LEGO Mall of Asia Philippines

LEGO® Exhibit at SM Mall of Asia

LEGO City exhibit is now open at the SM Mall of Asia! Check out the latest LEGO City sets. The exhibit will run until September 1, 2012. 

LEtsGO ^____^

Check out the slides below ^____^ wooot!

Click the following link to see how will they represent the Philippines's Map

If you want updates on Lego you can join PhilippineBricksters

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Global Astronomy Month 2012 GAM 2012

Let's Celebrate Global Astronomy Month 2012 (GMA2012)

     Astronomers, astronomy enthusiast are uniting this month of April for the celebration of Global Astronomy Month 2012 (GMA2012).

"One People, One Sky"

MAIN WEBSITE:http://www.astronomerswithoutborders.org/

Ways to celebrate

NOW: Lyrids meteor shower April 16 to 25 , BEST DAY April 22
NOTE:time difference between US and PH time

quick note: Watching meteor shower doesn't require special viewing equipment like binoculars or telescopes.

     Every time the Earth passes through the stream of dust particles ejected from the Comet C/1861 G1 Thatcher, we experience what is known as a Lyrids meteor shower. These brief streaks of light from meteors, sometimes called "shooting stars", peak on Saturday night the 21st April 2012 when earth moves through the center of the dust trail left behind by the comet. 

     It is active from April 16 to 25, 2012. The new moon gives a dark sky, unspoiling the observation. Lyrids is generally a fairly modest shower, perhaps offering 10 to 15 meteors per hour. (Upastrosoc-PH)

     The Lyrids meteor shower happens each year from about April 15 to 25 but the most are seen on April 22. Don't expect continuous meteors covering the sky but you'll still see a good display.  (US time)

    The Lyrids fall from Comet C1861 G1 Thatcher as the Earth passes through her tail. Activity from this meteor shower can be observed from 16 April to 25 April, but the perfect time to catch the Lyrids is during late night of the 21st to the early morning of the 22nd. (source: PH time- journeytothestars)

          

1. Online Observation-  enjoy the Universe from your Desktop! . Virtual Telescope . @Facebook
2. Check your local Astronomy Observatory
a. Astrocamp Observatory Services

Astrocamp Observatory Services FREE Lunar Viewing set every night weather permiting from April 2 to 7 

Experience: (I just paid 150 so I can see other planets) to be posted later :D I have seen Saturn, Jupiter, Mars, the moon ^_^(

Astrocamp is located in SM Mall of Asia, so if ever you are there try to visit it ^_^

Founded by Dr Armando Lee on May 15, 2009 (first light)
Location:Seaside Boulevard Street, Central Node, SM by the Bay Park, SM Mall of Asia Complex, 1300
Phone +1 632.854.2864
Email medlee1u(@)gmail(DOT)com
medlee1us(@)yahoo(DOT)com

Website http://www.twitter.com/astrocamp_ph





b. PAGASA located in University of the Philippines Diliman, 1101 Quezon City, Philippines.
NOTE:Best viewing condition so this will be the suggested first place for viewing ^_^ and there's also a planetarium in the PAGASA Science Garden.

The Astronomical Observatory
Telescoping/Stargazing
PAGASA


(c)ChrisVillarin.com

c. Manila Observatory (Ateneo de Manila University in Quezon City)

d. National Museum ("Observatorio Meteologico de Manila" ) NOTE: too much pollution
located at the Rizal Park or Luneta in Ermita, Manila.

3. Buy One Donate One

     Buy a high-quality telescope and another will be donated to an astronomy club or school in a developing country for education and outreach. If anyone can attest that it's high quality kindly notify me thanks ^_^

4. Global Star Party - April 28 (my birthday! weee!)

    Bring those telescope out of the closet or go to your local Astronomy Observatory

     April 28th is the time to come out under the stars, bridge gaps across the seas, and join your brother and sister skywatchers in proving that the world is, in fact, “One People, One Sky.”

HAVE fun, after all you are unique! How many people looks up in the sky and appreciate it? 

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National Astronomy Week 2012 Sky Lantern Event

Moon on Leap Year 2012
I took this shot this from the telescope ^_^

Ohhhh Moon how many times I've seen you... you are just there always looking at me...I hope one day I'll be able to touch you...

UNTIL this day! I did it by the power of laser BEAM! =(^o^)=


The National Astronomy Week is celebrated annually every third week of February. The theme of this year celebration is "Viewing the Sky... Enhancing our Knowledge!". Next year we will surely go to this events again. I missed a lot! viewing of Jupiter and Venus :( Ohh well there's always next year! Or who knows there might be a special astronomy event "alignment of planets" or other phenomenon.

My mountaineering friends and I went to Sky Lantern event of UP Astronomical Society last February 29 at Sunken Garden, UP Diliman. We went there for the reason that it's a leap year and hmmmm sending a wish in a Leap year will be "something". If I want to do it I'll have to wait for another 4 years!

Send your wishes to the sky this love month,
End the February by gazing at the night sky.

Here are some of the photos we have taken during the event.



Thanks Elmer for this photo ^_^


The Moon the lantern and the Telescope



People and their wishes


Lying in the sunken garden looking at the sky.
Somehow just looking at the sky makes me feel calm and happy =(^o^)=






"As the year leaps, I sent my wish to the heavens that someday "you" will arrive in my life..."

In the end my WISH did came true "somehow" :D Ahhh the magic of the lantern and leap year DO WORKS!

A night spent with mountaineer friends and "UP Astrosoc". Thanks for this event ^_^. Met new mountaineer friends and some Astonomy guys/gals Ohhh I feel like in college again haha! This is the first time I have seen the moon this clear. My telescope can't do this haha or I don't know how to use it? haha! :p

Combo meal Cantunan is a great experiencefor 50 pesos. I got fishball, kwekwek, canton , + C2 there's a mix up I wasn't been able to taste the cheese stick. Ohh well! next time :D No worries it's clean. I HOPE SO :p hehe!

Cantunan sa UP

Yeah good stuff!

Ahhh another day OF FUN ^_^ and this time there's an educational value hehe! Constellations! ^_^


UP Astronomical Society in partnership with Philippine Society of Youth Science Clubs presents:

To the stars through difficulties!

UP Website/Blog:
UP Astronomical Society
http://upastronomicalsociety.blogspot.com
http://siderealtimes.blogspot.com
http://twitter.com/upastrosoc
http://upastrosoc.multiply.com
http://upastrosociety.googlepages.com

QUICK LINK: March 7, 2012
21 Creatively Captured Moon Reflections in Water

(c)3am insomnia

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Philippine International Pyromusical Competition 2012

There's always something that brings our memory back during the time we are kids. Who doesn't miss the days back when we are kids where there are no problems(Unless you are being bullied). We just eat and play ^_^ Now what things/events that brings you back to the old day?

For me one of those things that reminded me of childhood is fireworks! I remember grandpa buying fireworks during New Year! ^_^

Even as I grow up whenever it's still a part of me. Whenever I'm with my friends in SM Mall of Asia as much as possible once the fireworks are lit up we would rush to see the fireworks.

Last year I also watched the Philippine International Pyromusical Competition. In fact I watched it three times for 3 consecutive weeks. That's how I love fireworks so much! This year I got invited to cover the event. Thanks to Azrael and SM Mall of Asia. The event this year will be held from February 11, 2012 to March 17.

Portugal
Finland
Australia
Canada
Italy
Philippines
Contest
RESULT

For the 3rd week of the show the one who will compete are Oy Pyroman Finland LTD. of Finland and Grupo Luso Pirotecnia of Portugal.

Videos and photo From Portugal


Black Eyed Peas Dirty Bit-The Time
Best Band ever!


Cold Play Viva La Vida
Yay one of my fave band! ^_^

I can see some red HEART formations ^_^

Videos and photo from Finland

Oy Pyroman Finland LTD. use the music from their own country, they have more of a traditional approach. I did like the fireworks of Finland in more of an artistic way. On the other hand Grupo Luso Pirotecnia (GLP) of Portugal used new and hip music, with a mix of old rock, and even music from their country. Both have their own approach but it is very noticeable that people like Portugal more and that includes me for the reason that it's a "fun fireworks". In the case of Portugal you could here the claps and "Woooowwwww" of people.

Australia

Smileys and hearts - Mambo Number 5

Canada

love love love ^_^

Italy

Philippines

Official Website of Philippine International Pyromusical Competition
Photos from the 1st(2010) and 2nd(2011) Philippine International Pyromusical Competition
Official Photo for 2012
Facebook Page of Philippine International Pyromusical Competition

CONTEST:

You can vote via textting and you can win an all expense paid trip for 2 to the winning country.

My own criteria for voting the winning country is
1. Fireworks/Color
2. Music
3. Is it synchronize?
4. Audience appreciation

How about you which country will you vote?

1. SM Pyromoa (Megamobile) Promo Mechanics Template 2-7-12

TEXT To Win!

To join, just text VOTE (space) PYROMOA (space) iLike (space) and country code of the country you would like to win! (eg. VOTE PYROMOA iLike KR)


Send to 2948 for Glove, Smart and Sun subscribers.

Get a chance to win an all expense paid trip for 2to the winning country of the 3rd Philippine International Pyromusical plus VIP tickets, a Canon Camera and other exciting prizes,by joining SM PYROMOA Viewer's Choice!!!

To validate your entry, register for free y texting:
PYROMOA REG Name/Add/Age and send to 2948.

CODE
Feb 11 Korea=KR , Malta=MT
Feb 18 United Kingdom=GB, Spain=ES
Feb 25 Finland=FL, Portugal=PT
Mar 3 China=CN, The Netherland=NL
Mar 10 Australia=AU, Cnada=CA
Mar 17 Italy=IL

Contest

2. Photo Contest Mechanics-PyroMoments 2-8-12

Mechanics for
PyroMusical Photo Contest

CONTEST MECHANICS
1. The contest is open to all photographers residing in the Philippines.
2. The contest theme is, “Capture that Spark.” We want people to take photos that capture moments that happen during the Pyro event (E.g. Amazed kids, sweet couple, crowd that is enjoying). Capturing the actual fireworks in the background is not necessary, but is a bonus.
3. The photo entries should be taken from the Pyro Musical Competition, which will be held every Saturday from February 11 to March 17, 2012 at the SM Mall of Asia.
4. Participants may use any type of camera.
5. Entries must be submitted via email to pyrophotocontest@gmail.com with the following specifications:
a. JPEG format
b. File size must be less than 1MB and at least 1024 pixels in its longest side. Our servers will not accept entries larger than 1MB and will be automatically disqualified.
c. Filename format: LastName_FirstName_EntryTitle.jpg
d. Include your entry title, full name, age, address, telephone number, and mobile number.
Note: Finalists will be asked to submit high resolution copies (at least 6 megapixels) of their entries.
6. Digital enhancements will only be limited to the following:
a. Cropping
b. Rotating
c. White Balance
d. Brightness and Contrast
e. Saturation
f. Sharpening
Note: Entries that have been digitally manipulated outside of these parameters will be disqualified.
7. Submission of entries is from Feb 11, 2012 to March 18, 2012. Due to possible high email traffic, participants are encouraged to submit their entries early.
8. Participants may enter as many number of entries as they want, but they can only win once. If the participant wins more than once, they will automatically get the higher prize and the lower prize will be awarded to the next winning participant.
9. PRIZES:
1st Prize: P15,000
2nd Prize: P10,000
3rd Prize: P 5,000
The top 3 winners will receive a DSLR Camera care of Canon.
Top 30: Photo will be part of PIPC photo exhibit in SM MOA (Recognition)

11. Winners will be notified of their achievement via text and email. The winners will also be announced on the Facebook site. Instructions on how to claim prizes shall also be sent through the same mediums. Names of winners may be published in select newspapers and magazines.
12. To claim their prize, they must do the following:
a. Present two (2) valid IDs
b. Present a printed copy of their email notification letter
* Prizes may be claimed within sixty (60) days from receipt of their notification.
13. Panel of Judges: (c/o Jeff Dytuco)

14. Criteria for Judging
a. Relevance to Theme (50%)
b. Photo Composition (50%) - Photos must create visual impact.
15. Judging Process:
a. Entries will be pre-screened by the organizers for adherence to basic requirements such as file size, digital enhancements, etc.
b. Pre-screened entries will be shown to the panel of judges through a digital projector.
c. The entries will pass through an initial judging through yes or no votes from judges. If an entry gets majority yes votes, it will move on to the next round. The process will be repeated until only 50 photos or less are left.
d. The finalists will go through 3 rounds of projection. Round 1, the photos will be shown for 5 seconds. Round 2, photos will be shown until all judges have placed their scores. Round 3, only specific photos will be shown depending on the need of the judges.
e. Scoring will be divided into 2 halves: 5 points for relevance to theme and another 5 for photo composition. Judges can use up to 2 decimal places for their scores. Highest total score wins.
16. SM Mall of Asia reserves the right to use all photos submitted for the contest in both online and offline collaterals. However, due credit will be given to the photographer.
17. SM Mall of Asia will not be held liable for any discrepancies that may arise among participants.

Per DTI-NCR Permit No. AI-0094, Series of 2012

Judges:
1. Jeff Dytuco: President of Zone V Camera Club, Photographer of the Year 2011
2. Vernes Go: President of Pipho Canera Club
3. Manny Inumerable: Director of FPPF, Chair of Photoworld 2010, past President of Zone V
*Their photo clubs do not have offices, they meet up

Determination of Winners:
Venue: SM Mall of Asia Conference Room
Date: March 20, 2012
Time: 1:00pm-5:00pm

RESULT:RESULT:3rd place Netherland, 2nd- tie between Finland and Australia, WINNER is Canada, my bet wins! ^_^ wohooooooo! but the host country Philippines is just W.O.W, not included in the contest but it's the best!

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Up Fair 2012 Music Wall Climb Rides Food Trip and Fun

Let's start with a video. I always love independent films just stories about life. It ignites the feeling of youthness and being alive, and bringing hope.



For other videos please click here

I think some are not yet uploaded but let's wait and see.

I was once a student of UP ITTC its just months but UP really has something to offer. Freedom (I can wear shorts and slippers while having a class ^_^),GREAT MINDS and simple life bananaque/turon is our snacks :D

SKIP history and go to FUN part

I went to UP Fair 2012 with Storm Chasers (a mountaineering group). As always they never failed to amaze we. What a fun group! ^_____^

Wall Climbing finally a dream come true, Octupus ride, swing ride ala Enchanted kingdom! Thanks Storm Chasers for another "memorable memories"!

Music + Food trip Shawarma rice, dirty ice cream vocado cheese and "something" I can't detect what it is, dunkin donut blueberry, and tried a Starbucks wannabe The Frap Bar hehe BUT it does taste good ^_^

Wohooooooooo! another great experience ^_^

As I walk upon the clouds of muddiness. And as I sore with the rides pretending to fly. I felt so ALIVE

Some background:
The UP Fair is an annual event hosted by the University Student Council (USC) with other student organizations. It serves as a venue to raise awareness amongst the the community, with the youth in particular, about issues of national significance. All funds raised go to beneficiaries such as dormitories and the nearby comunities.

ReboKultura

The UP Fair version of a weeklong demonstration of music to agitate our souls. Music is one form of art which expresses our culture, dreams and passions. The times today call for the shattering of allnotions which depict art as a passive entity. More and more, should it take on a revolutionary, active role in the making of history.

The USC UPD stands as the highest representative institution of 23,000 students from 25 colleges of the University of the Philippines-Diliman. Belonging in the flagship campus among UP System units, UPD USC continues its proud, historic tradition of active involvement to defend the rights and interests of the students and Filipino people.

We were supposed to go to Pyrolympics (Philippine International Pyromusical Competition but we decided that since it will be shown until Mach 17 we still have time to go there. So we decided to go to UP Fair 2012



So what can you do in this Fair? This will hopefully encourage you to go next year in this event ^_^

Wall Climbing for 50 pesos and you can climb 2 times the hard one the easier one. Whew it wasn't that easy! My arms HURTS haha! It's ok don't worry you have a harness ^_^

The Music

The Rides- Octupus, Ferris Wheel, Slide, Spaceshuttle :p , Caterpillar :p

Octupus Ride- Dangerous ride not much security but what the heck your in a Perya(Local Fair) :p just hold on to the rails :D

Spooky huh?

Food Trip (from pizza, bbq, Fraps, icecream, queque, fishballs, squidballs, donuts, etc)

Blueberry Donuts ^_^

Mediterranean foods never fails me ^_^

and FUN with FRIENDS!

Storm Chasers

An adventure wouldn't be complete without a jump shot ^_^

Tip for travelers
1. Wear a shoe + bring plastics to cover your shoe. It's going to be so muddy. Unless you want to feel the Earth like me :D. But next time I'll wear shoes instead!

Evidence of muddiness

2. Bring tissues if you are icky with mud, some muds will just "splash at you" well not really splash but... geez I can't remember the word haha!
3. Don't buy bottled water from outside since it is not allowed inside. Don't worry you can still buy water inside. It's just a security measure in events.
4. Bring Extra shirts, if it's hot you'll be sweaty :p and yes when you went home you want to be not stinky :p
5. When going to rides, GRIP with all your might, not much security. It's a dangerous ride REALLY.
6. and lastly ENJOY the music, rides, the foods and the company of your friends ^_^

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http://upfair.upd.edu.ph

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17th Philippines International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta

A weekend of everything that flies.

"The Balloon Fiesta hopes to fuel the passion of flying to both the young and the old to help move the aviation industry forward."



Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.

So what fun things can you do in here?
Watch Hot air Balloons




Fly a kite!



Watch Kite exhibition and do some actual unexpected exhibition (entangling your own kite to other people and watch your kite go crazy exhibition ^_^_



Car Drifting


Fireworks


Just lying on picnic table cloth and seeing kites + clouds, SIESTA time!

Watch Aeromodelling
Watch Paragliding
Watch Skydiving
Watch Ultralights
Watch a rescue mission - Helicopter
Jet exhibition
Airplane Exhibition

Food trip
having LOTS and LOTS of FUN!


Official attraction list

Tips for travelers
Personal Experience

Tips for Travelers

1. Go to Five Star terminal since they have even have 1am travel from Manila going to Dau.
Schedule of Five Star Bus
Schedule of Victory Liner @EDSA Cubao and Pasay
Philtranco
Philippine Rabbit 530am 30mins waiting time @Rizal Avenue cor. recto
Bus Megamall A - near Toy Kingdom 7am-730pm



2. Don't bring too much foods/chips or else you will have a hardtime bringing it to everywhere you go. Foods are available there at an affordable price.
3. Bring 2 shirts, we got lucky it was not that sunny, neverthless we are human being and located near equator so expect to sweat
4. Going in the venue, it is much easier to just buy the ticket on the event and enter the SHORTER LINE. I wonder why people go to the longer line? (Now I wonder I almost did that too!)
5. Bottled water is 25 pesos there no need to bring water.
6. Bring picnic table cloth/banig/sarong/ for you to have a resting place. You wouldn't want to stay in a tent the rest of the day. Experience the event. Don't stay in food stalls. Believe me lying in the sarong and seeing the kites and clouds and Mt. Arayat is a great experience.
7. Watch all the event, some title of event is boring but it's really nice
8. It is better to go on Saturday or Sunday since there are more events.
9. bring binoculars, I forgot to bring one.
10. If you are going to travel by Public Utility Vehicle after the event is done, RUNNNNNNNNNNNNN so you can ride jeepney back to terminal. Or else you need to walk a long way to terminal/or you'll be lucky to find a trike. If ever you have a lot of friends with you and you found one trike, you can ask the trike to contact the other trike drivers to fetch your other friends, and lastly have FUN ^____________^
If you don't want to bring a vehicle and don't want to walk you can buy a tour  from an Agency but do note that they leave Manila at 7am so you will missed the 530am event. For the agency please visit this site

For official FAQ Please visit http://www.philballoonfest.net/faqs.html
For other tips pls visit Azrael's site

Personal Experience:
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...Balloon, a toy that we as a kid love it. A birthday or going to park wouldn't be complete without it.


I'm a big guy now so I wan't a hot air balloon! Nahhhh it's expensive and where would I keep it? so the only thing I could do is well :D tadahhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!! go to the 17th Philippines International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta which will be held in Clark Pampanga.


Summary:Another memorable super duper great time with my mountaineer family (Storm Chasers) ^_^ + 1 classmate from Mapua Marco + Shan!

It is mine and lifelong friends dream of going to this event 4 years ago. Every year it's just ALL plans....plans... but we always ended up going to somewhere else hehe :p. I said to myself one day...one day....Then finally, Bry one of the Storm Chasers posted that there there will be a balloon festival this February 9 to 12 2012. I asked my best friends at first they said yes but Anne is sick, the other 1 has just been married, the other 2 in in province, the other on in Korea, and the other one @Mico well tinamad na hehe? In the end I'm glad that Storm Chasers will really go ^_^

A big wohooooooooooo! BUT BUT BUT! whoops at the day we will buy the tickets WHOOOPS no more tickets! WHOA!!! but after a day it's being sold again by ticket net. + I saw Marco's status that he want to go so there you go +2 adventurers wohoooooo!

Then the day finally arrive! we need to leave 2 am from Manila to Clark so we can be there by 330 and be early...WHOOPS !

I'm in the Five star terminal at about 130am. Marco and Shan arrived around 2am. Kevin's camera had a problem so he was late... I went to the first bus and reserve 5more seats HAHAHA. Well until I just went down cause we are not yet complete. It's fine at least I can have some penoy again after 13years.

We arrived in the event around 530 BUT whoops ticket is still with the people who climb Mt. Arayat.

Finally we decided to just buy another ticket and let the other just sell the tickets again.
FINALLY we got in WOHOOO lets the balloon fun begins!

So here are the fun things you can do to the event:

*** Hot air Balloons*** (you can see strange shaped hot air balloons, a cake, car, panda, I think 2011 had better lineup) but todays weather might not permit it. Other balloons actaually wasn't been able to fly at all.

***Kite****We we're able to fly a kite!
You could try buying kites ahead of time so you can have a better kite for a better price, you can try Divisoria for that.

There's also a kite exhibition :D

***Marine Helicopters/airplanes and war vehicles***

you can even ride some of the war vehicles and get some photo. They even have soldiers inside :D

Car Drifting
Just lying and seeing kites + clouds
foodtrip- penoy,shawarma, snow ice, scramble, hongkong noodles, chicharap
Sky Diving
Rescue mission - Helicopter
Jet excibition
Airplane Exibition
Fireworks (which is kinda disappointing anyways there will be a special firework palooza next week ^_^ )

Food tripppppppp - penoy,shawarma, snow ice, scramble, hongkong noodles, chicharap
having LOTS and LOTS of FUN and kulitan!


NOTE: Trekkeras are so hardcore they climbed Mt. Arayat and went to Balloon Festival WHOAAAAAAA!


Even going home is FUN! nag Pinoy henyo game before going home UNTIL :( someone stole my phone :( BUT it was still fun ^________^ it's just a phone I can buy again next time. BUT the fun memories :D can't be bought by money.

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