OUR AWESOME PLANET

World's Best Sandbox 2011 by Butch J. Jimenez

My friend Butch Jimenez has a simple advocacy: "To trumpet to the world that the Philippines is the World's BEST Sandbox!" He gives away  FREE desk calendar showcasing the best beaches in the Philippines. He does not ask for payment in any shape or form - there's no catch. 

This year, Butch is partnering with Our Awesome Planet to share the World's Best Sandbox 2011 Calendars to all Our Awesome Planet readers and friends :)  All the photos are taken by Butch J. Jimenez.

Here are snapshots of the calendar:

14 Ideas for a Different Valentine's in 2011

Celebrating Valentine's is getting competitive, with a lot of events happening all at the same time. Since V-day falls on a weekday, it offers a unique scenario where you have a pre-Valentine's weekend (Feb. 12-13), the Valentine's Day celebration itself, and a post-Valentine's weekend (Feb. 19-20).

I know it's tough to plan a V-day date or gimik these days, so here are 14 ideas to make your Valentine's celebration a little different:

1. Valentine's Picnic by Taal Lake

I've always loved picnics, which is why I was happy to find a perfect spot for it beside the Taal Lake. Club Balai Isabel in Talisay is now a full-fledged resort with a big swimming pool, a new chapel called The Spousal of Joseph and Mary Chapel, and an unobstructed view of Taal Volcano.

Club Balai Isabel offers a picnic for 2 for only P1,200, exclusively for 12 couples per day from February 12-14. The picnic includes: chips and 3 kinds of salsa, chicken yakitori and pork loin barbecue with java rice (to be grilled), baked chorizo penne with bechamel sauce , pandesal de pugon with 3 kinds of spread , fresh fruit salad , and ensaymaditas with queso de bola.

The best time to go is from 5pm-8pm so you can catch the Taal sunset. Club Balai Isabel is just an hour away from Manila, thanks to the SLEX-Star Tollway. You exit via Talisay, Batangas.

Reserve now with Richard, Account Executive of Club Balai Isabel +63 917 872-1533!

Philippine Currency: The New Generation

Read First:
BSP | The New Generation Philippine Banknotes
KAAKBAY | Another look at the New Philippine Banknotes
The POC | BSP defends 'errors' on new peso bills

I'm proud of our new Philippine currency despite the criticisms, which can be easily corrected in the next print run.  It is about time that we launch the new Peso bills, which symbolize new hope and a stronger economy in 2011 and beyond.

I'm proud of it because...

8 Most Admired Upcoming Filipina Bloggers

These are the Filipina bloggers I admire for starting to create a difference in the Manila Blogging Scene. They are highly respected and no doubt, they will be the next blogging superstars in Manila!

1. Tricia of Tricia Goes Places -- Now, the Number 1 Fashion Blogger in Manila. 

Tricia Gosingtian has a cult-following in the fashion blog scene. She was a co-awardee in Go Negosyo's Most Inspiring Young Entrepreneur of 2010. She is the daughter of Josiah Go, a marketing icon in Manila.

WOW! Only in the Philippines!

 

Here is a #HelpDOT Suggestion. I endorse this tourism marketing concept from mentor Willy which builds on the WOW Philippines campaign and highlights the uniqueness of our country!
Let me know what you think about the concept and how we can build it further.

  

Where else can you find a land as beautiful as its people, a people as warm as its climate? 

Where else can you find a nation as rich as its history, a culture as colorful as her transport (vintas and jeepneys)? 

Where else can you find a workforce as talented as her artists, an economy as vibrant as her freedoms? 

Where else can you find dining as delightful as her shopping, fairways as tranquil as her spas?   

Where else can you find fruits as delicious as her hillsides (Bohol Chocolate Hills), a nightlife as breathtaking as her sunset?  

Finally, where else can you find a people with pride in her past, a passion for her present, and faith in her future? 

All these and more . . .

Comic Biographies - a Cool Way to Immortalize your Life and Love Story

JB Gamboa is launching ComicBiographies.com by releasing his second comic biography -- "Pacquiao Winning In & Out of the Ring!" (His first comic biography was the love story of Ninoy and Cory entitled, "LABAN! A Love Story.")

He printed a limited edition 500 copies, and 300 copies have already been sold prior to the launch in the Comic Convention @ Star Mall today. If you can't go to Star Mall, I suggest you secure your copy by buying online here: ComicBiographies.com.

Bingwit ng Pag-ibig

A couple of weeks ago we witnessed the premiere of the short film/commercial  for Chile Vitas which paid tribute to the vintage Pinoy films from the 50's and 60's. It is titled, "Bingwit ng Pag-ibig" and features Milena Krahulcova as Lolita, the funny Ramon Bautista as Ramon, and Richie Aquino as Nestor.  Watch the video:

 You Tube Video Link: Bingwit ng Pag-ibig Video

2011 Awesome Calendar of the Philippines

Our Definitive Guide to Philippine Holidays, Philippine Festivals, Philippine Fiestas, Liturgical Events, and Awesome Events! Copyright 2011. Our Awesome Planet

JANUARY 2011
Best Time to Climb Mt. Pinatubo!

December 31 - January 2 | 3 Days Weekend!

1 NEW YEAR'S DAY | Saturday | Solemnity of Mary Mother of God | HOLY DAY OF OBLIGATION

9 FEAST OF THE BLACK NAZARENE | Sunday | Quiapo, Manila
An intense, day-long festival highlighted by a mammoth procession through the streets.

15 PASUNGAY FESTIVAL 2011 | Saturday | San Joaquin, Iloilo
One of the thrilling bull fighting festival as a culminating event of the Bayluhay Festival which celebrates the arrival of the 10 datus from Malay in the 13th century. 

15-16 ATI-ATIHAN 2011 | Kalibo, Aklan
Commemorates the 13th century land deal between 10 migrating Bornean chieftains and the aboriginal Ati King Marikudo. It also honors the town patron, the infant Sto. Nino.

15-16 SINULOG 2011 | Cebu City
Cebu’s biggest and most popular festival in honor of the Holy Image of Senyor Sto. Niño

16 or 23 CARACOL 2011 | Makati City
This is Makati City's version of the Mardi Gras conceptualized in 1986

22-23 DINAGYANG FESTIVAL 2011 | Iloilo City
Street dancing characterized by frenetic stomping of feet and hypnotic drumbeating. It is a colorful whirl of thousands of people dressed in unique costumes dancing & chanting all day and night.

31 FEAST DAY OF ST. JOHN BOSCO 
Celebration of the feast day of the Father and Teacher of Youth who founded the Salesian Society. 

FEBRUARY 2011
The Love Month!

2 FEAST OF NUESTRA SENORA DE LA CANDELARIA or "OUR LADY OF CANDLES." | Jaro, Iloilo
Western Visayas celebrates the Patroness of their region.

3 CHINESE NEW YEAR - THE YEAR OF THE RABBIT | Binondo, Manila
The Chinese community celebrates the Chinese New Year with pomp & color through a dragon dance.

10-13 HOT AIR BALLOON FIESTA | Clark, Angeles, Pampanga
Watch the awesome hot air balloons fly out as the sun rises in the horizon.

14 HAPPY VALENTINES' DAY! | Monday
Filipino lover's most romantic event of the year!

February 25 - 27 | 3 Days Long Weekend (for schools only)!

25 EDSA REVOLUTION ANNIVERSARY | Friday | People Power Revolution
Commemorates the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution that Filipinos came to known for.

26 PANAGBENGA - BAGUIO FLOWER FESTIVAL 2011 | Baguio City
Also known as the Baguio Flower Festival, it will be the 10th holding of this annual event which will showcase the City of Baguio as a City of Flowers.

 

MARCH 2011
Best Time to go watch and shoot the awesome Manila sunset!
Start of the Donsol Season in Bicol!

9 ASH WEDNESDAY | Philippines
The First Day of Lenten Season in the Philippines

26 EARTH HOUR 2011 | Philippines | 8.30pm-9.30pm
Cities and towns all over the world will switch off their lights for one hour—EARTH HOUR—sending a powerful global message that it is possible to take action on global warming. 

 

APRIL 2011
The Peak Time in Boracay.

9 BATAAN DAY (ARAW NG KAGITINGAN) | Saturday
Araw ng Kagitingan

18-24 HOLY WEEK! | Philippines
Philippines' most sacred week!

April 21-24 | 4 Days Weekend!

21 HOLY THURSDAY! 
Commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with the Apostles.

22 GOOD FRIDAY! 
Commemorates the crucifixion and death of Jesus at Calvary.

22 MORIONES FESTIVAL | Marinduque
Re-enact the story of Longinus, a Roman centurion who speared the crucified body of Jesus Christ.

22 EARTH DAY 2011 | Philippines
A day designed to inspire awareness and appreciation for the Earth's environment

22 Cutud Cruxificions |  Pampanga
The old tradition of dramatizing the passion and death of Jesus Christ (called Via Crusis) was played out on the streets leading to the crucifixion site before the 1pm Crucifixion. 

24 EASTER SUNDAY
Celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ

 

MAY 2011
National-wide celebration of Flores de Mayo / Santacruzan.

1 LABOR DAY | Sunday
National Labor Day!

1 FEAST OF THE DIVINE MERCY | Sunday | Plenary Indulgence for Divine Mercy Sunday
The soul that will go to confession and receive holy communion shall obtain complete forgiveness of sins and punishment!

7-8 CARAMOAN, FIESTA 2011 | Caramoan, Camarines Sur
Feast of St. Michael 

8 HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY! | Sunday
An annual celebration to pay tribute to all the awesome mothers!

15 PAHIYAS 2011 | Sunday | Lucban, Quezon
An annual celebration held to usher in a bountiful harvest and smashing good times.

17-19 OBANDO FERTILITY RITES 2011 | Tuesday-Thursday | Obando, Bulacan
Massive numbers of men and women dance towards the town church praying for a wife, husband or a child.

28 NATIONAL FLAG DAY | Manila
Start of the designated flag days where all government offices, business establishments, and private homes are also encouraged to display the flag.

 

JUNE 2011
Time to show your love for the Philippines by putting a flag on your home, car, and shirts.

12 PHILIPPINE'S INDEPENDENCE DAY | Sunday
Commemorates the Independence Day of the Philippines from the Spaniards

19 HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!
An annual celebration to pay tribute to all the awesome fathers! 

19 150th Birth Anniversary of Jose Rizal!
(proposed legislation to declare a working holiday)

27-28 PINTADOS/ KASADYAAN FESTIVAL 2011 | Tacloban, Leyte

JULY 2011
Start of the Rainy Season in the Philippines.

11 OFFICIAL DECLARATION OF NEW 7 WONDERS OF NATURE  11/11/11

23-24 BOHOL SANDUGO FESTIVAL 2011 | Tagbilaran, Bohol
This festival commemorates the treaty of friendship between Datu Sikatuna, a native chieftain and the Spanish conquistador, Miguel López de Legazpi, representing the king of Spain.

26 FEAST DAY OF SAINT ANNE 
Celebration of the feast day of the Mother of Mama Mary

31 FEAST DAY OF ST. IGNATIUS OF LOYOLA
Celebration of the feast day of the Father General of the Jesuits. A 30-day retreat follows the celebration. 

AUGUST 2011
The Best Time to go on a wild river ride.

14 UGU BIGYAN's BIRTHDAY SALE | Sunday |  Tiaong, Quezon
48% Discount on Ugu Bigyan's Pottery (discount is equivalent to his age)

15 ASCENCION OF MOTHER MARY INTO HEAVEN | Monday

21 NINOY AQUINO DAY | Sunday
Commemorating the Death of Ninoy Aquino

20-21 KADAYAWAN SA DABAW 2011 | Davao City
This festival gives thanks to the bounty of fruits and flowers as the waling-waling orchid blooms.

August 27-29 | 3 Days Weekend!

29 NATIONAL HEROES' DAY | MONDAY
Commemorates the "Cry of Pugad Lawin" by Filipino revolutionaries called the Katipunan

29 OLD SWISS INN ANNUAL PRICE ROLL BACK | MONDAY
During Old Swiss inn's Anniversary, the prices are rolled back to the prices when it opened in 1940's. The best wasy to get a table during the anniversary is to collect 12 stamps from their Gruzi mileage Card. 

31 EID'L FITR | WEDNESDAY
A Muslim holiday celebrating the end of Ramadan. (Calculated date for 2011 pending proclamation).

SEPTEMBER 2011
The Best Time to go to Divisoria for Christmas shopping and preparations.

8 MOTHER MARY'S BIRTHDAY | Thursday

11 HAPPY GRANDPARENT'S DAY!  
An annual celebration to pay tribute to all the awesome grandparents!  

18 PENAFRANCIA VIVA LA VIRGEN 2011 | Naga City
Bicol Region's biggest celebration is highlighted by a fluvial parade of Lady of Penafrancia carried through the river aglow with floating candles.

24-25 CLOUD 9 INTERNATIONAL SURFING COMPETITION 2011 | Siargao
The biggest international surfing competition in the Philippines held in Cloud 9, Siargao

28-Oct. 2 NEGROS TRADE FAIR!| Manila
The longest running trade fair of the best food, furniture, jewelries and products from the Negros region. Foodies should not miss this annual event :)

OCTOBER 2011
Surfing Season in the Philippines.

1 THE FEAST OF ST. THERESE OF CHILD JESUS
Feast of Saint Therese of the Little Flower.

15-16 MASKARA FESTIVAL 2011 | Bacolod
The festival that made Bacolod famous began as an event to inspire the locals to face the hard times with a smiling face, thus masks with smiling faces are worn by revelers who join the parade.

16 WORLD BREAD DAY
Celebration of the World Bread Day.
 

15-16 LANSONES FESTIVAL 2011 | Camiguin
A grand celebration of the lanzones fruit in the island of Camiguin. 

26-30 DIWALI FESTIVAL | The Festival of Lights
Indian New Year Festival

 

NOVEMBER 2011
Halloween Parties.

Oct. 29 - November 1 | 4 Days Weekend!
(October 31 is not a holiday so you have to file your Vacation Leave for this date)

1 ALL SAINT'S DAY | Tuesday

2 ALL SOUL'S DAY | Wednesday

6 EIDUL ADHA | Sunday
Muslim Holiday celebrating Abraham's obedience when he was willing to sacrifice his son Ishmael. (calculated date for 2011 pending proclamation) 

12 45th Days with the Lord Anniversary Mass | Saturday Night 
Dazers Mass celebration of the founding of the Days with the Lord. Basta Ikaw, Lord!

22-23 HIGANTES FESTIVAL 2011 | Tuesday-Wednesday | Angono, Rizal
Male devotees carry the image of San Clemente in a procession that features parehadoras, clad in colorful garb and wooden shoes, and carrying boat paddles and higantes (giants) 10 feet tall papier mache puppets.

23-27 8th MAHARLIKA SUNRISE FESTIVAL | Wednesday-Sunday | Roving Festival
The Sunrise Festival is a celebration of arts for service and blessedness held annually in the different regions of Maharlika (Philippines).

24 HAPPY THANKSGIVING DAY!

26-27 KERYGMA CONFERENCE 2011 | Manila | Kerygma Conference
The Biggest Catholic Charismatic Event in the Country

30 BONIFACIO DAY | Wednesday

DECEMBER 2011
Christmas Season in the Philippines.

4 ANNUAL CULTURAL TOUR OF NEGROS | Saturday | Bacolod
Longest running cultural tour in the country by Ramon H. Hofileña.

8 IMMACULATE CONCEPTION | Tuesday | HOLY DAY OF OBLIGATION

11 ANNUAL CULTURAL TOUR OF NEGROS | Saturday | Bacolod
Longest running cultural tour in the country by Ramon H. Hofileña.

18 GIANT LANTERN FESTIVAL 2011 | San Fernando, Pampanga
A Show-Off of Kapampangan Pride culminated with a display of Giant Lanterns measuring 18 feet in diameter.

16 SIMBANG GABI
Start of early morning vigil 9 days before Christmas

16 OBLATION RUN | Friday | University of the Philippines
The annual naked run of the full-pledge members of Alpha Phi Omega society is a tradition that started in 1977 to protest the banning of the movie, “Hubad na Bayani,” which depicted human rights abuses in the martial law era. The date honors their international founding day on December 16th, 1925. 

25 CHRISTMAS DAY | Sunday | Holy Day of Obligation
Celebrating the Birth of Jesus Christ

December 30 - January 1 | 3 Days Weekend!

30 RIZAL DAY | Friday
Commemorating the Death of Jose Rizal

31 LAST DAY OF THE YEAR | Saturday
 

Live an Awesome Life,

 

 

 
Founder, www.OurAwesomePlanet.com
Call or Text Me: +63917 5683-627 (LOVE-OAP)
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P.S. Let me know if you want to put a festival schedule or a milestone event in the 2011 Awesome Calendar which will be published in the Awesome Life Planner, Thanks!

Originally posted on October 13, 2010.

October 14 Updates: 

• Corrected May 1-3 long weekend to April 30 to May 2
• Corrected June 12-14 long weekend to June 11 to 13
• Corrected October 29 to November 2 weekend is not 6 days but 5 days weekend only.
• Removed Masbate Rodeo 
• Removed the Ninoy Aquino 3-day weekend. Most likely it won't be a holiday.
• Dinagyang changed from 24-25 to January 22-23
• Updated Oblation Run on December 16
• Added Makati's Caracol Festival in January
 

October 16 Updates:

• Added the feast of Our Lady of Candles
• Added the longest running Trade Fair in the country
 

October 21 Updates:

• Added the Pasungay Festival
• Added the World Bread Day
• Added the Maharlika Sunrise Festival
 

October 27 Updates:

• Added the feast day of St. Ignatius of Loyola 
• Added the feast day of St. John Bosco
• Added the feast day of St. Anne
• Added the lansones festival of Camiguin
  

November 3 Updates:

• Added the New 7 Wonders of Nature Official Declaration
• Added the longest running cultural tour in the country.
• Removed Nov. 2 as holiday.
• Ugu Bigyan's Birthday Sale
• Old Swiss Inn Price Rollback.

December 30 Update:

 

• Updated with Proclamation 84: DECLARING THE REGULAR HOLIDAYS, SPECIAL (NON-WORKING) DAYS, AND SPECIAL HOLIDAY (FOR ALL SCHOOLS) FOR THE YEAR 2011