The 6th Anilao Underwater Shootout

Underwater photography has always been an awesome niche that I haven’t touched on because for starters, the equipment you need to take shots underwater come at a pretty hefty price and two, I can’t swim. I am a bit sad because our country has the most diverse underwater subjects, creatures, wrecks and just about any fish there is in the ocean and to be in the midst of all these things and not see them at the same time, is just a whole lot of frustration for me. Good thing some of the most amazing photographers from around the world are converging in Mabini Batangas for the 6th Edition of the Anilao Underwater Shootout. This is a competition organized by the Department of Tourism in cooperation with the Local Goverment of Mabini Batangas and the Resort Owners Association of Mabini (ROAM).

Mind you last year they have had 175 participants from 17 different countries like Singapore, China, Thailand, Japan, Malaysia, Taiwan, Korea, Turkey, Portugal, USA, Switzerland, Germany, Hong Kong, France, Australia, Canada and the Philippines. It was won by Lilian Koh a female photograper from Singapore (Open Class Champion) and PJ Aristorenas from the Philippines who got his Macro shot of a skeleton shrimp win first place.

The prize is not a joke. They’ve got 40,000 US dollars worth of dive packages, diving and photography equipment, gears and accessories. This is part of the reason why they have exceeded the number of participants this year. It’s like the Grand Prix of underwater photography, running from November 28 til December 1, 2018. They had to go through hundreds of photos to choose the champion this year, and boy they didn’t disappoint!

Asec Roberto Alabado III says “For this competition it will showcase our country, our dive spots, as a sustainable tourism destination. Last year, we had about 12% our GDP contributed to tourism. For this year we have 241 participants who come from 24 countries so this is like a mini UN scene you’re seeing.”

Check out the highlights of my trip and the event here!

The judges include John Thet, Ellen Cuylaerts, William Tan, Indra Swari and famed underwater genius Laurent Ballesta. They look at the manner people dive, the quality of the photos, to show the beauty of the animal, to showcase the beauty of Anilao. The judges even said they wanted to learn because the standard here is high. The silent rule is, a right photo is better than a good photo so there will be almost no photo manipulation as we have to be strict about it. True enough there were amazing, it has to be different, to wow, not just taking photographs. A lot of these photographers were inspired so they all came out with beautiful photos. They are all shot naturally, stunning even in their own environment. Every year the competition is getting tougher and the photographers are getting even more skilled, but they never forget nature. The support coming from the resorts are all making this successful because even with that increase of contestants, they still were able to accommodate it. The Department of Tourism is planning to duplicate this in other provinces because this one is successful, so I am really excited about the other emerging sites like Leyte, Dumaguete, and other provinces.

Ellen Cuylaerts says “I was blown away by the diversity, I go from one place to another and say wow again just in Anilao. Everybody works together in making sure this is sustainable, I am glad I am excited until now for you to see what they got from just one place.”

Willam Tan adds “I just arrived yesterday and I dived once and I have seen a lot of creatures that I have never seen before, even if this isn’t my first time, I would be happy to go back!”

Now that it has been a very successful installment this 2018, they have no where to go but up! I am also excited about what the DOT and Dive Philippines has planned for the other parts of the country that have not yet been developed as a diving destination. We really have so much promise, and their people are exemplary in hosting this event, the whole DOT and local government wants this same successful hosting to be replicated in other provinces so they too could be dive havens like Anilao. Make it happen, make it happen real soon!

Thank you so much Dive Philippines and Department of Tourism! This was so much fun for photography people like me, the prizes and the experience is just amazing! Hope to see you next year!

Piolo Pascual Endorses IAMWorldwide’s Amazing Barley

Set at the posh I’M Hotel in Makati Avenue in Makati City, we had the chance to witness the grand reveal of their newest endorser, the golden guy of ABSCBN, Piolo Pascual. The good man does a lot including various causes, financial education and living a healthy life.

The man knows himself, makes sure he keeps an active lifestyle and works out almost everyday. He says “I work out in the morning and forgot all my supplements and my son and I got up, drank these and got on with our workout routine. This thing gives you energy throughout the day, flushes toxins out and kept us active throughout the day. We didn’t get sick during the whole trip and I really think this helped us keep in shape.”

Now for his supplements, he now includes Herb-all Amazing Pure Organic Barley so he gets all the vitamins and minerals he needs all throughout the day. The product is also made from the purest Aussie Barley grass, so healthy it would make Piolo’s body even stronger, and better everyday.

This is just one of the many things that are distributed by IAMWorldwide as they continue to promote real change in the wellbeing of their customers and members through direct selling. If you wanna be one, go call Christian via 09178790930 or visit their website iam-worldwide.com because it’s all there!

KUMAGCOW

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MOMOLAND in the Philippines!

This presscon was one of the most difficult to cover because security was so tight that even the regular press people were not able to go in the venue, I couldn't breathe at times. After going inside, I saw Frontrow executives being interviewed for what seems to be a very momentous occasion as they open their new office in Quezon City at the corner of Mother Ignacia and Sgt. Esguerra. 

But it was all worth it because Nancy was there, I dunno who wouldn't fall in love with someone like her. Even if it was just a short presscon, and only a few people were allowed to ask questions, seeing them all in the flesh just made our days okay. I really wish the ones seeing them during the meet and greet today would be able to at least spend a few seconds with them, they really are phenomenal people in and out of the camera. RM Francisco divulged the group visited fans in a local hospital even if they chose not to tell the public, that seemed to us how genuine these girls are, inside and out.

My position wasn't ideal but I swear, it was so nice to see them all even just for a few minutes. Nobody got a selfie I think, only one person during the whole crazy event. Check out our coverage here!

I wish they could come back in a not so crazy day and just enjoy the country for a few days. They would surely enjoy it!

KUMAGCOW

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VIVA x RTM Japan Brings PPOP Generation: Boom Ganda!

Surprising us with their own Pinoy Pop moves and songs this afternoon is PPOP Generation: Boom Ganda! 45 lovely girls who was brought upon by the partnership of Viva Live Incorporated and RTM of Japan. Vic Del Rosario Jr., Matoshi Mano aka MC Man, Ryota Naito, and Geleen Eugenio were present during their official signing this December 3, 2018 at the Teatrino Promenade in San Juan.

Among hundreds upon hundreds who auditioned to be in the group, 45 of these girls went on through intensive training under Geleen Eugenio, Sushi Reyes and Zeb Zuñiga. Now they will be part of two musical shows which will be held from Tuesdays to Saturdays starting on January 8, 2019 and all throughout the year.

If you want to see the show, please go to Ticketworld.com.ph or call 891 9999 or Viva Live at 6877326.

KUMAGCOW 

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