Have a Lucky New Year! Welcome Year 2013

Lucky New Year everyone!  Learn from the past, move away from whatever is holding you back!

Don’t worry Be Happy! It’s New Year!



Thanks for the wonderful 2012 with y’all! Let's rock 2013!

Have a Smiley and Lucky Christmas Everyone!

Happy Christmas everyone!


I apologize for the long absence of post.  I’m still here just enjoying my holidays.  Hope you all are doing the same. 

Remember not to stress yourselves about senseless things and keep in mind what is the real reason for this season!

♫Hark the herald angels sing

“Glory to the newborn King!

Peace on earth and mercy mild

God and sinners reconciled”

Joyful, all ye nation rise

Join the triumph of the skies

With the angelic host proclaim:

Christ is born in Bethlehem”

Hark! The herald angels sing

“Glory to the newborn King!”♫

Cheers to all of us lucky earthlings!

Movie Review: Twilight Breaking Dawn Part 2

I’m glad Aro backed out or I’ll never forgive him for snapping the head of Carlisle Cullen – the vampire character I love most in this saga (next is Emmett).  I might ended up as a Volturi hunter.  Whoops! I’m definitely been carried by the vampire hype.

Ok before we go further, let me mention that I will not be using review scores here like 8 out of 10 or something like that.  My movie reviews will all be based on what goes on my (un)opinionated movie-lover brain and heart.  I’m not an expert in doing movie reviews but I’m giving myself the authority to make my own review simply because I like watching mixture of movies and analyzing them afterwards.  Consider it us my outspoken personal views.

Now, the problem with movies that are based on novels or books are, you can’t give them a perfect score if you are using one.  You will always have the tendency to compare them to the one you read right?  And it’s quite impossible to put every bit of details that we read from the book into a two-hour movie especially if it is a saga.  I’m sure everybody will agree that “bestseller” is an understatement for this Stephenie Meyer creation.

What I like most about the movie.
(Apart from Jacob Black’s abs) The fight scene!  It was magnificently cinematic! Vampires and wolves flying in acrobatic fights, head snapping then burnt whoa! that’s something new in the category called violence! lol.  However, the vampire’s unique abilities and defenses reminds me of the movie X-Men where each mutant possess a unique power.  So that point is not unique at all.

Michael Sheen’s (Aro) scene where he’s reading the mind of Ashley Greene (Alice) and knowing that he's going to be defeated by no other than the lover tandem of Edward and Bella was superb.  His backing out of the fight was entertainingly funny.  It got a lot of “I did not see that coming!” from the crowd.  Woot woot applause applause!

The image inserted here (Mackenzie Foy) is also my most like among the casts promotional photos.  Her face looks perfect for the role/name Renesmee.

What I like less about the movie.
(Apart from Kristen Stewart’s (no)acting) It has a very simple plot and it was drag down to an eternity of discussions and slow walks from the over dressed Volturi. I love the jackets of the Cullen clan by the way.  If in reality the vampire Alice is their fashion consultant, she really has a good taste.  Anyway going back to the simple plot.  The plot of this last installment could have been easily injected into the first movie or to simply say, it should have been just one movie for the last book.  The fans need not wait a year for this.  Their saga should have ended last year.  But for obvious reasons we all know why. 

I say this last installment is especially made to make Twilight fanatics swoon and go home happy.  And if you’re somebody who haven't read the book or watch the first movie installments I strongly suggest not to watch this movie because you will just end up frustrated.  It’s a prerequisite to do so.  Just like Harry Potter you will not totally understand and appreciate the movie version unless you read the book.

So finally the saga has ended (did it really huh?). That future scene envisioned by Alice with the beautiful grown-up Renesmee and Jacob is such a good start for another “weirdos” love story (half human/half vampire ♥ half man/half dog) that I’m sure hopeless romantic fans will all be oh so willing to embrace.

Ok that’s kinda big spoiler for those who haven’t watched it yet. Lucky me! I viewed it on the first day it officially opened in Philippine cinemas - exclusive screening it is courtesy of Nuffnang.ph and Wacoal! Thanks guys!

Photo source: Google images.

Commercial Review: Convergys Pedestal

I first saw this video from the Facebook wall of a friend who works in a call center company but not with Convergys.  When I first viewed this my comment was, “Nice! It’s about time!” 

I actually used the word pedestal the first time I was drafting this blog post.  I did not even knew then that the title of the video is “Pedestal”  I just found about the title when I saw the commercial on TV.  I seldom watch local television shows that’s why (forgive me).  All along while I was drafting this post I thought the title of the video is  “Convergys. You Count. For the brave, the bold and the game changers. You count”, because that is the phrase written in the Facebook link that I read.

Unfortunately, the link from Facebook won’t allow me to post the video here so I temporarily stop drafting my post.  But then luckily I saw the TV commercial and able to search the video from YouTube and the narrated words from the net.

There is not one person in this country today that can say he has made a difference.
Not one who has taken that leap of faith to change his fate.
Not one who has made a sacrifice for his loved ones.
Not one who pushes this country forward.
There is not one person today we can call a hero.

Not one but thousands.

Video source: YouTube

I would say that this is one among the most compelling videos I ever watched.  The video commercial is effective in conveying the message to people.  The concept is great, the musical scoring is perfect and the setting is apt - again, not plugging the company behind this video commercial but, placing human at par and as magnificent looking as an edifice conveys greatness for me.

The video is uplifting, encouraging and most of all inspiring.  It honors and acknowledges the effort of the hard working people in the call center industry particularly the call center agents.  Being a call center agent is one TOUGH job.  This is one great motivation and inspiration for these people to be proud of their chosen craft.

The Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) industry commonly known as call centers has become one solid solution to the country's unemployment problem second to overseas employment.  This industry is continuously providing the Philippine economy a steady push since it started to boom in 2006.  It’s just about time that the effort of the hardworking people in this industry particularly the call center agents be acknowledged and respected.  They deserved the "pedestal" concept of this video commercial.  Kudos!

Disclaimer:
The author is not in any way connected with the company Convergys nor with the people behind the video commercial.  The purpose of this review is for personal expression and appreciation.

My 10 Halloween-Related Wish List

I’ve been seeing a lot of bloggers posting about their bucket list and wish list.  I have my own list too but I ‘m not sharing it yet because I am looking for a perfect time to post it.

But, I have another wish list that have been kept in my trunk.  I am sharing this not only because Halloween is trending but because this wish list is real.  Who knows, some of you maybe interested in helping me out to make these wishes come true (wink*wink*).

Here is my 10 Halloween-Related Wish List:

1. Attend a Halloween Costume Party in a real scary costume.
   No cute costume please!  A zombie will do. I will not talk to anybody during the entire party.  I will just be lurking around while giving everybody a creepy look.
   
   
2. Go Trick or Treat as Addams Family.
   Well from where I came from it wasn’t the trend to do Trick or Treat when I was younger.  So maybe I could do it this time as “Morticia” and be sweetly addressed by Gomez Addams as “Cara Mia”.
   And oh, we are a family of four only so we will be needing an “Uncle Pester” - anybody wants to volunteer as Uncle Pester? I promised we’ll split the candies!
   
   
3. Host a Halloween Party.
   Again, I will be Morticia Addams welcoming the guests in a gorgeous black outfit.
   
   
   Guests will be fetch and send to their home in a black hearse.
   It’s my dream to design a dining table that looks like a slaughter table but all foods are edible. The menu will mostly be anything like liver, brains and same stuff. The beverages will be anything that looks like fresh blood and will be served by Frankenstein pumping from an IV bag. Something like that…
   
   
4. Play/Pose as a “White Lady” on a bridge from my home town which is known as being haunted by a “white lady”.  This bridge was featured in Magandang Gabi Bayan’s Halloween special.
   
   I will document the people’s reactions.  Hmn… I’m wondering what would be the perfect scare line… “Boo?”
   
5. Interview a vampire that looks like Louis de Pointe du Lac or Lestat de Lioncourt (Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise in the movie “Interview with the Vampire: The Vampire Chronicles”)
   Not Edward Cullens please. He looks like a malnourished kid rather than a vampire.
   
   
6. Witness a human transform into a werewolf.
   No, no! Not Taylor Lautner!  I want to see the fangs and Taylor's abs is very destructing. LOL.
   
7. Do Spirit of the Glass with Piolo Pacual (local actor).
   I’m not a fan but I like that he's a runner.  I just want to know if he can outrun me when things started to be real scary and who shrills err screams louder. Duh!
8. Explore a real haunted house with fellow bloggers.
9. Photo walk with fellow bloggers in a cemetery.
10. Eat/Taste a real pumpkin pie.
    The real and especially-baked pumpkin pie please not the cookies or whatever cheap representation of it (I haven’t tried it really).

Who wants to join me?  Don’t worry I’ll start with number 10.  It’s doable eh? Bwa ha ha ha ha! (evil laugh).

Photo Source: Google Images

I Can Be Body Beautiful at Any Age with Wacoal

I keep my body healthy and fit through running and regular exercise.  I run at least 3 to 5 kilometers every other day and do a two-hour aerobics at least twice a week.  I also join fun runs at least once every month.  That is how I keep my body fit at my age.

Now if you ask me “How can you be body beautiful at any age?”, well that is easy! 

I can be body beautiful at any age with Wacoal!  Wacoal believes that every woman is made beautiful.  They understand  women’s bodies vary and that every woman’s body changes as she ages.  As she matures, a woman should exude that charm, boldness and confidence by wearing intimate apparel that truly provide comfort, support and a perfect fit.  In complementing a woman’s physical transformation, Wacoal offers products anchored exceptional quality and style innovation, making sure that every woman looks her best at any age.

I just need to choose the best undergarments that best fits my age and Wacoal has all the specifics and designs that I need.  I own several pairs and I can attest with the durability as well.  As I am checking the current Wacoal collection,  this lovely pair caught my eye!   I gotta own this!

DB 2401: Premium three-quarter cup embroidered bra
DF 3301: Matching embroidered Panty

As I run to my golden years,  I’m confident that Wacoal will continuously keep me feel and look body beautiful.  Wacoal has a lot of designs and styles to choose from.  You can find anything that you desire from here:

http://www.wacoal.ph

Moby-Dick – Now an Adult Wish to Read This Novel

Google Doodle never fails to amaze me! 

Today the doodle is about the 161st Anniversary of Moby-Dick.   A novel written by the popular American writer Herman Melville.

Source: Google Search

I got excited clicking on the doodle expecting that the link will show information about the story of the famous whale. But instead, the link lead me to author Herman Melville's  page instead of linking to the novel's (Moby- Dick) page. But anyway of course from that search page there’s a link going to Moby dick.

Before I click on the link I tried to do some reminiscing on what I can remember from reading the novel Moby-Dick. And I went “uh oh!”

I realized I can’t make a solid summary or synopsis or whatever about the story from my mind, except for some whale and ship images.  And “dang!” It is just now I realized that I haven’t actually read the novel.  My Moby-Dick’s information came from short film adaptation and animation I think. How could that happened? Didn’t I had a three unit subject in American Literature back in college?  How could I miss reading this treasured novel?

So now it’s in my bucket list.  It is now among my adult wish to find this novel and read it.  Anybody want to throw me a copy here?

“To produce a mighty book, you must choose a mighty theme.  No great and enduring volume can ever be written on the flea, though many there be that have tried it.” – Herman Melville

Top Ten Favorite Movies of All Time

Have you watched a certain movie over and over again until you lost count how many times you watched it?   Do you have a copy of that movie that you are watching over and over?

I am a movie lover and I watched variety of movies. I have more than a hundred favorite movies in mind but I have this top ten movies that I never get tired of watching.  I used to have this habit of collecting the original copies of my favorite movies.

I have the list of these movies in my manual journal and you will find that some of them have check marks.  The check mark means that I already acquired the original CD of that movie.  My best friend has her own list of favorites also.  Whoever between us finds a copy of a movie from our lists, we buy it in behalf of each other.  These original CDs used to be expensive and it was not easy to sustain our habits.  What we used to do before was to wait for these movies to be "on sale", then we buy the original copies.  If the movie is not so popular, I checked on video shops and buy their extra copy.

'My purpose for collecting these movies was for me to be able to watch these movies anytime that I want to.  Well nowadays we all know that there are several easy ways to find the movie of your choice.  But before torrents and downloads became popular, I almost have all the original copies of my most favorite movies.  “Almost” because I can not find the original copies of the other movies which are not very popular or not too commercialized.

pulled-out from my dust-covered collections,
some of the original CDs of my most favorite movies of all time

Here’s sharing the Top 10 list of my most favorite movies of all time according to my own ranking.  You may  noticed that it’s a kinda weird combination but that's what makes it an interesting list.

1. Speed (1994)
   Starring: Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock
2. Saving Private Ryan (1998)
   Starring: Tom Hanks, Matt Damon
3. Meet Joe Black (1998)
   Starring: Brad Pitt, Anthony Hopkins, Claire Forlani
4. Pirates of Silicone Valley (1999)
   Starring: Noah Wyle, Anthony Michael Hall
5. In the Time of the Butterflies (2001)
   Starring: Salma Hayek, Edward James Olmos
6. 13 Days (2000)
   Starring: Kevin Costner, Bruce Greenwood, Steven Culp
7. Rules of Engagement (2000)
   Starring: Samuel L. Jackson, Tommy Lee Jones
8. The Big Hit (1998)
   Starring: Mark Wahlberg, Lou Diamond Philips
9. Nick of Time (1995)
   Johnny Depp, Christopher Walken
10. Patch Adams (1998)
    Starring: Robin William, Monica Potter

Later along the blogging way, I hope I could share my own point of (re)view to each of the movies from my list.  Who knows, you might find my reasons and (re)views interesting.

What about you? Do you have your own top ten favorite movies of all time?

Capture The Colour

I thought it would be easy finding the photos I need for this contest since I have  tons of photos to look at. But when I started looking and choosing, my oh my! I almost gave up and scratch the idea! But for the love of Gracie who tagged me when she joined the contest hosted by travelsupermarket.com, I went ahead and took it as a challenge to come up with an idea.  Reading Joanne's post about this also inspired me to do this at least for fun!  Note that the contest is already done and winners have been drawn.

The first problem was, there were too many photos to choose from.  I always fell asleep while choosing the photos being played through the slide show.  The next problem was the concept.  I had a lot of considerations one of which is to use the colors of my race singlet from my running alter ego.   Finally, I settled on two choices.  My Cebu’s Sinulog and Iloilo’s Dnagyang Festival photos from my January 2012 adventure.   However,  I was torn on which festival photos should I use.  Then I thought “why not use the photos from both festivals?”  I just labeled the photos through watermark to identify from which festivals they were taken from.

So here’s my share for the “Capture the Colour” fun.  I call them my street shots taken from my ever-reliable digicam in the streets of Cebu and Iloilo during the Sinulog and Dinagyang 2012 Festivals.  Just help me out on the color for I’m a bit torn on what particular color should I tag these photos with.  It would be fun to hear your comments on what color label the photos should belong.

B L U E

G R E E N

Y E L L O W

W H I T E

R E D

And if you’re looking for some more colors, here’s one for you!

this is one of the float in Cebu’s Sinulog Festival, designed with sea treasures in colorful presentation

THANK YOU Gracie for tagging me!  I had real fun doing this post and more so, I ‘m finally done with my “zero back tag” campaign that I started this month.  I have replied to all the posts where my fellow bloggers tagged me and my blogs! Yey!

You may want to take a peek at my Sinulog and Dinagyang 2012 adventures:

• Sinulog 2012 - Kitang Tanan Mag Pit Senyor
• Iloilo Gearing for Dinagyang Festival 2012
• Dinagyang 2012 - Ati Parade and Competition
• Dinagyang 2012 - Kasadyahan Night

Versatile Blogger Award

Aaaw it’s October and I’m kind of cramming with all my pending posts before the blogosphere will be uniformly talking about the Halloween and the Holiday Season.

With “pending posts”, I am referring to “tags” that my fellow bloggers mentioned me and my blogs.  As of date I have two “Versatile Blogger Award”, one “Capture The Color” and one “Liebster Blog” tags that I haven’t replied yet.  I’m a bad fellow blogger forgive me!

These tags have been haunting me and I don’t think I can sleep well unless I complied to them (lol). Seriously, I felt honored and really appreciate each tags/awards that my fellow bloggers are giving me and my blogs.  So in spite of the delays they will definitely be complied with.

As I always say, once a blogger tagged or linked you in any way, that means that you are important.  It is just not only being kind but ethical to reply on these tags in any way that we can.  So to deal with my mission to be “zero back tags”, let me start with my second (there are three of them) Versatile Blogger Award.


The Rules:

1. Thank the blogger who gave you this award.  Don’t forget to link her blog.
2. Post seven random things about you
3. Give the award to 15 other bloggers you love and let them know you gave them this award.

And here’s my reply:

• THANK YOU Rej of Superaena for this award!  I appreciate it much and I apologize if my reply is kinda late.  You tagged me from my other blog. However, I already have a blog entry for this same award so I am replying through this blog.
• I sort of complied to another post that says a lot of random things about me and you can find it here. 
• Again, I just like to mention that for me all bloggers are versatile, but here are some good bloggers in my mind right now. Tadaaah!

1. Ana of Joys of Life
   - Your WISH ;) is my command my dear. 
2. Jessica of Pagguhit ng mga Salita
   – Not only a blogger but a great artist as well
3. Olivr of the BEAT BOX
   - Who else can give me a regular doze of music updates in any genre and style?
4. Kulapitot of Love Life Lots KULAPITOT
   - Never fails to give me a hearty laugh every time I read your posts.  My current favorite is the “Deo Chronicles”  ha ha
5. Pareng Jay of Mga Kwento ni Pareng Jay
   - I love the “tanginess” on how you tackle your subject. If I’ll describe it in tagalog – “may kakaibang dating!”
6. Hitokirihoshi Laurence of aspectos de hitokiriHOSHI
   - I stumbled upon your blog just recently but I know you have been blogging longer.  I really enjoy reading your posts.  I’m actually back reading right now.
7. SunnyToast of Sunny Toast
   - One bohemian life shared in the blogosphere! So enjoyable to read!
8. Gene of Metered Words
   - I simply love the depth in your writings
9. Juicy Jay of Rafol Draws His Thoughts
   - I love your opinions.  They blend well with the subjects of your posts
10. Mak of Christian Song Lyrics
    - Your site is so simply inspiring and you’re always around to support your fellow bloggers.
11. Joan Estacio of 26 with 4 Kids
    - A super versatile young mom blogger, 26 with four young boys? OMG!
12. Pink Line of the Pink Line
    - It’s like I’m reading pocket books when I’m exploring your blog. I am waiting for the third installment of the “Mahal… ang Bacon” series ha ha.
13. Hash Purcia of Hash Coffee Table Book
    - I’m enjoying the simplicity and vividness of your posts.  It’s like I’m just listening to you while telling the stories.
14. Irene of I Wright Every New Episode
    - All mommy bloggers are versatile for me ;)
15. “Whoever” is behind Encourage One Another
    - I just want you to know that “I LOVE YOUR BLOG!”. I know I can’t leave a comment or a chat message on your site, nor I can’t exchange links with you, but yet I kept on visiting your site and reading your posts.  Your blog is so simple yet so significant and that’s why I considered you the most versatile site/blogger.

Good luck to y’all versatile people!

Trying To Design A Running Blog

Well the title is with so much honesty!

I created this blog because I am trying to learn to design a running blog because the most important person in my life is into running.  "She's" been experimenting with her running blog and haven't find the perfect template and design so I thought of working on it.  Who knows she might like this one and settle for this (wink*).

So what you would see everything in here are all experimental especially the designs.  Don't be surprised if you visit here and find the templates changes everyday.

But, that doesn't mean I don't know into running.  I'm into running too just so you know.

this is not me. lol

95 Days Before Christmas.

It kind of surprised me big time when I heard from today’s morning news that it is just 95 more days before Christmas!  I can’t help but utter the over used but oh so true phrase “time flies so fast”!  And it flies more faster when you are so caught up with the daily rushes of life that you missed to savor the moment when the most anticipated season of the year is fast approaching.

For those who’s been following my blog posts, it is so obvious that for almost two months now, I am having one helluva time.  My schedule is so messed up and the mess directly affected my blog postings.  Though I manage not to be in total blogging hiatus, I was not happy either on the way I am managing my posts lately. I love blogging, I love writing!  However, sometimes there are far more pressing responsibilities that one needs to take care of and in the process, some things are needed to be given up for a while.  In my case I need to sacrifice some of my blogging time to accommodate more pressing and important matters.   I’m not happy though.  Thus, in spite that my schedule is almost unmanageable, I’m still trying very hard not to neglect my blog sites. It saddens and touches me at the same time when blogger friends are commenting that they are missing my posts. How I wish that I can post like I used to.

I sound frustrated yeah?  Another reason is that, I failed to do one personal tradition that I annually do.

I love to wake up in the dawn of September 1st, tune in the radio and wait for the first Christmas song to play, then be one among the first to greet everyone a “Happy Christmas!”

Do I sound overly dramatic? And yeah I know this may sound too early for some people especially for non-Filipino.  Well I have my reasons. 

Christmastime is a joyful season that brings hope to people.  Something to be anticipated for, a time when wishes are given chances and followed by hope for something new and prosperous – the New Year.

And since I talk about music in this blog, let this be my venue to greet you all here through this beautiful music video that I traditionally post in my social media accounts every 1st of September.

HAPPY CHRISTMAS everyone!

Scent of A Woman - My Closet Friends

It’s rainy days once again and this is the time when I appreciate scents the most.  I love scents but  you can never make me wear one during summer here in the Philippines especially when the temperature reached 35º.  Except of course during occasions wherein I will need to mingle with people, shake hands and make “beso-beso”. 

Here’s sharing to you some of my favorite scents that I had fun of taking photo one time that I found them neatly lined up in my closet which is a rare instance.  They are usually messily stack together in a basket inside my closet.  These are from my previous stocks. I haven’t check what are the scents in my closet right now though I spotted CK.

my closet friends :)

1. Dolce & Gabbana for Women by Dolce & Gabbana
This first women’s scent creation from Dolce & Gabbana is somewhat perfect for my taste (or smell should I say).  I am biased with scents with a citrus note.  This Dolce & Gabbana is perfect for me because I found the scent combined with a note of flower, herbal and soft-musk.  Aaah! exactly what I’m looking for. 

What makes me love it more is the simple but classy packaging – the red top (pour femme) cover in sturdy rectangular bottle makes it my favorite “grab” from my messy perfume basket. 

2. Glow by JLo
Honestly, I am more interested with the bottle design than the scent.  I’m guilty with this bottle because I stripped it off with the cutest and sexiest bottle accessory which is a “bottle-necklace” like accessory in silver cord with “JLo” initial in Swarovski crystals.  I strip it off and put the accessory on my black Nokia passion phone.  It is supposed to look like this. 



I hope I can find a photo of my favorite Nokia cell phone wearing this accessory so I can share them with you as well.

Glow is the first fragrance by Jennifer Lopez and it became very popular which inspired other celebrities to launch their own fragrance line.

3. Victoria’s Secret Eau De Toilette Spray and Body Mist
My all time favorite!  This is not only my closet friend but also my purse’ best friend thus I prefer the 30ml bottle.  This is my “wear anytime, anywhere” scent.  I wear this even during summertime.  That explains why the bottle from my stock is almost empty.  I like all the scent in the Secret Garden line but my most favorite is Love Spell.

4. True Star by Tommy Hilfiger
I’m not sure why this scent makes me feel confident when I’m wearing it.  I was thinking maybe because it is being endorsed by one of the most influential celebrity – Beyonce?  I don’t know.  I simply love its aquatic fresh and fruity sweet scent with a note of citruses and musk.

5. Dune Dior for Women
Actually, my old/all time favorite scent is Poison by Christian Dior.  I don’t have it in my closet for quite a while because I can’t find one when I was looking for it and nobody is giving me one for quite a long while (paging sponsor friends lol).

Then I found Dune!  and I fell in love with its scent too. I don’t know how to exactly describe Dune’s scent but I’m sure there’s a lot of flowery scent in it including the rare ylan-ylang.  All I know is that I am liking it because I found in it the same sweet scent that I found in “Poison”.

There it is!  Some of my favorite scents.  I will try to share more in the future.  What about you? What is your favorite scent?

PR1 in Two Months and Four Entries? I’m Lucky Indeed!

What? This blog is Page Rank 1?

With just two months of being live and barely four blog entries my page rank went up to PR1!  Well I’m not complaining (grinning ☺).

I’m really happy for this ranking because there was a long absence of post before my entry of yesterday.  The good thing is that, I went back working on this blog without me knowing that it is already in Page Rank 1.  Now I am more inspired to maintain this site and to aim on a higher PR.

Thank you to the mighty Google for this ranking but most of all THANK YOU to all my readers and followers!  You never left this blog and keep on supporting this while I was on posting break.  You guys really rock!  I promised you all a more worthwhile and exciting blogging experience on this site.

Having you all around makes me feel lucky and this blog is indeed a lucky one!

I’m back and Watch Out for My Upcoming Giveaways!

First off, I want to apologize for the long absence of post on this blog.  There’s a lot of reasons but to sum it all, it is because of the over used word called “busy”.  Well busy is a usual term in my world but the past month has been real crazy busy in my space!

I’m also guilty of considering to discontinue this blog.  I was worried that I may not be able to maintain due to lack of time.  But I thought about my readers and followers plus the encouraging messages I’m getting from my other blogs which are mostly looking forward to my continued writing and postings.  You guys rock!

Plus I’m really not a quitter.  Once I created something I always give it my best shot and make it grow. And most of all, I don’t have the heart to shelve this project especially that:

• I know this is a promising site
• there are number of people who are looking forward to my posts and giveaways
• there’s a line up of good entry for this blog and I don’t want to put them into waste
• giveaway sponsors keep coming (wink*)

So let the fun begin!  Giveaways are definitely coming soon!

Well Fed Well Nurtured Campaign: Responsible Pet Ownership in The Philippines

A blog is a powerful media tool that helps to disseminate information and awareness to its readers and followers.  Thus, it may not be conspicuous but in my own little way I am trying to make my blogs to support a charity or a cause.    My running blog supports the annual Milo Marathon which main cause is to provide shoes to the under privilege children.  While my Balut Manila blog supports the Missionaries of Charity.

When I started this blog, I was trying to look for a cause that I may be able to support.  Good thing I am able to come across with the people of Strategic Edge, Inc.who, are also partly the people behind the “Well Fed Well Nurtured Campaign”. 

This campaign promotes Responsible Pet Ownership in the Philippines with the emphasis on the importance of proper diet and regular vet care for pets.  I myself is an owner of a stray cat.  I adopted it out of pity and also because of the persistence of my young daughter who really wanted to own a pet cat. This is our first time to own a cat, much more of a stray one.  We are not aware of the do’s and don’ts of taking care of our stray cat.  Good thing that the Pet Food Institute (PFI), the trade association for the US pet food industry, in collaboration with the Veterinary Practitioners Association of the Philippines (VPAP), came out with a public information campaign that seeks to promote proper pet care among Filipino dog and cat owners.



Philippines Pet Snapshot

• Close to 9M households currently own at least one pet dog or cat; pet ownership increasing yearly
• Pet humanization and flourishing pet-friendly establishments
• Increasing appreciation for health & wellness for pets
• 99% of pet owners still feed leftovers or table scraps

Cat Ownership Trends

• Cat ownership in the Philippines continues to increase in 2011. Aside from more Filipinos looking for animal companions, the initiatives of non-government animal organizations to promote adoption of homeless and non-purebred felines also assisted in improving the number of cat owners in 2011.
• Feeding pets with table scraps remains a common practice in the Philippines –more prevalent in provincial and rural areas –due to the limited disposable income of most Filipinos.

Dog Ownership Trends

• Dog ownership in the Philippines continued to increase in 2010, brought about by new owners who purchased their first dog and existing pet lovers adding more to their current family.
• There was a strong preference for toy dogs because of the changes in dwelling choices amongst Filipinos over the review period –more opting to live in high-rise condominiums and smaller houses –and because these small animals consume less food and therefore are more economical to own.
• About 99% of dog owners continued to use leftover human food as it is more economical and avoids wastage.
• Dog ownership in the Philippines is expected to increase over the forecast period as young childless couples and middle-aged empty nesters look for animal companions that are able to interact with them. Small and medium-sized dogs are projected to drive growth due to the change in lifestyle and dwelling size of a significant number of Filipinos over the review period. Nevertheless, those living in bigger houses are foreseen to keep large breeds to make them guard dogs

Awareness on Proper Pet Care

• As pet owners increase, so should awareness on proper pet care.
• Pets can live long and healthy lives, and pet owners need to understand the role they need to play to provide proper care of their animal companions.

Under the Well-Fed, Well-Nurtured campaign, PFI and VPAP will raise awareness on proper nutrition and regular veterinary care, which are widely recognized as the two key elements in responsible pet ownership.

Pillars of responsible pet ownership

Regular veterinary care

• Veterinarians are highly trained doctors who are qualified to examine pets, treat illness, and answer questions on pet care. Experts at preventive medicine, veterinarians also are expert diagnosticians.
• The veterinarian will check the pet for worms, give necessary inoculations, make certain the pet is healthy, and advise on future veterinary care such as checkups.

Proper nutrition and diet for pets

• Veterinarians and animal nutritionists agree that table scraps are not balanced meals for pets and are deficient in nutrients. Adding scraps to a balanced diet often adds extra calories which are can be detrimental to your pet's health.
• Wide assortment of commercial pet foods fully formulated for all stages of pet growth to provide a well-balanced diet for pets.

Exercise

• Walking and playing with pets is good exercise and healthy activity to do together.
• Remember to walk dogs on a leash, and be sure to scoop up after them.

Grooming

• Bathe pets and trim hair and nails regularly.
• Keep pets sleeping, “bathroom” and playing areas clean to avoid disease and parasite infection.

Training

• Helping your pets become well-behaved companions is a part of responsible ownership.
• Cats and dogs can be trained to understand a number of commands and be socialized so they are good family members and get along with other members of the community.
• Pet owners may wish to seek advice from an expert on how to train a pet.

I hope that this somehow help and raise awareness to the Philippine pet owners and would be pet owners.  Owning a pet involves responsibility.  Let us all be a responsible one!

Disclaimer:  This is not a paid post.

Promo: Cebu Pacific “I Lite You!” Promo Until July 8, 2012

Just to share to you all the current promo announcement from Cebu Pacific sent to me through their "Seat Sale Alert" email:

I LITE YOU! Low ALL-IN Fares you’ll surely like! 

Promo Period: Until July 8, 2012 or until seat last.

Travel period for:

• Philippine Destinations: Sept. 3 to Nov. 30, 2012
• Regional Destinations : Sept. 1 to Nov. 30, 2012

Cebu Pacific Contact Details:

Website: www.cebupacificair.com

Contact Numbers (Call Centers):

• Manila Office:
  Tel: +63-2-70-20-888
• Cebu Office:
  Tel: +63-32-230-8888
• Hong Kong Office:
  Tel: +852-397-33800
• Singapore Office:
  Tel: +65-315-80808

Guest Services:
Airline Operations Center Building, Manila Domestic Airport Complex, Old Domestic Road , Pasay City, Philippines 1301

Do you know about other current airline promos?  Please share it here!

Source: Email from Cebu Pacific

Music Exposure Part 1: When I Was Little

I have a generation gap with my older siblings, particularly with my oldest brother and sister (Kuya and Ate).  Being born the youngest from the brood of eight, my exposure in music is influenced by the different genre where my other siblings belong.

Let me start with, "When I was little" (lol but seriously), my father has this business of buying imported stuff from American people in Subic Base back in the days that it wasn’t yet a free port.  He used to bring home a lot of imported stuff, from food,  kitchen utensils, furniture to appliances.  We smell like Americans I tell yah. LOL!  Calling my father “Hey Jo!” up front was the ultimate dream joke for me and my siblings.  But it remained just a dream joke.  My father, in spite of being exposed to the western people is the typical conservative Filipino father.  He is super strict and disciplinarian.  Kissing his hand (Mano Po) was the “must do” when he comes home from work. 

One day, my father brought home a stereo that made all of us exclaimed “Holy Cow!”  Everyone of us were agape while that “gorgeous huge piece of American technology” is being unloaded from the delivery van.  It was so sophisticated (during that time of course)   that I ‘m not sure if I can describe it perfectly in writing.  I also tried searching for an image from the net but I can’t find an exact one.  The photo below is a bit the same but ours is more sophisticated.  But at least it will give you an idea how it looks like.

an old American stereo.
Ours is more sophisticated, with piano finish top in varnish color and the edges are artfully curved.

I don't think that even the richest people in our town own something like this.  It is the kind that you can only find from imported glossy magazines.  It has lots of features including two sliding door compartments.  One for the control panel and the other one for the record keeper. The records during that time is called “Long Playing Album” (LOL). Between the two compartments is a huge speaker that produces the best quality of  stereo sound.

There are lots more unique features this stereo has, but the one thing that really fascinates us and all the people who saw it, is the record player.  It is also the one thing that stuck in my mind and still fascinates me till this day.  The record player has a robot-like function.  It can hold up to ten long playing albums, and then it automatically queues the record one after the other.  Fascinating isn’t it?


So my Kuya (brother) feasted on this sophisticated stereo.  As you know how the older siblings are in the family, they dominate or set the trend in the house! Yo! Ooops! It was “Peace Man” during that time.  My brother is one proud teener in the hippie genre, owning the coolest sound system in town!  His room was strategically adjacent to the living room where the stereo is displayed.  A mock-up divider separated the living room and my brother's head board.  He will queue a maximum of ten long playing albums to the stereo, go back to his room and sang his lungs out with the Beatles, Bee Gees, Elvis, The Doors, Santana, Black Sabbath, Cat Stevens, Jimi Hendrix, Bob Marley, Crosby Stills, Nash & Young and all the 70’s greatest. 

Past forward to present... 

The food - till this day I am not fond of eating those huge jarred pickles, canned goods, chocolate covered marshmallows and cookies and the likes.  I sort of developed a food fatigue on those food stuff.  To think that “PX” was still rare and a real big deal at that time.

The music - all I can say is that I can join the game "Name that Tune" and I promised you I could win the championship in the 70's category!

And this was just the beginning of my “no way out slavery" of listening to music.  Tag along with me as I go along with life saying “Rock on!” 

Photo credits: Google images

Hello Lucky People, Welcome to The Lucky Blog!

Welcome to my new blog, The Lucky Blog!

If you are able to read the "About" of this blog, you will know that this will cover a complicated but exciting combination of blog topics.

I've been wanting to create a nook where I can talk about music, lyrics and movies.  In fact, the first ever blog title that I’ve written is “Light to Life and Lyrics”.  But I'm not able to really grow a real blog out of that title because I got sidetrack in growing my running and life style blogs.  However, as I go along enjoying the blogging life, my interest never faded.  I am now finally trying to make that interest materialized by creating this blog.

I have to remind everyone  though that I am not a musician nor a composer or a song writer.  I’m simply just a music and lyric lover.  I’m just like everyone else that when a music plays, I get carried away and lots of thoughts are coming out of my imaginative mind.  I thought it would be fun sharing them to you through this blog.  I am hoping that my readers will share their ideas back to me so then we’ll have a "lyrical forum" right?


I am also a movie lover but I have some idiosyncracies about watching movies.   I will try to share these idiosyncracies along the blogging way.  One thing about movies I noticed is that the most popular movies are the ones with great musical scoring and soundtrack.  Be it a love story, horror, comedy or action, music gives more impact to the story line of a movie.  Movies and music compliment each other.  The same way how these two compliment real life.  Music and movies are great representation of life.  Most people if not all have their own songs and movies where they can relate their life’s circumstances.

Giveaway is becoming popular lately in the blogosphere.  I am seeing a lot of blogs that are hosting giveaways and the prizes are awesome.  I am always interested in joining giveaways more so if I like the item that is being given away.  But I prefer those giveaway contest that requires writing or blogging especially if the winner will be based on the quality of the blog post.  Writing about them gives me continuous lesson in creative writing.  It is also a good practice in writing good reviews which would also be a major component of this blog.

Lately, I’ve been receiving offers from awesome companies to host giveaways to promote their products.   I am honored and excited at the same time. Through this blog, I will be able to host and join giveaways at the same time, write reviews while I share my thoughts about music and lyrics, movies and life.  I hope that you will join me with this fun!

C'mon, let's have fun and get lucky!

Photo credits: Google images