Freelance and "Freelance"

Skipped

2012-02-20T01:02:00.000+08:00

I know, i know...I totally skipped 2011!

I was busy with other blogs...which I eventually closed down...has not been doing freelance for quite some time now...

Been busy with "life"...but I'm here now...back to my good old blog...i hope to see more from ya'll!

Comsite

2010-12-14T06:27:00.000+08:00

Alas, my previous client has contacted me for a new contract with him - data entry!

I am quite ecstatic about this!

There is quite a hitch though...my paypal account right now was associated with my old oDesk card. The client wants to pay thru paypal.

Which among the banks in the Philippines has the lowest rate of transfer from Paypal?

2 weeks

2010-11-28T12:44:00.000+08:00

It's been two weeks since that fateful day when the world i was building for almost 7 years crashed.

I have cried,cried and cried...expectedly.

However, there is this small voice that's keeps nagging at me that I should move on.

Is two weeks too early to start picking up the shattered pieces?

It may or may not be.

Then I remembered...for the longest time, that I do not believe in fate or destiny.

I believe that it is you who makes it.

And whatever happened two weeks ago, i am also part to blame.

I am not sure on which phase I am right now.

But this I am for sure: I want to live a life that is full, a life with no guilt nor regret.

I want to do something with my life and start living again.

Hiatus

2010-11-25T14:16:00.001+08:00

I am working on a personal blog right now. An outlet of sorts...

If you wanna check it out...www.loadedbag.blogspot.com

Games d-i ha!

2010-11-02T20:04:00.005+08:00

today...i lost a friend...because of politics? so cliche` but yeah...that's the truth.

she removed me from her FB friends because I told her to edit her post and told her "its unbecoming of a public official".. such as her.To make the long story short, she and her political adviser didn't like what i said. Did I hit a nerve? I believe so...with all this drama this is all I have to say: good riddance!!!

Hey YOU! you may be a political figure in your barangay (bless the people) but I didn't think you would stoop this low.

I know nothing about politics but one thing I know, you never betray the people who entrusted you their future...so for the people of barangay (uhmmm, whatever)...this is what your beloved kagawad has to say:

and yeah...you may block me from FB for all I care! OA!

Blah, Blah, Blah

2010-11-02T14:14:00.002+08:00

WHEW!!!

2Q and 3Q hasn't been easy for me this year.

1st off, my LEAP for AM (Leadership Enhancement and Advancement Program) and ALS in SWU simultaneously started, thanks to dear "fate" , although I do NOT really believe in that. Eleven of us, all JG 10 folks, graduated from LEAP on Oct 19, 2010. I am one of the fortunate ones who was selected and recommended for such a prestigious training. Just yesterday, I've heard, one of my classmates was promoted as a Supervisor in Core Skills Dept. Good job V! While the rest of us awaits our destiny, I am still on the process of still creating options for myself.

While being a TL, I am still doing ALS on the side. Although I have fully paid my tuition, there are still modules left unanswered and I mean, MANY...

With so much activities, I have neglected blogging, online work and cafe world! hehehe!

I hope that with this blog...comes many more thoughts that will soon be posted...ciao!

Rafe Bartholomew

2010-08-21T05:05:00.001+08:00

Have you heard of him? Neither did I, 6 mos. ago. I read bout him but brushed it off...but it seems he has a log to say about being a "pinoy". He loves being here in the country, he loves local food - the last dishes he ate before leaving last year was ginataang alimango and inihaw na lapu-lapu, and he speaks tagalog really well!

As fate has it, the tagalog speaking New Yorker, is a celebrated author and will be here in Cebu on August 25, 2010 at National Bookstore-Ayala Center-Cebu to promote his book : Pacific Rims: Beermen Ballin' in Flip-Flops and the Philippines' Unlikely Love Affair with Basketball.

I'm really hoping to get a copy of the book and have it signed by him, but if not, I'll still be getting the book! :)

2010-07-27T09:45:00.001+08:00

Galesnjak

Galesnjak Islet, now known as "the Lover's Island, is located in the coast off of Croatia. It became famous after it was highlighted in Google Earth.

This heart-shaped islet has become a sensation among couples especially on Valentine's day, with requests barging in from all over.

2010-07-21T11:12:00.004+08:00

Contrary to what the general public may think, working in a call center is a very hazardous job. And I am talking about health and life specifically.

There have been reports of mugging (hold-ups), snatching...or worse, shot at. Then there's the classic case of insomnia where people, especially the agents, suffer. I for one is not new to this. Sometimes, in the brink of frustration for not being able to sleep 3-4 hours before I'm due in the office, I cry. If you are in a management position, calling in sick is rare and sometimes not advisable. You'll miss tons of updates, emails, conference calls, trainings and not to mention, you'll miss "that" chance of a lifetime. To be considered on a top promotion. It is very challenging to stay focus on the job and not get easily irritated with your peers if you lack sleep. You lose every bit of concentration if you're used to sleeping 7-8 hours a day. In some cases, there are reports of colleagues dying in their sleep or reports of cardiac arrest on other call centers in the metro. This is not a joke. People are dropping dead like flies.

On other scenarios, call centers are like petri dishes of people with sexually transmitted diseases (STD's). Due to the nature of the working timezone and freedom in lifestyle, call center has become a niche for this concern. Not a very good image especially that the average workforce age is between 21-25 y.o.

Call Center job is not for everyone, even if you are qualified. Some don't just make the cut. Emotionally, call center is not for the weak-willed people. A lot of negotiations, planning, strategies go on behind closed doors. Who knows what goes on the senior leadership meetings. Then there's that team lead, supervisor, manager or director who power trip on lowly employees. If you want to stay, you bow down as low as you can. If not, off you go. I know I am not really painting a very good picture of the upper management but truth be told, it is happening. It is seldom nowadays to meet people above who can inspire you. Call center profession is a political battle all the way.

But wait, isn't this whats happening everywhere? Come to think of it.

Sigh...I'm so stressed out. I wanna quit, but I can't. Someday I will.

2010 FIFA World Cup

2010-07-12T05:12:00.003+08:00

Spain won over Netherlands in a close match of football on July 12, 2010 (Phil Time).

Viva España!!!

Still Here!

2010-06-23T16:54:00.000+08:00

Been away far too long...I forgot my pw when I signed in...
Been very busy for a few weeks...still busy but I want to let you all know that I am still here.

photo by Duncan Holley

...and summer is already over.

6.0 Earthquake rocked Cotabato and Moro Gulf

2010-05-31T20:45:00.003+08:00

At approximately 6pm today, May 31, 2010. Cotabato was hit by a massive 6.0 earthquake. As of this writing, I don't see any update from the PhiVolcs site about it yet...though I found out from another source, the U.S. Geographical Survey site that there is indeed one!

As history would tell us, on August 17, 1976, a rather strong earthquake rocked the same region in the Moro Gulf which caused a devastating Tsunami - rampaging through the coastal barangays of Zamboanga del Norte and Sur killing 8,000 people along the way.

I am just hoping that there'll be a bit of news later on. God please keep the people in that region safe!

Simon Cowell bids farewell to American Idol

2010-05-31T20:10:00.006+08:00

Will this be the last memorable season of the legendary American Idol series?When Paula Abdul left the show, it went on and made historic moments along the way...the show made numerous changes like retaining DiGuardi and installing Ellen DeGeneres as part of the the Idol family - which was a genius by the way! The American audience loved her...she was funny and hilarious and always make a constructive comment seemed not too harsh on the contestant without sacrificing her image as well..I so love her on American Idol..personally she should stay for another season.

The season finale of the reality show American Idol was that meaningful to all, probably more so with the staff and people who closely follow the show since this will be the last time Simon Cowell will be seen as a judge. Late last year, it was announced that Simon will not be signing for another season but will be closely working with another TV reality show in the Great Britain.

Simon's reputation in the famous TV series, American idol, was not only legendary BUT notoriously legendary! People would really look up to his standards. Simon has a love - hate relationship with American Idol. People would boo him on his comments yet they respect it. On one of the auditions, one fellow did came close to shoving glass of water on him! Well, it was expected anyway.

I do not know what would it feels like without Simon Cowell on the show...but one thig is for sure, Simon you will be sorely missed...specillay your snotty British accent! teehee!

Lee DeWyze is the next American Idol!

2010-05-26T19:47:00.006+08:00

Lee DeYWyze is trending up in Twitter.

Will he be the next American Idol?

UPDATE: Lee DeWyze is the winner of American Idol Season 9

Charice Pempengco is joining Glee cast

2010-05-26T17:47:00.009+08:00

Before I went to sleep this morning, I have read print reviews that Charice Pempengco is joining the cast of the premier tv series GLEE.

Obviously there was a huge confusion or rather miscommunication with her Philippine manager, Grace Mendoza, who earlier announced it

A couple of hours later, Charice tweeted:

Oh well, maybe it was not the surprise Charice hinted on May 23 in her Glorrietta Show: “Basta in na in posiyangayon,” she said.

On another Charice note, Charice's fashion style has gathered a lot of buzz as of late...how did the shy, pretty and petite singing sensation turned from this...

into this?...

... the answer is Trish Townsend. ..suggested by Oprah Winfrey herself. :)

Kudos to Charice's new fashion style!

God Bless the Philippines!

2010-05-21T17:37:00.010+08:00

This will give us more insight on how the heck did some people were able to commit fraud on the recently concluded Philippine National Elections.

Cebu Bloggers Camp 2010

2010-05-17T20:06:00.007+08:00

Are you a newbie blogger?
Are you someone who have been blogging for quite some time now and just enjoy blogging as a hobby?
...or better yet, someone who wants to make blogging as a means of livelihood?

If you answered yes to any of those three questions then you need to register here to be able to get a full access pass to the upcoming CEBU BLOGGERS CAMP come May 22,2010.

This is a rare opportunity for all ya bloggers out there especially those in Cebu to be able to join this one time event and meet fellow bloggers.

Date: May 22, 2010

Venue: CAP Auditorium, CAP Complex, Jones Ave, Cebu City

Time: 7:30AM registration / 8:00AM start of event / 5:00PM end of event

Topics range from Blogging 101 to Earning from your blogs!

Hurry, Seats are limited so take the plunge now!

Register here!

The Cebu Blog Camp 2010

is co-presented by

Gold Sponsors

Sponsor and Media Partner

Bronze Sponsors

Geiser Maclang Marketing Communications, Inc.

Custom Wordpress Theme by Padd Solutions

South Florida Party Planner Magazine
Weddings, Quinceanera, Sweet Sixteen and Events Magazine

Winston Delawar Photography, a Premiere South Florida Wedding Photographer

Black Friday Deals by Jehzlau Concepts

Jupiter Suites – Free Internet and Breakfast Hotel in Makati

Media and Institution Partners

Mozilla

RCTV 36 – Official Online and TV Media Partner

Cebu Daily News – Official Print Media Partner

Blog4Reviews

Donors

Jaypee Habaradas of JaypeeOnline.net

Cebu Blog Camp 2010 is an event organized by a group of Cebu Bloggers.

Hainanese Chicken Rice

2010-05-17T19:18:00.010+08:00

I have been following blogs of some celebrities and high profile bloggers as of late and I have been reading a lot of "chicken rice" or "hainanese chicken rice". Finally it got the best of me, I looked it up and voila! Chicken rice is really a common Chinese dish which is associated with Singaporean and Malaysian cuisine...at least that's what wiki says.

It's roots can be traced back to Hainan, China...thus the name.

I'm hoping to find a good place in Cebu where I can get my hands on these so yummy foody!Teehee! :)

Anyhoo,here's a sample recipe Hainanese Chicken Rice from this site:

Ingredients for Chicken:

1 Chicken, preferably Kampong Chicken

8 clove Garlic, lightly smashed with skin intact

5 slices Ginger

1 - 2 teaspoon Salt

Water

How to do it:

Stuff garlic and ginger in chicken and seal with toothpick.

Blanch chicken.

Boil a pot of water and add salt.

Simmer the chicken for about 20 - 25 minutes or till cooked.

Retain broth for use on rice, chilli sauce and soup.

Plunge chicken in ice water for about 15 minutes or till chicken is no longer hot.

Remove from water and drip dry.

Cut chicken into pieces.

Ingredients for Rice:

3 cup Long Grain Rice,

Broth from cooking chicken

4 slices Ginger

5 glove Garlic, lightly smashed with skin intact

8 Pandan leaves, tied in a knot

Salt to taste

How to do it:

In a wok, add 2 teaspoon oil, preferably oil from frying chicken skin or the congealed fats you get when you refrigerate your chicken broth. Otherwise, vegetable oil is fine.

Saute ginger and garlic till fragrant.

Add in washed rice and saute till rice is coated well with the oil.

Add salt to taste (about 1 teaspoon is enough).

Stir to mix well.

Pour rice with ginger and garlic to your rice cooker.

Add in broth from chicken you cooked earlier instead of your usual water.

Add in the pandan leaves.

Let your rice cooker do the cooking.

A bowl of soup is always served with a plate of Chicken Rice. Just in case, you get choked for eating too fast. Hehehe ...

To make broth more tasty, return the bones from the chicken to broth and continue simmering for another hour. Retain 5 tablespoon of the broth for the Chilli Sauce.

Add salt to taste. Add some shredded lettuce in a bowl and pour soup over it. Serve with the Chicken Rice.

How can you eat Chicken Rice without the Chicken Rice Chilli?!! You are missing one of the essences of eating Chicken Rice! Well, unless you are like me. I'm one of the rare breed of Singaporeans who can't take spicy food. Then again, I do still take some, followed by plenty of water.

Ingredients:

3 Chillies, top and seeds removed

1 slice Ginger

4 glove Garlic, skin removed

Juice of 3 limes

5 tablespoon of chicken broth

How to do it:

Blend all ingredients together, till smooth.

That's all!

Note:

Add more chilli if you prefer it to be more spicy.

Add less broth if you prefer it to be thicker

2010-05-14T00:11:00.002+08:00

well hello blogger! I've missed you so...

sorry for neglecting you for quite some time but I've got tons of stories to tell!

talk to you soon! ta-tah!

Freelancing Tips and Such

2010-04-16T18:17:00.008+08:00

For all oDesk users, buyers come and go anytime, right?YES.

But for some, there are those who really stick around and appreciates your work and would even go out of their way to give you bonuses! yey!

I'd like to share my very best practices that has never failed me through the years.

HONESTY and OPEN COMMUNICATION - lines of communication between buyers and providers/ customer and providers should always be OPEN both ways and truthful.

Even at the start of interview, as a provider you should be upfront on what you CANNOT do and CAN do. This could mean anything - from skill level to time management.

Skill Level - buyers are very specific on what type of provider they need.If you get lucky and gets an interview,whether buyer or provider initiated,you should inform the buyer how much you can do. I am not that tech savvy, but I was open to learning new things and some of my buyers agreed to train me and that's a very good thing! Buyers can be very patient if you are truthful to them and would even spend to do that.

Hours of Operation - There are buyers who just let you work any hours and well, there are some who wants you at a specific time of the day. It's understandable since they are running a business.During an interview, you should tell the buyers how long you can work and what time you are available. This is very important since there are buyers who wants you to work parallel on their timezone.

Buyers sometimes posts 10 hours/week or 20 hours/week and even full time or 40 hours in a week. For those who are full time freelancers, it's not a problem - unless you already have a lot on your plate. For part time freelancers like me, time is of the essence. I used to do 20 hours per week on top of my 40 hours at the office. It's just like spending 4 hours daily from Monday to Friday doing freelancing.

If you value family time more than money or rest days and outings like me, then you should think twice on how long you can do a project and when you can do it.

With all things said, both parties should agree so things would go smoothly. And when you are already on a tight spot, then tell your buyer you can no longer do the job. As long as you have been doing a good job on a project and you need to drop it for some reason, I'm sure you'll earn that 5 star on your profile!

2010-04-16T17:21:00.005+08:00

I never knew that BONO was this HOTTT when he was younger! No wonder he has a lot of groupies back then and now!

2010-04-02T06:18:00.002+08:00

This is not an endorsement ...

...but gosh, it is already summer here in the Philippines!

watch this...flash mob!

It's Official: Ricky Martin is Gay!

2010-03-30T18:28:00.007+08:00

Yep!After years of speculation, Ricky Martin has come out of the closet by posting in his official website that he is a proud homosexual.

I am proud to say that I am a fortunate homosexual man. I am very blessed to be who I am. - RM

These days, people are coming out on who they really are and it does not surprise me anymore... probably I have a couple of gay friends myself and I felt their pain somehow during the times when they still cannot express themselves or even say the word "gay".

It may not be the norm for some people but gay people are actually gay. They make life so entertaining and interesting. Being friends with gay people are not something to be ashamed of..it's something to treasure and cherish for.

...and for Ricky Martin to have found that peace in him to accept who really is and be OK with everyone knowing, considering his stature in life, is the biggest feat more than his music.

Oh well, that;s just my 2 cents.

2010-03-30T05:54:00.006+08:00

Oh well, holy week is here but there is nothing holy about working this week when everyone I know, personally and otherwise are on a grand vacay.

Oh how much I want to soak and bathe under the hot scorching sun with, sunblock of course or a tanning lotion, not that I need one - I just heard that you could get toasted nicely with tanning lotion. I could imagine myself right now lounging on a white beach with pristine waters, with a couple of fun and fearless people.

Oh well, a girl can dream, can't I?

I'll get my "vacay" soon enough...tick, tock, tick, tock...

2010-03-28T18:07:00.003+08:00

I had a stroke of genius and made myself a batch of buffalo wings...yeah, that saucy, sweet but tangy piece of chicken that everyone loves!

Ciao!

Today

2010-03-28T01:45:00.003+08:00

...is Palm Sunday...I almost forgot...that's why on the way to work, I saw a lot of vendors lining up their "goods" outside the church in Escario...

...Citirun Day... I have my racekit with me...just don't know if I still have the strength to run 4K at 5am...excuses! excuses! tehee!

...Binge Day...just because!

2010-03-28T01:28:00.005+08:00

March has come and is now almost over...
A lot has been going on lately, both work and personal stuff...but more on work really.

We are busy transitioning towards another support and excited as we are, I know there are a lot of challenges ahead.

For one, I suddenly finding myself uncomfortable with the people I work with.
I don't know what changed...maybe because of the fact that the "faction" is already clear cut and I am finding myself siding with the people I prefer to work with.

Oh well, shit happens...and as they say in Tagalog, "weather-weather lang yan!" (wink)

2010-03-01T07:15:00.000+08:00

Don't know what's with February that I stayed away from blogging...

There were a lot of things to blog about but I just couldn't do it.

It's not laziness or anything...I just ...stayed away.

Anyhow, I spent the weekend at home.

It was my grandfather's bday. My cousins were not there.Busy I guess.

But it's okay, celebration was still in full swing.

And oh... I don't want to take the Cebu Pacific OZA-CEB route anymore.

Too much going on with the ground crew! Inefficient+0%Customer Service.

I wish they were more like the flight crew. I guess the ground crew never had the training nor the privilege of such training...but nonetheless, helloooo...common sense might be used at all times.

Oh well...who could expect a nice service for a measly price for a seat in their plane...though the CEB-OZA route in fairness was ok...no hassle.

On another note, it's almost summer and i'm looking around for bikini's ..Yey!

I always look forward to summers every year.

Summer in the Philippines i must say is all year round but the best months are between end of March and June....

I think it will be a very hot summer this year...and I do feel bad with the farmers around the country. I hope they find ways to irrigate the crops...and I hope the Dept of Agriculture will help our farmers.

Ok...so...looking forward to March!

2010-02-16T14:30:00.002+08:00

i'm running dry with my blog, i know.

i've got tons of pictures and stories to tell...

yet i am so lazy to even upload one.

i should take my camera with me everyday.

oh well...

Underground River, Puerto Princesa + the NEW 7 Wonders of Nature

2010-02-03T15:21:00.004+08:00

Our very own Underground River in Puerto Princesa, Palawan has been nominated to be part of the New 7 Wonders of Nature. As of this writing, it was included in the top 28 finalists.

Let's show our support by voting here.

Go Filipino!

iPad : iWant

2010-01-31T06:17:00.008+08:00

...based on what significant things I have a gathered from the video : " I don't have to change myself to fit the product, it fits me".
IMHO, it does really sound good and interesting...for one, you do NOT have to a tech geek to use it...as JONY IVE (Senior VP for Design) said, "there is no pointing device, no single orientation, no right or wrong way of holding it", and concurred by Scott Forstall (Sr VP foriPhone Software) : "iPad is the best way to browse the web, for the same reason that it feels right to hold a book, a magazine or a newspaper in your hand"....how cool is that?!

OMG, this is what FREEDOM means! Watch the video or here.

Features:

SAFARI browser
MAIL
PHOTOS
VIDEO
YOUTUBE
iPOD
iTUNES
APP STORE
iBOOKS
MAPS
NOTES
CALENDAR
CONTACTS
HOMESCREEN
SPOTLIGHT SEARCH

and in case you are wondering...price are as follows:

FitFlop

2010-01-31T06:07:00.005+08:00

I've been seriously wanting to have these flip flops...

I want the ELECTRA, for some "fazyon`"....and

I want the WALKSTAR 3 for just everyday use...

These self -proclaimed health buff flops are NOT cheap mind you. Electra alone costs P3,450.00 in Res Toe Run...and you could get the knock-offs at p350.00 a pair in a "tiangee"! Probably if its high-res pirated dibidi, i'll exchange the real thing for the fake-o!

Let see if it really does trim my butt! mwahahahah!

2010-01-31T05:52:00.005+08:00

Last week was total chaos///
in the office that is.

Paper works are piling up due to the annual merit increase and we are beating the deadline.
Printer toner is fast losing its streak///
and to make matters worst, the printer died on us.

oh well...just another day in...nah not paradise at all.

this is paradise..

photo from here

Seriously, tomorrow will be another day and hopefully I'll be able to get my slice of heaven here on earth soon.

Ciao!

Cool...and so TRUE!

2010-01-25T19:18:00.001+08:00

2010-01-25T18:24:00.003+08:00

Last weekend was very productive...in a good way and not so bad ways...

the not so bad was...i spent over 5 hours in the office trying to sort out a very important thingy...i do not want to elaborate and delve on that part since it is mixed with a lot of nega vibe...which i am really trying to avoid this year. Nonetheless it was very productive day!

the good one was...i got to exercise outdoors...it may not be a "wow" moment for all but it was for me...

for one, i have been living a very very sedentary lifestyle for the past 5 years and its taking a toll already...with my health and my "bulsa" since I have to buy a lot of new clothes every now and then so i have clothes that fit me...yes, I am FAT, in all sense and I used to be a size M...now its XL ...

anyhow, i am trying to eat healthy and hopefully I could sustain it. i do not want to be skinny but id really want to lose this tummy flab.

and going back to the vibe thingy, i'd really want to have a positive outlook and more positive vibe around me. living in this world makes it more challenging but having people like my DB somehow makes it easier to accept ones challenges, do something about it and move on.

TOMS SHOES

2010-01-19T18:19:00.006+08:00

I've been getting a lot of traffic for my previous post about TOMS shoes.For all of you out there, TOMS shoes is an organization created by Blake Mycoskie in 2006 which was geared towards providing footwear for children who are really in need, while making business work at the same time. Since then, they were able to give out more than 400K pairs of shoes and counting...

When you buy one pair of TOMS shoes, a pair is also donated to a child! Isn't it a great news? You are directly giving to charity without having to skimp on your lust for footwear! Not only that, you can also take a pic of your latest TOMS shoes and post it on the TOMS community wall!

In the Philippines, TOMS shoes are distributed and sold in Anthem, Nothing but H20 and Swim outlets:

ANTHEM 2/F Greenbelt 5 Ayala Center Makati City Now Available
ANTHEM 2/F Power Plant Mall Rockwell Manila Now Available
Nothing But h2O 2nd Level Robinson's Galleria, EDSA Corner ORTIGAS Ave. Quezon 02-635-3588
Nothing But h2O Upper Ground Level Alabang Town Center Muntinlupa 02-850-7861
Nothing But h2O 2nd Lavel Glorietta 3 Ayala Center Makati 02-894-0278
Nothing But h2O 2nd Floor Trinoma Mall Quezon 02-951-0014
Nothing But h2O D'Mall Station 2 Boracay Island 36-288-5942
SWIM 2nd Level Power Plant Mall Rockwell Center Makati 02-896-0950
SWIM D'Mall Station 2 Boracay Island 36-288-5938

ANTHEM
2/F Greenbelt 5
Ayala Center
Makati City
Now Available

ANTHEM
2/F Power Plant Mall
Rockwell
Manila
Now Available

Nothing But h2O
2nd Level Robinson's Galleria, EDSA Corner
ORTIGAS Ave.
Quezon
02-635-3588

Nothing But h2O
Upper Ground Level Alabang Town Center
Muntinlupa
02-850-7861

Nothing But h2O
2nd Lavel Glorietta 3 Ayala Center
Makati
02-894-0278

Nothing But h2O
2nd Floor Trinoma Mall
Quezon
02-951-0014

Nothing But h2O
D'Mall Station 2 Boracay Island
36-288-5942

SWIM
2nd Level Power Plant Mall
Rockwell Center
Makati
02-896-0950

SWIM
D'Mall Station 2 Boracay Island
36-288-5938

I really do hope that TOMS would be available in Cebu soon...

Viva Pit Senyor!

2010-01-17T06:14:00.004+08:00

Pit Senyor kang Lolo kini!
Pit Senyor kang Lola kini!
Pit Senyor kang Mama kini!
Pit Senyor kang Papa kini!...
Viva Pit Senyor!!!
...

and the chanting goes on and on depending who you want to offer the prayers for.

The day has come where Cebuano's and others who came to celebrate the "little child" we fondly called Sto. Nino.
It's looks like it's gonna be a cloudy day today, a good thing for those out in the streets. I just hope there will be no sudden showers.

Viva Pit Senyor!!!

2010-01-16T06:56:00.005+08:00

What a KJ for Sinulog 2010 weekend.

I first noticed it Thursday dawn when I went out to go to work. Leaves and trees were swaying.Unless you're living near the shoreline, mildly strong winds at dawn in Cebu is something. And I was right.

Folks, brace for more rain today. WE have a Low Pressure Area (LPA) in Visayas and Mindanao and its not going away soon. The satellite picture above was just issued this morning @6am, Jan 16, 2010.

Cebuano's let's unite and pray for a better day tomorrow, no scattered rain showers and hopefully a sunny day tomorrow. NO SINULOG as far as I can remember since '94 was rained down (correct me if I am wrong)...only slight and short drizzle, that is all!

See you tomorrow at the streets of CEBU! PIT SENYOR!

2010-01-15T10:58:00.005+08:00

Speaking of friends...I just found out...a few minutes ago that some friends from Manila are coming over for the Sinulog weekend. YEY! I really really wanna see them tomorrow since I haven't seen some of them in a very very long time...and "kuya" ...I have not see him yet! hahaha! I hope they will have a fun Sinulog! I want them to try Fratelli's Pizza! Yumyum!

And oh...a dear friend is opening up a mini restaurant - "LUMPIA HOUSE" near our office. It's in F. Cabahug St., Mabolo City, just across Paseo and beside the new City Park hotel.

Lumpia House has been in Cebu since I first step foot here...more than 10 years ago and I's sure they have been around longer than that. I soo love their Chicken Feet and Empress Roll! I may be Chinese in my past life since I "heart" dimsum a LOT! ... but let's talk about it on another day..hehehe

Anyhoo...LUMPIA HOUSE will be opening it's doors to the public TODAY and of course, I will be there!

See ya!

2010-01-14T09:46:00.002+08:00

At first I thought it was a story of determination...but it actually is different.

NEVER ever Give up! However bleak the future might be!

2010-01-14T09:07:00.008+08:00

Just because you got sick recently and is taking medications doesn't mean you are protected all the way...Just as the good doctor say...PREVENTION is the cure.

Since I am working in a building where virus and bacteria multiplies by the million, I got myself today a couple of antibac from Bath and Body Works. Its very handy, easy to take with you anywahere...not to mention the cute and refreshing packaging.

So for greater measure, I bought three Bath & Body Woks Pocketbac(1Floz) in White Citrus, Fresh lemon and Nectarine Mint. I'm still looking for the Cucumber Melon scent though.

I still use my good 'ol Green Cross Alcohol, smells really nice too!

Better safe than sorry!

2010-01-13T19:46:00.005+08:00

It's my Nasoflo time again and I get giddy after every squirt...and this is for life...haayy...

Oh, just finished watching Eastwick SO1E11...I think it's the season ender. I hope there will be a season 2...I'm sure gonna miss Roxy most of all.

Goodnyt ya'all!

2010-01-13T11:12:00.000+08:00

Like everyone else who wants their lives organized, I already have my Seattle's Best Journal/Planner. I got it in RED. Black is good but it feels so executive and too uniform. So for a hint of "kikay-ness", red na lang.

2010-01-13T11:08:00.005+08:00

VEDDY VEDDY GOOD! Los Colorados from the Ukraine cover Katy Perry's Hot and Cold

very funny but sounds really really good!

Instruments

2010-01-13T10:14:00.005+08:00

Just recently, there was a bit of commotion on one of the blogs I read. Apparently, someone posted pictures of a medical mission where the children's faces and private parts were shown. To make matters worst, some of the pictures had shown entries of the medical staff smiling as if posing like tourists.

These pictures were found in Facebook, a very popular networking site, which unfortunately did not sit well with a lot of people, on both camps.

Reading through a lot of reactions and rebuttal, the blog owner, Chuvaness, decided to ban, delete and locked the thread altogther after a public apology was issued. But of course, the battle continued...online and offline.

Through all of this, I realized that (just a humble opinion)...

incidents like these should not be posted to gain public sympathy, instead proper channeling should be done IF you are really concerned of the welfare of these children, report it to right authorities, in this case, the Philippine Medical Association. The blog reached a lot of people worldwide and we as Filipinos do not need another bad publicity. Be PROACTIVE , not reactive. POSTING is REACTIVE. REPORTING to PMA is PROACTIVE.
Get your facts straight, journalist or not.
As a medical professional, uphold the rights of your patients who trusted you with your lives. Ethics is taught in medical and paramedical school and are meant to be followed whenever you are practicing your profession...and this applies to ALL professionals out there.
we are all instruments used to let others learn a lesson, and in the process, we also learn as well. So from these mistakes, let's move forward.

GO Filipino! So help us God.

Witch Doctor

2010-01-12T15:50:00.005+08:00

I was at the doctors clinic yesterday to have my self checked. I've been having this splitting headache for a week now and I feel feverish sometimes. To make matters worst, my nape was aching and I was really concerned. To end the story short, my blood pressure was high and I was referred to an EENT doctor. On that same afternoon, I had a waters view xray and got a diagnosis. My waiting time for the two doctors I saw was quite short considering that it was a monday. But I am very glad that it was coz I was meeting some friends after. But enough about me, what I really want to write was the Med Reps I saw while waiting for the 1st doctor.

So yesterday, there was this lady doctor who came in but was just loitering in the secretary's table. Like a delicious "kakanin" the medreps automatically approached the doctor. Probably sensing the lady doctors chagrin, they immediately formed a line like pre-schoolers! So I said, OMG, looks like you are all under the witch's power. So one by one, they all presented their products and the witch doctor was not even looking at them and much worse was just half listening and each were like talking to her in under 30 seconds! That's like beating the advertisements in ABS-CBN and GMA!

So in short, I was kind off turned off and irritated with this lady doctor. I mean, hey , you are the doctor and yeah people respects you for your profession (read: not you) and these MEDREP's you are waving off are the same people who sponsors you on lavish restaurant dinners, national and international medical seminars and this is the best so far: would even fetch your kid from school when you're running late! wow!

I know, I know...the last one is kinda low, but it did happen.

When I was in my early 20's I'd really like to be a medrep. Applied to two actually and I got to the final interviews but did not make it. For me, it was a very fabulous job because you always wear business clothes and plus you will be issued a nice car! O dba bongga! I have a lot of friends and acquaintances who are medreps and most of them are really the vocal type of person. I think it is but natural in their line of job.

So, To all MEDREP's out there. I know it's just one of those days, but guys, I salute you!

It's not yet too late!

2010-01-08T21:12:00.004+08:00

This is the 1st seat sale of the month, year and decade...and it's not yet too late to grab one of the seats of Cebu Pacific flights! A few more hours and no more 50% off! Hurry, you can still book today!

Sinulog 2010

2010-01-08T19:07:00.004+08:00

photo by Erwin Lim

It's starting to get busy and festive here in the Queen City of the South as the Sinulog 2010 celebration has started.

I was in Ayala Center a few moments ago and the influx of Caucasian foreigners in the city has already started. There are still a lot of Koreans though and the city has become a melting pot of tourist which is a very good boost for the city's tourism.

Groups clad in their Sinulog costumes complete with drums has already started the "mall tour". It may look weird for those new in town but it is a common sightings in the malls in Cebu City to have it's own mini mardi gras inside the mall itself. IMHO, this is one of those moments where one can watch the group dance to the rhythm of Pit Senyor! without the usual big crowd and can videotape it to one's content.

For those who wants to know the Sinulog 2010 Schedule of Activities, please click here.

Pit Senyor! kang Tetet kini!

2010-01-02T15:52:00.002+08:00

Happy New Year to everyone!

2009-12-30T20:51:00.007+08:00

Wanna try PTC?

Then you are in for a treat!

Just sign up on this website (or click on the banner below) to earn cash in sort of passive way. All you have to do is click, click and click...and have a verified paypal account.

Tip: for Payoneer card users, regardless if it's oDesk or not, you can use your debit card to verify your newly acquired paypal account. Just make sure to leave at a couple of dollars. Paypal will initially deduct it from the card but the money will be returned once verified.

So what are you waiting for? Sign-up na, like now na! =)

2009-12-26T22:59:00.005+08:00

I had a nice and fast flight today.OZA to CEB.Flight 2P 298

It was the first time that I took Air Phil from CEB-OZA-CEB route. I usually fly with Cebu Pacific, but as it turned out, CP was already fully booked on my itinerary days so I opted to fly with PAL, not knowing that the aircraft servicing my ITI is Air Phil. PAL and Air Phil had merged a few years back, just to cut the confusion.

Going to OZA was a breeze, literally. It took us only 30 mins!Yep, that fast. My "sundo", my mama, wasn't at the airport yet and I had to call her and tell her that my flight already landed.

On my roundtrip, we had "Sugar" as our stewardess. She was the warmest service crew I've encountered so far. She was intermittently chatting with my fellow viajera's and viajero's. She gamely informed one passenger not to worry with the travel time since Air Phil craft has the fastest propeller in the world. True or not, we arrived safely in Mactan Int'l Airport 22 minutes ahead of schedule!

On my next trip...I might be taking AirPhil again.

2009-12-26T22:47:00.002+08:00

Back in Cebu, back to Reality...
Back to the regular programming!

2009-12-25T14:27:00.001+08:00

Merry Christmas to one and all!

Payoneer Card Blues Pt 3

2009-12-24T21:00:00.002+08:00

It's a few hours till Xmas and my $$$ has not been transferred to the new card as promised by Payoneer.

On a brighter note, I was able to blog today thanks to GLOBE Tattoo...it's pretty fast considering that it's prepaid...and I am in the province where the advent of internet was just recent.

Anyhoo...I hope everyone will have a nice Xmas eve! :)

Payoneer Card Blues Pt 2 and whatnots

2009-12-19T02:49:00.004+08:00

...So they did respond...in their own timezone which I understand...but yeah I have to wait for it to get loaded before they could transfer the money to the new card. oDesl also responded, but they cannot hold off the money anymore. too bad.

On another note...I got confused with my flight with PAL/Air Phil....my e-ticket says departure time is 11:40am but on PAL's site it's 6:40AM...and nobody's picking up the phone...maybe they had a party last night!ugh!

I can't find my luggage lock...I know I should have been more organized and ready. But I CANNOT travel to my destination w/o those...I'll have to pack the gifts again have them sent by courier instead...

I'll be missing my fave blogs : Chuvaness, Daphne's Diary, the bahgag and Limebasil.

And oh...I'm done with my oDesk assignment...bid my employers a happy holidays! Justin and Stephen were kind enough to let me go for a week! Thank you!...still waiting for my bonus though...hehehe!

Thank you to Anonymouys for the comment...

So there....

Payoneer Card Blues

2009-12-18T16:33:00.006+08:00

Hay! It' really frustrating to be in this predicament.

Today, I got my replacement card for Payoneer. I WAS so excited! Duh! and fate just want to burst my bubbleS! Yes, that many happy happenings today and wham!bam! Bubbles all gone... and I just had to write this hoping people from Payoneer would be able to get ahold of this like my previous post!

The new card just got activated minutes I got it from the mail! I logged on to oDesk to withdraw money to load my card. So here I am, clicking on "next".."finish" and waited for the email. Logged on to Payoneer and waited for the two very very important confirmation and load expedite emails. Tick, tock, tick, tock...1st email came through...another 10 mins or so...the 2nd important email came through...so excited na! yey! I was about to click on LOAD MONEY IMMEDIATELY for $2.50 when I noticed that the last 4 of the prepaid card was the expired card! YES..the EXPIRED CARD!Damn!

Hay....so to make the long story short...I did not expedite the load and will wait for 2 days for it to appear in my account...and by then, I wont be in the city but in vacationing to lalalaland w/o internet connection...of course I emailed payoneer support and just like before , it will take time.

So please readers out there...payoneer users from oDesk...what should I do? Can I still get my money back? Should I panic now? coz I'm starting to.

Hay...what a way to go on vacation. Payoneer...I'm really disappointed. What a way to dampen the Christmas mood.

I admit that it might be my fault, but a lot of info especially on the FAQ page would also really help your THOUSANDS of customers. So ironic, a lot of people are using your site yet the information is really really scarce.

Question: Why do u have to keep on activating an expired account?

2009-12-16T22:40:00.003+08:00

Tomorrow will be the Converse end of year mega sale which will be held in Cebu Trade Hall of SM City- Cebu.

I have been on last year's mega sale and sad to say I did not see anything that caught my fancy. Too many people and too little time to really see all the good stuff!

So this year, Cebuano's and the like, be among the first to see the said event which will run from December 17-20, 2009! Come one, come all!c

2009-12-16T22:16:00.003+08:00

Been up and about since December started and haven't got the chance to upload pictures.

Nothing really fancy nor different, just the usual Christmas rush and parties though and some of these:

Company Xmas party and my team's teambuilding + TL's team building!
Got myself some pretty and adorable accessories from Accessorize, received some also from friends.
A new cellphone c/o my Smart Gold retention plan...i've been a postpaid user since 2002! They offered Samsung Corby for my plan for free! Yey!...btw, this is my 4th phone for free of course from Smart. Thank you Smart Communications!
Got myself a new pretty DELL Inspiron 14 Alba..hohoho! BF just got finished installing OS and whatnots in my Shubibi lappy...miss my Botoi lappy already..(yes, I name my laptops, hehehe!)

I'm not done with Christmas Shopping yet and I'm cramming, both in work and list! whew! Will be away from Dec 19-26 so...blog will be very silent again...

Merry Christmas everyone!

2009-11-27T18:16:00.006+08:00

Today... was very chaotic!

1) I did a marathon coaching today since it's the last day of work week...thank God I got done on time.

2) Next, onto the series of orientation which I had to attend..took me about 2 hours.

3) Third, breezed to Cordova in Mactan for the choirs costume. I had to ask permission from my manager to have an agent drive me to the "sastre". Even with minimal traffic, it took us almost 2 hours to get back to the office!I only stayed in the sastre's shop for 5 mins max! whew!

4) Got back in time for my team's weekly meeting...started out with the updates, then to the more fun stuff...kris kringle! yey! That day was the last "something-something" we have till the team Christmas Par-tay! The gifts were wrapped nicely this time...a sign which meant that everyone is very excited for the final kris kringle next week(hopefully)! It was dampened a bit by some "asungot"

" who got really irritated by our noise daw..."have u had a kris kringle before where you have to use sign language? ...didn't think so! OR you forgot how it is "inside" since you've been so busy with extra curricular stuff that you're not so used to it anymore?! so quit your whining and make your agents happy like I do! so there I said it! But nonetheless, me and my agents had fun that day!

5)Anyhow, went out of the office swiftly for my exam. I'm really nervous coz I have not reviewed the notes well...125 items...

6)Went to the mall after and saw some people so busy creating designer trees...it was oh so lovely, looks like a masquerade theme with lots of masks and feathers in different colors! Met up with dear BF who also took pictures! hihihi! I will post it soon!

...and went home afterwards...so chaotic today yet fulfilled!

Edit: was asked to render OT that night...went back to the office for a couple of hours and met up with friends at Starbucks IT park at dawn....so yeah...crazy and chaotic!

2009-11-26T21:40:00.006+08:00

November has been extremely busy for me...I haven't had time to update this blog lately...and it looks lonely.

Last weekend, I had a fancy lunch date with no other than dear BF.We went to Olio in Crossroads, Banilad and had steak! Yeah, that big, fat, juicy, artery-clogging, medium well, prime rib eye angus steak! Yum! Would definitely go back their soon! Pictures though are still in dear BF's pda. I forgot to bring my Cannon. Olio can be reached at (032)232-3859 for reservations.

We headed after to Seattles Best in Ayala to meet up with dear BF's hometown friend (he's from Davao City) who was attending a Honda event in Parkmall - to which we went to later that night.

It was definitely a nice day for a day out, cloudy skies and no screaming sun. It was one of those days, where you could just sit back and relax... :0

2009-11-15T19:55:00.002+08:00

Joining in the caravan of countless reports, journal and blogs about the greatest boxer of our time - Manny Pacquiao! - here's my humble take.

Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao won the Welterweight belt on the 7th division, by a TKO after pounding Cotto 55 seconds to the 12th round.

Cotto, the 27 year-old fighter from Puerto Rico was qouted saying "I didn't know from where the punches were coming ". Cotto's wife and child, who were at the ringside during the fight left after the 9th round, unable to take the beatings anymore but was seen later that night accompanying Cotto for a post-fight examination.

Pacquiao put on yet another dominating performance using his blazing speed and power from both hands to win his seventh title in seven weight classes and cement his stature as the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world.

GO PACMAN!

2009-11-15T19:26:00.003+08:00

I was at my alma mater (CDU) last friday , meeting up with a classmate and a faculty...and every time I go there, a painful reality always struck me - that I haven't done a lot in almost ten years! And here I am blogging it away, instead of doing something about it. I love blogging, it's both fun and therapeutic!

I can still remember on New Year's day how sad I was upon realizing that I haven't had any major accomplishment last 2008 so I vowed that in 2009 I will do something major...ok not that big really but something that can lead to my ultimate goal...so that's why even reality bites, I went back to CDU.

Today, I was supposed to buy the sunday paper but I missed it so I logged online to a local paper and whoa...i read a few significant lines from a former boss (who is a regular contributor) which really really got me -

"in most things in life, we really have two choices: love what we do or do what we love"

- and I've realized that for the longest time, I chose the former.

Life is not perfectly laid out for most of us but what we have right now are the results of both circumstances and of the choices we have made.

I chose to work in a call center and doing freelancing on the side, for now. It ain't so bad.

And for me, I chose to be happy - however bleak the future might be.

2009-11-05T10:38:00.003+08:00

Check out the new and fun Google design! No other than the lovable Cookie Monster!!!

I'm not really sure what's the occasion today but they must have been really happy in Mountain View, CA for putting Cookie Monster!

Enjoy!

2009-11-05T01:00:00.000+08:00

Sometimes you feel feel like everything is perfect and you are in a good place...then suddenly everything turns upside down...

You thought you knew the person too well...then suddenly they become strangers...

There's nothing else you can do but pick up the pieces of what's left of you and move on...that's what people always say...what I want to hear is how will you stop yourself out from falling deep into the abyss...

2009-11-04T16:24:00.014+08:00

Some couples have it all...
Some have lost it,
And some will do everything to get it back.

Here comes a hilarious movie about couples who have been there, done that and well...how to get the "fire" back on.

On a personal note, I think this applies to all who are in an exclusive relationship who have seem to have lost their touch, or got lost along the way...or simply forgot the reasons why they are in a relationship to start with.

Happy watching!

2009-11-04T13:45:00.002+08:00

...sigh...almost at the end of the rope

2009-11-04T08:11:00.005+08:00

I've been feeling under the weather for over a week now. My colds seems to go away and then com then come back suddenly...thanks to the "nice" weather we have...sigh. I'm not complaining, the weather is very nice here in Cebu...albeit Ondoy, Pepeng and Santi...maybe it's my body that cannot process changes in temp quickly. I have to see an EENT soon.

Good thing I have this Lipton Cranberry,Raspberry and Strawberry flavored tea on hand. I like to drink this cold like a regular iced tea but since I still have colds, I have to drink it hot!

Right now, what I'm lusting for is a big, warm bowl of chicken soup. Sigh...

2009-11-03T01:50:00.006+08:00

I had just found out that my fave blogs list (Blog I Read) were removed from my blogger!

I experimented on changing the layout but I did not save it coz when I checked the preview...there are tons of modification to be done with the html script and I could not spare time right now ... so I clicked on cancel! But to my dismay as early as now..1:52AM...all my fave blogs were gone! sigh...and I can't remember all the links now!

Double Sigh...

2009-10-25T15:06:00.003+08:00

On one of my mall expeditions, I discovered Chris&Berns - amongst the jungle of Maze Boutique at the 3rd floor of Ayala Center Cebu - a one of kind shop where you can buy wearable and unique clothes off the rack, and it doesn't even looked like its off the rack! I browsed through their collections and saw a couple of dresses that I can see myself wearing.

What really caught my eye is the simple fact that the clothes are not knock-offs of some mainstream designer. It's a well thought off collection and the simple details on each piece makes its unique from all its competitors in Maze.

For the boutiques new and past/sold out pieces, click here.

2009-10-20T16:26:00.004+08:00

Ive been writing bits and bits of things lately and sometimes I feel that my blog is becoming a sort of twitter blog already! tehee!

Anyhow, emotions aside, I'd like to share my after work and afternoon delight with some girlfriends(at this point im really comfortable calling them my friends now<< me, smiling big).

We just ate lunch together in the mall and just hang out. Ive realized a lot of things with this experience:

1. People wear all sorts of mask , and they do their best to hide their feelings.
2. I've broken a high walled barrier and I've also let down my mine for the purpose of understanding people better.
3. That I can be just myself and no one will judge me for who I am...well..some maybe! tehee!
4. It's good to have people you call your girlfriends...having a lot of men as friends is good but if its "man" issue, its good to have your girlfriends at bay.

2009-10-20T16:05:00.004+08:00

To whom it may concern: A simple hello would mean so much to me :(

WHY?

2009-10-20T11:18:00.005+08:00

2009-10-18T11:38:00.008+08:00

After seeing a lot of youtube video's on tsunami and earthquakes, I am so glad that Typhoon Lupit somehow changed it's direction.

Our country had seen the worst already and another blow like this could make it worse than it is.

Let's continue to pray the oratio...

Oratio Imperata

Almighty father, we raise our hearts to you in gratitude for the wonders of creation of which we are part for your providence that sustains us in our needs and for your wisdom that guides the course of the universe.

We acknowledge our sins against you and the rest of creation.We have not been good stewards of nature. We have confused your command to subdue the earth.

The environment is made to suffer our wrongdoings and now we reap the harvest of our abuse & indifference. Global warming is upon us. Typhoons, rains, floods, drought, volcanic eruption and other calamities occur in increasing number & intensity.

We turn to you our loving father and beg forgiveness for our sins. We ask that we, our loved ones and our hard-earned possessions be spared from the threat of calamities, natural and man-made. We beseech you to inspire us all to grow into responsible stewards of your creation and generous neighbors to those in need.

This we pray through christ our lord. Amen.

2009-10-17T06:38:00.004+08:00

On the wake of Tropical Cyclone LUPIT :

“We will not feel the effects yet. We will have good weather until Sunday,” Pagasa weather forecaster Robert Sawi said."

We already felt the effects in Cebu...whole week was gloomy except Friday morning and noon...but later it rained hard late afternoon.

Bleh!

2009-10-16T11:16:00.001+08:00

I'm sick...
But it wont; stop me from going out today

TGIF!

have a happy weekend everyone!

Edit: I did stay at home... :(

2009-10-12T08:45:00.002+08:00

I don't really know his name but his alias in Youtube is singindork888... but he's not a dork at all. Really really...

Love his cover songs and here's a sample...with a bit of update :)

2009-10-11T15:26:00.000+08:00

I go to the mall almost everyday and yet it was only today that I've noticed it. Halloween and Christmas decorations were thrown together. Are people too excited for Christmas? or they do not like Halloween anymore?Or...malls do not have interior designers na?

Me no likey :(

2009-10-08T15:32:00.000+08:00

I've decided to once again induce the flow of my creative juices by signing up to www.LinkFromBlog.com - An advertisers and bloggers haven and heaven!

Just by doing what you love, in this case, blogging, you get paid! It doesn't even sound like work to me at all! People earn money in so many ways - why not blogging?

So if you have the guts to do it, then visit the site and sign up!

I did.

2009-10-08T08:23:00.001+08:00

this pretty much sums up what I'm feeling right now...

2009-10-07T09:30:00.000+08:00

taken from my old blog, in which unfortunately, i cannot access anymore :(
i miss the sunny state of relief...
i miss the feeling of being loved unconditionally.

2009-10-04T22:39:00.000+08:00

The more I see movies, tv shows and whatnots about New York City, I fall head over heels in love with it all over again...it seems like i belong with the city...with all the quaint and modern cafe's, art galleries, skyscrapers, and not to mention the all famous yellow cabs and subways...sigh...one day ill make it to New York!

...I'm gonna be a part of it...New York...New York...

Typhoon and Prayers

2009-10-02T17:29:00.004+08:00

Typhoon Ondoy (International code: Ketsana) hit Manila Metropolis and its suburban communities last Saturday September 26, 2009. Nobody predicted that this typhoon would bring in so much water...a month's worth of rain in fact. There were a lot of casualties and many are still missing up to date.

It took me a long time to post this blog, not because I do not care nor because I do not have anything to say about it. I was in fact, contemplating and reading other people's thought, biding my time on what else to say, when everyone else is already blogging about it.

A lot seem to have pointed the blame on the government for a lot of reasons:

for NDCC not being prepared
for a lot red tape
for corruption...for having approved a lot of errors in urban planning and simply looking away from it.

Many were also posting drop off points for donations in kind and posting paypal/bank account #'s for financial aid. Some opted to share their hope and prayers that others who have read about it would also share it to their friends and repost it.

Despite the eclectic posts that everyone is so busy about, a lot of things were realized by most:

that despite your stature in life, when calamity strikes, EQUALITY prevails. Celebrity or not, if you are caught in the middle, you are caught in he middle.
Bayanihan never seems to have vanished amongst us Filipino's, even the Mormon elders and US navy helped out the victim's of this unfortunate tragedy.
that you cannot separate prayers from Filipino's. In all aspects of a Filipino's life, Prayer, is essential.
and the last but not the least, the power of influence and technology never seems to amaze me. My fave bloggers as of late, Chuvaness, the Baghag, Manila Fashion Observer and a lot lot more took upon themselves to help out the typhoon stricken Manileño's - by forgetting their love for fashion for a while and made their famous blogs a medium for updates about the Typhoon and etc.

By Saturday, Phil time zone, northern Luzon will experience the landfall of Supertyphoon Pepeng (Parma). As people of God, let's pray for our brothers and sisters up north that they will be protected and safe from harm.

People's Shoes of Italy

2009-09-24T13:58:00.000+08:00

Got my myself a cool pair of white Superga in soft leather @Footnotes - Ayala Center-Cebu! I didn't really expect to find Superga here in Cebu! Check 'em out!

Tearjerker by Fenix Tx

2009-09-22T08:46:00.000+08:00

(i forgot how I love this song...here ya go..)

Picture's on the wall just waiting there to fall
Still remind me that painful holiday can almost hear you say
Please don't miss me too long
What did I do wrong
Could've sung a different song you were my tune
Make my heart believe a want is not a need
And I'm all right without you
The days go by the nights don't change
The stars still spell out your name
I will wait for you
The world has let me down
Is it you're just not around
I've lost my reason all the memories
Every smile you gave to me you can keep them
The days go by the nights don't change
The stars still spell out your name
I will wait for you
I will wait for you
I will wait for you
I will wait for you
I will wait for days go by
And still I will wait for you

I am Sad

2009-09-11T14:19:00.001+08:00

... BUT still glad that even though love didn't work out for me...it still works for others...

sounds cliche...but you should take care of your heart emotionally coz you'll never know when the other person will stop loving you.
and when they do stop, you still have enough love to heal yourself.

TOMS Shoes : One for One

2009-08-25T08:02:00.001+08:00

Here's a fashion statement which couldn't go wrong!

Featuring TOM's shoes...on first glance, it looks like your day to day espadrille-look-a like. But there's more to these shoes than meets the eye! For every pair that you buy, one is freely given to a child in need. Yes, talk about Fashion and Charity at the same time. Been done before but not as ingenious as this one.

For more info and styles, please check out TOM SHOES site.

Below are some of the pairs i love!

Navy Canvass Stitchout TOMS
photo from: Toms

Midnight Leaves TOMS : Linen Slip On
photo by Toms

Wolf TOMS: Ultra-Light Canvas Slip-on
photo by Toms

Remarque TOMS: Ultra-Light Canvas Slip-on
photo by Toms

"Nuclear" Wintour

2009-08-18T08:49:00.000+08:00

If the Pope is the head of the Catholic Church, in the Fashion Industry it woud have to be Anna Wintour. Who is she???

In a nutshell:

She is the Editor in Chief of the American Vouge, a post she held since 1988.

She is British- American born in London, England in 1949 whose father was also in the publishing business.

She adores fur and is one of PETA's hate list for loving fur and splashing it all over the fashion world.

With the advent of the bestsellers novel "Devil wears Prada" , which later on was made into a movie - Miranda Priestly played by Meryl Streep was supposedly based on Anna herself! Currently, "the September Issue" which is a documentary film, chronicles Anna Wintour and her staff creating the issue and ruling the fashion industry.

Thank God + 4 Friends! Part 2

2009-08-17T14:05:00.001+08:00

As promised, here are the pictures we took last friday night or rather saturday dawn :) Click on the pic for a bigger image. Sorry for the lack of ambiance in the picture, I had to take it with a flash!

We started clubbing in Cassanova. I really love the clubs beat! Though the crowd was younger than I expected, it did not dampen the mood we were in. I arrived past 12midnight, though Dell, Gino and Simon already started the "tagay" ritual when I came in. We then hopped to Vudu but to our chagrin, it was already full to the brim so we decided a detour to Loft - to our surprise, it was quite empty, for a friday night. Foreigners abound the club, and sooner it was like the United Colors of Benetton Club and the crowd was a bit older. After an hour or so we went back to Cassanova which by that time was still full and the music was still on..it was about 3am already but people were still dancing and drinking(teehee!) like there was no tomorrow. We managed to squeeze in near the bar and ordered our drinks. Later on Simon, Dell and especially Gino met and danced with some "lady friend". Dell looked terrified, Simon was game and Gino, well, he had mixed feelings...hehehe!

Anyhow, Jessie the rendezvous-maker for that night - to our dismay- did not make it. Anyhoo, clubbing was fun while it lasted. Till next time clubbing buddies!

Fashion is their Passion

2009-08-17T09:21:00.001+08:00

Ive been "collecting" fashion blogs lately not because I want to be associated with them but because I am enjoying their taste in fashion and random quirks in life. Although I am not a fashionista by heart but I do feel their passion for such things, it keeps me updated too with the current trend.Very useful indeed!

photo courtesy of Chuvaness

Some of the random "blog-ista" I look forward to everyday is Chuvaness - I mentioned in my previous post that I am currently enjoying her blog. I also added in my blog list "the baghag" which I believe is her friend and Daphne's as well. Lately they had a charity run for Dr. Fabella Hospital. I'm not sure where it is but what I'm sure of is that this hospital is very lucky to have been chosen as the recepient of their latest charity event.

photo courtesy of the baghag

"the baghag" - Ingrid to her friends, auctioned one of her percious precious Hermes bag for the benefit of the said hospistal. Chuvaness added a paypal button on her site for random donations which is very productive by the way and Christine Dychiao of Manila Fashion Observer has been receiving gifts "in kind" in NY for the hospital as well. These women may have been born with a lot in life but they never fail to share it with those in need. No wonder blessings abound them!

photo courtesy of the stylista/fashion blog

In another note,just today, I also discovered a newbie blog but midn you the blogger is just so glorious and has a lot of things to say about Fashion - "the Stylista/Fashion Blog"...very updated and most of all keeps the site and its readers well entertained. Just over a month old I believe, but the writer blogs like a seasoned blogger!

Check out my "Blogs I Read" corner to visit the sites mentioned above.

Thank God + 4 Friends! Part 1

2009-08-16T09:20:00.000+08:00

...had a blast last friday with some friends... and it has been a long time since the last time I went clubbing...

will post some pics when I get the chance.

To Simon, Gino and Dell...till next time! :)

p.s. Jessie you really missed this one!

2009-08-12T07:35:00.001+08:00

I so much enjoy reading other people's blog that most of the time, I neglected mine. I guess it's easier to read other people's writing than making your own.

As of late, I am swamped with work that all my ideas evaporate. Nonetheless, I've learned so much from other people especially on their outlook in life, values and I've come to realize how some have a ridiculous hi-lifestyle that someone like me could only wish for...sigh...

Anyhow, here are my fave blogs for now:

Daphne Osena - Paez's blog
Christine Abbu - Dychiao's blog
Cecille Van Straten 's blog

2009-08-12T07:26:00.000+08:00

The contest was just on it's 1st phase and my friend Brian (Zerobriant) was able to get into the TOP 10 finalists! Hopefully he gets enough votes to be part of the TOP 4. $10K is at stake!

Let's show our support by voting! Click on the pic below to vote!

2009-08-06T07:34:00.001+08:00

"Make your own Havaianas " is back in Cebu for 2009!

Check them out on August 14-17, 2009 in Northwing Atrium, SM City Cebu.

2009-08-05T22:39:00.001+08:00

Hey peeps,let's support our very own Filipino artist on this Tee-shirt design contest by design by humans.

This is zerobriant's entry to the contest titled "Once in a Blue Moon"

Log on to www.designbyhumans.com and cast your vote today!

Voting ends on August 9, 2009.

2009-08-01T23:31:00.001+08:00

Corazon Cojuangco Aquino
January 25, 1933 - August 1, 2009

...she died peacefully, surrounded by her family members praying for her...

rest in peace Tita Cory...

Money Money Money!

2009-08-01T07:41:00.000+08:00

I got to read a couple of articles from a mag I bought the other day - MoneySense. I bought it because Christine Bersola was on the cover together with her hubby - Julius. Tintin as she is fondly called by most, is one of the freshest and prettiest faces on TV and of course one of the wittiest anchors so far.

But the point of this blog is not about them, but what difference the articles made for me:

1. Made an accounting of my expenses
2. Started riding PUJ's

I've realized that I have squandered a lot of resources already because of non-planning and lack of budget. So I swear to myself, never to set foot in the mall again! nah! Just joking. BUT...I did make a pact with myself to save as much as I can especially on transportation since I'm just 5-7 minutes away from work. Next, not to bring my CC's when I go to the mall - to refrain from compulsive buying...haaayyyy...goodluck to me. AND most importantly I have now a budget! I never had one, as long as I know I still have something in my ATM card to last me till next payday. So by hook or by crook, I will stick to my budget!

Thanks MoneySense...for putting sense into me and thanks TinTin for without you in the cover, I never would have bought one!

Blink!

2009-07-27T03:01:00.000+08:00

For the non-tech savvy people like me...and I mean those with no proramming and web designing skills, then Blinkweb is the answer.

All you need to do is sign-up and the site itself would help you in creating your own site. They have 100 customized themes and editors which are user friendly and If it's still too hard for you then the video tutorials will make it simpler!

For those who just want a free domain, you can sign up for a sub domain account or if you want your own domain you can opt for that too -of course for charge of $1.00 for the 1st month and $14.95 on the succeeding months!

As a test, I created my own site!

Tamera

2009-07-21T02:51:00.001+08:00

I was reading my monthly serving of Entrepreneur magazine and I browsed over this wonderful site owned by a former beauty titlist...Tamera.

She is a budding entrepreneur and owned her own boutique online aptly named : tameraonline.com.

This site exclusively deals with make-up, make-up and more make-up! You can even let them scout for something not on the website! Talk about personal shopper! :)

The most important detail on this site however is not about the brands they sell : Neutorgena, Benefit, Physicians Formula and Smashbox, but the price itself. All of their products are sold at 500 pesos to 2000 pesos with free shipping for 2 or more items. WOW!

Visit them at their online store now!

Me and Fashion

2009-07-16T22:47:00.000+08:00

I'm lazy - when it comes to dressing up.

I've always had a laid back style and do not really care to find clothes that are not just easy on the body but easy on the eyes as well. I've grown up in a very sleepy town and not much inspiration can be seen in terms of fashion. People dress for the occasion,yes, and had their dresses custom made for certain occasions.

Growing up,it was only my granny whom I've seen who really took time to dress up and make herself good and much so when an occasion comes up.

I have really no aversion to fashion...but lately, I've discovered that I can look good in my clothes if I try to mix and match them. Yeah, sure I've heard and read all about combining clothes but It was only recently that I came to appreciate it's meaning - when I had to mix and match my clothes ...coz I had no time to get my clothes from a laundry shop.Blessing in disguise, I might say! :)

I've also come to realize(correct me if I am wrong),that clothes does not really matter if your shoes do not look good on you or fit your feet well. It can make or break an outfit!

Sure there are a lot of factors that can make you look good, such as your body type and most of all A-T-T-I-T-U-D-E.

And to share to you some of my inspiration as of late,here are some blogs that can help you too! They are not only about fashion blogs but they chronicle fashion in an interesting way! Have Fun!

The Sartorialist
Manila Fashion Observer
Sea of Shoes

Total Eclipse of the Heart : Literal Version

2009-07-08T07:23:00.000+08:00

Just want to share this very funny video found in Sosyalera.Net site.

Meynnn...It almost made me crap! hahaha!

Enjoy!