Bonnaroo

It has been going on for a few years now and it is starting to be more of a "mainstream" festival with past headliners including Jack Johnson, Metallica and Pearl Jam. I went two years ago when the headliners included Radiohead and Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers (with a surprise guest Stevie Nicks). Here are a few pictures from my experience:

This is the Entrance to "Center-Roo" where all the concerts are held.

This is the Mushroom Fountain, which is now a lot more colorful than this picture.

Main Stage During Moe.

This was our campsite which was very crowded but we were surrounded by great people.

Rothbury

Rothbury in my opinion was a greater experience for the fact that it is less main stream but still big names. The first ever Rothbury was held in 2008 and was an amazing experience, with headliners including Dave Matthews Band, Widespread Panic, John Mayer and 311. Here are a few pictures from my experience.

Main Stage:

There was a lot of great artwork:

Both festivals take place in the summer season with tickets around $250, but early birds can get cheaper deals. Plus, its worth the money hands down. For more information on the festivals visit their websites:

• bonnaroo
• rothbury

About three years ago, even before the hype over the “I'm Not A Plastic” bag started, I have started my own little contribution to preserving Mother Nature. As much as I can, I tried to refuse the use of plastics with my groceries and other small items from the super market. Every time I shop, I make it a point to bring a canvass bag wherein I could stuffed every item, so as to decrease the use of plastic bags which is among the highest pollutants nowadays. In boutiques, I would ask the clerks to put the items on paper bags. But there are some malls that worries too much that I might be accused of shop lifting. Of course I understand their logic. But then again, what are receipts and security tags for? It's a good thing that some malls are getting conscious of their responsibilities towards Nature, particularly this one in Cubao where they encourage their customers to use canvass bags for their shopping and their customers even gets a double points on their membership card for doing this.

It is even more encouraging to know that some manufacturing plants are also doing their share to lessen the effects of global warming. Just recently, Solid Cedment Corporation, a member of the CEMX Philippines Group of Companies, the leading cement manufacturer in the country receives the Green Choice Philippines' Eco-Label Seal of Approval.

Green Choice Philippines is the official eco-labelling program in the country which puts to test different product manufacturers to assess their efforts to comply to national standards and environmental laws and regulations. After several months of evaluation by the National Eco-labelling Board, the third party accrediationbody that has the authority to grant eligibility for a company to receiver the Green Choice's Seal of Approval, Solid Cement Corporation can now use the Green Choice Seal of Approval.

“At CEMEX, we recognize the importance of environmental conservation and this is the very reason why we participated in the Green Choice Philippines program. The eco-label carried in every bag of CEMEX cement is a testament of our continued commitment to the environment and the community. Hopefully, we will be able to set an example for other to follow suit and create products that are environmentally friendly,” said Darwin Mariano, CEMEX Philippines Public Affairs Director.

To celebrate this achievement, CEMEX held a rock concert recently at the Le PAvillon in Pasay City aptly dubbed CEMEX Kalikasan Live. Three of the country's hottest bands and performers graced the event which is also participated by Former President Fidel Ramos with wife Amelita “Ming” Ramos. It was a night of music fusion as rock bands The Dawn and Kjwan joins folk singer Noel Cabangon, each singing their tribute songs for the Earth. During the concert CEMEX also officially received the Green Choice Seal of Approval which was awarded by former first lady Amelita Ramos.

“The problem of global warming is here and its link to green house gas carbon dioxide has been proven. That is exactly why it is important for everyone to help in the effort of reducing green house gas emissions,” says Paul Victor Aquino, CEMEX Philippines' Vice-President for Commercial.

Through its Alternative Fuel Resource Program, CEMEX was able to reduce its carbon dioxide emissions by 10% while maintaining the high quality of their products. In addition to this, they also hold bio-diversity conservation activities like Adopt-A-Species program which aims to encourage individuals to plant trees or help save endangered species. They recently launched the Save Butanding programs wherein they allotted P1.4 million to protect the endangered whale shark.

“The CEMEX Kalikasan Live concert is a celebration of all our endeavours in preserving the environment. We must continue to do our part to make our world a better place to live in,” added Aquino.