Elvira's Roundabout

Oscars Nominees 2012

2012-01-25T11:32:00.000+08:00

The Academy has announced the nominees for this years Oscars award and some got surprises and others were snubs. Two of the movies that I thought would be included in the nominations are Steven Speilberg's Adventures of TinTin for animated movie and Angelina Jolie's In the Land of Blood and Honey for Foreign language film. "Hugo" got the most nominations with 11 followed by my another favorite, silent and black and white movie, "The Artist" with 10.

Anyways, here's the complete list of 2012 Oscars:

Best picture

“War Horse”

“The Artist”

“Midnight in Paris”

“Moneyball”

“The Descendants”

“The Tree of Life”

“The Help”

“Hugo”

“Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close”

Best actress

Glenn Close, “Albert Nobbs”

Viola Davis, “The Help”

Rooney Mara, “Girl With the Dragon Tattoo”

Meryl Streep, “The Iron Lady”

Michelle Williams, “My Week With Marilyn”

Best actor

Demian Bichir, “A Better Life”

George Clooney, “The Descendants”

Jean Dujardin, “The Artist”

Gary Oldman, “Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy”

Brad Pitt, “Moneyball”

Best supporting actress

Berenice Bejo, “The Artist”

Jessica Chastain, “The Help”

Melissa McCarthy, “Bridesmaids”

Janet McTeer, “Albert Nobbs”

Octavia Spencer, “The Help”

Best supporting actor

Kenneth Branagh, “My Week With Marilyn”

Jonah Hill, “Moneyball”

Christopher Plummer, “Beginners”

Nick Nolte, “Warrior”

Max von Sydow, “Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close”

Best director

Michel Hazanavicius, “The Artist”

Alexander Payne, “The Descendants”

Martin Scorsese, “Hugo”

Terrence Malick, “Tree of Life”

Woody Allen, “Midnight in Paris”

Best original screenplay

“The Artist”

“Bridesmaids”

“Margin Call”

“Midnight in Paris”

“A Separation”

Best adapted screenplay

“The Descendants”

“Hugo”

“The Ides of March”

“Moneyball”

“Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy”

Best foreign language film

“Bullhead”

“Footnote”

“In Darkness”

“Monsieur Lazhar”

“A Separation”

Best animated feature

“A Cat in Paris”

“Chico & Rita”

“Kung Fu Panda 2”

“Puss in Boots”

“Rango”

Best animated short film

“Dimanche/Sunday”

“The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore”

“La Luna”

“A Morning Stroll”

“Wild Life”

Best live action short film

“Pentecost”

“Raju”

“The Shore”

“Time Freak”

“Tuba Atlantic”

Best art direction

“The Artist”

“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2”

“Hugo”

“Midnight in Paris”

“War Horse”

Best cinematography

“The Artist”

“The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo”

“Hugo”

“The Tree of Life”

“War Horse”

Best costumes

“Anonymous”

“The Artist”

“Hugo”

“Jane Eyre”

“W.E.”

Best documentary feature

“Hell and Back Again”

“If a Tree Falls: A Story of the Earth Libration Front”

“Paradise Lost 3: Purgatory”

“Pina”

“Undefeated”

Documentary short subject

“The Barber of Birmingham: Foot Soldier of the Civil Rights Movement”

“God is the Bigger Elvis”

“Incident in New Baghdad”

“Saving Face”

“The Tsunami and the Cherry Blossom”

Film editing

“The Artist”

“The Descendants”

“The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo”

“Hugo”

“Moneyball”

Make-up

“Albert Nobbs”

“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2”

“The Iron Lady”

Original score

“The Adventures of TinTin”

“The Artist”

“Hugo”

“Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy:

“War Horse”

Original song

“Man or Muppet”

“Real in Rio”

Sound editing

“Drive”

“The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo”

“Hugo”

“Transformers: Dark of the Moon”

“War Horse”

Visual effects

“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2”

“Hugo”

“Real Steel”

“Rise of the Planet of the Apes”

“Transformers: Dark of the Moon”

The Artist, a silent movie that buzz

2012-01-23T19:25:00.000+08:00

Since the Golden Globes, and the appearance of Uggie, the dog, "The Artist", a silent movie, has been making a buzz online and has been rumoured for an Oscar award. The Artist is a French film set in Hollywood 1927 and 1932 which was the transition of silent movie to talkies. It is shown in black-and-white.

The Artist is a refreshing look of an old-style movie and a change from the 3Ds and action packed or heavy drama films of today. With its nominations and wins from the recently concluded Golden Globes, and maybe several more awards from Oscar, The Artist's success and fame will make way through the cinemas outside US.

Watch The Artist's trailer

Wikipedia's Protest: Black Out Wednesday

2012-01-18T12:51:00.000+08:00

If you'll go to Wikipedia's site right now (Wednesday, January 18,2012), the English page has been black out to show its opposition to the anti-piracy measures proposed in the United States Congress. In a statement, Wikipedia said if the proposed legislation is passed, it 'would be devastating to the free and open web.' The move is to protest against the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) Bill, which is aimed at combating issues like illegally copied films and TV content and and the proposed PROTECT IP Act (PIPA).

If the bill is passed, not only the internet users in United States are affected, but all internet users all over the world since many sites are hosted in United States, then these sites must comply to the law.

Although I am just a dot in the world wide web, I support Wikipedia's stand. NO to SOPA and PIPA!

Save with Walgreens' Prescription Savings Club

2012-01-17T06:00:00.001+08:00

This post brought to you by Walgreens. All opinions are 100% mine.

Many people depend their lives on medication, not by choice that's for sure but whether they like it or not, their lives are tied with prescription drugs in order to continue living. Usually, these people are also those who are not earning much, and to buy these prescription medication is really taking a toll on their finances.

When the negotiation for Walgreens and Express Script new contract was unsuccessful, many Express Script's clients who buy their medicine in Walgreens are affected greatly. Now, patients covered by an Express Scripts plan now find themselves not only having to change their pharmacists, but many are having to drive farther to get prescriptions filled at pharmacies with less convenient hours for their hectic schedules. Walgreens offers more 24-hour and drive-thru pharmacies than any other pharmacy in the country. And patients are not seeing their costs go down in exchange for the increased hassle they’re being subject to.

To ease the burden of the patients, Walgreens is doing its part by offering special discount on annual membership for its Walgreens Prescription Savings Club. For $10 a year, a family membership covers everyone in your immediate family, including a spouse, dependents 22 and younger and pets. Individuals may join for $5. Join and receive discount prices on your prescriptions. Other benefits include savings on more than 8,000 brand-name and all generic medications; discounts on flu shots, pet prescriptions, nebulizers and diabetic supplies; bonuses when you purchase Walgreens brand products and photofinishing services.

To know more and support, check Walgreens on Twitter and Walgreens on Facebook.

Golden Globes 2012 Winners

2012-01-16T14:42:00.000+08:00

Many A-listers sizzled in the recently concluded Golden Globes Awards night including Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt who won for Best Dressed couple on that night, but aside from the Hollywood power couple, many have grabbed the statue too. Below is the complete list of the Golden Globe 2012 award winners:

Movies

Best Drama
The Descendants

Best Comedy/Musical
The Artist

Best Animated Film
The Adventures of TinTin

Best Actor in a Drama
George Clooney, The Descendants

Best Actor in a Comedy or Musical
Jean Dujardin, The Artist

Best Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture
Christopher Plummer, Beginners

Best Actress in a Drama
Meryl Streep, The Iron Lady

Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy
Michelle Williams, My Week with Marilyn

Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture
Octavia Spencer, The Help

Best Director 
Martin Scorsese, Hugo

Best Screenplay
Midnight in Paris, Woody Allen

Best Score - Motion Picture
The Artist - Ludovic Bource

Best Original Song - Motion Picture
"Masterpiece" - Madonna

Best Foreign Language Film
A Separation, Iran

Cecil B. Demille Award
Morgan Freeman

Television

Best TV Comedy or Musical
Modern Family

Best Television Series - Drama
Homeland

Best Mini-Series
Downton Abbey

Best Actor in a TV Drama
Kelsey Grammer, Boss

Best Actor in a TV Musical or Comedy
Matt LeBlanc, Episodes

Best Supporting Actor in TV Series, Mini-Series, or Made-for-TV Movie
Peter Dinklage, Game of Thrones

Best Actress in a TV Drama
Claire Danes, Homeland

Best Actress in a TV Musical or Comedy
Laura Dern, Enlightened

Best Supporting Actress in TV Series, Mini-Series, or Made-for-TV Movie 
Jessica Lange, American Horror Story

Best Actor in a TV Movie
Idris Elba, Luther

Best Actress in a TV Movie

Kate Winslet, Mildred Pierce

The Dark Knight Rises in July 2012

2012-01-11T22:22:00.000+08:00

More than six months before it's release to the widescreen, The Dark Knight Rises trailer was released last December, starring Christian Bale as Batman. The cast includes Anne Hathaway, Tom Hardy, Marion Cotillard, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Michael Caine, Gary Oldman, Morgan Freeman. Just like the Batman Begins and The Dark Knight Returns, I think that The Dark Knight Rises will also be a blockbuster.

Watch the trailer below:

Chasing Pavements with Adele

2012-01-10T14:28:00.001+08:00

Since yesterday, I've been in the mood of listening to one song repetitively. Well, I occasionally do this since I was teenager. I won't stop until there's a new interesting thing will happen in my usually boring life. So, this time, I chose the calming voice of Adele with her Chasing Pavements. I have an mp3 in my computer, however I'll share to you the video of her guesting in The Late Show with David Letterman.

Here it is folks, enjoy!

Adgitize to Say Goodbye

2012-01-05T15:32:00.001+08:00

Adgitize, which helped my blogs get PR2, will be closing on January 31st. According to Ken, the Adgitize admin, the decrease of advertisers and revenue prompt him to make the decision. I'm sure that many bloggers are sad with this announcement.

I was once an active advertiser and publisher in Adgitize. It was very helpful for my blogs, getting quality traffic, every day, it gave my blogs at least 40 visits, and the advertising cost was so cheap. And aside from that, you could earn back your ad cost, so it's like advertising for free. Plus, I get quality comments.

Aside from the traffic and comments that my blogs received, the most important thing was getting to know other bloggers. When Ken compensated forum posters, most of the members became active in posting in forum, that led to knowing other bloggers, and even asking and giving help to others. It was a really good community.

I'm really sad to see Adgitize go, even though I am not active there anymore but I never thought that it will close. I hope that Ken will open a new site again for bloggers. Arrivederci, Adgitize! :(

GoodBye 2011, Hello 2012!

2011-12-31T20:20:00.001+08:00

Before the year ends, let's be thankful to all good memories that 2011 brings, and let's remember the lessons that this year has brought. And as we prepare to welcome 2012 with a big bang, let's keep our hope that every thing will be all right, and that we'll have strength and determination to face any challenges that we are going to encounter in this year to come. And don't forget, live life, as every second, and year count.

Have a Prosperous and Happy New Year Everyone!

image credit

A New Year's Resolution

2011-12-30T23:54:00.000+08:00

I am trying to convince myself that this coming new year, I will be able to list some things that I need to get done in 2012 or at least try to get them done, however, based on experience, my previous strings of new year's resolutions just became an unfulfilled promises which made me feel sad.

If the belief of end of the world in 2012 is correct, some said that it's based on Mayan calendar though I don't share that belief, then I really need to jot down some to-do lists and make sure to accomplish them in the next year. I think the first one on my list will be losing weight, or at least fat, it's not only for beauty purpose but also for health. Recently, I'm not really feeling good of myself since my tummy bulges are quite affecting my activities and convenience. Aside from that, I am spending a considerable amount of money just to re-size my wardrobe, though I enjoyed shopping them (LOL).

Next on the list will be working harder. Last few months, I have been feeling lazy and postponing many tasks. Securing my financial status specially of my family is important specially on emergency situations when nobody is ready to help you. Luckily, I had not had that emergencies this year, and I'm crossing my fingers X.

I have other things in my mind, and I better list them down before I forget them... reaching for a pen and paper... :)

Writing with Parker

2011-12-15T07:00:00.001+08:00

This post brought to you by Parker Pens. All opinions are 100% mine.

Since I was a student, I was always on the quest of owning a good writing pen. Even with the popularity of computer, which cut my paper and pen writing to 50%, I still am a proud owner of several pen, some were gifts by friends who knew my loved for this writing tool and some were gifts to moi when I needed to uplift my mood.

Parker has always been a favorite pen and I got my first Parker pen as a gift from my dad on my high school graduation. Parker pens are innovative and the designs are always modern and trendy. Parker is beautiful as it is modern. The attention-grabbing design elements and trend inspired finishes make this the newest must-have accessory to compliment your lifestyle. Refills are also of latest technology so you'll never run out of ink. The 5th technology refill combines the best of all current writing modes - the beauty of a fountain pen, the smooth writing experience of a rollerball, and the ease of a ball point.

Ever since, I always on the look whenever Parker rolls out new pen collections, like now, the Parker Ingenuity collection is a good charm, it's so fashionable and at the same time clever. This will be a perfect partner in business and pleasure, or when in a business meeting where I need to present my ideas in the best light, Parker Ingenuity could really pull everything together.

No Parker pen yet? Why would you want one? Win your very own Parker pen in the 2 upcoming Parker Pen Twitter parties! It's a great way to win some amazing prizes such as pens that are valued up to $200. Check out Parker on Facebook too.

Mission Impossible 4: Ghost Protocol - Tom Cruise Come Back Movie?

2011-11-30T14:50:00.000+08:00

Tom Cruise hasn't made a hit movie recently and fans are wondering if his star power is gone. Well, Cruise will once again prove that he is still the force to be reckon with in the new Mission Impossible 4: Ghost Protocol as he is back as Ethan Hunt. While Mission Impossible 4: Ghost Protocol trailer promises an action-packed movie, and an Eminem song "Won't Back Down", we will still about to see whether Tom Cruise can still make people buy tickets to watch him.

My prediction is yes since the movie is released on the December, a month of holiday and fat-purses, plus I still believe that there are Tom Cruise hard-core fans and/or MI movies fanatics. Though I am still quite not convinced whether the ordinary story plot of going rogue and clearing name will be a big hit for the moviegoers. It seemed the writers have got nothing new to write. How many action movies have we seen with the same storyline? Well see on December 16, for the meantime, just watch the MI4: Ghost Protocol trailer:

Signs That You Have Diabetes

2011-11-17T15:03:00.000+08:00

I came from the family with a history of diabetes, so I am wary all the times that my kids and I may have too. I saw my family members succumb to diabetes and actually some passed away due to the complications caused by it. It's a scary thought that always bugs my mind.

Having knowledge about diabetes and the signs of diabetes helps to prepare me and my family. At the moment, though I haven't seen any signs of diabetes in me nor my children, knowing what to look for and how to avoid trigger diabetes really keep my mind at ease. A regular visit to doctor for overall health check up is a must for my family and I suggest that to others who have family history of diabetes and other diseases.

Here are the list of signs that are common to diabetic person:

1. Frequent visit to bathroom to urinate.

2. Always thristy.

3. Weight loss or weight gain without any reason.

4. Healing of wounds is slow. Infection keeps coming back.

5. Blurry vision.

6. Gum infection, swollen of gums, and losing of teeth.

When some of these signs are present, it is important to visit the doctor.

Be healthy!

Miss Philippines Runner Up Again

2011-11-07T15:52:00.000+08:00

photo credit: inquirer.net

It seems that the titles for international beauty pageants are always too near yet too far for the Philippines' beauties. In the recent Miss World pageant held yesterday in London, our representative Miss Philippines Gwendoline Ruais came First Runner-up to Miss Venezuela Ivian Sarcos who was crowned Miss World 2011.

This year's Miss World pageant was unique for Filipinos because there were three Filipinas competed for the crown. They are Filipino-Canadian Riza Santos who was Canada’s bet, Filipino-Danish Maya Celeste Padillo Olesen who represented Denmark and the Philippines’ Gwendoline Ruais. Does this mean that Philippines are producing more and more beauties? Well... :) Congratulations to all the girls!

Manny Pacquiao, The Godfather

2011-10-31T19:28:00.000+08:00

photo credit: abs-cbnnews.com

In the latest Philippines and Latin American edition of Newsweek, Manny Pacquaio is featured on its cover, this is due to his oncoming fight against Juan Manuel Marquez on November 12. In the cover, Manny is called the Godfather.

I laughed at the thought that Newsweek is right in calling Manny Pacquaio as Godfather as he definitely been the godfather of many, from baptismal to weddings. Aside from that, he may have been taken the role of any Godfather we saw in the movies, not to the extent of breaking the law but in a more subtle way like giving and doing favors to people from different walks of life.

On November 12, let's just hope that the Philippines' Godfather will continue to win.

VA Loans for Home Makeover

2011-10-25T16:54:00.000+08:00

Recently, I was helping my cousin whose husband is serving in military for her home makeover. Her house was badly beaten by the recent typhoon and since her husband is always away, it is timely to repair her house to keep her safe. Nowadays, construction materials and manpower too. Though she has some savings, it was not enough to fund her home makeover. I once suggested to her to apply for the Extreme Makeover Home Edition but she just brushed it off. Luckily, her husband applied for the VA loans. Since her husband is still an active in service, he is eligible.

One good thing with getting VA loans is that the loan rates are at a record low and there's a possibility to lower the monthly payment too. Even if you have an existing home loan, you can easily get FHA refinancing without taking cash from your pocket. So, planning for a home makeover for my cousin is easy for her without worrying about the cost; she can even buy a new house if she wants.

Libya is Free, Gadhafi is Dead, What now?

2011-10-21T18:01:00.000+08:00

photo credit: yahoo

When the news broke out yesterday of Libya's former dictator Moammar Gadhafi, I remember the Iraq when Saddam Hussein was caught hiding, but unlike Saddam Hussein, Gadhafi got the taste of his own medicine when the rebels expressed their anger on him upon capture till he died.

For now, Libya is celebrating of their new-found freedom but the question is what's next? Will Libya become Iraq or will it follow the footstep of Tunisia? I wish Libya well. I hope that they will use this freedom to better their country. I hope the the former rebels will drop their weapons since their dictator is now dead. I hope that these former rebels will help their new government to build their country again. I hope that they will not become Iraq which remains chaotic despite the oust and death of their dictator.

To people in Libya, use and treasure your new-found freedom well. Good luck!

Why You Should Get NET10 Unlimited

2011-10-14T06:02:00.001+08:00

This post brought to you by Net10. All opinions are 100% mine.

For business and personal use, a simple yet efficient phone plan is a must, however, these days, there are many phone providers that give complicated and expensive talk time that you would think that you have just been ripped off. Fortunately, Net10 Unlimited is a great deal. You get nationwide coverage and unlimited talk, text, and data, for only $50 a month. There are no contracts, no surprise bills and no credit checks. Great nationwide coverage and excellent reception/connectivity. Finally, Net10 only uses trusted phone manufacturers like LG, Motorola, Kyocera, Nokia and Samsung.

The monthly plans include:

• The Easy Minutes Plus plan is an automatic minutes plan that starts at $15.00 for 200 minutes.

• With Pay-As-You-Go Plans, your minutes carry over with active service.

• Unlimited Minutes, Text and Web for $50.00/month.

• Switch between plans each month to suit your budget and airtime needs, without penalties or fees.

• Airtime can be purchased online, at a nearby store, or directly from your phone.

International Long Distance offers:

• Long Distance Service is available to over 75 countries, for about 15 cents per minute on calls originated in the US.

• International Neighbors program is currently available to Canada and Mexico. This program gives you a special phone number that your family and friends can use to reach you at your NET10 number.

The phones selections are from simple phones for simple needs, calling and texting capabilities for under $15.00 with essential features, such as camera, video recorder, blue tooth capability, mobile web and more for under $40.00. They also have full QWERTY keyboard phones, slider phones, and touch screen phones, with all the basics plus great app capabilities, camera and video recorder, web access, etc., available for under $60.00

Getting a NET10 Unlimited will be a great boost on your business as it will cut cost on your phone bills. You can call friends and relatives abroad too without ripping your pocket.

It's so easy to avail of the plan, just go to NET10 website and buy and activate your Net10 phone, which you can do in the website, then make a test call, send a text message or download a ringtone. Then buy and add an Airtime Card before the Service End Date displayed on your phone screen to keep your NET10 service active. And when you need more Minutes, you can buy directly from NET10 site.

To know more about NET10 Unlimited, Follow them on Twitter or Check their Facebook Page. Also read feedbacks directly from Real NET10 customer and What Rob has to say.

Check out the video below of what the customers say about NET10.

The Truth About Free Plane Tickets to Japan

2011-10-12T15:48:00.000+08:00

I read the news about the 10,000 Free Round-Trip Tickets to Japan that is reported to be given by the Japan Tourism Agency to encourage tourists to visit Japan due to the decline of the visitors coming to Japan because of the nuclear scare.

Many people who read this news are ecstatic about getting the free ticket because as we all know, Japan has a rich culture, good food, and still a great place to visit despite the earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear disasters months ago.

However, the truth about these 10,000 FREE Round-Trip Plane tickets to Japan is that these tickets are not available yet as per Japan Tourism site said, "it is subject to government budgetary approval,and no details have been decided yet." So, for those who are planning of applying for these free plane tickets, I suggest to not be misled by the news and just wait for further announcement from the Japan National Tourism website instead.

Good Bye, Steve Jobs

2011-10-06T13:03:00.003+08:00

Steve Jobs

1955-2011

Steve Jobs, the man behind Apple, Pixar and the one who changed the world with his legendary vision in technology, passed away, he was only 56. His death is not a shocked since it was known that he was from pancreatic cancer. He resigned as the CEO from Apple last August and took leave of absence though returned in the launching of the new Ipad.

The man who brought Iphone, Ipod, Ipad, Imac, Itunes and changed the course of mobile phones and computers, Steve Jobs, will be truly missed. Rest in Peace, Steve Jobs. Thank you for your contribution to the world.

To share memories and condolences, Apple has created an email address where you can send your emails: rememberingsteve@apple.com

Filipino's Planking for a Cause

2011-09-26T19:10:00.000+08:00

photo from google image

Protest has a new name, PLANKING. Although planking, which is lying face down on mostly unusual place, is popular in other countries, in the Philippines, Pinoys are using planking as a new way of protest. Just like this week, in a protest to the budget cut of state colleges and universities, students joined a mass planking which led to halt usual activities and traffic, another is the protest on the oil increase.

Since planking has found its way in the protests, the lawmakers have proposed a law against it. Will it be pass as a law? I doubt it. Planking is a form of expression and if this will be banned, then the right to express of the citizens is suppressed. I think what the authorities need to do is to think of the way on how to deal with people who protest through planking. How about designating areas where they can plank or asking these people to get a protest permit before they can plank.

I am not for planking since it distracts the normal flow of activities, but that's the purpose of any protests, right? However, I am for the right for expression.

Addicted to Man vs Food

2011-09-22T17:30:00.000+08:00

I've got some free time this weekend to feed my hunger on television, however there was not good program to watch so I decided to check out some shows in Food Network. I love eating and cooking and from time to time, I try recipes that I saw on cooking shows.

One of the shows that I really like watching, (because it entertains me and also it gives me the appetite to eat :p) is Man vs Food. The host, Adam, tries all the food challenges in almost all restaurants in United States. He has recently invaded Los Angeles Restaurants as well as the Lower East Side restaurants. Aside from doing the food challenges, Adam has also dug into New York City menus in search of the biggest, largest, heaviest, and tastiest dish available.

The last Man vs Food episode I saw was the challenge in the Mexican restaurant with the biggest burito. And guess who won? The food of course! Adam wasn't able to finish the gigantic burito and for that, he had to wear a pink t-shirt with a loser sign and of course, his picture on Wall of Shame.

I'm thinking that if I am going to do a food challenge, the challenge that I may have a change on is a steak challenge, since I love meat. Well, well, I know that doing a food challenge will be a dream (nightmare?) for me. Yum!

Miss Universe 2011 Goes to Miss Angola

2011-09-13T16:20:00.000+08:00

photo credit: yahoo

Angola has produced it's first Miss Universe winner through Leila Lopes. The first runner-up was 23-year-old Olesia Stefanko of Ukraine and the second runner-up was Priscila Machado of Brazil. The third was Miss Philippines Shamcey Supsup and the fourth Miss China Luo Zilin. The pageant was held in Sao Paulo, Brazil on September 12.

One of the judges was our own Ms. Lea Salonga, a Tony award winner. It seems that the Philippines has been in the Top 5 of the Miss Universe pageant for several years and still fail to bring home the crown. Maybe next year?

Getting Free Stuffs at Listia

2011-09-12T17:17:00.000+08:00

Few days ago, I received the parcel from U.S. which I won in the bidding in Listia.com. The box contains books, clothes, and other fun stuffs and the kids are loving them specially the playing cards with trivia. I never thought that the seller would really send these stuffs since Philippines is really quite far, but this only proves that members of Listia.com are serious sellers and buyers. The credits earned or paid are also used to buy items in Listia, so basically, it's like getting free stuffs.

I joined Listia two months ago and immediately after I joined, I got free credits which I used to bid in those items I won. I only paid for the shipping fee. The seller was kind enough to search for the cheapest way to ship. She almost didn't get anything since most of the items I won cost 1 credit only, but she was really kind that she extend her effort to box everything I won and send them to Philippines all the way from United States.

I still have more than 500 free credits in Listia and I'm still looking for some stuffs to bid on. For members like me, who are not from U.S., it is better to bid items from same seller so that the shipping can be done in bulk which is way cheaper. I also like to sell something in Listia so I'm looking at the things around the house which items I could put in auction.

Do you like to join Listia? Sign Up HERE and get FREE Credits Immediately.

Moneyball Trailer

2011-09-10T06:22:00.002+08:00

The last Brad Pitt movie that I watched were the Inglorious Basterds and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. Both movies were really good and Bad Pitt portrayed really two different characters. This time, Moneyball will show another different character as Billy Beane as he attempts to create a competitive baseball team at a fraction of the cost of the large market teams. I think it's a fresh take of Brad Pitt since I don't remember him doing movie related to sports. The movie is based on the book of the same title written by Michael Lewis. Moneyball film is due to release in US on September 23 and in Philippines on November 23.

Check out the Moneyball trailer below: