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New iPod Shuffle, Nano and Touch launched with Philippine Prices

Launching of Apples new iPod in the Phil

Launching of Apple's new iPod in the Phil

Music have always been a constant travel companion. I got not one a but a few MP3 players at my disposal but I’ve only been a recent convert to iPod. I’ve only got an old iPod Classic Video but it works well and a pleasure to use bringing in full artist discographies at my disposal. Apple announcements have always been look forward to. And it’s great Apple isn’t far behind on distribution here.

First up was the introduction of the new iPod Shuffle. It is now rectangular but sleek in design and comes in 5 different colors. Controls are via the earphones. Am not really a fan of the shuffle due to its low capacity and absence of status screens. But now they have increased the capacity and are able to save playlist. What’s more, it talks to you. On a press of a control, it tells you what playlist is running and even the name of the artist and song playing. That surely makes up for the lack of screen. 2gig capacity is priced at Php 3290 while 4gig is Php 4390

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Now Onboard: Cebu Smile Inflight September 2009

Chikka Eat n Drink Page on Cebu Smile Sept 09

Chikka Eat n' Drink Page on Cebu Smile Sept 09

If you’re gonna fly this September at Cebu Pacific, don’t miss flipping on the the pages of this month’s Cebu Smile Inflight Magazine. It got features on Korea’s Busan, Isabela’s Cauayan, and five unspoilt Isles in the Philippines. I aso have a a one page contribution on their regulars, Chikka Eat n’ Drink. Looking to taste some of the best Steaks in Manila, check out this issue as well.

My photo contribution on this page features Fireplace, 22 Prime, Mamou and I am Angus Steakhouse Written by Franco

Thank you Cory Aquino

Cory Aquino memorabilias

Cory Aquino memorabilias

I was still on my early childhood when I got to know former President Cory Aquino. It was before, during and after the 1986 EDSA Revolution when she became a majore personality for me running against the Marcoses. It was an unusual sight to see a person mostly garbed in yellow and raising an “L” sign with her thumb and point finger to symbolize “Laban” or “Fight”. Today August 1, 2009 at 3:18am Philippine Time, Corazon Aquino passed away battling colon cancer.

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The Balangay “Diwata ng Lahi” now set at sea

Art Valdez and the Balangay, Diwata ng Lahit now at sea

Art Valdez and the Balangay, Diwata ng Lahit now at sea

I’ve been following the developments of the “Voyage of the Balangay” since last I wrote about it. Last June 27 2009 was another momentous date as the Balangay (Balanghai) was eased forth to the sea  months after its creation. Morning at 10am Saturday, more than 400 people at the CCP grounds witnessed how Art Valdez cut the rope to let loose the Balangay to sea. I wasn’t at the event that afternoon since I have a Photo Lecture at that time but Carina, one of the Everest team showed us snippets of the video when we dropped by in the afternoon.

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Art Valdez rebuilds the ancient Balangay and sets it for voyage

Art Valdez at the front of the Balangay

Art Valdez at the front of the Balangay

I have always wondered what it’s like for our ancestors to travel through open waters. The ancient Filipinos are originally seafaring people and proof of this is the discovery of an age old Balangay sea vessel excavated in Butuan dating as far back as 320 AD. And when I heard that someone rebuilt a Balangay in Manila, crafted by the Bajaus of Sibutu and Sitangkay of Tawt-tawi using methods originally done during the 14th century, I just had to see this.

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Call for Submission: Philippine’s Hidden Gem

Got some breathtaking shots of some less familiar but stunning locale in the Philippines? SEAIR InFlight Magazine is looking for those photos and if you’ve got something to share, do send them in and get a chance to have it published. Seair Inflight Magazine is personally one of the best designed with solid content magazine done locally. So it’s a nice platform to expose your work. Check out the details:

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Now Onboard: Mabuhay Magazine June 2009

PAL Mabuhay Inflight June 2009

PAL Mabuhay Inflight June 2009

Now on board Philippine Airlines flights is the June 2009 issue of Mabuhay magazine, PAL’s Inflight Magazine. It was a pleasant surprise when I got a copy of the issue as the cover story entitled “Secrets of Mindoro” was my photography and writing assignment work for them on one of their destinations, San Jose, Mindoro. Too bad I didn’t get the cover for this one (cover by Jerome Bonto) but I’m still glad it got the main feature on this issue as I was expecting only to be one of the inside features. Also in this issue I got two more photos for Kota Kinabalu with writer John Oates. Checkout the editorial note and contributor’s feature to know more about the issue.

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