It turns out we could have done it risk free if we’d have known about CafePress.com. I just stumbled across this site this morning and while some of the shirts, mugs, stickers, and calendars would really only appeal to people with a specific interest (like the people who loved my friend), there were some that were incredibly funny posters, stylish, or just plain cool. I ended up buying four shirts, a mug, and a mousepad but the price was reasonable and really, that’s not why I’m writing this in the first place, just be warned that you might end up buying some great things when you visit CafePress.com.

The reason I’m writing is that I also set up an account and uploaded a couple of my favorite photos and designs to see what they would look like. The results were favorable though I’m going to work on them a little more before I show them off to you. I thought maybe you guys would want to do the same thing.

Here’s how it works. Go to CafePress.com and register for an account. It’s free and it doesn’t involve anything more than most sites where you sign up for something. Next, upload your favorite pictures and designs. You can either make your own designs or if you just have an idea, you can work with their in-house designers to make something really special. After that you pick which styles and color of tee shirt you want your designs to go on. To be honest, I had no idea there were so many different types of tee shirts.

If you just want one shirt, you can just buy one. You don’t have to buy a hundred or even twenty. The photos used on the tee shirts are super high quality, full color printed just like the online merchandise for Eclipse. No cheap looking work unless your design is flawed. Simply approve the shirt and design or shirts, cups, dog bowls, baby clothes, etc. and then you set up the account to run. CafePress ships everything quickly and offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee to you and everyone who orders your shirts. It’s that easy. You don’t have to worry about shipping, accounting, processing, or anything else. They handle it all for you.

All you have to do is figure out what you want to make from each shirt and then let people know where to buy it. I’m an instant fan. I love CafePress.com.

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The Department of Tourism (DOT) recently welcomed the contingent Atlantis Resort in Dumaguete, Negros Oriental for the marine imagery competition. This is the first time the contest will be held in the Philippines.

The French nationals will be taking to the waters surrounding Dumaguete and nearby Apo Island to shoot and build up their entries.

The DOT attributes the international diving market’s increased interest on Philippine shores to the collaborative efforts of the Department and its private sector partners.

The country’s recognition as Destination of Honor in the recent Paris Dive Show has likewise helped the Philippines gain leverage among the watersports industry in Europe.

The Atlantides Plongee participants are the second group of marine professional and amateur photographers that the DOT has received this year.

Earlier, the department welcomed the arrival of 36 Belgian and Dutch nationals to Puerto Galera for the Oceanic Underwater Photography Cup.

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According to Tourism Secretary Ace Durano, “We are enthusiastic about welcoming divers from around the world to our shores. Activities like this help place the Philippines in the map of must-see scuba diving destinations. We attribute the influx of this market to the assertive and collaborative efforts of the Department and the private sector in reaching out to the water sports enthusiasts in Europe and other continents.”

The Department of Tourism (DOT) recently received a contingent of 36 Belgian and Dutch divers for the 15th Oceanic Underwater Photography Dive Competition at Coco Beach in Puerto Galera, Mindoro.

A major photo contest for the diving community and Belgium and the Netherlands, the Oceanic Cup is often held at the Red Sea in Egypt. This is the first time participants will be shooting in Philippine waters.

Harry Klerks, lead organizer for the Oceanic Cup and a multi-awarded underwater photographer, often found himself diving around Puerto Galera. The idea to hold the 2008 Oceanic Cup here was finalized with a simple “Why not?”

“There are many dive sites to choose from and the marine life is diverse, which is good for macro photography,” Klerks explained.

He added that the variety of sites and species offered by the Philippines has allowed him to expand the contest. A new award for videography is now up for grabs, in addition to the two traditional Starters and Masters photography categories.

Klerks further noted that facilities in the Philippines are also widely available, making it possible to accommodate large groups. He recounted that organizers restricted the number of participants for the Red Sea dive excursions because of the limited number of enough boats or that the vessels were too small.

“If all goes well, we’ll hold next year’s competition in Philippines again and bring in more divers, perhaps from Germany and other European countries,” Klerks said.

The DOT is confident that it can meet the rising demand. According to DOT Assistant Secretary and Executive Director of the Philippine Commission on Sports and Scuba Diving Cynthia Carrion, “our islands are naturally blessed with a wealth of spectacular marine vistas. On the top side, the government and private sectors are constantly upgrading the facilities to complement the warm and hospitable people ready to assist our underwater explorers.”

Following closely the Oceanic Cup is the 4th Atlantides Plongee Photo Competition, which will be held at the Atlantis Dive Resort in Dumaguete. The contest is quickly becoming one of the most coveted accolades among the French diving market.

The DOT is set to welcome over 25 French underwater photographers and videographers. Joining the group is Pierre Martin Razzi, Chief Editor of Sub Aqua Magazine, who will be part of this year’s jury.

The country will further host the 2008 Celebrate the Sea Marine Imagery Festival (CSMIF), the biggest underwater imaging event in Asia Pacific. Holding the said event is touted to strategically position the islands as the capital of aquatic photography and cinematography in Asia.

PHILKOTEX brings in over 70 pre-screened Korean tour operators to meet with their Philippine counterparts and other tourism-related establishments.

The Korean delegation will further be provided with arranged tours around the country, including Banaue, Pangasinan, Clark, Bicol, Bohol, Davao, Dumaguete, Sumilon, Cebu, Palawan, Subic and Puning.

According to Tourism Secretary Ace Durano, “We developed PHILKOTEX to provide our Philippine tourism enterprises with a venue to transact with the Korean travel trade. It also gives our Korean sellers the opportunity to experience the Philippines, helping them present the islands better to their clientele.”

“Part of our goals this year is to encourage repeat visits, especially from Korea and other leading markets. This year’s travel exchange will highlight newer packages with a wide array of activities that the Korean travel group has yet to experience,” said Philippine Convention and Visitors Corporation (PCVC) Executive Director Daniel G. Corpuz.

The DOT expects the forthcoming PHILKOTEX to help sustain the momentum gained from last year and further strengthen the Philippines’ position as one of the top holiday destinations of choice for the Korean travel market.

Philippine tourism stakeholders interested in joining PHILKOTEX may contact PCVC at 525-7320 or 525-9318 local 240 and 243. Please coordinate with Gwendolyn Batoon or James Sy.

Korea is currently the Philippines’ leading source of tourists. A total of 653,310 visitors from Korea arrived in 2007, providing 20 percent of over-all traveler traffic.

Most Korean tourists opt for packages on golf, diving, shopping, English as Second Language (ESL) educational trips, as well as getaways specialized for honeymooners

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The Luneta Hotel along Teodoro M. Kalaw St. corner Dewey Boulevard (now Roxas Boulevard) faces Manila Bay.

Luneta Hotel was built in 1918 and was considered one of the few remaining French inspired architecture in Manila that stood the test of time. The National Historical Institute already declared Luneta Hotel as a National Historical Landmark.

Currently, Luneta Hotel is an abandoned building and the soroundings was converted into a parking space for rent.

According to some online forums, Luneta hotel is now being managed by PAGCOR and rumored to be transformed as Manila’s newest Casino.

TRIVIA:

During the Japanese Occupation in Manila, Walter Dempster Jr. also known as Walterina Markova ; popularly known for his movie Comfort Gay portrayed by Dolphy, experienced Japanese Soldiers Brutality in this hotel.

Luneta Hotel before the World War II

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