Monday, December 6, 2010

Is It Hot In Here Or Is It Me?

     Last November 25, 2010, I attended RJ Ledesma’s book launching at Powerbooks – Greenbelt 4, Makati City.  Honestly, I don’t know much about the author that time and I haven’t read some of his books yet.  Well, I guess, this was the right time for me to get some information about RJ Ledesma and some of his works.

    Among his guest speaker is Tim Tayag a stand-up comedian and travel TV host for Living Asia Channel.  Actually, I’m a big fan of him wherein I used to watch his “On Foot” over and over again (that was before when we still subscribe with Home Cable).  I can’t believe that he is now in front of me speaking about RJ’s writings.

About the Author

     RJ Ledesma (www.rjledesma.net) is a former Royal True Orange (RTO) commercial model way back in 80s I think, an actor, magazine editor for UNO magazine, newspaper columnist in Philippine Star, TV and event host, former brand manager for Ivory at Procter and Gamble Philippines, a real estate developer, a good husband to his beautiful wife and a good father to his daughter.  Yes, he has it all!

His Works

     After RJ’s first book “Lies My Yaya Should Have Told Me: An Imaginary Guide to Whine and Women” and his second book “I Do Or I Die: An Imaginary Guide to Getting Married and Other Man-Made Disasters”, now he launched his latest book “Is It Hot In Here Or Is It Me? RJ Ledesma’s Imaginary Guide to Flirting, Body Language and Pick-Up Artists” by Anvil Publishing.

     In his latest book, a compilation of humorous essays, RJ shares the five universal steps of flirting that women used to ensnare men, teaching men about body language, and reveals the secrets used by professional pick-up artists to make women do things that they will regret in the morning. 

    So, for single men out there in their 30s, it will really help you a lot.  You will never get bored reading this book because you will laugh from first page up to the last pages. 

     Thus, you will truly thank the author of the knowledge he imparted on you.  The next days, weeks or months, you will never be loveless for sure.  Just use his tips.  Okay! ;)

Friday, December 3, 2010

Miracle Machine

     Would you help in just one click?  Now there’s a simpler way to do something noble, something big, make someone happy and it takes only a click of a button. 

     Last November 24, my friend who is a blogger invited me to take part with Kraft Miracle Whip Event.  At first, I thought they’re just going to launch a new product but I was wrong.

     Kraft introduced Miracle Machine to whip up miracles outside the kitchen.  What do they mean with whipping up miracles outside the kitchen?  It’s all about making good things to happen with the help of people in the social networking field.

     Since, facebook is so popular nowadays and many of us are hooked with it, Kraft is setting the wheels of Miracle Machine in motion through http://www.facebook.com/WhippingUpMiracles.  So that people will get to share this with their friends and their friends social network together in making miracles to happen for the less fortunate.

     They wish to whip up 12 miracles in 12 days through facebook in time for Christmas season.

     They partnered with the following foundations:

Kythe Foundation hopes to help Angelalyn Magalano, a 13-year-old angel who suffers from Nephoric Syndrome and psoriasis by making her wish come true of meeting a pilot and talk about flying.

Jamboree Mountaineers hopes to make the indigenous tribes’ Christmas in Wawa, Montalban merrier by trekking there and delivering food for Noche Buena.

Childhope Asia hopes to keep street children warm this Yuletide Season by providing them with new underwear and clothes.

Kaeskwela hopes to fill the empty libraries of public schools in far-flung areas in the country with educational books.

The Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) hopes to find abandoned dogs and cats new families to take them in by making them adoption-ready through grooming.

Sagip Buhay and Philippine General Hospital hopes to provide medical assistance for those who don’t have the means and access to proper healthcare with new blood pressure devices and Thermoscan thermometers.

Firefly Brigade and Tiklop Society hopes to collect 10 bikes and bike safety gear for people in urban communities to help them get from one place to another faster and safer so the can be more productive in their work.

Tahanang Walang Hagdan hopes to give back to the 326 volunteers who have selflessly devoted their time to the organization by giving them gifts this Christmas.

Resources for the Blind hopes to record an audio storybook for blind children to bring them to the world of wonder and imagination.

Museo Pambata hopes to make 2,000 children happy this season by gifting them with pre-loved storybooks and toys.

St. Martin de Porres Charity Homes hopes to spread holiday cheer with a potluck party for the underprivileged kids under its care.

     These organizations need our help.  Let us spread the word and get involve with this project.  Who knows that someone in your network might help or support a specific cause?  Amazing, isn’t it?

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Maxine By The Sea

http://www.maxinebythesea.com/
Location: Brgy. Lucap, Alaminos City, Pangasinan
     
     My former classmate in elementary invited me to have a dinner with him at Maxine by the Sea last Oct. 31.  It is one of the best resort and restaurant in Alaminos City facing the sea and Hundred Islands from afar. 

     It was funny that he granted my request to dine here.  We ordered kilawing pusit, calamares, and sinigang na baboy.  It is quite expensive though! Thanks friend for this wonderful dinner! :)

 Kilawing Pusit
 Calamares
 Sinigang na Baboy

Oodys Bar and Restaurant

Location: Greenbelt 3, Ayala Center, Makati City

     My friends and I dined here at Oodys Restaurant to get a taste of Thai food once again.  The ambiance is good but some of the foods are overpriced for just a small serving.  The service is not that fast too.

 The bar
 Tom Yang Soup
 Chicken with lemon grass
 Pad Thai
 Crab Rice
 Our favorite Pandan Juice (bottomless at Php 75)

Monday, November 8, 2010

California Pizza Kitchen (CPK)

Glorietta, Ayala Center, Makati City

     California Pizza Kitchen is one of the most respectable and best pizza restaurant in town.  All pizzas are creatively designed to crust perfection and has flavors from around the world.  They also served salads, pasta, soups, sandwiches, appetizers, desserts, and delicious shakes to please your sweet palate.

     Here are what we ordered.


Garlic Cream Fettucine
 Margherita Pizza
Thai Crunch Salad

Friday, October 22, 2010

Cafe Breton

     Are you a crepe lover?  Then you should not miss this crepe restaurant located at Greenbelt 3, Makati and Robinson’s Ermita.

     Café Breton offers delectable crepe and sandwiches.  I heard from a French friend that it is owned by a French national who came from Brittany, France.  In Brittany, crepe is one of their specialties.  So my bestfriend and I gave it a try to dine in this restaurant.

     The restaurant serves crepe in different combinations.  You can also be creative and choose the toppings you like for the crepe as long as it is in the menu.

     We ordered Café mocha, Déjà vu crepe, Normandie Crepe and Tuna sandwich.  And it all tasted great!

                                          Cafe Mocha

                                          Normandie Crepe

                                          Déjà Vu Crepe

                                          Tuna Sandwich

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

HK Disney Audition

     Ryan Cayabyab has announced that talent-casting representatives from Hong Kong Disneyland will conduct Manila auditions for vocalists on July 17 and dancers on July 18.  Vocalist tryouts are set at The Music School of Ryan Cayabyab; the dance auditions, at the Halili-Cruz School of Ballet.
     The team is searching for professionals at least 18 years old, who possess both "excellent mucicianship and showmanship," Cayabyab said.
     Vocalists will be asked to sing a short piece of his/her choice, accompanied on the piano by a Disney music director.  Qualifiers will be asked to sing additional songs and learn a short choreography.  Call time at the venue for all applicants is 10:30 am.
     Dancers will be taught a progressive routine by one of the theme park's dance directors in a three-round audition.  Artist are advised to audition in proper dance attire.  Call time is 10am.
     Contact 6379840 or 9145055.  For other auditions, visit www.hongkongdisneyland.com/careers.

From Phil. Daily Inquirer, July 13, 2010

Monday, March 15, 2010

Learn Korean Language in a FUN way!

Do you want to learn Korean Language?

Then enroll now!

- Speak and write KOREAN!
- Qualify for a KOREAN EXCHANGE PROGRAM application
- Choose it as a language elective over Japanese, Spanish, or French
- Pass the EPS-KOREAN LANGUAGE TEST (EPS-KLT) and have the opportunity to work in Korea!

PLUS! Enjoy your favorite Korean dramas without the annoying subtitles.
Korean Language Culture (KLC) Training Center is the place for you.

They offer high quality Korean Language training without the high cost of other language centers:

- 70 hours classroom type lessons on basic and advance classes (weekday or weekend classes can be arranged)
- Also open with 1-0n-1 tutorial.
- Class is conducted by a high qualified and competent native Korean teacher.
- For only Php 7,000 per student (group class), the students will get a free textbook and POEA-prescribed manuals, and certificates.
- A better chance of passing the EPS-KLT, as KLC holds a 98% passing rate under its belt.



For more information please contact:

Korean Language & Culture Training
Unit 904, Parc Hause 2, 21 Edsa,
Guadalupe Nuevo, Makati City
Telephone No.: 882-1602 / 882-1587
Mobile No.: 0915-4391076

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Oscars 2010

The Winners

-    Motion Picture: “The Hurt Locker”
-    Actor: Jeff Bridges, “Crazy Heart”
-    Actress: Sandra Bullock, “The Blind Side”
-    Supporting Actor: Christoph Waltz, “Inglorious Basterds”
-    Supporting Actress: Mo’Nique, “Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire”
-    Director: Kathryn Bigelow, “The Hurt Locker”
-    Foreign Film: “El Secreto de Sus Ojos,” Argentina.
-    Adapted Screenplay: Geoffrey Fletcher, “Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire”
-    Original Screenplay: Mark Boal, “The Hurt Locker”
-    Animated Feature Film: “Up”
-    Art Direction: “Avatar”
-    Cinematography: “Avatar”
-    Sound Mixing: “The Hurt Locker”
-    Sound Editing: “The Hurt Locker”
-    Original Score: “Up,” Michael Giacchino
-    Original Song: “The Weary Kind (Theme From Crazy Heart)” from “Crazy Heart,” Ryan Bingham and T Bone Burnett
-    Costume: “The Young Victoria”
-    Documentary Feature: “The Cove”
-    Documentary (short subject): “Music by Prudence”
-    Film Editing: “The Hurt Locker”
-    Makeup: “Star Trek”
-    Animated Short Film: “Logorama”
-    Live Action Short Film: “The New Tenants”
-    Visual Effects: “The Avatar”

Reports from AP, Reuters, AFP
Phil. Daily Inquirer, March 9, 2010


http://oscar.go.com/

Recycle/Donate Old CDs

     Old CDs can be recycled or repurposed instead of throwing it to the waste bin.  Just use your creativity and resourcefulness, or search the internet for more ideas on how to recycle it.  Because, improper disposal of unwanted CDs could release toxic chemicals such as bisphenol A and dioxin (the most toxic chemical known to science).

     You may also consider donating the old CDs/DVDs to Goodwill Industries of the Philippines, which seeks to help and empower people with disabilities.  For more information please contact:

Goodwill Industries of the Philippines
Compound 22, VRCC Rd.,
VPF Industrial Area, Veterans Center,
Taguig City, Philippines
Telephone No.: (632) 837-3094

Source: The Philippine Star, March 9, 2010

Related Links:
http://www.greenlivingtips.com/articles/245/1/DVD-and-CD-Recycling.html
http://www.mixph.com/2008/11/how-to-recycle-your-old-cds-into-useful-craft.html
http://www.reducereuserecycle.co.uk/where_can_I_recycle/cds_and_dvds.php

Friday, March 5, 2010

Pasa lie...share the load

OPINION
Pasa lie...share the load
CTALK By Cito Beltran (The Philippine Star) Updated February 08, 2010 12:00 AM
From http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=547695


You never really think much of it.

You receive a text message, you read it, and you laugh, you may even agree with the message and then you act on the request to “pls pass”. In the same context, you also forward emails of jokes or information that you yourself have not confirmed or bothered to consider before forwarding.

As far as you’re concerned it’s just a text message, an SMS or it’s valid because it came from someone you trust or agree with. Beyond the electronic channels, we also pass on the content of these messages and emails by word of mouth.

At one point or another we are all guilty, I’m guilty, you’re guilty and anyone who has a cell phone or access to a computer or listens to news and entertainment is probably guilty.

We pass messages or information that is unverified, corrupted, fabricated or biased. We basically tell other people about something we ourselves did not see did not hear or have no knowledge about.

In a court of law that is giving false testimony, In God’s law that is being a false witness against our neighbor. In the Philippines it is one of our favorite pastime. Unfortunately it is both a sin and a crime.

We often don’t realize that someone trapped us into becoming the author of a lie, a false accusation or a fabrication. For instance, how many times have you received an SMS message that starts with: “I got this info from a very reliable source…then ends with “Pls. Pass”.

Once you pass the message, the “I” is no longer the person who sent the SMS. The “I” is now YOU. So as far as the next person is concerned, “YOU” sent this very reliable information because you sent it to a friend who trusts your character and your judgment. That person in turn will “Pls pass” because of “YOU”, but will also end up becoming the new “I”.

The entrapment does not stop there. Some clever clods even name names, create scenarios, or just make what seems like “innocent jokes”. Consider for instance the Erap jokes. Funny? Maybe. Buthistory tells us that jokes are an effective tool in destroying the credibility, reputation and character of a person.

The more you find something to laugh about a person, the less and less respect you have left.

Pay attention to all the rumors that are spread about TV personalities and Movie Stars. Much of the gossip, SMS or email are about sexy photos, sexual exploits, gender bending, flopped shows etc. But exactly how many of the people who sent out the SMS, email or reports are brave enough to name names, of course none.

The damage happens when a “polluted source” succeeds in getting reputable or reliable people (like YOU) to repeat a lie, talk about a gossip, or simply crack jokes about the people who were the subject of rumors or intentional gossip.

Because you talked, texted or emailed or blogged about it, you mistakenly extended or injected “YOUR” credibility into a rumor, gossip or false accusation.

Thanks to your “innocent remarks” or your jokes, the author or distributor of filth and lies was promoted into a “K.O.L” or Key Opinion Leader of the gossip industry. Because good people validated a lie, it became a truth. As they say, all you need is enough people to believe in a lie in order to make it the truth.

There is no argument strong enough to justify giving a false testimony or being a false witness. It is worse than lying; it is serious intent to cause damage or injury to someone or something.

Try to figure out why God Almighty would bother to include this as one of the Ten Commandments? Why have governments all over the world taken the matter several steps further to provide a law, definition, legal action and punishment to cover gossip, rumor alongside defamation, character assassination, libel and slander?

That God and governments around the world view “Pasa Lies” with serious prejudice clearly tells YOU and ME that we must review what we say, what we text and what we “Pls. Pass…”

In this election season, in our day to day lives, we need to seriously set down personal rules on who and what we are willing to expose ourselves to in social or mainstream media. It is not enough to say “No” to smut or pornography or violence. The simple act of regularly watching TV programs can have a very revealing effect upon you. Consider what I discovered:

As a serious car enthusiast, I always look for and spend time to watch TV shows or DVDs about cars, restoration projects and the business of restoring cars. So the only shows I really get to watch are about cars, then world news, business and documentaries. That to me is both information and entertainment.

Not very long ago I noticed that some four-letter words started to “slip” into my vocabulary and even in my writing. In general, I viewed them as harmless four-letter words but began to notice that they slipped in more and more. I am no saint but it is also no justification to start cussing or cursing.

With very little effort, I traced the “negative influence” to some of my “favorite” programs on cars and motorcycles. You can bleep all the four-letter words as much as you want, but your brain can fill in the blanks in much the same way it can help you to read paragraphs with missing words or letters.

Please read this article once again and act. Don’t “Pasa Lies” because in the end you share the load and the responsibility.

Our Presidents and their Purpose

     Randell Tiongson, Personal Finance Coach and Educator, pictures the bad and good side of GMA administration in terms of Philippines economic situation, as well as, with the previous presidents.

Read more at this link.
http://www.randelltiongson.com/


Pres. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo

Monday, February 22, 2010

Groups | animalgate.com

Groups | animalgate.com

Join AnimalGate,
Your Global Animal Community! In a few seconds you
can gain access to all features including:
Create your pet's/animal's profile
Create your own blog and community groups
Find friends, pets for adoption, sale or breeding
Access AnimalGate.TV & AnimalGate.FM
Share pet stories, photos & videos
Play free games & browse our photo bucket

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Apple iPad



The best way to experience the web, email, photos, and video. Hands down.

All of the built-in apps on iPad were designed from the ground up to take advantage of the large Multi-Touch screen. And they work in any orientation. So you can do things with these that apps you can’t do on any other device.

SAFARI
The large Multi-Touch screen on iPad lets you see web pages as they were meant to be seen — one page at a time. With vibrant color and sharp text. So whether you’re looking at a page in portrait or landscape, you can see everything at a size that’s actually readable.

MAIL
See and touch your email in ways you never could before. In landscape, you get a split-screen view showing both an opened email and the messages in your inbox. To see the opened email by itself, turn iPad to portrait, and the email automatically rotates and fills the screen. And iPad works with all the most popular email providers, including MobileMe, Yahoo! Mail, Gmail, Hotmail, and AOL.

PHOTOS
With its crisp, vibrant display and unique software features, iPad is an extraordinary way to enjoy and share your photos. And there are lots of ways to import photos: You can sync them from your computer, download them from an email, or import them directly from your camera using the optional Apple Camera Connection Kit.

VIDEO
The large, high-resolution screen makes iPad perfect for watching any kind of video: from HD movies and TV shows to podcasts and music videos.

YOUTUBE
The YouTube app organizes videos so they’re easy to see and navigate.

iPOD
With the iPod app, all your music is literally at your fingertips. Browse by album, song, artist, or genre with a simple flick.

iTUNES
A tap of the iTunes store icon lets you browse and buy music, TV shows, and podcasts — or buy and rent movies — wirelessly, right from your iPad.

APP STORE
iPad runs almost 140,000 apps from the App Store. Everything from games to business apps and more.

iBOOKS
The iBooks app is a great new way to read and buy books.* Download the free app from the App Store and buy everything from classics to best sellers from the built-in iBookstore. Once you’ve bought a book, it’s displayed on your Bookshelf.

MAPS
See more of the world with high-resolution satellite and street view images. Even see topography with the new terrain view.

NOTES
With its expansive display and large, onscreen keyboard, iPad makes jotting down notes easy.

CALENDAR
iPad makes it easy to stay on schedule by displaying day, week, month, or list views of your calendar. You can see an overview of a whole month or the details of a single day. iPad even shows multiple calendars at once, so you can manage work and family schedules at the same time.

CONTACTS
The Contacts app on iPad makes finding names, numbers, and other important information quicker and easier than ever before. A new view lets you see both your complete contacts list and a single contact simultaneously. Need directions? Tap an address inside a contact and iPad automatically opens Maps.

HOME SCREEN
The Home Screen gives you one-tap access to everything on iPad. You can customize your Home Screen by adding your favorite apps and websites or using your own photos as the background. And you can move apps around to arrange them in any order you want.

SPOTLIGHT SEARCH
Spotlight Search allows you to search across iPad and all of its built-in apps, including Mail, Contacts, Calendar, iPod, and Notes. It even searches apps you’ve downloaded from the App Store. So no matter what you’re looking for, it’s never more than a few taps away.

Website:  http://www.apple.com/ipad/features/


Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Old Manila

     Just sharing the photos of old Manila taken way back before.  I got these from forwarded email.



     There were no Metro Aides and people cleaned their own area.  Pedestrians were well disciplined. No holes on cemented roads and manholes were clean and clearly visible to pedestrians. People were so disciplined.  That even the streets were shiny just like of that with Singapore now.



     Dencia’s was famous for Pansit Mami, much like Mamonluk or Ricebowl. Mami’s cost for only P1.50, 10 cents for coca cola and 5 cents for sarsaparilla. This was very near Villalobos and Carriedo. Even the jeepneys were not overloaded.



     Pasig was very clean, like in Venice.  But Pasig, during summer would have beautiful water lilies, tiny Quiapo’s floating amidst white, yellow and purple water.  Water from our rich and abundant river was emerald green and blue.  There’s no foul smell at all.



     Manila was just a beautiful city.



     From above, you’d be so proud to say that the place is much better than Cote’ d Azure.  Environment was just so very clean, air was refreshing, and the sea was so blue like the sky.



     Sidewalks were not extended to suit pedestrians.  Quiapo Church was a blessed monument.



     Avenida Rizal was a treat to everyone.  No prostitutes or human traffickers.  Avenida was not a fickle place.  It was a simple avenida where everyone enjoyed seeing the latest movie and shopping for goods.  It was just a big clean place.



     Ayala Avenue was just like Wilshire Boulevard.  You can walk, enjoy the sun, and smell a fresh air.  No trash bins but the streets were so clean.  No trash, not even a single candy wraps or cigarette butts.



     Even parks like Fort Santiago were much better.  No vendors, no cafés.



     It’s so nice to know that our city before was so clean and beautiful.  People were so disciplined.  Is there anything that we can do to make our country now as what it was before?  Lets stop comparing and envying the progress of other countries.  Each and everyone of us must do our part.  A few people acting for a common good is not enough.  Let us do it all together to achieve this common goal.

Friday, January 15, 2010

18 Android Apps To Get You�Started

18 Android Apps To Get You�Started

The Android Market pales in comparison to Apple's App Store based on number of apps, but that doesn't mean the quality of apps available to Android users aren't up to snuff. We've listed 1218 apps that cover a wide range of interests and genres but is not indicative of the Android Market as a whole. Think of this as a starting point in your collection of Android apps. If you have other favorites then feel free to voice your opinion in comments. Actually, we welcome it.
Update: Lists can never be perfect and this one is no different. The number of Android devices available in the market is constantly growing and the version of the OS varies based on carrier and hardware. If you recently purchased the Nexus One then chances are you don't need a news and weather app because Android 2.1 comes with a built in widget. If the Droid has captured your heart then Google Maps Navigation negates the need for a turn-by-turn nav app (same goes for the Nexus One). And let's not get started on the various Android “skins” from HTC or Motorola. In any case, we've added a few more apps to round out the list. Enjoy. *Note: Our gallery is a little wonky, so we can't include the QR code. I know. Sorry.*