Happy Holidays Everyone!!!

Me and my family will be out for a while. You know, we have this long holiday. I resigned from my work and started being a full-time mom. We'll go to the province to see some relatives and find a nanny/ maid.

I won't be writing for sometime, I guess. I will miss blogging a lot, but sure a lot will come after our vacation.

Have a very Merry Christmas everyone and an advance Happy New Year, too!!!

New Year 2009 Resolutions

Christmas is fast approaching and so is the year 2009. We will soon say goodbye to our old self and welcome changes. Oh, we have to be ready with our resolutions by now!

Here is Top 10 New Year's Resolutions by Albrecht Powell:

• Spend More Time with Family & Friends
• Fit in Fitness
• Tame the Bulge
• Enjoy Life More
• Quit Drinking
• Quit Smoking
• Get Out of Debt
• Learn Something New
• Help Others
• Get Organized

My Holiday Chicken Roast

We bought a rotisserie long time ago, but I didn't start using it until I came up with a recipe of my own. I am a big fan of Andok's Chicken and Kenny Rogers Classic Chicken Roast, so to have a taste of both, I created a recipe with a twist.

I have been checking the cooking style of three of the world's most influential cooks and food writers through their shows via Travel and Living, too. They are Nigella Lawson's Nigella Feast, Tonia Buxton's My Greek Kitchen, and Jamie Oliver's
Jamie at Home. Through their inspiration and with that dream to make my own version of a winner mouth-watering chicken roast comparable to the ones we usually order from restaurants, came the birth of the following recipe.

Holiday Chicken Roast

You will need:
2 tbsps. soy sauce
3 cloves of garlic, sliced thinly
small piece of ginger, peeled and sliced thinly
lemon grass, tied in a knot
2 tbsps. calamansi or lemon juice (separate the peels for marination)
1 tsp. black pepper
3 tbsps. of rock salt

Here's how:

Boil the chicken in two cups of water and 1 tbsp of salt for 5 minutes only (this will help to a good result of roasting). After boiling, put the chicken in a marinating dish. Stuff it with ginger, garlic, calamansi peels, and lemon grass. Rub the chicken with the remaining salt and pepper. Lastly, massage it with combined soy sauce and calamansi juice. Marinate and then roast in a convection oven under the 250 °C for 30 minutes or until golden brown.

*For a much better result, marinate the chicken overnight.

On Parenting and Finding a Housemaid or Nanny

This is a tough job. We started looking for a decent maid since I was 5 months pregnant. My baby is now almost 3 months, but we still don't have a paid helper at home. Currently, we have my sister-in-law who is with us since I gave birth. She and my brother are childless, so we requested her presence for the meantime.

Anyway, we are not looking for the best housemaid in the world. Someone who can do house chores and someone who also knows how to look after a baby during spare time will do. Actually, with our small family and a relatively small condominium unit (two bedroom and two bathroom, loft), our housemaid will truly have a lot of spare time. Plus, we don't just sit at home. I usually cook and do some cleaning, but my major job is babysitting. The maid will mostly perform her job as a helper. As a mother, I will have to perform everything that will contribute to my child's well-being.

It was my dream to be a full-time mom. I lost my mother when I was seven and with all the hard time of growing up without her, I sort of promised myself to be a hands on mom in the future. I don't want my baby to suffer growing up without me. I should be there on her first cry, first smile, first word, etc. Well, my moment already came! It's time to keep my promise and to fulfill my dream.

I'm back to work after 78 days of maternity leave. In the office, I miss my baby every minute and every second. Today is my fourth doing the same old job, a job which is not boring, merely talking; yet going home comes to my mind every now and then. My baby is just as important as that. So important that it makes me want to file my resignation. RESIGNATION?! Hmmm.. we will see. We are spending the New Year in the province to visit my relatives, and most importantly, to find a maid. If and when there is no decent helper available, I will just reason out my baby and leave my position. I swear.

Tips On Spending This Holiday Season

Will I be able to buy gifts for everybody? Would my budget fit for noche buena? What do my my parents want for Christmas? Should I get a pricey gadget for my boyfriend or a new shirt and tie instead? Do I have to use my credit card? Or should I withdraw more cash from my savings account? These are just few of the many questions that pop in your mind after receiving your 13th month pay and all the amount of cash you expect when December comes. But hey, before spending all that money, ask yourself a few more questions again. How can I avoid stress in shopping? Is it possible to save time and money this holiday season?

Well, it is already the 17th day of December. A lot of people already did Christmas shopping as early as September. Most of the people you know already bought Christmas gifts for their family and friends. Half a dozen of your neighbors already sent Christmas cards. And you? You're left still wondering if you will be able to make ends meet because you have been stretching your budget since the announcement of economic decline among companies in Wall Street and in the entire financial district anywhere in the world.

In this season, you should remain gorgeous, fresh, and proactive. It isn't too late for the following tips. You may apply the same tips next year. Just to avoid too much headache and stress in your pocket, here you go:

Holiday Spending Tips - Ten Ways to Keep from Having a Holiday Spending Hangover by Kristine McKinley

Make a list. Decide how much you can afford to spend this year and write it down. Decide who you want to buy for, and how much you want to spend on each person. Take this list with you when you go shopping to ensure that you don't buy on impulse or exceed your spending limit. Also, don't forget to include wrapping paper, decorations and shipping costs. These can add up fast!

Pay cash for your holiday gifts. It's much harder to spend cash than credit, so this tip alone could save you hundreds of dollars this holiday season. Also, avoid credit card offers or store charge card offers that offer you a discount if you sign up. These cards usually have high interest rates, and could end up costing much more in the long run than the discount you receive when you sign up for the card.

Do your shopping online this year. Buying online could result in discounts not available in stores. Just remember to include the shipping cost when buying online. Even if you don't actually buy online, the time you can save by doing comparison shopping before you go to the malls could be invaluable.

Have a Secret Santa gift exchange, where you put names in a hat and each person draws one name to purchase for. If you have a large family, this could mean tremendous savings!You should set a dollar limit so each person knows how much to spend. That way no one overspends and relatives with smaller budgets won't feel bad about not spending a fortune on a gift.

Another alternative for those with large families is to do a group gift. Have several relatives go in on one big gift instead of each person buying a separate gift. You will probably all save money and you can buy the recipient one big, cool gift that they really want.

Start early! Shopping early allows you to comparison shop and to catch pre-holiday sales, which could mean huge savings. This also curbs impulse shopping, which can be very expensive. Another benefit to shopping early is lower shipping costs if you need to mail a gift. Waiting til the last minute can be expensive because you're more likely to pay full price for the gift, and you may have to pay extra to ship it if you want to guarantee it arrives in time.

Make your holiday gifts. If you have creative talents, such as cooking, crafts, etc., making your own gifts can be very special. If you;re not very creative, consider giving your time.Offers to baby-sit or to do something special for someone can be very personal and appreciated gifts. How many parents do you know who wouldn't love to have free babysitting?

Purchase wrapping paper, holiday cards and other decorations right after the holidays. Seasonal items are usually offered at deep discounts after the holiday, and they never go out of style. Stock up on clearance-priced items for next year, this year!

If you'll be traveling this holiday season, book your travel plans early. Airline flights, train tickets and bus tickets usually go up significantly during the holidays, so booking your travel plans early can save you money and stress.

Start a Christmas fund in January for next year's shopping. Many credit unions and banks offer special accounts just for this purpose. A CD is another great way to save for next year's holiday expenses. It never hurts to sock away a little money every month between now and the next holiday season. You'll earn a little interest and you'll have cash to spend on your holiday gifts and other expenses when the holidays roll around.

Dingdong Dantes Is One Of The Sexiest

On his concert with Marian Rivera at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, USA, just a few days ago, Dingdong Dantes received the title as one of the sexiest men in the world from Brian Tottle, an E! executive. He actually ranked as the 3rd sexiest men in the world among the 25 male international celebrities! With that title, Dingdong now can be compared with stars like David Beckham-- whose currently on top of the list.

"Syempre proud ako sa mga nagawa ko... I owe everything to the people who help me para makarating ako rito," Dingdong commented.

He added, "Thank you for citing the Filipino talent and sana this will be the start of great things to come for our industry".

Hoping to get more from Dingdong Dantes now that his confidence soars just as high as those other stars in the world. How about a Hollywood movie, Dingdong? Hehe.

The First Pinoy Sole Survivor

I knew it! I think everybody guessed it, anyway.

Last Friday, JC Tiuseco, got a landslide win with the "Boto ng Bayan" which was 93% against 7% for Rob and with 7 votes against 2 for Rob from the jury.

He is now a millionaire and to add to that is his brand new car reward. JC is not only "gwapo" or good-looking, but he also owns a good heart. His soft-spoken and kind character made him win the reality show.



JC says: My strategy is to play the game as fairly as I can. Gusto ko na i-project na I'll do my 100% in every challenge.

Brian of Survivor Thailand ( US version ) is my favorite castaway because he gave his 100% in every immunity challenge.

Paolo says: The Schoolboy as he is called, many of the castaways see JC as a sheltered young man who lives a privileged life.

Stripped of all the comforts of home, the question is will he be able to adapt to life on the island before it's too late?

Will his athleticism be an advantage in the challenges and will it be enough to stay in the game while battling the elements of nature?

Befriend Your Boyfriend After An LQ

What’s more nerve-wracking than a knock-down, drag-out with your guy? The hours or days after you’ve made up but before you’re back to your usual level of closeness. Though no longer actively pissed, you’re uncomfortably detached from each other…and worse, unsure how to get on track again.

One thing you shouldn’t count on: his taking the reconnecting reins. “Women have higher levels of estrogen and oxytocin, hormones that promote bonding,” says John C. Friel, PhD, coauthor of The 7 Best Things (Happy) Couples Do, “so they’re more likely to [be the first to] try to repair the relationship.” Here, some advice for speeding past the awkward stage.

Zip Your Lips
If the post-quarrel chill has him saying little besides “Please pass the salt,” your instinct may be to sit him down for a talk about why he’s not talking. Resist—he’s not up for another heavy discussion.

Instead, do something fun with him. Hit a hiking trail, explore a nearby town, or dance in the living room. “The activity draws your attention away from the fight,” explains Friel, and will get you chatting naturally. Then say, “Hey, I’m sorry we had a spat. I hate arguing with you.” The key: “Keep it short,” says Allen Berger, PhD, author of Love Secrets Revealed. If there are lingering unresolved issues, bring them up later.

Suck Up
If (and only if) the fight was truly your fault, help mend things with a small gift or treat. Pick up the latest issue of his fave magazine or a pint of ice cream you know he’ll devour. “Since guys are action-oriented, showing him you feel bad can be more powerful than saying it,” says Alan Fruzzetti, PhD, author of The High-Conflict Couple.

Try a Little Touching
No, we don’t mean throwing him down on the bed for makeup nooky. It’s tempting to indulge in a frisky reconciliation romp, but nonsexual physical contact is actually a better fuse. After a fight, sex “tends to be intense and aggressive because you’re on edge,” says Fruzzetti. Try holding his hand or cuddling while watching TV on the couch. Once that defensive vibe dissipates, you can get more intimate.
Do Your Own Thing

It’s hard when you’re feeling insecure about your bond, but hitting the gym or meeting a gal pal can do wonders. “Disengaging lets you clear your head,” says Friel. It also distracts you from obsessing on the yellfest. While you’re out and about, consider sending him a brief “I love you” text, suggests Fruzzetti.

Focus on the Future
Just like how looking forward to a vacation or night-out can help you survive a long day at work, bringing up things to do as a couple eases the tension. “When you make plans, the underlying message is that the foundation of your relationship is solid and you’re going to be okay,” says Berger. It can be anything from e-mailing him about a romantic locale you’d love to visit with him to asking if he wants to try out a new restaurant.

How to Get Cosm-oh! Hair

Rock Our Lock Look
It’s easier than you think! NYC stylist Oscar Blandi, who’s done a lot of our U.S. covers, spills the four steps to a Cosmo-worthy coif.

• Apply leave-in conditioner and volumizer onto towel-dried hair. Try Pantene Total Care Leave-On Hair Moisturizer, P104.75, and Davines Nº3 Universal Mattering Mousse, P1,290. Flip hair over and blow-dry roots while pulling them taut, then dry the rest of your hair until it’s slightly damp (think 10 percent).



• Flip your hair upright and put one-inch sections in Velcro rollers. Once all your hair is set, blow-dry with a diffuser for 10 minutes on the hot setting, then 10 minutes on cool. Alternative options: Use large hot rollers or a curling iron but make sure hair is 100 percent dry first.



• Remove rollers, mix up a drop each of shine serum and gel (the perfect combo for hold and shine) between your fingers, then run hands throughout your hair.



• For an extra body boost, gently tease roots. Finish by tousling your hair into a cascade of loose come-hither curls, and give it a light spritz with hair spray.

Top Tools of the Trade
Here are the key products and primpers our experts simply refuse to work without.

• Joy Fashion Mediumsize Velcro rollers, P52 for a pack of four, (they’re usually pink) are the perfect width to produce wavy body.


• The one-and-ahalf-inch barrel of the Rowenta Imagin’ Multi Accessories, P3,650, creates bouncy coils.


• TIGI Bed Head Superstar, P1,390, and Cream Silk Lite Fix, P84.75 gives hair major long- lasting body.


• The natural bristles on the Acca Kappa flat brush, P695, reduce static and create shine.

Stylists On-Set Secrets
Our mane men dish about their tress tricks. These tips are great for real life, too:

• Beef up oily or thin hair with powder. After I prep a model’s hair with volumizer and do the perfect set, if I’m still not getting enough body, I flip her hair over and sprinkle baby powder from her scalp all the way down to her ends, then blow-dry on cool for a minute, tousle…and voilá,” says NYC salon owner Ted Gibson, who primps Angelina Jolie.



• Revive roots with hair spray. "If the model's hair starts to wilt, I flip it upside down, lift it an inch from the scalp, and mist hair spray onto her roots. Then I have her keep her locks upside down for a few seconds until the spray dries." says Ken Pavés, Carmen Electra’s mane pro. When she flips it back up, her hair has amazing body.



• Tease with a toothbrush. "Instead of back-combing with a brush or comb, I use a firm-bristled toothbrush to really get into the roots and create amazing volume," says stylist David Babaii, who works with Kate Hudson. Just spritz some light-hold hair spray directly onto the toothbrush and back-comb section by section.

Cosmopolitan Philippines May 2007

Be Protected From Cervical Cancer - For Less

Here's some good health news to start the holidays: GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has made its cervical cancer vaccine more affordable and accessible to Filipinas who want protection from the disease.

In their efforts to protect more women from cervical cancer, GSK cut the price for their vaccine to 60 per cent its original price. "When we said that every woman deserves a chance against cervical cancer, we meant it. GSK Philippines is proud to achieve this important milestone of being the first country to make our cervical cancer vaccine affordable to more women," said GSK president and managing director Rick Gain.

Before the price cut, cervical cancer vaccine cost P4,000 to P6,500 per shot. Doctors recommend that females age 10 and up get the shot three times in six months.

Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer afflicting women worldwide, with 500,000 cases and 250,000 deaths occurring every year. Over 80 per cent of cases occur in developing countries such as the Philippines, where the disease is ranked as second most common cancer risk for Filipino women. However, the disease is preventable through vaccination and can be treated if diagnosed early.

Clinical data also showed that GSK's cervical cancer vaccine provides protection for nearly six and a half years, reportedly the longest duration of protection for a cervical cancer vaccine to date.






Source:
www.femalenetwork.com

Young actor Marky Cielo, 20, is dead

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Entertainment Portal on Sunday reported that it received a confirmed report that young actor Marky Cielo died at dawn Sunday. He was 20 years old.

The report said the cause of death is not yet clear. An initial report says that Marky died in his sleep. His mother went up to his room in their house in Antipolo City around 6 a.m. to wake him up for a charity event. But he never woke up.

GMA 7 issued the following statement past 4 p.m. Sunday on the death of Cielo.

"Bandang alas 10 kaninang umaga sa Antipolo Doctors Hospital ay idineklarang dead on arrival ang young actor at Starstruck Nationwide Invasion Sole Survivor na si Marky Cielo.

"Ayon sa paunang salaysay ng kanyang ina na si Mildred Cielo, natagpuan niyang nakahandusay ang kanyang anak sa kanilang tahanan sa Antipolo, Rizal, at agad niya itong isinugod sa ospital. Sa ngayon ay hinintay pa nila ang resulta ng imbestigasyon sa sanhi ng pagpanaw ni Marky Cielo bago magbigay ng opisyal na pahayag ang kanyang pamilya.

Tubong Mountain Province at may lahing Igorot si Marky Cielo, at itinanghal na Sole Survivor sa Season 3 ng Starstruck. Hinangaan siya sa kanyang husay sa kanyang pag-arte at pagsayaw.

Huli siyang napanood sa Startok, SOP, at La Lola. Siya rin ang tumatayong Youth Spokesperson ng Department of Health.

Si Marky Cielo ay 20 years old. Bukod sa mga panalangin, humihiling ang pamilya Cielo ng privacy sa matinding dagok na to sa kanilang buhay."

Marky was a product of GMA-7's StarStruck Batch 3, where he won as the "Ultimate Sole Survivor." He was the first Igorot from Baguio City to join the popular reality-based artista search. Among his batchmates were Iwa Moto, Jackie Rice, and Gian Carlo.

After winning in StarStruck, he appeared in several GMA-7 shows which included Encantadia, Fantastikids, Bakekang, Asian Treasures, Boys Next Door, Kaputol ng Isang Awit, and Codename: Asero. But he was best known as Zaido Green in Zaido: Pulis Pangkalawakan.

He was also a mainstay of the musical-variety show SOP and in the primetime series La Lola.

Marky, who is also known for his dancing prowess, grew up in Butuan City but his family moved to the north.

His remains now lies at St. Peter's Chapel in Quezon City.

Source:
http://www.gmanews.tv/entertainment

For Narcissists Only Part Three

Two days ago, I called the Sony hotline 878-7600 again to inquire about Hidalgo or the photographer's haven of the Philippines. I was able to talk to an agent who introduced himself as Ryan. I first asked if they have a database of serial numbers of Sony Cyber-shot cameras now out in the market. I told him honestly that I just wanted to be sure if I can trace a camera's authenticity (after buying it from Hidalgo).
Right after that, I asked about the Sony digital cameras that stores in Hidalgo are selling. He told me without hesitation that they are real, but warned me that they are not authorized retail shops. He explained that once I purchase a unit from one of those stores, I won't be able to get a three-year warranty from Sony Philippines. Since the operators of those shops in Hidalgo buy their stuff directly from other countries like Japan, the warranty of the products that they are selling is just coming from the stores themselves. And this explains why my friend got her DSC-W170/R for only P13,000 or $270 with only one year warranty!
Ryan further explained, that in case of a malfunctioning Sony camera purchased in Hidalgo, Sony Philippines won't recognize its warranty receipt so you have to pay them to have it done. Sony Philippines is accepting repair of any Sony products without warranty for a price. The only way to get a free fix is through the Hidalgo store where you got it. I've read from some forums that they do accept product exchange without asking questions, too. Just be sure to spot the problem of your camera before the one year warranty expires.

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Part 1 : for narcissists only
Part 2 : for narcissists only 2
Part 3 : for narcissists only 3

Fine Dining At Serendra Piazza

My college friends and I had a year-end meeting last Sunday in Polu Kai Grill at Serendra, Global City. Prior to the meeting, Edel (our organizer), got an information that the said restaurant serves Hawaiian cuisine. She texted me that they have pizza, barbecue, and so on. Plus, P700 is just enough for a meal. I was actually left wondering with that information passed to me.

I have never been to Serendra Piazza. I heard about that place and thought it's not yet open to the public. To be able to reach the place without the hassle of getting lost, I asked Edel to meet me in Market Market.

Sunday night 6:30, it started to drizzle and there was no taxi. The dinner meeting was scheduled 7:00 PM, so I hurried to use the MRT to Guadalupe then just hopped into a jeepney to Market Market.



To make the story short, we made it all to Serendra Piazza's Polu Kai Grill and experienced their food except for two people. Jobs was missing in the group because her hubby was suffering some kind of pain that time. And Josh? She's the most missed by all of us. She has been ignoring us until now for some reason. Ahhh.. never mind. Let's come to the food and the ambiance of the place. Yeah, like what I've mentioned a while ago, it's Hawaiian so I already expected the hula girl by the door who greeted us with "aloha". The tiki thingy around the place, the aquarium of colorful fish, and the overall effect of the Polynesian-inspired walls gave us more appetite to fill our rumbling stomachs.



I know modern Hawaiian cuisine is a fusion of many cuisines including American, Polynesian, Japanese, Chinese, Filipino, Korean, and Portuguese. I checked the menu and realized that I wasn't wrong about it. They have the (Korean) bulgogi, kebabs, burgers and sandwiches, salads, nachos, etc. etc.
My group always go dutch (which is a good thing), so I paid only less than P500 for a plate of grilled pork belly with garlic pilaf and steamed veggies with four seasons as my beverage.

The place is great. It has enough space. Nice washroom. Friendly staff. I can say 8 out of 10. The food? Well, I'm sorry but there are restaurants out there serving better food that Polu Kai Grill. I think 5 out of 10 is enough.

I did my visit. The place is not in my favorite list yet your taste is different. Go check it for yourself.

Ground Level
Serendra Piazza
Mc Kinley Parkway, Fort Bonifacio
Bonifacio Global City
Taguig, Metro Manila
0063-2-901-1841
0063-2-856-0355

For Narcissists Only Part Two

Like three days ago, I inquired Sony Philippines through customer service about stores in Hidalgo which is known as the photographer's haven. I asked if they are authorized dealers of Sony digital cameras. The agent didn't give me a "yes", but referred me to the nearest Sony shop in my place. I think he was not really sure of what to say to me then. Perhaps, he was just being careful of the information he was giving since the call was being recorded (as usual).

To make sure, I checked www.sony.com.ph and here's what I got. A list of Sony retail shops in Metro Manila, their addresses, operating hours, contact numbers, emails, and product categories available in their stores (see below). I am not sure if I going to buy from one of these stores, though. I want to save money of course. If I can get a nice camera with a great bargain then why not? I just want to be sure of getting the real thing.

To contact Sony for product inquiries and promotions contact Sony
Customer Contact Center at Tel No. : 878-7600 or via SMS, text Inquire
your question then send to 0917-807-7669.
For Metro Manila customers and for repair/service inquiries call 330-1111.

Sony Philippines Office
8th Flr., Net Square Building Third Avenue cor. 28th Street Crescent Park West
Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City, Philippines
Trunk Line: 860-3333
Fax No : 860-3398

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Part 1 : for narcissists only
Part 2 : for narcissists only 2
Part 3 : for narcissists only 3

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Where to Buy - Sony Philippines

THE FORT By Avid
G/F Net Square Building Third Avenue corner 28th Street, Crescent Park West Bonifacio Global City,
Taguig, Metro Manila
Phone : 856-2167, 856-2168
Fax : 856-2168

GATEWAY By Avid
3rd Level Gateway Mall Araneta Center, Cubao,
Quezon City
Phone : 911-3910
Fax : 912-5494

MEGAMALL By Avid
5th Level Mega B SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City
Phone : 914-0384, 633-2112, 633-2111

SHANGRI-LA By Abenson
1st Level Shangrila Plaza Edsa Corner Shaw Boulevard, Mandaluyong City
Phone : 637-5033, 637-5034
Fax : 637-6828

PARK SQUARE By Avid
G/F Park Square I Ayala Center, Makati City 1224
Phone : 752-7203
Fax : 893-4566

FILINVEST By Avid
3/F Festival Mall Alabang, Muntinlupa City
Phone : 771-0051, 850-3666
Fax : 850-3666

MANILA by Abenson
3/F Robinsons Place Ermita, Manila
Phone : 521-5048
Fax : 521-5048

SM NORTH EDSA By STAR APPLIANCE
SM North Edsa MAIN G/F SM City N. Edsa Quezon City
Phone : 928-9865, 927-9977

TRINOMA By Avid
Sp 3011, M3 Trinoma EDSA North Ave. Bagong Pag-asa, Diliman, Quezon City
Phone : 901-8049, 901-8050

DIGITAL SOLUTION PLAZA @ ANSON'S MAKATI AVENUE
Anson's Makati Ave. Makati Ave.North Drive Ayala Center, Makati City
Phone : 856-1684

DIGITAL SOLUTION PLAZA @ ABENSON ALABANG
13-14 Tierra Nueva Subdivision, Alabang-ZapoteRoad, Muntinlupa City
Phone : 850-8914, 850-8843, 850-9036

DIGITAL SOLUTIONS PLAZA @ ABENSON GREENHILLS
Red Ribbon Building Missouri Street Greenhills, San Juan
Phone : 722-1264, 721-0590

DIGITAL SOLUTIONS PLAZA @ ABENSON'S STA.LUCIA
2nd Level Phase 3 Sta. Lucia East Grand Mall Felix Avenue corner Marcos Hi-way, Cainta Rizal
Phone : 681-5301, 681-5302, 681-5303

DIGITAL SOLUTIONS PLAZA @ ANSONS ORTIGAS
# 23 ADB Avenue, Ortigas Center, Pasig City
Phone : 706-1888

DIGITAL SOLUTIONS PLAZA @ WALTERMART MAKATI
790 A. Arnaiz corner Pasong Tamo, Makati City
Phone : 812-1544, 812-1584

VAIO Shop MEGAMALL
4th Level Cyberzone, Building B SM Megamall
Phone : 638-3767, 637-9974

Traditional Flavour To UEFA Cup Logo

The visual identity for the 2009 UEFA Cup final, to be played at the Sükrü Saraçoglu Stadium in Istanbul on Wednesday 20 May 2009, has been unveiled. The final of the competition has, in recent years, been given a personality of its own via a complete design concept developed especially for the event and this season is no exception.

History captured
The idea behind having a new identity for each final is to develop a specific design featuring the UEFA Cup mixed and the distinctive flavour of the host city, with the objective of helping to promote the final and enhance the prestige of one of the Europe's biggest sporting occasions. This season's concept captures the history, heritage and modern portrayal of Istanbul with a contemporary interpretation of traditional mosaic techniques. Both Ottoman and Byzantium motifs influenced the overall style of the football and stadium icons.

Famous landmarks
The central space within the mosaic pattern is modelled on the shape of the Bosphorus, the legendary waterway which divides the eastern and western halves of the city, but also forms the bridge between two continents, Europe and Asia. Prominence has been given to the Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium, located close to the Bosphorus river. This depiction echoes the route to the final itself, focusing on the meeting of two entities, two continents, two teams.

Ceremonial unveiling
The event design was unveiled at a special ceremony at the Süreyya Opera House today in the presence of senior representatives of the City of Istanbul, UEFA and the Turkish Football Association (TFF). "We feel proud because we can make the name of our city and country heard," said TFF president Mahmut Özgener. "I believe this final will open the door for Turkey to host some bigger events, such as the UEFA European Championship. Our aim is to see at least one Turkish team in the final." Şenes Erzik, UEFA vice-President and honorary TFF President, added: "I am excited and proud. Istanbul has learned from past experiences like the UEFA Champions League final between Liverpool and Milan in 2005. I can assure people coming to the final that they will received a traditional Turkish welcome next May."

Ticket sales
Details were also given regarding the start of ticketing sales for Turkish citizens via the Turkish FA website. Tickets will go on sale from Friday at 12.00 and end at the same time on 23 January. Fans in Turkey will be able to purchase a maximum of two tickets, with prices ranging from €75 to €130.

Source:
www.uefa.com

My Mormonism

This is going to be my story on how and why did I become a Mormon. I always wanted to write about this. It's just that I get more excited with other things that's why they appear more on this site. I think I won't be able to recall everything, though, but I'll try.

My investigation started in year 2001. In Mormonism or under The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, people who are interested in knowing the gospel are called investigators.

Anyway, I went to Hong Kong to teach after four years in college. During that time, I have relatives working as domestic helpers there. Through one of them, I was able to land a private tutorial job.

To get books and visuals for my students, my boss referred me to the Hong Kong Library in Causeway Bay. So I did some visit to that place until I got used to it. I started spending my free days in the library, looking for novels to read, and using the free internet access to communicate with friends in the Philippines.

One December morning, I met a fellow pinay in the facade of the building while we were on the queue. She talked to me about her church very near the library and invited me to come and attend the service. I had an appointment that day, but for some reason, I was able to go to their meetinghouse and met several members and missionaries. That same day, I was able to listen to their teachings and take home an English copy of the Book of Mormon.

At first, I was not serious about going there and investigating. My interest to listen and be a part of their church pushed me to. They made me evaluate myself, realize a lot of things, repent of my sins, and activate my spiritual life. It was an indescribable happiness during my baptism!

From then on, I lived a more peaceful life. I was thanking God every now and then. Prayer and reading the gospel became a part of my routine. I smiled a lot more, didn't worry much about the world, and was not even afraid of dying.

After a short while, I've flown back to the Philippines and continued going to church. I attended institute classes, served in the ward missionary, and taught in the primary Sunday school.

Now it's December again and it has been almost 8 years since that unforgettable winter in Hong Kong. I did a lot of wrong choices and missed the church for 3 years already. I don't how and when will I go back to the church and renew myself. I miss all the things that I used to do there. Most of all, I am missing God a lot.

The Words of the Christ

Christmas Is Here!

In the Philippines, Christmas is a very much celebrated event of the year. We are a Christian country, so almost everybody gets excited with simbang-gabi or misa de gallo(in Spanish). Traditionally, simbang gabi is the gathering of people in the church at night or dawn for a Catholic mass. And if there is simbang-gabi, there are bibingka and puto-bumbong also. There are so many delicacies under the Philippine cuisine and in the family of rice cakes, bibingka and puto-bumbong are included. Among the two, the first is my favorite. The latter is a best-seller among kids, though. They usually like the fun of eating those elongated purple cakes cooked in bamboo tubes. However, the simbang-gabi is yet to start on the December 16th as always. That means, not much of bibingka and puto-bumbong stalls are on the streets this early.

Anyway, Filipinos start putting up Christmas decorations as early as September. And as soon as Christmas bazaars and mallwide sales begin, people also indulge into shopping for gifts and everything. Obviously, as they get their 13th month pay or bonuses, they go panic buying for new clothes, shoes, accessories, and many more; not forgetting the grocery for the Christmas dinner.

Talking about Christmas decorations a while ago, in almost every city here in Metro Manila and even in Visayas region, the local government made an effort to put up a grand display of giant Christmas trees and other Christmas ornament which attracted a lot of people.

The security became intense in crowded shopping places like Divisoria, Baclaran, and other major malls. Police says that the crime rate in the city gets higher during Christmas, so everyone is advised to be always alert even in this season of merrymaking.

Well, our family is planning to go nowhere but here for Christmas. We will celebrate our first Christmas together with our new baby in our new apartment. Probably, we will just be out of the city for the New Year. We don't want our little angel to experience too much noise and pollution during the welcoming of 2009. Like last year, we will be in Romblon (my home province) again.

For Narcissists Only

Try to google about the photographer's haven in the Philippines and you will find numbers of link about Hidalgo Street in Quiapo.

I know the place since then, because I have an old friend who grew up in there. Plus, my father used to work in Quiapo, too. Well, I just learned that Hidalgo Street is now the famous place to go for camera and lenses shopping.

Last night during our year-end meeting, a college friend boasted her new DSC-W170/R from Hidalgo. She bought it before her Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok tour last month. The store is Henry's, who offered them DSC-W170/R for P13,000 or $270. Wow! That's almost half its actual price as posted by sony.com.ph which is P23,999.00 or $500.

The fact about the photographer's haven got me very interested since my babe and I have been thinking of buying a digital camera or handycam before going on a holiday trip this December.

Today, I googled Hidalgo and learned some things about the stores there. I even called the Meyers and talked with a certain woman regarding the price of DSC-W300. Still last night, another college friend kindly asked me to check its price, so I didn't hesitate calling them for it. Guess what? DSC-W300 is actually P 30,999 SRP ($645), but the Meyer store is offering it for P15,500 only which is more or less $323. Seriously.

Now I wish to talk to any representative from Sony Philippines and ask if stores in Hidalgo are really offering original stuff. I have read forums about the same topic; stumbled on threads about the gray and the black market. I am confused and not sure what are they. All I know is that the white market provides all the real stuff. I need a person to talk to. Anyway, my babe knows a professional photog, so I guess we can asked him questions, too.

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Part 1 : for narcissists only
Part 2 : for narcissists only 2
Part 3 : for narcissists only 3

Last Edited: October 12, 2009