2011, in Photos: Awe. Some. Sauce.

I think I shall never see,
a poem as lovely as a mangrove tree.

Mockingjay Pins Giveaway at Hunger Games Philippines!

We at Hunger Games Philippines are giving away 3 (or 5) mockingjay pins this holiday season! These are legit pins, you guys! Not plastic, this is real!

1. Facebook promo: "Share" and complete the caption: "Dear Hunger Games Philippines, this Mockingjay Pin should be mine because..." Most creative response wins!

2. Twitter promo: Just tweet "Dear HungerGamesPhil, #IWantThatPin!" and we'll randomly select one person to win a pin!

3. Christmas in Panem contest. Contestants are to submit an entry built around the theme Christmas in Panem. What is Christmas for the citizens of Panem? or How do you think citizens of Panem celebrate Christmas? Any form of media will be accepted. (Freehand drawing, prose or poetry, short story, video, audio, poster etc.) Individual submission: 1 pin. Group entry: 3 pins at most!

How to help the victims of Typhoon Sendong

Talked a while ago to my friend Anna who's living in Cagayan de Oro. Glad to hear she and her family's safe, but she emphasized that it's really bad down there as a lot of families were affected by the fury of Typhoon Sendong. She also asked us to pray for everyone in CDO.

For those who's willing to go an extra mile and help the people of CDO this Christmas season, here's a list I got from Facebook on the ways you can help them.

(Taken from Fil Alcaraz's Facebook note)

1. 

DSWD accepting dry clothes for women, children, elderly at DSWD-NCR or Cagayan de Oro. Volunteers needed at DSWD CDO (Masterson Rd) to repack/deliver relief goods. Call 09066150095 or  858-8892 @DSWDserve #Sendong | via @GelSantosRelos

For volunteers and donations in CDO: contact Manny Borres (09066150095) DSWD CDO.

In MetroManila: Contact Jam (7348639) DSWD NCR (via @govph)

Top 5 of Everything 2011

Inspired (and/or envious) with the numerous best of 2011 lists posted in various websites and blogs, I've decided to make my own top 5 of everything 2011-related as well. These are all based on what I've seen, heard, tasted, did, and I'm no supreme god to have experienced everything. My opinions will definitely, at some point, not agree with yours.

Money Makes the (Showbiz) World Go 'Round

If there's one word we can use to describe Philippine show business, it would be colorful. A plethora of different personas, an infinite number of characters showcasing their talents (or the lack thereof). I have to admit I have never laid my eyes on any local broadcast show for years now, probably with the exception of the shows which I chance upon while riding the bus, but I am always updated with the latest chismis with the help of Twitter's trending topics. 2011 has proven to be a shocker year for the industry, courtesy of the people I'm about to mention. If there's one thing common among how these personalities ended up doing such actions that made them (in)famous, then it definitely is money. What do their actions tell us? What lessons can we learn?