Looking for something to do this September? Why not join a workshop, a food tour or a talk at the Alcove?

September 3, 5, 10, 12, and 17, 2007 6:00-9:00 p.m.
Digital 101: Photography and the Computer
A workshop designed for digital camera users who want to learn the basics of photography. Fee for this course is Php 4,000.00, inclusive of handouts, light snacks, computer use, and certificate

September 29 (departure at 6:00 a.m. from the Filipinas Heritage Library)
Food Trip in Bulacan and Pampanga: A food writing and photography workshop

Filipinos love to travel and to eat. Whenever we go on a trip, we consider not only the sites we can visit but also the local delicacies we can sample. With a journal and a camera as travel companions, we hope to document our memories and experiences that are sometimes missed or forgotten. With Food Trip, you will experience a truly rewarding tour of Bulacan and Pampanga as you learn to cherish each memory with your own words and photographs. The best articles and photographs will be featured in Yummy magazine, a Summit Media publication.

Workshop fee is Php4,000 inclusive of workshop guides, food demos, entrance fees, handouts, meals, transportation, FHL notepad, films/digital printing vouchers, use of available props for photo shoots, Yummy magazine, and certificate.

Both workshop will be conducted by Mr. Jay Alonzo.

More after the jump
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I hope you already have your tickets for Reggae Fest by the Bay because it starts in a few hours. Ziggy Marley is headlining the show along with bands like Coffeebreak island, Milagros Dancehall Collective, Tropical Depression and more. Festivities at Sofitel Philippine Plaza hotel will start at 4PM and you can opt for the barbque dinner too.

Event Information:
MTV Philippines - Reggae Fest by the Bay
Ticketworld

I’m sure each of us has our share of memories with the old Virra Mall and Shoppesville area in Greenhills. While a new Virra Mall has been erected, ye olde Shoppesville still stands. This arcade is known for its bargain buys and its variety of stores. You can shop for toys, clothes, accessories, shoes, household items, books, and of course, eat!

My favorite Shoppesville haunts are:

Regina’s. This gift shop is full of knick knacks! They sell a variety of magazines, sweets, toys, accessories, art supplies, stationery, bags, belts, kids’ clothes and more, more, more. It’s a trinket addict’s haven. This is where I rediscovered White Rabbit and Big Boy bubblegum! Yup, they have it there! It’s difficult to get out of this little gift shop empty-handed. My most recent buys were a Finger-Painting Kit for my 3-year-old niece and a bag of candies (YanYan, Haw Flakes, Tarzan… do those sweets ring a bell?).
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There is a big storm over the metro today with the arrival last night of tropical storm Milenyo (international name Xangsane), signal 3 was raised over the metro early this morning.

These are some of the announcements regarding the storm as of 8am this morning.

1. No classes in all levels (Elementary, High School, College and Post Graduate) inclusive of Public and High School levels.
2. No work in government offices.
3. No trading in the Philippine Stock Exchange.
4. Color coding suspended.
5. Some local flights cancelled (Cebu Pacific, Manila to Hong Kong/vice versa)
6. All inter-coastal travel cancelled (Ro-ro and Ferries)
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The whirlwind of a Saturday brought me to EDSA Shangri-la Mall in the later part of the evening. The rain poured, and the traffic…well, it reached horrifying proportions. But as I passed by the Grand Atrium of the mall, stumbling across the fish show entitled “Aquarist Re-United”, it somehow became less unpleasant to be stranded by the bad weather.
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Once the BER months begin in Manila, Christmas carols start playing, lanterns are put out on streets to be sold, and little by little, the lights along major highways are decked with Christmas frills. It already is the 4th day of September though, and I haven’t felt the beginning of Christmas spirit. Perhaps one reason is the extremely hot weather.

Usually, a cool breeze floats through the Manila air once September comes around. The chill of the BER months starts settling in. However, it has been very hot and humid the past few days. While the rains do come mid-afternoon to soothe the perspiring population, they let up right away and we’re left with even more humidity to deal with. While I love the tropical climate our country has, there is only so much heat we can take!

Summer seems to have had a bad hangover. With the way the sun seems to be loving Manila, it’ll be no surprise if Santa shows up at our doorstep by surfboard, wearing a lei and board shorts, bearing gifts of refreshment like buko juice and watermelon shakes.

To a reading aficionado, a bookstore has to be more than a place that sells books. It is a truly sensorial experience. The right lighting, lots of space, an organized shelf, staff that leave you to your browsing pleasure but are instantly available when you need to ask a question, soft brown colors that hint of a library, a wide selection of books, soothing music… ah, this is the stuff good bookstores are made of. A good bookstore should tickle the senses of the book aficionado.

The sense of sight. Is the lighting conducive to reading? Do the store colors put us in a browsing mood? Is the store layout making you dizzy? Are the books laid out like a feast?
The sense of smell. Mmmmm, I love the smell of new books, don’t you?
The sense of sound. What music is playing? Is there any music at all? Are there too many people chattering?
The sense of touch. Do the books feel clean beneath your fingers? Are they crisp to the touch? Can you hold the book in your hands comfortably? Don’t look at me that way, buddy. I told you I’m a lover of books.
The sense of taste. Is there a coffee shop nearby? A place where you can devour your new purchases? You know how Pinoys love to eat!
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When one is in a tropical country, one must find ways to keep cool. And in a country where Halo-halo stands signify the start of Summer, we found it was our mission to scour Manila for the best ice cream shops.

Iceberg (Timog)
Iceberg is one of the oldest (and for me, the best) Ice cream parlors in Manila. With splits, shakes, halo-halo’s and a whole concoction of other treats, you’ll never tire of the place. Treat yourself to a Boracay split (shown above) or grab the barkada and have a King Kong sundae which is good enough for about 5 people.
ClickTheCity.com - Iceberg Branches
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You’ll have to excuse me, but it’s my first tropical rainy season here in Manila, and the last 2 weeks of constant dreary wetness have taken their toll. I didn’t even bother to look out the windows this morning, so when I walked outside and looked up, i couldn’t believe it!

Sunshine!
White Clouds!
Blue Skies!

Here’s to a fabulous day (although still hot as hell!)

Unconfirmed reports are circulating that Fete de la Musique will be held at SM Mall of Asia starting 4PM today and lasting to around 4AM tomorrow.

Among the 80 bands rumored to be playing are Sugarfree, Pepe Smith, Jimmy Bondoc and Hale. There will be four stages around the SM Mall of Asia to hold Pop, Ska, Jazz and Rock music.
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