Martes, Hunyo 12, 2012

Vampire Diaries Star Ian Somerhalder mesmerized by El Nido, Palawan

The ever dashing Ian Somerhalder (photo courtesy of http://www.flicr.com/photos/)

Early this year, Hollywood British actress Rachel Weisz visited El Nido, Palawan and was awed by its sheer beauty. This time, it was Vampire Diaries’ star Iwan Somerhalder’s turn to be mesmerized.

“El Nido is one of the most beautiful places in the world; and incredible,” was all he could quipped in a bevy of media persons from Manila with a sparkle in his blue eyes which can’t hide the obvious feeling of being overwhelmed by the natural wonder.

In a separate interview with veteran entertainment columnist Ricky Lo, he similarly expressed, “I was in El Nido which is one of the most beautiful places in the world. Incredible!”

When further asked on why he has this intense environmental advocacy, he replied, “It’s just part of me, of who I am and what I do. I think it gives me a great opportunity to bring the youth together and allow them to be inspired and be creative and sort of take control of the future because ultimately it’s theirs. The world will hopefully change for the better and we’re gonna do it and we will help the youth.”

Somerhalder visited Manila, Philippines and the scenic Lagen Island in El Nido, Palawan, Philippines through his environmental preservation foundation, The Ian Somerhalder Foundation (TISF) in partnership with Penshoppe, a Filipino casual clothing line which he currently endorses.

“A portion of the sales from Ian’s campaign will be donated by Penshoppe to TISF. The campaign will be formally launched later this June,” declared Joyce Ramirez, head of PR Asia, which conceptualized Penshoppe’s All-Star campaign. The Campaign included A-list Hollywood actor Zac Efron, Gossip Girl TV Actor Ed Westwick, Thai matinee idol Mario Maurer and Leighton Meester of Gossip Girl, the only rose among the thorns. Ramirez said that there's more to come.

Vampire Diaris star Ian Somerhalder was recently mesmerized by El Nido, Palawan (photo courtesy of http://images4.fanpop.com/image/photos)

El Nido is a first-class municipality situated at the northwestern tip of the province of Palawan, Philippines. It is 40 kilometers southwest of Manila, and 238 kilometers northwest of Puerto Princesa City, Palawan’s capital. El Nido is bordered by the Linapacan Strait in the North, the Sulu Sea in the east, and the South China Sea in the west.

El Nido is famous for its pristine white sand. It is considered a showcase of Palawan’s geology and various wildlife. It is one of most important sites for biological diversity in the country and has been stated by the Philippine government as a protected area.

Palawan came from a Chinese word that means “safe beautiful harbor.” Palawan is also where the famous Puerto Princesa Underground is located which was recently formally included in the New Seven Wonders of Nature.

"It's Incredible!" was how Ian Somherhalder described El Nido on his recent visit (photo courtesy of www.manilenio.com)

Related Links:

-Philippine Star

http://www.philstar.com/funfare/exclusivesarticle.aspx?articleId=811262&publicationSubCategoryId=70

-GMA Network News

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/259230/lifestyle/people/ian-somerhalder-has-fallen-in-love-with-the-philippines

-The Entertainment Lifestyle website

http://www.theentertainmentlifestyle.com/2012/05/vampire-diaries-star-ian-somerhalder.html

-www.penshoppe.com

-TISF (The Ian Somerhalder Foundation)

http://www.isfoundation.com/

- Ian Somerhalder on twitter

http://twitter.com/iansomerhalder

Related Blog by Dorothea Benedict

-http://dorotheabenedictinthenorth.blogspot.com/2012/03/rachel-weisz-wowed-by-el-nido-palawan.html

Martes, Mayo 1, 2012

Puerto Princesa Underground River Finally Inaugurated as one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature

First, there was the worldwide voting. Second, votes were counted. Then confirmation of seven winners came. Finally, to cap the series of significant events, the inauguration of the New Seven Wonders of the World has come. On April 21, 2012 Puerto Princesa Underground River (PPUR) was finally inaugurated as one of the Seven Wonders of Nature in Quezon City Circle, Philippines. No less than Philippine President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III was present as the keynote speaker.

The inauguration started with the unveiling of the N7WN marker. This marker would be installed at the entrance of the PPUR.

Meanwhile, the awarding of the plaque signalled the official inauguration of the Underground River as one of the N7WN.

Along with President Aquino and local officials, Bernard Webber, founder of N7WN was also present.

President Aquino promised to spend one week of vacation in Puerto Princesa when his term ends in 2016.

PPUR is the second to be inaugurated after Jeju Island in Korea. The other five wonders were The Amazon River in South America, Halong Bay in Vietnam, Iguazu falls in Argentina/ Brazil, Komodo National Park in Indonesia and Table Mountain in Cape Town, South Africa.

Source:

Philippine Information Agency - www.pia.gov.ph

Manila Bulletin - http://www.mb.com.ph/

Related Dorothea Benedict in the North blog:

- Rachel Weisz wowed by El Nido, Palawan

(http://dorotheabenedictinthenorth.blogspot.com/2012/03/rachel-weisz-wowed-by-el-nido-palawan.html)

- IT’S OFFICIAL: Puerto Princesa Underground River is one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature

(http://dorotheabenedictinthenorth.blogspot.com/2012/02/its-official-puerto-princesa.html)

- Do YOUR Part to Make Puerto Princesa Underground River one of the Seven Wonders of Nature

(http://dorotheabenedictinthenorth.blogspot.com/2011/08/do-your-part-to-make-puerto-princesa.html)

Sabado, Abril 28, 2012

Rachel Weisz’ Gift and Legacy

Beautiful Rachel Weisz gave a gift and legacy in the form of playground benefiting around 600 kids in San Andres, Manila (photo courtesy of Google Image)

Rachel Weisz came to Manila on January to film the fourth instalment of the successful Hollywood movie Bourne, The Bourne Legacy. She ended up leaving a gift and legacy instead to about 600 kids. It is a playground in San Andres, Manila. This was revealed by the film’s producer and director Pat Crowley and confirmed by Rachel Weisz’ Filipino co-actors in the film Lou Veloso and John Arcilla.

“Everyday she came out and she saw the playground and she saw the kids in the playground. I think that had a lot to do with motivating her…that she always makes a contribution on every movie that she works on,” Crowley mentioned to a TV press.

Crowley also shared that Weisz contributed Merry-Go-Round and new seesaw for the kids. He added that Weisz’ main concern was the safety of the kids as there were lots of sharp edges that can injure the kids.

“We can do better for the kids,” is what Crowley remembered that Rachel Weisz have quipped.

Filipino architects Roy Lachica, Dan Fernandez and Kenny Yanga were commissioned to design the playground’s makeover. “Rachel approved the drawing we showed her before she left Manila.” Lahica said. “She wanted us to include rubber mats, because the floor area is all concrete.” It was completed on March 5, 2012.

Meanwhile, Crowley also revealed that the “Bourne Legacy” will have a special screening here in the Philippines this year.

“I don’t know if there will be a world premiere but definitely a special screening here for the people who were involved and people in Manila.

Producer Pat Crowly (rightmost) and Rachel Weisz Filipino co-actor in the film The Bourne Legacy (in suit) distributes school kits in San Andres Manila were they filmed for few weeks.

Resources:

ABS-CBN News: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Manila Bulletin: http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/353423/weisz-gives-manila-kids-a-new-playground

Inquirer Entertainment: http://entertainment.inquirer.net/33375/a-bourne-legacy

Rachel Weisz Online (unofficial fansite) http://www.rachelweiszonline.com/2012/03/weiszs-legacy-a-new-playground-for-san-andres/

Please check out the other Rachel Wiesz blog by Dorothea Benedict:

http://dorotheabenedictinthenorth.blogspot.com/2012/03/rachel-weisz-wowed-by-el-nido-palawan.html

Cheap Japan: 4 Tips and Reasons Why Aussies bite in to Cheap Japan Travel

You can still enjoy Japan even on a budget (photo courtesy of www.flickr.com/photos)

Australians have been responding to the Japan’s tourism lure which includes the campaign that going to the “Land of the Rising Sun” need not slashing out of your pockets.

Japan’s recent tourism campaign both online and on their flyers underline the fact that flying to Japan is cheap, and you don’t have to exactly spend a fortune to experience the rich and diverse culture. And which country has become more interested about this than the friendly and laid-back Australian.

You just simply need to know the whereabouts of the cheap thrill in this country of Sumo Wrestlers, Hello Kitty and with a high cost of living standard:

Cheap Japan Food. there is Depachika, Kombini and a convenience store.

1.) Cheap Japan Food – Sure, Japan has over 30 Michelin three-star restaurants but they also have Depachika, Kombini and convenience stores like 7-11.

Depachika is the basement food hall of department stores where you can find counter after counters of food products ranging from lunch boxes, sandwiches, pastries etc. (A wonderful TIP, Before closing, they usually give discounts up to 50% off).

Kombinii or convenience store offer a reasonably price meal and can be spotted anywhere in Japan.

In addition, eating at the TRAIN STATION, is one of the most time-saving options if you are in a hurry to go somewhere. Reasonably priced lunchboxes to-go, restaurants and cage can be found inside the train station. There are also popular options like fastfood chains, izakaya etc.

Lastly, there are the reliable 7-11 convenience stores where you can buy cheap but interesting foods like cheesecake, bananas and of course, a bottle of water.

2.) Cheap Japan Stay – Aside from posh five-star hotels, Japan has Ryokan (Japanese inn), budget hotels and capsule hotels.

A hostel is popular with backpackers, they are basic and clean.

Plan ahead and book ahead, most budget hotels are fully booked during peak travel season especially during festivals.

Cheap Japan Transportation. to save on transportation cost, book in a hotel nearest to all the places you plan to visit (photo courtesy of www.flickr.com/photos)

3.) Cheap Japan Transportation

Japan has very efficient rail transportation. There are two basic railways here: Japan Railways and Shinkansen or Bullet Trains

To save on transportation cost, book in a hotel nearest to all the places you plan to visit.

4.) Cheap Japan Finds/ Cheap Japan Shopping

Nomi-no-ichi or Flea Markets which are mostly located in temple grounds and holy shrines

Licensed Duty Free Shops – where tourists will enjoy tax-free shopping

Cheap Japan. (photo courtesy of www.flickr.com/photos/)

Useful Resources and Websites:

http://www.visitjapan.jp (Visit Japan)

http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/index.html (Japan National Tourism Organization)

http://web-japan.org (Web Japan)

http://www.ph.emb-japan.go.jp (Embassy of Japan)

http://www.ptaa.org.ph (Philippine Travel Agencies Association)

Please check out the other budget travel blog by Dorothea Benedict

6 Budget Travel Tips to lovely Ireland

http://dorotheabenedictinthenorth.blogspot.com/2011/08/budget-travel-your-way-to-ireland.html

Lunes, Abril 2, 2012

3 Free, Easy and Effective Activities to Fight Stress

I am enjoying my now more-than-a-month staycation. I am simply happy, yes. But one fateful afternoon, I received a mobile message from my sister-in-law about the problem she and my older brother were experiencing in their marriage. That, I have to admit, stressed me out. Immediately, my body craved to move and my muscles would like to be flexed. Cool! I later find out that my body whispered to me things I could do to shake the stress off my system. Sharing to you, here are Three Effective Activities I immediately did to fight my stress that day:

To fight stress, exercise (photo courtesy of http://www.flickr.com/photos)

1.) To fight stress, Exercise – Hit the gym! On second thought, you don’t have to do so especially if you don’t have the luxury of time or money. A simple five-minute rotation exercises and stretching will do. In my case, I have purchased cool videos so that I can do the exercise at the comfort of my house anytime I would want and love to do so. Sweating off feels so good and I feel some kind of youthful glow right after I exercised. Not to mention that there is this illusion that I somehow feel my skin is radiating. For a moment, I feel like my skin is flawlessly unblemished.

To fight stress, play games (photo courtesy of http://www.flickr.com/photos)

2.) To fight stress, Play Games – Any game will actually do as long as you enjoy it! You choose: video game, mobile game, computer games. Make sure however that it is only for leisure. Like do it for five, ten or fifteen minutes only. Otherwise, addiction will be another problem and it will be another stress. Make sure that your mind is still in control.

To fight stress, sing and sing your heart out (photo courtesy of http://www.flickr.com/photos)

3.) To fight stress, Sing and Sing Your Heart Out – Singing feels good, especially when hitting those high notes. It doesn’t really matter if you’re off key. Each note you belt out is a another stress breathed out.

Miyerkules, Marso 14, 2012

ENJOY PART TIME WORK FROM HOME: FOR REAL OR A MYTH?

ENJOY WORK FROM HOME: FOR REAL OR A MYTH?

Just like almost everybody else, I’m looking for another source of income since bills, primarily credit card and utility bills, are piling up.

I’m not an easy believer of the click work-from-home scheme that abounds the internet. Due to the need of it, I have to scour for a potential home-based work which is a real deal. Among all those that I’ve seen, this one is seems to give conservative figure but sounds legit to me. Not to mention that there is “no money out,” an important factor indeed for a true blue deal.

Let’s try it together and see if this work from home is for real or myth:

WORK FROM HOME. EARN $2000/MONTH. NO INVESTMENT. PART TIME, 1-2 HOURS/DAY

Wanted Online Internet job workers. Job is only through Internet. Work from home part time jobs. You can earn $1500-2500/month working 1-2 hours/day, no matter where you live. These are genuine Data entry jobs & Internet jobs. No Investment required. Only serious enquiries please. For more details:

http://www.earnparttimejobs.com/index.php?id=3987582

Enjoy Part Time Work from Home (photo courtesy of http://www.flickr.com/photos/)

(Note: this site is also a partner of freelancer.com)

Martes, Marso 13, 2012

Rachel Weisz wowed by El Nido, Palawan

Rachel Weisz at the Ninoy Aquino International
Airport after her 40-day shoot in Manila and Palawan

Hollywood and Academy Award Actress Rachel Weisz (The Mummy and The Mummy Returns) was taken in awe by the natural beauty of El Nido, Palawan.

“I can live in Palawan forever!” declared the 42-year old wife of James Bond actor Daniel Craig.

The beautiful actress was in the country for 40 days from January 8 to February 19 to film her latest movie, The Bourne Legacy. It is the fourth installment to the successful spy thriller, three-time Matt-Damon starrer movie version of author Robert Ludlum’s Bourne series.

This time, it is said that the story would focus on a new CIA operative with a new whole cast of characters who would deal with Jason Bourne.

(Bourne Legacy is actually the 2004 spy action thriller written by Eriv Van Lustbader, who assumed writing for the successful series after creator Robert Ludlum’s death in 2001.)

Jun Juban, of the Philippine Film Studios Inc. said that “The contingent, including the cast who visited the island, has been very expressive with their awe and amazement.”

Juban said because of the captivating beauty of the islands in Palawan, the end part of the action-packed movie was shot in these places.

Along with Weisz, The Bourne Legacy also stars Jeremy Renner (S.W.A.T and Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol) and Edward Norton (Fight Club, The Italian Job, The Incredible Hulk ); and directed by Tony Gilroy.

This comment is a very pleasant news for the Filipinos especially when few weeks ago, Rachel Weisz, the beautiful actress expressed her concern for those Filipinos living in poverty with her Filipino co-actor John Arcilla. This is after she witnessed for herself the number of informal settlers in Metro Manila.