Spot and Win a Larry Alcala shirt

Just one of the many items from the Larry Alcala collection

Funny but I learned to read through the 80's local kiddie fave Funny komiks.

That's why I have high respect for cartoonists because they make reading more fun.  I admire more those who can tell a story without using any text in his work.  Take the case of the great Pinoy illustrator Larry Alcala whose Slice of Life is simply a joy to look at.  His works not only give us something to smile about but it also showcases the "fun" in the Filipino life via his black and white strips. Another fun part is the fact that Larry Alcala always include a concealed image of himself in all his works. 

Solo, a clothing line which heeds today’s generation’s pursuit of liberty, self-expression and individualism, has launched a Larry Alcala collection that will surely interest even those not familiar with Alcala's work (especially those who are living under the rock).

And the good news is, you have a chance to get a "slice" of that Larry Alcala collection. Just visit www.solo.com.ph and download a contest sheet/ comic illustration.  Just spot the hidden head of the illustrator and send it to at marketing@solo.com.ph.  Winners will be announced via Solo FB fan page. Just search for "Solo Online" 

Gastro Chef Giveaways

My wife loves to cook. I love to eat. And I think, you can't beat that combination.

It's not that I don't know how to cook. Actually, my sinigang and kaldereta is the best according to my wife. I just want to make her feel how being a good housewife can be that's why I let the kitchen be her kingdom.

I'm sure she will be delighted to hear this great promotion I found online:

Through its "The Chef in You" promo, Gastro Chef will be raffling away the following items: (a.) Two (2) Aprons worth P450.00 each, (b.) Four (4) Utility knives worth P645.00 each, (c.) Two (2) Sandwich boards worth P1,125.00 each, (d.) Two (2) Small cutting boards with hole worth P1,300.00 each, (e.) Two (2) Regular steak sets worth P1,495.00 each, (f.) Two (2) Napkin holders worth P1,550.00 each, (g.) Two (2) Cleavers worth P1,595.00 each, (h.) Four (4) Eight inches chef's knives worth P1,595.00 each, (i.) Two (2) Knife magnets worth P1,795.00 each, (j.) Two (2) Steak board with hole and groove worth P1,895.00 each, (k.) Two (2) Carving sets in a box worth P1,980.00 each.

Whoa! That's a lot! If you're interested to join, just visist www.herword.com to answer a simple survey form to get a raffle entry.

This promo is only valid for Metro Manila residents. Participants should send their entries on or before 12mn of September 10, 2010. Announcement of the winners via HerWord.com will be made on September 15, 2010. Winners will also be notified via email and SMS.

FREE tickets to Piolo Pascual's concert

I used to think that I am handsome. But when people like Piolo Pascual came into the picture and created a Papa P syndrome: meaning hindi ka pogi kung di mo kamukha si Piolo, my beliefs I have carried since birth was all shattered.

Well, it's not my concern now since my wife already assured me that I am more good looking than Piolo by her standards. That's why I have given her a deaf ear every time she complains about eye irritations and stuff that she want to consult an ophthalmologist.

Anyways here's the deal, Sun Life Financial placed this ad on Philippine Star today: FREE tickets to Private Time with Piolo Pascual.

This is a concert with the music genius Ryan Cayabyab with special guest Vina Morales, who happens to be my showbiz crush since high school... kabisado ka pa lyrics ng hit niyang Pers Lab, promise!

The Concert is happening at the Forum Tent, PICC on October 9, 2010 and as the ad indicated, anyone can get 2 FREE concert tickets and Php 50k personal insurance for one year (which made me ask, rock concert ba eto na may batuhan ng bote, hedbangan at slaman kaya kelangan me insurance pa with kasama yun ticket? Nagtatanong, Ate Charo)

To avail the promo, just call 849-9888 and leave your contact details. Viola! Promo period is up to Sept. 20 only! Limited seats lang daw kaya tawag na!

Win Php 25,000 from Hen Lin

Today is a rainy day! Sarap matulog at mag-food trip.

I remember a college friend once said that in times like this, all he needs are three "Sio" --- siopao, siomai at siota!

Which reminds me of a simple yet yummy contest from Hen Lin in cooperation with Philippine Star. In Libre na, Panalo pa: Sagot ka ni Hen Lin, participants will get a chance to win a food treat from Hen Lin or a better luck next time note from them every time you visit the contest microsite.

The good thing is, whether you get a FREE meal or not, you'll automatically get a raffle entry every visit (once a day) for a chance to win a hot na hot Php 25,000 cash.

2010 Palanca Award winners

As a writer, I have yet to accomplish two things that I've been aiming for the longest time: (1) for me to publish a book and (2) to win a Palanca Award.

I have published countless articles, essays, and others stuff in different publications, both local and abroad, but to have my work printed in a book is a lasting legacy. I have also won a number of literary contests but a Palanca is like the Oscars for Pinoy writers.

I almost got a book deal in 2001 but for some reasons, it did not push through. I did tried joining Palanca Awards in two separate occasions but never got the judges' nods.

But this time, my personal goal is in within the next three years I would accomplished at least one of them. For those interested to join Palanca Awards 2011, just visit palancaawards.com.ph for more details although they have yet to update their mechanics and official form for next year, since they just announced this year's winners yesterday.

But what I'm sure is the deadline for entries for next year is April 30, 2011 so you can start drafting your entries now. For the curious souls, below is the full list of this year's Palanca Awardees:

Dulang Pampelikula
1st – Kristoffer G. Brugada (Patikul)
2nd – Jerry B. Gracio (Magdamag)
3rd – No Winner

Dulang Ganap ang Haba
1st – No Winner
2nd – Liza C. Magtoto (Rated PG)
3rd – Christian R. Vallez (Kapeng Barako Club: Samahan ng mga Bitter)

Dulang May Isang Yugto
1st – Nicolas B. Pichay (Isang Araw sa Karnabal)
2nd – Floy C. Quintos (Suor Clara)
3rd – Allan B. Lopez (Higit Pa Dito)

Kabataan Sanaysay
1st – Christopher S. Rosales (Gulayan Klasrum)
2nd – Marianito L. Dio Jr.
(Ang Aking Pangalan, Ang Aking Kababata at ang Mithing Tilamsik para kay Third)
3rd – No Winner

Tula
1st – Carlos M. Piocos III (Guerra Cantos)
2nd -- Romulo P. Baquiran Jr. (Parokya)
3rd – Mark Anthony S. Angeles (Engkantado)

Tulang Pambata
1st – No Winner
2nd – No Winner
3rd – Will P. Ortiz (May Puso Ang Saging)

Maikling Kwento
1st – No Winner
2nd – Rommel B. Rodriguez (Toxic)
3rd – Thomas David F. Chavez (Sa Kabilang Lupalop ng Mahiwagang Kaharian)

Maikling Kwentong Pambata
1st – Christopher S. Rosales (Si Berting, ang Batang Uling)
2nd – Renerio R. Concepcion (Ang Kagilagilalas na Paglalakbay nina Mumo at Am-I)
3rd – Bernadette V. Neri (Parada ng mga Alingawngaw)

Sanaysay
1st – Maria Clarissa N. Estuar (Ang Reyna ng mga Tumbong)
2nd – Ferdinand P. Jarin (D’Pol Pisigan Band)
3rd – Mark Gil M. Caparros (Sina Bunso at ang mga Batang Preso)

Full-length Play
1st – Jay Crisostomo IV (God of the Machine)
2nd – Jorshinelle Taleon-Sonza (The Encounter)
3rd – Lito Casaje (Shooting the Boys)

One-act Play
1st – No Winner
2nd – No Winner
3rd – Peter Solis Nery (The Wide Ionian Sea)

Short Story
1st – Ma. Elena L. Paulma (Three Kisses)
2nd – Ma. Rachelle Tesoro (Waiting for Rain)
3rd – Catherine Rose Galang Torres (Café Masala)

Short Story for Children
1st – Irene Carolina A. Sarmiento (Tabon Girl)
2nd – Hiyasmin Ledi C. Mattison (Little Bear Goes Home: A Love Story)
3rd – Grace D. Chong (I am an Apple)

Poetry
1st – Merlie M. Alunan (Tales of the Spiderwoman)
2nd -- Rafael Antonio C. San Diego (My Name in Reverse)
3rd – Joel H. Vega (Latitudes and Other Poems)

Poetry for Children
1st – Duffie Alejandrino H. Osental (After the Storm and Other Poems)
2nd – Patricia Marie Grace S. Gomez (Poems from the Pantry and Prehistoric Times)
3rd – Ma. Celine Anastasia P. Socrates (Playgrounds)

Essay
1st – Miro Frances D. Capili (Vinyl)
2nd – Florianne Marie L. Jimenez (Postcards from Somewhere)
3rd – Corinna Esperanza A. Nuqui (Library)

Kabataan Essay
1st – Miro Frances D. Capili (The Nature of Nurture)
2nd -- Anton Raphael S. Cabalza (A Shot at Perfection)
3rd – Catherine D. Tan (Green at Heart)

Short Story – Cebuano
1st – Richel G. Dorotan (Si Tarzan)
2nd -- Jonecito R. Saguban (Tinuboang Sapatos)
3rd – Noel P. Tuazon (Patas)

Short Story – Iluko
1st – Sherma E. Benosa (Dagiti Pasugnod ni Angelo)
2nd – Ariel S. Tabag (Voice Tape)
3rd – Joel B. Manuel (Apo Bannual! Apo Bannual!)

Short Story – Hiligaynon
1st – Andy P. Perez (Bayuso)
2nd – Ferdinand L. Balino (Dumdumon Ko Ang Imo Guya)
3rd – Jesus C. Insilada, Ed. D. (Walingwaling)

The awards, in honor of Don Carlos Palanca Sr., aims to help develop Philippine literature for writers to craft their most outstanding literary work; to be a treasury of the Philippines’ literary gems from our gifted writers; and to assist in its dissemination to the public, especially the students.

Solo's Larry Alcala Collection and Online Model Search

Remember Slice of Life and Kalabog en Bosyo? Whether you’re a Pinoy comic fan or not, sure you loved the playful characters from these works. Relive the inner child in you as Solo brings Pinoy Memorabilia featuring Cartoonist Larry Alcala.

Larry Alcala is a well-known editorial cartoonist and illustrator. In his over 50 years of cartooning, he has made over 500 characters, twenty comic strips, six movies, two murals and 15,000 published pages. His most popular cartoon series was Slice of Life, which is a reflection of the many unique aspects of everyday life in the Philippines. Slice of Life received the Best in Humor award and was also cited for helping to keep alive the Filipino's ability to laugh at himself, through the lively marriage of art and humor, and through commentaries that are at once critical and compassionate, evoking laughter and reflection. Remember spending your Sundays looking for the concealed caricature of his face on Slice of Life? Now, you get to do this again!

For the first time, Solo, a brand who has built a strong following by offering hip vintage merchandise, is now bringing in Pinoy Cartoonist Memorabilia collection featuring Larry Alcala. This prolific cartoonist’s Slice of Life playful characters will be immortalized in a limited special edition consisting of graphic tees, polo shirts, woven tops and dresses and men’s long sleeves and accessories such as tote bag, clutch, notebook and mugs! My favorite in this treasure is the Larry Alcala Unisex watch and the purple short sleeve polo.

This pop collection will surely got us all hooked! To view the entire Men's collection, click HERE and Ladies' collection, click HERE.

Catch more exciting things happening online for the launch of Solo's Pinoy Cartoonist Memorabilia collection. Join Solo fan page in Facebook, search for “Solo Online” and Twitter twitter.com/mySoloOnline.

Join Solo's Online Model Search! Go HERE for the contest details. It's easy, just wear one of Larry Alcala's items in your submission entry with the creative use of graphic elements available in the contest website and submit it!

Anyone registering on the site can vote. Have fun looking at all the entries and the comments posted about each entry. Vote and post your own comments too! The winners win cash and product prizes and will grace the walls of all Solo stores in the next campaign shoot. Contest starts August 22 until November 15. Join now and tell you friends about it!

Win Joey Ayala CDs

Whenever I hear the name Joey Ayala, the first thing that comes to my mind is his sentimental song "Walang Hanggang Paalam."

The title itself wanna make you listen to it and already draws emotion. What more if you did play it in your MP3 playsers... baka maiyak ka :-)

Here's my favorite line from the song which is actually the chorus part:

Image taken from thinkphilippines.com

Ang pagibig natin ay
walang hanggang paalam
at habang magkalayo
papalapit pa rin ang puso
kahit na magkahiwalay
tayo ay magkasama
sa magkabilang dulo ng mundo

The words are strong and sincere. Nakakadala ng emosyon lalo na kung nasa rally ka sa mendiola :-)

Incidentally, Kartonista.com is giving away 3 Joey Ayala CDs. All you need to do is to (1) Leave a comment that answers this question, “What is your favorite Joey Ayala song?“ and (2) Follow the blog in NetworkedBlogs.

The other good news is every month, a featured prize will be given away until December 2010.