...

I haven't blogged for a few weeks already. Been busy about a lot of things. Processing papers, going to the farm and accompanying mom to where she needed to go. Just last week, I went to Manila to process my birth certificate.

The main office of the NSO ( National Statistics Office) is located in Manila and I have to fix some errors made on my birth certificate, in order for me to proceed with my visa processing. While I was there, Mom and I stayed at The Kabayan Hotel. Kabayan Hotel is a budget hotel that has very nice rooms and also great service. It is greatly patronized by Filipinos who worked abroad and lately a large percentage of the hotels guests are foreigners.

Gone were the days where the tourists stay at a very high priced five star hotels... Kabayan is jammed packed with people. Every room is full...

It is also specially great if you are on a tight budget. They offer dormitory rooms where there are 6 people in one room. Each of you have your own key and own locker. The room also has its own bathroom... Only for 600 a day... Free breakfast and at some accomodation also have free lunch...

Kabayan hotel has 2 branches, one is Cubao and the other one in Pasay Rotonda...


There are lots of changes in infrastructure one thing hasn't changed though, the traffic...:) Also the crooks are still alive and kicking, looking for innocent people to con...

Mom and I went to Divisoria on 168. She bought a lot of stuff there at a really cheap price... You can find anything from clothes, bags, accessories, house decors, electronics and many more. You can also ask for a discount... There is no such thing as a fixed price.

processing papers in government office is quite a hassle... You have to fall in line for hours. And there are a lot of fixers hounding you. Thats the only thing I don't like.

We also went to Bonifacio Global City and strolled along High street... Bought 2 books from Fully Booked and drink my coffee at Strabucks... Mom bought krispy Kreme's for pasalubong.

Will upload pictures soon... So busy...

The New Ipod Shuffle is another revolutionary device from apple. It is by far the smallest model of the Ipod family and full packed with features that have just been developed by Apple. Don't be fooled by its size. It is 1.8"x0.3" thin to be exact. Smaller than your average house keys. But its got 4gb of memory which stores up to 1000 songs.

Unlike the previous versions of the Ipod shuffle, the control center of this one is conveniently located at the right ear bud, which is very easy to access. Just clip it on your sleeves and you're good to go.

This Ipod shuffle also has voice over capabilities, where you could press it to know which song is playing, what's the next song and if your ipod needs to be charged. You could also create playlists so you could listen to music depending on your mood. No need for a screen to browse songs, because voice over will take care of it.

A great accessory that you'll love to carry around wherever you go. The New ipod shuffle, definitely is a stunner. It costs just $79 in the states and P4,190.00 in the Philippines. There are 2 colors available, black and white. If you buy it online, you can choose to have it personalized by having a message engraved on it. Also offers free shipping if bought on apple online stores worldwide...

I have been assisting my daughter in doing her school project. It has something to do about Filipino Heroes and Greatest Achievers, in the process of doing this, I have recently renewed mtyinterest in some of the great Filipino people of our history and one of them is Fernando Amorsolo, The first Filipino National Artist...

Let me begin by telling something about the great painter. He was born on May 30, 1892 at Paco Manila as the 3rd in the family of 4 boys. As a young boy he had been tutored at home and was also an apprentice to his Uncle, a painter. He had painted sceneries for postcards and sold it to a local bookstore to make ends meet. He entered the School of Fine Arts in the University of the Philippines in 1909 and was one of the first graduates in 1914. He had went to study further in Spain through the sponsorship of a prominent Filipino, Don Enrique Zobel. Amorsolo have also worked as a draftsman at the Department of Public Works and had taught at his Alma mater and later became the Director of Fine Arts of University of the Philippines until his retirement.



His “Rice Planting” (1922) was a staple of tourist brochures and his style became most sought-after by American soldiers who wanted something uniquely Filipino to bring back home to the United States.




One such client, Capt. Robert Kennedy, brought home a few Amorsolo pieces and had them framed at the Art Center Gallery in New York. The gallery owners inquired about the artist which led to Amorsolo’s first one-man show in New York. Of the 40 pieces, 24 were immediately purchased.

Amorsolo often uses his family members to pose for his paintings. Mostly his wife and his daughters. At one time, he had made his house helpers pose for him, after posing he had paid them. His daughter asked why did he have to pay them when he is already paying for their salary? He replied, "We have hired them to do housework and not to pose for me, therefore, they should be compensated for posing for my painting".

It is said that he had made over 10,000 pieces in his lifetime. Every painting reflects his mastery in the use of light and his craftsmanship evident in every stroke in his canvasses that describes day to day life of people in the Philippines.

Women are painted with such detail that one could see the love he has for his wife and daughters. His sketches are done randomly of no particular subject. He just draws what he sees. May it be Philippine scenery like the Banaue Rice Terraces and the Pagsanjan Falls, the Rice Harvests and Ladies doing laundry by the lake or the war torn country that he had agonizingly depicted in his drawings.

He had done numerous art exhibits both locally and abroad and always with such a critical acclaim. Due to his popularity, he had sold almost all of his creations and it is very expensive to own one of his works. Those who own Amorsolo pieces are the rich and famous art collectors.

One of his works, the Markang Demonyo, is still used up to this day. It is the design to one of the most popular gin in the Philippines, Ginebra San Miguel Gin.



He had died in 1972 at the age of 79. His sketches and some of his works were divided among his wife and children. He is truly one of the Philippines pride. We are proud of him...

The Aspire M5641, a new consumer desktop computer that is offered by Acer. This computer boasts of great specifications and is said to be very fast and very efficient. Having the Core 2 Quad Intel processor, 18.5 LCD widescreen monitor, a roomy 320 Gb SATA Hdd, 2 Gb DDR2 Memory, Nvidia Graphics and a very sleek design, its definitely one great PC to have.


The only flaw I have seen in the unit is the installation of the Operating System. We installed windows vista starter edition in it. I am actually new to using windows vista and a Core 2 Quad PC unit. The guys at the computer shop almost took the whole 3 hours trying to install windows vista to the computer... Unlike the previous versions where you just put the installation disk at the drive bay and then it automatically starts. Here they went through a complex way in installing the OS. That I am afraid to even reformat the pc because I think I wouldn't know how to install the OS back to the machine again...

I think I have to study that and blog about it separately in another entry.

After the installation, tried the unit and it is so fast... You can do multi-tasking in it. Write your blog entry, listen to internet radio, watch youtube videos, download torrent files, play a favorite PC game at the same time and it won't budge... A powerhouse computer...

Will try to use it a few more days and would be back blogging more about this amazing PC... So far, it is worth the price tag of almost 35,000 Php... Definitely recommend it to other pc enthusthiasts out there.

And if you don't know a thing on how to install the operating system, better leave it to the experts. Have the computer shop technicians install it for you, or else, you'll have a real big problem installing the OS.

It is of no secret that I have been a fan of the Beatles since I was in high school. I still do follow some news about the 2 remaining Beatles namely Sir Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr. But it seems like Sir Paul McCartney is always the one who is in the hot seat as always. From losing his beloved wife Linda McCartney to breast cancer, marrying Heather Mills, who turned out to be a monster and now being engaged to his current love interest Miss Nancy Shevell, who is also divorced from her equally rich husband, lawyer Bruce Blakeman.





Sir Paul McCartney and Miss Shevell have been together since the post divorce hearings of Sir Paul to his estranged ex-wife, Heather Mills. Since then, Miss Shevell have been photographed a lot and been followed by paparazzi. The once private life she had, is not so private now, because she is with Paul McCartney.




News broke that they are also engaged, which Sir Paul brushed off as lies, all lies. There is absolutely nothing wrong if they do get married. They look so happy. And I haven't seen Paul McCartney so happy, not since his wife, Linda McCartney.



Sir Paul McCartney deserves to be happy. He is a good man with a good heart. What happened to him with Heather Mills is unfortunate which cost him $50 Million in divorced settlements. But I am glad that he got rid of her... She's not good for him... :)

Before Linda Eastman McCartney, Paul McCartney is also engaged to his long time girlfriend Jane Asher. Maybe they are not just meant to be...



What matters now is, Sir Paul is Happy.... And we will probably be waiting for some wedding bells to ring, in the future that is.... Good luck to you Sir Paul...

I am a huge lover of the arts. From music, poetry and paintings. God only gave me the gift of music. So I can't really draw great pictures and write romantic poetry, although I did try in my younger years. Everyone could be a good poet, depending on what they feel inside the moment they write something for that someone or anything particular.

There are many forms of art and one of this is drawing. But can you ever imagine drawing a picture using crayons and could still look lifelike? At first I was skeptical but when I saw the works of Don Marco, I was stunned. The pictures are absolutely flawless.



Don Marco or Mr. Crayola as popularly called is a master of this medium. He uses common crayons to do his art work. He was born on Northern Minnesota in the late 1920's. He served in the Army Air Corp when he was a young adult and then began his life long career in Air Traffic Control. He does his art works on his spare time.

Before retirement, he have mastered a technique of using crayons for his artworks. He became in demand and is sought after by the likes of Burt Reynolds and other famous people.

Here are some of his artworks from his website.



Burt Reynolds



Tom Selleck



Apache Warrior


Clint Eastwood

View more of his amazing works at his website.

Great works done in crayons. Enjoy and share with everyone...

Christmas is over, another new year had passed...People who have work, had a long vacation. Approximately 2 weeks of it. Now everything is back to normal. Back to heavy traffic, busy people going to work and students dreading going back to school after a long vacation. Welcome 2009!!! I wonder what's in store for me this year. Last year was a roller coaster. Me and family have been through tough times... I hope this year would bring more hope and blessings for us. I am happy for my mom, finally, she's going to be with my step dad, and she's starting her life all over. Me? I am next... Can't wait to be with my husband, with all the trials that we have been through. I am just glad he is still there... Supporting me and loving me always... But for now, got to do a lot of things... Through all of this, God is there, supporting us all the way. I am so happy and I feel so blessed.

We went to church last Sunday and I was really touched by the pastors message. As today's commercialism get more and more absurd, we all forget the true meaning of Christmas. Who is this season for and why we are all celebrating it?

First point, Santa Claus Vs. Jesus Christ. Nowadays, most people see Santa Claus as the symbol of Christmas, which is really not supposed to be. Whose billboards are hanging around tall buildings? Who are on all the commercials on TV? Who do children expect to come and give them gifts at Christmas? Answer to all the questions is Santa Claus. Who is Santa Claus anyway? Why are people revering to him more than Jesus during Christmas?



1881 Illustration of Santa Claus by Thomas Nast



Saint Nicholas - is a Saint and the bishop of Myra, part of what is not the modern day Turkey. He came from a wealthy family and had the reputation of secretly giving gifts. He is also the patron saint of sailors. He have supposedly saved life of a young sailor who fell from ship's rigging during storm.



He also have brought to life 3 young boys who have been butchered and placed in a barrel for curing to sell as ham.

Another popular on is the tale of the 3 virgins. A man who is so poor cannot afford dowry for his 3 children. He feared that they wouldn't be able to marry and wouldn't be employed. The only possible thing left for them to do is to be prostitutes. Hearing of the man's plight, Saint Nicholas, helped him. But he was modest and wanted to help the man secretly to avoid embarrassment, he threw gold coins into the 3 socks that were hanging on the fire place. This have been a tradition to a lot of homes up to this time. Hanging socks at doors, windows and fireplaces.

Saint Nicholas is just doing the deeds of the Lord. He is not supposed to be more popular than Jesus Christ, especially on the Lords birthday...

Jesus Christ, was born in a manger. He was clothed in rags and was born with simple parents. Mary and Joseph the carpenter. God the father, gave him to us, to save us from our sins. When in fact all of us are not worthy of it. He is the greatest gift that have been given to us. The gift of forgiveness and eternal life...


Second Point - Gift Giving



Why do we give gifts? What is your purpose in giving gifts? Gift giving has been a tradition especially at Christmas time. We have our exchange gifts and we expect to receive and give gifts to people we know and care about. There are about 5 types of gift giving.

Obligatory - Where you feel the need to give the gift. For example, every Christmas, your God children (Inaanaks) come to your house asking for their gifts. As a dutiful Godparent, you either have prepared a gift for them or give them cash gifts.

Exchange Gifts - Where you give gifts with each other.Like you have exchange gifts at home or at your workplace.

Favor Giving - You give gifts because of a favor done to you.

Sacrificial - Where you sacrifice some of your precious belongings or some of the things you usually do during Christmas and give to the poor instead...

Anonymous - Secretly giving gifts or help to people without disclosing your identity...

Which of these are you? Some people just give gifts because they know if they give, they will also receive. I wonder where the true spirit of Christmas is? Giving without expecting to receive, helping people in need, celebrating the true cause of this season, which is the birth of our savior, Jesus Christ.


Third Point - Christmas for us

Who do we love at Christmas? Who do we prioritize? What is Christmas for us?

Christmas now has different meaning for people. Instead of thinking and being happy for the birth of Christ, we have made Christmas as time for worldly things.

Having the much awaited Christmas Vacation Leave for those who are working. Relaxing time, time to go on a tour, receiving/giving gifts, Christmas parties, getting new things and More money from Christmas bonus and gifts from relatives.

Now, where is Jesus Christ in all of this? What is our focus? We should all be grateful. The very best gift given to all of us is not wrapped in fancy gift wrapping, is not expensive, it is eternal but given for us free. Jesus Christ... Now think , What is Christmas for you? How do you celebrate it? What do you teach your children about it? Just a thought... Merry Christmas to all...

I just found this site and got interested by it. First of all I was looking for youtube videos and then I saw their ad saying earn more by watching youtube videos. Sounds interesting? So I got to their site and saw that it was basically a platform where you could rant about those things that you hate and rave about the things that you love, and that includes youtube videos.

Rant Rave is not just restricted for youtube videos. You can go on ranting about what you hate about politics, issues or simply talk about the movie you saw and the music you have just heard. You can earn money by putting your adsense code on your RantRave Page.

Go on and make your own RantRave page. Talk about whatever interests you and see people coming to your RantRave Page. Sign up is free and quick... Go on and sign up, don't be left behind... :)

Technorati Tags:cool websites, platforms, rant, rave, comments, views

Almost all eyes are glued to their television yesterday, December 7 , as the "Dream Match" started. Some are skeptic that Manny Pacquiao would win because of the huge size advantage that Oscar De la Hoya poses, but Manny of course proved them wrong.

Both Manny and Oscar have earned names for themselves. Both also have risen from humble beginnings to becoming rich and famous. Both are legendary boxers.

I am really happy of the result. Manny was in great shape and was throwing punches at a very incredible speed, that Oscar can't hardly cope up. At round 6-7 I really felt sorry for Oscar, that I wanted him to surrender. Because his face was badly swollen. Even if Oscar De la Hoya lost the game, he was man enough to admit that he lost to a really great player and he had nothing to say but praises for Manny Pacquiao.

To our Manny, I hope you continue giving our country pride. Congratulations to your win and I hope, you won't change... Be humble and don't get all the fame and fortune get in your head...

Technorati Tags:boxing, sports, fight, oscar de la hoya, manny pacquiao

I know this topic maybe sensitive but I have just came across a post about having a Frenemy. It is not a new post, but it seem to be interesting enough because it touches some events that recently happened to me. Before, I had lots of friends, swarming around our house, accompanying me wherever I go and just being by my side always. Now I don't have them. All that is left are the ones who stucked through thick and thin with me. Every little move I make, my so called friends assists me and they are always there if I needed advice. When I went through some financial hardships, they suddenly were nowhere to be found.

My mom warned me about being too trusting and too generous to people. I tend to be very friendly, even if I have just met the person. I also lost some friends that I had way back when I was still in my high school years. So, were they really my friends? Or they are my frenemies? Friends and enemies at the same time. Or simply friends when you still have something to give.

This saddens me, but one positive thing I got out of this is, knowing who my real friends are. The ones who stood by me through thick and thin and doesn't ask for anything in return... Before, I couldn't count my friends with my 10 fingers, now they are only less than 10, but they are more than enough for me... I thank my real friends... You know who you are... I love you and will forever be thankful for being by my side always...

Technorati Tags:friends, enemies, buddies, feelings, deciet,

Really cute I saw this at Abowman. Great t put on your blogger sidebar or on your desktop... Place your mouse inside and click to feed the fish... Enjoy...

Me and my whole family watched this movie about 3 days ago. We were all excited and want to see the movie that people everywhere was talking about. I have never heard about the twilight series, only knew more after watching the movie. I researched about it online and found out that it was a series of books. No wonder when the movie ended, it seems like there is still a continuation for it.

It is a vampire love story. The whole setting is quite different from traditional vampire stories that we read from books or watch from movies. The vampires live in a very nice house, they own great cars and they could mingle around with people. When they are hit by the suns rays, they would only glitter, like diamonds sparkling. The story evolves around how Edward and Bella, came to know and love each other.

We think that the movie is great, but I have read some excerpts of the book and I think the book is much more exciting. In terms of how well the scenes are depicted. I am definitely going to buy the book series to know how the story would end.

If you have not watched the movie yet, better go to the nearest theater and watch it with your family and friends. Will have a review of the book after I buy and read it...

Written by Lennon and McCartney, I want to hold your hand is a pop/rock song recorded in October 1963. They have written this song having the American market in mind. I want to hold your hand is the Beatles first number 1 in the Billboard hot 100. It went on for 15 weeks in the charts. The song has catchy beat and plastered with the Beatles charisma. Surely went on to become a hit record worldwide...

I am no expert in magic but I know it is an optical illusion. I have read a few forums about it. They have successfully described how this can be done. There is also another variation of this magic form in this card trick.

I am absolutely going gaga over this new website that I have stumbled upon... Yearbook Yourself is a website which makes you transform your photos into old yearbook photos. It depends on what year you choose.

You could be in the 50'5, 60's, 70's, 80's, 90's and 00's yearbook album. The best thing about it is, after making your yearbook, you could send it to your friends and they would also create their own yearbook picture and stick it on your home yearbook page.

Go ahead and create your own yearbook page, visit the site and see your photos transform.

When to let go? You will know when if you feel that the person has no respect for you. When you are being treated badly. When you don't feel that he loves you. When you know that he still loves someone else. When you don't get along. When he doesn't take you to their house. When he is with his friends more than he is with you. When you feel that you are being used.

When you can relate to those written above, I have an advice for you, why don't you just let go? There are a lot of guys out there. I am sure God has reserved someone wonderful for you. Do not drown yourself in misery, instead stand up and be strong. The guy you are with now, doesn't deserve you...

Just today, I was surprised to receive a call from an unknown number. When I answered it, the lady calling introduced herself. Saying that she is the girlfriend of my ex. Now I am confused, because there's a reason why he is already an ex. I told her hi and then asked her why she called. She told me that the guy and her had a huge fight(I have not met or ever spoke to this girl in the past, just this moment). So I told her, what does it have to do with me? She said I am the reason. Apparently my ex is still hunged up on me.

Now I am even more confused. I told her, I haven't seen the guy in years and we are not in speaking terms. She said that he still has this huge feelings for me. I told her, what happened to me and that guy happened in the past. Both of us are now happy and contented with our lives now. When we broke up, we maintained a friendship because I am close to their family but heart wise, nothing more is left. I just have this huge respect for him. I told her to solve their issues and talk it over. I also asked her, haven't you heard that I am already married? She said yes she knows. I am happily married and I never regret even for a moment that I have married my husband because in him, I have found my soul mate. I am so blessed because God has given him to me... I am much loved and I love him with all of me...

Are you dreaming of owning a piece of land overseas? Yes, like a tropical paradise of your own or a private island which you could customize yourself... owning your own piece of property overseas could be very expensive. But if you have extra money, it would prove to be a very good investment for you.

At Experience International, you would realize this dream of yours to come true. They offer the best locations in which you can find overseas properties online. It is the best website for you to look at, especially if you are a picky customer who wants the best properties around.

Someday, I will buy a nice property for me and my family, for us to go on vacations... Until then, I could only dream about it...