The Canon Photo Marathon is a 1-day photo contest that lets you actually go out and shoot new images within the specified location or area. You'll get a chance to compete against other amateur / professional photographers and hobbyist under strict contest deadlines as well. Just submit the images you've captured subject to a panel of a judge's evaluation. Your thematic creative instinct, as well as your ability to work under tight timeline pressures will be thoroughly tested in this exciting and unique competition.


Last year together with Ian and Emman, we joined in this big event. The Canon Photo Marathon 2009 was held in Tagaytay International Convention Center with so many freebies and give aways that sponsors provided. The breakfast, lunch and dinner are also free, we met new friends and learn more about canon. Here are some of our photos during the said event.

 Participants



Briefing Session


So are you ready? Join the Canon Photo marathon today! For more information visit their official website http://goto.canon.com.ph/photomarathon2010/.

F21 Manila, in cooperation with SM and Canon, and under the guidance of master photographer John Chua, held its first outreach program for the year with the scholars of The Catholic Ministry for deaf People on October 16, 2010. A day of fun and learning was spent with the kids to give them time with their parents and opportunity to discover the beauty of photography. The morning was spent at the La Mesa Eco Park with games and basic photography lessons using Canon point and shoot cameras.



After lunch, the group went to SM Fairview's Storyland to enjoy the rides and have an appearance at Storyland Idols. It was a truly enriching experience for both the club and the kids. The effort invested into making this event happen was definitely worth it.


The next step is to have photos of this exhibit at SM Novaliches during Deaf Awareness Week, entitled "People with This Ability", the exhibit aims to increase the awareness of the public about PWDs and open the doors for more support to them, particularly CMDP. We aim to show that people who are incapacitated have the full capacity to live and love, and therefore do not have disability, but this ability - the ability to overcome their limitations.

F21 Manila would like to thank people and establishments who made this outreach possible - SM, Canon, La Mesa Ecopark, Jack 'n Jill, URC, Philamlife, House of Minis and all the other individual who helped fund the activity.

Watch out for F21 Manila's first ever exhibit on November 7-13, 2010 at the new SM Novaliches!


Author: Emman Paras
               F21 Manila, President

Being with my college buddies is one of my favorite things to do because when I'm when I'm with them O can be myself. So last Thursday we finally meet-up again, Charize was the one who planned this get-together which is actually a girl's night out meaning no boys allowed for the meantime so that we can talked about some girl's thing. I'm so excited to meet them since I have so many questions to ask especially Jhoy. I'm so curious why some of my closest friends are getting engaged, getting married or soon-to- be mom. Am I too late for this? Hhmm.. I don't think so; I'm only 25 and still enjoying my life as of this moment. Hehe.

Charize and I opted to meet at Landmark one hour before our scheduled get-together to have more time to talk, but unfortunately she arrived at our meeting place 30 minutes late. Huhu. She decided to give another try at Bubba Gump because she has as free main dish when you purchased at least Php 500.00 worth of their products but sad to say she forgot to bring the gift certificate and for that reason, we have no choice but to choose another place for dinner. We decided to try our Seafood Island, a newly open restaurant in Greenbelt 3.


We were greeted by cheerful waitress wearing a nice uniform and assists us in our seats, she also invites us to try their specialty.The place was nice and comfy, the staffs are accommodating and I like their wall decorations.



While waiting for Cha to arrive, we decided to place our orders. With the help of one staff we opted to try their Pagudpud Surfers Boodle which is good for 3-4 persons, one of their specialties and a must-try dishes. We got surprised when we saw that the food was placed in a big wood covered by banana leaves surrounded with a different varieties of grilled dishes including fish, squid, liempo, steamed crab, fish dinengdeng (a version of Pakbet with fish on top) and binagoong rice.



Pagudpud Surfers Boodle (3-4 persons) Php 895.00 + 10% Service Charge

At first glimpse we assumed that we weren't able to consume all of these foods s the time goes by, we noticed that there are only few left over. Haha. While eating, Jhoy shares her new life with Ryan, the preparations for their upcoming baby and the plans of getting married again in Church; Cha shares her problems same as Charize while I also shares my dilemma and of course, some happy moments.



Tres Marias


meet my girlfriends ^_^


Jhoy, Cha, Charize and RN

After dinner,  we had some desserts at Starbucks. Sharing again our unending stories and all of a sudden Cha introduced her friend with us. (ehem!) which is according to her they are going to have some drinking session afterwards. (I smell something fishy!) Hehe.


Our dessert (Charize and Mine)


Jhoy's dessert


Cha's dessert


The AMAers


Cha's special friend (Magkaribal series with Charize!)

We all enjoyed and had fun that nigh, one of a kind bonding moments with my precious friends.


Seafood Island Ilocano North Shore Grill
Level 3, Greenbelt 3
Ayala Center, Makati City

After we watched Musical Fountain Show at Ocean Park, we decided to stroll at Robinson's Place in Manila. Choosing a place where to have dinner during weekend  sometimes presents a bit of a challenge for us because of the many options available, after searching for the best place to dine in, we settle and had our dinner at Dencio's. We've tried this restaurant countless times and I can say that we really love their sisig. The place was not crowded when we arrived and the staffs are not accommodating since they left us alone to find our seats.


This is a good place for group meals and inuman sessions due to the attractive prices and beer match dishes that they offer. For this dinner, we both agree to order 2 main dishes. First, the most famous "Crispy Sisig", but according to Ian the sisig was just okay. He noticed that the quality of their sisig isn't good as it was before. We expect too much that there would be crispy pork skin like chicharon since the dish is named "Crispy Sisig". Well, as we taste it and make some conclusions that this is actually meant more for pulutan rather than a dish itself.



Crispy Sisig with Egg Php 200.00

Next is we order for Sinigang na Hipon which is one of our favorite dishes. The sinigang served in hot with a right sinigang flavor and the seafood with other ingredients used were definitely fresh. It has a very tempting taste that everyone must enjoy to eat. I love the main ingredient of this dish, Tamarind or Sampaloc because it gives natural sour and unique taste. Well, they even let you taste the sourness before they serve it.


Sinigang na Hipon Php 260.00

After this scrumptious dinner we got surprised when we asked for the bill, they told us that the POS (Point of Sale) machine doesn't work. So they just give us a small piece of paper wherein they write the dishes that we ordered which is manually computed. Then, when they give us back our change, they don't even provide us copy of official receipt. One staff told us that they can only provide a hand-written copy of what we ordered since they cannot provide official receipt. Well, I think this restaurant should remember that they are ALWAYS/OBLIGE to provide OFFICIAL RECEIPT and if they don't give anything meaning they don't pay the tax.



Dencio's
Robinson's Place
Ermita Manila

Oftentimes, when we talk about deaf , mute or blind people, we refer to them as People with Disability. On the other hand, they have made their lives as normal as possible despite of their disabilities. Their ability to express, love, gratitude, and zest for life no matter what their limitations are - this is an ability in itself. It's time to give attention to "PEOPLE WITH THIS ABILITY" .


My photography Club, F21 Manila will hold and early Christmas treat on October 16, 2010 Saturday to a group of deaf children affiliated with the Catholic Ministry of Deaf People. We'd appreciate your support (in kind or in cash) to make this event a success. For more information, you can visit our official website http://www.f21manila.org/.

Make someone special feel the early Christmas spirit.

Last Saturday, we are scheduled to meet the parents of the deaf children's somewhere in Katipunan for our upcoming charity work this Saturday. However, since Ian and I are not familiar with the place, we arrived late in the meeting place. (Sad) But since we need to discuss important matters about the project, Emman decided to take our merienda first and talk about the event. After 2 hours of discussion, we need to leave Quezon City and prepare for our next activity.

While I was watching Umagang Kay Ganda last 2 weeks ago, one of their episodes catch my attention. They are discussing about the new added attraction in Manila Ocean Park, the Musical Fountain Show. Upon hearing it, the first thing that comes to my mind is the Symphony of Lights in Hongkong with a twist. The entrance is Php 300.00 but since they have a promo for October 1-17, 2010 you can experience the musical fountain for only Php 50.00. Whoa!


The show starts at 6:30pm and the staff gives you one disposable raincoat for your protection.



There are lots of people in the field and waiting for the show to start. We were lucky to be seated at the center aisle.


We are both excited to watch this spectacular Musical Fountain Show which is the country's first and grandest musical fountain similarly with the world's best show. Be ready to see the magical water scene that shows a stunning display of fire, laser lights and music with back up animated marine characters such as Nemo.








I love the story that goes with the laser water show. Two things that irritates us are the building background and the wire which is unfit to the majesty of the laser and water show. It would be better if that two things are not there. Look some of our photos have this black line in the middle. Gggrr...




Complete Cast of Musical Fountain Show


Dancing Star Fish




But all in all, the show is amazing and really for a whole family. This is truly one of a kind musical experience you shouldn't miss. By the way, here's how to avail the Php 50.00 promo:

1. Visit http://www.manilaoceanpark.com/ ,  click here to go straight to the registration site.
2. Click on registration and fill up the registration form; e-mail address and mobile number is a must! Then click Submit button.
3. Receive your instant SMS coupon through your registered mobile number within the day.
4. Present your SMS coupon at the Acquatica Ticket Booth for ticket seller validation.
5. Pay the amount of Php 50.00 upon validation to get the Musical Fountain ticket.

Seat is on a First Come, First Serve basis. here are other guidelines for your information:

1. One (1) SMS Coupon per person per transaction
2. SMS Coupon must be availed within the promo period (October 1 - 17, 2010)
3. SMS Coupon is not redeemable for cash
4. SMS Coupon cannot be combined with any other coupon or discount, including Senior Citizen privilege.
5. MOP reserves the right to delay, postpone, or cancel the show in case of technical problems, heavy rains or inclement weather.

Actually, after clicking the Submit button I got my SMS coupon right away. So what are you waiting for? sign up and avail the promo!

After watching I DO and played some arcade at Power Station, we decided to take our dinner. We are still full from our merienda so we opted to clutch pizza and pasta at the same time. Out of curiosity we decided to grab a bite in Don Henrico's.

Don Herico's Ristorante is located in SM Mall of Asia near IMAX Theater. It's a casual Italian dining restaurant with a twist to suit the taste of Filipinos. This classy Italian pizza house expanded its menu and also offers seafood, meat dishes, pasta and desserts. This restaurant has a cozy and inviting ambiance with a large aquarium which decorates the wall, a nice place to celebrate occasions. However, the place is small which made them put some tables outside the restaurant. After an hour of waiting, finally we were lucky to seat at the couch. We love the abundance of couches! The staffs are accommodating and very attentive to the customers who need anything.

Ian opted to have some appetizer so he chose to try their Dip and Nachos. It's a warm cornmeal nachos served with creamy cheese sauce and taco sauce


Dip and Nachos Php 180.00

I chose to try their own version of Caesar Salad. It is a combination of crisp lettuce, Caesar dressing, roasted garlic chips, tomato olives, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, crisp bacon crumbles and croutons.


Caesar Salad (Share) Php 160.00

We also order for Classic Carbonara. Linguine pasta with fresh button mushrooms and smoked bacon in a light Parmesan cream sauce with garlic bread.



Classic Carbonara (Share) Php 220.00

Since Don Henrico's is known for their pizza, we opted to try the Bacon Cheeseburger Pizza. A great combination of bacon, beef, mushroom, onion, tomato, lettuce tossed with mayonnaise and sweet pickles relish.


Bacon Cheeseburger Pizza (10-inches) Php 270.00

The food is actually the biggest reason why it was such a great find for us. They are filling, satisfying and worth the price.

♥ US ♥

Don Henrico's
Central Business Park
Bay Boulevard, Bay City
Pasay City