Crowning Ms. BellaGene

During our company's anniversary celebration, one of the highlights of the event is the "Ms. BellaGene Pageant". It seeks not only to promote country-wide the latest beauty product called BellaGene but also aims to empower women candidates and showcase not only their outer beauty but also inner radiance and smarter outlook in life.

Ms. BellaGene winner with other candidates

10 contestants competed for the crown and title to become the first Ms. BellaGene 2012. Thousands of distributors, leaders, stockist owners as well as foreign delegates from the U.S., Mexico and Malaysia attended this much awaited event. It is by far the grandest celebration of Gano iTouch anniversary in the Philippines.

The contest like many beauty pageants started off with presentation of candidates in their national costume. Since the theme for this year's anniversary is "Mabuhay Pilipinas, Kaisa sa Mundo ng Gano Excel",  I believe it was a smart way to introduce to our foreign guests the beauty and colors of Philippine culture. The talent portion was a total enjoyment with candidates singing and dancing, we were like watching a noontime entertainment show. To spice up the evening, the candidates ramped on stage on their red bikinis  sporting their fitter curves for the swimwear competition looking fresh from a possible clean cleanse diet. This was followed by the long gown competition. Obviously, a beauty pageant wouldn't be complete without the question and answer portion.

The program lasted 7 freakin' hours, although entertaining, it was more than we could chew. We left the venue hungry for dinner. But all in all, it was a glam up night to remember.

Luneta Park: Dancing Musical Fountain

Luneta Park: Dancing Musical Fountain

Located in the heart of Manila, Rizal Park also known as Luneta Park lights up at night with fun colorful splashes from its latest offering, the Dancing Musical Fountain adding a bit of modern day enjoyment to the park's historical story. Mom, sister Hannah and I were able to catch this dancing musical fountain a few weeks ago after a walking and pedicab tour of Intramuros. At around 5pm, families, lovers and friends gather around the park trying to spot some seats to fully enjoy the fountain show. The splashes started at around 6pm adding a more dramatic look at Manila's sunset view.

Inside the Intramuros Walls

Fort Santiago

Some historical background about INTRAMUROS

Long before the Spaniards arrived in the Philippines, villages abounded along the banks of the Pasig River. One of these was a palisaded fort called Maynila. Ruled by Rajah Soliman,  a native chieftain, the citadel was a trade center for Asian goods.

Peace in the thriving community was shattered upon the arrival of the Spaniards led by master of camp Martin de Goiti and later by conquistador Miguel Lopez de Legazpi.

Fort Santiago is located in the norther part of the Walled City and one of the oldest fortifications in Manila.  The Spaniards under the term of Governor Gomez Peres Dasmariñas fortified what was originally stone structures. Other governors general continued to modernize Fort Santiago's defenses. Which makes it probably the best laid-out portion of the walls.

Along with increasing blog stories and good online reviews, a walking tour in Intramuros has becoming increasingly popular to foreign visitors and even locals wanting to reconnect with the past. Together with mom and sister, we tried to visit this charming streets of Intramuros for a day tour. Below are some interesting tourist spots you can see inside Intramuros.

MV Logos Hope: Inside Tour at the World's Largest Floating Book Fair

MV Logos Hope in Manila 2012

Life is a journey.

We're all going 

somewhere,

but where 

are we going?

The largest floating library in the world, the MV Logos Hope, arrived in Manila last February 17. Carrying more than 5,000 titles, the ship officially opened its doors to Manila, providing high-quality books at a fraction of the cost. The Logos Hope community of 400 unpaid volunteers from over 45 different countries lives and works together for one purpose - to bring knowledge, help and hope to the people of the world.

Photos: Sabang Beach, Palawan

panoramic view of Sabang Beach

We stayed and took our lunch at Sabang Beach while waiting for our scheduled afternoon trip at the Underground River. Sabang Beach is hugely popular to tourists as it's the where most packaged tours with free buffet lunch is given.

Photos: City Tour, Palawan

Puerto Princesa Bay

Photos below were taken during our packaged city tour covering Palawan's Baywalk, Plaza Cuartel, Immaculate Concepcion Cathedral, Crocodile Farm, Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm, Mitra's Ranch, Baker's Hill and yes, pasalubong shopping :)