth first. 
The Google event stage in the UP Conference Hall
The whole morning was spent for the talks of Ms. Songco and Mr. de Lima, including the open forum part where the audience can ask anything from the guest speakers. I have this question in mind: What does it take to become part of the Google team? I didn’t raise that question up though. I find Ms. Songco and Mr. de Lima amazing people. They look and sound really happy with their jobs in Google. I’m glad I was able to hear their talks.
Jason Castro Live! In Ayala Center Cebu
Mar 12th
American Idol’s Jason Castro will be having a concert in Ayala Center Cebu on March 20, 2010. Warner Music Phils. and the Ayala Malls bring Jason Castro to the Philippines for a post-Valentine treat.
Jason Castro is a singer-songwriter and is part of American Idol Season 7 together with Cook and Archuleta. Castro was one of the most popular artists in AI history and is well known as the first contestant ever to play an instrument on the show. One of his most remembered renditions is the classic “Hallelujah” which became an instant audience favorite and an iTunes hit (Buckley rendition). Another favorite from him is the “Somewhere Over The Rainbow” unique rendition which also hit the charts. He was also one of those who made “American Idols LIVE! Tour 2008″ successful.
American Idol's Jason Castro (Photo by http://www.flickr.com/photos/treeclimber/)
Jason Castro will soon release an album. “The Love Uncompromised EP” will be here in the Philippines sometime. This is a prelude to a full album set (under Warner Music Phils.) released on a later date.
Feel the summer with Jason Castro! Again, catch him live on March 20 in Ayala Center Cebu. His other concert dates are: March 18 at Trinoma, March 19 at Glorietta 5, and March 21 at Market! Market!
Sa Ngalan Sa Amahan: A Cebuano Play by UPSTAGE
Feb 18th
Mark up your calendars. On February 27, 2010, a Cebuano play will be staged in SM Cinema 2, SM City Cebu. Moonbox Event Productions presents the University of the Philippines Student Theater Arts Guild for Education (UPSTAGE) in a Cebuano play entitled Sa Ngalan Sa Amahan (In the Name of the Father). The play is directed by Ligaya Rabago-Visaya with artistic director, Rudy Aviles.
Sa Ngan sa Amahan is a Cebuano play inspired from the Palanca Award winning play for Literature written by Roberto Jose de Guzman. Sa Ngalan ng Ama in its original title is a tragic story of a family ruined by the autocratic ways of the father. The story takes place within the old household of the Villasante’s. It tackles highly important and relevant political and social issues discussed in the family setting, society’s most basic unit and very foundation.
The story stresses the importance of family relations and how the country is shaped by the families composing it. Conflicts in the story do not only revolve around the family members but also involve the greater circles of the Philippine society. The lives and views of each of the family members carefully reflect the facets of our society.
I highly recommend this play. Aside from the lessons we’ll learn about the society and family, UPSTAGE delivers amazing stage plays as a lot of us witnessed in their play last year entitled Papeles. Once a member, I assure you that UPSTAGE will only give the best. The play would be worth your time and money.
So if you have time on February 27, Saturday, watch the play with your family or friends. It will also serve as a breather for students.
Ticket prices are as follows:
Php100 – regular price
Php85 – student price
Php150 – Gala Deluxe
Php200 – Gala Premiere
Schedule: 10AM, 1PM, 4PM and 7PM (Gala)
You can buy tickets at the cinema entrance on the 27th. So please spread the word about the play. Bring your friends or whoever you’d like to bring. 
See you there!
Happy Second Year Anniversary, Cebu Bloggers Society!
Feb 9th
Cebu Bloggers Society is one of the Philippines’ premier blogging communities. On February 14, 2010, day of the hearts, Cebu Bloggers Society will celebrate its second year anniversary, on a time we’ll consider as the ‘Golden Age’ of blogging.
In two years, blogging in Cebu has ripened from just being a mere online diary to something that takes an active role in civic and social awareness.
One of the factors that contributed to this positive development in the blogging scene in Cebu is the creation of a local blogging community.
The Cebu Bloggers Society was founded on February 14, 2008, with the main goal of uniting Cebu-based bloggers into a well-bonded community. And indeed, after its creation, individuals with diverse backgrounds but with a common interest, which is to promote Cebu and advocate blogging as a key tool for progress, converged together to establish Cebu’s first and largest blogging community.
The Cebu Bloggers Society has really grown and evolved quite significantly. From its humble beginnings, the group presently has at least 80 members and the number is still bound to increase further.
When I joined the group last February 21, 2009, we were a not-so-big group. And then I saw it grow. Now we’re a very active group, playing many useful roles in society, tapping politics and marketing and a lot more.
Pyrofest 2 Fireworks Competition In SM City Cebu
Jan 17th
January 16, 2010 – the day before the historic Sinulog festival, SM and Pyroworks International held a fireworks competition in SM City Cebu (outside SM Northwing) called Pyrofest 2. There were 8 contestants from all over the Philippines and the final demo was given by Pyroworks International. I’m addicted to fireworks so I chose that event over the several other concerts all over the city. I did not take some videos. I took pictures the whole time.
