5 Reasons Why EDM Parties are the Best!

Summer is officially over, but who says you can’t still that have that EDM party by the beach? Here are five reasons why you should attend one:

5. The Encounter

Experiencing a rave celebration in the flesh differs from any type of festivals you will encounter on this planet! You will certainly be outdoors, delighting in the fresh air and taking in an ambience that is incomparable.

4. Wearing Funky Beach Clothes

You will be able to wear outfits that you would generally not use on normal days, or even in regular parties. There are no rules when it comes to beach outfits, so create something imaginative, something that draws attention, something funky. Think Coachella!

3. Being on the Beach

One of the best experiences of participating in beach raves is that feeling of happiness of just being by the beach. Although summer is over, it will still be enjoyable as you allow the sunlight to kiss your face the second time around in a cooler way, as your favorite band and DJ rock the stage for the hundreds of rave followers that you will be joining.

2. Make Friends

Beach raves are participated in by crowds with similar tastes in music. If you go to an EDM celebration, you will certainly be amongst EDM followers. These festivals will certainly be the best venue in making friendships that will last for a lifetime, or perhaps up until the celebration ends.

1. The Rave

You're there for the raves, why else would you be going to a rave celebration? Sure, there are so much more to beach festivals like arts and crafts, however,  the rave is the primary reason that you go to rave parties, right?

Photo from Sunburn Music Festival

So, party with us at Sunburn Music Festival this coming August 27, 2016 at Lingayen, Pangasinan. For more details, check out the following:

https://www.facebook.com/sunburnmusicfestivalph/

https://tag77.com/tagvert/details/sunburn-music-festival-573d6b6e161f467357726ab1

http://sunburnmusicfest.com

Team Building is Fun at Tree Top Adventure Baguio!

People troop to Baguio City for fun outings or to simply enjoy the holiday break. But did you know that the City of Pines can also be a destination place for team-building activities?

Tree Top Adventure, located inside Camp John Hay may be known as an extreme adventure theme park, but it is also the only team-building facility in Baguio City.

As part of the Bloggers’ Baguio Getaway Package, select bloggers, myself included, participated in the Team Building Activity facilitated by Tree Drop Adventure last May 13.

Bloggers were divided into Green and Red Teams. Azalea Residences Baguio staff also joined us as the Blue Team.

Our team, the Green Team or Team Good Genes! (photo by Eric Tan)

Red Team or Team-Ang (photo by Jace Mendoza)

Blue Team or Team Azalea (photo by Eric Tan)

First order of the day was to create a cheer for your team. Creativity and cooperation must come into play. We won this round -- thanks to the creativity of Allan!

Our winning cheer! (photo by Eric Tan)

Next is the Plank Step. Members must travel up to the finish line using the planks provided. This is quite difficult as the planks were small and your feet must not touch the floor. All of you will be close (literally and figuratively) after this game, haha.

Green Team doing the Plank Step (photo by Jace Mendoza)

The most difficult task for our team was the Pipeline –we weren’t able to finish this actually. Each member must hold a pipe with one hand and connect it with the other pipes to transfer a ping-pong ball up to the finish line, without letting it fall off the ground. Patience and coordination will be tested here.

Green Team doing the Pipeline (photo by Jace Mendoza)

This was followed by the ABC Game. We formed two lines, back –to-back with our teammates. Each has to say one letter of the alphabet in the proper sequence. Catch is, the next to recite should not be the one beside or behind you. The ability to concentrate is needed here. I think we were the fastest for this game.

Green Team doing the ABC Game (photo by Jace Mendoza)

The easiest activity was the Helium Stick. Here, we have to lower a long, thin, lightweight rod to the ground. Communication and coordination with other team members is vital to achieve this task.

Green Team doing the Helium Stick (photo by Eric Tan)

Next was Loop Lift. We have to lift a giant loop ring to another station. The catch -- marbles on each handle and on the center of the loop must not fall off! Talk about coordination and control. I’m proud to say that our team was able to do this in a jiffy!

Green Team lifting the loop (photo by Jace Mendoza)

We proceeded with the Bar Lifter Balancer. We have to lift bars up to a certain height simultaneously at the fastest time – without the marbles of each bar falling off! Coordination skills and strategy will be tested here.

Green Team lifting and balancing the bars (photo by Jace Mendoza)

Next is Gem Drop. This was quite difficult also because you have to get a cube from the floor and drop it to its proper place by pulling and pushing ropes. Strategy and teamwork is a must here. I think we finished second for this round.

Green Team doing the Gem Drop (photo by Jace Mendoza)

The last activity was the Treasure Hunt. First, we have to form the map to determine the location of a “Buloy.” Two of our members searched for it. But it doesn’t end there -- we have to answer a riddle. Mind you, the riddles were difficult! We finished second for this activity.

completing the map & guessing the riddle (photos by Jace Mendoza)

looking for the "Buloy" (photos by Eric Tan)

And finally the announcement of the grand winner -- the Blue Team! Even though our team finished second, I felt that we have accomplished a lot by giving our best effort in every activity. At the same time, we had fun and really bonded well even if most of us just met each other for the first time! We have learned to adjust, cooperate and be a team-player.

The facilitators were knowledgeable and helpful. The activities are measurable and can really build camaraderie among groups. Thank you Tree Top Adventure for this wonderful team-building experience!

For more info, Tree Top Adventure’s official website: http://www.treetopadventureph.com/

Special shout-out to TravelBook Ph, the official media partner for this event. Check them out at: http://www.travelbook.ph/

Extreme Adventure Awaits at Tree Top Baguio

Baguio City is known for its cold weather, strawberries and various tourist spots. But for those who are looking for thrilling outdoor activities, the City of Pines is slowly becoming a destination place for extreme adventure-- thanks to Tree Top Adventure. And as part of the Bloggers’ Baguio Getaway Package, select bloggers, myself included, had a chance to experience this last May 12.

Tree Top Adventure is the only motorized zipline in the Philippines. Its vast Baguio City branch is conveniently located within Camp John Hay. So, aside from the rides, it offers breathtaking views of mountains and pine trees. If you’re not the thrill-seeker type and won’t be trying the rides, you can go just go on a trekking adventure.

Upon arrival, we had a short briefing first. Please take note that wearing of shorts, skirts or dresses for females are not allowed. Proper safety gears are also worn before you take a ride. Rates are as follows:

For the bold and courageous, try Tree Top’s most popular attraction– the Tree Drop in which you will rappel 60 ft above ground, Mission Impossible-style. I wasn’t able to experience this because it started raining and they have to close it for safety reasons. I was relieved because I was really afraid to try it. But seeing how the other bloggers enjoyed it, I’ll (try) do it next time.

photo by Eric Tan

Another favorite attraction is the Superman Ride where you will zipline Superman-style 150 ft high, 200 meters long over a ravine. What makes it different is you will also zipline backwards and it can be a tandem ride.

photo by Eric Tan

What I find interesting is the Silver Surfer. You (together with another rider) will be standing on a platform that glides up and down through the air. What make it quite scary are the sudden stops and swings.

photo by Eric Tan

The Skywalk is just an elevated walkway where you can get a good view of the whole theme park.

photo from www.treetopadventureph.com

Another attraction that I enjoyed is the Canopy. These are cable chairs elevated at 100 ft above ground that will take you to various stations within the park. It was relaxing to just be sitting there and taking in the view and fresh air.

Another Tree Top Adventure attraction is the Funicular Ride. It only takes about 5-10 minutes where you will just be seated on a ride that will just go up and down.

photo by Eric Tan

Tourist sites visits, horse-back riding, strawberry-picking or ukay-ukay shopping are not the only “things to do” when in Baguio City. Experiencing extreme adventure at Tree Top Adventure is definitely one good reason to visit the City of Pines.

For more info, Tree Top Adventure’s official website: http://www.treetopadventureph.com/

Special shout-out to TravelBook Ph, the official media partner for this event.  Check them out at: http://www.travelbook.ph/

Azalea Residences Baguio: A Fun Holiday Getaway

With the sweltering Manila weather, a cool Baguio escapade is something that I wouldn’t certainly miss. So on May 12, I joined 17 other bloggers for a 3D/2N Group Getaway sponsored by Azalea Hotels and Residences in the City of Pines.

Azalea Residences is the first 4-star serviced apartment hotel in Baguio City, meaning it has the conveniences of a hotel and the full services and amenities of a serviced-apartment. It is located on an enclave along Leonard Wood, near Teacher’s Camp.  It is quite hidden from the main road, so be alert in looking for the Azalea signage.

Lani, Leomy, Arianne, Richelle, Rejj and I were assigned to a 2-bedroom apartment suite. It has a master’s bedroom (with own bathroom), a guest bedroom and a convertible sofa bed in the living room with a bathroom (with towels and toiletries). 

Azalea also has deluxe hotel rooms, one bedroom apartment suites, and 3-bedroom apartment suites, perfect for family or groups.

The rooms are new, clean and spacious. These three things are what I look for in an accommodation. Plus the bed mattresses are comfy and the pillows, soft. 

Each room also has a flatscreen TV with DVD player and WI-FI access. It also has a dining area and kitchenette with electric cooktops and kitchen and dinnerware set for those who opt to cook and dine in the comfort of their rooms.

But of course, a trip Baguio wouldn’t be complete without visiting its famous tourist spots. And as part of the Getaway, Azalea came up with an itinerary for the must-visit sites, which are all within reach from the hotel. 

For Day 2, we went to the Mountain Maid Training Center which is popular for its ube jam, the breathtaking view Mines View Park, the good old Wright Park, the iconic Mansion, and the haunted Laperal House, yay!  Some of us checked out the Night Market along Harrison Road.

For Day 3, we went strawberry picking and pasalubong shopping at Strawberry Farm and appreciated art at BenCab Museum (one off my bucket list!).

And all throughout our stay, we were treated to a sumptuous feast at Tradisyon Coffee Shop, Azalea’s in-house restaurant. The selection features traditional local and international comfort food staples. My favorites are kare-kare, roasted chicken and of course, their famous hot chocolate.

I’ve been to Baguio a couple of times since I was kid and have visited most of the sites already, but this time, it is quite “refreshing”, so to speak. Thank you Azalea Residences for making our Baguio stay truly a fun holiday getaway!

For room rates and other info, visit Azalea Residences’ (Baguio) official website: http://www.azaleabaguio.com/

Special shout-out to TravelBook Ph, the official media partner for this event.  Check them out at: http://www.travelbook.ph/

Zoomanity Group’s Robert Yupangco to share his wisdom at the Asia Digital Marketing Expo 2016

Robert Laurel Yupangco, a charming bachelor with successful businesses in tourism and finance, will be one of the speakers this May 27, 2016 at Asia Digital Marketing Expo 2016. Mr. Yupangco will be a panel speaker and round table discussion lead for the topic “The Digital Tourism.” He will also be one of the incubators at the “Start-Up Pitching Session.” The multi-awarded Yupangco is a favorite conference speaker because of his wit, humor, experience and wisdom.

According to Mr. Yupangco:

“Timing is important! Let me re-quote the English proverb: The early bird catches the worm but, the early worm was eaten by the bird. We may act promptly but without strategy we may not get our desired results."

"Having a good and well-planned strategy is one key to cope up in the digital era that we are now facing. Technology change and consumer adapting to technology are drawing marketing innovators to a fast face media platforms. Hospitality and tourism is one of the industries that is most affected by digital development. Technology enables consumer make better travel alternatives causing higher expectations."

"In order to perform well and gain competitive advantages, players in the travel industry, like us in Zoomanity Group are always looking for the newest and better ways to reach our customers. We are focusing on “real experience” through a real and live interaction with animals and nature. Zoomanity Group parks: Zoobic Safari in Subic, Residence Inn Tagaytay, Zoocobia in Clark, Pampanga, Paradizoo in Mendez, Cavite, Zoocolate Thrills in Loboc Bohol, are now expanding internationally through our projects in Nagano, Japan called Zootopia, a Ski and Summer resort park, and animal breeding center in Shepparton City inVictoria, Australia. To give our customers a better and easy way to visit our parks we’ve launched an online ticketing system called www.zoomanitypayment.com.ph."

"Change has been a vital part in our growing tourism industry especially in digital aspect. The rising customer expectations gives companies like us to have better opportunities to expand our market by giving a more quality and unique experience."

"With this, I want to share you this message: think out of the box. You will never grow if you stay inside the limited corners of an idea. Business is a world of infinite possibilities. You will not succeed if you are afraid to tap the only permanent thing in this world, change.”

TAG Media and Public Relations is the marketing & branding arm of Zoomanity Group. For more info: 09166299381

Crowdsource the BLISS of a #LiveFreePH

How do you feel about the future? Is your family doing okay? Are the people around you hopeful or gloomy? With the Brighter Life Index: Social Sentiment or BLISS, Sun Life will show how optimism, prosperity, and the bayanihan spirit can produce a positive ripple from ourselves to our loved ones and to the community where we live.

BLISS is a Facebook application that aims to get the pulse of Filipinos about their current financial situation as well as their outlook for the future.

“BLISS gives us the canvas to paint our #LiveFreePH campaign. Through crowdsourcing, we seek the brightest spots while also determining the areas that are in need of a bit more sunshine,” explained Sun Life of Canada (Philippines), Inc. Chief Marketing Officer Mylene Lopa.“Together with the Sun Life Foundation, we will help turn dim prospects to bright opportunities.”

How BLISS happens

Harnessing the power of crowdsourcing, BLISS gathers insights directly from consumers by asking Filipinos about their current state and their outlook for the future. Responses will be collected primarily via Facebook.

The results will be embodied by a map of the Philippines, where positive sentiments will be represented by sunny weather, while negative ones will be indicated by thunderstorms. This will be updated real time, with different aggregations available for viewing.

BLISS will also radiatewarmth in real life, as the Sun Life Foundation pledges to match survey responses with a donation to help localities with bleak outlooks, as indicated by the stormy icons in the results map. Inspired by the practice of bayanihan (communal work), the initiative translates insight to action, viathe information that will be shared by online users.

"Sun Life Foundation believes in action that is powered by insight, and we’re bringing that to the social media platform through BLISS,” said Sun Life Foundation Executive Director Anne Zillah Flores. “We’re taking it further by actually responding to the gaps that will be determined. We will fund projects to help communities with bleak prospects so they can adopt a brighter outlook.”

 

 

BLISS to #LiveFreePH

From the present to the future, BLISS narrates the changing story of Filipinos from multiple points of view: self, family, and community. Income, health, and work-life balance are identified as personal concerns;food, nutrition and financial security comprise the familial territory; while access to quality education, healthcare, and livelihood opportunities are the societal factors that impact the nation as a whole. When addressed properly, these concerns can become the building blocks of a nationwide movement towards financial independence.

“From BLISS, we lay down the blueprint of #LiveFreePH – to practice foresight by being conscious of our needs while sharing the benefits of living the brighter life,” Lopa said.“We hope that by working together towards financial freedom, we can create a story of a prosperous and optimistic nation, because in our journey to financial freedom, we can go far if we go together.”

Share the BLISS to help communities in need and the chance to win awesome prizes like an iPad Air. Go to http://bit.ly/1hDBxhn to begin.

 About Sun Life Financial

Celebrating 150 years in 2015, Sun Life Financial is a leading international financial services organization providing a diverse range of protection and wealth products and services to individuals and corporate customers. Sun Life Financial and its partners have operations in a number of markets worldwide, including Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Japan, Indonesia, India, China, Australia, Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia and Bermuda. As of March 31, 2015, the Sun Life Financial group of companies had total assets under management of $813 billion. For more information please visit www.sunlife.com.

Eco House, an environment-friendly home

Recent years have shown the destructive effects of climate change. Thus, building with the preservation of our environment as a key factor, is no longer a fad but a necessity. One example is an Eco House--an environmentally low-impact home designed and built using materials and technology that reduces carbon footprint and lowers energy needs. The Eco House is a project by National President of the Philippine Institute of Interior Design and Architect James Jao. Jao is a pioneer of eco-architecture and sustainable development in the Philippines. He has translated inspired visions into actual full-scale projects from stand-alone residences to master-planned communities.

Armed with a degree in Architecture from the University of Santo Tomas and a post-graduate degree in City Design and Social Science from the London School of Economics in the UK, Jao embarked on his Eco House projects when he returned to the Philippines. He has built several residential buildings designed with a tropical climate in mind — PVC roof, polystyrene-lined concrete walls that stabilize indoor temperature, and non-toxic paint, among other things.

Architect James Jao

It was during a trip in Antwerp, Belgium in April of 2008 when Jao first saw a model unit of an Eco House. This started his dream of designing and building a Filipino version of an Eco House suitable for a tropical climate. The succeeding year he created the Eco Jao Bahay Kubo, a 1-bedroom take on the indigenous house found in the country’s lowlands but updated for the modern times with solar panels and Thermawalls.

Eco Houses are made of Thermawall that insulates the building envelope of the entire house keeping off the heat from coming into the interior spaces and giving it a comfortable indoor temperature. Here are the technical requirements according to Jao, “the Thermawall is sandwiched between a 6 mm. Hardiflex panel with a high-density 1" polystyrene insulation on the exterior and spaced a minimum of 100 mm. for reinforced concrete and another 4.5 mm. panel on the inside. It is a load bearing wall built on a mat foundation.” This can supposedly withstand a magnitude 9 earthquake.

Architect Jao shares the other components that make up an Eco House, “steel is used to frame the roof and 2 mm. PVC corrugated roofing is used for the material. The window frame is made of UPVc frame with Low-E glass and double glazed with clear glass on the inside. Only the door jambs and panels are made of wood. All bathroom fixtures and fittings are water saver and all lighting fixtures are energy saver using LED and CFL bulbs. Low VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) and non-toxic paints are used.” Furthermore, rainwater is collected in a cistern tank plus, the principle of passive cooling is used to create cross ventilation into the house.

The Eco House is not site-specific and so it can be built in any location in the country. Best of all, the materials specified for an Eco House are readily available in the market. Jao has built Eco House projects all over the Philippines. His current projects include the first Eco Schools, a 3-hectare master planned campus for the Holy Spirit School of Tagbilaran in Bohol and the 4-storey academic building of the College of the Holy Spirit in Tarlac. “My dream project is to build a master planned eco towns throughout the Philippines with exemplary standards of sustainability. This low-impact development can survive the impact of climate change, a magnitude 9 earthquake, strong typhoons and thus, all the structures are climate resilient,” explains Architect Jao.

Jao has always spoken to media, colleagues and the general public about the urgency of adapting green solutions. He continues to generously share his time and expertise to students, peers and shareholders whenever invited as a resource speaker on the latest materials, technology and solutions in green architecture. If you are interested to know more about Eco Houses or would like to build one, you can contact Eco Jao Development Corporation athttp://www.jamesjao.com and jamesjao2002@yahoo.com. It’s time for ecologically sustainable and economically affordable structures.

Shroff Travel offers exclusive travel deals up to 50% off on the 26th Philippine Travel Mart

Backed with more than  21 years of experience in the travel and tourism industry, Shroff Travel guarantees its customers with professional services in providing overall solutions to their travel needs. This year, as they participate in PHILTOA’s 26th Philippine Travel Mart, they are offering international and domestic exclusive travel deals that will surely make everyone excited to take their next holiday!

INTERNATIONAL PACKAGES

3D 2N - SIEM REAP, CAMBODIA with Tours - USD 173

3D 2N - BEIJING, CHINA with compulsory Tours - USD 64

3D 2N - HO CHI MINH Free & Easy Only - USD 72

3D 2N - HANOI Free & Easy - USD 75

3D 2N - BALI INDONESIA Free & Easy Only - USD 62

3D 2N - KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA with Half Day City Tour - USD 76

3D 2N - BANGKOK, THAILAND with Tour - USD 92

3D 2N - SINGAPORE - USD 145

3D 2N - KOTA KINABALU, MALAYSIA Free & Easy - USD 124

3D 2N - SEOUL, KOREA with Complimentary City Tour - USD 170

3D 2N - MYANMAR with Tours - USD 196

4D 3N - OSAKA, JAPAN Free & Easy Only - USD 720

4D 3N - TOKYO, JAPAN Free & Easy Only - USD 812

DOMESTIC PACKAGES 3D 2N FREE & EASY for as low as:

Puerto Princesa - Php 1,948

Cebu - Php 1,959

Coron - Php 1,969

Boracay - Php 1,990

Batanes - Php 2,736

Davao - Php 2,754

Bohol - Php 2,756

Ilocos - Php 3,782

El Nido - Php 3,932

For  more details about these travel deals and other tour packages, please check the NOTES on Shroff Travel Facebook Page.

https://www.facebook.com/notes/shroff-travel/exclusive-travel-deals-for-26th-philippine-travel-mart/1609228186005872

Experience Life with Shroff Travel!

SHROFF TRAVEL aims to give everyone memorable travel experiences especially those who have great passion for exploration. That's one of the reasons why they make it easier and affordable for tourists to discover the Philippines and the rest of world by offering these special travel deals. They also offer flight promos and issues ticket on all airlines so booking your tour with them is hassle free.

For more information about Shroff Travel exclusive travel deals, please visit their BOOTH # F1037 & F1042 during the 26th Philippine Travel Mart at SMX Convention Center (SM MoA) on September 4-6, 2015.

For complete information about their available services and packages, please contact  (+63 2) 524 2222 / (+63 2) 524 3636 or text 0917 890 3637. You may also visit their website www.shrofftravel.com to search for available tours, flights, hotels, transfers and other travel needs. Book competitive offers with great value for your money!

Stay connected with Shroff Travel! Like them on Facebook for a chance to win a 3day 3 nights stay in Boracay! Follow their Instagram / Twitter @ShroffTraveland don’t forget to them your travel photos and use their hashtag for a chance to win surprise gift from them. #ExperienceLife#ShroffTravel#WeCare