Sunday Stealing#111

Sunday Stealing: The 99'er Meme: Part 1

Cheers to all of us thieves!

1) Put your iTunes on shuffle. Give me the first 6 songs that pop up.

I don't have iTunes but if I do, I'd probably have a lot of Maroon 5 and some South Korean band songs. 

2) If you could meet anyone on this earth, who would it be?

Hugh Jackman and/or the Pope.

3) Grab the book nearest to you, turn to page 23, give me line 17.

From the book, The Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare..the line goes "Charlotte gave a little gasp but sat motionless in her seat,".

4) What do you think about most?

Nowadays, a friend whom I haven't talked to for months now.

5) What does your latest text message from someone else say?

It was in our local dialect but it says, "please try to make it to the party tonight."

6) Do you sleep with or without clothes on?

Sometimes on, sometimes off.

7) What's your strangest talent?

Can't think of one.

8) Women.... (finish the sentence); Men.... (finish the sentence)
Women are from Venus; Men are from Mars.

9) Ever had a poem or song written about you?

No, I don't think so.

10) When is the last time you played the air guitar?
Hmm..a long time ago.

11) Do you have any strange phobias?

I don't think so. Probably, a phobia on liars but most people do have that phobia too. 

12) Ever stuck a foreign object up your nose?
Thank goodness, I haven't done that.

13) What's your religion?
I'm a Catholic.

14) If you are outside, what are you most likely doing?

On Sunday  mornings, I'd probably be playing tennis court. 

15) Do you prefer to be behind the camera or in front of it?
Behind the camera because I love taking pictures more than posing infront of the camera.

16) Simple but extremely complex. Favorite band?
Maroon 5, Queen, Little River Band, Toto, etc.

17) What was the last lie you told?
That I have eaten already.

18) Do you believe in karma?
Pretty much so.

19) What does your URL mean?

I know this but I forgot tehehehe! off to research..here goes, "Uniform Resource Locator".

20) What is your greatest weakness; your greatest strength?

Impatience is the greatest weakness and honesty and perseverance are the strengths.

21) Who is your celebrity crush?

Too many but this has been asked before. Huh!

22) Have you ever gone skinny dipping?

Half skinny dipping. I want to do the full skinny dipping someday! lol!

23) How do you vent your anger?

Years ago, through comfort eating. Nowadays, it's more on going to the gym or doing some cleaning around the house.

24) Do you have a collection of anything?
I collect keychains and refrigerator magnets from my travels. I started collecting postcards last year by swapping through postcrossing.com. I have a collection of books too.

25) Do you prefer talking on the phone or video chatting online?

Talking on the phone is much better. 

My USA Trip

I can still recall vividly my first USA trip last 2001. An aunt was with me back then to attend the graduation of a cousin from West Point. After the graduation rites, we drove overland to Texas passing through several states. It was an amazing trip. The plan back then was to stay in Texas for a few days and get to Florida to spend some time there. My relatives have their favorite Orlando Hotels from their previous trips and knew the places to visit. I was excited for the trip considering that I would be able to see another good friend living there.

I am not sure when will I do my next trip to USA considering the travel plan with my friends for this year is to do the Europe tour. If not for the Europe tour, the USA tour it will be for me considering that my friends and relatives there have been inviting me for years now.

I thought of not returning after the expiration of my US visa but then, not one of my travel friends have been to USA. They have been checking out the Facebook and some other websites for the hotels and the places to visit in the US. They thought it fair and more fun that I should return with them on their first trip there. Of course, I could not disagree.

It's Azarenka vs Sharapova

My friend will be ecstatic with this news. A big fan of Sharapova for years now,  she has been longing to see her idol in any Grand Slam tennis championships. It seems that for this year, Maria Sharapova will have that chance. I don't know much about her opponent (Azarenka) though but as what I've seen from the game she played against Australian Open defending champion Kim Clijsters, the hardworking Victoria Azarenka of Belarus is a force to reckon with. Aside from the fact that she's also a noisy player like Maria Sharapova. It seems that it's going to be a finals with a lot of grunting and shrieking, after all.

It's saddening to see Kim Clijsters go though.

Litratong Pinoy#169 Mahal (Love)

It has been difficult for me to find somebody to love and to want to share my life with. Always unsuccessful and somehow sometimes, loneliness creeps in. However, I always feel happy to see somebody who have been lucky with their find.

Pilipino:
Hindi madali para sa akin ang makakita ng isang taong mamahalin ko at gugustuhin kong makasama habang buhay. Laging bigo at kahit papano paminsa'y tinatablan din ng konting kalungkutan. Ganunpaman, masaya ako tuwing nakakakita ng sinumang naging masuwerte sa kanilang paghahanap.

Wordless Wednesday#2 Drifting

Tuesday Travels#22 Sydney Harbour Bridge

I've been watching the Australian Open whenever I get the chance for the past few days now. In fact, I just finished watching the heartstopping game of Novak Djokovic and Lleyton Hewitt. Hewitt played splendidly but Djokovic went all out in stopping him. In the end, the Djoker won resoundingly. Coincidentally, a good friend of mine started posting our Australian travel photos at the same time. So, I had fun watching the Djokovic-Lleyton thriller while smiling/laughing over our Australian photos on Facebook. Here's one of the photos we had of Sydney Harbour Bridge..

(photo was taken from the Sydney Tower and Sydney downtown)

Sunday Stealing#110

Today we ripped off a blogger named Tense Teacher of the blog Tense for a Reason. (Yes we know that we've ripped her off not so long ago as well. It's pretty amazing since she stopped posting in 2007. But that's where we live as a thief). Also, it's long so we'll do it in parts. She does not say where she got it from. 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. Take the time to comment on other player's posts. It's a great way to make new friends! Link back to us at Sunday Stealing!


Sunday Stealing: The Never Ending Meme, Ends

Cheers to all of us thieves!

36. Have you watched American Horror Story?
No, I don't watch horror movies.

37. Baseball hat or toque?
Baseball hat.

38. Do you shampoo or soap up first in the shower?
Shampoo first.

39. Wet the toothbrush or brush dry with the toothpaste?
Wet the toothbrush first.

40. Pen or pencil?
Both.

41. Have you ever gambled at a casino?
Yes, My relatives took me first there.

42. Have you thrown up on a plane?
Nope, I don't usually get dizzy or nauseous immediately.

43. Have you thrown up in a car?
Nope, thank goodness.

44. Have you thrown up at work?
Nope, but almost.

45. Do you scream on roller coasters?
Yes, to take out the thrill and fear.

46. How many shoes do you have?
More than 10, I think.

47. Who was your first roommate?
My younger brother.

48. What alcoholic beverage did you drink when you got drunk for the first time?
Fruit Punch with a lot of brandy in it.


49. What was your first job?
Saleslady.

50. What was your first car?
Don't have one ever.

51. When did you go to your first funeral?
Hm..a funeral of a parent of a classmate.

52. How old were you when you first moved away from your hometown?
I was years six years old.

53. Who was your first grade teacher?
We had the same family name, couldn't remember her first name though.

54. Where did you go on your first airplane ride?
From Manila to Davao, it was supposed to be just a vacation but it took us 5 more years to get back again.

55. When you snuck out of your house for the first time, who was it with?
With friends, I think.

56. Who was your first best friend and are you still friends with them?
She was a principal's daughter. No, I haven't any contact with her since we moved back here in our hometown.

57. Where did you live the first time you moved out of your parents’ house?
I'm still in my parent's house.

58. Who is the first person you call when you have a bad day?
God.

59. Whose wedding were you in the first time you were a bridesmaid or a groomsmen?
Never been a bridesmaid.

60. What is the first thing you do in the morning?
Drink water.

61. What was the first concert you attended?
Gosh, I forgot already.

62. First tattoo or piercing?
Ear piercing since I was a baby. First tattoo was a henna tattoo on my lower leg. The design was of butterflies.

63. First celebrity crush?
A lot but the one I could remember distinctly was Tom Cruise. He's still one of my crushes.

Doing Right Finally

He was encouraged to get automotive jobs because he was good with it but he wanted to be a businessman. It was a good plan if money was there but it was not and so he waited and bummed around. Meantime, he got older and poorer while most of his friends and classmates moved on and did well. He was left behind.

After so many years of bumming around with his friends, my brother is doing something right. Finally. I can only pray that he will not stop until he is done. Amazing how a person could change throughout the years. He was more aggressive in finding work when he was single and younger. He did everything just to earn some money. He worked as a laborer, cook, waiter, and a whole lot more. He did well in all of them but always, boredom got the upperhand and he was off to another job. We encouraged him to finish his college studies but he preferred going somewhere and returning empty-handed while his children were growing. Now that the eldest is on her way to college, he decided to get back to schooling again in his 40s. I can only heave a sigh of relief but I shall be happiest if he gets a stable job and stop worrying my mother too much.

Litratong Pinoy#168 Sadness (Kalungkutan)

There was a little sadness in my life this past Christmas but life should go on. To take my mind off from those sad thoughts, I decided to go on a night shoot with my photographer-friends around the city this December. Here are some photos I took at the getting more popular Mana House.

Pilipino:
May kaunting kalungkutan sa buhay ko noong nakaraang Pasko nguni't patuloy pa rin ang buhay. Para makalimutan kahit sandali ang nakakalungkot na isipan, napagdesisyunan kung sumama sa panggabing paglilitrato dito lang sa siyudad kasama ang aking mga kaibigang litratista nitong nakaraang Disyembre. Narito ang mga litratong kuha ko sa nagiging mas kilalang Bahay Mana.

Nobody can get really sad seeing these colorful and happy Christmas lights at Mana House along J.P. Laurel Ave., Davao City. Throughout the years, the antique and home furnishings store have been coming up with grander and more amazingly colorfully lighted Christmas decorations every December. The place has become one of the must-see places in the city during Christmas time.

Pilipino:
Walang magiging malungkot kung makikita itong makulay at masasayang pamaskong ilaw sa Bahay Mana na nasa Daang J.P. Laurel, Siyudad ng Dabaw. Sa mga nagdaang taon, ang tindahan ng mga antigo at gamit pambahay ay nakagawa ng mas engrande at mas nakakamanghang makulay na inilawang Pamaskong dekorasyon tuwing Disyembre. Ang lugar na ito ay naging isa sa mga dapat bisitahin during kapanahunan ng Pasko.

Blast On Their Noise

Chinese New Year is just around the corner and the unwanted noise from the neighbors might happen again. These neighbors have this habit of turning on their television and/or radio at full blast even on ungodly hours. In some days like when they have parties or celebrations, the noises from their speakers go on day in and day out. For somebody who is an insomniac, getting those elusive winks are much too precious for me to waste but how can I can get my sleep when our dear neighbors are blasting out the peace and quiet of the night. Complaints were already lodged but they only get quiet for a time and after a few days, they get back to their noise.

I can tolerate the loud music during daytime but during evenings when peace and quiet should rule, it is another story. A friend’s advice might be a very good one because she tried it on their previous neighbor and it worked. What she did was she changed her old speakers from those really big ones and took care to buy the good quality ones with center channel speaker for crisp and clear sound. She faced the speakers to the neighbor’s direction and cranked the speakers to the maximum. Of course, she covered her ears with cotton balls to minimize the noise. A few minutes after, the neighbor got the message and toned down their speakers. After that incident, the neighbor was more considerate with their noise.

Wordless Wednesday#1 The Eagle With The Christmas Tree

This is my first entry for Wordless Wednesday so I won't be wordless for this post. Anyway, I took this photo at the People's Park last December while the place was bedecked with Christmas decorations and Christmas lights.

Tuesday Travels#21 Mactan Shrine

The back view of the Lapu-lapu Shrine

The Mactan Shrine or the Lapu-lapu Shrine is located at Punta Engaño, Lapu-lapu City, Cebu. The shrine is the site of two memorials, the Lapu-lapu and Magellan memorials. Lapu-lapu was a native datu who fought and killed the Portuguese explorer, Ferdinand Magellan.

Sunday Stealing#109

Today we ripped off a blogger named Tense Teacher of the blog Tense for a Reason. (Yes we know that we've ripped her off not so long ago as well. It's pretty amazing since she stopped posting in 2007. But that's where we live as a thief). Also, it's long so we'll do it in parts. She does not say where she got it from. 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. Take the time to comment on other player's posts. It's a great way to make new friends! Link back to us at Sunday Stealing!


Sunday Stealing: The Never Ending Meme, Part Two

Cheers to all of us thieves!

21. Did you go to your high school prom?
Yes, I did. I enjoyed it very much.

22. Perfect time to wake up?
During work days, it's usually 630 am. Weekends/holidays, it depends on my laziness tehehehe!

23. Perfect time to go to bed?
Nowadays, it's usually past 11 o'clock in the evening.

24. Do you use your queen right away in chess?
No.

25. Ever been in a car accident?
Minor, a bump on the back of the car.

26. Closer to mom or dad…or neither?
My mother.

27. What age is this exciting life over for you?
In the 20s.

28. What decade during the 20th century would you have chosen to be a teenager?
Any decade is fine.

29. Favorite shoes you have EVER owned?
Rubber shoes, Converse, and a pair of Chinese embroidered shoes.

30. Do you have an article of clothing you have had since you were in high school?
Hmm..not anymore.

31. Were you in track and field?
Nope.

32. Were you ever in a school talent show?
Nope.

33. Have you ever written in a library book?
Yes.

34. Allergic to?
When I was younger, none. As I grow older, I get allergies from just from anything and anytime.

35. Favorite fruit?
King of fruits, durian. Most of my favorites are our native fruits not the usual apple, orange thing.

Missing Meme

I was supposed to do the PhotoHunt meme on Saturdays but when it's owner decided to stop it, I decided to stop doing it after somebody took over. It was just not the same anymore.

There have been too many memes I've been to but there were just a few that I really liked, most of them have folded up unfortunately.

Memes helped me alot and am sure a lot of bloggers would agree, that it helps in filling a gap in the posts. Sometimes, it's easier to do the meme's weekly theme than just think of something to post about. Unfortunately, it's not easy to choose a meme that I really like. Anyway, after PhotoHunt's demise, am on the lookout for another one to fill its place.

Litratong Pinoy#167 Balak (Plan)

One of the vintage World War II big guns in Corregidor Island.

I have been planning to travel with my parents for a vacation. But for so many reasons, that plan never came through until my father got sick and died. That is why I really convinced my mother to travel with me last year. For this year, I want to take her to Corregidor Island which my father really wanted to visit but was never able to.

Pilipino:
Matagal ko nang planong isama ang mga magulang ko sa pagbibiyahe at magbakasyon. Dahil sa maraming dahilan, hindi matuluy-tuloy ang planong iyon hangga't nagkasakit at namatay ang aking ama. Kaya naman, pinilit ko talagang matuloy noong nakaraang taon ang balak na iyon kasama ang aking ina. Para sa taong ito, gusto ko siyang isama sa isla ng Corregidor na siyang pinakagustong puntahan ng tatay ko noon pero hindi niya nagawa.

Free LandBank Cash Card

Pag-IBIG Fund in collaboration with Land Bank of the Philippines is offering free cash cards for its multi-purpose loan applicants to receive their loan proceeds.

The advantages of using the cash card in getting the loan proceeds are:

Ø      Member-borrowers avoid the long lines in claiming loan checks because the loan proceeds shall be deposited in their accounts after loan approval.

Ø      The member-borrower may withdraw the money anytime from any automated teller machine (ATM) accredited by the Land Bank of the Philippines.

Ø      The cash card is valid for three years and can be used to receive subsequent loan proceeds until expiry date.

For interested applicants, please submit the following to the LandBank teller assigned at our office:

Ø      Two (2) valid Identification Cards (Bring Original Copy for authentication)

Ø      Duly Accomplished enrolment form for cash card and Letter of Introduction (both forms are available from the LandBank teller).

Ø      One (1) 1 x 1 photo

Go to the nearest Pag-IBIG branch to avail of this good opportunity.

Ruby Tuesday#131 Folkrandia Festival

This is one of the Korean dancers who performed in the Davao Leg of the Folkrandia Festival show last December 13, 2012. Their group performed along with the Philippines' Bayanihan Dance Group. The show was really amazing and beautiful. I hope to see their performance again soon.

This is my entry for:

Go here to see more.

Penalty Condonation For Employers

If you have not yet registered your business establishment and your employees with Home Development Mutual Fund/Pag-IBIG Fund or have been delinquent/inactive in your employees’ contribution remittances, the Fund is now offering the penalty condonation program beginning January 1, 2012 until June 30, 2012.

With this program, all incurred penalties by the employers whose application for penalty condonation has been approved shall be condoned upon updating of contribution remittances.

Eligible employers who fail to avail of this program shall continue to incur penalties on their unremitted contributions and shall be held criminally liable and shall be prosecuted in accordance with the penal provisions of RA9679.

Go to the nearest Pag-IBIG Fund branch to avail of this program, contact details can be found at www.pagibigfund.gov.ph

Litratong Pinoy#166 Kasiyahan (Happiness)

Unexpectedly, photography gave me such happiness. It took time for me to get convinced by my friends to start this hobby. I was just content with the ordinary cameras before but due to their encouragement, I bought a Canon DSLR a year ago at slowly started to learn photography.

Pilipino:
Sa hindi inaasahan, nagbigay sa akin ng sobrang kasiyahan ang paglilitrato. Matagal bago ako nakumbinsi ng aking mga kaibigan na simulan ito. Nagkasya lang ako sa ordinaryong camera noon. Pero, dahil sa kanilang pag-engganyo sinubukan kung bumili ng Canon DSLR noong nakaraang taon at unti-unting pinag-aralan ang paglilitrato.

I know I still have a lot to learn but that's what makes it all exciting because while I am learning, I discover alot of things that bring happiness to me. For now, I am trying to take "bokeh" photos wherein part of the image is blurred and part is sharp.

Pilipino:
Alam kong marami pa rin akong dapat matutunan pero iyon ang mas eksayting dahil habang pinag-aaralan ko ang paglilitrato, marami akong nadidiskubre nakakatuwa. Sa ngayon, sinusubukan kong kumuha ng litratong "bokeh". Iyon bang may parte ng litrato na malabo at may parte namang malinaw.

Ruby Tuesday#130 Davao City's Christmas Lights

December was such a busy month that I was not able to take photos as much as I wanted to. But before the Christmas lights disappear, I promised myself to visit some places in the city to take some photos of the Christmas decorations.

Hereunder is one of the photos I took inside People's Park. The building at the background is the Casa Leticia glowing in Christmas lights.

This is my entry for:

Go here to see more.

Sunday Stealing#108

Happy New Year, everybody!
Today we ripped off a blogger named  Am I Half Dead or Am I Doing Fine  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. Take the time to comment on other player's posts. It's a great way to make new friends! Link back to us at Sunday Stealing!

Sunday Stealing: The 2011 Year End  Meme

Cheers to all of us thieves!

1. What did you do in 2011 that you’d never done before?
Took my mother for a long-deserved vacation. 

2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I kept some, and some I totally forgot. I'll try to keep more this coming 2012.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Hmm...nope.

4. Did anyone close to you die?
Nope. Thank God for that.

5. What countries did you visit?
Singapore and Malaysia.

6. What would you like to have in 2012 that you lacked in 2011?
More peace of mind.

7. What dates from 2011 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
A day in November. I finally had the guts to do something that I should've done long time ago. 

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
I consider being able to convince my mother to take a travel vacation as my biggest achievement.

9. What was your biggest failure?
Disciplining myself more.

10. What was the best thing you bought?
Canon lens. I want to buy another one this year. 

11. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Government employees who served without waiting for grease money. 

12. Whose behavior made you appalled and disgusted?
President GMA.

13. What song will always remind you of 2011?
Moves Like Jagger by Maroon 5

14. What do you wish you’d done more of?
I wish I had been more forthcoming with what I wanted from somebody. I wish I traveled more around the country.

15. What do you wish you’d done less of?
I should've tried to be less emotionally dependent with a friend.

16. Did you fall in love in 2011?
Fall out of love, perhaps.

17. What was your favorite new TV program?
None.

18. What was the best book you read?
Too many but I'd like to mention Stieg Larsson trilogy books with one of the books being adapted in the movie entitled The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo.

19. What one thing would have made your year measurably more satisfying?
If somebody did not take things for granted.

20. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2011?
I couldn't care less.

21. What kept you sane?
Prayers, being active, reading and other interests.

22. Who did you miss?
My father.

23. Who was the best new person you met?
Hm..too many to mention.

24. Tell us a valuable lesson you learned in 2011?
When things go wrong, they will go wrong no matter how you try to do it right.

25. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
It's a wonderful world..