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This coming Christmas, my wishlist would be to be blessed with perfect health, clearness and restfulness of mind and spirit, peacefulness of the heart, solving all my financial mishaps by being able to pay off all of my late or overdue bills and to be able to the the year debt-free.  Also am wishing for new projects to come for the Christmas season as well as the new year.
If asked about the more tangible material things, I would like to wish for a new laptop, maybe the Macbook Air :) a Saatchi turn table and Marshall speakers to go.  New kitchen and cooking equipment like a new microwave oven, baking sheets and dishes, Lock & Lock containers, non stick pans and a flat grill that you can use on both sides, ah and a waffle griddle and a popcon maker, maybe even a chocolate fountain and a cotton candy maker.

I would love lots of shoes, wedges, pumps and sneakers, also flats to replace my old and dusty collection.  a new wardrobe, maybe from H&M or Cotton On.

I would also like to wish for a full refrigerator and pantry with a wide array or yummy treats and tricks of all gastronomic possibilities that i can cook in my wonderful magical kitchen. 

And, last but not least, a small family get together where we can share all these delights.


For my loved ones, i wish them the best of health, safety everywhere they go, and whoever they may be with.  i wish for them wisdom to know between right from wrong,and the will power to make the right decision.  I wish them happiness or better, the wisdom to choose to be happy or happier...

And now my new little 'apo' Joaquin, lots of milk and diapers to get them through till the little one is diaper free and mild free.  A crib or a baby bed, so he can lay separately and properly, a baby carrier, and cute statement baby clothes,  The will power to push forward and keep on working for a better future and a better life for their kid.  The wisdom to do the right decisions and stand by it.

For Jazmine,  I would love for her to have tons of sneakers from vans and converse, statement t-shirts, shorts, dresses which she recently discovered appealed to her. pumps and flats, yes girly shoes too.  I heard she also want some new gadgets like a 5s..but she has to work on her school efforts harder to get it.  She is pretty sound and grounded.  She is just a bit lazy at times so i wish for her to be more industrious and  resourceful.

For my sister and her family, a better home for them to live in, grocery items, new outfits for Christmas, a bank account with a little money to start of and pay debts too.

For my sweetie, new clothes, casual shoes, formal shoes, shirts and pants, camera accessories, lighting equipment and other studio equipment she can start off with, and maybe also a new laptop, pocket WiFi to always keep her online and working, getting new projects for her website development and photography services.

For my father, the best of health, good eyesight, cooking utensils, less sungit.

For my aunt, good health, and a trustworthy and very masipag na assistant who can clean up her whole house so we can remodel and give it a fresh new look.


How do I plan to give back to others this Christmas?  I plan to do this by cooking for my loved ones and close friends this Christmas season since I don't have much to offer.  for the less unfortunate,  i can offer my time doing story telling sessions, helping in soup  kitchens.

In this season of giving and hope, let's all have a Merry SM Christmas!


For more updates about this year’s “Merry SM Christmas” campaign, visit SM’s official Christmas microsite and follow its official social media accounts at Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; and get an insider access to all the fun happenings at SM Supermalls nationwide through Viber. Shoppers can actively share their holiday merriments inside the SM Supermalls by posting their photos on social media and adding the hashtag #MerrySMChristmas2015.
The title says it all! Is there something you could give to the Philippines?

When you say something, first thing that pops up anybody's mind is anything materialistic. Not everyone has the capability of giving out something in kind immediately.

Just like in my case, I don't have that much to give; so instead of settling for 'in kind' gifts, I find it worthwhile to simply provide part of my time out of compassion or 'malasakit'.


As one of my idols in journalism once said, compassion can be contagious. Show compassion to a stranger and that stranger can be compassionate to another.


With this, Globe continues what has started last year with #GLOBEProjectWonderful2014.

How about you?

If there is one thing you can give to the Philippines, what is that gift?

COMMENT AWAY!
I am always been fascinated with night sky. Brings me back to those high school trips to the observatory; just looking at the vast sky, either locating constellations or waiting for shooting stars.

Last night made quite a buzz in social media. My news feed began swarming with moon photos. These photos were showing the moon with a halo. I went out and saw this amazing view up.


But what is a lunar halo or moon halo?

According to experts, this occurs when high thin clouds containing millions of tiny ice crystals cover much of the sky. Each ice crystal acts like a miniature lens. Because most of the crystals have a similar elongated hexagonal shape, light entering one crystal face and exiting through the opposing face refracts 22 degrees, which corresponds to the radius of the Moon Halo. (source: NASA)
My urge to write about this started after watching a documentary which part of it was associated with Julie Vega.


I was only 6 years old then. Definitely unaware of Julie Vega's death but I remember so well watching a couple of her movies, which either were replayed on TV or Betamax tapes rented. And not to mention, her song "Somewhere in My Past" was one of my favorite songs.

What else can I say about her? Nothing much.. But I know two people in life that I could directly ask their stories about Julie Vega - my parents. My mom was one of the first few who went to Julie's burial the day she died; and my dad who was then working in UERM, where Julie was born. 

My mom told me that after the news broke out of Julie Vega's death, she together with my aunties rushed to Mount Carmel Church to pay respect and see her remains. My dad then mentioned to me that bronchopneumonia was among the complications that caused her death, based from certain doctors he knew.

So, that's it! Other things I might know about her would be based of what I've watched through the life stories shown. 
I must admit I am not a vain person. Usual pampering I do was having a massage but very seldom having a facial spa.. So if there's a chance of getting a facial spa, I won't think twice of having one.. And I got that chance when Asian Secrets introduced their new product/service - LULUR FACIAL SCRUB.

I was definitely relaxed during the session and I felt lighter afterwards.


What is Asian Secrets Lulur Facial Scrub?

Asian Secrets Lulur scrubs are inspired by a most luxurious ritual used by Indonesian royalty called Lulur, originally intended for the bride-to-be to beautify, smoothen, and whiten her skin before her wedding day. Lulur originated from the royal palaces of Java, Indonesia and products inspired by this traditional treatment are still used by Indonesian women, and in specialty spas today. 

Asian Secrets Lulur Whitening Facial Scrub contains Bengkoang (Yam Bean in English or Singkamas in Filipino) a traditional Indonesian whitening ingredient.Bengkoang extract has natural whitening properties and can make skin look brighter and more radiant, contains vitamins C & E which are known as antioxidantsthatcan fight harmful pollution from the environment to keep skin healthy.

Similar to the body scrub, it containsLulur beads thatgently exfoliate and remove dead skin cells to smoothen and give skin a radiant glow. It moisturizes and leaves skin with a light fragrant scent. 

Why use Asian Secrets Lulur Whitening Facial Scrub?

Using Asian Secrets Lulur Whitening Facial Scrub just 2-3x a week lightens the skin, making it fairer and whiter.  Women of all ages, especially busy women who are juggling family and household  responsibilities have little time to go to the spa for pampering and beauty indulgences.  Asian Secrets makes it easy and affordable to get that pampered glow right at home with Asian Secrets Lulur Facial Scrub.

Benefits of using the scrub
Lulur beads gently exfoliate and remove dead skin cells to smoothen and give it a radiant glow.
It also moisturizes and leaves skin with a light fragrant scent.
Frequent usage lightens the skin, making it fairer and whiter.

How to use 
Treat yourself to an indulgent Lulur facial right in your own home with Asian Secrets Lulur Whitening Facial Scrub. 
Put a small amount on your finger tips
Apply on dry face and massage in a gentle circular motion avoiding the eye area
Rinse with water
Use every other day for maximum results

Asian Secrets Lulur Whitening Facial Scrub is affordably priced at Php70 for a 50g tube while a 100g  tube retails for Php120.

I am truly shocked and saddened by the news that a 7.2 magnitude earthquake that struck Bohol and Cebu. Much more when I watched the compiled videos of the untimely event.




LGBT.. Lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transgenders.. Who are they? What role do they portray in the society? Why are they here?

My answer is just 1 word - HUMANS.. These "not-so normal" as others may call are also humans. They breathe the same air that you breathing.. The only difference is the preference they chose.

I am a LESBIAN.. And I am PROUD to be one..


I, myself, also experienced rejections, gossips from friends, family and the society. And it has been a tough journey to go through.. Luckily to have experienced loving and being loved from someone of the same gender.


But why are LGBTs judged so easily? Is it because we look different? We act differently? Maybe this documentary might help everyone or anyone understand LGBTs deeper.. Watch Cheche Lazaro as she look into the world of lesbians, gays, transgender and bisexuals (LGBT). 


"Cheche Lazaro Presents" - LGBT, tomorrow on Sundays Best (CH.2), 11:15pm.
I used to work with several local artists in the entertainment industry for almost 4 years when I was a recording/sound engineer. Did I ever get starstruck? A bit but not not to much to the point of being a fan.. I was trained to remain composure. 

But what about today? I still maintain that composure.. I just used to not getting that starstruck whenever I artists until a month ago, music icon PATTI AUSTIN came to the Philippines for a series of concerts.


I used to work as a virtual assistant to her PR agency. And when I heard the news, I asked if I could be her official photographer, for the love of Patti. Did I get the deal at once? No sir! I applied; submitted a couple of shots from my portfolio. After being reviewed by the bosses, I got the task. Yipee!

On the first day, which was Patti's rehearsals, I already thought of what to say to her once introduced; but when that moment came, the only word that came out of my mouth was "HI". I got mental blocked! 



NEVER IN MY WILDEST DREAM THAT I WOULD MEET PATTI AUSTIN PERSONALLY.. That is why I'm honored to have that privilege to be included in Patti Austin's team..

How is she as a person?

Patti Austin is somewhat approachable and loves to mingle. The video posted by Chuckie Dreyfus showed how she love the Filipinos.

Another thing that really amazed me, Patti is not diva-ish. I was surprised to see her ironing her outfits.

Other than that, Patti Austin is an amazing, down to earth person, crazy like she tell stories of anything topic.. Fun person to work with. 


Looking forward for next concert or event here in the Philippines.
I am a fan of theater.. Going back to my high school days; when Shakespeare was introduced in class, that started my fascination with theater works.. Even tried joining the theater group, not as an actor but as part of the production team..

Anyway, enough of the flashbacks.. It was my first time watching a Trumpets production.. I was really excited when I got an email and be invited to witness "The Bluebird of Happiness".


Happiness.. Where does one find happiness? Is it with the things you buy? boosting career? people you love? It will really depend on how you think of happiness.. But in watching the musical, it will teach you it's not always in material things that happiness can be found. Even the simplest of simplest moments that one could find that much need happiness.. 


Aside from the meaningful message the musical play is sending to the audience, the cast did a wonderful job portraying their roles. My favorite character was Night (Joel Trinidad). I liked his evil-ish role and the in-between comic lines. Second will be Tylette (Lynn Sherman). Both characters added "spice" in the kids' journey in find the Bluebird of Happiness. If not for these two characters, the scenes would be plain and dull.


Production design was awesome! I love the "3D-ish" effects, if I may call it, especially the scene showing 'The House of Luxury'. My first reaction when the lights opened was "WOW!"


Overall, Trumpets "The Bluebird of Happiness" is a must see musical for the whole family..

"The Bluebird of Happiness" opened last September 27, 2013 at the Meralco Theater.. 
Remember the heavy rains brought by Typhoon Ondoy and Pepeng? Those were among the recent tropical depressions that devastated us with unusual floods. With the rainy season already here, let us take extra precautions of what to do to prepare ourselves during this season. Thinking ahead of time will definitely help each every one of us.

Take note of the following details provided by the government to determine on what to do during a heavy downpour..


If you have a smartphone or any type of mobile device capable of installing apps, these mobile apps are helpful enough in case of emergencies..

PROJECT NOAH

Project NOAH’s (Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards) mission is to undertake disaster science research and development, advance the use of cutting edge technologies and recommend innovative information services in government's disaster prevention and mitigation efforts.



FEATURES:
1. Map View
- PAR (Philippine Area of Responsibility)
- Overview (MTSAT, Rainfall Contours, Chance of Rain, etc)
- Doppler (Subic, Tagaytay, Cebu, Hinatuan, Tampakan)
- Sensors (Weather Stations, Stream Gauges, Rain Gauges, Tide Levels)
- Weather Outlook (Probablity of Rain, PAGASA Typhoon Forecast)

2. List View
- Almost the same with Map View but presented as list for ease of use.

3. News
- DOST-PAGASA
- ClimateX
- PAGASA-FFWS (Flood Forecasting and Warning Section)

4. Help
- Help articles and guidelines

5. Info
- Information Dashboard
- Useful links and contents

* plus status notifications for "Probability of Rain"
* share screenshot (in almost all views) or text contents (News) via applications (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Bluetooth, Gmail, etc)
* the app is themeable! (Holo Light [default theme] OR Holo Dark)
* supports animated overlays (MTSAT, Doppler, Chance of Rain)

THINGS TO DO:
- Store enough water and food.
- Charge all electronic devices in case of a sudden power outage.
- Listen to news either on TV, radio or social media. It never hurts to be always updated with what happening outside your home.

EMERGENCY HOTLINES:
National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) +632 9111406; +632 9122665; +632 9125668
Philippine Coast Guard +632 527 8481 local 6290/6292, +632 3281098
Metro Manila Development Authority 136, +639175618711; (flood control) +632 8824177, +632 8820925
Meralco 16211, +639175516211, +639209292824
Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) +632 9318101 to 07
Department of Health (DOH) +632 7111001
Department of Public Works and Highway +632 3043713
Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) 7890, +639188848484
Bureau of Fire Protection (NCR) +632 7295166; +632 4106254; +632 4071230; +632 4318859
Philippine National Police (PNP) 117; Text PNP to 2920
NCRPO +632 8383203; +632 8383354
Red Cross Hotline : 143 Trunkline: 527 0000

STAY SAFE EVERYONE!
To be honest, never in my wildest dream that I would become a teacher, a professor to be specific.

It was mere coincidence during an event in iACADEMY that I got to have a short talk with it's top executives and learned that they're in need of someone with sound engineering background. I mentioned that I did came from the music industry as a sound engineer. Immediately that moment, I was called by HR for an interview.

Afterwards, my life continued working in a call center. No updates from the school for I think almost or more than a month. I was beginning to think about the outcome of that interview. Then in one unexpected day, I received an SMS. It was from the school's HR, informing me of the class schedule and for me to report by the start of the first trimester. It definitely was a relief!

But what made me decide to take this profession?

There's a main reason at the back of my mind for that. I would want to impart knowledge to the next generation. Since the subject is very well related to my previous profession which is in the recording industry, not only that I discuss what is written in every book, tutorial for that matter; I was also able to share my experience as an audio engineer. 

Eventually, I might be teaching topics other than sound or video editing. I am preparing for that instance. 

Life is definitely a continuing learning experience!


Anyone would love having a pet - may it be a dog, cat, bird or fish. I am a dog lover for sure and my mom is fond of fish (varying from arowana, flower horn and gold fish).

There was this one time last year that we have to take care of Pompom - my sister's landlord's pet for a week.

But there 2 distinct pets that I always look forward for their new antics and tricks. Presenting! The Celebrity pets -- Max and Sanggol..

Meet Max Dreyfus, the 'bunso' of Chuckie and Yen Dreyfus is a teacup Pomeranian.

The general definition for a teacup Pomeranian is that it is born small enough that it can fit inside of a teacup. I wonder if Chuckie and Yen tried that..
Family bonding with Max..

Max is not just a any other puppy. Do you know that he already has his first short film? Cool isn't it.. Watch this video shoot by his daddy Chuckie.


Don't forget to follow Max on Twitter and Instagram. Yup, he's a social media buff too, right Max? (arf!) Thanks to Yen Dreyfus for allowing me to use some of the photos..

Now on to our next celebrity pet. Will she be the next YouTube sensation just like her proud owner, not other than Mikey Bustos.

Meet 'Sanggol', a pot bellied piglet.. Only now that I know that this animal can be a pet. Most pigs that I know goes to our bellies :))

Watch this video as Mikey Bustos introduces his new baby..

But what are pot bellied pigs? Pot bellied pigs are clean, highly intelligent and loving creatures. They require extra patience and lots of love.
'Sanggol' is one sossy piglet - pampered and loved everyday by her 'amo' and take note! Condo-living.. First that came into my mind, how domesticated a pot bellied pig really is? Based on my research, this pig is highly trainable. And according to Mikey's video, their poo is not smelly unlike the pigs that are raised to become food.
Interesting!
Catch more about 'Sanggol' on Mikey Bustos' Facebook and YouTube channel.
Holy week has just passed. Some spent it at the beach/out of town while some just stayed at home, just like me. But part of usual routine during the Holy week is the Visita Iglesia. I was supposed to travel with some photographer friends in Pampanga for that but due the sudden changes of work schedule, I had to do  the Visita Iglesia around the metro.

I somehow planned the churches to visit.. Supposedly will go as far as Makati and Taguig but due to time constrains, I trimmed it down within Mandaluyong, San Juan, and Manila.

First stop was at the Archdiocesan Shrine of the Divine Mercy in Mandaluyong but it seems it was close at that time but stations of the cross were setup with the city hall vicinity. After a few minutes of staying there, I went to my next destination -- San Juan City..

Nice to be back to my hometown ^_^

Second stop -- Aquinas Church..

I stopped over for lunch at the market area and on to the next church -- National Shrine of St. Jude Thaddeus..

Fourth stop -- Abbey of Our Lady of Montserrat..

Fifth stop -- Minor Basilica of San Sebastian..

Now off to the an historical place in Manila, Intramuros..

Sixth stop -- Basilica of the Immaculate Concepcion of Manila (Manila Cathedral).. Too bad, the cathedral is still closed due to renovations.

Seventh and final stop -- San Agustin Church..

Ended my day with the sense of fulfillment that I was able to do my yearly deed even by myself. More photos of that day can be found HERE..
I saw rabbits before but never in my life that I would be playing with them up close and personal -- not just 1 or 2 but more than 5.

It was fortunate for me to travel south particularly in Batangas with my travel group, The Road Trippers, and visit Robby Rabbitry.

I gathered with fellow TRTs Aylin (The Posh Traveler), JayL (Blog-PH) and Ann somewhere in Makati where we also met Robby Rabbitry's owner Gigi Morris. On our way to Batangas, Ms. Gigi Morris told us how she came about opening the farm. We also met up with ate Jinkee (Live Your Life to the Fullest), ate Gigi and Shekinah along the way..

Upon arriving at the farm, we were welcome with some refreshing drinks that I tasted for the first time..
Refreshing drinks out of flowers..
1st TRT group photo with owner, Gigi Morris..

The Robby Rabbitry practices responsible rabbit farming. Not only that they raise rabbits, these cute, furry animals are then served as different cuisine. No kidding! We went there not to play but to taste rabbit meat.

But at first, we never missed the chance to play with these furry creatures..
Ms. Gigi also toured us on what else to see at the farm..
pig's corral
turkey's paddock
And finally, the moment of truth.. Lunch time and part of the menu -- rabbit! A couple of dishes were served like porkchop, beef tapa except one - rabbit caldereta.
Rabbit Caldereta
raw honey
Aside from the rabbit farm, we also visited some of Ms. Gigi's friends' farms..
And of course, TRT wouldn't pass the chance for group photos..

Definitely enjoyed this once in a lifetime experience..

HOW TO GET THERE --
Direction to The Robby Rabbitry. Place is in Brgy Castillo, Padre Garcia, Batangas. Take SLEX all the way to STAR- exit Lipa. Take P. Torres St. (this is the only tricky part bcoz of some rerouting in Lipa) all the way to intersection going to Rosario and Tiaong. Turn left and take the one going to Tiaong (its the Batangas/Quezon rd). When you reach Brgy Castillo - on your right, keep an eye on a ricemill and Generoso Trading. You'll see a small waiting shed on the road going to the farm. Take that road and in about 500 meters you'll find a small farm with mango trees.

From Laguna, you can take the Maharlika Rd to Tiaong and took the road going to San Antonio/Lipa. We are the next town after San Antonio if coming from Tiaong.