The organizers of the longest running balloon event in Asia – the Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta (PIHABF): “A Weekend of Everything that Flies,” maintains its decision not to hold the 19th PIHABF this year, but instead, prepare for a bigger event scheduled for February 12-15, 2015.

Amidst reports of a balloon event taking place in Clark, Pampanga in April 2014, spearheaded by Mr. Ronnie Tiotuico of the Department of Tourism (DOT) Regional Office, the PIHABF Organizing Committee has issued the following statement:

Preparation for the Hot Air Balloon Fiesta is a major undertaking.

The decision not to hold a Fiesta this year was not undertaken lightly. From the perspective of the PIHABF organizers, our 2013 event (featuring more balloons than ever, the highly impressive Breilting Jet Acrobatic Team, and the myriad of other flying, ground and static events) would be a hard act to follow without allowing sufficient time to plan, prepare and book new and interesting activities.

We believe that by suspending the 2014 Hot Air Balloon Fiesta, allowing our organizing committee more time to secure a suitable venue for the fiesta and investing more time in planning, securing sponsorships and implementing enhancements, we can offer our public spectators a truly safe and world-class event in 2015.

PIHABF will not be part of the April 2014 event in Clark, Pampanga. We will not participate in the planning, organization or staging of the event. We disclaim any association with the organization or management of the said event.

           

We hope that the organizers of the April 2014 event, headed by Mr. Ronnie Tiotuico, have carefully looked into the many safety requirements and issues involved in staging an event of this scale. PIHABF is concerned that the length of time allocated for them to learn the processes and preparations for this kind of activity is too short. We hope they are not misrepresenting their expertise in implementing an airshow to prospective sponsors, participants and especially the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP).

The PIHABF organizers have worked hard to develop operational and safety procedures.  With an admirable safety record, we have built trust with event participants and other valued partners.  We value this reputation, built on a foundation of 20 years of experience. 

We recognize that the balloon fiesta is an activity that the international aviation community looks forward to.  Any untoward incident would impact on the good name of PIHABF organizers and damage the reputation of the Philippines.

We assure the public that we are already working hard on the planning and preparation for a bigger and even better 19th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta in 2015.  We are excited for everyone to be a part of it.

With several race distances to choose from, everyone will be able to experience a one-of-a-kind run. Kids aged 8 and under can participate in the 1k Catch Hamburglar dash, where they have to chase after the feisty McDonaldland character, for a registration fee of just Php350. 

Kids (aged 15 and under) and adults are also sure to have a great time with the 3k Run Grimace Run (open), the registration fee of which is Php450. 

For families of 4 who want to run together, the 3k McDonald’s Family Dash is definitely a great way to bond with the kids. Families can register for a fee of Php1, 400 for the entire family. 

Morning people aged 16 and above will like the 5k Early Birdie individual race for. 

McDonald’s will also be adding a new race to the program—the Ronald McDonald Challenge, a 9k individual race for seasoned runners aged 16 and above. For a registration fee of Php950, participants will have to complete the 5k, 3k and 1k race categories to be able to complete the challenge. Finishers of each race category will receive special tokens, and the Top 3 finishers will each receive a prize.

*** Proceeds of the event will go to the Ronald McDonald House disaster relief program, Bigay Tulong, currently responding to the needs of the victims of typhoon Yolanda.

• McDonald’s Macapagal 
• McDonald’s Greenbelt
• McDonald’s BGC Forum
• McDonald’s Katipunan
• McDonald’s Frontera Verde
• McDonald’s Alabang or 
• McDonald’s Southwoods

To make it easier for you and for all of us to face any type of exam, or even for the students and those reviewing for their board exams, here are some tips that could help you relieve exam stress and anxiety:

You are sure to improve your performance in school and in work, too, plus with proper diet, rest, and regular exercise—of course with once-a-day regular consumption of BRAND'S® Essence of Chicken,  made from fine-quality chicken without any additives, fats and cholesterol, to help keep the brain healthy.

Facing exams may be frightening, but with enough preparation, a clearer mindset and of course, a focused disposition towards school, all the anxiety and unnecessary stress will stop bothering you once you’re back to school to make your school life and exam performance stress and anxiety-free.

Available in 42-gram and 70-gram bottles, with suggested retail prices of P68 and P108, respectively, BRAND’S® Essence of Chicken is sold at Mercury Drug stores in Metro Manila. 

For more details, visit www.brandsworld.com.

This June, we share our own fun way to uniquely indulge every great leader of the family—our dads! At Marriott Manila, we ensure that we’re the perfect venue to celebrate his life and love through golf.

Since it’s another event that deserves a grand blow out, food is always the first thing to consider especially for the man who takes time to enjoy family, hobby, and a good meal of course. If thinking where to eat on his special day, it would be great to consider a venue where dad can enjoy a hole-in-one treat from dining, accommodation, plus his love for golf!

Wake up the whole family a little earlier and head to Marriott Café for a taste of our most-talked about Sunday Brunch. Needless to say, there’s just something so endearing about a brunch especially at Marriott Café which has set the bar on the way we brunch—cozy, comforting, and basically has everything to satisfy an ever-fickle taste buds. For only P2, 500 net, the whole family is in to be treated with a spread that is purely gourmet. You cant’ go wrong with executive chef Meik Brammer’s 17 stations, featuring its newest additions such as oyster bar, chilled seafood, salumiere, cheese studio, homemade pasta, yakitori, Chinese, and tandoor.

Foie Gras

Plus, Cru Steakhouse also incorporates its specialties such as Angus beef rib eye, strip loin steak, grilled fish, squid and veggies--which of course, every meat lover dad should never pass up! If you’re family is a fan of big, tender, and tasty slabs of steaks, you must have heard about our Cru. Our well marbled, precious steak slices that are usually saved up for special occasions can now be gorged limitless and enough to suffice the price for this brunch. And who would’ve thought that a martini bar is such as pleasure to enjoy this time of they day? With these well-crafted cocktails and great mixes, it will surely set the stage for dad’s extra special event.  Plus, our chocolate room that spells decadence is brimming with assorted chocolates and rich cake choices is always worth saving up the space for. Whether it’s for the romantic mom and dad or sweet-toothed siblings, this corner is bound to let you experience a taste of heaven.  And if you haven’t tasted just yet our sensational homemade gelato, it’s the best time to savor every flavor,  especially the famous Ferrero! 

What’s amazing with dads is that, they love all sort of action-packed bonding experience, especially if it’s a golf game. That’s why while enjoying brunch, an indoor putting station awaits all families that is guaranteed to bring fun and can make any family closer than ever. Make sure to bring out the best putt for a chance to win Marriott Manila gift certificates such as overnight stay, Java+, Marriott Café buffet, golf lessons, and freebies when dad makes it hole-in-one.

But if your goal is to surprise dad with a most romantic kind of date, book for a Cru Steakhouse dinner. For this occasion, sous chef Redj Casanova takes it up a notch with a special Father’s Day 4-course menu: Crispy soft shell crab salad, cream of chicken veloute, grilled grain fed Australian rib eye or pan roasted salmon fillet, and dark chocolate soufflé with Bailey’s ice cream--all at P4, 000 net.  And since it’s a day to be extra lavish, might as well consider treating him with a wine-by-the-glass which can add a wine tasting dimension to a meal. With its welcoming yet sophisticated fine dining vibe coupled by Cru’s personalized flair of service, dad will surely feel an amazing king of the day experience that he’ll probably talk about for years.

Another hands-down way to reward a hard working head of the family is by taking him at the Quan Spa, where he’s in to experience a whole new way to wholeness and wellness. Featuring Pevonia Detox massage for only P5, 950 net, this two-hour treatment is designed for distressing, detoxifying, and toning while taking away toxins and impurities of the body. This revered treatment for two hours is using Pevonia’s seaweed wrap teeming with nourishing extracts, guaranteed to revive and refresh a tired body. 

A grueling first half of the year deserves a much-awaited break, and kicking back with your family sounds heavenly. Why not take them at Marriott Manila and avail of the mid-year bonus room package? For only P9, 888++ per night when staying for two nights, the deluxe room accommodation is also inclusive of buffet breakfast for two—and an extra 3rd night for free plus a double Marriott Rewards points!

Who said that crafting a special event like this would be such a pain? At Marriott Manila, we offer a simple formula for an occasion that is worth remembering while getting out of the traditional.

  

For inquiries or reservations, call 988-9999.

About Marriott Hotel Manila

An inviting beacon set in the world-class casino entertainment complex of Resorts World Manila, Marriott Hotel Manila is the place to work and play. Ideally located in Newport City across Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3, it is a convenient 15 minute drive from Makati Business District and  Bonifacio  Global City . Affording a splendid view of the adjoining 18-hole Villamor Golf Course, it boasts 342 exquisite guest accommodations that offers luxurious bedding, in-room safe, mini-bar, high-speed Internet, air conditioning, 40" full high definition LCDs with IPTV, videos on demand and jack pack plug-and-play system. The hotel features excellent dining options such as Marriott Cafe, Cru Steakhouse, Java+ and Lobby Lounge. Leisure facilities include Quan Spa, Health Club, Salon and Newport Mall. With a Grand Ballroom and several meeting rooms, Marriott Hotel Manila is also the ultimate destination for meetings and events, from weddings to gala dinner celebrations.

Going back to the "Blogger's Event," We were introduced to the revamped BuyAndSell.com website while event sponsor Make Up Designory (M.U.D.) gave a demonstration featuring their line of professional-grade cosmetics. I, myself did have a great time being M.U.D.'s model (that time) ;-)) Having no idea at all, I came in there with my make-up on. So, pretty Alexis of M.U.D., has wiped all of it leaving no trace.