Ruby Tuesday#100 Yummy Japanese Snacks

Wow! this is my 100th entry for Ruby Tuesday. Imagine that, time really flies so fast. Anyway, I'm showing a photo of a recently discovered favorite Japanese snack. I don't know the snacks' brand names but I bought them from Abreeza's Japanese store, Saizen. The snacks cost P85 each, costlier than most local snack brands but what the heck, they're delicious. One tasted like prawn crackers, a little sweet and salty and the other one says it tastes like "Yasai salad".

This is my entry for:

Go here to see more.

The Bloggers Exchange

This is my first time to participate with this project which I came across in Facebook. So, here're the participants..

A NATURAL MAMA
A SCHOOLING MOM'S MUTTER &SHUTTER
AKO'Y ISANG TRIPULANTE
ALL THINGS LOVABLE
BLOGGERS TECH NOTES
BLOGGIRL.US
BONZ WORLD-MY KITCHEN WORLD
CARAECLE SIBLINGS
CONSUMER MOM TALKS
CONVERSATION WITH ANGELS
CYANIDE BEAUTY
DEFINITELY ME
FILIPINO MEDREP CAREERS EXCHANGE
FLAVORFUL EXPLORATION
FOREX AND STOCK
FREAKISH DIARY
FUDGYANDNUTTY
HAPPY MEALS
HEARTS CONTENTS OF A MAMA
SHEI BLOGGER
I LIVE TO EAT
IT'S ALL ABOUT MEH!
ITECHY
JEVANNEL
JEZNO-A TEACHER'S ONLINE JOURNAL
LATE BLOOMER BLOG
MY LIFE UNSCRIPTED
ME, THE ISLANDS AND THE WORLD
MEGA SASSY
MOM'S DAUGHTER STYLE
MOM'S UPS AND DOWN
MORE THAN I CAN CHEW
MY EVERYDAY
MY PINK BLOG
MY THOUGHTS IN LETTERS
MY TRAVEL FOLIO
NSHIMA SERVINGS
PICTURE MY WORLD
PINAY MUM- MOMMY'S LIFE AROUND
PINK BLUSH
PURPLE PLUM FAIRY
POSTCARD PERFECT
REAL MEN WEAR APRONS
ROLLER COASTER RIDE
RUBY RICAFRENTE
SHORT QUOTES
STITCHES OF LIFE
THE (MIS)ADVENTURE OF SUPERBOINK!
THE 3RD ABODE:FASHION
THE ALTERNATIVE MAINSTREAM
THE BLOGERETTE'S ONLINE ADVENTURE
THE BLOGGERS JOURNAL
THE BLOGGING TRAVELLER
THE LIFE ENCOUNTERS
THE TOTTERING MAMA
VIVA FASHIONISTA
ZANY B FILES

Bourne In the Philippines

I am just so excited to know that director of the movie, Bourne Legacy, decided to do the location shoot for the said movie in Manila. I have read the Bourne books and saw all the previous Bourne movies starred by Matt Damon which were all exciting and compelling. It is really good to know that the next movie installment shall be filmed in Manila.

I will have to check the book, Bourne Legacy, in the bookstores to give me some idea what is the story all about. I do hope the movie won’t put the Philippines in the bad light again as what other foreign films which were shot in the Philippines had done.

Sunday Stealing#90

Today we ripped off a blogger (and friend for a lot of years) known as Cat.  She authors the blog Sweet Memes. It's long, so we will do it in parts. She explains that she got it from here. (No, we don't get that part either.) But, it was probably stolen there as well. So, of course, that will be as far as we go. Tracing back our theft's thieves might take some time. Link back to us at Sunday Stealing!

Sunday Stealing: The "You Can't Be Missed" Meme, The Last Part

Cheers to all of us thieves!




46. Would you ever try to quit one of your addictions, or better said: Bad Habits?
Oh yes, after all we're always evolving..

47. Could you ever kill yourself to save someone else?
Maybe or maybe not. Who knows.

48. Does it matter if break up with someone or have them dump you?
Can't understand this question..

49. Would you rather have a turtle or a frog for a pet?
I'd like a turtle more.

50. Would you rather spend a day with Lady Gaga or Miley Cyrus?
Lady Gaga it'll be. She's a strange one but I'm sure I won't get bored with her.

51. Would you rather learn to play piano or guitar?
I tried learning guitar. It was cool. I want to play the guitar again.

52. We're going back to the day. Where did you get your kicks?


53. What Asian country would you like to visit the most? Why?

It's always China.

54. Have you ever thought that a passer-by was the one (think James Blunt, here)?
Sometimes.

55. Ever told someone that your fake jewelery was really real?
Nope.

56. Where are the worst public restrooms?



The mountains during our mountain  climbing. It's always au naturelle.

57. What song was the latest one that got overplayed really fast?
Too many to mention.

58. What Friends (American TV show from the 90s) character are you most like?
I'm a little bit of Monica, Courtney Cox's character.

59. When's the last time you had a Popsicle?
I think, it was last year that I had one.

60. What TV show from way back would you love to see reappear?
Charlie's Angels, Mork and Mindy

PhotoHunt#138 Looking Down

It was never easy jostling for space with other photographers during photoshoots. Like this one wherein the couple were posing at the stairs while some of us photographers were looking down at them trying to get a shot from above. The space where we were standing were small enough to get a good shot but since there were about 5 to 6 photographers there it was very tight. I could smell and feel some sweats from the others hehehehe!. I even had to put my camera lens on the railings. Still, it's always fun to do photoshoots, jostling for space or not.

TV Addicts On The Loose

I’m not much of a TV user unlike my nieces and their father, my brother who lives on TV day in and day out especially during non-school days. I could not understand how some people could actually forget their meals and the important things they need to do just because they were so engrossed with watching TV.

Nowadays, my recently bought Sony TV is overworking since my nieces are home for the school vacation. The situation had my mother complaining more about the electrical bills skyrocketing to all-time high. I tolerated it for a time but when their chores were starting to get unfinished due to their TV addiction, it was time to discipline them.

The initial plan was to hide the HDMI cables to minimize their use of the movie CDs and DVDs. Unfortunately, the third child, my brother bought Optimization-World's cables to replace the ones I’ve hidden. I was tempted to cut the cables but since I know they are really good ones, I stopped and just grumbled.

Recently, my mother talked about purchasing a TV cabinet to curb the TV addicts on the loose in our home. A good plan, I agree. I might be even the one to buy it but the thing is, even if we hide and lock our TV in the cabinet they will surely find some ways to open it up on their own. What’s more important for me now is to emphasize to them that TV watching has its advantages and disadvantages. If only, my brother could help with disciplining his children. It will be for their own good.

Ssangchu Couple: Doing Well

It has been more than three years since I’ve watched the South Korean reality show, We Got Married. Yet, I still look for some news about my favorite couple, Ssangchu/Lettuce couple. They may have led separate lives after the show ended but I’m happy to see that individually, Kim Hyun Joong and Hwang Bo, is doing well.

Hwang Bo just opened her restaurant a few months ago and is busy with her hosting and TV appearances. Kim Hyun Joong is being kept busy by his studies and album preparations under his new managerment, Keyeast.

While the possibility of doing a project together seems nil for the Ssangcho couple, I haven’t lose hope yet and a lot of the couple’s fans will agree to that.

Litratong Pinoy#137 Liwasan (Park)

This is the park behind Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center. The park was wide and it was actually nice walking around it. What really amused me though was these cabbage-shaped plants at the park that made me thought of bringing them home. As I said, "These cabbages are already food in the Philippines and yet, they are just mere decorations here in China. Awesome!"

The Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center building has six levels and is located at  People's Square, Shanghai, China. The municipal government building is also nearby.

Pilipino:
Ito ang liwasan sa likod ng Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center. Malapad ang liwasan at nakakaaliw pasyalan. Pero ang mas ikinatuwa ko pa, itong mga mala-repolyong tanim sa liwasan na parang gusto kong iuwi. Sabi ko nga, "Aba! itong mga repolyo na ito ginugulay na sa Pinas, eh dito naman sa Tsina pang-dekorasyon lang. Bongga!"

Ang gusali ng Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center ay may anim na palapag at nakatayo sa People's Square, Shanghai, China. Karatig nito ang gusali ng munisipyong gobyerno.

Outdoor Wednesday#33 Wedding Photoshoot

I attended a wedding photography workshop this weekend. I learned a lot and also, I realized that I still have so much to learn. Nonetheless, the workshop was so much fun even if I sweated a lot while doing the shoots. Our teacher, Richel Mascarinas, taught us a lot and helped us a lot in going through the process of the prenuptial and wedding photoshoot.

This is my entry for Outdoor Wednesday.

Ruby Tuesday#99 Ducati Motorcycle

This is the Ducati motorcycle that we used this weekend for a photoshoot. For awhile, our shoot stopped as we gaped over this powerful machine which for sure is way beyond my pay scale. It was my first time to see a Ducati motorcyle up close and out of the display room.

The Ducati store just opened its branch in our city just this year.

This is my entry for:

Go here to see more.

Sunday Stealing#89 You Can't Be Missed Meme Part 3

Today we ripped off a blogger (and friend for a lot of years) known as Cat. She authors the blog Sweet Memes. It's long, so we will do it in parts. She explains that she got it from here. (No, we don't get that part either.) But, it was probably stolen there as well. So, of course, that will be as far as we go. Tracing back our theft's thieves might take some time. Link back to us at Sunday Stealing!

Sunday Stealing: The "You Can't Be Missed" Meme, Part 3

Cheers to all of us thieves!

31. What is your absolute favorite dessert?
Fruits like mango, avocado, melon and etc.

32. What can someone do to make you smile, no matter what?
A little gesture will do. A smile, a hand to hold.

33. What do the hip people think of you?
As hip as they are and as tough as anyone can be.

34. What was the last gift you bought someone?
A camera mug.

35. What was your favorite class in high school?
Third year and fourth year classes.

36. How many spouses would be about right?
One is more than enough.

37. What would you say was the most embarrassing moment of your life?
A lot, for sure.

38. Have you ever donate money to charity?
As often as I can.

39. Has porn ever had a positive place in a current or recent relationship?
Nope.

40. Would you ever dump the one you're with for someone who makes an obvious play and is MUCH hotter?
No, I won't especially if that hotter someone doesn't love me and would just like to play.

41. Have you ever disowned one of your relatives?
Yes, some.

42. Would you think it's OK to cheat on someone if they've already cheated on you?
I don't think so.

43. Did you ever consider becoming a teacher?
I did. In fact, I went to school for it.

44. Would you ever give a hitch-hiker a ride somewhere?
Depends.

45. Would you ever try fasting for a whole week?
Nope. I don't think I can do it.

PhotoHunt#137 Cluttered

I am not sure if I would like to go to Manila right now just to find some good Birthday gift ideas plane fare promo sale or not. I would rather get those ideas online to save me time and sweat instead of tackling the gritty place.

It is not easy to go around Manila because of the horrendous traffic. The trains did help a lot even if it's always full and its stations always cluttered. For first time visitors, it is not only cluttered but it’s actually a messy maze. A lot of its drivers are like vultures racing to their preys of commuters (although for those who got used to the daily commutes, these drivers are their lifesavers).

Locals were lamenting that Manila had lost its old grace and what remains is its grittiness. All is not lost though. There are still pockets of little surprises around Manila if one is just willing to explore. Some of these places are Intramuros, the remnant of the old walled city and the centuries-old cathedrals such as the Manila Cathedral, San Agustin Cathedral and the San Sebastian Church. Binondo is also a good place to challenge one’s palate. Divisoria and Baclaran are just two of the places where one can get really good bargains on just about anything.

Do I like Manila? I can’t say I hate or like it. It is just something that grows on you. In some places it retained its old charm but you have to look harder. But if you ever find these little surprises, you won’t get disappointed.

Different Place, Different Uniform

I was looking through the photos of a cousin working in Middle East the other day. I was happy to see that she looks adjusted now compared to the first few weeks of her stay there. I was not so worried about the food because she can practically eat anything but what she had to adjust a lot about was the work culture and her nurse uniform.

She was used to wearing those medcouture scrubs here and so, it took her awhile to get adjusted to the subscribed nurse uniform in her hospital which looks plain. Not only that, they are required to be covered from head to toe which can be very challenging when working with a patient.

She did say that once her contract expires there and she would be back to working here in our city, she would not ever complain about her medcouture scrubs here because it is way prettier and more comfortable than what she is wearing now. My advice to her: As long as she is earning more there than here, she should reserve her complaints. After all, the pay there is way beyond what she was receiving here. It’s just little give and take.

The 7th WPPP Photo Congress 2011

I really want to go to this event but I don't think I can afford it right now. Hopefully, next time..

The 7th WPPP Photo Congress 2011 to be held on May 28, 29 & 30 at the Megatrade Hall 3, SM Megamall is all about seminars, trade shows, photo exhibitions and fellowships. It aims to elevate the standards of the industry in the country and foster closer camaraderie.

The event is open to all and free except for the 3-day seminars and socials & awards.

The seminars' regular fee is only P3,500 while P2,000 for any photo club member and P1,500 for student & seniors. ID or a certification is needed as proof to avail of the discounted rates.

For the socials and award the joining fee is only P500 for the buffer dinner.
Keda Feng is this years main Foreign Guest Speakers and will talk about "Creating Great and Award-Winning Pictures, Again and Again."

It is yearly sponsored by Canon, Sony, Hewlett-Packard, The Book, Album Depot and JT Photoworld.

Studio and photo gears are also available at Abacus, Aperture, Astech Pengson, CameraHaus, Click to Print, Colent, Fans Digital, Multistiq, PCCI and Ynzal.

More info is available at 433.4650 / 0917 743.8949 or visit www.wppp.ph.

May 21 Is Not Judgment Day

Yes, I don't believe that May 21 is Judgment Day. I don't like seeing it on the news constantly nowadays. My nieces' worries are getting on my nerves already but I understand their apprehensions.

God knows, I'm praying that those news be stopped and more so, that their predictions have no truth at all. If some people are having parties because of the coming rapture day, fine. But for me, I'll treat the day as just another day. I won't let the harbingers of the end of the world win. Only God will know when will the world end. Sure, it's a scary thought but I know that it will come like a thief in the night. Not when some people claiming to be prophets or clairvoyants or scientists will be able to predict the exact date and time. So, the only we can do for the predicted May 21 Judgment Day is to pray. Pray hard and live.And gee, is there a way that news about zombie apocalypse be stopped?

More Bathroom Organizers

Having two teen-agers in the house can get things really missing and/or disorganized. Their one favorite place to do it is our bathroom. Whenever I get inside our bathroom, there was always something that was missing. God knows why but a shampoo bottle was found at the kitchen sink and another time, a face towel was found at the living room couch. I tried not to let the constant mess get into my nerves but there were times that I lost it. So, I bought a bath etagere last month to get that place organized.

But today, it was my mother’s turn to grumble. Her favorite towel has gone missing again. Later on, it was found in her bedroom cabinet after a lot of searching. I realized that it seems that I need to buy another bath étagère to accommodate our bathroom things. I do hope though that the teen-agers in the house will start to learn to put the things they took from the bathroom.

Doll Collection

I started collecting dolls accidentally years ago. I was preparing for my travel abroad when my nieces asked me to bring dolls as souvenir. They saw my aunt’s doll collection and wanted to start their own. Their favorite from the collection was the Russian stack doll. Not a surprising choice because I also liked the doll. I did not get the doll they wanted because of time constraints but bought a native doll that I wanted for myself. Since then, I try to buy dolls during my travels as souvenirs. I still plan to buy them the Russian stack dolls when I get the chance and of course, I’ll get one for my collection too.

Mirror Accent At The Hotel

While taking photos at an event today, I started getting bored and looked around for more subjects for my photos. Then, I saw this chandelier and the mirror nearby. They really accented the room very well. It suddenly reminded me of the Leaning wall mirror that my mother wanted to buy for such a long time now to replace our old one.

Anyway, the event was well attended by a lot of the housing sector stakeholders. Both the private and the government sectors were well represented. The honorary guests were no less than the vice president of our country and our city mayor. Of course, the usual throng of politicians, their retinue of hangers-on and the press people were there. I was hoping that the event schedule was on time so I can start taking photos but I knew that the schedule was running late when I saw a lot of people milling around the venue. It was good thing that I saw some interesting subjects like the chandelier and the mirror that got me preoccupied for awhile.

Litratong Pinoy#136 Pets (Alagang Hayop)

We have six cats. Most of them came from somewhere and where left by our gate. We took pity on them and just decided to adopt them. They can be fun with though especially during mealtimes. They do everything to get their share of food. There is somebody who gets noisy, rowdy, silent or just looking cute.



Pilipino:
Anim ang alaga naming pusa. Karamihan ay hindi sa amin nanggaling at iniwan lang sa may pintuan. Naawa naman kami kaya't inalagaan nalang namin. Nakakatuwa naman lalo na kung kainan. Kanya-kanyang raket sila para makahingi ng pagkain. May maingay, may magulo, tahimik at may pakyut.

Outdoor Wednesday#32 Maxima's Slide Or Jump

I wish I was able to do the Abyss slide at the Maxima Resort at Samal Island. If not the slide, I could've done the plank jump but things got in the way. Hopefully, I can do both on my next visit.

This is my entry for Outdoor Wednesday.

Most Narcissistic Men In Asia

It used to be that only Filipino women lorded over the beauty parlors and spas. Nowadays, the beautifying field is leveling off on both sexes.

I got amused reading the article about Filipino men being the most narcissistic in Asia. The article had hit it right on the nail's head, so to speak. I knew of Filipino men who regularly go to the spa for facial, manicure, pedicure and hairstyling. I was even wondering if it's really the norm all over the world. Apparently, it is not so.

Interestingly, a lot of Filipino men expect their women to be just as vain too. No wonder beauty parlors and spas are sprouting everywhere.

Ruby Tuesday#98 Canon's Shoot And Run

Traffic was gaining momentum as I tried to beat the deadline for registration to the Canon's Shoot and Run photo contest event at Abreeza mall. I had a few minutes left when I arrived but got lost among too many people gawking inside the newest mall of the city. Thankfully, I was able to beat the deadline in a heartbeat.

We were given one free t-shirt, Canon ID, and tickets for our free lunch and afternoon snack. 

There were three themes for the contest with an interval of one hour and a half for each theme. The rule was... One entry for each theme to be submitted before expiration of time limit. Photos were to be taken within the mall's area. A Canon digital camera for each theme's winner was given that day. At exactly 11:00 o'clock in the morning, Canon's Shoot and Run photo contest started.

There were about 75 photographer-participants and it was refreshing to see that a lot of the participants were actually kids and teens. A family of photographers! I was awed!

Winner or not, I had so much fun that day. I do hope there will be another photo contest someday soon.

This is my entry for:

Go here to see more.

Basic Photography Workshop

STILL LIFE and NIKON Phils. presents "The BASICS" Photography Workshop.

Date: June18-19, 2011
Venue: Davao City
Speaker: Brian Bravo

INCLUSIVE OF:
Workshop Module Kit
Certificate
Snacks and Lunch
Freebies

About the Speaker:
BRIAN BRAVO
De La Salle – College of Saint Benilde School of Design and Arts Professor.

His work has been published in different local publications such as Fudge, Wedding Essentials, FHM, Mega, Meg, Manual, Girlfriend and Lifestyle Asia magazine. He was also involved in the recent L’oreal color trophy which is considered as the equivalent of the Oscars to the Philippine Hairdressing community.

Some of his corporate clientele includes JVS Worldwide Inc. (Body Shop), Doughnut People, Inc. (Gonuts Donuts), JobsDB Philippines, Makati Medical Center, MegaWorld Development, Golden ABC (Memo), Multi Development and Construction Corporation, Nestle Philippines, PGA Cars, Prudential Guarantee and Unilever.

Slots are limited to assure full attention to the needs of each participant.

Special thanks to:
*Nikon (G-mall, Abreeza Mall)
*Fujifilm (YKL colors)
*Focus Lab
*F-stop
*Tekpone

WORKSHOP RATE: 3,500 only

Sunday Stealing#88 You Can't Be Missed Part 2

Today we ripped off a blogger and friend known as Cat. She authors the blog Sweet Memes. It's long, so we will do it in parts. She explains the she from here. No, we don't get that part either. But, it was probably stolen there as well. So, of course, that will be as far as we go. Tracing back our theft's thieves might take some time. Link back to us at Sunday Stealing!

Sunday Stealing: The "You Can't Be Missed" Meme, Part 2

Cheers to all of us thieves!

16. What was the last thing you did that was totally selfish, yet you feel no guilt?
Bought a new Canon camera lens..EF55-250mm.

17. Tell us about a film fave of yours that we probably have not seen.
Meg Ryan and Andy Garcia's When A Man Loves A Woman. It's a story about a husband's love of his wife who is an alcoholic and such a useless wife and mother to his kid.

18. When was the last time you kissed someone that you shouldn't have on the lips?
Hm...I don't think I've done that.

19. When was the last time you cooked something for someone not in your family?
It has been ages.

20. When was the last time you danced like a crazy person?
Gee, I need to do that soon because I couldn't recall anymore.

21. When was the last time you just wanted to be invisible?
Nowadays.

22. When was the last time you got a gift you absolutely hated?
Last Christmas.

23. When was the last time you got into a physical fight? (If NEVER, let us know about a time that you got close to a fight.)
Never. It's with my brother who is the most selfish person I've ever known.

24. When was the last time you had to sleep with a light on?
I think, that was last week while I was reading a book.

25. When was the last time you were under some serious stress?
Just so recently.

26. When was the last time you watched your favorite movie?
Last week, I watched Thor.

27. What song did you most recently downloaded?
Haven't done much downloading for the past year.

28. What would you say is your favorite hobby?
Nowadays, it is definitely photography.

29. What is your favorite thing to do when you hang out with friends?
Eat and talk.

30. What would you rather do: shower or bathe with that celebrity that you are crushing on?
Both. Hey, I'd like to do everything with my crush hehehehe!

PhotoHunt#136 Missing/Missed

All that is missing in this photo is my father. If only he's still around, he would've not missed this opportunity to travel and to walk by the beach with my mother.



Photo was taken along the beach of Panglao Island, Bohol.

This is my entry for:

For more photohunters, go here.

Make It Online

We were called on a meeting last week. Aside from discussing the performance reports of each department, we were given updates. Recently, management is putting emphasis on upgrading our systems to respond better and faster to our members. A website was put up a few years ago but it was not given much attention. We considered it useless and of course, expensive. Things changed though. Businesses get more leverage using online presence. Nowadays, businesses actually exist and flourish without the physicality of an office environment. Search engines help run businesses and even economies. All things can get virtual and viral, so to speak.

It is a good thing that our management recognizes that potential and is keen on harnessing the advantages of going the virtual way; maybe because our competitors and contemporaries are already ahead of us in terms of online presence. So, our meeting last week went that way.

We were not only told to market the website of our company but we were also asked of any suggestions and/or strategies such as the ppc services to improve our online presence.

Based on my observations, we have yet to tap real online advertising that could help maximize our online presence. Online advertising will not only do that but it will also help facilitate new lead customers, help maintain and build relationships and facilitate control of online reputation. With that, I think we will be able to improve our online presence within this year.

Litratong Pinoy#135 Machine (Makina)

In truth, this does need any machineries or gas. Just use your behind and you'll definitely slide down fast towards the sea. It gets faster when you're really wet. This is the Maxima slide. It is called the Abyss because it's about 40-50 meters slide down the water. Enough for you and your spirit to be out of breath upon reaching the water.

Pilipino:
Sa tutuo lang, hindi na ito kailangan ng makina o gasolina. Puwit mo lang ang gamit at dudulas kang paibaba at mabilis papuntang dagat. Mas mabilis kapag ligong-ligo ka na dati. Ito ang padulasan ng Maxima. Tinawag siyang Abyss kasi nga may 40-50 metro ang padulas papunta sa tubig. Tamang-tamang hihingalin ka pati kaluluwa mo pagbagsak sa dagat.

Outdoor Wednesday#31 Maxima's Abyss

This is one of the two water slides in Maxima Aqua Fun Resort. The slides which are named Abyss, are made of tarpaulin. They are about 1 meter wide and about 40-50 meters long slide to the water. The drop itself from the slide is about 5-6 feet during high tide and more than 10 feet during low tide. The water is about 120 ft. deep. This is not for the faint-hearted...lol!

The resort is located in Samal Island, Davao.



This is my entry for Outdoor Wednesday.

Ruby Tuesday#97 Duty Free Stores

Duty free stores inside Singapore's Changi International Airport. I was tempted to browse but we were hurrying to catch the train so I just took a photo.
This is my entry for:

Go here to see more.

Sunday Stealing#87 You Can't Be Missed Meme

Today we ripped off a blogger and friend known as Cat. (Yes, she spells her name with a period.) She authors the blog Sweet Memes. It's long, so we will do it in parts. She explains the she from here. No, we don't get that part either. But, it was probably stolen there as well. So, of course, that will be as far as we go. Tracing back our theft's thieves might take some time. Link back to us at Sunday Stealing!

Sunday Stealing: The "You Can't Be Missed" Meme, Part 1

Cheers to all of us thieves!

1. Which state do you consider to be the most boring state?
Don't know. Am not from the US.

2. If any chef from the Food Network (or any well known chef) could cater your wedding, who would it be?
Any one who doesn't have a diva attitude.

3. What's the last thing you ate that was red?
Macaroni salad, it has a red kaong (palm fruit) on it.

4. Have you ever questioned the sexuality orientation of a close friend?
Yes, he confused us with his preferred dates.

5. Everyone loses a friend after some big fight. Tell us about one.
We actually did not fight. We grew apart.

6. Have you ever washed an iPod or mp3 player in the washing machine?
So far, none yet.

7. Have you ever screamed / yelled angrily at a boss?
Never tried it.

8. Have you ever cried yourself to sleep?
Yes.

9. Have you ever regretted being in a relationship with someone?
Yes.

10. Have you ever acted like you understood something when you didn't have a clue?
Yes, in some instances.

11. Have you ever thought someone must have been insane? If yes, tell us something about the person.
Yes. Just somebody who thinks differently from most people. She would do the things that she knows are not right but since she likes to do it, she would do it anyway without thought of consequence.

12. Have you ever pretended to be younger than what you are?
Nope but I lot of people thought I look younger than my age.

13. Back in the day, did you ever cry because you were turned down for a date?
Heck, no.

14. Have you ever (or your significant other) had a pregnancy scare?
Nope.

15. Have you ever pretended to like someone when you didn't?
I would like to pretend to be Angelina Jolie but I haven't tried that yet.

PhotoHunt#135 Digital

Digital advertisement inside one of the train stations in Shanghai.

This is my entry for:

For more photohunters, go here.

Blessed John Paul II

We were watching TV at home when we came across the news about the beatification of Pope John Paul II. With so much interest, my mother and I talked about his visits in the Philippines. It was a time of so much excitement and euphoria for the only Asian country that more than 80% of its population as Christians. Back then, former President Ferdinand Marcos and his ever-powerful First Lady Imelda Marcos personally oversaw the preparations of the most beloved pope.

Days before His Holiness’ visit to our city, the city streets were cleaned of its grime and dust and spruced up with colorful banners and buntings. We also heard that the illegal squatters living near the airport were relocated somewhere else to sanitize the Pope’s initial impressions of the city. A temporary stage was set-up at the airport’s tarmac while the audience was fenced in several meters away. Weeks before the exact arrival date, security was already tight. Two or three days before the Pope’s arrival, people from everywhere started lining up to wait for the People’s pope.

As we recounted this experience, one of my nieces asked these questions:

· Why is he considered holy when only God is holy?
· What did he do to get beatified?
· Why do Filipinos adore Pope John Paul II?

The last question was easy to answer. Filipinos adore Pope John Paul II because we were only the Asian country that he visited twice and he recognized us the only Asian country with majority of its population as Christians.

The first two questions were difficult enough for me that they actually made me stop and think. What indeed makes a man holy? We all know that nobody’s perfect, we all have our own faults and weaknesses. What makes Pope John Paul II exempt from this and be considered saintly that he is now beatified, just one step short of being considered a saint? Come to think of it, the rules of getting beatified and being declared as saint were all set by man. I never heard of the rules as set by God himself. I’m not saying I’m against Pope John Paul II but in the eyes of a child, what sets apart a man from God from being considered holy? For a child, holy is perfect and without sin.

I never answered the first two questions entirely to my nieces. I only gave her the meaning of beatification.

Litratong Pinoy#134 Alikabok (Dust)

We were forced to stop by the town of Malaybalay, Bukidnon when one of our car tires went flat. It was a good thing that we were able to find a store nearby that was able to vulcanize the busted tire and helped us put in the replacement tires. While we waited, I took photos of the passers by and the vehicles to pass time. Since Bukidnon is a province primarily geared to agricultural produce, it was not surprising to see farm trucks like this.

Farm trucks carrying farm produce was a common sight in the streets/highways of Bukidnon. This almost limping truck was overladen with sugar cane belched smoke and dust as it passed by the store where we waited for our car tires to get fixed.

Stand Out

When I attended a meeting for marketing and information personnel last March, we were told to be aggressive in marketing our programs. The emphasis was to stand out by being ubiquitous but also, by providing really good quality products and services.

We were given some guidelines and tips in how to strategize in capturing our target markets, in getting our programs stand out amidst the stiff competition. Subsequently, we were tasked to come up with action plans based on their given guidelines. Every participant contributed enthusiastically that I know we came up with some really good outputs.

The most prominent marketing action plans the group came up with were: billboard ads in major highways, prominent landmarks, airports and seaports, TV commercial ads, publications in major newspapers, radio slots, shout outs in social networking sites (eg. Facebook, Twitter, Plurk and etc.), press conferences and a new slogan every quarter complete with logos designed by a prominent logo design company to attract attention and to help saturate our target markets.

Ironically, it is almost mid-year now and yet, we are still waiting for our advertising budget for this year. A first in so many years, this year’s advertising budget is way too delayed for us to move freely with the activities we laid-out for this year. This year’s target is higher by more 100% than last year and I am really antsy in getting things done but all things are tied up with finances. Standing out, after all, has its price. The delay in the release of our marketing budget restricted our activities. We are now worrying if we can actually reach our target this year.

Outdoor Wednesday#30 Chocolate Hills Grotto

We decided to try the walkway instead of the stairs in going down from the top of Carmen Hill, Chocolate Hills, Bohol. The walkway was winding and a big steep. We walked slowly and carefully considering it was raining that day. To our surprise, we passed by this pocket Lourdes grotto which I haven't seen on my previous visit.

This is my entry for Outdoor Wednesday.

Pacquiao-Mosley Ticket

Yes! I might be able to watch Pacquiao-Mosley live this coming Sunday and in a movie theatre at that. I’ve watched Pacquiao’s fights mostly on TV or thru internet live streaming. Watching Pacquiao’s fights on TV has a setback. They claim they are live but they are actually a few minutes late. In the meantime, the live streamings would freeze or slow down whenever traffic increases. So, I ended up waiting and losing the momentum of excitement. Hopefully, this time I’ll be able to watch the Pacquiao-Mosley fight in real time complete with thundering shouts and applauses from the audience. That is if the guy who promised me a Pacquiao-Mosley ticket for free will make good of his promise

Ruby Tuesday#96 Singapore's Double Decker Tourist Bus

Yes, Osama bin Laden is dead as confirmed no less than by the US President Obama. The news was met with joy not only by America but by people all over the world. After the 0911 attacks, people asked me why would I travel outside of the country when the fear of random terror acts was still strong. My take on this, when it's your time to go no matter where you would be hiding, you cannot do anything about it. Besides, when I travel I make sure to choose places that I feel are really safe for traveling.

One of the countries that I find really safe to visit is Singapore. For such a small country-state, Singapore has come a long way from its modest beginnings.





This is one of Singapore's Double Decker Tourist Bus. The tourist bus goes around the Singapore tourist destinations like the Singapore flyer, SunTec Towers, etc.

This is my entry for:

Go here to see more.

Sunday Stealing#86

Today we ripped off a blogger named Mary Warner from the blog The Woo Woo Tea Cup Journal. She explains the she was tagged for the meme from the blogger and meme named Manjo. But, it was probably stolen there as well. So, of course, that will be as far as we go. Tracing back our theft's thieves might take some time. Link back to us at Sunday Stealing!

Sunday Stealing: The "18 Questionable Questions" Meme

Cheers to all of us thieves!

1. If your lover betrayed you, what will your reaction be?
I will feel hurt, angry, betrayed, disappointment and all that mixed emotions.

2. If you can have a dream to come true, what would it be?
To travel all over the world and it'll be more special if I could take my loved ones along.

3. What is the one thing most hated by you?
My frankness. Sometimes, people think it's rude.

4. What would you do with a billion dollars?
Donate to charity, save and travel.

5. Could you fall in love with your best friend?
Yes.

6. Which is more blessed, loving someone or being loved by someone?
Both.

7. How long do you intend to wait for someone you really love?
I can never say how long because sometimes loving sometimes entails having more patience and giving more leeway to them.

8. If the person you secretly like is already attached, what would you do?
Try to stop myself from liking him, look for somebody else.

9. If you'd like to act (movies, stage) with someone, who would it be?
Hugh Jackman, Angelina Jolie, Chow Yun Fat, and so many others.

10. What do you expect of your loved one?
Honesty, patience and their time.

11. How would you see yourself in ten years time?
I hope I would still be healthy and still active.

12. What’s your fear?
Losing my health, losing my loved ones.

13. Would you rather be single and rich or married, but poor?
I would rather be happy, either rich or poor and single or married.

14. What’s the first thing you do when you wake up?
Hmm..open my computer, fix my bed.

15. Do you ever hold back in a relationship?
I did in a relationship because of the circumstances.

16. If you fell in love with two people simultaneously, how would you pick?
This is a hard situation..hm...I would pick someone whom I love more and the one who loves me more.

17. Would you forgive and forget no matter how horrible a thing that special someone has done?
I don't think so.

18. What are your three most important expectations in love?
Honesty, spontaniety, keeping one's promises.