Twestival Locals are run 100% by volunteers. I’m honored to be one of them. My designation is in the auctions. What auctions? Each Twestival is supporting an amazing local cause with 100% of donations going direct to projects happening in their own community. In Dubai, the organizers selected the Dubai Autism Centre as this year’s beneficiary.

“The Dubai Autism Center (@DubaiAutism) is a non-profit organization and was established in November 2001 to foster a better understanding about Autism and to offer specialist services for both, people with Autism, and for those who care for them.“

Proceeds from the auctions are going to the Centre. Dubai tweeps bid for iPAD2, Nokia and Sony-Ericsson mobile phones, Flip cams, hotel getaways, some artworks, and several other vouchers. All these, plus the generous sponsors enabled this Twestival to raise a total of $40,760. Du reportedly donated AED 100,000 for the cause.

To add to that, here are some photos of the fun on that night:

KFC celebrates 20 years of delivery in the UAE. To mark this occasion, KFC in association with Red Crescent is now giving back to orphanages… the KFC Bucket Run 2011, that will be held on the 25th of March 2011, will be an effort to raise money for orphans, offering them hope for a better future. The run kicks off at 9am and will see thousands of supporters running for this noble cause.

The first one to finish will be awarded a trophy and everybody will enjoy a whole range of treats. All participants will also have a chance to ‘Win one year of KFC free!’ (54 KFC Family meals in a year). There will be 10 lucky winners to this great prize. KFC will also be giving free meals and giveaways to all participants and free gifts for all kids.  Once the run is over, participants are welcome to join in for an afternoon of fun activities on the beach. These activities include Face Painting, Balloon Bending, Live Music and whole lot more.

For more info, visit the official website on this link.

1. There will be 3 major bands from Philippines to perform live: 6Cycle Mind, General Luna and Rico Blanco
2. General Luna is a rare, 5-female, rock band that doesn’t just play the instruments… Each of them could at anytime land a spot at World Supermodel or even grace a cover of a magazine. Hear them and feel how everybody’s saying that they’re giving the male-dominated scene a kick in the butt.
3. Rico Blanco is one of the living legends of Filipino rock. He is a genius songwriter that brought numerous hits throughout the years since his Rivermaya days. He is one of few Philippines music icons that’s able to build influence and fan-base internationally – most especially in South East Asia – has sold millions of records. Today, Rico is also into acting – playing Lucas in ABS-CBN’s Imortal – top billed by Angel Locsin and John Lloyd Cruz.
4. 6 Cycle Mind‘s country-rock music is a reminder of our lives. They have given us songs that either comforts you or made you realize some of life’s principles. They can amuse as much as they can make you cry.
5. We really miss great Filipino rock music, don’t we? Yes we do. What’s more to be proud of is these 3  bands are of world-class caliber.