Me, the islands and the world

Sunday Stealing#111

2012-01-29T14:04:00.001+08:00

Sunday Stealing: The 99'er Meme: Part 1

Cheers to all of us thieves!

1) Put your iTunes on shuffle. Give me the first 6 songs that pop up.

I don't have iTunes but if I do, I'd probably have a lot of Maroon 5 and some South Korean band songs.

2) If you could meet anyone on this earth, who would it be?

Hugh Jackman and/or the Pope.

3) Grab the book nearest to you, turn to page 23, give me line 17.

From the book, The Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare..the line goes "Charlotte gave a little gasp but sat motionless in her seat,".

4) What do you think about most?

Nowadays, a friend whom I haven't talked to for months now.

5) What does your latest text message from someone else say?

It was in our local dialect but it says, "please try to make it to the party tonight."

6) Do you sleep with or without clothes on?

Sometimes on, sometimes off.

7) What's your strangest talent?

Can't think of one.

8) Women.... (finish the sentence); Men.... (finish the sentence)
Women are from Venus; Men are from Mars.

9) Ever had a poem or song written about you?

No, I don't think so.

10) When is the last time you played the air guitar?
Hmm..a long time ago.

11) Do you have any strange phobias?

I don't think so. Probably, a phobia on liars but most people do have that phobia too.

12) Ever stuck a foreign object up your nose?
Thank goodness, I haven't done that.

13) What's your religion?
I'm a Catholic.

14) If you are outside, what are you most likely doing?

On Sunday mornings, I'd probably be playing tennis court.

15) Do you prefer to be behind the camera or in front of it?
Behind the camera because I love taking pictures more than posing infront of the camera.

16) Simple but extremely complex. Favorite band?
Maroon 5, Queen, Little River Band, Toto, etc.

17) What was the last lie you told?
That I have eaten already.

18) Do you believe in karma?
Pretty much so.

19) What does your URL mean?

I know this but I forgot tehehehe! off to research..here goes, "Uniform Resource Locator".

20) What is your greatest weakness; your greatest strength?

Impatience is the greatest weakness and honesty and perseverance are the strengths.

21) Who is your celebrity crush?

Too many but this has been asked before. Huh!

22) Have you ever gone skinny dipping?

Half skinny dipping. I want to do the full skinny dipping someday! lol!

23) How do you vent your anger?

Years ago, through comfort eating. Nowadays, it's more on going to the gym or doing some cleaning around the house.

24) Do you have a collection of anything?
I collect keychains and refrigerator magnets from my travels. I started collecting postcards last year by swapping through postcrossing.com. I have a collection of books too.

25) Do you prefer talking on the phone or video chatting online?

Talking on the phone is much better.

My USA Trip

2012-01-28T23:28:00.000+08:00

I can still recall vividly my first USA trip last 2001. An aunt was with me back then to attend the graduation of a cousin from West Point. After the graduation rites, we drove overland to Texas passing through several states. It was an amazing trip. The plan back then was to stay in Texas for a few days and get to Florida to spend some time there. My relatives have their favorite Orlando Hotels from their previous trips and knew the places to visit. I was excited for the trip considering that I would be able to see another good friend living there.

I am not sure when will I do my next trip to USA considering the travel plan with my friends for this year is to do the Europe tour. If not for the Europe tour, the USA tour it will be for me considering that my friends and relatives there have been inviting me for years now.

I thought of not returning after the expiration of my US visa but then, not one of my travel friends have been to USA. They have been checking out the Facebook and some other websites for the hotels and the places to visit in the US. They thought it fair and more fun that I should return with them on their first trip there. Of course, I could not disagree.

It's Azarenka vs Sharapova

2012-01-26T23:54:00.001+08:00

My friend will be ecstatic with this news. A big fan of Sharapova for years now, she has been longing to see her idol in any Grand Slam tennis championships. It seems that for this year, Maria Sharapova will have that chance. I don't know much about her opponent (Azarenka) though but as what I've seen from the game she played against Australian Open defending champion Kim Clijsters, the hardworking Victoria Azarenka of Belarus is a force to reckon with. Aside from the fact that she's also a noisy player like Maria Sharapova. It seems that it's going to be a finals with a lot of grunting and shrieking, after all.

It's saddening to see Kim Clijsters go though.

Litratong Pinoy#169 Mahal (Love)

2012-01-25T23:56:00.000+08:00

It has been difficult for me to find somebody to love and to want to share my life with. Always unsuccessful and somehow sometimes, loneliness creeps in. However, I always feel happy to see somebody who have been lucky with their find.

Pilipino:
Hindi madali para sa akin ang makakita ng isang taong mamahalin ko at gugustuhin kong makasama habang buhay. Laging bigo at kahit papano paminsa'y tinatablan din ng konting kalungkutan. Ganunpaman, masaya ako tuwing nakakakita ng sinumang naging masuwerte sa kanilang paghahanap.

Wordless Wednesday#2 Drifting

2012-01-24T23:40:00.000+08:00

Tuesday Travels#22 Sydney Harbour Bridge

2012-01-23T22:10:00.003+08:00

I've been watching the Australian Open whenever I get the chance for the past few days now. In fact, I just finished watching the heartstopping game of Novak Djokovic and Lleyton Hewitt. Hewitt played splendidly but Djokovic went all out in stopping him. In the end, the Djoker won resoundingly. Coincidentally, a good friend of mine started posting our Australian travel photos at the same time. So, I had fun watching the Djokovic-Lleyton thriller while smiling/laughing over our Australian photos on Facebook. Here's one of the photos we had of Sydney Harbour Bridge..

(photo was taken from the Sydney Tower and Sydney downtown)

Sunday Stealing#110

2012-01-22T13:54:00.000+08:00

Today we ripped off a blogger named Tense Teacher of the blog Tense for a Reason. (Yes we know that we've ripped her off not so long ago as well. It's pretty amazing since she stopped posting in 2007. But that's where we live as a thief). Also, it's long so we'll do it in parts. She does not say where she got it from. But, it was probably stolen there as well. So, of course, that will be as far as we go. Tracing back our theft's thieves might take some time. Take the time to comment on other player's posts. It's a great way to make new friends! Link back to us at Sunday Stealing!

Sunday Stealing: The Never Ending Meme, Ends

Cheers to all of us thieves!

36. Have you watched American Horror Story?
No, I don't watch horror movies.

37. Baseball hat or toque?
Baseball hat.

38. Do you shampoo or soap up first in the shower?
Shampoo first.

39. Wet the toothbrush or brush dry with the toothpaste?
Wet the toothbrush first.

40. Pen or pencil?
Both.

41. Have you ever gambled at a casino?
Yes, My relatives took me first there.

42. Have you thrown up on a plane?
Nope, I don't usually get dizzy or nauseous immediately.

43. Have you thrown up in a car?
Nope, thank goodness.

44. Have you thrown up at work?
Nope, but almost.

45. Do you scream on roller coasters?
Yes, to take out the thrill and fear.

46. How many shoes do you have?
More than 10, I think.

47. Who was your first roommate?
My younger brother.

48. What alcoholic beverage did you drink when you got drunk for the first time?
Fruit Punch with a lot of brandy in it.

49. What was your first job?
Saleslady.

50. What was your first car?
Don't have one ever.

51. When did you go to your first funeral?
Hm..a funeral of a parent of a classmate.

52. How old were you when you first moved away from your hometown?
I was years six years old.

53. Who was your first grade teacher?
We had the same family name, couldn't remember her first name though.

54. Where did you go on your first airplane ride?
From Manila to Davao, it was supposed to be just a vacation but it took us 5 more years to get back again.

55. When you snuck out of your house for the first time, who was it with?
With friends, I think.

56. Who was your first best friend and are you still friends with them?
She was a principal's daughter. No, I haven't any contact with her since we moved back here in our hometown.

57. Where did you live the first time you moved out of your parents’ house?
I'm still in my parent's house.

58. Who is the first person you call when you have a bad day?
God.

59. Whose wedding were you in the first time you were a bridesmaid or a groomsmen?
Never been a bridesmaid.

60. What is the first thing you do in the morning?
Drink water.

61. What was the first concert you attended?
Gosh, I forgot already.

62. First tattoo or piercing?
Ear piercing since I was a baby. First tattoo was a henna tattoo on my lower leg. The design was of butterflies.

63. First celebrity crush?
A lot but the one I could remember distinctly was Tom Cruise. He's still one of my crushes.

Doing Right Finally

2012-01-19T22:23:00.000+08:00

He was encouraged to get automotive jobs because he was good with it but he wanted to be a businessman. It was a good plan if money was there but it was not and so he waited and bummed around. Meantime, he got older and poorer while most of his friends and classmates moved on and did well. He was left behind.

After so many years of bumming around with his friends, my brother is doing something right. Finally. I can only pray that he will not stop until he is done. Amazing how a person could change throughout the years. He was more aggressive in finding work when he was single and younger. He did everything just to earn some money. He worked as a laborer, cook, waiter, and a whole lot more. He did well in all of them but always, boredom got the upperhand and he was off to another job. We encouraged him to finish his college studies but he preferred going somewhere and returning empty-handed while his children were growing. Now that the eldest is on her way to college, he decided to get back to schooling again in his 40s. I can only heave a sigh of relief but I shall be happiest if he gets a stable job and stop worrying my mother too much.

Litratong Pinoy#168 Sadness (Kalungkutan)

2012-01-19T22:03:00.001+08:00

There was a little sadness in my life this past Christmas but life should go on. To take my mind off from those sad thoughts, I decided to go on a night shoot with my photographer-friends around the city this December. Here are some photos I took at the getting more popular Mana House.

Pilipino:
May kaunting kalungkutan sa buhay ko noong nakaraang Pasko nguni't patuloy pa rin ang buhay. Para makalimutan kahit sandali ang nakakalungkot na isipan, napagdesisyunan kung sumama sa panggabing paglilitrato dito lang sa siyudad kasama ang aking mga kaibigang litratista nitong nakaraang Disyembre. Narito ang mga litratong kuha ko sa nagiging mas kilalang Bahay Mana.

Nobody can get really sad seeing these colorful and happy Christmas lights at Mana House along J.P. Laurel Ave., Davao City. Throughout the years, the antique and home furnishings store have been coming up with grander and more amazingly colorfully lighted Christmas decorations every December. The place has become one of the must-see places in the city during Christmas time.

Pilipino:
Walang magiging malungkot kung makikita itong makulay at masasayang pamaskong ilaw sa Bahay Mana na nasa Daang J.P. Laurel, Siyudad ng Dabaw. Sa mga nagdaang taon, ang tindahan ng mga antigo at gamit pambahay ay nakagawa ng mas engrande at mas nakakamanghang makulay na inilawang Pamaskong dekorasyon tuwing Disyembre. Ang lugar na ito ay naging isa sa mga dapat bisitahin during kapanahunan ng Pasko.

Blast On Their Noise

2012-01-19T21:39:00.000+08:00

Chinese New Year is just around the corner and the unwanted noise from the neighbors might happen again. These neighbors have this habit of turning on their television and/or radio at full blast even on ungodly hours. In some days like when they have parties or celebrations, the noises from their speakers go on day in and day out. For somebody who is an insomniac, getting those elusive winks are much too precious for me to waste but how can I can get my sleep when our dear neighbors are blasting out the peace and quiet of the night. Complaints were already lodged but they only get quiet for a time and after a few days, they get back to their noise.

I can tolerate the loud music during daytime but during evenings when peace and quiet should rule, it is another story. A friend’s advice might be a very good one because she tried it on their previous neighbor and it worked. What she did was she changed her old speakers from those really big ones and took care to buy the good quality ones with center channel speaker for crisp and clear sound. She faced the speakers to the neighbor’s direction and cranked the speakers to the maximum. Of course, she covered her ears with cotton balls to minimize the noise. A few minutes after, the neighbor got the message and toned down their speakers. After that incident, the neighbor was more considerate with their noise.

Wordless Wednesday#1 The Eagle With The Christmas Tree

2012-01-18T22:15:00.000+08:00

This is my first entry for Wordless Wednesday so I won't be wordless for this post. Anyway, I took this photo at the People's Park last December while the place was bedecked with Christmas decorations and Christmas lights.

Tuesday Travels#21 Mactan Shrine

2012-01-16T23:03:00.001+08:00

The back view of the Lapu-lapu Shrine

The Mactan Shrine or the Lapu-lapu Shrine is located at Punta Engaño, Lapu-lapu City, Cebu. The shrine is the site of two memorials, the Lapu-lapu and Magellan memorials. Lapu-lapu was a native datu who fought and killed the Portuguese explorer, Ferdinand Magellan.

Sunday Stealing#109

2012-01-15T17:46:00.000+08:00

Today we ripped off a blogger named Tense Teacher of the blog Tense for a Reason. (Yes we know that we've ripped her off not so long ago as well. It's pretty amazing since she stopped posting in 2007. But that's where we live as a thief). Also, it's long so we'll do it in parts. She does not say where she got it from. But, it was probably stolen there as well. So, of course, that will be as far as we go. Tracing back our theft's thieves might take some time. Take the time to comment on other player's posts. It's a great way to make new friends! Link back to us at Sunday Stealing!

Sunday Stealing: The Never Ending Meme, Part Two

Cheers to all of us thieves!

21. Did you go to your high school prom?
Yes, I did. I enjoyed it very much.

22. Perfect time to wake up?
During work days, it's usually 630 am. Weekends/holidays, it depends on my laziness tehehehe!

23. Perfect time to go to bed?
Nowadays, it's usually past 11 o'clock in the evening.

24. Do you use your queen right away in chess?
No.

25. Ever been in a car accident?
Minor, a bump on the back of the car.

26. Closer to mom or dad…or neither?
My mother.

27. What age is this exciting life over for you?
In the 20s.

28. What decade during the 20th century would you have chosen to be a teenager?
Any decade is fine.

29. Favorite shoes you have EVER owned?
Rubber shoes, Converse, and a pair of Chinese embroidered shoes.

30. Do you have an article of clothing you have had since you were in high school?
Hmm..not anymore.

31. Were you in track and field?
Nope.

32. Were you ever in a school talent show?
Nope.

33. Have you ever written in a library book?
Yes.

34. Allergic to?
When I was younger, none. As I grow older, I get allergies from just from anything and anytime.

35. Favorite fruit?
King of fruits, durian. Most of my favorites are our native fruits not the usual apple, orange thing.

Missing Meme

2012-01-14T17:47:00.001+08:00

I was supposed to do the PhotoHunt meme on Saturdays but when it's owner decided to stop it, I decided to stop doing it after somebody took over. It was just not the same anymore.

There have been too many memes I've been to but there were just a few that I really liked, most of them have folded up unfortunately.

Memes helped me alot and am sure a lot of bloggers would agree, that it helps in filling a gap in the posts. Sometimes, it's easier to do the meme's weekly theme than just think of something to post about. Unfortunately, it's not easy to choose a meme that I really like. Anyway, after PhotoHunt's demise, am on the lookout for another one to fill its place.

Litratong Pinoy#167 Balak (Plan)

2012-01-12T23:10:00.001+08:00

One of the vintage World War II big guns in Corregidor Island.

I have been planning to travel with my parents for a vacation. But for so many reasons, that plan never came through until my father got sick and died. That is why I really convinced my mother to travel with me last year. For this year, I want to take her to Corregidor Island which my father really wanted to visit but was never able to.

Pilipino:
Matagal ko nang planong isama ang mga magulang ko sa pagbibiyahe at magbakasyon. Dahil sa maraming dahilan, hindi matuluy-tuloy ang planong iyon hangga't nagkasakit at namatay ang aking ama. Kaya naman, pinilit ko talagang matuloy noong nakaraang taon ang balak na iyon kasama ang aking ina. Para sa taong ito, gusto ko siyang isama sa isla ng Corregidor na siyang pinakagustong puntahan ng tatay ko noon pero hindi niya nagawa.

Free LandBank Cash Card

2012-01-11T22:51:00.000+08:00

Pag-IBIG Fund in collaboration with Land Bank of the Philippines is offering free cash cards for its multi-purpose loan applicants to receive their loan proceeds.

The advantages of using the cash card in getting the loan proceeds are:

Ø Member-borrowers avoid the long lines in claiming loan checks because the loan proceeds shall be deposited in their accounts after loan approval.

Ø The member-borrower may withdraw the money anytime from any automated teller machine (ATM) accredited by the Land Bank of the Philippines.

Ø The cash card is valid for three years and can be used to receive subsequent loan proceeds until expiry date.

For interested applicants, please submit the following to the LandBank teller assigned at our office:

Ø Two (2) valid Identification Cards (Bring Original Copy for authentication)

Ø Duly Accomplished enrolment form for cash card and Letter of Introduction (both forms are available from the LandBank teller).

Ø One (1) 1 x 1 photo

Go to the nearest Pag-IBIG branch to avail of this good opportunity.

Ruby Tuesday#131 Folkrandia Festival

2012-01-09T23:30:00.001+08:00

This is one of the Korean dancers who performed in the Davao Leg of the Folkrandia Festival show last December 13, 2012. Their group performed along with the Philippines' Bayanihan Dance Group. The show was really amazing and beautiful. I hope to see their performance again soon.

This is my entry for:

Go here to see more.

Penalty Condonation For Employers

2012-01-08T22:50:00.001+08:00

If you have not yet registered your business establishment and your employees with Home Development Mutual Fund/Pag-IBIG Fund or have been delinquent/inactive in your employees’ contribution remittances, the Fund is now offering the penalty condonation program beginning January 1, 2012 until June 30, 2012.

With this program, all incurred penalties by the employers whose application for penalty condonation has been approved shall be condoned upon updating of contribution remittances.

Eligible employers who fail to avail of this program shall continue to incur penalties on their unremitted contributions and shall be held criminally liable and shall be prosecuted in accordance with the penal provisions of RA9679.

Go to the nearest Pag-IBIG Fund branch to avail of this program, contact details can be found at www.pagibigfund.gov.ph

Litratong Pinoy#166 Kasiyahan (Happiness)

2012-01-05T23:01:00.002+08:00

Unexpectedly, photography gave me such happiness. It took time for me to get convinced by my friends to start this hobby. I was just content with the ordinary cameras before but due to their encouragement, I bought a Canon DSLR a year ago at slowly started to learn photography.

Pilipino:
Sa hindi inaasahan, nagbigay sa akin ng sobrang kasiyahan ang paglilitrato. Matagal bago ako nakumbinsi ng aking mga kaibigan na simulan ito. Nagkasya lang ako sa ordinaryong camera noon. Pero, dahil sa kanilang pag-engganyo sinubukan kung bumili ng Canon DSLR noong nakaraang taon at unti-unting pinag-aralan ang paglilitrato.

I know I still have a lot to learn but that's what makes it all exciting because while I am learning, I discover alot of things that bring happiness to me. For now, I am trying to take "bokeh" photos wherein part of the image is blurred and part is sharp.

Pilipino:
Alam kong marami pa rin akong dapat matutunan pero iyon ang mas eksayting dahil habang pinag-aaralan ko ang paglilitrato, marami akong nadidiskubre nakakatuwa. Sa ngayon, sinusubukan kong kumuha ng litratong "bokeh". Iyon bang may parte ng litrato na malabo at may parte namang malinaw.

Ruby Tuesday#130 Davao City's Christmas Lights

2012-01-02T23:07:00.000+08:00

December was such a busy month that I was not able to take photos as much as I wanted to. But before the Christmas lights disappear, I promised myself to visit some places in the city to take some photos of the Christmas decorations.

Hereunder is one of the photos I took inside People's Park. The building at the background is the Casa Leticia glowing in Christmas lights.

This is my entry for:

Go here to see more.

Sunday Stealing#108

2012-01-01T21:15:00.000+08:00

Happy New Year, everybody!
Today we ripped off a blogger named Am I Half Dead or Am I Doing Fine But, it was probably stolen there as well. So, of course, that will be as far as we go. Tracing back our theft's thieves might take some time. Take the time to comment on other player's posts. It's a great way to make new friends! Link back to us at Sunday Stealing!

Sunday Stealing: The 2011 Year End Meme

Cheers to all of us thieves!

1. What did you do in 2011 that you’d never done before?
Took my mother for a long-deserved vacation.

2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I kept some, and some I totally forgot. I'll try to keep more this coming 2012.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Hmm...nope.

4. Did anyone close to you die?
Nope. Thank God for that.

5. What countries did you visit?
Singapore and Malaysia.

6. What would you like to have in 2012 that you lacked in 2011?
More peace of mind.

7. What dates from 2011 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
A day in November. I finally had the guts to do something that I should've done long time ago.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
I consider being able to convince my mother to take a travel vacation as my biggest achievement.

9. What was your biggest failure?
Disciplining myself more.

10. What was the best thing you bought?
Canon lens. I want to buy another one this year.

11. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Government employees who served without waiting for grease money.

12. Whose behavior made you appalled and disgusted?
President GMA.

13. What song will always remind you of 2011?
Moves Like Jagger by Maroon 5

14. What do you wish you’d done more of?
I wish I had been more forthcoming with what I wanted from somebody. I wish I traveled more around the country.

15. What do you wish you’d done less of?
I should've tried to be less emotionally dependent with a friend.

16. Did you fall in love in 2011?
Fall out of love, perhaps.

17. What was your favorite new TV program?
None.

18. What was the best book you read?
Too many but I'd like to mention Stieg Larsson trilogy books with one of the books being adapted in the movie entitled The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo.

19. What one thing would have made your year measurably more satisfying?
If somebody did not take things for granted.

20. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2011?
I couldn't care less.

21. What kept you sane?
Prayers, being active, reading and other interests.

22. Who did you miss?
My father.

23. Who was the best new person you met?
Hm..too many to mention.

24. Tell us a valuable lesson you learned in 2011?
When things go wrong, they will go wrong no matter how you try to do it right.

25. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
It's a wonderful world..

Litratong Pinoy#165 Tapos (End)

2011-12-28T23:35:00.004+08:00

I knew that the arrival of the firedancers signaled that the lighted floats were getting near and the Lamdag Dabaw (Christmas Light) parade was also ending.

Pilipino:
Alam kong ang pagdating ng mga mananayaw ng apoy ang hudyat na malapit na ang mga karosa ng mga ilaw at palapit na ang tapos ng parada ng Lamdag Dabaw.

And I was right because right afterwards, these beautiful and colorful floats came after the dancers.

Pilipino:
At hindi naman ako nagkamali at sumunod kaagad ang mga nagagandahang karosang ito na punung-puno ng iba't ibang ilaw.

Ruby Tuesday#129 Christmas Lighted Sleigh Ride

2011-12-25T22:58:00.001+08:00

Want a Christmas-lighted sleigh ride?

This is the 2nd year that our city is having the Lamdag Dabaw (Christmas Lights) parade. The parade started along R. Magsaysay Ave. and passed thru C.M. Recto Ave before culminating at the People's Park.

There were more people who watched the light parade than last year. Unfortunately, the parade started very late that we became impatient and tired. Nevertheless, it was really fun watching the floats and the walking lighted characters.

A Christmas-lighted red pumpkin ride.

This is my entry for:

Go here to see more.

Christmas Bokeh

2011-12-25T16:51:00.005+08:00

Finally, I did the Bokeh photography. For a long time, I wanted to try it but things got busy and it has gotten the backseat in my memory bank. The get-together with two of my photographer-friends this week gave me a chance to do it. So, here're some of my shots:

By the way, Bokeh or boke in Japanese is the blur or out of focus area of an image. This is a photography technique usually used to emphasize a certain subject in the image.

Ruby Tuesday#128 Hawaiian Christmas Party

2011-12-20T23:26:00.001+08:00

This was the backdrop of our stage for our office Christmas Party. The last time we had our branch's Christmas party was about four to five years ago. Because of budget constraints for the past years, we had our Christmas parties by our own group/division. So, the branch party was such a welcome change.

This is my entry for:

Go here to see more.

Help For Cagayan De Oro And Iligan

2011-12-19T00:03:00.001+08:00

I was clueless about what happened last Friday night. Busy with preparations for our office Christmas party, I thought it improbable that Typhoon Sendong will affect much of the southern Philippines considering typhoons are rarities in this part of the country.

Saturday morning, I was uploading our Christmas party photos on Facebook when I saw the horrendous flash flood victim photos. Initially thinking that they were victims of the past Ondoy and Peping floods, I said a few prayers for them until I started reading the accompanying posts. The photos were of victims of the Friday night’s deluge of flash floods in Cagayan de Oro and Iligan!

Let us pray and help the victims of the flash floods of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan cities. Go here on how to help the Sendong flood victims.

Sunday Stealing#107

2011-12-18T23:18:00.000+08:00

Today we ripped off a blogger named Tom Baker from the blog Morning Erection. (Tom points out that you shouldn't read much into his blog's name. It's a great blog.) This is an original meme and it's very first time posted. Tom asked us to rip it off and of course we are grateful! Take the time to comment on other player's posts. It's a great way to make new friends! Link back to us at Sunday Stealing!

Sunday Stealing: The Community Meme

Cheers to all of us thieves!

1. As a blogger, what do you draw inspirations from for your posts?
Current news and issues and just about anything that interests me.

2. If you could swap blogs with another blogger for a post, who would you switch with and why?
Hm...too many to mention. There are just too many great bloggers out there.

3. If your blog had a theme song, what would it be? Why?
Can't think of one right now.

4. What is your writing process for a post?
If some idea crops up and I can't make a post right away, I try to take note of it so I don't forget. Then, I make the post as soon as I could get the chance to get online.

5. Your blog requires a cute, new, mascot - what would it be?
Garfield.

6. Do you feel you express your "true self" on your blog?
Yes, I think so.

7. What is your biggest online pet-peeve?
Spammers.

8. If you could live in a fictional universe, where would you live? Why?
A universe where people can fly and move quickly. I want to see more of the world, that's why.

9. You're having a bad day, you're upset, you're angry, or you're sad - what is your go-to comfort?
Gym, movie watching or eating.

10. What is your favorite inspirational quote?
Live life to the fullest.

11. If they were to make a movie based on your life, who would play you, your leading lady/man, your best friend, and your rival?

12. Do you think the world is going to end in 2012?
I hope not.

13. If you could change anything about yourself, what would it be?
My frankness.

14. What is your favorite season and why?
Summer because the weather is always sunny and it's usually the time for travels.

15. You've been bitten by a vampire. Would you fight it with all your undead being or would you embrace it for all it is worth?
I'd probably fight it with all my undead might.

16. Have you personally met any of your blogger friends?
Yes, I met some during a bloggers summit years ago.

17. What does your favorite pair of underwear look like?
Clean.

18. Have you ever drank something right from the container in the refrigerator knowing other people will have to drink out of the same container later?
Yes, at home years ago when I was younger.

19. What is your favorite word and explain why?
Fighting. A favorite word I got from some Korean teleseries. It encourages people to fight.

20. 2011 is soon coming to a close, is there anything you'd like to do different on your blog in the year 2012?
I've been thinking of changing my template.

In A Rut

2011-12-15T23:23:00.000+08:00

I didn't update my posts here for the past days because I was too busy with work, too lazy to let my mind work and just been having less drive to blog anything about. I guess, it's a stage when any writer or blogger gets into sometimes. For whatever reason, I am trying to get out of this rut by trying to be more active in taking pictures in the hope of posting some of photos that I like. It's a good thing that there are several parties coming up in the coming days for me to enjoy taking photos.

Hopefully, I'll be able to update my posts here more next week. Let's wait and see..

Ruby Tuesday#127 Red Christmas Balls

2011-12-12T22:51:00.000+08:00

I found these huge Christmas balls along the halls of Abreeza Mall.

This is my entry for Ruby Tuesday. Go here to see more.

2012 Philippine Holidays

2011-12-09T23:44:00.000+08:00

Finally, I got the list of the 2012 Philippine holidays. For what are this? For travel plans, of course! Here it is...

Under Proclamation 295 issued by Malacanang late Thursday, January 23 (Chinese New Year), which falls on a Monday, has been declared special non-working holiday.

"The joint celebration is a manifestation of our solidarity with our Chinese Filipino brethren who have been part of our lives in many respects as a country and as a people," President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III, himself of Chinese heritage, said in the proclamation.

Although Malacanang said "23 January 2012 may be declared as a special (non-working) day without detriment to public interest," the said date is included in the official list of holidays. In 2012, there are six long weekends.

Complete list of 2012 Holidays:
A. Regular holidays:
New Year’s Day January 1 (Sunday)
Maundy Thursday, April 5
Good Friday, April 6
Araw ng Kagitingan April 9 (Monday)

Labor Day May 1 (Tuesday)
Independence Day June 12 (Tuesday)
National Heroes Day August 27 (Last Monday of August)
Bonifacio Day November 30 (Friday)
Christmas Day December 25 (Tuesday)
Rizal Day December 30 (Sunday)

B. Special (Non-Working) Days
Chinese New Year, January 23 (Monday)
Ninoy Aquino Day, August 21 (Tuesday)
All Saints Day, November 1 (Thursday)
Additional special (non-working) day November 2 (Friday)
Last Day of the Year December 31 (Monday)
C. Special Holiday (for all schools)
EDSA Revolution Anniversary
February 25 (Saturday)

Litratong Pinoy#164 Golden (Ginintuan)

2011-12-08T23:27:00.001+08:00

This gold-painted structure is located near at the General MacArthur Landing Memorial in Paco, Leyte.

Pintadong ginintuan ang istrakturang ito na matatagpuan kalapit sa parke ng pagdaung ni General MacArthur sa Paco, Leyte.

Here Comes Tom Cruise!

2011-12-07T21:53:00.000+08:00

As one of Hollywood's big celebrities, Tom Cruise's absence never wanes his popularity. Now that the latest installation of Mission Impossible is out, my friends and I are really looking forward in watching the movie this coming December 15.

I liked the previous installments of the Mission Impossible and some its TV episodes. With Tom Cruise still on the lead, who is also known for his daring stunts, the latest installment will certainly disappointment. So, here comes Tom Cruise and we're excitedly waiting.

Adele's Rolling In the Deep

2011-12-06T22:13:00.001+08:00

This song keeps playing inside my mind. I first heard in the gym while working out and it got stuck in my head. Now, it's my current favorite:) Love the lyrics too!

Ruby Tuesday#126 Red Alien

2011-12-05T21:56:00.000+08:00

Is it a red alien wreaking havoc in the city? No, although it looks like one from the back. He was one of the participants of Davao's First Lamdag Dabaw last year.

For more Ruby Tuesday entries, go here.

Davao City's Pasko Fiesta Is Up Now

2011-12-04T22:54:00.004+08:00

This is the 2nd year that the city's Pasko Fiesta will be celebrated and several activities are lined up for this event. Last year, I was only able to watch the Lamdag Dabaw, the event's equivalent to world-famous Electric Light Parade with Christmas-costumed participants. For those who are interested to check out the schedule of the said events, go here.

In the meantime, my Canon cameras shall be cleaned in anticipation of the several colorful shots that I will be making around the city.

Sunday Stealing#106

2011-12-03T22:35:00.001+08:00

Today we ripped off a blogger and blog called BlueLifeMemories. It's long so we will do it in two parts. She states she stole it from a friend, but did not say which friend. But, it was probably stolen there as well. So, of course, that will be as far as we go. Tracing back our theft's thieves might take some time. Take the time to comment on other player's posts. It's a great way to make new friends! Link back to us at Sunday Stealing!

Sunday Stealing: The Blue Memory Meme, Part One

Cheers to all of us thieves!

1) If the whole world were listening to you right now, what would you say? Christmas is all about the birth of Jesus, not all about shopping!

2) If you could meet anyone on this earth, who would it be? The Pope

3) You just got a free plane ticket to anywhere. You have to depart right now. Where are you gonna go?
Call my boss to ask permission, pack up my bags and my Canon cameras and go to Italy or Spain.

4) What do you think about most?
Nowadays...it's all about a relationship that has gone sour.

5) You have the opportunity to spend a romantic night with the music celebrity of your choice. Who would it be?
Adam Levine of the Maroon 5. Wooot!

6) You can erase any horrible experience from your past. What will it be?
The death of my father.

7) What's your strangest talent?
I don't think I have one.

8) What would be a question you'd be afraid to tell the truth on?

Secret..tehehehe!

9) Ever had a poem or song written about you?
Nope. If somebody did, please tell me now!

10) When is the last time you played the air guitar?
Hmm..a few months ago.

11) Do you have any strange phobias?
None, so far.

12) What's your religion?
Catholic.

13) What is your current desktop picture?
An island with coconut trees.

14) When you are outside, what are you most likely doing?
Nowadays, I think, I've been paying bills too often.

15) What's the last song you listened to?
Carpenters' I won't last a day without you.

16) Simple but extremely complex. Favorite band?

Maroon 5, Queen, Savage Garden, etc.

17) What was the last lie you told?
That I didn't feel hurt when I felt really devastated.

18) Do you believe in karma?
Oh yes. I've seen it work several times.

19) What is a saying you say a lot?
Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.

20) What is your greatest weakness; your greatest strength?
Weakness, procrastination. Strength, frankness.

21) Who is your celebrity crush?
Too many. All time crushes are Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt.

22) Give me the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word: heart.
Love.

23) How do you vent your anger?
There are so many ways...eat, workout, shop, read and pray, pray, pray.

24) Do you have a collection of anything?
Yes, I collect keychains, books, travel photos, refrigerator magnets and souvenir t-shirts.

25) What is your favorite word?
None.

PhotoHunt#159 Ripped

2011-12-02T21:12:00.003+08:00

Kadayawan is not only famous for the fruits, the sights and the sounds of the festival but also for the celebrity-guests. These celebrities usually rode the Kadayawan floats during the parade. One of the celebrities I saw had the ripped muscles any woman would swoon over hehehehe! and he's cute too!

Giant TV Network GMA's popular primetime TV show, Amaya, has its own float during Kadayawan festival. The float was one of the Kadayawan floats that people really flocked to during the Kadayawan floral float parade. Marian Rivera, Sid Lucero, some ripped-muscled and scantily-clad male casts were there too. The ladies were equally sexy too.

Christmas Is On!

2011-12-01T23:25:00.006+08:00

For most Filipinos, Christmas season starts when the "ber" months start. So usually it's not surprising for some Filipino families to start their Christmas preparations in September. By that time, Christmas songs over the radio can be heard on air and malls would start displaying their Christmas decorations.

For my family though, our Christmas decorations come out at the start of December.So, let's start decorating! Christmas is on! Merry Christmas in advance to all!

Litratong Pinoy#163 Pagdating (Advent)

2011-11-30T23:09:00.002+08:00

He was famous for the words, "I shall return." and indeed, Filipinos held on to that promise during World War II. To commemorate his return to the Philippines, a memorial of General MacArthur's landing along with his fleet in Leyte was erected.

Facts about the memorial (source:www.thetravelmart.net)
Situated in Red Beach, Palo, Leyte, the monument marks the spot where General Douglas MacArthur landed with the American Liberation Forces in 1944. The statues of the liberators stand in a lagoon, 1.5 times bigger than lifesize. It is also the site of the 50th Leyte Landing Anniversary Commemorative Rock Garden of Peace. A beautiful beach can be found in the area.

Pilipino:
Kilala siya sa mga katagang "Ako'y magbabalik." at pinaniwalaan ito ng nakakaraming Pilipino noong Ikalawang Pandaigdigang Digmaan. Sa pag-alala ng kanyang pagdating kasama ang kanyang mga sundalo, isang memoryal ang itinayo sa Leyte.

Ang monumento na nagtatanda sa lugar ng pagdating ni Heneral Douglas MacArthur kasama ang puwersa ng mga Amerikanong sundalo noong 1944 ay nasa Red Beach, Palo, Leyte. Ang mga istatuwa ng mga nagpalaya na tumatayong 1.5 pang mas malaki sa tunay na taas na tao ay nakatayo sa isang maliit na look. Dito rin makikita ang mabatong hardin na nagpapaalala ng ika-50 anibersayong ng Leyte Landing.

Tuesday Travels#20 Sto. Nino Shrine and Heritage Museum

2011-11-29T23:16:00.000+08:00

The entrance fee took us by surprise. It was P200 per three persons and P30 per camera. Considering that there were four Canon cameras and one Sony digital camera among the four of us, we thought we would just take the photos from outside instead of going inside. The place looks rundown outside and I wondered what happened to the entrance fees that they've been collecting. The place would have been pretty if it had been maintained properly.

According to the locals, Tacloban's Sto. Nino Shrine and Heritage Museum was ordered built by then First Lady Imelda Marcos. It was situated just beside People's Center, another building from the Marcos era.

Here are some facts about the Sto. Nino Shrine and Heritage Museum (source:www.travelmart.net)
Located in Real Street, Tacloban City. Paintings of the 14 stations of the Cross done by Filipino artists, wooden bas-relief of the legend of the First Filipino man-woman (Si Malakas at si Maganda); tastefully decorated guestrooms of varied Filipino motifs; image of the Holy Child; a collection of original paintings by Fernando Amorsolo; spacious ballroom; priceless collector’s items.

Holiday For November 30

2011-11-28T22:35:00.017+08:00

Another holiday is coming up this week and I'm glad because work is getting more hectic as the year is coming to a close. November 30 is Bonifacio Day and it's a national holiday. Thank goodness for that.

Here are some facts about Andres Bonifacio from wikipedia:
Andrés Bonifacio y de Castro (November 30, 1863 – May 10, 1897) was a Filipino nationalist and revolutionary. He was one of a founder and later the supreme leader of the Katipunan movement which sought the independence of the Philippines from Spanish colonial rule and started the Philippine Revolution. He is considered a de facto national hero of the Philippines.Bonifacio is also considered by some Filipino historians to be the first president of the Philippines, but he is not officially recognized as such.

Ruby Tuesday#125 No Stopping

2011-11-27T23:32:00.002+08:00

There is no stopping us even with this sign which was installed at the San Juanico Bridge. We wanted to take photos, lots of it. So, we had no choice but get out of the car hurriedly to take some photos.

San Juanico Bridge has long been considered the longest bridge in the Philippines spanning about 2.16 kilometers from Tacloban, Leyte to Sta. Rita, Samar.

Partner Requirement

2011-11-26T22:56:00.002+08:00

An officemate just broke off with her boyfriend and started talking about how it was hard for her to maintain the long distance relationship with her ex-boyfriend who was a seaman. As our talk with two other lady officemates went along, we started to ask each other's partner requirement.

The one who had just broken up with her boyfriend wanted a guy who looks innocent or what we jokingly called "naive bordering to foolish looking guy", a God-fearing person, hardworking and someone that they can level with and talk to. The other lady wanted somebody who is taller than her, bald-headed, a guy who likes children and a guy that she could talk with any topic she would like to discuss. On the other hand, my partner requirement is a guy that I have the same interests like traveling, photography, movies and just being active. He should be hardworking, kind, a guy that I could talk with anything, somebody who is emotionally available and who will not and cannot take the things about us for granted.

I realized then we all wanted the same thing from a guy..somebody that we could talk with. Surprisingly, sometimes that the hardest thing that we can't find nowadays.

Canon Photoskwela

2011-11-25T23:32:00.000+08:00

Once again, Canon is having the Canon Photoskwela. For photographers, professional or amateur, just go to Activity Center, Abreeza Mall this coming November 27, 2011. The event will start at 10am up to 3pm.

To register, just email star_canon@yahoo.com and indicate your full name, contact details and Canon camera model.

Litratong Pinoy#162/PhotoHunt#159 Handwritten (Sulat Kamay)

2011-11-24T22:59:00.003+08:00

These gift cards are older than me. They were handwritten and they came from the gifts received by my parents during their wedding day. My mother was able to keep them through these years. To preserve the memory of that day better, I decided to scan these gifts cards. I wonder where are the people who gave the gifts that my parents got during that day. I am sure, some of them are gone now.

Pilipino:
Mas matanda pa sa aking ang mga tarhetang ito. Ang mga ito'y naka-sulat kamay pa at ito'y mga tarheta ng mga regalong natanggap ng aking mga magulang noong araw ng kanilang kasal. Naitago pa kasi ng nanay ko ang mga ito at napagdesisyunan kong i-scan para naman mapreserba ang alaala ng araw na iyon. Nasaan na kaya ang mga taong pinanggalingan ng mga regalong natanggap ng mga magulang ko? Siguradong ang iba'y wala na.

Happy Thanksgiving Day!

2011-11-23T23:09:00.001+08:00

Happy Thanksgiving day for my relatives and friends in the US. Anyway, let us not be thankful for this day but every day of our lives considering that each day is a new day of miracle.

For some of my friends and relatives in the US, I am sure some of you are already planning your Black Friday deals in advance. Hopefully, you'll get the best Black Friday deals that you've been eyeing lustily for days hehehehe!

Tuesday Travels#19 San Juanico Bridge

2011-11-22T22:47:00.001+08:00

I can now tick off San Juanico Bridge from my bucket list. Finally, I was able to walk through most of its 2.16 kilometer length with my friends for almost two hours. The weather was crazy that Sunday (November 20) but excitement ruled more as only from the books did I previously see the famous bridge. Rain and sunshine showed off several times the entire two hours that we were there but we were determined to enjoy the view that this majestic bridge could offer. Cameras clicked almost non-stop even if it was raining. Our hired multicab driver drove by us three times going from Tacloban to Samar and back twice before we decided to finish our San Juanico Bridge adventure.

For those who haven't been there, it is a must-visit! The bridge is truly beautiful, rain or shine. Not surprising because it was supposed to be a gift from then President Marcos to his First Lady, Imelda Marcos, who is a native from Leyte.

Here are some facts about San Juanico Bridge from wikipedia:
The San Juanico Bridge, part of the Pan-Philippine Highway, stretches from Samar to Leyte across the San Juanico Strait in the Philippines. Its longest length is a steel girder viaduct built on reinforced concrete piers, and its main span is of an arch-shaped truss design. With a total length of 2.16 kilometers (1.34 mi),[1] it is the longest bridge in the Philippines spanning a body of seawater. It is considered one of the most beautifully-designed bridges in Philippines[2]. The bridge has 43 spans and medium size boats can pass beneath its large main arch the top of which rises 41 meters above the sea.[1] Construction commenced in 1969 over San Juanico Strait from Cabalawan, Tacloban City to the municipality of Santa Rita, Samar, with completion in 1973

Ruby Tuesday#124

2011-11-21T23:33:00.001+08:00

These are part of the flower bouquets sold at the market. I took the photo during All Soul's Day to buy flowers for my father. The prices were too steep during this time but I wonder now how much these flowers cost these days. The florists may be having an early Black Friday sales considering there are no special occasions for the flowers nowadays.

Breaking Dawn And Traveling

2011-11-20T22:53:00.000+08:00

I wish I can watch the latest Twilight movie, Breaking Dawn, today but am on travel once again. I could only read the blog posts about the movie and I think, the movie is keeping to its promise of being a good watch. Anyway, with a hope that there will be some free time to watch the movie on our destination, am reading all I can about the much-anticipated wedding of the year, the Bella Swan-Edward Cullen marriage.

I wish I brought along the book, Breaking Dawn, to read while on travel. In that way, I could revisit the scenes before watching the movie.

PhotoHunt#158 Wet

2011-11-19T22:28:00.000+08:00

Sagada is not only known for its almost mystical rice terraces, very good hiking trails, ancient hanging coffins and limestone cliffs, it is also known for its majestic caves.

The photo was taken inside the beautiful Sumaguing Cave, one of the more well-known caves if not the most popular cave in Sagada. Inside the cave are gigantic stalactites and stalagmites and for those who're planning to visit this cave, expect to get wet when you get inside. Its walls and floors are wet from dripping water and they actually glisten because of the minerals. Below the cave is a small pool for bathing (if one dares to rappel down the pool). The trip was a bit scary but really awesome and really worth it.

This is my entry for PhotoHunt. Go here for more.

Time For The Bucket List

2011-11-18T17:08:00.002+08:00

The movie, The Bucket List, with Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson made me think that indeed life is too short to be unhappy and miserable or life is just too short to let yourself chained to somebody or something that makes you sad and miserable most of the time. So, I made a promise to strive to always be happy, do good and make a bucket list for myself but somehow I got lost into the daily grind of the corporate world but recent changes in life, the death of my father and the loss of someone I truly hold dear made me face the future unpleasantly and with much wariness.

It would be easy to curl into a ball and lull myself to sleep to forget the grief and the heartbreak but reality always kick me hard back to wakefulness. One time while staring into space, the bucket list came back into my memory. Slowly, I started to write down one thing that I wanted to do on a small piece of paper and then, I wrote another and another. Now, I have more than ten small pieces of paper gathered on small plastic rectangular box waiting to be discovered and to be enjoyed.

Just like in the movie, my bucket list would have been much more fun and life-changing if it is being shared with somebody. I would have loved to have someone go with me on my adventures from my bucket list but since I don’t have one now, I’ll just do it alone or whoever would come along interested enough to go with me.

Litratong Pinoy#161 Basahan (Rag)

2011-11-17T00:01:00.000+08:00

It is not easy being too kind and too giving sometimes. You're only given attention if you're only needed like these rags. They were hanged there by our neighbor outside. Rain and sun came and went on them and they even got dirtier but they were always there. They can only get out of there when they are needed.

Mahirap pala ang sobrang mabait at mapagbigay minsan. Naalala lang kung kailangan ka na gaya nalang nitong mga basahang ito. Isinampay lang ng aming kapitbahay sa labasan. Naulanan, naarawan at nadumihan, andyan sila palagi. Kinukuha lang pag ginagamit na.

Tuesday Travels#18 Agong House, Kapatagan

2011-11-16T23:43:00.000+08:00

It is an hour away from Digos City proper and considered a part of Sitio Kapatagan. Standing on the slopes of Mt. Apo, Agong house showcases well-known Davao artist, Kublai Millan's designs and sculptures. Agong house has become a popular tourist destination among locals especially when it was known that the owner allows visitors to see his vacation house.

Shaped like an agong which is a musical instrument used by the Muslims and the indigenous people from the southern part of the Philippines, the house is a masterpiece in itself. The garden is also quite an art piece too with a breathtaking view of the Mt. Apo and surrounding mountain range.

Ruby Tuesday#123 Mr. Sho-Li Ballpen

2011-11-15T00:05:00.001+08:00

I call him Mr. Sho-li, the funny Chinese guy from a comedy show when I was just a kid. Mr. Sho-Li started as a character in a TV commercial about Chinese soup years ago. He became too popular that a spin-off comedy TV show was created for him. I loved watching that show.

Mr. Sho-Li is a ballpen given to me by a friend. She saw me throwing covetous glances towards Mr. Sho-Li and his friends who were standing on her ballpen stand. She made me choose and I picked him. He's my favorite among the bunch.

What Should I Do To Marry A Rich Guy?

2011-11-14T05:04:00.002+08:00

I found this from Facebook and not sure who originated this one but it has a good lesson to be learned so I thought I'd share this here..

"A Reply From CEO of J.P. Morgan To A Pretty Girl Seeking A Rich Husband".. !

A young 'n pretty lady posted this on a popular forum:

... ----------------------------------------------------
Title: What Should I do to Marry A Rich Guy?
----------------------------------------------------

I'm going to be honest of what I'm going to say here. I'm 25 this year. I'm very pretty, have style 'n good taste. I wish to marry a guy with $500k annual salary or above.

You might say that I'm greedy, but an annual salary of $1M is considered only as middle class in New York.

My requirement is not high. Is there anyone in this forum who has an income of $500k annual salary? Are you all married?

I wanted to ask: what should I do to marry rich persons like you?

Among those I've dated, the richest is $250k annual income,'n it seems that this is my upper limit.

If someone is going to move into high cost residential area on the west of New York City Garden(?), $250k annual income is not enough.

I'm here humbly to ask a few questions:
1) Where do most rich bachelors hang out? (Please list down the names 'n addresses of bars, restaurant, gym)
2) Which age group should I target?
3) Why most wives of the riches are only average-looking? I've met a few girls who don't have looks 'n are not interesting, but they are able to marry rich guys.
4) How do you decide who can be your wife, 'n who can only be your girlfriend? (my target now is to get married)

Ms. Pretty

A Philosophical reply from CEO of J.P. Morgan:

Dear Ms. Pretty,
I have read your post with great interest. Guess there are lots of girls out there who have similar questions like yours. Please allow me to analyse your situation as a professional investor.

My annual income is more than $500k, which meets your requirement, so I hope
everyone believes that I'm not wasting time here.

From the standpoint of a business person, it is a bad decision to marry you. The answer is very simple, so let me explain.

Put the details aside, what you're trying to do is an exchange of "beauty" 'n "money" : Person A provides beauty,'n Person B pays for it, fair 'n square.

However, there's a deadly problem here, your beauty will fade, but my money will not be gone without any good reason. The fact is, my income might increase from year to year, but you can't be prettier year after year.

Hence from the viewpoint of economics, I am an appreciation asset, 'n you are a depreciation asset. It's not just normal depreciation, but exponential depreciation. If that is your only asset, your value will be much worse 10 years later.

By the terms we use in Wall Street, every trading has a position, dating with you is also a "trading position".
If the trade value dropped we will sell it 'n it is not a good idea to keep it for long term - same goes with the marriage that you wanted. It might be cruel to say this, but in order to make a wiser decision any assets with great depreciation value will be sold or "leased".

Anyone with over $500k annual income is not a fool; we would only date you, but will not marry you. I would advice that you forget looking for any clues to marry a rich guy. 'n by the way, you could make yourself to become a rich person with $500k annual income.This has better chance than finding a rich fool.

Hope this reply helps. If you are interested in "leasing" services, do contact me.

signed,
J.P. Morgan CEO...

Sunday Stealing#105

2011-11-13T15:40:00.000+08:00

Today we ripped off a blogger named Tense Teacher from the blog Tense for a Reason. It's long so we'll do it in two parts. She stole it from The Coffee Table. But, it was probably stolen there as well. So, of course, that will be as far as we go. Tracing back our theft's thieves might take some time. Take the time to comment on other player's posts. It's a great way to make new friends! Link back to us at Sunday Stealing!

Sunday Stealing: The Madness Meme, Part 2

Cheers to all of us thieves!

23. Do you ever walk around the house naked? Half-naked, yes.

24. If you were an animal what would you be? Why? Cat. Because I can be independent, aloof and also knows how to have fun.

25. Hair color you like on someone you’re dating? Natural black color.

26. If suffering an injury, would you rather be left blind or deaf? Neither. I'd rather have all my facilities intact.

27. Do you have any special talents? Hmm..I can speed read.

28. What do you do as soon as you walk in the house? Check who's home already and check if there's something amiss.

29. Do you like horror or comedy? Comedy is much preferred.

30. Are you missing anyone? Yes.

31. Where do you want to live when you are old? Same city preferably with my own garden.

32. Who is the person you can count on the most? My mother.

33. If you could date any celebrity past or present, who would it be? Hugh Jackman.

34. What did you dream last night? I didn't dream of anything.

35. What is your favorite sport to watch? Tennis, mostly.

36. Are you named after anyone? Yes, St. Therese.

37. What is your favorite alcoholic drink? None.

38. Non alcoholic drink? Coke or rootbeer.

39. Have you ever been in love? Yes.

40. Do you sing in the shower? Sometimes.

41. Have you ever been arrested? God forbid, no.

42. What is your favorite Holiday? Kadayawan festival holiday which happens every 3rd week of August.

43. Would you ever get plastic surgery? I don't think so.

44. Have you ever caught a fish? Yes.

PhotoHunt#157 Two

2011-11-12T14:57:00.001+08:00

There was just one hanging bamboo bridge in Brgy. San Miguel, Bohol the first time I went there years ago to try it. Back then, only the locals and the curious cross the bridge that span part of Loboc River. But this has changed because early this year, I went back with my mother and was surprised to see that they've added another hanging bamboo bridge and that makes two hanging bamboo bridges. They are wider than the old one. For tourists, crossing the hanging bamboo bridge costs P10 per person.

Easier to watch the people crossing the bridge but actually, a bit difficult to actually do it especially if there's rain. The bamboo can be slippery and the swaying can make one dizzy. Still, it's fun!

This is my entry for PhotoHunt. Go here for more.

Seize The Moment!

2011-11-11T23:49:00.001+08:00

The doctor told me that the disorientation that I have been intermittently feeling sometimes was caused by some sort of anxiety problems.

About to deny the diagnosis, I took stock of what I have been doing since the past few months. I have been busy with work, mostly. I traveled with my mother. Photography gained my attention and learning a new hobby was exciting. I tried starting my journal again but only put in a few pages and forgot all about it afterwards. Outwardly, I could've looked quite busy but at the back of my mind, I can hear my brain cells whirring and worrying about the household bills, the loans I took up when my father was hospitalized, my mother's health and advancing age, a relationship that should have moved on but cannot and at the same time, some small part of me also started worrying about my health and age, my status of why am I not married yet when in fact, I chose not to. Add to that, there are still moments that I mourn and miss my father and so on and so forth. I realized then, that yes, am having some anxiety problems. Not very visible because I have an active life which is quite a help but still, they are there.

I know now how it is to start growing old or how it is to start approaching middle age. Not there yet but getting there for me. With that thought, I promise to just seize the moment and be happy with what I have. If I can't, I need to pray more for the strength to just move on. C'est la vie! Seize the moment!

Was It Real For Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries

2011-11-10T23:31:00.002+08:00

I must admit I find Kim Kardashian unreal even if she is being called the reality TV mogul by some people. I caught the Kardashian curiosity after reading the news about her $2 million engagement ring or was the engagement ring? Given the shell life of Hollywood marriages, I got curious enough to follow the Kardashians on their reality TV show to see the guy who dared to buy the expensive ring.

Kris Humphries seems a nice guy and for a guy who bought that $2 million wedding ring for his bride, he must have really believed in what they had and thought that their Hollywood marriage could be different from the others. Sadly, celebrity life took a toll on their marriage and it only lasted for 72 days. I wonder, was it real for the two given the short span of their marriage?

Litratong Pinoy#160 Gulong (Wheel)

2011-11-09T23:18:00.002+08:00

The Singapore Flyer is a ginormous ferris wheel located at the Marina Bay, Singapore. It is 42 stories high and is considered the tallest ferris wheel in the world. It takes about 30 minutes for the ferris wheel to complete its turn. The Singapore Flyer was built for three years and has the best views of Singapore and neighboring islands. There are restaurants and souvenir shops below the Singapore Flyer for the visitors.

Pilipino:
Ang Singapore flyer ay isang napakalaking ruweda na makikita sa Marina Bay, bansang Singapura. Ang taas nito ay apatnapung palapag at sinasabing pinakamataas na ruweda sa buong mundo. May mga tatlumpung minuto para makumpleto ang ikot ng ruweda. Ang Singapore Flyer ay ginawa sa loob ng tatlong taon at may pinakamagandang tanawin ng Singapore at mga karatig isla. May mga kainan at tindahan ng mga "souvenirs" sa ilalim ng Singapore Flyer para mga bisita.

Ruby Tuesday#122 Red Chrysanthemum

2011-11-08T21:17:00.003+08:00

We had a long weekend holiday to commemorate All Soul's Day. Aside from the required cemetery visits, I did some cleaning around the house. Tired and bored, I decided to take photos of the flowers that we were to bring to the cemetery. We had different colors of chrysanthemums, baby's breath, roses and a decorative plant that even the florists did not know its real name. Anyway, here is one of the chrysanthemums that I did some macro shots on.

This is my entry for:

Go here to see more.

Tuesday Travels#17 Bukidnon's Overview Park

2011-11-07T14:16:00.001+08:00

Overview Park's helipad

The Overview Park is located Brgy. Palacapao, Quezon, Bukidnon. A project of Department of Public Works & Highways, it features several statues done by Davao sculptor, Kublai Millan. The statues of the tribal people of Bukidnon were scattered all over the park. The park itself is has a very good view of the municipality of Quezon and its surrounding areas.

This is my entry for:

Driving Safely With Honda HIDs

2011-11-06T20:31:00.004+08:00

Despite the fact that the Honda is one of the most beloved of all contemporary cars, it is consistently at the center of innovative additions. The newest trend that has developed over the past few years is Honda HIDs. These are specialized lighting systems that give an intense light, enabling the driver to see well beyond what a standard halogen can do. HID, or high-intensity discharge, is a headlight created to have a wider and extended reach to give a better viewing space during night time driving. This is created by heating a special inert gas called xenon.

Honda HIDs are not only a beautiful and effective addition to your vehicle, they are also simple to install and only need an additional ballast mounted in a safe and secure place. The ballast is utilized to change the 12v DC power output of your car to a rate that can heat the xenon gas that your vehicle could not otherwise do.

Along with the Honda HIDs there are also the increasingly popular LED lights that can add a substantial benefit to your automobile. These are bulbs that are highly energy efficient, long lasting, and due to the reduced manufacturing costs they are now inexpensive. Together, combined with the HIDs, these two lights create a nearly magical bluish white glow.

As you consider purchasing Honda HIDs take a moment to think about what its full benefit can be. These are not simply attractive lights that will add style to your Honda, but they are also capable of protecting you and your loved ones. If you consider that nearly 90% of what we judge as important information used in driving comes from what we can see, the idea of driving with limited sight because of an inferior halogen lighting system seems crazy. In addition to this, the fact that there are a smaller amount of other drivers on the road during the night time hours does not seem to help. According to statistics there are 60% fewer drivers at night, yet 40% of those injured during night time accidents result in death.

The fact remains that even though these are wonderful looking lights that add prestige to any car, it is an added bonus that they can be an assisting tool for survival.

Sunday Stealing#104 The Madness Meme Part I

2011-11-06T13:49:00.000+08:00

Sunday Stealing: The Madness Meme, Part 1

Cheers to all of us thieves!

1. Have you ever licked the back of a CD to try to get it to work? Nope. Does it work at all?

2. What’s the largest age difference between yourself and someone you’ve dated? 11 years.

3. Ever been in a car wreck? Nope, thank goodness.

4. Were you popular in high school? A bit, I was a choir member so our group was always part of our school's activities.

5. Have you ever been on a blind date? Almost but never.

6. Are looks important? Not entirely, character is more important.

7. Do you have any friends that you’ve known for 10 years or more? I have some.

8. By what age would you like to be married? It should've been in my 30s.

9. Does the number of people a person’s slept with affect your view of them? Not really.

10. Have you ever made a mistake? Yes, we all do.

11. Are you a good tipper? Sometimes.

12. What’s the most you have spent for a haircut? P250.00 with blowdry and shampoo.

13. Have you ever had a crush on a teacher? Nope..

14. Have you ever peed in public? Never tried that.

15. What song do you want played at your funeral? Haven't thought of that yet.

16. Would you tell your parents if you were gay? I think so.

17. What would your last meal be before getting executed? All my favorite food and the dessert should be durian.

18. Beatles or Stones? Both.

19. If you had to pick one person on earth to die, who would it be? I can't do that.

20. Beer, wine or hard liquor? Wine.

21. Do you have any phobias? None.

22. What are your plans for the future? I am thinking of taking up graduate studies or some business or entrepreneurship seminars.

PhotoHunt#156 Light

2011-11-05T21:56:00.001+08:00

I've attended the wedding photography workshop a few months back. It was fun, exciting and I've really learned a lot from it. A teacher of photography once said, photography is knowing how to use light to your advantage by making good use of it to produce a good photograph. Well, I tried it on these pair of rings by doing a macro shot of them.

I used my Canon DSLR 550D for the photos. So far, this camera has made my photography journey fun and quite a learning experience for me.

November 7 Is A Holiday

2011-11-04T23:20:00.000+08:00

Once again, we have a long weekend this week because November 7, Monday, is a holiday. In celebration of the Eid'l Adha or the “Festival of Sacrifice” for the Muslims.

I hope I can do some local travel in a nearby town, preferably Lake Sebu but nothing's confirmed yet because all my travel companion-friends are busy with their own schedules. Anyway, speaking of travel, Cebu Pacific Air promo just came out tonight. Local travels from Cebu to Davao, Cagayan de Oro, Boracay, Clark, Bacolod, Butuan, Dipolog and Dumaguete is only 0.88 while international flights Manila to Kota Kinabalu, Brunei, and Ho Chi Minh is only P888. Sale period is up to November 7, 2011 and travel period is on January 1 to March 31, 2012. Go to www.cebupacificair.com for more details.

Curious With Kardashians

2011-11-03T12:04:00.001+08:00

I just had to laugh and then, cluck in wonder. I was just starting to watch the Kim Kardashian-Kris Humphries wedding on cable TV this week and the news broke about their divorce broke. What?? That was short of a multi-million dollar wedding!

My curiosity and boredom with TV shows took over a few weeks ago. So, I started watching Kim and Kourtney Take New York. What with the Kardashians being always visible on TV and internet that even if I don't care much about reality shows, I took a few minutes to watch this family go about their celebrity lives. For awhile, it was interesting watching them living a somewhat charmed life but I got bored with all of it because reality shows (except The Amazing Race) really bore me to the bones, with or without celebrities on it. Then, I decided to watch the much-anticipated Kim Kardashian-Kris Humphries wedding on TV just because I want to see Kim in her wedding gown by Vera Wang. Well, it seems that the wedding was just for the show and money because just after more than two months, the marriage is now in crumbles. What happened to for better or for worse, till death do us part thing?

Litratong Pinoy#159 Sementeryo (Cemetery)

2011-11-02T23:05:00.002+08:00

Every All Soul's Day, our family visits 3 cemeteries. This is why we really try to prepare early to avoid the magnitude of people visiting the cemeteries. The Chinese cemetery may not be as big as the other cemeteries that we visit but its traffic flow is better, and there are stores that clog the streets. This make our All Soul's Day much better.

Pilipino:
Tuwing Araw ng Patay, tatlong sementeryo ang pinupuntahan ng aming pamilya. Kaya't maaga pa ay nagkukumahog na kaming naghahanda para hindi abutan ng sobrang dami ng tao. Sa sementeryo ng mga Tsinoy, hindi man kalakihan kaysa sa ibang sementeryo na pinupuntahan namin ay mas maayos ang daloy ng mga sasakyan at limitado rin ang mga tindahang nagpapasikip sa mga daanan kaya mas maayos ang takbo ng aming Undas.

Tuesday Travels#16 El Nido, Palawan

2011-11-01T23:24:00.001+08:00

Palawan is my most favorite place in the world. It's not home but I consider it paradise. Nowadays, Palawan is beset of abuse from man. News about mining, illegal fishing and more abuses have been destroying the place that is considered the last frontier of the Philippines. I am praying and hoping that these culprits be brought to justice and their evil deeds be stopped before the place a lot of people call paradise will turn into something ugly.

The photo was taken while we were doing our island hopping at Bacuit Bay, El Nido, Palawan.

This is my entry for:

Ruby Tuesday#121 Red Mickey Mouse

2011-10-31T07:35:00.015+08:00

I think, people wearing Halloween costumes is increasing every year. Not that I am against with it, it's just that it gets me wondering if people are actually missing the real sense of Halloween, the paying of respects to our dead.

Anyway, I saw this Red Mickey Mouse on the stands of Gonuts Donuts. They just opened a new branch in Abreeza Mall. I didn't try this one though but instead opted for their ube-flavored donuts. Yummy but too sweet for me.

This is my entry for:

Go here to see more.

Sunday Stealing#103

2011-10-30T14:28:00.001+08:00

So we are asking you to join us starting Wednesday. We know it's a long way to Hump Day and Jennifer's next W.T.F. Meme on Wednesday. So if you like these questions, write a note to join us starting on this Wednesday! We have nothing to do with her meme, other than enjoying participating in it. So I was happy when she gave me her permission to promote the blog in search of players. Take the time to comment on other player's posts. It's a great way to make new friends! Link back to us at Sunday Stealing!

Sunday Stealing: The W.T.F. Meme

Cheers to all of us thieves!

1. One of my favorite TV shows recently changed the actors who played two characters. Have you ever been bothered by a TV show or movie series changing actors who play a character you love?
I used to get bothered when I was younger but as I grow older, I learn that things really change for better or for worse.

2. A coworker recently shared a link to a blog listing the "five things you should know before dating a journalist." As a journalist, I can honestly say the writer was spot-on. What are some things people should know before spending time with you?
Hmm..that I like to be active and spending time together doing something is better for me most of the time than just staring at the world spinning around, that I don't like watching TV too much, and I still like Andre Agassi after all these years.

3. What is something you often do without realizing that you're doing it?
Lately, I've been promising myself that I'd sleep early but I still end up sleeping very late.

4. Who has the capacity to make you angrier than anyone else in your life, and what in particular does he or she do to make you so angry?
Nowadays, my nieces. They are at the stage where they like to test any adult's patience to the max.

5. If a fairy waved a magic wand and gave you the house of your dreams, where would it be and what features would it have?
My dream house would be on a hilltop overlooking my city and/or a body of water. It should have very good security (CCTV, motion detectors and the works), a garden and it should be located where it is easily accessible to essential amenities.

6. What’s a belief that you hold with which many people disagree?
I believe that there's a limit in financially helping somebody especially relatives if they are not helping themselves. My mother and brother and some relatives don't believe in that.

7. I used to talk in my sleep. In fact, I could carry on a conversation with someone when I was fully asleep, and my mom used this fact when I was a teenager to find out if I did anything wrong and was hiding it from my parents. If you were talking your sleep tonight, what do you think you would say?

8. The fourth installment of the "Twilight" movie series ("Breaking Dawn Part I") will be released in theaters soon. Movie theaters started selling advance tickets for midnight showings months ago. Have you ever attended a midnight premiere showing of a movie?
Yes, years ago but I've forgotten the title of the movie. Although I'm looking forward to the latest installment of the Twilight movies, I'd rather go to the regular showing.

9. On Tuesday, tigers, lions and bears were let loose in Zanesville, Ohio, by their owner before he committed suicide, leading to a hunt in which 49 of the animals, including 18 endangered Bengal tigers, were killed. How would you react if you saw "Caution exotic animals. Stay in your vehicle" being displayed on a road sign?
Heck, follow the sign. I still believe that they should've tried drugging the animals than killing them.

10. If a company opened a theme park aimed at adults, what would you name one of the rides?
Stress shout-out ride.

11. Imagine you just moved onto Sesame Street. Which puppet would you want as your new roommate?
Big Bird.

12. Have you ever had a weird crush on a famous person that didn't make sense to you?
Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise. Both famous and married and I still have a crush on both of them. That's nonsense.

13. If you get ten minutes to interview any celebrity of your choice, who would you like it to be?

Lady Gaga or Barack Obama.

14. You've just won the complete DVD collection of all the movies starring one actor or actress. Which actor/actress would you pick?
Tom Cruise. He's had some really good movies.

15. Actor George Clooney recently told People Magazine that he doesn't use Twitter "because I will drink in the evening and I don't want anything that I could possibly write at midnight to actually end my career." What is something you've said through social media and then regretted it?
So far, I haven't regretted anything yet but George Clooney is wise with his decision.

16. VH1 has re-introduced its hit show "Pop-Up Video," which gives behind-the-scenes facts for popular music videos. What musician would you be most interested in learning behind-the-scenes facts about?

Too many but I'll mention the top three: Michael Jackson, Beyonce, Madonna.

17. If you stumbled across someone's personal written journal that was accidentally left in a public place, would you read any of the content?
I might browse a bit but not read them all.

18. What is the title of a self-help book that you'd never want to see on a store bookshelf?
There are too many self-help books out there that should've not been there. So, I can't of one that I would not want to see on a bookshelf because likely, it'll be there or on the internet.

19. Many media outlets have been asking this question a lot this week... Which Halloween costume do you think will be overdone this year?
The witch, the vampire and the skeleton.

20. Should a marriage license have a renewal date or expiration date, like a driver’s license?
This has been the subject of debate a few months back when a politician suggested the marriage license renewal. I personally agree on it.

PhotoHunt#155 Broken

2011-10-29T23:53:00.000+08:00

I thought this cone-like chandelier was made of broken glasses. To satisfy my curiosity, I took closer shots and found out that the chandelier was actually made of feather-shaped glasses stuck together to shape like a cone. The chandelier was inside one of the function rooms of a well-known hotel in our city.

This is my entry for PhotoHunt. Go here for more.

Early For Halloween Costume Party

2011-10-28T23:11:00.025+08:00

A former officemate came in today wearing an all-black attire, high heel wedge and with a fully made-up face and dark shady eyes. She looked all set for a party and it was only late afternoon when she came in. What completed her attire was she was carrying a scythe. It was a plastic one but it actually completed her early Halloween costume.

She told us that her co-passengers in the jeepney she rode on our way to the office also made fun of her. She said that the driver said she looked scary enough even in broad daylight. Anyway, she brought along with the scythe her godson's Halloween costume. Apparently, the boy was afraid of scary Halloween costumes that her mother and godmother decided to buy him one so he can wear them for the Halloween party that night to enlighten him that those costumes are really unreal and made-up.

Litratong Pinoy#158 Matamis (Sweet)

2011-10-27T22:42:00.005+08:00

Sigh..how enviable! The sweet smiles and the sticky stares. Instead of continuing to get envious, I chose to just look at them behind my Canon camera and just shoot their photos along with my photographer-companions.

Pilipino:
Hay!! kainggit! Ang matatamis na ngitian at malalagkit na titigan. Kaysa naman patuloy sa katitingin at mainggit sa kanila, tinitigan ko nalang sila sa likod ng aking Canon camera at sumabay nalang ako sa paglilitrato sa mga litratistang kasama ko.

Tuesday Travels#15 Lamdag Dabaw: Davao City's Pasko Fiesta

2011-10-26T22:59:00.000+08:00

Davao City's Pasko Fiesta started just last year. It was a one week celebration and was held a few days before Christmas. One of its highlights is the Lamdag Dabaw or the Lights Festival. It was held in the evening and the one in the photo was one of the participants.

This is my entry for:

Steve Jobs Biography

2011-10-26T00:38:00.002+08:00

I was browsing through some books at National Bookstore tonight. I wanted to buy some marketing books as well as Photoshop books or even magazines but what caught my attention was the books about Steve Jobs. The famous icon was known for his privacy but of course, that did not stop people from doing the Steve Jobs biography books, unauthorized or not. I wanted to browse through the authorized biography book by Walter Isaacson. Unfortunately, the said book is still not available. Perhaps, I could get a copy of it this coming Christmas. Paging...someone, anyone! This book is on my Christmas wishlist!

Ruby Tuesday#120 Banaue Rice Terraces

2011-10-25T23:28:00.001+08:00

This is part of the Banaue Rice Terraces. One of Philippines' UNESCO Heritage site. I first visited the terraces more or less a decade ago. Last year, I went back. A lot of the terraces were left untended now and some had structures that should've not been there all in the name of tourism.

This is my entry for:

Go here to see more.

I Won A Giveaway!

2011-10-24T22:28:00.001+08:00

And I thought I won't ever win any giveaways nowadays but here comes Sexy Nomad with her Reader's Digest and apparel giveaways. Lady luck sure knows when to make me smile. It's Monday and I am feeling like I've been been steamrolled for a week due to such busy workload. No thanks to some family issues too. So, thank you for making me smile, Sexy Nomad. It's good to find another book lover like you. I'll send you thru email my details. :D

PLDT DSL Is Down

2011-10-23T22:38:00.004+08:00

Since Friday this week until today, Sunday, PLDT DSL is inaccessible. I've called their technical service several times and they've been answering the same line "We are working on it." I won't fuss if it's not making a mess of my work schedule at home but dear me, they are making a real mess! Three days without internet?? Come on!

Thank goodness that I realized I had Smart Broadband tucked somewhere in my bedroom. I made an impromptu general cleaning and found my Smart broadband. It was a bit slow but it's a blessing that it's working while PLDT DSL is somewhere floating in another galaxy. Hopefully, it'll return to Earth soon.

Litratong Pinoy#157 Mapait (Bitter)

2011-10-20T23:43:00.000+08:00

Bitter life was what this family was experiencing while they were waiting for alms at the pier.

Pilipino:
Mapait na buhay ang tinatamasa ng isang mag-anak na ito na naghihintay ng limos sa may pantalan.

Social Security Increase

2011-10-19T23:07:00.000+08:00

My heart flipped when I read the news title on Social Security Increase while surfing the net tonight. Thinking it was applicable to my mother’s social security monthly pension which comes every month after my father’s death, I thought I will be having some good news for her. Until, I read through that the Social Security Increase on the news is actually only applicable those in the United States.

According to the news, after 2 years without increase in benefits the Social Security cost of living allowance benefit shall be given to its beneficiaries but only those qualified citizens of United States of America. That’s no good news for my mother.

CPA Board Exam 2011 Results

2011-10-18T22:47:00.015+08:00

The CPA Board Exam 2011 results came out just past this weekend and I did not even know until now. Congratulations to all those who passed.

My father used to say that he would've wanted me to become a CPA but it was never part of my plan. I made a deal with him back then. I'll do my graduate studies in lieu of passing the CPA board exam. Thankfully, I kept that promise long before he died. I still have something to do though that I should have done before he died but I need to keep working on it and stay focused considering I am quite busy nowadays.

In the meantime, I wonder if my mother can finally qualify to get exempted from getting the Real Estate Board Exam 2012. She has been a real estate salesperson for more than a decade now.

Ruby Tuesday#119 Colorful Floor

2011-10-17T23:14:00.000+08:00

These may look like the New York Times Square advertisements but no, they are not building facades nor they are walls. They are colorful tarpaulins and they are on the floors. I took my time walking on them as what other people did. This was taken during a trade exhibit early this year.

This is my entry for:

Go here to see more.

Sunday Stealing#102 The Questions Galore Meme Part 2

2011-10-16T16:41:00.000+08:00

Today we ripped off a blogger named Jenni from the blog Juniper's Jungle. It's long, so we will do it in parts. She states that she found this meme Budgies blog. But, it was probably stolen there as well. So, of course, that will be as far as we go. Tracing back our theft's thieves might take some time. Take the time to comment on other player's posts. It's a great way to make new friends! Link back to us at Sunday Stealing!

Sunday Stealing: The Questions Galore Meme, Part 2

Cheers to all of us thieves!

21. What was the last song you listened to that wasn’t sung in English?

22. One of our SS players generally leaves a critical comment on our memes. Which is fine. All's fair. Do you let meme authors know when you hate their memes?
No, I don't. What for?

23. What TV show would you like to be on?
So You Think You Can Dance or Dancing With the Stars

24. What was the last video game you played?
It has been years but am curious of Angry Birds which is quite popular nowadays.

25. Have you ever been in a musical? If yes, do tell.
Almost but never.

26. Do you follow your own style or everyone else’s?
Just about anything.

27. What’s the last store you bought from?
SM Davao Mall.

28. In retrospect, have you ever let a person use you a lot?
Nope.

29. What are you doing two days from now?
Probably, working.

30. Did you ever believe there were monsters in your closet?
When I was a kid, yes.

31. When you graduated high school, did you let random people sign your yearbook or just close friends?
Actually, I didn't let anybody sign mine.

32. Would you consider adopting a child that had a mental illness?
I don't think so. It'll be hard financially for me considering am already a breadwinner.

33. Does thinking about death scare you?
Sometimes, I do.

34. If you died, do you believe that you go to Heaven or Hell and where would your spirit go?
Am hoping for Heaven.

35. Who did you last write a snail mail letter to and why?
A client to answer his query.

36. Do you care what people say or think about you?
Generally, I don't.

37. Have you ever been threatened?
Yes, by a client who was annoyed that his house was about to get foreclosed.

38. Which side of your family do you get most of your qualities from?
More on mother side.

39. What was the last thing with alcohol that you drank?
Hm...can't recall.

40. Have you ever kept a relationship a secret?
Yes, I did. I wish it didn't have to be that way.

Twilight Run

2011-10-16T00:05:00.000+08:00

Nope, I am not planning to run with Edward Cullen through the forest with my long hair trailing tantalizing behind me although it’s the thought is quite nice if it could happen for real. But actually a friend convinced me to do the Twilight Run on October 30, 2011, Sunday at 6pm. Assembly area is at the SM City Davao Parking Area.

Touted as the Davao City’s first Halloween party night run, it is a concept party fun run to gather groups, family and friends for a fun night with a Halloween party and fair, treat or treat, mall parade, live music performances and even with fire dancers.

Registration fee for the 5-kilometer run is P300, P500. For kids at 10 years old and below, a 500m Halloween Costume walk inclusive of loot bag, snacks, bib number, event passport and limited edition Twilight Run medallion.

Registration period is from September 29, 2011 to October 2011.

Registration Sites are:
Sports Depot, JP Laurel Ave., Davao City with telephone number 2213376.
Runclub, Plaza del Carmen, Loyola St., Bo. Obrero, Davao City with telephone number 2228786
SM City Davao, 2nd flr., Event Center, Ecoland, Davao City

For more inquiries call or text 09323897486/09177101313/09183434643

PhotoHunt#154 Public

2011-10-15T01:06:00.000+08:00

Traditionallyl, marrying in the Philippines is a public event. It means, it is always expected that the couple will invite every one from his and her parents and relatives, friends, officemates, groupmates, even acquaintances. This is why when couples plan to marry, their actual wedding expenses almost always overshoot the budget. Thankfully though, things are changing. Younger generation are more choosy on whom to invite, where to wed and where to hold their wedding reception. It's more practical.

In this photo, kids were waiting to catch some coins and candies from the hanging basket as the newly-wed couple started to open it.

No Holiday On November 2

2011-10-14T23:55:00.000+08:00

Time flies really supersonic fast nowadays. My birthday’s just around the corner and nowadays, I keep forgetting my age and birthday more and more until somebody would like to make me feel down and remind me how old I am on this earth. Actually, they just wanted me to remind that they are waiting for their blow-out.

Anyway, it seems it was not too long ago that we made a beeline to the cemetery to visit our dead. Here it is now, just less than a month to go. No wonder, candles are fast disappearing from the store stalls and the flowers I usually buy cheap from the market are starting to get expensive.

November 2 being the actual All Soul’s Day is a Wednesday for this year. But because October 31 on Monday is sandwiched between the weekend and November 1 holiday, Malacanang declared November 2 as non-holiday. Well, it seems that plans for Undas are going to be adjusted. I would prefer to do visit my father and other relatives on the weekend to avoid the throng of visitors in the cemetery.

Litratong Pinoy#157 Maasim (Sour)

2011-10-13T23:45:00.000+08:00

Each time we go to Ah-Fat Seafoods Plaza, Sweet n Sour Lapu-lapu is one of our constant orders. Truly delicious and it has this combination of sourness and sweetness.

Ah-Fat Seafoods Plaza is one of the more popular Chinese restaurant in our city. The food is quite good and the price is just right.

Pilipino:
Tuwing punta ng Ah-Fat Seafoods Plaza, hindi nawawala ang ulam na Sweet n Sour Lapu-lapu, sa mga inoorder. Ang sarap kasi at maasim-asim na manamis-namis pa!

Ang Ah-Fat Seafoods Plaza ay isa sa mga sikat na kainang Tsino sa aming lungsod. Masasarap ang pagkain at tama lang ang presyo.

Tuesday Travels#14 Pahiyas Festival: Festival I Want To Go To

2011-10-11T23:21:00.001+08:00

Like most Filipinos, I love festivals. We all know that Filipinos to celebrate. The fiestas are the colorful proof for our penchant for celebration. It's no wonder that almost every barangay celebrate their own fiestas.

My favorite festival is of course our city's very own Kadayawan Festival which is usually held every 3rd week of August. The festival started as a celebration by the indigenous people of Davao during the harvest season. It evolved into a celebration for the indigenous people. During this time, indigenous people converge in our city along with the locals and tourists to celebrate.

Here is a photo of one of the participants in the Kadayawan festival's Indak-indak sa Kadalanan (streetdancing) contest.

For the Philippine festival that I really want to go to, it is the Pahiyas Festival in Quezon Province. Some facts about the Pahiyas festival are here..

(source: http://www.pahiyasfestival.com/home/about-the-pahiyas.html)
The San Isidro Pahiyas Festival held every May 15 has become one of the country's tourist attractions prompting the Department of Tourism to list down Lucban as a tourist town and a cultural heritage site.

The most traditional and certainly the most attractive décor comes of course in the form of "KIPING" which are adorn and strung together to form all sorts of shapes, from chandelier called "ARANGYA" to huge flowers. Kiping is made from ground rice flour, shaped using "cabal" leaves or other leaf forms and colored in radiant red, fuschia, yellow, green and other bright shades. When kiping catches the light of the sun it turns into a veritable cascades of color.

The celebration is a form of thanksgiving for a bountiful harvest and in honor of the patron saint of farmers, San Isidro de Labrador. A procession of the image of San Isidro is planned long before the festival and it is said that houses along the route of the procession passes will be especially favored and blessed in the coming year. It is from this belief that the lavish decoration of the home began.

Ruby Tuesday#118 Colorful M&M's

2011-10-10T22:49:00.001+08:00

I saw these colorful M&M's in a canister atop a counter of an ice cream store in Abreeza Mall, Davao. The store was painted all-white and these colorful chocolate candies stand-out from the all-white space.

This is my entry for:

Go here to see more.

Weekend Blog Follower Caravan#25

2011-10-09T20:12:00.001+08:00

This is actually my second time to do this caravan but it is the caravan's 25th. So.. anyway, here are the rules for those who might like to join.

GOOGLE FRIEND CONNECT!
This week’s task are the following:
1. Make a blog post with our WBFC Badge to welcome all our participants. Make sure your blog post has links to this week’s sponsors: Techie She and GEORYL: Welcome to Our World.
2. Submit your blog post to our linky tool here. Not your homepage URL.
3. Visit other participating blogs and leave a comment at our fellow participants’ welcome post that you have followed them thru Google Friend Connect.
4. Again, follow all participants thru Google Friend Connect!!
5. Please a leave a comment here if you have done so.

Same rule applies. One blog per blogger per WBFC account. If you have three blogs, you need to triple the effort.

Sunday Stealing#101

2011-10-09T08:14:00.000+08:00

Today we ripped off a blogger named Jenni from the blog Juniper's Jungle. It's long, so we will do it in parts. She states that she found this meme Budgies blog. But, it was probably stolen there as well. So, of course, that will be as far as we go. Tracing back our theft's thieves might take some time. Take the time to comment on other player's posts. It's a great way to make new friends! Link back to us at Sunday Stealing!
Sunday Stealing: The Questions Galore Meme, Part 1
Cheers to all of us thieves!

1. Is there someone in your life you know you’d be better off without? Nowadays, definitely yes.

2. Do you get criticized because of your body? Sometimes but as long as I'm healthy, am good.

3. Did you kiss the last person you called? Oh no!

4. When was the last time you danced? Just last Thursday.

5. Do you keep in mind other people’s feelings? Yes, o f course.

6. If you have a hang nail, do you pull it or clip it? Should be pulled.

7. Who do you want to forget? Somebody.

8. Who was the last person to send you a letter? A client.

9. Who did you last tell to shut up? A niece.

10. What’s the last thing that you smelt that smelt bad? Burned rice.

11. What’s your favorite cereal? Those honey-flavored corn flake cereals.

12. How do you feel when people lead you on, but they don’t even like you? Annoyed and betrayed.

13. Could you live without sunlight? Oh no. I love sunny days.

14. What’s something you know is bad, but you want to do it anyway? A relationship.

15. What was the last thing you lied about? Hmm..I couldn't recall.

16. Do you regret anything you’ve done in the past week? Nope. Some lesson learned though.

17. What was the last movie you bought? Zookeeper. It was hilarious and a must-see for family.

18. What is a sport you would like to do? I'd like to play badminton again.

19. When was the last time you felt like crying? The other day.

20. Have you ever wanted to kill someone (not that you actually do it)? Yes.

PhotoHunt#153 Waiting

2011-10-08T14:10:00.003+08:00

Photographers waiting patiently to make their shot as the instructor-main photographer was instructing the models how to pose. In case somebody is wondering why some of the photographers were laying down on the ground, well...one of the tips that the instructor-main photographer gave was try to different angles in shooting any kind of photos. Sometimes, a different angle could give a much better-looking photo. I agree!

This is my entry for PhotoHunt. Go here for more.

The Best Vacation Villas Outside of the Philippines

2011-10-07T23:58:00.000+08:00

The luxury vacation business can be a surprising place; many villas of excessive luxury can actually be made affordable by having many guests in them, allowing even normal people the opportunity to experience some of the most fantastic homes in the world. And while some luxury villas are much more like extremely nice homes, a few of them are true vacation spots unlike any other place in the world. Here are some of the very best vacation villas outside the Philippines.

[View of Palmsola, a luxury villa in Punta Mita, Mexico]

Built for three or four families, or nine couples, Palmsola is a massive villa in Punta Mita, Mexico that could perhaps be described better as an ‘Estate’ than a ‘Home’. Twenty-five thousand square feet (approximately 2323 square meters) of space hosts eleven buildings constructed in a ‘village’ setting right along a beautiful beach. Each pavilion is air-conditioned, allowing individuals to customize the temperature inside to what is most comfortable for them, and the estate offers both indoor and outdoor recreation opportunities ranging from exercise equipment to board games to kayaks and a heated, infinity-edge swimming pool. A large rooftop dining area accommodates up to sixteen guests at once, allowing for comfortable outdoor dining, and the fully-equipped kitchen helps make preparation a simple task.

[View of Villa Mosaico, a luxury villa in Lake Como, Italy]

Considered to be one of the national monuments of Italy, Villa Mosaico was built in the 1700s by a nobleman granted use of the property by a papal family. The features contained within the villa are almost too numerous to list, but highlights include sleeping space for 33 guests (a great way to make this villa affordable), a fresco by famed neoclassical artist Andrea Appiani, two beautiful pianos, a children’s play area complete with wooden slide and swing set, and even a modern workout room complete. Showcasing some of the most classic design and luxury in all of Europe, Villa Mosaico is large and luxurious enough to hold as many as eight families all at the same time, and its impressive opulence is a testimony to the history of Europe itself.

Litratong Pinoy#156 Delicious (Masarap)

2011-10-06T22:56:00.002+08:00

Grilled fish and barbecued pork with a cup of rice downed with Coca-cola afterwards. This was our very delicious dinner during our last night in Boracay while on vacation with my mother last August.

Pilipino:
Inihaw na isda at barbikyung baboy kasama ng isang tasang kanin at hinugasan ng Coca-cola pagkatapos. Ito ang napakamasarap naming hapunan noong huling gabi ng bakasyon namin ng nanay ko sa Boracay noong nakaraang buwan ng Agosto.

Retirement Plans

2011-10-05T22:57:00.000+08:00

Early this year, a friend asked me if I would like to attend a pre-retirement seminar for retirees. I turned down her offer considering I still have decades to wait for the mandatory retirement age but she said that the seminar was really good. Curiosity won me over so I asked for the seminar schedule to see if they had some things that could interest me. Sure enough, the entire schedule was a gold mine of really good information for retirees and non-retirees alike but it was too late for me to retract.

Some of their speakers were from government agencies like the Social Security System, Home Development Mutual Fund and the Government Service Insurance System. They were tasked to talk about the retirement packages that the retirees could avail of from the government. Other speakers were from the private sector for the investment options while on the other hand, they had two speakers for health, nutrition and wellness of life for people hitting the senior citizen age.

For my part, I was most interested in the investment and livelihood topics. Last year, our agency offered an early retirement package for those who have been with our agency for a number of years. After analyzing the total amount that the retirees received for their retirement pay, I realized that the amount they received could only last a year or two at most. This exposes the vulnerability of the retirees after a period of time.

This made me think of my future and the advice that my parents have been telling me all these years. They have been telling me to engage in a business that I like and not depend entirely on my office salary. In time, if my business will make good, it will help me in my old age. I totally agreed with them but the procrastinator in me kept delaying that plan. It was only when a friend sent me a gift of a necklace made of colorful beads that I was reminded that I need to start the ball rolling.

My friend is semi-retired now and is busy with her bead business. She started her love affair with the beads when she was just a young single mother trying to augment her income to feed her children. She started to like beads when she was in high school and started making accessories made of beads and semi-precious stones as a hobby. She gave away her output as gifts but not long after, friends and relatives started ordering for some pieces from her. She realized that her hobby can actually help her with her finances and started to produce more of her bead products. She attended a bead making class to enhance and improve her bead jewelry making skills and is now seriously thinking of hiring two people to help her with her business.

Her success encouraged me somehow to find a good business venture. I am still scouting and doing some research. I do hope I could come up with a good business venture to start up my retirement plans.

No Other Woman

2011-10-04T23:28:00.000+08:00

I excitedly waited for the movie, No Other Woman, for weeks. Not for the media hype that it has been getting prior to its showing date but because I really like Derek Ramsay. Dark and handsome, tehehehe! But when I saw the movie, I was surprised that it was really a good one. The movie theater ticket line was full when I got there. Not surprisingly because the movie was being starred by bankable stars, Derek Ramsay, Anne Curtis and Christine Reyes.

Anne Curtis fits the role to a T. Sexy, confident and liberated. Christine Reyes was a revelation as a martyr wife at first and a fierce one fighting for her husband and Derek Ramsay, was one lucky dude to be having such sexy scenes with two of the most beautiful and sexy actresses in Philippine cinema nowadays.

What amused me with No Other Woman was the dialogues between the two women fighting for one lucky guy, the character of Derek Ramsay. Such quotable quotes! For those who want to watch the movie, it's all worth it.

Ruby Tuesday#117 Fire Backdrop

2011-10-03T22:49:00.000+08:00

The backdrop of this show looked like smoldering fire. We watched this show at the Universal Studios, Singapore early this year.

This is my entry for:

Go here to see more.

Comprehensive Real Estate Seminar

2011-10-02T22:17:00.000+08:00

If you want to be a licensed real estate broker, attend the comprehensive real estate seminar to be held from September 24-December 3, 2011 (10 Saturdays, 120 hours) at Philippine Women's College, Matina, Davao City (8am to 8pm). The said seminar shall be conducted by: PAREB-Davao Board of Realtors Foundation, Inc. under the supervision of Professional Regulation Commission.

Registration fee: P12,000 on or before September 20
P13,000 on or before September 24
P15,000 installment (P5,000 downpayment on September 24 and balance until October 22)
Includes: lunch, snacks, handouts, kit and Certificate of Attendance

For those who prefer to get a few hours for credit, call: (082)2755162/3006787, 092285153373, 09179353253, 09228455685, 09165481251

Sunday Stealing#100

2011-10-01T14:34:00.001+08:00

Today we ripped off a blogger named Cheryl of the blog Mad Baggage. She states that she ripped it off as well, but doesn't say where. But, it was probably stolen there as well. So, of course, that will be as far as we go. Tracing back our theft's thieves might take some time. Take the time to comment on other player's posts. It's a great way to make new friends! Link back to us at Sunday Stealing!

Sunday Stealing: The Lucky 33 Meme

Cheers to all of us thieves!

1. Can you cook? Sure, home-cooked style only though.

2. What was your dream growing up? To travel the world and to become a doctor. I am trying to fulfill the first dream but the second one, I don't think I can fulfill the second one though in this lifetime.

3. What talent do you wish you had? Singing.

4. Favorite place? Home and Palawan.

5. Favorite vegetable. Cabbage.

6. What was the last book you read. A Mercy by Toni Morrison.

7. What zodiac sign are you? Libra.

8. Any Tattoos and/or Piercings? “ on My ears.

9. Worst Habit? Procrastination.

10. Do you personally know anybody on Blog? Yes, some friends.

11. What is your favorite sport? Boxing and Tennis.

12. Negative or Optimistic attitude? Mostly optimistic.

13. What would you do if you were stuck in an lift with someone of the opposite sex? Hmmm...pray and pray.

14. Worst thing to ever happen to you? Death of my father.

15. Tell me one weird fact about you: Hmm.can't think of one right now.

16. Do you have any pets? Yes, cats and a dog.

17. Do you know how to do the macarena? Oh yes, it was quite popular here years ago.

18. Is the sun shining where you are now? Oh yes, hallelujah!

19. Do you think clowns are cute or scary? Both.

20. If you could change one thing about how you look, what would it be? I am thinking of losing one of the moles on my face.

21. Would you be my good angel or bad angel? I'll try to be a good one.tehehehe!

22. What color eyes do you have? Black.

23. Ever been married? No.

24. Bottle or Draft? Bottle.

25. If you won £10,000 today, what would you do with it? Travel with my mother.

26. What kind of bubble gum do you prefer to chew? Cherry.

27. What's your favorite bar to hang at? It used to be the Calzada years ago but it has been years since I've been to a bar.

28. Do you believe in ghosts? Yes.

29. Favorite thing to do in your spare time? Blog, read and watch DVD's.

30. Do you swear a lot? Nope.

31. Biggest pet peeve? Liars, smokers.

32. In one word, how would you describe yourself? Hardworker.

33. In two words, how would you describe yourself? Lifelong learner.