From Blogger to Wordpress

What prompted me to switch to Wordpress from Blogger?

I was disappointed when I found out that my PageRank (PR2) turned back to zero.

My posts have different fonts. I hate to see my page that way. I tried editing my posts but nothing’s changed.

I want a new look.

So yeah, I’ve made the switch from Blogger to Wordpress.

I know that switching needs a lot of time since I would be transferring all my posts, my widgets, and the links of my fellow bloggers. But fortunately transferring to Wordpress is just a snap. With Dexter’s help, I have moved all my posts from Blogger to Wordpress. I still have a lot to do though. I have to transfer the links of my blogging friends, one by one. Hopefully by next week, I’m done building my new haven.

To my friends and to those who are curious about my life, here's my new haven.

My Cable Car and Zipline Experience in Tagaytay

Are you afraid of heights? If so, have you tried conquering it? Being afraid of heights is a common feeling. We were not designed to fly, after all. Hence, fear of falling and being injured or killed is a normal and rational fear that most people have. But I am proud to say that I am not afraid of heights anymore. In fact, I am looking forward for more flying adventures. Haha!

Well, you too can overcome your fear of heights with pleasure. At Tagaytay Rideg Zipline & Cable Car, will get to see the majestic Taal lake and the surrounding forest as you soar up to 300 feet off the ground. Last week, I tried the cable car (together with Caren and Vhill) and yesterday, I tried the zipline (together with Hazel). It was indeed an unforgettable experience.

My friend and I are planning to celebrate her birthday and my best friend’s birthday in Tagaytay (again) on March 1. I’d try the zipline unaccompanied.

Pictures will be posted soon.

Making Money Online

I used to be a freelance writer. Freelancing is not only a good way to increase my earnings, it also enhances my skills in writing.

So yeah, I’m a freelancer again. Not that I’m not well-compensated in my present job, I just want to earn more.

I already have $31.76 in my odesk account (for 5 articles).

Busy for the Holidays

As much as I’d like to make a blog entry, I just can’t…laziness always strikes me…

Today, I feel like I just need to post just to update (again) my readers about my latest experiences, adventures, and everything that I want to share...

So I’ll start with my December escapades…

December 6, after how many months of not feeding myself with bottles of beer, I had 6 bottles of san mig light…whew! Our group celebrated an early Christmas party at Abas Bar, Malate – our favorite place…

December 14 - US Auto Parts Christmas party took place. Our pictures show that we enjoyed the party, ayt?



December 20 – We (Dex, Bhem, Lyn, Nice, Owen, Glady, and Ate Precy) had dinner at Dampa, Ortigas. Tempura, sinigang na hipon, tuna belly, baked tahong, and calamares were at the table for us to munch…


December 22 – Five members of Masbate Online agreed to have coffee at Starbucks, Glorietta 4…

December 24 – Christmas Eve…I just celebrated it with my bestfriend, my bestfriend’s cousin, and my bestfriend’s boyfriend…I wasn’t able to spend the holidays with papa, mama, and judy for some reasons…

December 25 – Christmas Day…we went to Tagaytay…I was with my bestfriend, my bestfriend’s cousin, my bestfriend’s boyfriend and his siblings…

January 1?

I’ll make another entry for my January escapades…tomorrow perhaps…

Ciao!

Batch '98 High School Reunion

10 years and still counting...

We are called Centennial Batch – Batch ’98…and this coming December 27-28, the Centennial Batch of Masbate National Comprehensive High School will be having their 10^th year high school reunion…

the banner

the invitation

the t-shirt

the feeding program invitation

Brakes Category Team Building

To be successful, people should work together like a well-oiled machine.

Consequently, every business is geared towards working as a single, unified team. Teamwork is needed for contending in today’s global arena where individual excellence is not as enviable as a high level of collective performance. People should work as an integral part of a team, that is. U.S. Auto Parts Philippines is composed of different teams with different tasks but with one common goal – to achieve victory in the wilderness that is the online car parts retail industry.

The concept is pretty simple: working as a team generates better and faster results. But, without time off from work, a person becomes fed up and jaded.

“All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy and Jill a dull girl,” as the saying goes.

In order to achieve a team’s goal, there should be motivation and enjoyable experiences in store for team members. This prompted the Brakes Category of the Data and Catalog Department to stage a team building/outing before 2008 ends with Villa Natalia in Sta. Maria, Bulacan as venue.

The purpose of this team building/outing is not only to have fun but also to build camaraderie between and among the members of the Brakes Category. But, to make an event enjoyable, it takes planning and effort. It took a month for the Brakes Category to plan the said activity. Come November 22, all’s set and ready. Team members went to the venue, commuter-style, kitchen and cooking utensils in tow. The team left for Bulacan past 4 P.M. and got there by 7:30 P.M. Upon arrival, members started working on their assigned tasks in the kitchen. In no time at all, food was up and ready for the team to partake in.

Dinner was served by 9 P.M. Grilled Liempo, Tilapia, Bicol Express, Laing, Ginataang Sitaw, Chop Suey, Adobong Isaw, and a cake were at the table for the team to munch. After having dinner, all were ready to go swimming.

And because it’s getting late and cold, every one agreed to start the drinking/sharing session. Lots of issues were talked about. Laughter filled the night. Sunday morning, games took place. Rock On and Rock Well were chosen as the two team’s name. Rock On came from one of the team members who kept on saying “Rock On” while drinking. There were three games: Mute Opera (Charade), Bridge Building, and Human Image (Paint Me a Picture). Team Rock Well was the overall winner.

After the games, the team feasted on another sumptuous breakfast. Salted Egg, Tinapa, Hotdog, Fried Liempo, and fruits were served. Full and sleepy, yet, no one stopped them from singing old time favorite songs. However, because the team needed to leave the resort by 1 P.M., some of the team members started to pack their things. The team left the place with a smile on their faces because of the fun they had. Now, the team is looking forward for their next get-together which will be on the 19^th of December.

We can say that after the team building, Brakes Category now has that quintessential thing that binds them all: one team with one vision to achieve one goal.

TVS

My OB, Dra. Sheila Illescas-Labrador cancelled my transvaginal ultrasound tomorrow because until now, I don't have my monthly period =(...I don't know why Duphaston didn't work anymore...sigh! another reason why I'm sad because we're having a team building on the 22nd...how can i go swinmming if I'll have it on or before the 22nd?...I thought I'll have it yesterday because I'm very exhausted for the past two days because friday was my sister's birthday and sunday, me, my best friend Kathy and her officemate Beck, Mama Idang, and Jeff (my cousin's cousin) went to ABS CBN to watch ASAP...we were at ABS CBN for almost 9hours...we watched ASAP live and ASAP taping as well...pictures will be posted here ASAP...hehe! click this for my sister's birthday pictures...

That's all for now...I just want you to know that I'm dissapointed because Duphaston didn't work...=(

An Update

It’s been days and weeks that our Category is dormant…after the application task, now, we’re at rest…it is also tiresome to just sit here and do nothing…so I’m making a post…hehe!

I’ll start with my sister’s debut…yey! She’ll be turning 18 tomorrow…we’ll be celebrating it in Quezon City (@ my tita’s house)…Papa and Mama just arrived from Guam this morning...so obviously, they’re here for my sister’s natal day…almost complete….unlike my debut…I just celebrated it with my classmates in college…Papa and Mama, Jude, and Judy weren’t there to celebrate with me…=(

Tomorrow, Judy will also be celebrating her birthday without our brother, Jude…he will be leaving for Canada, finally…tomorrow is his scheduled flight…sadly, I won’t be able to send him to the airport because I have work…I don’t know when is he coming back for a vacation…I just wish him good health….wahh! I’m starting to cry…I’ll miss my brother badly…=(

Btw, I watched Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa last Friday with my friend, Cinky…the movie was fun…we went home right after the movie…I slept over at her place in Pasay for two nights…Friday-Saturday…we had sing along Saturday night…thanks to her Wow Magic Sing…haha!

But before going to her place last Saturday, I went to Healthway to get my TVS result then to In My Womb 3D4D Ultrasound Centre to have my OB interpret the ultrasound…

Thank God I don’t have polycystic ovaries anymore though I have a 1.79cm cyst on my left ovary which is manageable according to my OB…she also added that PCOS or polycystic ovary syndrome can be gone for a while but it will come back again and again…even after giving birth…

For now, I’m happy with the result of my ultrasound…I’m still taking metformin and fortunately, I’m not having problems with it…unlike those who suffer from nausea, headache, etc…I’m done with Duphaston and just waiting for my monthly period to come…on my second day, I’ll take Clomid…on November 19, I’ll be having another ultrasound…whew! This is my 4^th cycle of Clomid…

In His time, I’ll have a baby…

Pray for me guys…

Ciao!

halloween party

Halloween is usually observed on the 31^st of October but the Brakes Category celebrated it a day before the said holiday…the team decorated the brakes “station” one week before the party…we actually had a busy week before the event…busy looking for costumes and busy gathering all the materials that will be used during the Trick or Treat…but it was all worth it…we had fun…

Trip to Guam

I got very excited when Mama told me that they (with Papa) are going to Guam to attend the ordination of Jason, a neighbor in Masbate…Yesterday, Mama gave me a ring to tell me the good news…I can feel the excitement from her voice upon learning that they can attend Jason’s ordination…She's very happy because this will be her first “out of the country” vacation with Papa…Mama have been to Vienna, Austria because most of her sisters are there, Switzerland because she also attended an ordination and Italy because she paid a visit to one of her sisters…All these trips, Mama was alone…but this time, Papa will be with her…I am also very happy for them…they’ll be leaving for Guam on November 7 and they will be back on November 13…one day before my sister’s debut….

me and my sister

we may not be all together this coming Christmas and New Year because Papa and Mama are not sure if they will be spending the holidays here in Manila but I guess we will be celebrating it earlier…during Judy’s debut…I don’t know yet where the celebration will take place…maybe in Quezon City where we spent Christmas last year…

my Mama Idang's house in Quezon City

CityLink

Every day, I see the same faces…and that is because I ride the same bus every day – CityLink… I usually wake up at 5:15 AM…take a bath, blow dry my hair, and get dressed… normally, I leave the house by 6:05 AM… I have 10-15minutes to walk and reach the place where CityLink buses pass by…I have to wait for 15-20minutes before the bus arrives…see, what I breathed in early morning is the polluted air of the Metropolis…sigh!…

I normally get a seat but there are times that I don’t…at times, guys offer me their seats but most of the time, they don’t…what remains constant is I see the same faces every day…

Mirrors

My ex-boyfriend Noli, gave me two tickets for the movie Mirrors…well, thanks to her girlfriend for the tickets…hehe! Since the tickets are free and I have always been a big fan of horror movies, I said okay, I will ask Chriscie or Franz to go with me…I asked Chriscie first and he said yes immediately…Chriscie was hesitant at first because he’s not into horror movies…he even told me that he’s not going with me anymore…however, he later decided to come with me because Arcee would like to watch the movie as well...

The three of us had dinner at Bacolod Chicken Inasal and headed to the movie house after…


Ben Carson (Keifer Sutherland), an ex-cop turned security guard at a burned out and abandoned shopping mall surrounded with mirrors tried to discover the secret behind a series of mysterious deaths linked to mirrors and later on learned that malevolent reflections are behind the killings…for a detailed review, click this…

Mirrors is not the creepiest or most frightening movie I’ve ever seen but I can still say that the movie was great… It scared the crap out of me…Chriscie had to cover his eyes using my bag…hahaha! We were just a bit disappointed with the ending…Kiefer Sutherland (Jack Bauer in 24) died but was able to save his family from dying except for her sister…

I will give Mirrors a satisfactory mark of 7…

my tattoo

as promised, here's a picture of my tattoo...*wink*

working over time, tattoo, boracay trip

Can’t think of a title…can’t think of a sensible post actually…I just thought of updating my blog and let you know how am I doing these past few days and weeks…well, we’ve been working over time doing applications check…so I’m not just a Product Notes QA but also a member of the application team…sigh! Imagine, we check every SKU and look for all vehicle makes and models applicable for that specific SKU…sigh again! We’re staying until 8pm at the office…and the bad thing is it’s as if those long hours of stay here at the office were unpaid…33hours and I only got 3900php? OT pay’s supposed to be non-taxable but unfortunately, it isn’t…thank God though that we’re done with the applications check…today, I’m purely a Product Notes QA again…

Hmmmm…aside from work, I would like to inform you also that I had my tattoo…the sun and moon tattoo…I have it on my upper back, just below my nape…it’s there for 1 week and 4days now ….I don’t have an uploaded picture yet but I will immediately post it here once I have it…

And oh, I am also going to Boracay on December 2-4…I will go there with some of my officemates…not very much of my excitement, I already bought a Speedo two piece as early as last week…seeing it every day motivates me to go on a diet…haha!

So there…just to keep you posted…

Ciao!

i'm guilty

I’m making a post not to brag about my new DKNY watch and Lacoste bag…I just want you to know that I feel guilty…I’m working to earn money and be able to buy the things that I want…and I buy authentic ones…my motto is “don’t settle for anything less”…*big grin*…I go for branded items…



So why am I feeling guilty if that is my motto? Because I’m buying things that are too expensive…though some of them are bought on sale, still, they are pricey…but who’s to blame? Only me, myself, and I, right? Yeah…for you who don’t know that my parents deprived me of everything during my childhood days, it’s easy to judge me…I don’t get the things that a child wants… not because they can’t afford the things that I wanted…I’m the eldest…my parents are both teachers and it’s just me and my brother for 9years…come 1990, our youngest was born…and did I mention that even my playing time is limited? Yeah…not also because I have to do household chores because since elementary, we have Oscar – our gay helper…I just don’t know why my parents are very protective when it comes to me…they just want me to stay inside the house all day…I’m not blaming my parents for that matter, though…I love them so much…

So there…I’m deprived of the material things that a child wants that’s why now that I’m working and my salary is enough to purchase the things that I fancy, I impulsively buy whatever it is that I want…

Do you think there’s a reason for me to be guilty?

how am i...

I had my last blog entry dated August 22 but seems like I have abandoned this page for months…maybe because making a post is not one of my priorities now…with all the pressure at work, I don’t think I can still manage to update my blogsite every day…as much as I want to release and blog about my feelings (my anger for instance) here, I just can’t…I am loaded with tasks…

ciao for now...

Bad Day, The Best Time to Blog

Unlike Yona, I have the chance to visit my friendster account from time to time but I haven’t uploaded my latest pictures…well, for the reason that friendster is one of the restricted sites here in our office and proxy sites would simply not allow me and some of my officemates (you know who you are) to upload pictures, reply to messages, and approve comments and invitations…it’s my facebook account which I haven’t touched for ages…I didn’t try checking my facebook account using proxy sites…I just don’t feel like visiting it…

but why can’t I visit my facebook and friendster account when in fact, I have my brother’s laptop at home and I have a globe broadband internet connection? my brother entrusted me his laptop (so I get to visit my F&F accounts often) plus of course the monthly payment of the internet when he transferred to Pasay…but when I moved in to my bestfriend’s apartment two weeks ago, my F&F accounts had been abandoned…

I don’t have the laptop anymore that I used to have when I was in Mandaluyong because when I asked Globe if they could transfer my internet connection to my new place, the customer service told me that they do not offer services there yet…so what’s the use of bringing the laptop with me? So there, I just left it to my sister…

But to our surprise, SonicWall haven’t been working since yesterday…so yeah, we had the chance to check friendster…Yehey! At last, I have been able to upload my latest pictures…

Hmmm…today is really a bad day and I have actually a lot of stories to tell but i’m not going to post all of them here…I don’t want to totally ruin my day and your day as well…I just want to thank Ryan for his post and those who left their comments…you brightened up my day, Ryan…

leisure walk at serendra

with kathy, my best friend since grade four

with kathy and cez

Dinner @ Fish & Co, Shangri-La Plaza Mall

Abbie, Biggs, Rom-Rom (because her name is Abigail Roma), or Abigail, one of my classmates from high school came home from Brunei together with her husband and three kids to visit her family…after spending a week with her family in Masbate, our hometown, she asked Cecille if we could meet and see her before leaving for Brunei…so Cecille dropped a line to some of our classmates to let them know that we will have dinner at Fish & Co, Shangri-La Plaza Mall…the dinner happened last night…as usual, I was the first to arrive, followed by Kiti – Cecille – Kathy – Biggs – Dindo and lastly, Neri-Ann with her hubby, Joeff…we just had New York Fish & Chips, Prawn Fettucini with Creamy Mushroom Sauce, Baked Oysters with Spinach and Cheese, mango juice, and flavored tea…

Pictures? I’ll ask Biggs to email me our pictures, as in ASAP…btw, thanks Biggs for the L’Oreal lipstick…*wink*

On a different topic, I’m upset; really disappointed…I have my period… meaning, I’m not pregnant…at first, I thought it was just implantation bleeding but it wasn’t…

Light Spotting - if you have conceived, spotting can happen when implantation occurs before your menstrual period should begin. Pregnancy bleeding from implantation is pinkish or brownish and not heavy. A normal menstrual flow should begin light, become heavy, and then taper off again before ending…

today is the second day of my period…and it’s heavy…just like my normal monthly period, heavy on the 2^nd day…but I will still try…I’ll ask my OB-GYN if I should continue my medication (provera) to normalize my menstruation but I will stop taking clomid for now…please keep on praying for me guys… =(

Laugh Out Loud

I'm almost done with my QA task but I still need to help Twinkle and Noel with their notes writing after I’m completely through... I have this zest to blog but I don't know what to blog about... I really feel sleepy today despite the fact that I had a good night sleep... sigh... I think, i'll just share with you these pictures with their amazing translations... enjoy!

so if you don't want to get hurt, press the glass?

hi products, how are you? it was nice meeting you...lol

d'oh!

I wish I can still get pregnant at 70...lol

I will not visit this place, I don't want to be sad always...

and I don't want to get stolen either...

yeah, right...

Before and After

Data and Catalog Departmentafter

before

Tiendesitas - A Place To Be

Can’t remember the last time I went out for a “gimik” thus when my officemates asked me to join them to have dinner at Tiendesitas, I said “okay”…I was hesitant at first for the reason that I’m really on a tight budget these days because I’m planning to buy my dream phone...hehe...so off we went...we left the office past 5:00 PM already...had dinner at Somethin’ Piggy, Sometimes Fishy...some had a bottle of beer or two but me, franz, chriscie, twinkle, and randy opted not to...and oh, we are also with our boss, Sir Anatoly...

the original notes team

waiting for the food

with my boss, Anatoly

burp

me and franz

My Dream Phone - Sony Ericsson W960i

Because I don't have my Ipod and digicam anymore, I’m thinking of buying a 2-In-1 phone, a phone where you can store a large number of songs and at the same time, a phone that you can use if you want to take pictures. I’m talking about Sony Ericsson’s latest addition to their walkman series – the W960i. It’s a third generation phone with 8GB internal memory…very ideal for storing thousands of songs. And it does not end there, the walkman touch player will let you manage your music the easy way, just use your fingers to play the song you want to hear. Its 3.2megapixel camera is equipped with zoom, flash, and auto focus. And if you want to get connected to the World Wide Web, you can also rely on this handset; it has Symbian UIQ and Wi-Fi. Just perfect! Check this out!

Cebu Pacific - Always On Time or Always Delayed?

With Cebu Pacific’s tempting low fare rates, you can go to your desired places at any time you want and without having second thoughts. With their line “it’s time everyone flies”, you’ll surely book a flight immediately. And that’s what I did. I instantly booked for a flight to _______ (haha!) my friends kept on asking me where I’ve been. It’s a secret. Going back to the topic, this is not my first time (it’s my 4th) to travel with Cebu Pacific and this is not my first time to experience a delayed flight as well. On my four air travels with Cebu Pacific, I have experienced two delayed flights.

My first travel with Cebu Pacific was November last year (Manila-Iloilo). Actually, I should be traveling with Cebu Pacific from Legazpi to Manila and from Manila to Iloilo with Philippine Airlines. Unluckily, the weather that day was not so good; as a result Cebu Pacific cancelled the flight. I had no choice but to ride a bus from Legazpi to Manila and book another flight (with Cebu Pacific) from Manila to Iloilo the next day. November 30, 2007 - If I remember it right, we should leave Manila by 4PM but unfortunately, we left Manila past 5 already. Almost an hour and a half of waiting…sigh…

My second delayed flight experience with Cebu Pacific happened last Monday. ETD: 5:05PM, ETA: 6:10PM…but guess what…we left _______ Airport at 7:05PM…2hrs of waiting (again)…

So, what do you think? Will I book with Cebu Pacific again?

Perhaps, I would check the fare rates with Philippine Airlines first before booking a flight with Cebu Pacific…

Eyebrow Threading

Just came back from a parlor near our place and tried eyebrow threading…yeah, it was my first time and I would definitely have my eyebrows threaded (?) from now on…Without a doubt, eyebrow threading is much cheaper than waxing, less painful compared to plucking and wait until you see the result – clean and defined hairline…aside from those advantages, it is also a long lasting hair removal technique because it removes hair by the follicle…if you want to know more about eyebrow threading, click this.

Everything About Pisceans

GENERAL FEATURES
Water sign ruled by Jupiter and Neptune. Pisceans are subtle, patient, sweet and tolerant. However, they can be also touchy and treacherous. Their typical features are a complex character, a great fantasy and an extraordinary learning ability. They are irresolute and they are not keen in organizing, so that they prefer to be led by other people, both in private and in working life. Typical jobs are: football player, nurse, medium, mechanic and photographer. They have a strong religious feeling and artistic sensibility. Being so reserved, it is not easy to know and understand them thoroughly. Friendship and true and long-lasting love are for Pisceans extremely important.

SEDUCING PISCEAN MEN
Piscean men are idealist, complex, romantic and unforeseeable, but also touchy and sensitive. They need to be covered with love and attention. Their ideal woman should be able to take the imitative. Make him understand that you love order, precision and art. TIP: Never touch his things. He is very possessive.

SEDUCING PISCEAN WOMEN
Piscean women are romantic, sweet, and fragile. They have the gift to make a man feel he's the most important thing in the world. They like to be praised, fondled and they want you to listen to them, or else they suffer and become sad. The ideal man must be strong and "solid". TIP: Talk a lot with her.

The Pisces Women And Their Characteristics

PHYSICAL APPEARANCE:
Generally, Piscean women are seen to be not very tall and plumpy .
The eyes are quite big and protruding. Hands and feet are either strikingly beautiful or else out proportioned, big and bulky.
The shoulders are muscular and spherical.

MENTAL ATTITUDE:
You are philosophical, restless and honest. You can go beyond your means to help people in need.
Not perturbed easily, you can help even your opponents calm down by your gentle behavior .Your nature is to forgive and forget.

GENERAL NATURE:
Your mind is not very steady. It often wanders from spiritualism to materialism. This reduces your concentration thereby making it difficult to achieve your full potential. A Piscean woman may also lack in self confidence. However that does not deter her from being an expert planner.

You will aim very high and can develop right connections to achieve your aims. Generally, Pisceans develop good connections that they enact at the right time.

You are either at the top of the ladder or else at the bottom of it. Generally, Pisceans being too ambitious either rise to very high positions or else turn into dreamers and are unable to fight the battle of life.

You will have a strong wish to go to foreign lands and visit beautiful places.

HEALTH:
You may be drawn towards excesses that means you may be eating and drinking in excess, making you ill. You may suffer from varicose veins or guinea worms.
Problems connected with liver, ankles and feet are possible. You should take care of them.

MONEY:
Generous by nature and ever helping your friends, you are unable to save much. Though due to your mental capacity, which is far in excess of women of other signs, you have a high income level.

You will not like to depend on anyone for finances and you are wiling to do even extra work to keep your self financially secure.

ROMANCE & SEX LIFE:
Very romantic by nature, you dream of romance. However you may feel somewhat frustrated as the dreams seldom come true in actual life.

You are very suspicious, you will keep a tab on your lover and if you see him friendly with another women you feel the pinch.

You are loyal and once you form a relationship, you continue it for a long time though sometimes you may feel a sudden loss of interest in your partner. Many a time, Piscean women can carry two or more relationships simultaneously.

Having a basically shy nature, you are not the one who will make a move yourself in love life. You will expect your lover to make all the moves and you will only react to them.

But, sometimes you can act completely differently. With deception, you can easily control your men with your superior brain and use them for your purposes.
Any foreplay involving water will turn you on; feet are your hot spots.

MARRIAGE:
You will dream of marrying a Mr. Perfect and you will want him to have all the qualities possible in a husband. But you will not be working hard to get him. Thus, chances of delay in marriage or a marriage which will not work are not ruled out. You will require a very diplomatic and well mannered husband to stay on.

Piscean woman keeps good upkeep of her house. Being yourself fond of food and drinks you will stock them well for guests also.

For a stable married love life, you should check your dreamy nature and live in practical world.

CAUTION:
Having very high desires, dreams and a changeable nature are your worst problems. You should live in the practical world and be less utopian if you want to be successful.

PISCES THE FISHES
February 19 - March 20

The twelfth sign of the zodiac is concerned with:
* compassion, sympathy, love, altruism
* dreams, the psychic, clairvoyance, sixth sense
* illusions, magic, film, fantasy, make-believe
* art, drama, music, poetry, prose, dance
* unusual talent, memory, wisdom, versatility
* sensitivity, intuition, humor, satire
* secrets, fulfillment of life, eternity

Elemental Quality
Pisces is the mutable water sign of the zodiac. It can be likened to a warm, turquoise lagoon, twinkling in the sunshine, or to a strong ocean current rising from the depths to break over a rocky shore, smoothing the pebbles for all time.

Mutable means changeable, and water can change its form in many ways: rain, hail, snow, mist, frost, clouds, rainbows, warm pools, and puddles; thus, Piscean feelings can change a dozen times a day.

Spiritual Goal
To learn the meaning of peace through service to others.

The Piscean Personality
These are the general personality traits found in people who are typical of Pisces. An unhappy or frustrated Pisces may display some of the not-so-attractive traits.

Secret Pisces
Anyone who has strong Piscean influences is a person who has perhaps the most extreme choices of any zodiac sign. Pisces can accept the challenges of life and rise to the top, or can give in to the easy way of oblivion and sink to the bottom. This choice is symbolized by the two fishes.

To help him or her swim to the top, the Pisces must find peace through beauty, music, and harmony.

The Pisces needs work which will enable him or her to achieve this. More than any other sign, Pisces has many talents which may be used to develop their character. Many work hard to improve the lot of humanity. Others bring their talents to film and entertainment, enlivening the lives of thousands.

Pisces needs to turn his/her private, mystical dream world of love and compassion into a reality. The only other option for a Pisces is a life of illusion and, ultimately, a sense of failure.

Ruling Planet and Its Effect
Jupiter and Neptune rule the zodiac sign of Pisces, so anyone whose birth chart has a strong Piscean influence will tend to bring benefit to others through their sensitivity.

In astrology, Jupiter is the planet of expansion, optimism, and generosity. Neptune is the planet of dreams, sensitivity, the unconscious, and the world of unreality.

Piscean Lucky Connections
Colors: violet, light green, blue
Plants: opium poppy, lotus, water plants
Gemstones: pearl, amethyst, beryl, aquamarine
Metal: tin
Animals: fish, dolphin

The Piscean Look
People who exhibit the physical characteristics of Pisces look more clumsy than they actually are.

They give off a feeling of otherworldliness, and usually have very sensitive, caring eyes. They may have a trusting, eager look or a quality of empathy and nonjudgement exclusive to those who truly understand human sorrows and failings.

Physical Appearance
* Body: usually short and thinkset
* Back: may stoop as the person walks
* Eyes: a sleepy appearance with large eyebrows
* Head: oddly shaped
* Limbs: generally short

The Pisces Female
If a woman behaves in a way that is distinctive of the personality associated with the zodiac sign of Pisces, she will have a tendency toward the characteristics listed below, providing there are no influences in her personal birthchart that are stronger than that of her Pisces sun sign.

Appearance
The typical Pisces woman:
* is normally slim, but tends to put on weight in later years
* has large eyes and an oval face
* has clear, soft skin, whatever her color
* has an air of feminine mystery
* has a very warm, charming smile

Behavior and Personality Traits
* does not try to dominate her partner in any way
* often appears vague and dreamy
* is subtle and, while appearing to be helpless or incapable, gets things organized and manages the finances extremely well
* protects her emotional vulnerability with humor or a sophisticated exterior
* needs to belong to someone
* has a warm, sympathetic heart

Pisces At Home
For a typical Piscean, home is a place where he or she will need to feel loved. Home can be a palace or a hovel, but it must contain people toward whom he or she is drawn emotionally and who love him or her.

Typical Behavior and Abilities
When at home, a Pisces man or woman:
* will often enter a fantasy world
* will feel safe to explore his or her imagination
* will probably have no fixed routine
* is likely to be untidy, although he or she may have a sudden urge to tidy everything to avoid confusion: this can happen at any time
* should keep a large, clear clock
* will need a space for personal privacy
* will make the home itself into a wonderful world of art, music, design, and good food and wine

Pisces as a Parent
* can happily accommodate all the fantasies of childhood
* will allow a child plenty of imaginative freedom
* may lack discipline
* listens with understanding
* encourages personal development
* may have to teach the children punctuality
* is warm and loving and rarely uses harsh words
* may tend to spoil the children
* will probably have a very personal and unusual set of rules to which the children must adhere

Two Pisces in the Same Family
Pisces is the same family should get on very well, providing they have an outlet for their vivid, unworldly imaginations. For example, Piscean siblings may build an imaginative world together; or a Piscean parent who makes fictional films will find inspiration in the ideas of his or her offspring.

Pisces at Work
At work, the person who has a typical Pisces personality will exhibit the following characteristics.

Typical Behavior and Abilities
A typical Pisces at work:
* is rarely in an executive position, nor does he or she enjoy being tied to working in a team that has a strict routine
* enjoys work that offers freedom of expression, which usually means working alone or in a self-directed position
* if working in a team, Pisces prefers an occupation that allows for frequent changes and adaptations

Pisces as Employer
A typical Pisces boss (male or female):
* is more likely to be found in organizations as a director rather than as the boss
* will serve people rather than accumulate power
* uses his or her gifts to make the correct move
* is a shrewd judge of character
* is unconventional and creative
* values those who are conventional and well organized, because they are needed to back up his or her ideas
* will never refuse help to someone in need
* may act tough to hide a deep belief in the mystical

Pisces as Employee
A typical Pisces employee (male or female):
* needs work where there is plenty of outlet for either human understanding or creative imagination
* will be depressed, lazy, and useless if neither of these needs are satisfied
* will be very affected by surroundings
* when happy is a loyal worker
* will get the job done, although nobody seems to understand how he or she operates

Working Environment
The workplace of a typical Pisces man or woman:
* must feel comfortable
* will have a pleasant atmosphere
* should be a large and flexible space
* may be brightly colored

Typical Occupations
All kinds of jobs in film, theater, TV, radio, ballet, music, and art will attract Pisces, who is often a good actor. A job that allows travel will be attractive. Advertising, public relations, and any job that is part of the service industry. Helping people to solve their problems and charitable and church work will also be very attractive to Pisces.

Pisces and Love
To Pisces, there is no difference between love, affection, and romance. A Pisces needs all three. A Pisces who feels unloved is an unhappy person to whom life seems very gray. Love revitalizes Pisces.

Behavior When In Love
The typical Pisces:
* is romantic
* eager to please
* adapts to the demands of the relationship
* appears to be helpless, delicate, and vulnerable, but being loved enables Pisces to cope very well with a range of difficulties, problems, and tragedies
* is emotionally involved, to the point of not recognizing when he or she is being deceived or treated badly

Expectations
The typical Pisces expects:
* to have his or her dreams valued and to be protected from harsh criticism
* to be cared for romantically
* to have children (Pisces love children)
* to be frequently reassured that they are loved
* all birthdays and anniversaries to be remembered

The End of An Affair
The worst possible event for a Pisces is to be rejected by the one who loved them. A partner who wants to end a relationship with a typical Pisces will find this a very difficult thing to do. Pisces will cling, convinced that if they reform in some way, everything will be all right again. The ex-partner of a Pisces may have to go to extremes to extricate himself or herself from the emotional mess that a hurt Pisces can produce.

Pisces and Sex
When a typical Pisces makes love it is an act of romance rather than of carnal pleasure...most times anyway. Typical Pisces is less interested in sexual activity than in the expressions of love that come before and afterward.

Piscean energy is more often used up in the emotional experiences of love than in the sexual act. This does not mean that Pisces in not interested.

Pisces can be the least prejudiced and most compassionate of all the zodiac signs.

Pisces will show a deep and real love for a partner who has problems or physical abnormalities, or has to face a tragedy or business disaster. Sex will be one of the expressions of love given by a caring and devoted Piscean spouse.

Pisces and Partner
The person who contemplates becoming the marriage or business partner of a typical Pisces must realize that Pisces will expect to be supported -- emotionally or financially. Given this, the person who partners Pisces can expect loyalty and sensitive understanding.

Pisces Woman As A Partner
She will want a marriage partner who will support her in every respect. To many men, Pisces is the perfectly feminine woman. She may appear to be a helpless, fluffy person but, once married, she will feel secure, and her reserve of talents and abilities will pour out in every direction.

In business, a Pisces woman will be best in creative positions and in public relations, but should not be expected to do the routine office jobs.

Opposite Sign
Virgo is the complementary opposite sign to Pisces. While Pisces adapts himself or herself to the emotional needs of others, Virgo works hard to serve others by responding to the needs of the moment with practical solutions. From Virgo, Pisces can learn how to translate Piscean sensitivity and understanding into practical action -- thus dispelling self-doubt and building confidence in his or her Piscean abilities.

Pisces and Friends
In general, Pisces likes a friend who is useful and reassuring. In return, they will give unprejudiced understanding and loyalty to their friends.

Positive Factors
Pisces are emotionally attached to their friends and will rarely take notice if the friend is taking advantage of this involvement.

Pisces are friendly, humorous, and caring friends, even if there are long periods of time between meetings.

Pisces will always think up something interesting to do and will enjoy any kind of artistic ventures.

Negative Factors
Pisces can be a confusing person, so arrangements may be difficult to make.
Pisces can sometimes seem to be cool and offhand. This is usually temporary and due to a moment of insecurity.

Pisces needs a hero or heroine to identify with. If a friend happens to be the chosen one, this can be pleasant enough but may become a nuisance when Pisces gives the friend talents he or she hasn't got and expects them to be demonstrated!
Pisces does not find it easy to conform; friends with conservative attitudes may find this a difficulty.

Piscean Leisure Interests
Most typical Pisces love artistic pursuits and anything that has an element of mystery, fantasy, and imagination.

Pisceans love films, theater, traveling entertainers, pantomimes, witches, gypsies, elves, monsters, and mythical creatures.

Team sport is not a natural Piscean activity, but Pisceans often love gentle watersports, noncompetitive skiing, and skydiving.
Dangerous sports, such as racing cars, can also appeal to the Pisces because they have an unerring instinct in such situations.

Piscean Likes and Dislikes
Likes
* seafood, champagne, and organic foods
* romantic places, sunsets over the sea, mountain vistas, waterfalls, ponds and waterlilies
* background music, poetry
* people who need their understanding
* mystical settings, candles, incense
* being Loved
* freedom to drift along from time to time
* privacy
* colorful food
* personalized gifts
* presents wrapped in magical paper
* new books
* diamonds

Dislikes
* bright, noisy, crowded places
* dirty, ugly objects
* being told to get a grip on things
* stiff clothing
* authorities
* people knowing too much about him or her

Piscean Health
Typical Pisces are healthy people so long as they feel loved and have an outlet for their dreams. Unhappy Pisces are vulnerable to problems arising from turning to drink, drugs, or other ways of getting relief from what may seem unbearable emotional insecurities.

Pisces often has to work hard to swim against the current that would pull him or her under. The constant effort of avoiding being sucked into oblivion is the cause of much distress to many Pisces, who, consequently, may suffer depression and other emotional problems.

Types of Sickness
Troubles with the feet and toes are common among Pisces: bunions, corns, ingrown toenails, boils and foot deformities may occur.

Pisces may become forgetful when illness is about to strike. They may also suffer from the effects of too much wine or too many drugs. The sensitive Piscean psyche suffers greatly in times of stress and has little to draw on by way of personal resources.

Pisces at Rest
A relaxed Pisces is the happiest person on earth. A chance to lie back, sip wine, listen to music and let the imagination wander is perfect bliss to Pisces.

7 things about me...

Okay, before having my movie marathon, let me first do this meme...and oh, this is also the easiest way to update my blog since I’ve been very lazy updating this page these past few days and weeks…lol…so here it goes…

Here are the rules:

1. List these rules on your blog.
2. Share 7 facts about yourself on your blog.
3. Tag 7 people at the end of your post by leaving their names as well as links to their blogs.

You’ll have to read on for my 7 facts and see who I tagged.

1) I can’t live without my mosquito net…wherever I go, I always bring it with me…

2) I am trying hard to conceive…and I am now on my second cycle of clomid (an ovulating tablet)…hope it will work out this time…

3) I love shopping…I am an impulsive buyer…I go to the mall when I’m bored and end up buying things I don’t really need…

4) I always try to get what I want…but when I feel that I’m not happy with it anymore or if I feel that it’s of no use, I sell it…like my Sony digicam and my recently purchased ipod…

5) I don’t eat melon, guyabano, durian…my favorite fruits are watermelon, star apple, banana, and grapes…watermelon is my number one favorite…*wink*

6) I easily cry when I'm angry, sad, scared, upset, and there are times that I cry when I’m alone…

7) And lastly, I live life to the fullest because I believe that life is short…hehe!

Now I'm passing this tag to some of my blogging friends:

Mari
Cardz
Ryan
Mayan
Lyn
Abby
Chriscie

lunch @ Burgoo

okay…this is a late post…been busy for weeks now and wasn’t able to blog about my escapades…so here I am…actually, I was just inspired by Jam’s post – A Perfect Day…I remember her telling me that she and her boyfriend will really make sure that they’d try all the restaurants here in the metropolis…Burgoo…they also fed their stomach with Burgoo’s sumptuous but scrumptious food…and yes, there were crayons on the table and it was covered with a big sheet of white paper…we also had fun drawing and writing on the sheet using the crayons…checkout our pictures…

sonya's garden, tagaytay

me, my sister, and my friends went to tagaytay last Sunday in spite of the weather…it was raining cats and dogs here in Manila last Sunday…lol…but since this is Chin’s (the one in denim jacket) last day here in Pinas, we continued with our plan – to bring her to a place she’ll never forget…and she will really never forget Sonya’s Garden because it was her first time to eat white cheese…lol…we had lunch there and went to Pink Sisters after…checkout our pictures…btw, Chin is leaving for Denmark tomorrow...gonna miss you sis...:-(

boring monday

monday...another boring monday...should be @ the mall for a window shopping or should be @ the streets of "ukay-ukay" to kill time...lol…but we're (me and my sister) supposed to have a general cleaning…we weren’t able to clean this little haven of ours yesterday because when we reached home from a friend’s niece first birthday celebration, we are already tired and sleepy…so there…just decided to stay home and face the laptop instead…do some surfing and found these pictures from nikki’s multiply account...

with vince, pjay, and nikki

daily dose of "taho"

our unplanned saturday night out

May 31, 2008 - Abas Bar, Ermita

my traits =)

There are lots of things to blog about but I don’t know how to put them all into words…so just let me just share this meme with you…it’s not actually a meme because I didn’t follow the instructions from wendy's page…lol…I just copied the month of my birthday because it really caught my attention…about 80% of the traits listed below are true…=)

MARCH: Attractive personality. Affectionate. Shy and reserved. Secretive. Naturally honest, generous and sympathetic. Loves peace and serenity. Sensitive to others. Loves to serve others. Easily angered. Trustworthy. Appreciative and returns kindness. Observant and assesses others. Revengeful! Loves to dream and fantasize. Loves traveling. Loves attention. Hasty decisions in choosing partners. Loves home decors. Musically talented. Loves special things. Moody.

Beauty Secrets Tag

I got this tag from BHEM... sigh... i'm also not into beauty products... but I just need to continue this tag… so let me continue this tag now... I will just copy bhem's answers...lol

My Foundation: sorry, I don't use one
My Mascara: sorry, I don't use one
My Blush: sorry, I don't use one
My Day Cream: sorry, I don't use one
My Lipstick: sorry, I don't use one
My Beauty Product Brand: As of now, I don't have but I would prefer Clinique products.
My Essential Beauty Product: facial wash
My Favorite Makeup Product: sorry, but I rarely put make up
My Perfume: Gucci Rush (a gift from my cousin)
My Nails: I pamper them by having a manicure and pedicure once a week
My Feet: Victoria's Secret Pure Seduction Lotion
My Hands: Victoria's Secret Pure Seduction Lotion

Three Products to bring on a deserted island:
rubbing alcohol
soap
mouthwash

Woman I Admire for their Beauty: Anne Hathaway
Woman with the Best Sense of Style: Gwyneth Paltrow
My Ultimate Dream: Secret...lol
My Favorite Fashion Publication: I don't really have a favorite

Now let me tag mina, yhen, mayan, cardz, and yona...

I have polycystic ovaries =(

Again, I can’t think of a sensible blog entry…all I know is that I want to let go of this feeling… or feelings… whatever… went to my OB yesterday to get the result of my TVS (Trans-Vaginal Sonography)… and guess what… I have this hormonal disorder that affects approximately 10% of women of reproductive age – I have Polycystic ovaries, also called Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS); Stein-Leventhal syndrome; Polyfollicular ovarian disease… it is a condition wherein there are many small cysts in the ovaries that affects a woman’s ability to get pregnant…

Causes:

Polycystic ovary disease affects hormone cycles. Hormones help regulate the normal development of eggs in the ovaries. It is not completely understood why or how hormone cycles are interrupted, although there are several ideas.

Follicles are sacs within the ovaries that contain eggs. In polycystic ovary disease, there are many poorly developed follicles in the ovaries. The eggs in these follicles do not mature and, therefore, cannot be released from the ovaries. Instead, they form cysts in the ovary.

This can contribute to infertility. The immature follicles and the inability to release an egg (ovulate) are likely caused by low levels of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), and higher-than-normal levels of male hormones (androgens) produced in the ovary.

Women are usually diagnosed when in their 20s or 30s. Women with this disorder often have a mother or sister who has symptoms similar to polycystic ovary disease.

Symptoms:

If you have polycystic ovary disease, you are likely to have some of the following symptoms:

Ø Abnormal, irregular, or very light or infrequent menstrual periods

Ø Absent periods, usually (but not always) after having one or more normal menstrual periods during puberty (secondary amenorrhea)

Ø Acne that gets worse

Ø Decreased breast size

Ø Development of male sex characteristics (virilization) such as increased body hair, facial hair, a deepening of the voice, male-pattern baldness, and enlargement of the clitorus.

Ø Diabetes

Ø Increased hair growth; body hair may be in a male pattern

Ø Infertility

Ø Poor response to the hormone, insulin (insulin resistance), leading to a build-up of insulin in the blood

Ø Weight gain, or obesity

Possible Complications:

Ø Increased risk of endometrial cancer

Ø Infertility

Ø Obesity-related conditions, such as high blood pressure and diabetes

Ø Possible increased risk of breast cancer

Fortunately, this disease is curable… women who have this condition can get pregnant with the right surgical or medical treatments… pregnancies are usually normal…

Treatment:

Medications used to treat the symptoms of polycystic ovary disease include:

Ø Birth control pills

Ø Clomiphene citrate

Ø Flutamide

Ø Spironolactone

Treatment with clomiphene citrate causes the pituitary gland to produce more FSH. This causes the egg to mature and be released. Sometimes women need stronger fertility drugs to get pregnant.

In women with polycystic ovary disease who also have insulin resistance, glucophage (Metformin), a medication that makes cells more sensitive to insulin, has been shown to make ovulation normal.

Losing weight (which can be difficult) may help to reduce the high insulin levels in the blood. For women with this condition who are overweight, weight loss can reduce insulin resistance, stimulate ovulation, and improve fertility rates.

Click this for pictures and additional information about this hormonal disorder…il try to post my results here soon...

dealing with disappointments

yes, we make plans, have dreams, set goals…but the question is, will all of these materialize or will they end in complete failure? remember that the only certain thing in life is uncertainty… some of our plans may end up in glorious victory and some in frustrating defeat… that is life’s nature… and because of this, it is very important to learn how to deal with disappointment… we should not feel pain when things don’t go our way… actually, disappointment can build character and patience if you allow it to… it can teach you to learn from your setbacks, accept life with all its unexpected frustrations and come out the other side stronger…

Here are six powerful steps to help you deal with disappointment:

Step 1: Acknowledge Your Automatic Coping Actions

Disappointment is a very difficult experience to endure. It's very easy to perceive disappointment as an unalterable failure. Disappointment can feel so overwhelmingly bad that your first automatic reaction might be to soothe yourself with some old tried and true coping strategy. Perhaps you find yourself overeating ice cream for comfort, going to bed to escape life, or drinking away your disappointment. Falling into an old comfort habit is fine, but it's not fine to remain there.

When you realize what you have done, let yourself know that it is okay that you checked out for a while. You're back now. And just because you overate or indulged yourself in a numbing or avoidance action, doesn't mean your disappointment is gone. It's still there inside of you, waiting for you to process it in an appropriate manner. When the effect of your coping strategy starts to wear off, take a deep breath and deal with your disappointment in positive, new ways.

Step 2: Acknowledge What You Feel

To move through your disappointment, begin from where you are. Whatever you are feeling is your starting place. Disappointment is a rotten sensation and if you are in an emotional uproar, that is acceptable. You feel what you feel. There's no need to be nice, or quiet, or suppressed. Instead of numbing out or avoiding what is real, express your pain. Cry if you want to cry, cuss at the unfairness of your situation, scream at the top of your lungs, beat a pillow, or write a raging letter about your disappointment. The point is not to blame, punish, or dump your feelings on anyone. Your purpose is to be honest with yourself about what you are feeling. If you feel hate, bitterness, self-pity, helplessness, or even desire revenge, then that is what you feel. Express yourself to yourself, get it out into the open, then move on to the next step.

Step 3: Put Things into Perspective

At first, your disappointment can feel like the end of the world. It's not easy to accept that you've worked hard to attain a certain outcome and now you face disappointment. Let yourself know that while your disappointment feels bad, this kind of thing happens to everyone in life. You are not being singled out or punished. Remind yourself that disappointments won't last forever. The sun will shine again, tomorrow will come, and soon you will feel better again.

Step 4: Dissolve Doubt

When experiencing disappointment, it can be easy to slip into doubt. You may automatically find yourself engaged in limited thinking, and feel yourself wanting to give up. Become aware of what beliefs rise to the surface as you face your disappointment. Here are a few examples:

• I can never have what I want.
• It was stupid of me to even try.
• There wasn't really much chance of success in the first place.
• My best is never good enough.
• Poor me, why does something like this always happen to me.
• I'm being punished.

The benefit of facing disappointment in a new way is that you allow yourself to become consciously aware of what you believe deep down inside of you about your life, your self, and your abilities to succeed. Once you can recognize your limiting beliefs, you can take steps to begin releasing those beliefs and building new self-empowering beliefs.

Step 5: Take Three Deep Breaths

Often, our first response is to analyze what went wrong and then try to fix the disappointment. We begin to obsess about the disappointment, telling ourselves repeatedly, "I'm so disappointed. What can I do?" We go over the situation repeatedly looking for a way to make it right, or for someone to blame. Notice how trying to fix the situation makes you feel tight, anxious, and fearful.

There is another option. When you are feeling disappointment, take three deep breaths and go into yourself. Allow your mind and body to relax and calm down. Release some of your tension. Now, as you consider your disappointment, say the words, "There's a positive lining to this disappointment and I'm sure something good is coming from this experience." Don't try to hide from your disappointment, but find ways to extract value from your experience. Notice that by breathing and relaxing a little, you begin to open to new possibilities along with new hope.

What you say to yourself during your disappointment can make all the difference. I'm not suggesting sugar-coated affirmations here. There is nothing worse than affirming, "I am blissful, content and serene" when you are anything but.

Step 6: Talk to You

Now more than ever, you need a friend to listen to your situation and to support you through this difficult time. That friend needs to be you. Go to the nearest mirror and talk to yourself. Tell your story, state out loud how you feel, and then encourage yourself. Tell yourself, "I can make it through this." Your words can help connect you to your spirit, your confidence, and your source of new possibilities. In case you are out of practice with your self-encouragement, here are some empowering statements that can lift your spirits:

• I know that I'll feel better soon.
• I've gotten through disappointment before. I know I'll get through this.
• I'm going to be open to the silver lining hidden within this disappointment.
• Good will come out of this situation. I choose to be patient as it unfolds.
• I don't know exactly what to do right now, but I know that I will make the right choices.
• I have choice over my feelings and right now, I choose to breathe more deeply into my peace, not my fear.

Remember, it takes courage to leave the rut of disappointment. Don't quit yet. Use the steps above to discover the tremendous capacity within you to rise above and beyond your disappointment and reach success.

Article source: ezinearticles.com

bonding with my girl friends @ trinoma

cez, me, and kathy

@ pizza hut

judy (my sis), kathy, me, and cez

How To Spend Money Wisely

God expects us to have faith, but also to use common sense and wise planning in allocating the resources He has given us. The best way to manage your money and stay out of debt is to have a strategy in place before the expenses or temptations arise. Read on and learn…

Ø Find clothes on sale. Look for clearance sales at stores. Be sure to buy basic items like a long tank top, a basic t shirt, and at least 2 pairs of jeans.

Ø Find versatile footwear. Buy a pair of flip flops (black or white because they match with everything). Purchase lasting sneakers on clearance and nice going-out shoes.

Ø Avoid splurging too much at once. If you go out to the movies, for example, don't buy movie theatre snacks. Instead, after the movie, get a milkshake or doughnut from a store nearby. (or eat first before entering the theatre)

Ø Accessorize. But accessories are costly sometimes so if you are creative, you can save money from buying accessories from the malls. You can make your own purses, bags, wallets, cell phone, and ipod cases by crocheting and knitting.

Ø Save half of each paycheck and use the other half for spending. Or divide it into three, some for spending, some for saving and some for bills. (hope I can do this)

Ø If your job does not take up all your time, get a part-time job to make more money. Even if this job is a once-a-week thing, if it means more money, go for it!

Ø Do not get a credit card unless you are under deadly circumstances. A credit card just tempts you to splurge out. (which I am guilty of)

Ø Compile a list of what you need, and what you want. Budget for it so that when your salary comes in, you can buy what is on the list. Don't buy anything that is not on the list, though. Include food, clothes, and extras for the kids.

Ø Treat yourself when you have saved a lot of money. Instead of buying that expensive watch, you bought the cheaper one and saved yourself $300! Celebrate by going out for coffee with a friend.

Ø Ask for a pay raise if you feel you deserve one. Tell your boss why you think you deserve one, and reason fairly.

Ø Know when to limit yourself. If you are a magazine obsessed person and you buy 10 thousand magazines each month, stop! Just buy one or two of your favorite magazines.

Ø Don't go out and spend all of your money at the pub, drinking. It is such a waste. Limit yourself to a couple of drinks or no drinks per week. Or you can just quit drinking altogether. It will surely save you a lot of money.

Ø Go through all of your old stuff, sort out a section that you don't want and sell it. Hold a garage sale or auction off stuff on eBay. Instant cash!

Ø Buy all your stuff from Amazon or eBay. Books that are $49.95 at book shops are $2.07 there!

Ø Avoid borrowing money. It adds up to the cost. You really want something. Put it on a list, and get it next month!

Ø Limit your computer, telephone, television, radio, and electricity time.

Club Manila East/Ace Water Spa instead of Puerto Galera?

the original plan - White Beach, Puerto Galera... yes, to make the most of the summer, me and my friends considered Puerto Galera as our next destination... Cinky and I made inquiries about the place, how to get there, hotel rates, facilities, and the like...but all the hard work turned out to be useless... only Me, Cinky, And Frenesi wanted to go…and the rest? they are on a tight budget... :-( so perhaps, Ace Water Spa or Club Manila East will do... just for all of us to be together...

on a different topic, Me, Hazel, Cinky, and Jolly went to Harbour Square, near CCP, last sunday to celebrate Mother's Day... we had our lunch at Iceberg...but prior to that, we were at MOA (Mall Of Asia)...

Happy Mother's Day!

me and my mom

It’s Mother’s Day once again…the time to give back our moms the love and care they’ve showered on us…

For You, Mama

I love you Mama. I adore you.

I love the way you love me, care for me.

Since I was born, you have never cared for yourself.
I am the one who have occupied all your thoughts day and night.
I know that Mama.

You have been taking much pain to bring me up in a proper way
Since I was born, you've given me the best gift in the world,
your unconditional love.

In your love, in your care, in your gentle understanding,
I see the kindness and love of God.
When I hug you, seems that there is no other thing I want from life.
Your love is enough for me.

Have I ever thanked you?
Have I ever acknowledged your sacrifices?
I know you expect nothing from me.
I can't do what you did for me and what you are still doing for me.

In return of all your sacrifices,
In return of all your love and care,
I can present you with but one gift - my honest, unconditional love.

I LOVE YOU, Mama!

can't think of a title

and can't think of a blog entry as well...lol! I will just talk about our "gimik" last nyt...with the same friends of course...

so we went to Hyatt Hotel and Casino Manila to play casino...lol! no, we were there to watch the show of Tuesday Vargas...the show was really fun...too bad though that cameras are not allowed so they covered our camera phones with stickers, hence, I won't be able to post a picture, even a single picture of her while performing...*sob*

one day adventure at splash island

for more pictures, visit my multiply account :-)

the unleashed

QAs Top Performer


I know this is a late post already…Ai, my dearly loved colleague and friend is home for a week now…back to the place she calls home – Bicol…

Her four months stay here in Manila made her family happy… I get to know her better… she shares stories about her boyfriend, her family, her plans… everything... I can’t actually believe that she’s talkative too… when we’re still in Legazpi, she hardly talk… but like Amiel, my former colleague who waited for months to mingle with us, Ai came out of her shell after 1 month… congrats Ai! lol… I know you’re happy there and you are complete because you are reunited with your ministry…

mga "tambay" sa burger machine

nikki, me, and glyn

splash island

Summer season is not over yet so let’s talk about beating the summer heat away…wasn’t able to join my colleagues in their Subic and Pagudpud escapade and I know that summer days are finally coming to a close…so tomorrow, me and my friends are going to have some wet and wild fun…we’re going to Splash Island in Biñan, Laguna…we are going to beat the summer heat away from the pollution and noise of Metro Manila…and besides, what is a summer holiday without going to a beach resort or public swimming pool to cool off?

Located at the Southwoods Ecocentrum in Biñan, Laguna, Splash Island is known as the largest water park in the country. Getting there is easy as it is only some nine kilometers after the Filinvest Toll Plaza along the South Super Highway.

Splash Island contains more than 12 water attractions and can accommodate 6,000 guests at any given time.

Among the attractions are the Dos Supremos and King Pilipit slides with plenty of turns and giant twisters. The Big Bam Boo, Twisted Palms and Tausug Trails offer riders on inner tubes with thrilling back-to-back 360 degree turns, full circle curves and down-the-tube dives.

For those who opt for edge-of-your-seat thrills, they can trythe Magellan’s Drop – a long, four-level slide where riders race their way to pool level.

There’s a special place for youngsters where at least six attractions around the park are designed in a kid-friendly way. The Curl of the Orient, Camp Carambola and the Twin Coco Knots are actually baby versions of the big slides. In Bannakita, children can have a river adventure while the Boon Docks gives them a delightful wilderness expedition. On the other hand, the tykes will have the time of their lives in the Water Wahoo attraction, an interactive kiddie pool with innovative water play activities.

A great deal of park habitues find relaxation in the Balsa River floating easy on a raft as they drift along the gently flowing river around the park which flows at a pace of three miles per hour.

Another group ride attraction is the Rio Montanosa, a breathtaking mountain high river raft ride the entire family will rave about. In addition, the grand entertainment package comes with high-level security and convenience where the park employs close to a hundred pool technicians, life guards, guest relations officers and security personnel.

After all those exciting slipping, sliding and splashing, guests can recharge at the Fiesta sa Pulo were a sumptuous feast is served. Bringing food into the park is not allowed but there are numerous food establishments that serve food at reasonable prices.

Clean water is assured through a centralized filtration system located at the center of the park. A team of pool technicians perform an hourly check on the water to make sure that it is healthy for treading. During its first year of operation, it has received an excellent rating on aquatic safety from Jeff Ellis and Associates, Inc. of Texas, a highly-acclaimed international aquatic safety consulting firm.

break-ups

break ups be likely to occur for many reasons… infidelity, unsatisfied sex life, jealousy and so much more… in some cases, things that cause break ups can be taken into any new relationships, causing it to be doomed from the start... but this need not happen… any person going through a break up can now get the help that they need and deserve to get their life back on track.

but… the loss of a relationship can be incredibly hard… you can feel so much pain… not only the grief from losing someone important in your life, but the pain of seeing your hopes and dreams of a future life together disappear as well…

you’ll have this feeling like you're starting over… you may feel like you're starting over… that you've lost everything that was important to you and you're not sure what to do anymore… it may be hard for you to imagine your life without your partner - your lives have been so intertwined… but hey! it’s not the end of the world… this is for you, my friend…

here is how to deal with break ups:

Ø Yes there will definitely be a period of intense shock, anger, hatred, jealousy, self doubts etc. Maybe even total disorientation and re-adjustments. Remember by letting your emotions control you are allowing the final triumph to your ‘opponent’. So don’t let this period of heightened emotions last more than 3 days.

Ø Don’t feed on these emotions to sustain them. Just like you would very willingly go under a surgeon’s knife to cut off a cancerous growth, treat this situation like a cancer. Say you have just got a confirmation from your doctor that you have cancer. And you must get out from under its influence as fast as you can. So you can first sit down and cry, scream or rant then let it sink in. Accept the fact and then concentrate on the healing process. Let it go.

Ø Ok Get this straight. Something definitely went wrong in that relationship, but first thing first... You are not the cause of it. Period.

Ø Don’t waste your energies and remaining finances in ‘getting back at him’ or getting revenge. It’s better for you this way. Let this abusive, unappreciative person go. Nature works in its own ways. The world is full of excellent people, and this is its way of enabling you reach someone more appreciative of you.

Ø First take stalk of your situation. What do you need to do to get back in control? How do you recoup your losses? Talk to someone you trust. Do you need to talk to your lawyer?

Ø Next you may need a change of ‘scene’ doing something totally different from what you used to do together. Can you take a few days ‘change of scene’ vacation and go somewhere else or do something totally different.

Ø Concentrate on building up your life and start the healing process. Remember the world is huge, beautiful and full of surprises. This is a ‘re-birth’ for you – a chance to start over again and make something better. Remember it’s not your loss; it’s a gain – a bonus from nature to escape from a relationship that was not going anywhere. So make the exit gracefully and positively and make a grand entrée in to your new life. People are going to respect you for it.

remember, there is more to life than crying over a break-up… the only way to get out of a relationship is with one’s head held high… and it‘s time you felt it for yourself…

keep also in mind that not every love relationship has a happy ending and thousands of breakups happen each day...

health effects of cigarette smoking and tips to help you quit smoking

I've read chie's blog (bhem's friend) post about cigarettes...i'm not a cigarette addict...but I smoke occasionally…ahm so, I decided to make a blog entry about cigarettes, the health effects of cigarettes, and most importantly, tips to help you quit cigarette smoking…

Over 40,000 careful studies have proven that smoking causes disease and death. Every medical and health agency agrees. Every year, more deaths are caused by smoking-related diseases compared to AIDS, drug abuse, car accidents and murder combined.

Take a look at the facts about cigarette smoking and your lungs.

Cigarette Smoking: The Facts

· Cancer is the second leading cause of death and was among the first diseases causually linked to smoking.

· Smoking causes about 90% of lung cancer deaths in men and almost 80% of lung cancer deaths in women. The risk of dying from lung cancer is more than 23 times higher among men who smoke cigarettes, and about 13 times higher among women who smoke cigarettes compared with never smokers.

· Smoking causes cancers of the bladder, oral cavity, pharynx, larynx (voice box), esophagus, cervix, kidney, lung, pancreas, and stomach, and causes acute myeloid leukemia.

Women and Smoking: The Facts

• Lung cancer has now surpassed breast cancer as the leading cause of cancer deaths among women.
• Current female smokers aged 35 and older are more than 10 times as likely to die from emphysema or chronic bronchitis than nonsmoking females.
• Americans are starting to smoke at a younger age, especially young girls.
• Pregnant smokers have higher rates of miscarriage, stillbirths and babies who are born too soon. More of their babies die soon after birth from crib death than newborns of nonsmoking mothers.
• As more women start to smoke, their death rates from smoking-related lung diseases are fast approaching male smoking rates.

Men and Smoking: The Facts

• Cigarette smoking is the #1 cause of cancer death in men.
• Current male smokers over age 35 are almost 10 times more likely to die of lung disease and 22 times more likely to die from lung cancer than nonsmoking males.

Tips to Help You Stop Smoking

· Make a list of your reasons for quitting and say them often.

· Set a quit date and tell everyone you are going to quit.

· Keep a supply of healthy snacks handy.

· Increase your exercise. Walk more.

· Make specific plans for what you'll do when the urge hits. For example, take a deep breath, get up and walk around, call a friend for help, keep your hands busy. Remember the urge passes in just a few minutes whether you smoke or not.

· Remove all cigarettes, ashtrays, matches and lighters from your home, workplace and car.

life is really unfair...

while doing this post, i'm crying...I don't want to make a blog entry about my sadness...but I can’t help it…I’m suffering from this misery for two weeks now…after I’ve learned about our salary adjustment…

if there is one thing I want right now, it is to go home…to go back to the place where I used to be so happy…genuinely happy…in spite of the not so low salary, I find happiness…so now, I’m asking myself, “did I make the right decision?”

what have I done to deserve this? I’m working hard…I cried, yes I cried…twice…but I continued to work hard…I cry because that’s the easiest way for me to release my resentment…and now I’m crying again…

the pros and cons of drinking beer

because "beer" has been our constant buddy whenever me and my friends go out, today, I will blog about the pros and cons of drinking beer...

Sometimes even referred to as "liquid bread", beer is one of the oldest and one of most popular alcoholic beverages in the world. Brewer's yeast, one of the beer's main components, is known to be a rich source of nutrients and this means that beer may have some health benefits.

So, does this mean beer is a healthy drink? Checkout the pros and cons of beer drinking and come to a decision after.

Pros of Drinking Beer:

Ø Source of vitamins, minerals and flavonoids. Beer is rich in many vitamins of the B group and in such minerals as magnesium. Barley and hops used in the production of beer are rich in flavonoids, which have powerful antioxidant effects.

Ø Don't just believe us:

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) has completed an extensive review of current scientific knowledge about the health effects of moderate alcohol consumption. It found that the lowest death rate from all causes occurs at the level of one to two drinks per day. That is, moderate drinkers have the greatest longevity.

Ø Aid against Coronary heart disease (CHD). There is a quite strong evidence that light-to-moderate alcohol consumption has cardio-protective properties. Many research studies demonstrate a lower coronary heart disease incidence among moderate beer drinkers. These moderate drinkers are at lower risk of CHD-related mortality than both heavy drinkers and abstainers. The vitamin B6 in beer also seems to prevent the alcohol-induced rise in blood homocysteine, a probable heart disease risk factor.

Ø Cholesterol. Moderate alcohol intake affects many processes in the body, one of which is the significant increase in HDL cholesterol - the good cholesterol. There is supporting evidence for beer's cardio-protective effect and for its help in altering the ratio of beneficial HDL cholesterol to the LDL cholesterol.

Ø Kidney stones. Beer consumption may reduce the risk of developing kidney stones. Finnish researches found that there was a 40% lower risk of kidney stones in beer drinkers.

Ø X-Rays radioprotection. Japan researchers found that beer helps reduce chromosomal damage from radiation exposure.

Cons of Drinking Beer.

Ø "Beer belly". Heavy beer drinking may promote abdominal obesity in men, so called "beer belly". Drinking beer in moderation will not cause obesity.

Ø Heartburn. Beer contains powerful stimulants of gastric acid secretion and may provoke gastroesophageal reflux and cause heartburn.

Ø "Alcohol consumption can increase the relaxation of the LES – the natural valve that keeps stomach acid in the stomach and out of the esophagus – allowing acid to reflux"

Ø Blood pressure. Daily beer consumption (approximately 40 g of alcohol) may increase blood pressure.

Ø Intoxication / Impairment. Even low amounts of alcohol can adversely effects attention and motor skills. In fact, many serious accidents are alcohol related. This obviously includes motor vehicles but can also include falling of your chair, down the stairs, out windows, etc.

Ø This can also include "Beer Muscles" which can make the drinker believe they can physically take on any person in the room. Often times, the drinker is sadly mistaken and winds up sprawled on the floor with severe injuries.

Ø Dehydration. Only 10% of what you drink is removed through urine and your liver needs water to get rid of the remaining 90%. To do so, the liver is forced to divert water from other organs including the brain, which causes the throbbing headaches. Drinking a glass of water in between beers will help.

Ø Hangover. Most of us know the pounding head, cotton mouth feeling attributed to a night of heavy drinking. For those that don't, here is a very good and thorough explanation. For those that don't heed this warning, here this is how you can get rid of your hangover

As you will notice, most of these only apply to heavy beer guzzlers. A heavy drinker is considered to be someone that has 2 or more drinks per day.

so, im a heavy drinker huh?!

to my detractor...

IP Address : 203.82.35.100 [ 203.82.35.100 ]
ISP : FiberCity
Organization : FiberCity
Location : PH PH, Philippines
City : Makati, 53 -
Latitude : 14°55'69" North
Longitude : 121°02'94" East

i am watching you...harhar

another blog entry because i'm underpaid...

because i'm feeling dizzy and can't concentrate on the file i'm working on, decided to browse my friend's blogs and saw this tag post from bhem's page...here it goes...

Cut and paste the following starting here.

I have randomly selected 5 of you below to be tagged and I hope that you will similarly publish this post in your blog. You will have to tag 5 other bloggers and just keep adding on to the list. (Do not replace, just keep on adding! Yes we hope it will be a long list!)It’s real easy! Tag others and see your Technorati Authority increase exponentially!

The benefits of Viral Linking:- One of the fastest ways to see your technorati authority explode!- Increase your Google PageRank fast- Attract large volume of new traffic to your site- Build your community- Make new friends!

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okay...to continue this meme, let me tag: Berlin, Amiel, Jam, Lyn, KR, Watz