Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree

Dusit Thani Manila Lobby

I was at Dusit Thani Manila Hotel last December 1-3, 2010 for a significant company sponsored event on Renewable Energy.  I noticed some christmas trees with different themes displayed at the lobby.  I got  interested in it and took some photos since they were creatively designed and so beautiful ! I learned from one of the hotel staff that it was actually a Christmas Tree Competition hosted by Dusit Thani and launched last October, 2010 with the theme "Unity in Diversity".  It is participated by some companies and well-known individuals/personalities. The winning party gets Php 100,000 which will be donated to charity or cause of their choice.

This is me (left) with my friend at Dusit.  This candy house is interesting.  It is decorated with real chocolates, cookies, marshmallows and other edible stuff

Personalities and companies who joined Dusit Thani's Christmas Tree Competition include Canon, Celine Lopez, HSBC, Lifestyle Asia Magazine, Lyceum of the Philippines University, Rajo Laurel, School of Fashion and Arts, Teddy Manuel, Tesoro’s Philippine Handicrafts, Tessa Prieto Valdes, Thai Airways and Tim Yap.

Tessa Prieto Valdes' Christmas tree showcases diverse world-class Filipino fashion design through Barbie dolls. Each doll has been embellished with the finest fabrics and jewels representing each of the designer's exquisite fashion design sense including students of Slim's Fashion and Arts School. Tessa's beneficiary is the school of Fr. Gerard in Sorsogon that has over 300 young kids which needs better lights and ventilation.

Tess Prieto Valdes' Christmas Tree

So cute... accessorized with Barbie Dolls !

The Barbie dolls' costumes were creatively designed... so beautiful !

A work of art

Tess Prieto Valdes, a well-known Filipino fashion designer.  Look at her beautiful gown.

The Thai-inspired Christmas tree was designed by Rachy Cuna as commissioned by Thai Airways International to showcase the "Thainess" of its airline and nation to the Filipinos. It incorporates the corporate colors of purple, pink, and yellow reflects the corporate identity of the airline and the unique culture and traditions of Thailand. Thai Airways supports the GMA Kapuso Foundation which places focus on Health, Disaster Relief, Education and Values Formation.

Thai Airways' Christmas Tree

The color combination is so alive

Kaye and Me

The HSBC Christmas tree is fashioned from bamboo painted white with hand carved niches for candles. Designed by prominent export entrepreneur and artist Al Caronan, the red and white tree is decorated with stars made from plastic water bottles and ornaments hand sewn by the young girls of Tahanan Sta. Luisa. HSBC has been a long-time partner and supporter of Childhope Asia and Tahanan Sta. Luisa and lauds their efforts to provide these girls with a healthy home environment and brighter futures.

HSBC Christmas Tree

The Sharing Tree by Lifestyle Asia and joined by designer Junjun Ablaza is made up of wood products, traditional agricultural and garden tools, rakes, hoes, scythes, sickles, baskets and watering cans speaks of the relationship between the gardener and his garden. Lifestyle Asia is a proponent for the best of living which is marked by an elegance of spirit and supports the Make A Wish Foundation.

Lifestyle Asia's Sharing Tree

The House of Laurel Christmas tree, joint effort between Rajo Laurel and its beneficiary RAGS2RICHES, uses salvaged objects such as wire hangers, scrap metal, scrap fabric, old twine and colored paper. The tree is spiral-shaped with wire hangers designed in to look like wings, carrying the dreams and wishes of the impoverished community of Payatas, whose able hands all contributed in the creation of the tree.

House of Laurel Christmas Tree

Teddy Manuel's Christmas tree is a chandelier of blown glass balls, various blooms and lights. Hand blown glass balls are individually hung to form the shape of a Christmas tree. Each glass ball represents one person, unified into one beautiful output to shape the country, no matter what social and economic background he or she may have. The chosen foundation for Teddy Manuel Flowers and Events is Sagip Buhay Foundation which provides free medicine to indigent patients at the medical wards and ICUs of the Philippine General Hospital.

Teddy Manuel's Christmas Tree

The Lyceum of the Philippines University (LPU) Christmas tree features multi-media materials to represent unity in diversity. Among the materials used are dried Durian rind from Gongoog City, Pili Nuts from Iriga City and the dried mini Formosan Pineapple harvested from Daet, Camarines Norte and many more. LPU believes that the collecting and gathering of materials from nature's unwanted and discarded objects can be productive and economical or a beneficial entrepreneurial endeavor. LPU has chosen LPU Scholarships and Grants as their beneficiary - an organization providing tuition grants and discounts to the brightest and most talented students of the school.

Lyceum of the Philippines University (LPU) Christmas Tree

In the middle of the Christimas Tree, a mini Belen was created...Great Idea !

School of Fashion and the Arts, SOFA, built and designed their Christmas tree from used water bottles for the leaves, hand cut by the maximum security inmates of the Muntinlupa prison. The Christmas ornaments were made by the fashion students of SoFA which include pin cushions, dolls, stars, hearts, and other jewel-toned and silver accent materials. SoFA's chosen beneficiary is the group of talented and promising young designers, whose passion and skills overshadow their lack of educational funding, are developed to be the designers that they truly are through the SoFA scholarship program.

School of Fashion and the Arts (SOFA) Christmas Tree

Tesoro's Christmas tree consists of new products such as their table -- top trees made from local nuts and twigs, tree trimso of miniature baskets, Christmas balls and hats and twine of Capiz. Their "Pamaskong Pilipino" theme reflect a Christmas tree that is both traditional and contemporary, the best of Filipino creativity. Tesoro's chosen beneficiary is Carewell The Cancer Resource and Wellness Community which provides free support to those diagnosed with cancer and their families.

Tesoro's Christmas Tree

The Tim Yap tree is made of 100% recycled materials from the twigs of the tree to the fabric and buttons used for the Red Cross dolls that embellish the sculpture. The charity dolls were made by youth volunteers from fabric and excess materials from factories into creative little toys. Red Cross is Tim Yap's chosen beneficiary.

Tim Yap's Christmas Tree

Canon incorporates their technologies in their Christmas tree design, and the bridges that they have helped build and strengthen. Canon also re-imagines the moments where they have induced the most basic, yet considered to be the most beautiful indicator that they have been successful in our business and social mission, a SMILE. Canon further takes inspiration from their beneficiary organization, Kythe, which strengthens children's determination to battle cancer and other chronic illnesses. And in return, help them have a happy and memorable childhood, the moments that Canon is passionate in immortalizing through their products.

Canon's Christmas Tree

Dubbed the "Little Black Tree", Celine Lopez's Christmas tree is inspired by the Little Black Dress of Coco Chanel. Just like the LBD, the tree is intended to be classic, versatile, and accessible. Moreover, the Little Black Tree is similar to the LBD's indispensability and ubiquity, and is designed as simply as possible, adorned with white roses. Her chosen charity is the Coalition Against Trafficking of Women (CATW), which promotes women's human rights.

Cecile Lopez' Christmas Tree

Well, vote for your favorite Christmas Tree by going to the Dusit Thani Facebook page.  The photos of these Christmas Trees are posted there. Voting will only be until December 25, 2010, 12 Mid-night. The Christmas Trees will be on display until January 03, 2011.

HAVE A MERRY CHRISTMAS !!!

Wow ! I Got a Singapore Flyer Ticket !!!!

Singapore Flyer Logo

Yesterday was a lucky day for me and I was not expecting to get a free ticket to the Singapore Flyer this weekend ~ December 11th. I am so thankful to a generous heart !

My E-Ticket to ride the giant wheel !

I am actually going to Malaysia this Saturday via Philippine Airlines and landing at Singapore.  Our travel agent could not get me into Malaysian Airlines since the flight is fully booked.  It is peak season for travel these days.  If I have to choose between Philippine Airlines and Singapore Airlines,  I prefer SQ but unfortunately it was also fully booked.  I was discussing my flight itinerary to my boss and then he suggested that I take the opportunity to go some places in Singapore before I go to Melaka, Malaysia. My plane lands at around 2:00 PM in Singapore and I have time to look around.  He recommended that I should try the Singapore Flyer, go to Universal Studio in Sentosa or go to the toy convention.  I am not sure If I can finish these three places in half a day but I would love to see the places. My boss showed me the photo of the Singapore Flyer,  it is a giant wheel and you ride for 45 minutes and get to see the beautiful view of Singapore.  Then he bought a ticket on line for me to experience it !  Wow,  This is great ! :o)

Singapore Flyer during daylight !

Singapore Flyer is the world's largest observation wheel. Standing at a stunning 165m from the ground, the Flyer offers you breathtaking, panoramic views of the Marina Bay, our island city and beyond. There's also a wide range of shops, restaurants, activities and facilities.

The Singapore Flyer during the night

Singapore Flyer offers a breathtaking panorama of the shimmering Marina Bay waterfront and historical landmarks dotting the city skyline. My weekend is definitely going to be an exciting one for me. Thank you God for this wonderful blessing ! 

Experience Peace of Mind, Openness, Lightness of Spirit and Freedom... Visit Sen Zen Garden

Here we are visiting our Stepmom at the LBA 3 Clubhouse.  With me are my sister, Arceli and stepsister, Darling and with us are two special members of our family, Pom-Pom and his son, Batibot

Just recently my stepmom, Mama Zen joined the Laguna Bel-Air 3 Christmas Bazaar from December 1-3, 2010 at the LBA 3 Clubhouse selling some of her plants. This is her first time to join the bazaar. She has many plants in the house and over a year ago, she was not selling them but some of our neighbors started visiting our house and checking on the plants. They were interested in buying some of them , so this is how my stepmom began her small home business.

My stepmom, Mama Zen and her area at the LBA 3 Bazaar

We were all there to support her

My stepmom, Mama Zen loves gardening and bonsai making. She decided to join the bazaar at Laguna Bel-Air 3 from Dec. 1-3 because the space rent is only Php 600.00 for 3 days. This is cheap ! Her area was the most visited and so sale was great !  We had to replenish the plants because most of them were sold out and there were more orders. The rest of the vendors asked her what's the secret ? I guess she is the only one different among the vendors. She was selling plants and two of our special family members ~ Pom-Pom and Batibot was an added attraction !!!

These two pets were added attraction to Sen Zen Garden

Me and my sister, Arceli with our two cute pets... Pom-Pom and Batibot.  I think these two special members of our family is one of the reason why people buys our plants.  They are so cute and cuddly and people are attracted to them :o)

Me, my stepsister ~ Darling and sister, Arceli with our pets

Mama Zen and my father, Arsenio with Pom-Pom and Batibot, their lucky charm !

By the way, the name Sen Zen  came from my father's name ArSENio and my stepmom's nickname ZEN (Real name is Zinnia).  Do you know what is "ZEN" ? It is a spiritual practice that leads to total harmony with one’s self, society and the universe. Its foundation is zazen, a breath-centered discipline that helps one silence the mind and the body. Zen is a way of life that helps one to realize the true self. It provides a completely fresh approach to our day-to-day experiences. Its practitioners enjoy focus, peace of mind, openness, lightness of spirit and freedom. Zen imparts wisdom and compassion.

Me with our puppy, Batibot, my stepmom and stepsister ~ Darling

Bye ! Till next bazaar ! Thanks for your patronage !

My real mother passed away few years ago and my heart was in so much pain for the lost of a great mother.  But God is Good, He gave me another mother who is so kind, loving and understanding.  Thanks for this wonderful gift to our family.

Renewable Energy Conference and Expo Manila 2010

Renewable Energy Conference and Expo Manila 2010 Logo

Key players in the Philippines' renewable energy sector, including the Renewable Energy Coalition, in cooperation with the Department of Energy, have organized the Renewable Energy Conference and Expo Manila 2010 which was recently held from December 2-3, 2010 at the Dusit Thani Manila, Makati City, Philippines.

The Department of Energy Booth..We got some shirts and key chains from them.  Yepeey !

Guided by the theme, “From Policy to Action: Generating Impacts in 2010 and Beyond”, the conference gathered and facilitated dialogue among at least 300 stakeholders in assessing the gains made and issues faced in the implementation of the RE Law and in exploring available opportunities for business and partnerships in the Philippines' RE sector.  The organizers were actually expecting around 350 participants only but later on there were about 650 attendees and they had to make adjustments to the conference rooms and set-up.

The guest of honor is no other than His Excellency, Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III, President of the Republic of the Philippines who delivered the Key Note Address during the event.

President Benigno Simeon Aquino delivering his speech during the Renewable Energy Conference

His Excellency, Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III, President of the Republic of the Philippines

My company, SunPower was one of the major sponsor (Gold) of this event and as part of the sponsorship package, we were given an area for the exhibit.  My boss designated me to handle this event from the start of the coordination process up to the set-up of the exhibit booth and the event proper.  It was very tiring for three days from Ingress to the Egress stage.  Set-up of the exhibit booth started at 12 mid-night onwards at the Dusit Thani Manila hotel. Just imagine I only slept for less than two hours I guess. It is good that my boss told me that it is better to get a room at Dusit for me to stay till the end of the event. I stayed at the hotel for two nights but I barely had enough sleep.  I missed my own bedroom !

Thanks to our Facilities and ITG team who helped me during the exhibit set-up.  Everything was okay and the booth turned out to be great !  Most of the display and collateral materials used for the exhibit came from Sunpower U.S. and Sunpower Korea.  The actual solar panels and other materials came from Sunpower Philippines.  I was glad that all the materials came in on time specially those that had to be shipped from other countries. Thanks to Jenny Kwon of SPKR  (Sunpower Korea) and Genia Gilbert of SPSV (Sunpower Silicon Valley) for providing us the materials.

Me and some of the Sunpower Employees who helped me set-up the Exhibit Booth

Sunpower Booth...Well, what do you think of our booth ?

Various Sunpower videos were played on this monitor

I like this roll-up banner that Jenny Kwon sent to me.  It is portable and can easily be assembled.  Cool !

My boss, Gregory Reichow was invited to become one of the speaker for the break-out session.  However, he was not available due to his business trip in Malaysia.  He was able to get Mr. Zachary Struyk from Sunpower Korea who is the Director of Asia Component Sales to do the talk on solar. 

Kaye and me with my boss, Gregory Reichow - VP for Sunpower Operations

Mr. Struyk has led the development of photovoltaic power plant projects, totaling more than 13 MW in Korea, including the first megawatt-scale project in the country, located in Gwangju in 2006 and financed by the Export-Import Bank of the U.S., and more than 40 MW of module sales throughout Asia. Mr. Struyk joined SunPower in 2003 and played an integral role in SunPower’s achievement of #1 U.S. market share for large projects. He also helped realize SunPower’s first projects in Europe, including a 10 MW project in Germany and an 11 MW project in Portugal.

Mr. Struyk has been a resident of Korea since the opening of SunPower’s Seoul office in 2006. Before joining SunPower, he worked for JP Morgan’s investment banking practice. He received his undergraduate degree in chemistry from Stanford University, and graduate degrees from the University of California at Berkeley and University of California, Los Angeles, in environmental science and business administration, respectively.

Zachary Struyk, Director of Asia Component Sales, Sunpower Korea

There were about thirty (30) Sunpower participants to the Renewable Energy Conference coming from Cell Fab 1, Cell Fab 2 and Modco.  Here are some of the photos I captured during the event :

Sunpower Attendees together with Gregory Reichow, VP-Operations.. Ladies and gentlemen you all look awesome !!!

Modco Director, Ralph Robinett and Reliability Manager, Ariel Bautista

Kaye Cano and Me manning our booth... Well, I am holding a dummy wafer.  This is the back side.

Dave Cortez of QA is busy on the other side attending to our booth visitor while we are having our photo session...he, he (From left, Kaye, Fe and me)

From left : Kaye Cano, Dave Cortez, Me and Christine Flores-Salazar

More visitors from Sunpower

A lot of people are going to our booth to have their photos taken after their inquiries.  That only tells one thing,  they love our products.

Just me with a dummy wafer from Zachary Struyk

Wafers anyone ?  These are not  edible wafers though..ha, ha, ha but will provide you with lots of power ! SunPower !

Me and some managers attending the Renewable Energy Conference

I promised this lady I am going to email her this photo.  I hope I did not lose the paper with her email address on it.

With Grace, Fe and Kaye

With Zachary Struyk (1st from right)

The lady  (2nd from left) is Erika who is from Aboitiz Power which is also one of the sponsor of the event.  Since our booth are just across each other, she became our friend

Other sponsors of the Renewable Energy Conference and Expo Manila 2010 includes Energy Development Corporation, First Gen, Aboitiz Power, Chevron, First Metro Investment Corporation, Habitat for Humanity, Acer and Panasonic.  We visited some of the the booths and panels and we even got some souvenirs from them. Great ! The Department of Energy also have a booth.

With the Department of Energy staff

Various panel boards

 During the dinner with the Dept. of Energy Secretary, we were serenaded by the Manila Chamber Singers. Guess what ? They first sang one of my favorite song, "The Prayer" which was originally sang by my favorite singer, Josh Groban and Charlotte Church.  They also sang some Christmas songs.

The Manila Chamber Singers

Bon Appetit !

A yummy dessert

 

There were WORKSHOP SESSION THEMES and these were the following :

PARALLEL TECHNICAL SESSIONS

These sessions examine the new and cutting edge technologies that help propel the growth of renewable energy development in various countries. It also seeks to examine the essential requisites that would further harness growth in each of the sectors—geothermal, biomass, wind, hydro and ocean, and solar.

SIMULTANEOUS BREAKOUT SESSIONS

The passage of the RE Law was anchored on the need to break market, financing, and technical barriers which were said to be the main causes of the country’s failure to fully harness its RE potential over the years. It is important, as the country seeks to move its RE agenda, to see how these constraints have been addressed since the passage of the RE Law. There will be four workshop sessions that will examine four compelling themes :

Market Barriers

This track will explore the market challenges and how the RE Law has been able to address these, including constraints that require urgent action.

Financing

This track will examine the financial or funding challenges that affect the RE sector. It will look at ways to further harness the investment climate, with the view of harnessing investments in the sector.

Technical

This track will look into technical issues or constraints that impact upon efficiencies and environmental considerations, and the ability to respond to realities and needs in the context of unique circumstances of Philippine communities.

Cross-cutting and Related Concerns

This track examines other issues and concerns that affect the growth and impact of the RE sector, including administrative constraints and policy issues such as IPRA and NCIP, among others.

CHEERS TO SUNPOWER !!!