Thursday, December 20, 2007

Bloopers or Famous Quotes of 2007


I am in no writing mood but I read this over the net. Makes me watch my pronunciation and English some more....Hehehehehe...As they say, be acreful with whatever that comes out of your mouth, you might end up regretting it or worse, have the whole world make a fool out of you....

By Arthur Spiegelman

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - "Don't Tase Me, Bro," a phrase that swept the nation after a U.S. college student used it seeking to stop campus police from throwing him out of a speech by Sen. John Kerry, was named on Wednesday as the most memorable quote of 2007.

Fred R. Shapiro, the editor of the Yale Book of Quotations, said the plea made by University of Florida student Andrew Meyer on September 17, accompanied by Meyer's screams as he was tased, beat out the racial slur that cost shock jock Don Imus his job and the Iranian president's declaration that his country does not have homosexuals.

Shapiro said Meyer's quote was a symbol of pop culture success. Within two days it was one of the most popular phrases on Google and one of the most viewed videos. It also showed up on ringtones and T-shirts.

Second on Shapiro's list was this tortuous answer by Lauren Upton, the South Carolina contestant in the Miss Teen America contest in August:

"I personally believe that U.S. Americans are unable to do so because some people out there in our nation don't have maps and I believe that our education like such as in South Africa and Iraq and everywhere like such as and I believe that they should our education over here in the U.S. should help the U.S. or should help South Africa and should help Iraq and the Asian countries so we will be able to build up our future for us."

Upton had been asked why one-fifth of Americans are unable to locate the United States on a map and later apologized for her answer not making a lot of sense.

Third was Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's October comment at Columbia University in New York, "In Iran we don't have homosexuals like in your country."

Shock jock Don Imus comments about the Rutgers University women's basketball team: "That's some nappy-headed hos there," was fourth.

Imus created a national outcry and lost his job at CBS radio in April, but returned to the airwaves in December with Citadel Broadcasting.

Other phrases on the list:

5. "I don't recall." -- Former U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales' repeated response to questioning at a congressional hearing about the firing of U.S. attorneys.

6. "There's only three things he (Republican presidential candidate and former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani) mentions in a sentence: a noun and a verb and 9/11." -- Sen. Joseph Biden, speaking at a Democratic presidential debate.

7. "I'm not going to get into a name-calling match with somebody (Vice President Dick Cheney) who has a 9 percent approval rating." -- Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, a Democrat.

8. "(I have) a wide stance when going to the bathroom." -- Idaho Republican Sen. Larry Craig's explanation of why his foot touched that of an undercover policeman in a men's room.

9. "I mean, you got the first mainstream African-American who is articulate and bright and clean and a nice-looking guy. I mean, that's a storybook, man." -- Biden describing rival Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama.

10. "I think as far as the adverse impact on the nation around the world, this administration has been the worst in history." -- Former President Jimmy Carter in an interview in the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette newspaper.

(Editing by Jill Serjeant and Eric Beech)

Sunday, December 16, 2007

Art of Lying Part 2

It has been a while since my last post. I admit I have neglected my blog for a couple of weeks. Now, now that I am finally free from all the burdens of school, I am back to what I love doing when I am free - apart from contemplating over trivial or life-changing things.

To lighten up the mood of my blog, I would like to share this video I got via youtube. It is so freaking hilarious!

Enjoy. See you around!

Saved!

I do not find this commercial hilarious - not the type that would have me rolling on the floor laughing. Yet, it is endearingly cute that I thought of sharing it through my blog. The genius behind this would be lauded for a well thought-of commercial that exudes ingenuity and utter uniqueness. It is a very rare gem!

Without much ado as I have a lot of catching up to do with my posts, enjoy the commercial.

Sunday, December 9, 2007

Marriage, Will I Ever Be Ready?


Time flies without us knowing. One day you are in high school - youthful, vibrant, innocent and unadulterated - the next thing you know, you are not as pure as you thought you were. The world has bruised you, flipped you over, turned your world upside down and changed you into a completely different person.

At 23, what have I accomplished? Is there more to me than what meets the eye? Am I ready to traverse deeper into the dark abyss called life? Am I emotionally mature?

Honestly, I do not know. But when news of my high school friends marriage reaches me, I can't help but ponder on things. Why so soon? Why them? Married life has taken its toll on my former classmates. We were 31 then and last check showed four about to have and having kids already, two more planning, and almost all of the others in a serious and committed relationship.

Today, news just came that someone very dear to me - one of my closest friends in fact - is going to get married at least within next year. She, quite impulsively, has succumbed to whirlwind of romance and resorts to get married.

But I ask you, is marriage really an answer to constantly bugging problem of singlehood? Is it a way out? Is it a way in? is it a way to make things better? IS twenty-three a good age? And the questions go on.

To my blogging friends, my wisdom has yet again failed me. I would love and appreciate your comments.



Thursday, December 6, 2007

Touch of Gratefulness

Never did it occur to me that in our alter world on blogosphere exists highly imaginative, creative and on top of it, generous bloggers who, out of their own way, create awards for some other blog.

Never was I aware of it. I am only blogging as a means of releasing my suppressed inner angst, my hilarious side that seldom appears, and to earn dollars when I can. I only was awakened when this hit me:


I wrote this particular article out of sheer frustration at how our political system and justice system are somehow intertwined in the most horrific of ways. The President has managed to let loose one of the guiltiest of criminals in exchange for support of her presidency. Erap's house arrest was in itself a great deal of comfort afforded to a ruthlessly corrupt politiko. From the looks of it, our dear madam President has deemed it not enough.

Anyhow, I am writing this article to thank the person who afforded me such honor. I am forever in your debt, Kris Canimo.

I am deeply touched by the gesture and may your kind proliferate more in this zone we call blogosphere.

Friday, November 30, 2007

Is Ronald Mcdonald married?

Did it ever occur to you if the clown-faced, famous Mcdonald Mascot is married? Well for me, it did. More than once.

And I just had my question answered.

Watch this video!



Tuesday, November 27, 2007

Duwendina



What you see beside the woman is not a mere toddler. By height, she may easily be judged as a child but in heart and in mind, she is a full-grown woman. By her own account, she is 26 years of age. She has been frequenting numerous peryas in our town when I was still a child. She was fondly named, duwendina (because she is thought to have been conceived out of love of a mortal woman and a male dwarf).

Recently, her mother died leaving her to the care of siblings - who were not treating her as humanly as they could. She is often ridiculed for her stature and features but somehow, there is something in her that interests me.

By the way, she does not speak a single word. We communicate to her through our normal tones yet she only gets to answer us with grunts and moans. Throughout her conversation with my Mom, I was just observing. She is normal as all of us are. She confesses to having a crush with my neighbor and even to the point of wanting to bear his child. Throughout the course of our little chit-chat, she bursts into tears saying that she and her crush has parted ways.

Then in dawned to me, life is never really fair. Oftentimes, those who are ridiculed and even discriminated at do not get the happiness they deserve. They live a life of solitude, dependent to the care of those who sympathize.
But for me, I do not pity her. Pity is the worst emotion I could ever afford her. I know she is happy in her own little way, satisfied with the simple life she now enjoys and longing for the one true love that she is waiting to surmount and sweep her off her feet.

I am keeping my fingers crossed until the day she finds him.

Monday, November 26, 2007

Finally...ME!



I have kept my anonymity for more than 3 months. I felt like today is the high time to reveal the face behind the blog - well, not really the face. Hehe. I have always wanted to keep some mystery in me so instead of showing a head shot, I settled with this pic.

I know, I know. It is as good as not having a pic at all. But for now, that is all that I can give. I have been very vocal with some of my posts and I feel like I may get sued for writing how I feel. Hehe.

Good night for now! See you when I get to visit your blogs. I am still busy as a bee but I promise you, I will soon have the time to visit the blogs of my friends that I sorely miss.



Saturday, November 24, 2007

Poor Piglet


LONDON (Reuters) - A piglet nicknamed Andrex is recovering after being found in the back of a truck full of toilet paper at a supermarket.

The animal, thought to be two or three weeks old, was discovered in a delivery at a Tesco store in Ilkeston, Derbyshire.

Staff wrapped the piglet in a duvet and called the RSPCA, a Tesco spokesman said Tuesday.

He was taken to an animal shelter in Radcliffe-on-Trent, outside Nottingham, suffering from cuts and bruises to his snout.

"We will now care for him until he is fit enough to be found a permanent home," said Ella Herring, the shelter's deputy manager.

Tesco said store workers were unsure of how the piglet came to be on the truck, but thought it may have been a prank.

"Staff are used to dealing with the unexpected, but little Andrex's arrival was a shock," a Tesco spokesman said. "They took it in their stride, wrapping him up straightaway in a duvet in the manager's office and calling the RSPCA for advice and help."

Thursday, November 22, 2007

Be wise, Be Careful

Just when you thought that you have all that is best for you - a family, a satisfactory job and a child that would grow up just like you, you are faced with the most humiliating situation a dad will ever experience.

Watch this!

Three Days of Darkness Part 1

Except for the torrential rains crashing through our roof, Monday, November 19, would have proved to be uneventful (you just don’t know what eventful to me is).

It was more than the usual morning- at least so I thought. I fought the lingering thought of not going to duty (as part of my RLE requirements) drawing me into what seemed like a tug-of-war. Again, the good student in me prevailed and despite the not so favorable weather conditions, I proceeded to ready myself for 8 hours of bout with my Pediatric clients.

Every minute preparing was spent in torment as the rain never ceased - continuously pouring, shouting its presence. Yet my Mom - ever supportive she has been - even afforded me with various options on how to get passed the rising water about a hundred meters from where we live. She said I could just wear shorts in the meantime in order not to soil my all-white nursing uniform. She made sense so I surrendered -every thought of continuing to stick myself to bed amidst the cold season.

True enough; a welcome transportation came to view. An ever-reliable habal2x driver was cruising towards us. Alas, I was safe from the knee-level water. Swiftly and quite hastily, I donned my uniform upon reaching level ground (minus the mud of course). I was rearing to leave but commuting is never easy during rainy days.

Patiently, I waited, checked every available mode of transportation that traversed the wet road, and waited still. Luckily, a ride was in view and the rain momentarily stopped. Lucky break for me or so I thought.

Saturday, November 17, 2007

Are you a Liar?

LONDON (AFP) - The "world's biggest liar" has been crowned, after telling a tale about a German World War II submarine invading Britain to capture digital television decoders.

John "Johnny Liar" Graham won the annual competition of tall tales, which is held at the Bridge Inn in Santon Bridge, in the heart of Britain's Lake District national park.

The 69-year-old claimed he stumbled across the U-boat as it prepared a raid on the nearby town of Whitehaven, which has become the first in Britain to switch from analogue to digital television.

Graham, who has won the title five times before, also said he caught a cod that was nine-foot (2.7-metres) long.

"It was a true story," Graham insisted to BBC radio Friday.

The event, which now draws tourists and competitors from around the world, is a homage to a local pub owner called Will Ritson, who regaled his regulars with shaggy dog stories in the 19th century.

Among his claims were that turnips grown in the region were so big people could live in them.

Recent winners have included one competitor who claimed the mountainous Lake District was formed not by ice or volcanic action but by large moles and eels. Another claimed to have discovered the existence of mermaid farms.

Competitors have five minutes to tell the biggest fib without the aid of props. Politicians and lawyers are barred from entering as they are judged to be too skilled at telling porkies.
From: Yahoo!

I signed up for PPP!

Writing has been my passion for almost three quarters of my life. From the moment, I have learned how to go about my pencil up to now that I am 23 years of age, writing has always been an integral part of my existence.

For the love of writing, I started to blog. Through this, I could share my thoughts, express my inner angst and most of all carry out what I affectionately like doing.

When I have heard from fellow bloggers about PayperPost, I was more than intrigued. The thought of being paid while doing your favorite pastime was exhilarating. With PPP, you get a businessperson. One is given opportunities to grab with corresponding prices. The choice is solely to the blogger’s hands. He may choose to write about a product he has and the benefits of it. After posting, when the advertiser approves it, the money is all for the bloggers taking. Interesting, right? Aside from that, one also gets to earn from reviewing posts of fellow bloggers and via their direct referral system.

I have a lot of plans for this Christmas. Truly being part of the PPP family is an added bonus apart from being a welcome relief from the burdens of being broke the past months. For sure, not only me but also my friends will be happy because I can afford them gifts when the yuletide season comes.

I am anticipating for my blog’s approval and hope to do business with PPP as soon as possible. To those who are interested in joining the PPP family, click on this link:

payperpost

Good luck to all bloggers!
May we have a very prosperous year ahead!



Friday, November 16, 2007

Accupuncture

This is again one of those days. I am dead tired and seems like all I see is my bed calling me.

A daily dose of funny things don't hurt. So I give you this...

Enjoy...

Wednesday, November 14, 2007

Are They Ever Going to Learn?

I commiserate to those who have lost a love one in yet another act of violence that occurred just last night. I feel their pain; I feel the shock of their unexpected deaths; and I grieve with them. I am no longer baffled at how ruthless and heartless the perpetrators are. They have proven time and again what they are capable of and shown their obscure talent of laughing and being triumphant at others' misfortunes.

I am writing this entry just to stress some very important points. Firstly, It's about time measures of security should be changed in this country. If these malevolent individuals or groups penetrated Batasang Pambansa, what makes any other place any safer? What makes you or me less of the next victim? I do not harbor anything harmful to come to anyone, I am but only stating a possibility I wish never happens.

Secondly, to those who claim responsibility of such a horrendous act, I ask you, why? I do not comprehend your way of fighting for your cause. Kidnapping was unacceptable while this one is way overboard. Do you really think killing or harming anyone would justify anything ideal and noble that you fight for? Our government is hopeless. Does it mean you have to obliterate the entire Filipino populace? The end will never justify the means.

Lastly, the Philippines is a wonderful country. To the least, let’s make it livable.

Tuesday, November 13, 2007

Get 'em before you need 'em

I am not in writing mood. I just got off from duty sa hospital and I am dead tired. In fact, the only thing running in my mind right now is too sleep and get some fast. However, I feel obligated, its my blog and I run the show yet I would slack up and post nothing? Hell no.

Just enjoy it guys as I have had. Wahahahaa!

Sunday, November 11, 2007

Bloggerwave

With the advent of online blogging, opportunities for earning have sprouted left and right. Who wouldn't want to earn while doing their passion, right?

I have been writing for the most part of my life but stumbled upon blogging just about recently. I have read some online journals stating the marketability of earning via blogs and since then , I have joined the bandwagon.

I happen to come across about bloggerwave via another famed blog. She mentioned that it was one of the newer blogging-for-pay sites. In fact, their job opportunities pay $10 on the minimum - a very competitive price for such a cut-throat industry. So, I readily applied in the hopes of having my two-month old blog approved. True enough, after two days, I was not disappointed. They have accepted my blog and response was quicker than lightning. So here I am, writing my very first post for them.

I am yet to test whether they pay on time but basing on the comments of fellow bloggers I have read, they are very prompt on that matter.

To end, I am encouraging fellow bloggers to give it a try. Approval system is fast and easy and paying system is prompt. We are all in a win-win situation!


Things You Should Not do in the Urinal

Can you tell me things one should not dare do while in front of a urinal? I have some suggestions.

1. Do not smoke even if its a smoking area.
2. Do not smoke without bringing a lighter.
3. Do not even try to smoke with your fly open and you already in position.
4. Do not drink.
5. Concentrate on what you are doing.

Or else:

You might wanna watch this!

Who Is Alice Kalabaw?

As I have said before, I have this innate talent of making weird code names for people. They maybe people I am close to, people I am annoyed with or just random people who tickle my fancy.

In our class, I have a new classmate. She is maybe in her early 30's, voluptuous to so me point, loud as a stereo in full volume and utterly annoying. I would have not minded her because we merely are classmates and do not co-exist. In short, we do not talk, not even acknowledge each other.

One day, while we were discussing kinky stuffs about nursing (anatomy and sex, anyone?), she quite unceremoniously burst out into what seemed like a tantrum. in all her booming voice's glory, she animatedly giggled and wailed liked a hungry carabao calling out for food. She went into a fit of convulsion-like trance, anyone would have gone to the nearest pharmacy to get her a dose of Carbamazepine should she not have recovered. Thankfully, her tet spell proved to be short-lived and the rude person in me can't help but laugh my head off. She looked ridiculous and atypical of her age on top of being very carabao-like.

What the heck just happened? Is she Crazy? I don't know and don't have plans to find out!

Now ask me, who is Alice Kalabaw? Well, you just got your answer!

See you around Alice K!

Note: THese are mere products of my imagination and any reference to real life is but a mere coincidence.

Nikki Gil and the Toyo Boys

Do you remember the commercial that made Nikki Gil a household name? The one where she is strutting down the street distributing coke bottles to almost everyone she meets?

Remember that commercial that because of fighting over pancit canton, 2 barkadas would have done the most awkward and embarrassing thing they'll ever do in both of their lives?

Lets enjoy it once more!






One for the Prelims

I am very expressive by nature (madaldal in short, negative kc yung connotation ng talkative). I speak my mind, I am very spontaneous. In fact, I may come off as blunt but rather than please you, I tell you what you need to know. Honest to some point, I guess.

However, last week was probably one of the worst testing weeks I have been through. My subjects produced lots of notes to study. I practically read, in estimation, about 200 pages of book pages with the minutest of letters. On top of that, I had the worse headache of my life which turned out to be error of refraction ( An eye problem which will require me to wear corrective glasses). True to every student, I studied. I mean I crammed. That's my style. I study the night before or hours before my scheduled test. It has been working for me the past years but the downside is, I only get to use what I studied for one time. There is lesser retention.

On the first day, my test was easy. It only had 15 numbers of multiple choice that were so easy you'd flunk only if you did not read the notes. The rest of the test was another three essay questions.

On a normal day, I would have loved essay questions. That day was different, with an aching eye making the testpaper a bit blurry, the least I would want is test requiring me to write and write. It my strain my eyes all the more. But who am I to complain? The worse part of it, it continued until the last day of exams. All with essays, all requiring long answers.

My eyes grew tired of it that I passed all papers without rereading my answers. I guess I just have to keep my fingers crossed!

Saturday, November 10, 2007

Long Live The Bunnies



I have watched this over some random blog and I can't help but relate to it.

Watch it at your own risk.

1984

At a time when i am but a suckling and all I care in the world is my milk from my mother's bosom, I was oblivious of the surroundings. I was an infant then, alive and kicking yet innocent as an angel.

Makes me wonder, what transpired during that year? What significant occurrence did I miss or failed to appreciate. Here is the answer!

In 1984 (the year you were born)

Ronald Reagan is president of the US

On a Challenger mission, two astronauts become the first humans to fly free of a spacecraft

An Union Carbide insecticide plant in Bhopal, India seeps toxic gas killing over 2,000

Penthouse magazine publishes nude photographs of Miss America Vanessa Williams

The Soviet Union boycotts the Los Angeles Summer Olympics

Richard Stallman starts developing GNU

"Where's the Beef?" commercial campaign for Wendy's airs for the first time

The Apple Macintosh, the first consumer computer to use a computer mouse and GUI interface, is introduced by Apple

Ethiopian famine begins

Mandy Moore and Avril Lavigne are born

Detroit Tigers win the World Series

Los Angeles Raiders win Superbowl XVIII

Edmonton Oilers win the Stanley Cup

Ghost Busters, Beverly Hills Cop, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, Gremlins, and The Karate Kid are top grossing films

"When Doves Cry" by Prince and the Revolution spends the most time at the top of US charts

Michael Jackson's hair catches fire during the filming of a Pepsi commercial

The Cosby Show, Punky Brewster, and Who's the Boss? premiere

Help me, Will you?


Ako po ay nanawagan sa lahat ng nagkkakinteres bumasa dito at sa lahat po ng naka-exlinks ko. Tatlong buwan na akong nagboblog ay di narin po mabilang ang aking nakilala at mga naka-ulayaw at mga nakadaupang-palad dahil sa pagka-adik ko sa internet at blogging.

Nitong buwan nato, marami akong natanggap na tag. Subalit, dahil sa akoy likas na tamad ay hindi ko inilista kung sino ang nagtag sa akin at kung ano ang mga iyon. Patuloy and pagpasok ng tag at ako naman, patuloy sa pagmemorya (kuno?). Ngayon, ito'y nakatambak na. Last count po, walo na ta yung mga tags at ang pinakamaganda sa lahat, wala akong alam na paraan para malaman kung sino ang mga iyon. Meron akong natatandaan pero unfair naman sa ibang di ko ma-alala. Minsan talaga, ilang glutaphos man ang inumin mo, may mga hindi ka talaga matandaan.

Ako po ay humihingi ng pasensya. Tulungan nyo po akong magbago. Pakidrop lang po ng comment kung sino man yung meron akong pagkakautang.

Ipinapangako ko po na ang katangahang ito'y hindi ko na uulitin.

Lubos na sumasainyo,

HECKTOR

Wednesday, November 7, 2007

What Age?

You Are 20 Years Old

Under 12: You are a kid at heart. You still have an optimistic life view - and you look at the world with awe.

13-19: You are a teenager at heart. You question authority and are still trying to find your place in this world.

20-29: You are a twentysomething at heart. You feel excited about what's to come... love, work, and new experiences.

30-39: You are a thirtysomething at heart. You've had a taste of success and true love, but you want more!

40+: You are a mature adult. You've been through most of the ups and downs of life already. Now you get to sit back and relax.

Sunday, November 4, 2007

Is This Goodbye?



Heck no. I am just going to be really busy next week. I will have my prelims exam. (Kailangan pong magsunog ng kilay kasi long overdue na po ang pag-graduate ko sa isang course. If I won't do good, di nako papa-aralin. Hehe)

Heck no. I will be in school and the proximity of an internet cafe has not made itself available to me.(Ang malas. Nasa deadspot ata yung school ko. Meron naman siguro wala lang time na lumaboy at maghanap.)

To my Blogosphere friends, I will be back visiting your websites the earliest Friday or Saturday.

Enough drama. Signing off!

Saturday, November 3, 2007

Just Your Opinion Please

I did not really plan to change my name. I mean, not at least this soon. But my goofy friend Fer Bert, out of sheer initiative I guess, was sensitive (?) enough to come up with a new monicker for me.

Most of my blogging friends know me as crazed_heck. As I have mentioned in my blogville, heck is my operative word. This is because heck does not necessarily imply something negative but can also mean way positive. In short, I'm being safe. Maybe one of the few times I have been in middle.


Now for the nick, he got it from my favorite expression. Thus, he quite amusingly labeled me HECKTOR. I find the name a been goony ( yung parang sa goon sa movie if there is even a word) and mysterious (reminds me of Beast in the fairy tale).

I ask you all my friends, is it befitting me? All comments are appreciated.

Long Overdue

As of press time, I probably have around 5 more tags to do so might as well start my first before it increases any further. The very long vacation has got the ningas-cogon in me going so just when it is almost over, I finally found the time (heheheh)to do it.

I was tagged by Ms. Ester of My Days In My Mind. She was , I assume, interested in seeing my desktop so here it is.



Now a little explanation about the desktop, I was actually in senti mode the past weeks and I felt like it (desktop) should be a representation of my mood. Although I am happier these days, again the sloth in me never got the chance to change my desktop.

For the hard part, I am passing this tag to my pareng Fer Bert. I am only passing it to one because I feel like everybody else has done it. Hehehe.

[TAG STARTS HERE]My Desktop Free View Instruction:
Upon receiving this tag, immediately perform a screen capture of your desktop. It is best that no icons be deleted before the screen capture so as to add to the element of fun.
You can do a screen capture by:


[1] Going to your desktop and pressing the PRT SCR(located on the right side of the F12 key - I used key Snipping Tool of Window Vistasince my print screen is not working -).

[2] Open a graphics program (like Picture Manager, Paint, or Photoshop) and do a Paste (CTRL + V).

[3] If you wish, you can “edit” the image, before saving it.

Post the picture in your blog You can also give a short explanation on the look of your desktop just below it if you want. You can explain why you preferred such look or why is it full of icons. Things like that. Tag five of your friends and ask them to give you a Free View of their desktop as well.(Don't forget to notify them by any proper means so they'll know you tag them)


Add your name to this list of Free Viewers with a link pointing directly to your Desktop Free View post to promote it to succeeding participants.Desktop Freeview Participants: iRonnie, Thess , Rebecca,Knoizki, Rino, Beng, Melai, OFW Life,Ester, crazed_heck [your link][TAG ENDS HERE]

Friday, November 2, 2007

Red Panda Love



Humans often fall short of showing how they really feel. We become preoccupied with daily tasks that even the simplest of pleasures are no longer appreciated. Why don't we follow these red Pandas from Japan? Despite their dwindling number, they never fail to show they care for each other.



Who is Inday?



Out of nowhere sprouted a young and new champion of the masses. She possesses the eloquence of a royal princess, the grace of a prima-ballerina and the intelligence of Einstein. Who would have expected that a house help (often ridiculed for not having mastered tagalog after being shipped from the province) would rise up to the challenge, speak four languages and even beat Katrina Halili as the sexiest woman of the world?

Well it happened and she has joined yet another medium - Blogging.

Catch her blog here.

A Potent Cure for Those Days

Hahahaha. Parang brand ng sanitary pad ang title ko.

There are those days when you wake up and you are pissed like you've never been pissed in your whole life. With easy provocation, you could possibly toast anyone as if you could breathe fire through your nose. The feeling of blood rising as fast as the mercury on any gauge drives you into cussing at the slightest mistakes, at your neighbors who despite this early has found the guts to sing their hearts out in full volume (sa bohay kong itu!, i would have laughed my head off on a normal day if I heard this), at your dog for greeting you good morning and at just about anything.

Instead of sulk and be consumed with anger, I visited the website of one wacky friend. True to any testament, a good laugh would wear away any traces of one's sour mood. At least for me it did. I am now able to perform my activities of daily living (nurse po ito dapat ADL's talaga). I have managed to let free the wrath that has been slowly consuming me. So now, I am up and about, ready to face the world with a renewed mood.

Salamat Pareng Fer Bert!




Thursday, November 1, 2007

Spongebob Dance



While browsing through Yahoo, I happen to chance upon an article regarding my fave cartoon character, Spongebob. I would have expected the video (it was with the article) to be resembling of the all yellow, green and blue surroundings of bikini bottom but was surprised to see real people. It turns out, the article was about the dance step that spongebob, quite unknowingly, started and is now taking the hiphop scene by storm.


See How Happy He Is?






Gramps

Lucky me, I have never had an encounter with the third kind, with creatures of the dark, with souls who stray due to unfinished businesses and other what have yous. I am fortunate but one of my friends is not.

In the spirit of the All Hallows Day, I am going to share one of her story.

As a child, they had yearly vacations to Zamboanga for family reunion on her paternal side. All cousins meet together and play in the ancestral house of her family. On one seemingly uneventful year (she was 6 or 7 then), she opted to stay upstairs instead of doing the usual mingling with relatives and other immediate family members.

While busying herself with playing on her own, she, quite inadvertently, chanced to gaze upon the open capiz window by the bedside. To her surprise, she saw a beaming figure of an old man smiling radiantly at her. Instead of getting scared, she curiously checked out the man because he looked utterly unfamiliar. She felt like there was a force of some sort drawing him to her. With her intent look, she examined the man's features: typical Spanish Mestizo about 70 years of age with a fair complexion and somewhat pointed nose. She thought maybe it was one of her relatives because of thier Spanish ancestry. As she pressed closer to ogle at him some more, she realized that somehow he was floating. Still it did not matter to her because it could very well be the usual finesse of second generation Spanish mestizos. An inch closer, she , finally, saw his feet and to her horror, he was indeed suspended in the midair. She was stuck for a moment consumed by surmounting fear and overwhelming confusion. Sweats have started to trickle on her young forehead. In minutes, it was pouring like a pounding rain. When she came back to her senses, he was still there - still beaming, still smiling. With all the energy she could muster, she ran as fast as she could and traversed 20 steps of the stairways in split seconds. She did not realize she could even do that but heck, she'll go as far as where the man is that moment.

With her panting like a dog, she reached the sala. Her relatives were somehow unmindful of the obvious fear in her face. They did not seem to show the littlest of concern.

One even said, "Ingon ana jud na siya day. Imo tong lolo. Namatay siya before paka nataw." (He's always as playful as that. He is your grandfather. He died before you were even born)

And it was the beginning of her numerous encounters with the unknown. She has grown used to it that even their anguish, their moans, and their pleadings for help didn't scare her anymore.

Note: I am happy I am not one of those who has an opened third eye. The scariest of my encounters was when a big brown moth flew by me on the same day my own lolo was to be buried. I was not able to attend the interment because of pre-scheduled things to be done in school.




Wednesday, October 31, 2007

Elvis - Dead but still Filthy Rich

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Just because you are dead, it does not mean you can't stage a comeback.

Web site Forbes.com said on Tuesday that Elvis Presley regained the top spot on its list of the highest-earning dead celebrities, ousting Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain who had beaten him last year.

Elvis shimmied his way back atop the seventh annual list of 13 top-earning legends that he had ruled since its inception, with estimated earnings of about $49 million in the year ending this month.

The rise from $42 million last year comes after CKX Entertainment, which bought part of his estate from daughter Lisa Marie Presley, embarked on a mission to renew interest in the late singer and actor.

Forbes.com said in a statement that the top 13 -- who generated massive amounts of merchandising revenue -- grossed a combined $232 million in the year.

In second place came Beatle John Lennon, who was murdered in New York in 1980 at the age of 40. He earned $44 million while the creator of Peanuts comic strip, Charles M. Schulz, took the third slot with earnings of $35 million.

Cobain was one of four who fell off this year's ranking. He debuted on the list in first place last year after his widow, Courtney Love, sold part of his song catalog for a reported $50 million.

Rounding out the top five on this year's list were George Harrison from the Beatles, who died in 2001, with $22 million, and German-born physicist Albert Einstein with $18 million.

Einstein has become a key trademark in child education due to the Disney-owned Baby Einstein brand of videos and toys.

The Beatles did well in the latest list in the wake of settling two long-standing legal disputes with the settlements believed to have exceeded $100 million.

Newcomers in the list were actor Steve McQueen and the "Godfather of Soul" James Brown who died late last year. Rapper Tupac Shakur regained a slot on the list as did James Dean.

Rounding out the top 13 were pop artist Andy Warhol, Theodor Geisel, better known as children's author Dr. Seuss, silver screen legend Marilyn Monroe and reggae superstar Bob Marley.

The other three bumped off this year's list were rhythm & blues pioneer Ray Charles, author J.R.R. Tolkien and country singer Johnny Cash.

World's Creepiest Places Part 3

By Ralph Martin

Szoborpark, Budapest, Hungary

A towering Lenin addresses a now-absent city square, while Marx and Engels, wearing holy robes and carrying religious-looking texts (surely their own), are crumbling nearby. Budapest's Szoborpark is a collection of retired Soviet-era iconography just outside Budapest. A pavilion warehousing 40 years of often kitschy, sometimes terrifying, and overdone public statuary, the park is a brilliant solution to the problem that came up with liberation from Soviet tyranny in 1991: What to do with all that official art? While the rest of the former Soviet republics couldn't get rid of their Lenins fast enough, the Budapesters decided to round them up and put them on display. As you walk around, all those stony stares create the uncanny feeling that you're being watched. Take a 30-minute public bus ride from the city's central Déak Tér stop; you have 40 minutes to wander before the bus goes back into town.



Abbey of Thelema, Cefalù, Sicily, Italy

Aleister Crowley is perhaps the world's most infamous occultist, and this now-overgrown stone ranch-style house with hallways full of dark pagan frescoes was once the world capital of his satanic orgies. Or so it was reported in the 1920s. Crowley is now known for his famous fans, including Jimmy Page and Marilyn Manson, and the fact that he appears on the cover of the Beatles' Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band album. He founded the Abbey of Thelema—named after a utopia described in Rabelais' Gargantua whose motto is "Do as thou wilt"—in 1920 in the beach town of Cefalù, Sicily. It became a free-love commune with a dark side: Newcomers were forced to spend the night in the "Chamber of Nightmares," where, high on hashish and opiates, they stared at frescoes of earth, heaven, and hell. After a British society dandy named Raoul Loveday died of a fever contracted at the Abbey, the press had a field day, leading an embarrassed Benito Mussolini to expel the commune in 1923. Notorious underground filmmaker Kenneth Anger unearthed the compound in 1945 and made a movie there, although mysteriously the film was subsequently lost. The Abbey is now a collapsed semi-ruin, overrun with vegetation, but inside there are some original hellish frescoes that Crowley used to scare his disciples into shape. Intrepid and esoterically minded visitors visiting Sicily can wander the grounds and get some vibes, though no official tours are available.\

Mary King's Close, Edinburgh, Scotland

Hidden below Edinburgh's medieval Old Town is a series of subterranean streets with an unsavory past. Mary King's Close is where plague victims were quarantined and left to die in the 17th century, and paranormal activity abounds down there. You might, for instance, feel some gentle tugging at your hands and legs by an unseen force. The cause is believed to be the ghost of Annie, a young girl abandoned by her parents in 1645. More than a hundred years later, in classic horror-tale fashion, a grand new building was constructed over Mary King's Close, leaving the streets, including the plague ghosts, intact underground. In 2003, the surprisingly well-preserved Close was opened to visitors, drawn by tales of its supernatural goings-on. Tour guides will accompany you down a stone staircase to the vaultlike, oppressive lanes. In addition to Annie's Room, there are typical re-creations of bygone lifestyles and plague deaths. Just remember to keep on moving, especially when you feel a sudden chill.

Chernobyl, Pripyat, Ukraine

Walk through the abandoned town of Pripyat in the Ukraine, and you'll find a large-scale crime scene abandoned in a hurry: A nursery full of children's shoes, and apartment complexes with the morning newspaper, dated April 28, 1986, open on the breakfast table. Two days before, the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, minutes away, melted down, but it took 48 hours for the authorities to alert locals and clear them out of the world's biggest nuclear disaster site. Now that radiation levels are safe for short-term exposure, Chernobyl's nuclear complex has become an unlikely tourist attraction since opening to visitors in 2002. The power complex is at the center of the 20-mile-radius "Exclusion Zone," a regrown area of forests now populated by wolves and bears. Reactor #4 is the star of this sad show, today sheathed in a concrete and lead sarcophagus 200 feet high. A tour organization called Welcome to Ukraine offers day trips from Kiev via bus (you're advised to book two weeks in advance): You'll tour the forest and get to inspect the plant's exterior, including mounting an observation post to see the reactor, before walking to Pripyat, which was built in the 1970s and celebrated in official USSR propaganda as the "world's youngest town." It died young, but failed to leave a beautiful corpse.





Tuesday, October 30, 2007

World's Creepiest Places Part 2

By Ralph Martin

Manchac Swamp, Louisiana

As your boat pushes out into the swamp by torchlight, ancient cypress trees and Spanish moss drape across the water. That far-off howl you hear might just be the rou-ga-rou, the Cajun version of the Wolfman. The Manchac Swamp, a.k.a. the "haunted swamp," near New Orleans is a Southern Gothic fan's dream. An imprisoned voodoo queen is said to have cast a curse on these watery surroundings around the turn of the last century, resulting in the disappearance of three hamlets in a hurricane in 1915. The occasional corpse still surfaces in this otherwise untouched bird sanctuary, left alone by commercial development for more than 100 years. Torchlit nighttime boat tours are offered by the Old River Plantation Adventure. But beware: As anyone who has spent a night in the wild can tell you, nature can be anything but gentle, and the staring red-eyed alligators can give you a real fright as they watch your boat cruise slowly by.

Bran Castle, Bran, Romania

A vertiginous hilltop climb leads to a storybook castle that seems to have no horizontal surfaces: Endless stairways and towers are all that is visible. Inside, underground passageways connect dozens of rooms containing rococo antiques and suits of armor. All that's missing from Dracula's Castle, as Bran Castle is known, is a stormy night and a lightning bolt to illuminate the scene. A cloud of legend, local folklore, and literary pedigree hang over the dramatic fortress, perched 200 feet above the Romanian town of Bran. The castle has certainly reaped a PR bonanza as the setting for Bram Stoker's Dracula, with a reported 450,000 visitors a year—not bad for an isolated spot in Eastern Europe. The name comes from the notoriously sadistic tyrant Vlad the Impaler, known as Vlad Dracula, who is said to have used the castle as an occasional base of operations. Vlad earned his nickname by hoisting tens of thousands of enemies on stakes; one engraving shows him feasting alone at a table surrounded by a veritable forest of his victims hanging on spikes. Bram Stoker got wind of Vlad's legend and, after a visit to Romania, modeled Count Dracula's castle on this one. The castle is quite tourist-friendly, but just be aware that it closes at 4 pm, lest the sun set before visitors are safely away.

Paris Catacombs, Paris, France

Bones and skulls are stacked on either side of a narrow corridor like merchandise at a warehouse—a lot of merchandise. The air is close and cool, with just a hint of decomposition, and there's rude graffiti dating from the French Revolution, mainly about the king and the feeble nobility. Once inside, you can easily see why Victor Hugo and Anne Rice have set stories in Paris's famous Catacombs. Snaking some 187 miles through underground passages around the city, only a tiny portion is open to the public—it's said that the rest is patroled by the legendary cataflics, a special underground police force. Though guided tours are available, it's more creepy and effective to go on your own, when it's just you and millions of bones lit by the occasional low-wattage bulb. The catacombs were originally a Roman-era quarry, but when the Innocents Cemetery in central Paris started overflowing to the point of being a public health hazard in 1785, the tunnels came into their present state. Bones were carted off in elaborate nighttime ceremonies, and until 1814 the catacombs filled up with Paris's dead. You can reach out and rattle the ivory yourself if you like, but the greatest chill is in wondering which of them didn't die of natural causes.

Winchester House, San Jose, California

The Winchester "Mystery" House is a colossal construction built on a foundation of superstition. It's said that Sarah Winchester, heiress to the arms company, was told by a soothsayer that the ghosts of those killed by Winchester rifles would haunt her unless she moved from Connecticut to the West and built a house that could never be finished in her lifetime. Construction started in 1884 in San Jose, California, and kept going nonstop for 38 years until her death. Now the house's 160 rooms are haunted by her madness and packed with bizarre details: Staircases go straight into the ceiling, doors open onto blank walls, spider motifs abound, and candelabras, coat hooks, and steps are arranged in multiples of 13. Reports of banging doors, footsteps in the night, moving lights, and doorknobs turning of their own accord have been occurring since the house was opened to the public. Tour options include Flashlight Tours every Friday the 13th and Halloween. But you don't have to believe in ghosts to be blown away by the scale and intricacy of the place, or the folly involved in building it.



Monday, October 29, 2007

Let the Peso Speak

I did not vote today despite the irritating prodding of my mother (because she thinks it is morally not right), despite being an able-bodied, mature and eligible Filipino (who has no class or work to be preoccupied with), despite the proximity of the voting precincts from our home (a minute ride because of the free transportation provided for by the local government), and despite the urge of the socially proactive spirit in me (would have been an activist if not for my personal struggles I am in no mood to discuss...hehe).

Now let me recount the reasons why.

1. As early as evening of yesterday (October 28) envelopes have been flying around town distributing themselves to innocent voters. Enclosed with it is a list of possible barangay officials who I think out of desperation has resorted to vote-buying to become a part of the bureaucratic government in newly-slated city of Naga (by the way a barangay councilor's pay is P8000 apart from the possible corruption). My mother received a whopping P900 for three voters (me, my mom and my dad). There were six candidates, what if they all payed for votes? Do the math.

If I were you, would you rather have a hand in electing such corrupt persons whom despite not being elected yet has shown as much hunger for power as those who would kill their brothers or sisters to be favored for a throne? No thank you. I would rather renounce my right to suffrage as of the moment because I find the electees incompetent, good-for-nothing, and power-savoring posers of righteousness, honesty and justice.

2. I am not based in our town. I live in the city and I am not blessed with having as much familiriaty as i want with all the candidates. Some of whom I know only by name and the others I have never heard of.

I have once said in another post that some ounce of familiarity will always be a good ally and I still live by that. I would rather not vote than risk putting into office someone I do not personally know nor recognize even.

There are other reasons why I did not vote but they are far less significant than these two. I am regretful that my birth-right to vote was not exercised but am equally pleased that I bear no burden in my conscience. There will be better times to vote and better people befitting the positions in contest. I just hope this time happens in my lifetime because honestly, politics is far more dirty than a landfill.

Enough of my ranting.

Signing off.

World's Creepiest Places Part 1

I am a big fan of the occult and was more than delighted to have seen yahoo posting about the scariest places on earth. By far, I enjoyed it so much and left me with churning sensations in my stomach owing to my very rich imagination. Hope so does you!

It is very long so I will be doing it in three installments. These are all from Concierge if you want to see it for yourself.


By Ralph Martin

Bhangarh, India


India's Bhangarh, in the Rajasthan region north of Jaipur, is a town with a mysterious history. Built in the 1630s, it was abruptly abandoned ten years later for reasons that are still unclear. Legend has it that after a convoluted series of events involving a princess and a jar of enchanted oil, a massacre occurred and the town was never repopulated. Nowadays there are tourists aplenty by day, but no one stays at night. This might have something to do with the supposed curse placed on the town by a jealous shaman. Even the local archeological office is located half a mile away (better safe than sorry). But the magnificent ruins—not to mention the Palace of Prostitutes—imply that Bhangarh was something of a Gomorrah of extravagant goings-on. Perhaps that history—and not the ghost stories—is why a sign at the entrance reads, "Staying here after sunset is strictly prohibited." Either way, we're happy to rest our heads at the ultra-luxe Amanbagh resort six miles away.



Mütter Museum, Philadelphia

From the sliced human head floating in a glass case, à la Damien Hirst, to the gruesome collection of preserved presidential tumors and a plaster cast of Siamese twins Chang and Eng (as well as their actual conjoined livers), Philadelphia's Mütter museum is a must-see, especially for those who found the movie Dead Ringers oddly compelling. Part of the College of Physicians of Philadelphia, the oldest medical school complex in North America, it combines exhibits of pathological objects, surgical tools, and anatomical curiosities. Other wonders on display include the tallest skeleton in North America and a collection of 2,000 objects removed from people's throats, each with its own case history. There is an almost gleeful disconnection between the museum's mission—"to advance the cause of health, and uphold the ideals and heritage of medicine"—and the often shocking displays. High on the ugh-list are the painted papier-mâché models of the effects of gangrene and the wax faces with various eye injuries; the air outside is bound to seem fresh afterward, no matter what the weather.

Truk Lagoon, Chuuk, Micronesia

A ship ripped neatly in half offers a perfect cutaway view of life and death on the high seas. Everything is encrusted with barnacles, from cabins and boiler rooms to onboard assault tanks and airplanes. Much of the Japanese Navy's WWII fleet lies in the shallow Truk Lagoon in a volcanic valley in Micronesia, part of the Caroline Islands 3,200 miles southwest of Hawaii. Now a deep-blue diver's paradise (it was the subject of a Jacques Cousteau documentary in 1971), this was where the Allies sunk more than 60 battleships and aircraft carriers in 1944, many going down with their crews trapped inside. While swimming through the wrecks, you can spot gas masks, sake cups, and the odd "human remain." The ships are corroding fast and many have become full-fledged coral reefs, but they still provide a jaw-dropping testimony to the ravages of war. Tour companies, including the Blue Lagoon Dive Shop, offer excursions for experienced divers.

Sonora Witchcraft Market, Mexico City, Mexico

Witches packed into tightly spaced stalls proffer advice and spells for $10, promising quick ends to poverty and spousal infidelity, while some rather unhappy-looking exotic animals—iguanas, frogs, and wild birds—are for sale in cages. This is the Sonora Witchcraft Market, open daily to pilgrims from Mexico City and far beyond who come to have their fortunes read and attempt to find a shortcut to a better life. The market is a labyrinth of stalls that cover a few city blocks, and it's the regional source for "spiritual" stuff ranging from potions derived from ancient Aztec recipes to Buddha statues. For hard-core enthusiasts, perhaps some rattlesnake blood or a dried hummingbird will give your fortunes a jolt. But you should be aware that witchcraft in Mexico is no joke: The National Association of Sorcerers has weighed in on presidential elections, casting spells to make them free and fair. And of course there's a dark side, such as bad-luck charms from the Santerí—a religion that scares the daylights out of locals—and don't give anyone in Mexico a black candle unless you really, really mean it.

Easter Island, Chile

One of the most unnerving things about the 30-foot carved heads that dot Easter island is that they're not looking out at you as you arrive; the famous unsmiling moai sculptures look inward from the sea, as if guilty of some crime. Perhaps it has something to do with the virtual disappearance of the people who made them. At only 63 square miles, tiny Easter Island is home to more mystery for its size than just about anyplace else on earth. The Rapa Nui people, nearly extinct a century ago but flourishing now, kept no written records of how they moved the enormous moai around the island, sometimes as far as 14 miles, from the volcanic quarry where they were carved. We like the theory that UFOs were behind it all. It's said that the Rapa Nui grew so devoted to their stone heads that they sacrificed their civilization in the interest of bigger, better, and more perfect specimens. The island's now accessible via Chile (a five-and-a-half-hour flight), and the new Explora property offers a range treks, as well as luxury accommodation.


Sunday, October 28, 2007

Oh My!

I visited the blog of a new friend and I stumbled upon this very cute commercial. I can't even remember if it was shown in the Philippines but for sure if I saw this or not I loved, love and will love it.



Salamat Camille!

Spain in all its Glory

Two of the magnificent site of Spain are Torre de Bujaco and Muralla de Avila.

Torre de Bujaco is one magnificent castles found in the town of Caceres. It was built as part of the Roman fortification in the Roman empire hence its Roman design. Although it was once threatened for demolition, this enchanting castle still stands due to efforts of preservation.

Muralla de Avila on the other hand is a series of walls enclosing the old military town of Avila. Its outside has been lined by churches for the awe of tourists as well as locals.

If you plan to go to to Spain, these two places should atop your list of itineraries. Best hotels in Spain are just around the corners from which these tourist attractions could be found.

For a more specific tour of each city, if you plan to go to Barcelona, three of the most visited attractions to ogle are the Sagrada Familia, La Boqueria and GOthic quarter.

Sagrada Familia is a charming church by the city built around 1882. It was designed by Antoni Gaudi. It is towering testament of Catholic faith that has been unfinished and ravaged by war yet 2.2 million people visit it every year.

La Boqueria is literally the haven for shoppers going to Barcelona. It houses all types of goods from fresh fruits and flowers to ready to wear goodies.

The Gothic quarter used to be known as the Cathedral quarter of Barcelona. It is composed of streets lined up with Gothic buildings designed to almost a perfection. From churches to old Gothic establishments, one can find it in the city's Gothic quarter.

Hotels in Barcelona is never a problem owing to its rich culture and the vast amount of guests that flock the city every year.

Should you find Madrid a place to behold, then you need to know three of its major attractions: The Royal Palace, the botanical gardens and the Prado museum.

The Prado museum is known to be the largest art gallery in the world. It exhibits coins, drawings, paintings, sculpture and other works of art from all over the world and Europe most especially. If someone is looking for an educational and entertaining experience then this is a place to beat.

The botanical garden used to be the king's garden housing his botanical collection in the 1800's. In 1981, it was opened to the public as a public garden amassing large amounts of visitors every year. It houses different species of plants all to the enjoyment of plant and nature lovers.

The Royal Palace is, for me, the place to be in Madrid. It is living proof of the power that was Spain and also houses the king and his future successors. It is strategically located in Madrid the capital of Spain as a symbol of the cities autocratic rule.

The same as Barcelona, hotels in Madrid are also abound.

For a truly satisfying visit in Spain, let us all visit the said tourist spots.

Saturday, October 27, 2007

Executive Clemency. A Joke?


First of all, I am but stating only my opinion.

Erap's Pardon did not come as a surprise. It was a carefully manipulated stunt to make people believe that it was an act of mercy. After Erap's acceptance of the legitimacy of the Presidency, what could be a better gift or should I say bribe than to give him his much needed freedom? After being tried and proven guilty? The government should have known better. They can no longer fool the people especially after scandals and controversies alternating to happen. The public is no longer privy of the political movie that is unfolding in our very eyes and being shown on the television.

I personally do not like Erap. If there could have been a better choice for a President of our country, it would neither be Erap nor Gloria. They are champions of their own ways of trickery and politicking. Why can't they stop bickering and attend to far important things such as security, economy and resolutions of the scandals?

I am very tired. Tired of our political system. Tired of those seated in the government. Tired of the all the problems that doesn't seem to have a solution.

I am hoping that in the next election, the voters will know better. We really have to choose the right leader. A leader who is as competent as he is morally upright. That is what we need, if we want a better Philippines.

Celebrities are Human too Version 2

Marie Osmond, a celebrity contestant of Dancing with the stars, suddenly faints while results of the October 22 show were being bared. Though the comments to her were pleasing, out of nowhere, she passes out.



According to her, after a physically draining samba routine, she had difficulty continuing to breath and catching her breath was unsuccessful. Right onstage, she collapsed with millions of TV viewers watching on national TV. Luckily, she quickly recovered!

Finally, Zsa Zsa in Cebu!


While Manila boasts of colorful musical plays from famed directors, CEBU HAS BEEN OUT OF THE LIMELIGHT. I am by my own admission a theatre fanatic yet I rarely get to watch good plays in Cebu if none at all. The most productions local producers stage is at most twice a year. Quite inadequate for the talent-reach province of Cebu specifically and the whole Visayas region in general.

Luckily, another famed Manila play is bound to set its foot in Cebu. Elite International will be bringing ZSAZSA ZATURNNAH (ZE MUZIKAL) in Cebu this November. The lucky location is Cinema 1 of Sm Cebu and shows are slated on the 16th, 17th and the 18th every 3PM and 8PM.

The play will star some of the most prolific stage performers in the country with K Brosas as the leading role.

To those who have been anticipating this play, let us all head to East West Ayala, Sm Cinema Ticketing or call VICTO HAUS at 232-3776 and look for Merlin or text 09225323028/09157437679 (SUSET).

Hope to see you there!

Friday, October 26, 2007

Love Poker?

Poker for me is a very intricate game. It requires a lot of thinking, bluffing and formulating strategies to make your hand look as if it is better than a royal flush. Thus, the term poker-faced was coined. It is trickery at its best because you make people believe you are the luckiest person alive despite being the opposite.

This has made my fascination for the game grew into immense proportions. I would really love to learn to play the game because you do not only become a ruthless gambler but also a believable deceiver. Such irony in a world of deception and gamble I should say.

I took the liberty to research on the best online casino because the luxury of a tangible casino is not available in our area. True enough I was not failed, I was brought to a website where all the finest casinos in the net are ranked and reviewed. Pro360 provides you with a detailed review of such factors as the game experience, trust score and bonuses offered by each casino. Such lavishness with just a click on the mouse is offered right in the comfort of our very homes. Not only are we able to experience the same excitement as the as the real game, we are also taken into a completely new level of gaming because we do not see who our competition is.

This is where trusting the gut feel and instincts seeps in like water into a whole.

For gamers and gamblers like me, do visit pro360 for the detailed review and a comprehensive list of the best online casinos.

Ecommerce Software

These days, online shopping has increased in popularity. Even a child has the ability to browse the internet and slowly, the web has become the haven of all ages and all lifestyles. It is as not only source of information but also a way for shoppers on the go to maximize their time by just a click on their personal computers or the internet.

In this connection, executives have found a new way of advertising their products. Here is where the job of online web designers comes in. However, hiring them requires a lot of cost and time.

Luckily, I have chanced upon an online shopping cart that revolutionizes the way businesspersons do their typical websites.

Ashop provides a highly specialized ecommerce software or shopping cart, enabling new or established businessmen a better way of augmenting their online sales.

In addition, Ashop is connected with all major banks including third party money processing companies such as Paypal making payments easy to process and productivity more effective.

I plan to have my own business in the future and as I was browsing through their website, the have provided a wide range of choices for new businessmen. Much luck for me and all future online sellers!

Ashop is truly a thing to beat and if I did have a business, it will surely top my list of must-haves.

Sunday, October 21, 2007

Bloggerwave - A New Revolution

With the advent of online blogging, opportunities for earning have sprouted left and right. Who wouldn't want to earn while doing their passion, right?

I have been writing for the most part of my life but stumbled upon blogging just about recently. I have read some online journals stating the marketability of earning via blogs and since then , I have joined the bandwagon.

I happen to come across about bloggerwave via another famed blog. She mentioned that it was one of the newer blogging-for-pay sites. In fact, their job opportunities pay $10 on the minimum - a very competitive price for such a cut-throat industry. So, I readily applied in the hopes of having my two-month old blog approved. True enough, after two days, I was not disappointed. They have accepted my blog and response was quicker than lightning. So here I am, writing my very first post for them.

I am yet to test whether they pay on time but basing on the comments of fellow bloggers I have read, they are very prompt on that matter.

To end, I am encouraging fellow bloggers to give it a try. Approval system is fast and easy and paying system is prompt. We are all in a win-win situation!


Saturday, October 20, 2007

Read Fellow Harry Potter Fans

By HILLEL ITALIE, AP National Writer


NEW YORK - Harry Potter fans, the rumors are true: Albus Dumbledore, master wizard and Headmaster of Hogwarts, is gay. J.K. Rowling, author of the mega-selling fantasy series that ended last summer, outed the beloved character Friday night while appearing before a full house at Carnegie Hall.

After reading briefly from the final book, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows," she took questions from audience members.

She was asked by one young fan whether Dumbledore finds "true love."

"Dumbledore is gay," the author responded to gasps and applause.

She then explained that Dumbledore was smitten with rival Gellert Grindelwald, whom he defeated long ago in a battle between good and bad wizards. "Falling in love can blind us to an extent," Rowling said of Dumbledore's feelings, adding that Dumbledore was "horribly, terribly let down."

Dumbledore's love, she observed, was his "great tragedy."

"Oh, my god," Rowling concluded with a laugh, "the fan fiction."

Potter readers on fan sites and elsewhere on the Internet have speculated on the sexuality of Dumbledore, noting that he has no close relationship with women and a mysterious, troubled past. And explicit scenes with Dumbledore already have appeared in fan fiction.

Rowling told the audience that while working on the planned sixth Potter film, "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince," she spotted a reference in the script to a girl who once was of interest to Dumbledore. A note was duly passed to director David Yates, revealing the truth about her character.

Rowling, finishing a brief "Open Book Tour" of the United States, her first tour here since 2000, also said that she regarded her Potter books as a "prolonged argument for tolerance" and urged her fans to "question authority."

Not everyone likes her work, Rowling said, likely referring to Christian groups that have alleged the books promote witchcraft. Her news about Dumbledore, she said, will give them one more reason.

From yahoo.com

What Makes Cebu Any Safer?


I have been looking for reasons why Cebu is way safer than Manila but I am unable to find any. Due to the recent bombings in Makati, should I be complacent enough because I am in Cebu? I don't think so!

Here is a definitive list of the reasons why Cebu isn't any less in danger:

1. Guards poking stick in the malls to check baggage and belongings. (Not unless there is this microchip in that stick that alarms authorities when a bomb is detected.)

2. Metal-detectors at bay. (Only used when security is heightened! Is that what you call safe?)

3. Only a single bomb-sniffing dog covering the whole mall if none at all.

4. Police visibility just above ten percent. (Except for kotong cops and traffic enforcers who goes OT to meet their quotas.)

I am not inviting anything untoward to come to Cebu. I am just worried we might be the next potential target. I just hope security goes up with these recent events. I would never want Cebu or any other place to suffer the same fate as Glorietta.

I am hoping for peace and eternal repose for those who died and a quick recovery to those who are injured.

I am hoping this will not happen again.

How Could they?


Yesterday, I was in the middle of watching a movie when a friend of mine texted me not to got to malls or LRT just yet. He was mentioning a death of 8 people in a bombing that happened in glorietta.

True, when the movie was finished, I heard news after news of the accounts of the events in Makati. The bombing left at least 8 people dead and hundreds more injured. Such a sad, sad occurrence especially that the Christmas season is coming up.

Many theories have surmounted regarding the alleged bombing. First of which is that it was caused by an LPG leak from a restaurant's kitchen. Such a preposterous assumption. The gravity of the incident should never be downplayed in order for the incompetent police force's not to look bad? Call that wake up call for the police years of slumber! Does it really have to take a graver tragedy before they do their jobs?

Second theory was that the government was behind the bombings. True or not, the government is to be blamed. If they should have stopped bickering and instead focused on far more important things such as heightening the security, terrorist acts like this would have been averted!

To the citizens, no one else should look out for our own safety than ourselves. For now, let us avoid going to public places becuase we can never say when the perpetrators of such horrendous acts would strike again.

Note: Thanks to Anitokid for the picture.

Am I not Good Enough?

Yesterday, I was scheduled for an interview as a part-time ESL instructor in one of our better-known English schools here in Cebu. I dreaded that day because I never liked interviews from the start yet all I can do was to suck it up and hope against hope that everything turns out the way I want it.

It was set at 4pm so I cam about 20 minutes early. They were quick enough to entertain me as they have, quite surprisingly, proceeded to my exams despite the premature schedule. So off I go and took roughly three types of tests: Language use test, IQ test and pre-Employment test. They also required me to take fill out their very own version of a curriculum vitae.

I know I passed it. I was confident with my grammar skills and I think my IQ is above average basing on the tests I have took in the past. So I waited for my interview, confident that somehow I fifty percent on the way to getting the job.

The interviewer came. He was well-dressed with tie and all but not as intimidating as they normally would look like. The first thing he said to me was "are you tired? because you look like one. we could reschedule this should you be in not well". I was irked a bit because I was not. I even overslept the other day. Maybe, he just thought that my being red is a sign a being exhausted.

The interview went very well. In my standards, I have ably answered all his questions to the best of my ability. However, there was just this big problem that hindered my employment. You see, I am a nursing student and my schedule can go from unpredictable to utter erratic. Despite applying for part-time job with a minimum of two hours, my schedule would only allow me to teach at night. He said that most English classes are in the morning. Too bad for me.

He ended up saying that he will put me on active file and once training for a new set of teachers comes, he'll call me. That is after minutes of him pondering on how to resolve my issue and another more minutes me of bargaining. Guess the job was not meant for me just yet. Again too bad!