The famous miniature Christmas Village exhibit by Bacolod 's distinguished artist, Bamboo Tonogbanua, will officially open today at the Northwing Lobby, fronting Event Centre, of SM City Bacolod, a press release from event organizer said.

The exhibit which will highlight SM City Bacolod's Special Holiday is a prototype setting of Tonogbanua's collection of porcelain houses, figures, and electric trains simulating that of Swiss Alp scenery.

When the houses and churches are arranged and lit, they are transformed into a tiny village on a snowy wintry night, which is similar to the Christmas Village tableau originally and now permanently displayed in the artist's home, the press release said.

From one modest table setting as his inspirational design, Tonogbanua's collection has grown bigger and larger. Gifts of miniature objects from friends always add up to his collection.

Tonogbanua's collection also includes porcelain trains, animated features and fiber optic lights manufactured during the last decade, the press release added.*

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PMHA to conduct forumS

The Philippine Mental Health Negros Occidental-Bacolod Chapter will hold a lecture-forum on Stress Management and Confidentiality Issues in Media-related Work on Dec. 7, from 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the PMHA Administration Office, Cottage Road , Brgy. 9, Bacolod , its press release said.

The project is in line with the observance of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence which kicked off Nov. 25, on the theme “Kababayin-an sa Barangay Respetohon, Sa Kalakasan Aton Sila Hilwayon.”

The forum, which is open to 30 participants, is being held in coordination with the Bacolod City Population and Health offices, and the Bacolod City Gender and Development Council, the press release said.

Interested parties may call Maritess Benares at the PMHA at Tel. No. 433-8868, the press release added.*

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Sipalay City gets COA recognition

Sipalay City was awarded for having the shortest roll-out period and with an up-to-date generated financial statement Electronic New Government Accounting System, among local government units in Negros Occidental, a press release from the city said.

The recognition was given by the Commission on Audit at the E-NGAS users' circle conference at Sulu Hotel, Quezon City , recently.

Sipalay was also recognized as the best emerging destination during the Western Visayas Tourism Excellence Awards held at Nature's Village Resort in Talisay City, the pres release added.*

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35 th Nihongo speech tilt set

The Japan Foundation Manila will hold the 2008 Nihongo Speech Contest, Feb. 23, 2008 at 2 p.m. at the EDSA Shangri-la Plaza Mall, Mandaluyong City , a press release from JFM said.

Now on its 35 th year, the contest is one of the major events of the 3 rd Nihongo Fiesta featuring the National Bento (packed lunch) Competition, Japanese Taiko, and more cultural performances, contests, exhibitions and demonstrations.

It is aimed at promoting cultural exchange through Japanese Language Education in the Philippines , the press release said.

Winners will take part in all all-expense-paid week-long study tour in Japan , and all qualified contestants will receive consolation prizes.

The deadline for submission of application forms with a written copy and a recording of the speech is Jan. 14, 2008; pre-screening at the JFM is set Jan. 25 and 26.

Similar events will be held in the cities of Davao and Cebu, which will serve as the regional pre-screening for the final contest in Manila .

The contest in Davao will be held Jan. 25, 2008 at the Mindanao Kikusai Daigaku, PNJK Compound Mamay Road , Davao City; and in Cebu, Feb. 2, 2008 (SM Conference Center, Cebu City ).

For details or clarifications on the contest, other cultural projects/grant programs and Philippines-Japan Festival events, interested parties may visit the Japan Foundation Manila at 12/F Pacific Star Bldg., Makati Avenue, Makati City, or call Tel. Nos. 811-61-55 to 58, fax 811-61-53, the press release added.*

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