MCCI's Search for W.I.N.N.E.Rs Coronation this August 24

In connection with the 2011 Mandaue Business Month, the Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) has announced that the coronation for their search for W.I.N.N.E.Rs (Women In Need, Now Entrepreneurs and Role Models) will be on the 24th of August at the Cebu International Convention Center (CICC). To recall, the MCCI has already made known its Top 23 micro-entrepreneurs for its Search  held at St. Theresa's College last month, July 23, 2011.

The Search for W.I.N.N.E.Rs is a search for model women micro-entrepreneurs from Mandaue City who are struggling to rise from poverty through their business ventures inspiring other women to be empowered in the process.

Judging is based on their inspirational stories of courage, perseverance and creativity (50%), response to the Q&A (20%) and comprehensiveness of the information presented on their business plan (30%). Judges were composed of MCCI Trustees, event sponsors and media partners.

The contestants also have a line of activities comparable to a beauty pageant like sponsors tour, personality development seminar, livelihood trainings and other seminars.

Among the media partners for this event is the Cebu Bloggers' Society.

Truly this is a unique contest woth supporting.

Free Showing of Brillante Mendoza's Award-Winning Films at SM Cebu

Tired of watching hastily-made movies with poor story plots that only showcase actors, actresses with good looks but poor acting chops? Want to see award-winning movies by an award-winning director for a change? and FOR FREE?

One need not go far...

SM City Cebu through SM Cinemas and Brillante Mendoza brings you the Brillante Mendoza Film Festival at SM City Cebu this coming August 4 to August 5, 2011 at SM Cinema 2.

The movie line-up with corresponding schedule includes:
DAY 1

1. MANORO (The Aeta Teacher, 2006) - August 4 - 11 AM
2. LOLA (Grandmother, 2009) - August 4 - 5 PM

DAY 2

1. KALELDO (Summer Heat, 2007) - August 5 - 11 AM
2. FOSTER CHILD (2007) - August 5 - 2 PM

The above films were entered in various film festivals all managing to get awards for either the film itself, the director or the artists involved.

Brillante Mendoza is the Filipino film director who won Best Director at the 62nd Cannes Film Festival for Kinatay. His films were likewise award-winners along with some of his films' cast members who under his direction gave award-winning performances.

Breastfeeding highlighted this Nutrition Month

July is Nutrition Month in the Philippines and last July 1, 2011. In Cebu, it was launched by several groups led by the National Nutrition Council VII at the Event Center, SM City Cebu. The theme for this year is "Isulong ang Breastfeeding, Tama, Sapat at Eksklusibo" which promotes breastfeeding.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding from birth to the first 4-6 months of life and likewise recommends continuation of breastfeeding with complementary foods up to 2 years of age or beyond.

Unfortunately, some mothers make many excuses and others even give artificial drinks before 4 months. When I was still a medical technologist, I even saw an infant being given coffee. They probably do not know that if a baby stops suckling from a breast, that breast stops making milk which could explain why some mothers claim they are not producing milk and make it a reason why they stop breastfeeding their babies. Breastfeeding therefore stimulates milk production. Mothers who don't produce milk probably give up right away  in breastfeeding their babies.

Mother's milk and breastfeeding have many benefits.

• Breastfeeding promotes mother-baby bonding.
• Studies suggests it may help to dvelop the child intellectually.
• Breastmilk is easily digested and protects against infection.
• Breastmilk provides proper nutrition with the perfect nutrients.
• It is a natural way of delaying a new pregnancy for mothers.
• Mother's milk is free and does not cost a cent.

So the next time you have new mothers in the family, encourage them to breastfeed and in your own little way, you are promoting the message of this year's nutrition month.

Santiago Restaurant, a taste of Latin America in Mactan, Cebu

If you have the craving for Latin American food, you do not have to go all the way to the airport to fly abroad. Along the way to Mactan Cebu International Airport, is Santiago restaurant, probably the first Latin American restaurant in Cebu found in Days Hotel, Mactan.

Running Event Alert: LiveRun in Cebu this August

Want to exercise, run  for a good cause while promoting Hepatitis awareness at the same time getting a chance to win cool raffle prizes such as a GPS Enabled Sports Watch?

Join the Liverun on August 7, 2011 organized by the Cebu GI Group, a group of gastroenterologists in Cebu to commemorate World Hepatitis Day in Cebu City.  As mentioned, it is for Hepatitis awareness and also to help fund future projects of the group like Hepatitis B immunization in certain communities among other projects.

Students are also welcome to join with a lower registration fee of P200.

Registration sites are at the Endoscopy Units of Chong Hua, Cebu Doctors and Perpetual Succour Hospitals. In Velez Hospital, you may contact Dr. Karen Batoctoy at the 2nd Floor Doctor's Clinic of the said hospital. Others may also register at RUNNR, Ayala Center Cebu. You may also text 09227281677.

Assembly time for the running event is at 4 AM at the Chong Hua Medical Arts Parking Lot.

Floods not the only problem but Leptospirosis also

In recent weeks, different parts of the country experienced floods. It may be safe to say that sadly, floods are a common sight in Manila especially when there is rain....ordinary rain...not just during typhoons.

I was a witness to this in my days in UP Manila. When it really rains, flood waters start to form and establishments in Taft become "floating" buildings. Then one will see "padyak" or pedicab drivers braving the floods to take advantage of the chance to earn higher take home cash for that day. One will also observe people making a make-shift "bridge" for people to cross charging a good amount of money.

Waters may even reach knee-high but both pedicab drivers and people who put make-shift "bridges" ignore the possible free Leptospirosis that may come with their "jobs".