Category: Promos

What’s EUr Story: An EU Essay Writing Contest

You’ve got EUr story to tell? Then join the European Union Essay Writing Contest!

Delegation of the European Union in the Philippines
What’s EUr story? Essay Writing Competition
Mechanics

1. Eligible Participants
This contest is open only to Filipino citizens aged 16 – 35 years old. Employees of the Delegation of the European Union in the Philippines (EU), its affiliates, advertising and promotion agencies and suppliers, (collectively the “Employees”), and family members and/or those living in the same household of Employees until the third degree of consanguinity are not eligible to participate in the Campaign.

2. Categories
The contest is divided into two categories;
a) High School Competition – This category is open to qualified high school students. Entrants must be enrolled at the time of the beginning of the contest period.
b) Collegiate Competition – This category is open to qualified individuals that are currently enrolled in local colleges and universities.
c) Open Competition – This category is open to all entrants that are eligible participants but are no longer enrolled as students. Young professionals and full-time writers are welcome to enter the competition.

3. Format and Theme
All entries should be written in essay format and in English, with a minimum of 700 words and a maximum of 1,000 words for the student categories and a minimum of 1,500 words with a maximum of 2000 words for the professional category.
All entries must written using MS Word, font size 12, font Times New Roman and double-spaced, with 3/4th-inch margins top and bottom and ½ inch margins left and right.
The title should be in font size 16, justified center in boldface and located at the very top of the page and proceeded by the author’s byline in font size 12.
The essay must adhere to the general theme “What’s EU-r story?”.
The essay may say something about the author’s, or someone close to the author’s experience in any of the 28 member states of the European Union* or in any of the Delegation of the European Union’s NGO or civil society organisation partners. The essay may also talk about other experiences or inspiration the author may have had with European influences or European Nationals in their environment or personal lives.

4. Delivery of Entries
Entries may be submitted by e-mail to the following address: whats.eur.story@gmail.com

Entries must be saved in PDF format and included as an attachment to the e-mail. Other required attachments are; a scan of one valid ID. Entries to the Student Competitions should also include a scan of the entrant’s school ID.

The e-mail subject must be written as: What’s EU-r story: Contestant Name_Category

The body of the e-mail should include your full name, age and complete contact details.

5. Judgment Criteria
The entries shall be judged on the basis of the following criteria:
a. substance, content, originality, analysis and adherence to the theme – 65%
b. logic, organisation and coherence – 20%
c. style and presentation – 15%

6. Campaign Period

Entries will be accepted online starting on April 1, 2017, and all entries must be submitted by 30 June 2017 at 23:59 GMT+8.

7. Prizes

One “Grand Winner” will be selected from the winners of the three categories. They will each receive a trophy, gadgets and other promo items from the EU Delegation to the Philippines. “Major Winners” from each category will be chosen, along with ten best works from each category that will be selected as “Finalists”. The works of the Grand Winner, Major Winners and Finalists will be printed in a compendium to be published by the EU as well as posted on Philstar.com.

No cash or other prize substitution shall be permitted. The prize is nontransferable.
It is understood that a participant when submitting his or her entry for the competition that he or she is allowing the EU Delegation to the Philippines to use his or her work for the purpose of promoting the Campaign and entry for purposes of advertising and trade without further compensation unless prohibited by law.

8. Winner Selection and Notification

The Winner and Finalists will be selected by a panel of judges based on the contest’s specified criteria. The Winners and Finalists will be notified by e-mail, facebook and telephone within five (5) working days following the results of the selection process. The Delegation of the European Union in the Philippines shall have no liability for the Winners’ and Finalists’ failure to receive notices due to spam, junk e-mail or other security settings or for Winners’ or Finalists’ provision of incorrect or otherwise non-functioning contact information. If the Winners or Finalists cannot be contacted, is ineligible, and fails to claim the prize within 30 days from the time award notification was sent, or fails to timely return a completed and executed declaration and release as required, the prize may be forfeited and an alternate Winner will be selected.

Further information:

https://www.facebook.com/whatsEUrstory/

Make brushing more fun with Minions!

If it were not for my parents’ diligence in bringing us to dental appointments and cleaning regularly, my sister and I would probably have a bad set of teeth.

And so we do this now to our daughter, who, not like me, didn’t like brushing as a little girl.

But when the tooth fairy teeth started to take her milk teeth away (a few months after she weaned from breastfeeding), our daughter became more mindful with taking care of her teeth.

It was hard back then to look for toothbrushes that would suit my daughter’s small mouth and teeth, and we’re glad to find Colgate Minions tooth brush and tooth paste!

Let’s say it together: squeeze, brush, rinse!

We used to have sooooo many tactics in order to have our daughter get toothbrushed. Tandem brushing (she brushes my teeth while I brush hers), Daddy and Mommy tag team to brush the squirmy baby, name it, and we did it. Plus, because of her rather small mouth, we had to look for a brush that would fit her mouth.

When she turned five, we started using Colgate Minions toothbrush and we’ve been using it for a couple of years already.

Cute in blue and yellow.

Touringkittyps
Top three tips on how to take care of your teeth:

  1. Drink water after eating. If possible, gargle immediately. So that no dirt will remain in mouth.
  2. Avoid dark-coloured drinks (cola, coffee, tea) that may lead to early discoloration of teeth.
  3. Brush every after a full meal. Do not eat after brushing.

As the new and permanent teeth kicks in, our daughter is very mindful of tooth brush time, and how thoroughly her teeth are being brushed. Glad there’s Colgate Minions tooth brush (that comes in twin packs) to help us maintain her pearly whites.

 

Get yours now!

 

~ Touringkitty

Meet and Greet Belle at the SM Supermalls

Belle is coming to your nearest SM Mall this December!

announcement-poster

Welcome her in these dates and venues:

A Disney Beauty and the Beast Christmas

Mechanics:

Event is open to the general public.
First come, first serve policy applies.
Participants must be at the event venue at least 30 minutes before the scheduled session.
No food, drinks, strollers and sharp & pointed objects are allowed in the event area.
Entertainment subject to change without prior notice.

Dates and Venues:
December 7 & 8 – SM City Cebu
1:15 – 2:00pm
3:00 – 3:45pm
4:45 – 5:30pm
6:30 – 7:15pm
8:15 – 9:00pm
December 10 to 12 – SM Megamall
3:00 – 3:34pm
4:45 – 5:30pm
6:30 – 7:15pm
8:00 to 9:00pm
December 14 & 15 – SM Lanang
1:15 – 2:00pm
3:00 – 3:45pm
4:45 – 5:30pm
6:30 – 7:15pm
8:15 – 9:00pm

Follow Toy Kingdom online. Visit our online store at www.toykingdom.ph. Find us on Facebook/Twitter/Instagram/Youtube: ToyKingdomPH

Magnolia Ice Cream + MaiChard: Pinasarap ng Tamang Panahon

It’s extremely and terribly hot these days! Just makes me want to jump in a pool or stay indoors with my AC in high cool temp.

Makes me want to scream, “Ice Cream!!!”

During Holy Week, I got a timely invitation from Magnolia Ice Cream to taste their newest Best of the Philippines Collection flavours. Such a great break from the intense heat that day!

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The very accommodating Elmer Villasanta, product head of Magnolia Ice Cream, talked about their newest products and campaign.
*8

The three new flavours are Banoffee Pie, Mango Salted Caramel, and Strawberry Crumble Pie. Sounds like desserts, right? Because the names were taken from cakes and dessert flavours. Likewise, the main fruit ingredients are summer fruits–bananas, mangoes, and strawberries, all refreshing in this summer heat.

As you can see, Magnolia had us taste all three flavours in one sitting, giving out a serving of two scoops each one after the other, while the flavours were introduced. It was the first time for me to eat that much ice cream! I wasn’t able to finish each glass though but they all tasted so good and rich.

And the endorsers of these new flavours were introduced to us. And they’re no strangers to the guests who came in the intimate event, because they belong to different fan clubs of the endorsers. No less than the Phenomenal Love Team, Alden Richards and Maine Mendoza.

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Larger than life: Alden and Maine standees in lieu of the real thing. Close enough!

Fans of Alden, fans of Maine, and fans of their love team had this opportunity to get to mingle for the love of Aldub and ice cream. It was nice to learn how passionate these people are in supporting their idols, who were handpicked by Magnolia to endorse their new product offering. Who else could best spread the news but their fans themselves!

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Alden and Maine fans flocked Magnolia's office for the tasting.

We also got a pre-launch viewing of the newest Magnolia commercial featuring Alden and Maine, to the delight (and kilig) of the guests. Click this link to watch the commercial.

And if these were not enough, Magnolia extended the ice cream treat to our families by giving us free samples of these three flavours! Plus, they thought of the little ones at home and threw in some popsicles for them.

I actually was able to buy another tub of Strawberry Crumble Pie just recently, and the family finished it in just a couple of days! The big tubs (they only sell in one size) are really meant to be shared with the whole family.

Thank you so much for that yummy and wonderful afternoon, Magnolia Ice Cream!

Do watch out for more from Alden and Maine for Magnolia, and watch out for exciting promos from our favourite ice cream!

If you want to win autographed mini standees, here’s your chance!

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1. Follow @magnolia_icph on Twitter.
2. Watch out for the questions from Quiz Masters Alden and Maine.
3. Tweet the correct answer with the hashtag #MagnoliaIceCreamisALDUBest
4. First to tweet the correct answer wins!

#KoristaAko: Jimmy Chung

Korista Ako

Welcome to another #KoristaAko post. Just to get things more fun, I have an exciting raffle at the end of this post, so read on.

I still can’t figure out how adult colouring books came into mainstream here in our country. It was all of a sudden and your local bookstore shelves are filled with books and colored pens and pencils. You thought it’s for kids only? Well, think again!

A few weeks back, I had the privilege of meeting a new korista in one of the choirs in our church. And what a surprise, he is also a young artist who launched his own colouring book! Yup, and he is gracious to give Touringkitty and Korista Ako readers a chance to get their own copy, for free!

What’s even surprising is he introduced himself to me as one of the young members of the Chiang Kai Shek Children’s Choir whom I was able to give a workshop to at the CCP Hands-On Choral Workshop back in 2006. Let’s get to know him more in this Korista Ako post:

Jimmy Chung
Living the artist’s life. Photo from Jimmy’s Facebook page.

Name: Jimmy E. Chung

Current profession: Freelance singer and artist. He won various awards in drawing competitions inside and outside the country. “KALINGA,” my first paperclay art was exhibited in Resorts World Manila and Manila Ocean Park last august 2015. Also he is a private art teacher since 2009.

Choirs joined: Chiang Kai Shek Youth Choir (2000-2010) under Ms. Irma Tan Su. Currently under the Serenata Vocal Ensemble which sings at the Shrine of Jesus every Sunday afternoon.

Why did you join the choir?: I joined choir because since I was a kid, I love to sing and making music, I even compose songs with weird lyrics. But my childhood friends loved the song. They asked me to write the lyrics in a paper so they can also memorize. I always end up laughing when I remember that song.

What was that something or someone that influenced you?: When I was a kid, my mom always watch choir concerts in VHS and betamax. I always watched with her.

What is your favourite song arranged or composed for choir and why?: Ambo hato (arranged by Augusto Espino) is one of my favorite because it is so fun and challenging to sing. There are lots of variety within the song.

What was the hardest piece you’ve studied?: Awit ni Solomon. Its a 16 voice song. We used it for our competition in Thailand’s Voyage of Songs.

Any choir/s or vocal ensembles you look up to and why?: Of course none other than the Philippine Madrigal Singers! They create magic.

What is your most unforgettable choral moment?: When we joined the Voyage of Songs Choir Competition in Pattaya, Thailand and we won the Most Promising Choir award.
#KoristaAko dahil: Habang buhay ako aawit! Hinding hindi ko ipagpapalit ang musika sa kahit na anung bagay. Ito ay mananatiling nakaukit sa aking puso…magpakailanman.

 

Thank you for your generous answers, Jimmy!

And as promised, here’s a RAFFLE for you, coloring enthusiasts!

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Jimmy recently launched this book called “Food for the Soul.” He graciously gave one to me to raffle off for Touringkitty readers. So, here’s your chance! He’s releasing a new one in the coming weeks, can’t wait to see that!

I have started one page, but have not done coloring! I will update as soon as I’m done with it.

Food for the Soul is an adult coloring book inspired by touching and motivational bible verses. Feel HIS presence and love as you bring life and color to each page. The book aims to transform our soul to be closer to HIM. Be inspired while coloring!

Win one through this raffle! Join through the widget below, or visit my Facebook page

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Winners will be announced on November 8. Good luck!

#KoristaAko is powered by Touringkitty. Tune in for the latest post every last Wednesday of the month. Follow on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram (all @touringkitty) for updates.

CONTEST ALERT: Regroe’s Like, Share, and Win

Losing hair? Don’t lose hope.

For 28 years, Minoxidil Regroe has been a reliable hair partner for problems of the crowning glory.

Want to try their product? Get a chance to WIN some Regroe Gift Certificates through these easy steps:

regroe

MECHANICS:

1. Like Minoxidil Regroe’s official Facebook page Minoxidil Regroe or Follow Regroe’s Instagram account @minoxidilregroe

a. You can either like or follow or do both for more chances of winning.

2. Share this photo publicly and tag us and 3 of your friends with a hashtag #RegroeAt28

a. You can share the photo as many times as you can

3. Four lucky winners will win Php 3,000 worth of Dermclinic Gift Certificates.

a. 2 winners from Facebook and 2 winners from Instagram

4. Promo runs from October 5, 2015 to October 30, 2015.

5. Winners will be announced on October 31, 2015 thru our Facebook page and Instagram account and will receive a personal message.

6. Winners can claim their prizes at Regroe’s Head office in Makati.

Join now!

Acapellago performs at Enchanted Kingdom on September 13

My daughter and I have been listening to a lot of a cappella music lately. Apart from choirs, we like small ensembles of about five or six members.

We love singing. We are fascinated with how the human voice alone can produce such harmonies. My five year old sees and hears me teach voice so she imitates when we vocalize or sing. She likes a cappella acts who does covers of pop songs like Cimorelli and Pentatonix. I let her listen to these great groups like The CompanY, Swingle Singers or King’s Singers, and she appreciates them as well.

Our recent discovery is from our own country, and they have given pride already by winning top prizes both here and abroad.

*Photo from Interaksyon.com’s news article about their recent win.

Their name sounds familiar? It’s a good nameplay of a cappella (what their music is) and archipelago (what our country’s structure is like). They’ve won the 2013 Akapela Open presented by One Meralco Foundation and PLDT-Smart Foundation. Two months ago, they won the Gold Award and was declared champion in the International Category of the 2015 A Capella Championships held in Singapore.

They will be back to Singapore on October for the International A Cappella Festival. Get your tickets for their October 31 concert on this link.

Check this sample video on their page and listen to them. They like Pentatonix, too!

Want to hear more from them? You can, too! They are set to perform this Sunday at Enchanted Kingdom in Laguna.

Weekend shows at Enchanted Kingdom. From the Enchanted Kingdom Facebook Page.
Weekend shows at Enchanted Kingdom. From the Enchanted Kingdom Facebook Page.

Our favourite local theme park is turning 20 already! And you can get a chance to WIN tickets to Enchanted Kingdom so you can get to watch Acapellago! How?

LIKE, SHARE and WIN 5 tickets (Unlimited Rides) to ENCHANTED KINGDOM and watch ACAPELLAGO Live on September 13, Sunday!

How? Like Acapellago’s FB Page and share the poster on your walls with the hashtags ‪#‎acapellago‬ ‪#‎acapellagoatenchantedkingdom‬ ‪#‎EKcountdownto20withVIVA‬ ‪#‎mtvpilipinas‬

Link to poster here: https://www.facebook.com/enchantedkingdom.ph/photos/a.163836406977967.44937.152635924764682/1129625210399077/?type=1

The more shares, the more chances of winning. 2 winners of 5 tickets each will be electronically drawn on Sunday morning.

 

Mabuhay ang a cappella music!

 

~ Touringkitty

Educents celebrates Teacher Appreciation Week

Happy Teacher Appreciation Week!

teacherappreciation_emailnews

The teaching profession is one vocation very close to my heart, as I am also one. The passion, dedication, patience, and love they give to students is really unimaginable, and very admirable.

Just last week, one of my dearest teachers in grade school passed away, and some of my classmates and I paid a visit during her wake. We were so surprised to see two folders of our personal letters to her during her birthday, Valentines Day, Teachers’ Day, and other occasions, also invitations to birthday parties, other notes given to her, and our class photos. All those years she had saved all those letters. Some years ago, one of her daughters asked her why she saved all those letters (what was in her wake was just a fraction of the letters she kept in albums). Our teacher told her daughter it is for her students to see when she’s passed on.

She battled the Big C for several years, without having undergone operation or chemotherapy. She lived longer than expected, and is now resting with the Almighty Creator. We’re just so proud of her courage and wisdom she showed all these years.

I am thankful for educators because:

  1. Next to our own parents, we learn from them. Not only about lessons, but about life in general.
  2. Teaching is a gift and a blessing, and they have just that.
  3. The love for children that they have grows, and multiplies.

Education has such an impact on ourselves and our little ones. Educents is here to help you pay it forward. In honor of Teacher Appreciation week, Educents & Peekapak have teamed up to provide your favorite educators with a gift basket worth over $40, which includes a FREE $10 Educents Gift Card & 3 months of Peekapak lesson plans (3 digital storybooks, 12 in-class lessons & 12 at-home activities) that teach Character Education and Language Arts.

So, whether it’s your mom, your classroom teacher, your neighbors, or another special human being who taught you important lessons, thank them by giving them a FREE gift basket, on Educents!

Fill out the form here to send this freebie to an educator you know.

TMA Homeschool Parents Conference: Set them up for success

About two years ago, my husband and I have started praying about homeschooling our daughter. We’ve done so, albeit unstructured, unplanned, and spontaneous (well, isn’t that what homeschooling is about? =)

A couple of days ago, we have finally decided it’s time for our daughter to enter Kinder. But we have also gotten the answer to our question: should we homeschool or not? The answer was a huge YES! We’ve gotten ourselves a provider (finally!) for our peace of mind, mainly. And since I will be the main teacher-parent, I should equip myself, such as attending seminars like this:

 

TMA Homeschool Parents Conference on March 12. Register and use TKEATMAHS_1 on the Referral Code and receive a surprise from Touringkitty!
TMA Homeschool Parents Conference on March 12. Register and use TKEATMAHS_1 on the Referral Code and receive a surprise from Touringkitty!

 

If you’re also wondering what this homeschooling thing is, then YOU should attend! More details at this link:

http://manilaworkshops.com/events/2015-tma-homeschool-parents-conference-set-them-up-for-success

Decided to attend? Why not attend for FREE by joining this raffle?

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Will announce the winner on the 11th of March. Join now!

~ Touringkitty

FROZEN at Movie Stars Cafe

Last month, we visited Movie Stars Cafe for the third time. Yup, three times already!

And why would we not? We heard Frozen is already showing on the Restaurant with a Show, or a Show with a Restaurant!

Frozen the Musical on Movie Stars Cafe! Not to be missed this cold Christmas season!
Frozen the Musical on Movie Stars Cafe! Not to be missed this cold Christmas season!
Curtain Call. Yes, that's Geoff Taylor as Hans.
Curtain Call. Yes, that’s Geoff Taylor as Hans.
With my Frozen fanatic.
With my Frozen fanatic.
Also caught Barbie show. Dancing girls with colourful hair.
Also caught Barbie show. Dancing girls with colourful hair.
Visit Movie Stars Cafe soon!
Visit Movie Stars Cafe soon!

And what’s even greater, Touringkitty is giving 10% off your food and drinks! Don’t forget to RESERVE SEATS via www.moviestarscafe.com and as you bill out, mention my special code, LGRK-5489. Check out their Facebook Page, www.facebook.com/moviestarscafe or call them ahead to know which shows are showing.

See you at the Cafe!

 

~ Touringkitty