WordCamp Philippines 2008
The WordCamp is the premier event for WordPress users and developers. WordPress is arguably the #1 blogging platform in the world today. I'm posting this intent to attend the Camp to learn more about the power of Wordpress and its features. And I believe that this is the best venue for WP enthusiasts to come together and get updated on the latest. But, primarily, I want to see the comparison of Wordpress to other web hosting site as blogging engine and also as a full-featured content management system for Web sites.
The WordCamp will have the following components:
- Deployment (Usage) Track
- Development Track
- Panel Discussions
- WP Install-Fest
- After Party!
- i.PH: the Domain for Individuals
- Free Online Flash Games
- Wazzup Manila Philippines
- Real Estate CRM
- Real Estate Website Designers
- Orange County Real Estate
- Auto Insurance Quotes
- Lane Systems Inc.
- RedMedia
- Orange County Business Lawyer
batch kanlungan
The Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines Batch 2008 - Kanlungan[taken at Legend Villas during a sponsored dinner for the tosp 2008]
will post more pictures [soon]
GenSan Hosts Mindanao Bloggers Summit 2 in October 2008
NAME OF EVENT:
The 2nd Mindanao Bloggers Summit (MBS 2)
THEME:Mindanawan: Paminawon Intawon. Blogging the Mindanao Consciousness
DATE:
October 25, 2008, Saturday, during the GenSan E-Business Week of the DTI and the city government.
This came after the organizers of the 1st Mindanao Bloggers Summit held last September in Davao City led by Blogie Robillo, and his group, The Usual Suspects, felt it was time for the Tuna Capital to take the lead.
The Socsksargen Bloggers have been thinking about it ever since Mark Aethen Agana of Koronadal, spearheaded a SOCCSarGen Blog Seminar last February which gathered almost two hundred participants at the Notre Dame of Marbel University.
The positive response of young people from Socsksargen to that seminar led me and seminar speakers Hecky Miñoza, Bro. Vince Celeste, FMS, Sir Ariel Lalisan, together with Gensan Trade portal owners Job and Liezl Oberio, photobuff Toto Lozano, Website designer Dennis Paul Custorio, and teacher Sandra Bonrusto to go a step higher - host an even bigger event, this time to be held in GenSan.
The 1st Mindanao Bloggers Summit in Davao drew more than 150 participants and so to reach that record, we have invited nationally-famous bloggers (along with Mindanao-based personalities) to make up the exciting list of resource speakers.
One who confirmed to be talking on the summit is the Inquirer columnist and Cable TV’s The Explainer, Manuel L. Quezon III himself that “It would be an honor to attend, please let me know the details.”
And since this is GenSan, the Tuna Capital of the Philippines, our culmination activity will be the most-sought after among visitors, the SASHIMI NIGHT!
Now, if those aren’t more than enough reasons to be in GenSan, for the 2nd Mindanao Bloggers Summit on October 25, 2008 I really don’t know what else will be.
the luxurious predicament
The soon-to-be SSEAYP experience was dropped. I had withdrawn the ticket that entitles me to cruise with the Nippon ship for two months to all south East Asian countries. It was a tough decision that I made. I was only given 30 minutes to decide to where I’ll attend – TOSP formation or SSEAYP Pre-departure training which were scheduled on the same dates.
Thirty minutes that time seems to be a reflective moment for me, discerning what is best and what my heart is beating. I was holding on the phone talking to two parties, trying to arrange my schedules but it seems that both were not negotiable.
I’ve solicited wise opinions and suggestions from some emphatic people in the formation, some of them were delegates of SSEAYP the past years. It was heart-breaking and distressing to choose between the two opportunities at hand that is too luxurious and rare but need only to select one, need to weigh the best and go for it without regrets.
In those thirty minutes of discernment, I finally decided to withdraw my slot for representing the youth in that program. It was difficult but was content because it tested my sense of judgment.
I want to thank those who helped me to decide on this matter. Quincy John Tampo, a friend, was right when he sent me this message.
That’s what I call LUXURIOUS PREDICAMENT!
Pray for it pare.
As what the text message you sent me says,
Life has great options, but you don't always have to pick what seems to be the best. Sometimes, the best and the perfect aren't always what make you happy.Who knows, after those TOSP activities and your graduate studies you can hop over the whole world and not just Southeast Asian countries.
Isn’t it?
Yep, pare! I’m happy that I made that decision with no qualms in my heart.
And unexpectedly, on the day of awarding of the TOSP, a 03:13am text message from an alumnus of SSEAYP who happened to visit my blog and read my post, how to be insomniac… was sent to me.
The text reads,
Hey, Aethen!
Are you attending the SSEAYP Pre-departure training in tagaytay? I hope so. I’m Alden of the 34th batch. Just read your blog now. Congratulations on your selection. Dude, you may not understand this just yet but please, oh please, choose SSEAYP over anything else! You’ll thank me for this unsolicited advice when you come back. 3:13 17-July-2008
I just smiled and thank God for I feel no regrets.
how to be insomniac...
I just want to share that this morning, someone from the National Youth Commission called on my mobile phone, informing and congratulating me for I was chosen to represent the Philippines to the 35th Ship for South-East Asia Youth Program (35th SSEAYP). I was one of the 28 delegates across the country who will be cruising the south east asian countries on October 21, 2008 - December 25, 2008.
There will be a Pre-Departure Activities (PDA) organized for the chosen delegates which will start on July 15-25, 2008 at Tagaytay city but this will be in conflict to my TOSP activities which will culminate on July 17, 2008. Attending to both of these activities will be a big loss in my studies. I'm weighing right now what my heart is beating and is best.
I was excited but not sure to accept the program because I have a scholarship contract in a full-time graduate student status in DOST; and also I don't have yet a passport. Hai. Hope I'll not choose to go online casinos gambling to get my consolation for not choosing SSEAYP.
What I am planning rigth now is to finish the TOSP/malacañan experience and talk to the SSEAYP secretariat that I will make up to the activities after TOSP. Regarding my studies and long exam in line, I'll be multi-tasking, will try to juggle all these things. But hey, I'm not superman. Hope that everything will be alright.
Thanks to God for all these opportunities and blessings.
9th t'nalak festival in south cotabato
KORONADAL CITY, Philippines (my hometown) — The ninth edition of the annual T’nalak Festival of South Cotabato kicked on July 11, Friday to once again showcase the province’s investment and tourism potentials.
Activities lined up for the festivities include an agri-trade fair, bazaars, concerts, cultural shows, street dancing competition, grand fireworks display competition and visits to various tourism attractions in the province.
The activities will culminate on July 18, the province’s foundation anniversary. For the festival schedule of activities click here.
FYI: The festival was named after the T’nalak, an indigenous, colorful cloth woven by women of the T’boli tribe. The cloth has brought recognition to the province in the national and international scene. It is said that the design of the t'nalak cloth was a creative pattern that the women of t'boli tribe dreamed.
This is my first time not to witness the festival but I'll be celebrating it with them still.
black pencil project
Making a positive difference is possible when one is moved and inspired to effect a change to the lives of some people who are marginalized or small.
There are so many ways to contribute for a betterment of a situation and there are endless possible means for a change.
Sometimes change can come from the simplest of ideas. Take, for example, the Black Pencil Project.
This is a very simply project which I really appreciated. I was happy (no I feel more than being happy, maybe joy) to read this blog because we share the same passion.
The idea behind the Black Pencil Project is to give out pencils to disadvantaged students from grades one to three in public schools. It seems almost trivial but what we take for granted can be so critical for those who don't have the means.
From the group's web site:Black Pencil Project is a personal initiative to help provide pencils through resources mobilizations to public elementary schools in the remote barangays accross the country. It aims to encourage localized participation and individual commitment of goodwill in support to government education programs in the countryside.
Aside from pencils, the group also proposes to meet other needs, such as: pens, sharpeners, notebooks, crayons, erasers, and pad paper.
There is a logic behind the black pencils, usually this is the type of pencil prescribed to kinder up to grade 3 because of its size and grip for most public schools around the country. So logically, we're targeting only those who are entering Grades 1 to 3.
Why?
These ages are the segment where they're most excited to go to school and yet very vulnerable.
In the remote places, only Primary School is offered (Grades 1-3), so kids entering Intermediate (Grade 4- 6) will have to walk to the nearest barangay in their area to be able to attend classes.
In some areas, because of poverty, kids instead of going to school, opt to help their parents doing farm errands in particularly during cropping season which happens in the middle of school year.
If you want to make a difference, you don't need to take it through the Black Pencil Project, of course. You can replicate this initiative within your own community. Visit their site for more ideas.
free rides in UP campus
Duration: June 17 - December 16, 2008No stubs or coupons needed! Just watch out for the UP Ikot, Toki and Philcoa jeepneys with the Accenture banners on top and your friendly driver will take you around campus for FREE! Yes, for FREE!
With this free ride, I was able to save 26.00 pesos - big save, right?
But there were still some passengers who pay their fare because of ignorance but Manong driver would say, “libreng sakay po” (the ride is free). Then you'll see the smile of the passengers who are very thankful for it.
Thank you for the free rides!
aethen as one of the 2008 top 30 TOSP
Every year, outstanding students across the country are given the chance for their achievements to be recognized. Areas that are taken into consideration include superior academic performance, remarkable leadership skills, altruistic community involvement and praiseworthy personal values. This is made possible through the prestigious Search for the Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines.
This is annual youth program of the RFM Foundation in cooperation with the Commission on Higher Education and National Book Store and the Rotary Club of Makati Central. This year Gerry Roxas Foundation has forged partnership with RFM Foundation.
TOSP embarked on a National search in 1994 although it was launched on June 19,1961. Notably, TOSP has produced many awardees that became great national figures such as the late Senator Raul Roco, Ayala Foundation President Vicky Garchitorena and TV personality Ricardo "Dong" Puno, Jr., to name a few.
This year, I was been chosen as one of the 30 National Finalists for the 2008 Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines program.
As one of the National Finalists in this year's TOSP Program, I am requested to come to Manila for a seven-day program of activities, which begins on July 11, 2008, Friday and will culminate on July 18, 2008, Friday. The activities will include a three-day TOSP Formation program that will focus on the challenges of nation-building with the goal of developing a TOSP Community.
In this regard, they organizer prepared several activities in my itinerary.
I really was not expecting to be in the top 30 finalist because I just feel that I am not into it. I will be competing with the other regional winners across the country as the list narrow to top 10.
The awarding ceremony is scheduled on July 17, 2008 at Malacanan Palace. President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo will be presenting the deserving 2008 Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines (TOSP) and will be awarding to the winners who are young students committed to moral leadership, social responsibility, and academic and professional excellence the trophy and 20,000 pesos.
TOSP is just the beginning of the journey through learning, leading and serving for life.
Please pray and root for me as they narrow the list to Top 10 this July.
P.S.
I would like to extend my utmost thanks to my T'nalak Youth Group family and friends, Pathways to Higher Education family, Philippine Marist Youth Council family, Notre Dame of Marbel University family and friends, Bloggers family and friends, and to all those who loved me. :p
adjusting and living in the metro
For the mean time, I stayed at Jehzeel’s apartment in tayuman but on Saturday I’ll be moving to my tita’s house in Sampalok. Staying at my relative’s house though too distant from the University will able me to save money and cut my expenses less. Next semester, I will apply for a dormitory in the University so that there will be no more hassle in commuting.
Jehzeel’s apartment is Cool. A studio type apartment good for two person and has an exclusive Wi-Fi connection owned by Jehzeel. His room is at the second floor where he is working at night and asleep during daytime. He has bizarre but comfy lifestyle that I don’t want to follow because of some practical reasons. Hehe.
By the way, I’m 12 units loaded this semester and I’m taking all the core subjects required in the program. The subjects were challenging-ly difficult and interesting and the professors were expert in their own fields. I’m really expecting a tough schooling life here as a UP student.
Right now, I’m still on the state of adjusting to their culture and environment. And this time I will minimize being lax in meeting challenges, must get serious and determ ined.
Water is in short supply, limited is a better term, I think, as well as clean air and good food. Transporation is accessible but too expensive for a student staying outside the University like me. I appreciate the presence of the trains that provide fast, safe, and cheaper means of transportation but you only have to endure the space you are entitled when the train is load with passengers. And lastly, I miss the good food from Marbel. There are many food stalls and restaurants to eat here but finding an affordable one is very difficult.
All my classes were held in the Engineering library infront of the College of Science building. The colleges were separated in blocks and the University really resembles a village because of its big land area. The place is also ideal for study and a venue for freedom and expression. I also have fun, in learning the route of the IKOT and TOKI jeepney rides. The people in the University seem don’t care about how you look and act as long your doing your own thing while other left unharmed.
Before I left marbel, I was thinking to rent a boarding house or get a space in a dormitory but I wasn’t able to find a good one. Maybe I was late in having my reservation for a space that all boarding houses were already full. I fellow scholar, offered me a space in his place outside the campus at krus na ligas but when I went to see the place, only space for bed is offered and you get to share with the other four accupants in the room. It seem peaceful there but the street you have to walk to get there is scary. Anyway, I guess I will be happy in my tita’s house.
And another thing is that, I am planning to apply for a credit card program so that, I would be able to purchase a laptop for an installment basis or maybe I'll try to get some cash loans but, I am afraid that I might not able to settle my accounts during payday loans.
P.s.
Will tell you more next time. I’m in a hurry to get in my next class. | Going to Star City later at 7pm. :)
moving to diliman
Tomorrow is the schedule of my flight bound to Manila. I will be flying with the Philippine Airlines at 10:30am. Hope that my study in UP and stay in Quezon city will be fruitful and fun.
God bless you all, guys!
the lettermen concert tour in marbel
The Lettermen, "Live in Concert" at
South Cotabato Gymnasium,
Twenty million records and seven thousand concert shows ago, three young men in letter sweaters hit the music charts with their first single, "The Way You Look Tonight." The soft, melodic tune was a departure from the hard-driving music of that day, but listener requests made it a must for disc jockey play lists all over the country. In almost every poll, The Lettermen became "Best Vocal Group" or "Best New Group."
Hit after hit followed: "When I Fall in Love," "Theme From A Summer Place," "Put Your Head on My Shoulder," "Hurt So Bad," and "Shangri-La" as well as over fifty albums filled with special romantic Lettermen harmony. One of their better known songs, "Goin' Out of My Head/Can't Take My Eyes Off You," was a first of its kind when it was released; it was the first hit record ever to completely integrate two songs as one.
Although they have had more than their share of recording successes, The Lettermen pride themselves on their live performances. Each show is a valentine to every audience as they maintain a whirlwind touring schedule throughout the
For over 30 years, the popular singing trio has been capturing the interests of individuals at public events, private conventions, and special benefits
Their universal music appeal has resulted in successful world tours around the globe. And now, they are in the
They will prove that love ballads have a universal appeal and will continue to stand the test of time on their “Live in Concert” at South Cotabato Gymnasium,
For tickets and more information please call 63.2.532.8883.
Blogging myths on Youngblood
Rolly Jude is feeling blood rushing in still in his new published Youngblood article entitled, "Blogging myths".
He had I posted in his blog earlier this article but had an additional concluding statement. The one published in Inquirer today was his second-to-the-last draft.
Read the article here.
cookey wins the AI 2008
David Cook reacts to being announced the winner of 'American Idol' during the finale.Cook was overcome with emotion, bending toward the stage after his name was announced. When he stood up, his eyes were filled with tears, the second time in as many nights that the scruffy, grainy-voiced belter had broken down.
Cook, 25, from Blue Springs, swamped Archuleta, 17, of Murray, Utah, by a margin of 12 million votes out of the record 97.5 million casts by viewers.
I really expected that Archuleta will win this Idol because of his annoyingly good voice and has chosen smart songs. Clearly, he’s in it for the win with a multitude of screaming fans praising his talent and charisma. But on the other hand, Cook is sincere, creative, and daring enough to shake the ground of predictability. Also his being rebellious turned to be rewarding in the end. Anyway, they both have soulful gaze when they perform professionally on stage, which qualify them as to be a winner (for me).
Anyway, David Archuleta is gonna be big no matter what. :) Congrats Cook’s fans.
archuleta as the american idol 2008
Syesha Mercado, the late-bloomer diva, was eliminated in the competition, leaving a very tight final between the two frontrunner, David Cook and David Archuleta, where Archuleta is on head and been hyped. This year’s Idol season was the favorite and the best.
So watch the finale of May 21, 2008.
going to UP-D soon
I have had just received my Acceptance letter for the Master of Science in Computer Science program in the University of the Philippines, Diliman. I might be moving to Manila next week to pursue this graduate study under the Accelerated Science and Technology Human Resource and Development Program.
Will be a student again on June. Hai. Wish me all the luck, guys.
kublai's haven
I arrived late night in the city because I left Marbel at 3pm and I waited at the front gate of Ateneo de Davao University, where my friends will meet me. We had our dinner immediately at the Pastil store near the university, then we went to Matina Town Square (MTS) to hang loose and appreciate the gig. We bought some cool rummaged items in the stalls located in the center of the square.
posing in front of the Ponce Suite (From left: teSandra, Moi, and teKix)We decide to visit the Ponce Suites in Doña Vicente Village in Davao City, where Kublai’s artworks were displayed. We had a knack for surprises. Ponce Suites took our breath away and yes! This is the place for a healing ritual, and relaxation. We roamed around the four-floor suite where inside Kublai’s art gallery is open for public.
kublai's gallery 
kublai's artworks everywhere 
some of his sculpture outside the hotel (From left: Emyat, teSandra, and Moi)
more of the sculptures made using cement as medium (From left: Emyat, teKix, and teSandra)You may want to see more of his gallery and artworks, click here.
what blogs me?
Bored in life, not yet certain on the next move to take. There are many opportunities but to grab them is confusing. Taking a decision at this point will conflict other plans. Yes, maybe I don’t know what I wanted right now. I have many plans but don’t know which one is to entertain first. I gave my self a break but its boring me; need to take a direction now.
Here are the things I’m considering:
- To study a Master of Science in Computer Science at the University of the Philippines, Diliman under the Accelerated Science and Technology Human Resource Development Program. I am still waiting for the reply of the graduate school to my application for admission in the program.
- I applied for a teaching position in the Notre Dame of
- Given a contract to work in GEODATA Solutions, Inc. as junior programmer/analyst but did not yet signed the contract.
- I applied also to other companies that has job opening on related work to my field of specialization, and was interviewed, passed the employment process, but have signed any contract yet. Undecided. Hope they will wait. I know this should not be the case.
- I was nominated by the school to the Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines (TOSP) this year to represent our region and also a candidate of the region to the 35th Ship for South East Asia Youth Program (SSEAYP). And on May 13, 2008 from 8 am - 3pm at the Civil Service Commission Regional Office XII.,
- Home-based work. Considering SEO. Freelancer.
I’ll be discerning for these things.
By the way, next week I’ll be launching three (3) new blogsites. Keep updated on these blogs. And oh, I found this payday loans online site that offers great opportunity for you to explore. You want to visit it.
ESSAY NO.1
What is the significance of excellence and being outstanding in today’s society?
Mark Aethen Agana's Essay to TOSP 2008
By the way, payday loans are available every last day of the month.
ESSAY NO.2
What to you is the meaning of community service?
As a student, sharing time and doing supplementary tutorial sessions to my fellow students is a simple way of extending and imparting the gifts that God had given me.
As a volunteer, the small things, worked with a big heart, created great impacts in the lives of the Youth I have served in
As a youth leader, it means of modeling servant leadership; a way of inspiring, motivating, influencing and challenging my fellow youth to be agents of positive change, and advocates of progress.
Service to community is one of the reasons of my being. It’s something that I yearn for and pursue with heart and passion for I believe that to whom much is given, much id expected. This is one way of giving gratitude to Him who has blessed us.
There is no cash advance made in doing this post.
Mark Aethen Agana's Essay to TOSP 2008
