Benetton Cold Straight from the Balikbayan Box

Last week, my cousin who's working in Saudi Arabia arrived in the country for a month long vacation. He's been working there for almost two decades already. Everyone here was excited and of course, waiting for the balikbayan boxes (standard cardboard boxes containing a number of small items and sent by an overseas Filipino) to be opened each eager to get their pasalubong (anything given as a gift to someone on the way home from a certain place or trip).

As for me, I always request perfume every time he goes home; my favorite perfume that is - Cold by United Colors of Benetton. I've been using this perfume since college and it has been my signature scent known to people close to me. I don't know, but I've received a lot of compliments telling me that I smell good with this perfume. I was even told by one of my officemates then that I smell like a macho dancer which I gladly took as a flatter (laughs).

So to my friends, better get to the perfume store now and reserve one for me on my birthday. Kidding! Haha.

Dinner at Dencio's Bar and Grill

We had a food trip last weekend at Dencio's Bar and Grill at SM City Clark. I heard that they have this crowd's all-time favorite fresh coconut shake which is one of their best selling coolers so we decided to have our dinner there to give it a try. We also tried Dencio's Iced Tea and the famous Bulalo (beef bone marrow in vegetable soup).

While waiting for our orders, I fancied the colorful glass chandeliers in the resto. They are, I think made from mosaic fiber glass of different colors. Too bad I just used my camera phone to capture it that is why the pictures are not so clear and detailed. I'd love to have some of these at home or at my garden.

Going back to our main purpose of going to Dencio's which is to eat, the food was OK, however, not really striking or to-die-for. I'm not gonna include it on my list of best places to eat great food. But it's not a regretful choice after all. It's just that, it's not my cup of tea.

Dencio's Bar and Grill, SM City Clark
Address: G/F SM City Clark, Angeles City, Pampanga
Phone number: (045) 499-0225
Website: www.dencios.biz
Open daily from 1000AM - 0800PM

Complete Body Cleansing Using Detox Kits

Body cleansing treatment and supplements are now starting to take over our world today to help maintain our healthy lifestyle. They come in different applications like tablets or capsules, drink supplements like tea or juice and some others.

Detox kits are now readily available online that will aid in regulating the toxin level in our body. The products come in different variant like for the urine, blood, hair and some sorts. As what I have read on one of the products offered, it assures that the entire body will release 100% of the toxin once you have completed the treatment program. You may check out passadrugtesting.com to have those kits which are guaranteed safe, effective and easy to use.

Capiz Lanterns of Tiendesitas

These photos were taken the first time I went at Tiendesitas in Manila just last March. I thought they're beautiful that's why I took a picture of them so I can share it with you. Made from capiz material which is a very popular textile for lights especially lanterns here in the Philippines.

Lights like these relaxes our mood and in fact, I have some native oriental hand-made lights in my room because I like the soothing drama effect it creates when in my room.

Waking Up on the Wrong Side of My Busted Bed

Yesterday, I felt like I woke up on the wrong side of the bed and had this very bad aura which I can't explain. I quickly head on to the bathroom and did my rituals and got ready for breakfast. After taking a shower, I prepared my coffee and just decided to go back to my room. While sitting at the far end of my room, I realized not only did I wake on the wrong side of the bed but on the wrong one as well. I think I need to have my bed replaced and get a new stuff. Probably that's the reason of my mood swings lately (laughs).

Without further ado, I grabbed my laptop and searched for classy but cheap platform beds at Spacify where we usually order home accessories. I found a couple of beds that I'm sure will give me a good sleep and hopefully great mornings of waking up.

With this photo taken earlier this morning, I don't think I still have that bad mood. =)

A Bitter Pill: SM City Clark's 3D Digital Cinema

SM City Clark recently opened its first ever 3D digital cinema and of course, we were there to critique it. It was Pixar's Up Movie that was in 3D then. Actually, I was excited to "taste-test" it because it's the first time that the province will be having a higher level cinema experience. A ticket will cost you only 200 pesos (approximately $4) which is quite cheaper compared to Mall of Asia's IMAX theatre which is around 350 pesos per head.

Same with IMAX theatres, it also comes with 3D eyeglasses which you have to wear during the entire movie. I thought it would be of such great distinction with the usual cinemas but I was frustrated. To my standpoint, I felt like there's no difference at all plus it made me dizzy and I almost puked at the latter part of the movie. I also didn't feel comfortable with the eyeglasses because they're heavy and poorly designed. And I'd like to suggest creating smaller sizes for kids, too.

I swear I will never watch from this 3D cinema ever again- not for a 200-peso ticket. We could have just watched from a regular cinema and saved almost half the price

Formula One Grand Prix Experience at Singapore

Formula One racing or F1, being the highest class of auto racing because of its high maintenance and budget never fails to attract enthusiasts in the world. In fact, I am an F1 fan, too, not because I drive one, but because I admire these high tech and powerful cars that by just seeing them in an auto exhibit already satisfies me. In many parts of the world, F1 racing has become a tradition that every race always transforms into a massive television event that thrills millions of global audience.

Here in Asia, Singapore is just one of the countries that fancy F1 tradition. Recently, they launched a Singapore F1 Season Video Contest - "City of the Night" that offers a whopping prize of SGD$3,000 to the lucky resident winner. Foreigners can also participate and have the chance to be a part of the F1 gathering as well, free of trip tickets and hotel accommodations. All you need to do to get involved is to create a video on why you think this season's grand prix will be one of the greatest race events ever. Check on the mechanics at Singapore F1 Events Information for you to be well geared about the contest.

And maybe I should start creating one for myself after posting this on my blog. May the best video win.

Devil's Own Luck - Texting While Driving Tragedy

"Every driver should see this, especially teenagers. It is very graphic and is recommended for 18 and older but if they wait till 18 to see it, they may not reach 18. Parents: Watch this by yourself first then with your kids. Explain to them that if they have to phone or text, pull over and stop in a SAFE location first, then use the phone."

The video serves as a lesson for all of us. We have to always put in mind that life is precious yet vulnerable. We should not live life for granted because once taken away, we can never have it back.

On a deeper and general perspective, the moral of the story tells us that we should always be aware of our actions. Sometimes, we do things without even thinking how it will affect ourselves or the people around us which in turn, result into consequences that we really regret or worse, cases that can't be undone.

Venezuela's Stefania Fernandez Crowned Miss Universe 2009

Although I'm feeling half disappointed while I was watching the coronation night, I still got excited in finding out who will be crowned Miss Universe 2009. And finally, it is finished, Miss Venezuela Stefania Fernandez was crowned Miss Universe 2009 and is now the bearer of the "Peace" crown officially made by Diamond Nexus Labs. Next to Venezuela are: Dominican Republic's Ada Aimee dela Cruz and Kosovo's Gona Dragusha, 1st and 2nd runner up respectively.

Miss Venezuela, during the question and answer segment was asked by judge Andre de Leon of Vogue on what she can do in our world situation today that women are struggling into getting in an organization. Basically, it was the question of rivalry between men and women and how the fair gender can step into the masculine's level. She stated a brief and very simple answer saying that is should not be a barrier nowadays. I'm quite sure that any other other delegates would answer it well, too. But fair enough to her, Stefania is steaming hot and gorgeous. I would have to agree with the judges on their decision.

Some Major and Special Awards:

3rd Runner-up: Miss Puerto Rico, Mayra Matos Perez

4th Runner-up: Miss Australia, Rachael Finch

Miss Congeniality: Miss China, Wang Jingyao

Miss Photogenic: Miss Thailand, Chutima Durongdej

Philippines Wins Miss Universe 2009 - Naah, Not Even on Top 15

I got tuned in to the show today, the coronation night of the Miss Universe 2009. And as they announce the top 15, too bad, I got disappointed when they never mentioned Ms. Philippines. I think Bianca Manalo deserves more. I even thought she wins. I mean, she's been consistent among the top ten on the online voting. I'm not tryin to sound bitter here, but I am just so sad that we didn't make it.

Investing into Real Estate Property Business

Real estate property business is one of the most successful and most stable sources of income, from a typical family to multi-national companies. No matter which angle you look at it, land properties have never diminished in monetary value. Investing in real estates is truly a wise decision especially now that we are in a global hardship. The idea is that, what you sow today, you will reap tomorrow. So, don't worry about investing money through it today as it will surely increase its value in few years time.

If you are into this kind of business, there is a practical way to manage real properties. Real Property Management or RPM works on this by catering personal properties from families to larger business organizations with absolutely affordable cost and in fact, they don't charge for leasing fees. They offer a lot of management services and has been in the industry for more than 20 years.

Miss Universe 2009 Bahamas Live Coverage Video Streaming

The live coronation night of the 2009 Miss Universe beauty pageant will be held on August 23, 2009, 9pm EST (August 24 - 9am Manila time) straight from the beautiful island of Atlantis at Paradise Island, Bahamas. Participated by 83 beautiful ladies, this is a once in a lifetime event surely the whole world is waiting for.

Let's hope and pray that our Philippine representative Pamela Bianca Manalo will outshine them all and be crowned as the fairest of them all. It's been a long time since we bagged the title and I think, now is the right time to bring it back home again.

Don't miss this chance. Watch it live on www[dot]uStream[dot]tv.

Bianca Manalo's Awful National Gown in Miss Universe 2009

What the h*ll do you call this dress? Sad to say, it's the gown showcased in the national costume competition by our Ms. Philippines representative Pamela Bianca Manalo in the 2009 Miss Universe Pageant being held in the island of Bahamas right this very moment.

I am not an expert when it comes to clothing designs but look at this piece, don't you think it's a disaster? I mean, fair enough, the top looks good but the colorful bottom part of the gown just doesn't seem to match the overall design. It's as if Bianca is modeling for a yarn company. It's disastrous, it's messy and very disappointing. I heard it was made by a Colombian designer, the same designer who created the Miss Universe national dresses in the previous years. I don't wanna think of sabotage here.

Beyond any doubt, a lot of fashion critics will surely have their say on this, too. And I just hope that Bianca Manalo would do well and excel on other categories of the pageant and at least win other major awards.

Watch the live coverage of the Coronation Night here.

Best Peugeot Deals on Perrys

Peugeot is one of my favorite automobile brands because of their uniquely designed cars and not to mention their luxurious exteriors and designs. Peugeot is a French founded vehicle company and it is one of the largest European car manufacturers to date. Just a little bit of its history, established on 1882, it basically started as a manufacturer of bicycle and coffee mill and eventually created a museum for vehicles and even sponsored a football club during the early 1920's. It managed to succeed despite the World War I.

The company has also been involved to a lot of motor sports competition to rallying, tour car and sports car racing and formula one. In fact, during the World War I time, Peugeot was made known when one of their cars won a French Grand Prix. To date, it is a leading manufacturer of trucks and auto and some of the famous ones are Peugeot 107, Peugeot 207, Peugeot 308, Peugeot 3008, Peugeot 407, Peugeot 4007, Peugeot 5008, Peugeot 807, Peugeot RCZ and many others.

And if you are a truly fan of Peugeot cars and you dream of getting your own, I recommend Perrys as a reliable Peugeot dealer that is well known all over the UK. They have all the dream vehicles that you've always wanted and offered with the best deals. Perry's have everything from brand new cars to second hand ones and I'm sure, whatever your budget is, you will find great cars here with total satisfaction and convenience. Perrys, being a century old car dealer has maintained its credibility throughout the years and represents 13 of the biggest motor brands around UK.

You can check out Perrys online to see their Peugeots and many other car brands along with their prices and specifications. You can also make an easy search of the hottest deals on different models and brands that Perry offers.

Never Let Your Car Screw You up on a Date

The worst thing that could happen to you while you are on the road traveling is if your car screws you up. This is a very common situation and I have experienced this several times because most of the time my old car won't start. I have one crazy experience regarding this. I and my friend Steff decided to go out one night for a coffee near Clark. So when I left home, everything's OK: my budget, my outfit, my car. I picked her up and we went to a coffee shop just to kill time. It's raining. After about two hours of great conversation, Steff and I decided to pay the bills and leave. Not knowing that the worst thing was about to happen. When I tried to start my car, bam! It won't start and the only way to get away from that is to push it. Good thing there were generous people out there and they helped me and pushed my car.

That's one situation I would never want to happen again. So if by now, you see some unusual symptoms of your car, you better have fixed it asap so it will not mess up on your date. If you are living in Texas, I recommend you get the most reliable Houston Auto Body professionals.

Tornado Devastates Bulacan - August 16, 2009

I felt really fortunate and blessed, at the same time sad and bothered when I learned from a local news that a huge tornado hit Bulacan particularly the cities of Balagtas and Guiguinto at around 2 in the afternoon today. It was reported that a lot of houses were affected with more than a million peso in casualty. As what I have seen in the news, the tornado really was powerful as it was able to knock down a lot of establishments and electric posts.

It gave me chills as I watch the news because Bulacan is just a neighbor province of Pampanga which is where I live. According to experts, we may experience a number of these tornadoes in our country because of the frequent change in temperature making the cumulo-nimbus clouds (a.k.a. thunderstorm clouds) to develop fast thus creating a funnel-like wind formation.

It is quite disturbing that such powerful tornadoes develop in our country and it's starting to give me that insane worry. Let's just pray for our safety.

Photo credit to Raffy Tima

GI Joe: The Rise of Cobra 2009 Review | Watch Full Movie Free

Last week, I was able to watch the premiere of G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra in one of our local cinemas here in Angeles. Everyone who already watched it without a doubt will agree on me if I say it's really a boom boom pow action packed movie; you don't have to analyze every detail of the scene because just seeing it (literally) will tell it all. In other words, it's not a complicated movie and you don't need to have that CSI thinking for you to understand the film.

Starred by Channing Tatum (Duke), Sienna Miller (Ana), Ray Park (Snake Eyes) and a mixed bag of reputable actors, this movie directed by Stephen Sommers gets an OK mark for me because just like the Transfromers 2, it also has a lot of promising and cool characters that we have grown up as toys but then again, a regular movie length is just no good to fit them all and have thier own "spot-lighted" scene. But overall, the movie was good enough and I will still recommend it to those who haven't seen it yet.

You can watch the full movie emdedded here for free. You can also switch to full screen so you can view a larger resolution.

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Up (2009 Film) | Watch Full Movie Free

Up is another feel good animated quality movie from Pixar directed by Pete Docter and Bob Peterson and featuring the voices of Ed Asner and Christopher Plummer. The movie is about an old man who flew his house with thousands of balloons and from then, the adventure begins.

Reminds me of Super Kids Club Flying House when I was a kid. I'm sure anyone, young or old, will definitely love this film. I often watch animated films because I feel they are my natural stress relievers, that whenever I feel so stressed and all fed up, I just sit down and chill watching while nibbling pop corns.

You can watch the full movie emdedded here for free. You can also switch to full screen so you can view a larger resolution.

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Cory Aquino "The Saint of Democracy" -Time Magazine

Time Magazine shows high respect to the late Philippine President Corazon Aquino by featuring her on their August 2009 issue. This is the fifth time that Mrs. Aquino was in the cover of the famous magazine.

Labeled as the Woman of the Year on 1986 when she expelled the Marcos administration and brought the democracy back to the country. Now, Time magazine again pays tribute by tagging her as "The Saint of Democracy".

Cory Aquino's previous Time Mag cover moments:

Experience the Beauty of Swiss Pearls

As someone who has a great passion for traveling and exploring different places, Switzerland has always been one of my favorite places, not because I have been there already, but I know a lot of must-see sites that any travel enthusiast would definitely appreciate and enjoy. Switzerland has its list of beautiful destination and travel spots that they call "pearls" and coming from the term itself, these places really are precious and astonishing.

And if given the chance to visit the country, I would want to go first and see the breath taking view of Mont Brè. On this viewing deck, you will be able to have a bird's eye view of the mountains and the city that will make you feel you are a king on top of the world.

If I were to rate these pearls, I would surely give them five stars out of five because as a travel critique, these places, caught my heart that made me want to travel more often. I have attached some pictures for you to Discover Swiss "Pearls" and realize that even in our world today, such paradise-like beauty still exists.

Experience bell making at Berger and beer brewing at Zurich.

Feel the rush of water rafting at Geneva and the lovely view at Mont Brè.

Childhood Memories and Random Thoughts

These photos were taken few months ago in my aunt's house at Porac, Pampanga. I often spent my summer break vacation there when I was in high scool. Me and my cousins then used to go to the field farm and play by the pond and get some fishes (laughs). I just miss the old days.

Sometimes I wish to be young again; carefree, happy, fun and light. As a kid, you don't have to think much about problems and how to survive life. But then again, we live in a reality where part of growing up are changes, responsibilities and smart decisions in life.

AT&T's Small Biz Tech Makeover Contest

For those of you who have not yet heard the good news from AT&T, they have recently piloted their new Web destination that focuses on small business owners and entrepreneurs. The site design and construction is easy to navigate because of its simple user interface so you can quickly go over and explore it. In line with this launch, they are running a contest that lets the lucky winner experience a tech makeover for their business. If you are qualified to join, all you need to do to participate is fill out a form that is available online and just compose a short video that tells your story and why do you think you deserve a business make over.

Big prizes await the lucky winner like expert advice, a registered Windows Small Business Server 2008 Standard and a whopping AT&T product supply for one complete year. If you think you have what it takes to be that solesolener, I suggest you go to the site now and strive to achieve that business make over you deserve.

I am thinking of putting up a small coffee shop with free wireless internet access as my simple business idea and if ever I join the contest, I think my business deserves this make over and everybody does too as long as you are serious with it and strive for customer satisfaction. AT&T Small Business InSite is a really great concept as it targets a big market of small business owners which is really essential for them.

Ninoy Image on Cory Aquino's Coffin

I was watching the local news today about Cory Aquino, her death and how the Filipino people loved her up to her final hour. Then there was this report about a photo by the ABS-CBN news team about a captured blurry image of Ninoy's face on the Philippine flag on top of the coffin (see photo).

Upon closer look, it really somehow resembles a face with eyeglasses. And who else will come to your mind with that signature look? No one but Ninoy.

I don't believe in superstitions but the human mind really is creative when it comes to stuff like this. That's how we are; we have a very great sense of imagination.

Photo credits: ABS-CBNnews.com

Donate by Spreading the Word

Many of us have probably encountered a lot of websites that are doing charitable works by helping other people especially the unfortunate. In relation to this, there is one website that I would like to share. Www.HotelsCombined.com is free a search engine for travel sites, tourist spots, destinations and hotel accommodations all over the world.

Hotels Combined allows their supporters to make donations to their organization of their choice in three easy options. They have this project called Spread The Word For Charity. According to them, as what is stated on the site, if you think you have been satisfied on their service, you get the chance to participate and be part of their charitable works. There are three easy ways on how to join. First is by blogging. If you promote the site on your blog, Hotels Combined will send $20 to your choice of charity. Second is by becoming a fan on their Facebook page, just don't forget to leave a comment stating the organization you wish to benefit and $5 will be sent right away. Lastly, they will send $10 for your charity simply by tweeting (Twitter) about Hotels Combined.

Doing it is so easy but it will surely bring a big impact on others as your simple donation would mean a lot to them. Check on the link now to know more about this project.

Manila Bulletin: Arroyo's Coffin instead of Aquino's

Written in the caption: "WITH UTMOST CARE. Military honor guard carefully moves the coffin of President Arroyo out of the Manila Cathedral."

As everybody knows, Mrs. Aquino and not Mrs. President Arroyo's name should be on this caption from the August 06 2009 issue of The Manila Bulletin newspaper. This image has been caught by a lot of critiques' eagle eyes and definitely, the newspaper company is in big trouble for this with Malacañang. (Laughs)

Of course, we know that this is just a pure mistake of unavoidable typo error (Freudian slip in a more scientific term). In fact, a lot of news anchors have also been trapped on this "mind twister" like Tina Monson Palma, Arnold Clavio and another field reporter (I forgot the name) who all mistakenly said Arroyo instead of Aquino.

I find this photo worth sharing and I just can't believe that even big newspaper companies commit such controversial mistake.

What do you think will be Malacañang's reaction on this especially Mrs. Arroyo? Leave your comments.

Forget about Problems (Nobody but You Funny Video)

Are you having a bad day? Problems are part of being human and we have to learn to live with them. Let us not be discouraged or be torn apart of trials and challenges as they only comprise a small percentage of life itself. Life indeed is beautiful and precious. Just look on the positive side of things and take away junk thoughts- worries, insecurities, hatred and jealousy.

Just watch this feel good amateur video for you to realize that life undeniably is filled with fun and humor. With the famous "Nobody but You" by Wonder Girls, this guy (processed using multiplicity) surely is rewarded with instant fame.

Finding the Best Web Host for Your Platform

As most others say, Wordpress is the best blogging platform but due to the simplicity of its construction and interface, Blogger has also become the crowd's favorite. I personally have blogs in Blogger and Wordpress platforms and I can say that both have their good and bad shots. On Blogger, it's just as simple as writing, publishing, editing and browsing however, on Wordpress, you got to have the right web host in order for you to customize the code of the blog.

While doing some research about what others think about these two popular platforms, I have come across different web hosting providers that will give you the best choices of web host that will perfectly suit your needs and requirements. One site I found is webhostingrating[dot]com and what I like about the site is that it offers ratings and summaries of the top 10 hosts. And particularly on their page, there is this top ten wordpress web hosting. You will not get confused in choosing the right one as they are categorized according to price, space, traffic and they even offer reviews to better enlighten their customers. In fact, there are available articles you can read that will give you tips and advice to better choose one.

Swiss Hotels to Complete Your Vacation

I have shared to you before my insights and opinion with regards to traveling to Europe particularly to Switzerland. Not to mention my favorite spots that are truly unique and can only be experienced in their country. I am already listing down destinations and definitely, Switzerland will be included on my top spots. There are a lot of factors that most travelers consider when going somewhere especially out of the country. Traveling to far places needs a lot of preparation and planning so you will not end up regretting what you have spent.

One major thing to consider when looking for the best Swiss hotels is the ease of access to the tourist spots and destinations. I personally like to spend my vacation in a grandeur place that is very relaxing and accommodating, with great interiors, good food and astounding customer service. Typically Swiss Hotels mark every customer with class, pride and will assure everyone's convenience.

I fell in love with one of their hotels in the country side called Hotel de l'Aigle because it expresses tranquility and relaxation to people. It has a magnificent interior that is well suited to picky travelers like me. I'm sure you'll find the sweetest place here in Switzerland. All you need is to explore it.

Travel Through Switzerland's Finest Gems

Europe is probably the best destination in the world when it comes to natural riches and tourist spots. European culture is just one of a kind making it the number one travel spot in the world. One of Europe's countries to die for I must say is Switzerland. With its marvelous landscapes from natural resources to man-made structures, every one will surely dream of getting into one of earth's paradise.

Switzerland is well known for its unique culture, traditions and practices they call as "pearls" which serves as the countries gems or riches. Some of my favorite destinations are Lake Gruyere which is like a wonderland paradise that is surrounded by water, second is the famous horse ride which tours you around Central Switzerland. Apart from those, exploring acres of vineyard at Mendrisiotto will definitely heighten up your grape collecting experience. And of course the world's steepest cog railway in Pilatus that continues to attract travel enthusiasts is a sure five star for everyone. And lastly the unbeatable suspense action brought by the Ghost walk through Zurich.

You too can check out for some many other gems that Switzerland is proud of. The next time you plan to take your vacation, I strongly recommend you consider these pearls to make your trip worthwhile. Discover Swiss "Pearls" now and book that dream vacation. now and book that dream vacation.

Pres. Cory Aquino's Cancer Battle is Finished

More than a year after former Philippine president Cory Aquino was diagnosed with stage 4 Colon Cancer, the whole country right now is mourning for her loss. She passed away earlier this morning around 3am at Makati Medical Center because of cardio-respiratory arrest.

Mrs. Aquino, during her battle through cancer has united the whole of Philippines by saying the same prayer, that is for her to have the strength and surpass the pain. In fact, there are a lot of scheduled healing masses for her today that turned out to be a mass for the eternal repose of her soul.

You will forever be Mrs. President (as she requested to be called during her term) in the hearts of the Filipinos. Being the first woman president, you have left a legacy and inspiration to everyone of us. The country mourns for your loss but at the same time celebrating for having had a leader, a teacher, a mother and a hero in you. You will be missed. Ninoy and Cory reunited.

Photo credit: www.pcij.org