OUR AWESOME PLANET

A Personal Invitation to Become a Maven!

 

Congratulations to Lord for winning the Maven Secrets Scholarship Contest! His "Fresh Buko ala Ube Ice Cream" blog post stood out from all the entries. Why did I choose his entry? 

First, I've never been to the Balatoc Gold Mine in Baguio. 

Second, his entire post is entertaining for someone who is just starting to blog. 

Third, I like his advocacy and I want to help him launch it effectively. 

Fourth, I would have entitled the entire post as Fresh Buko ala Ube Ice Cream as a headline. 

Fifth, it was a toss up between his entry and the Artful Hooker's entry. But I promise only one.

Sixth, he had me at the Buko ala Ube Ice Cream -- I'm craving for one now.

Seventh, the photos he used with his ballerina gf were eye catching.

Eight, I like his natural passion of living life to the fullest.

Ninth, If someone was to surpass OAP, I would like him/her to be coming from Maven Secrets :)

I'm giving a 40% off discount to the 2nd and 3rd prize winner.

2nd Prize: Claire, Heck yeah!

3rd Prize: An Apprentice Wants to be a Master!

Maven Secrets Register NOW:

A Personal Invitation to Become a Maven

I'm giving out Fast Action Bonuses to people who will register immediately. I will reward the bonuses based on the time they register and pay. The fastest way is to pay through Paypal but of course, you can also pay in the bank during lunchtime. 

Fast Action Bonuses ($2,537.00 or P127,000 Total Bonuses!)

Are you hungry for Sango?

Manila foodies are raving about the opening of Sango in Rockwell last Father's Day. Finally, the "Mos Burger" of the Philippines is now accessible in a mall, but you need to find it in the secret corners of Rockwell. Sango has gone a long way ever since we discovered it in the Creekside Mall last June 2006.

Diwata ng Lahi

It was a spiritual moment -- witnessing the Diwata ng Lahi (the official name of the Balangay) being eased flawlessly into the sea. It was like shooting an arrow that glided effortlessly into the waters of Manila Bay. I could imagine hearing the yachts in the Manila Yacht club clapping, with their hands high up in the air, cheering for the Balangay.

For those who witnessed it, we shared a common feeling of Filipino high, which is beyond saying, "I am proud to be a Filipino." I would like to share the experience with you through a photo essay of the entry of the Balangay onto the waters of Manila Bay.

What did the Pilot Class say About the Maven Secrets Program?

I got a lot of questions about the Maven Program specifically about what the program is about. Here is a short video on what the Maven Secrets Pilot Class say about the program. I revealed for the first time the final survey results from the first 90-day Maven Secret class held last February 2009. These are the brutally honest feedback from the pilot class.  (Just click on the play button in the video above.)

Frequently Asked Question About the Maven Secrets Program

Bon Voyage, Balangay! Be part of this historic event!

(The Voyage of the Balangay Presentation by Art Valdez.)

The Balangay is ready to set sail. Be part of this historic event entitled "Salinlahi: The Heirloom of Our Generation Easing of the Balangay into the Sea" on June 27, 2009, Saturday, 10 am at CCP Grounds (Harbor Side). 

We recently visited the Balangay with the entire family and Aidan's classmates to be part of the history unfolding before us. 

Lusso's Foie Gras Burger

Lusso Foie Gras Burger (P595). US Beef, Cambozola Bath and Prosecco Onions.

If you have not heard the buzz regarding Lusso's Foie Gras Burger, I suggest you head on over to Greenbelt 5 and see what people are raving about. :) The Foie Gras (pronounced as fwä grä) is hidden inside the burger itself. The beef is malinamnam! (There is really no translation of malinamnam in English because it is better than delicious -- maybe the closer word would be umami.)

Use your hands to eat the burger and pour some melted Cambozola cheese before you take a bite. You'll feel the juices of the burger oozing out until they run down onto your hands. At this point, all you can do is close your eyes and savor the fat liver flavor. If you are thinking of sharing this burger, I suggest you think twice. :)

Thanks to Gaita Fores for creating one of the Best Restaurants in Greenbelt 5.

Do You Want to Win a Maven Secrets Scholarship?

 

Maven Secrets, in collaboration with AIM W. SyCip Graduate School of Business, will be launching on June 29, Monday, for enrollment (limited slots). Classes start on July 1 and end on September 30, 2009.

It is a 90-day Professional Blogging and Internet Marketing Education Program with:
-- Professional Blogging and Internet Marketing training delivered Online / via Webinars;
-- Face-to-Face Training / Online Entrepreneur's Masterminding Session every Tuesday night in AIM;
-- Meet-a-Maven Talk series every Thursday night in AIM;
-- Full Day Workshop sessions on Professional Blogging;
and
-- Personal Coaching and Consultation with Anton Diaz (This is the only way you can get direct access to me.)

I am opening a scholarship slot (worth P25,000) for aspiring bloggers and internet marketers. To join the Maven Secrets scholarship contest, all you need to do is create a blog post answering the two questions below:

1. What is your desired outcome for your professional blog or internet marketing project?

2. How would you feel when you achieve it?

Post a link to the blog post in the comments section to officially enter the contest. Deadline for entries is on June 28, Sunday. I will announce the winner, based on the quality of the answer, on June 29, Monday.

Being a Father of 3

We are excited to welcome Baby5* soon. :)

Being a Father of 3, I'm starting to appreciate the celebration of Father's Day. Check out my post on fatherhood entitled "8 Things I learned as a Father" in the Raising Filipino Boys blog by Marvin Macatol.

Marvin is launching his fatherhood advocacy on Raising Filipino Boys to become Men. The thoughts and realizations I share as a dad are my contributions to his advocacy. Also, check out Marvin's interesting post on what Fathers really want on Father's Day.