PINAY Musings

Beautiful Beach Front House

noreply@blogger.com (Pinay's Musings) — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 12:34:00 +0000

Bohol Island is one of the hottest tourist destination in the Philippines with white pristine sand and adventures both land & sea that the island offers. If you are one who is looking for a vacation/retirement home in the Philippines or Bohol see this beautiful beach property! Click highlight to be directed to the Ad. (sale by owner)

This house is newly built and has great ocean view. It comes with three (3) bedrooms and two (2) bathrooms. It also has a separate cottage to accommodate your guests. Only 5 minutes away from Panglao where you will find restaurants, boutique, souvenir shops and bar for the nightlife lovers.

Don't missed this offer to have one fine beach house that can be your home!

Photo Book

noreply@blogger.com (Pinay's Musings) — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 02:35:00 +0000

Click here to view this photo book larger

The Cove House...A Hidden Paradise in Bohol!

noreply@blogger.com (Pinay's Musings) — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 15:52:00 +0000

Last December 2009 we had a pleasure of visiting Panglao in Bohol Island Philippines. I am personally enchanted with the simplicity and beauty of nature. It was nice to see home again! Our host was very accommodating and the place was just beautiful. It was totally more than worth the price! We toured the island which we requested from our host for a decent fee who provided us with transportation and the best place to see! We also did some snorkeling, island hopping and dolphin watching in the morning. If we only had more time we would have stayed longer and soak up the sun. Till our next visit!

We are inviting everyone to come visit the Philippines, of the paradise island of Panglao. We would gladly have you as our guests. The Cove House is the first Bed and Breakfast in Panglao. And yes we are proud to say that. We know that there are a lot of tourists, like us when we first visited Panglao, who want to experience tranquility. Of feeling at peace with the place. A place where tourists don’t overwhelm you. Where you can have the beach all to yourself and someone special to keep you company with a nice book at hand and lots of iced teas. We are thankful that The Cove House has become that place. We want to share our little nook of paradise to everyone who would want to be our guest.

Contact Person/Owner: Michaele Nagac
Email us: thecovehouse@gmail.com
Phone: 063-385028311 / 063-9163862356

Philippine's Election 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Pinay's Musings) — Mon, 10 May 2010 23:00:00 +0000

A day after Mother's Day celebration was the first national automated election in the Philippines held on May 10, 2010. It was the first national computerized election in the history of the Philippines. PICOS machine is being provided in all voting precincts to count the votes and electronically submit it to the COMELEC server. There were a few malfunctions that cause the delay and made waiting in some precincts up to 5 hours and had to extend voting to 7pm. The voting started from 7am to 7pm. The results revealed a landslide win of Noynoy Aquino III that brought him to becoming the 15th President of the Republic of the Philippines. In his inauguration speech last June 30, 2010 at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila, he vowed to put the people first and justice reign. Vice President-elect Jejomar Binay was sworn in a few minutes prior to Aquino to secure the constitutional line of succession. At exactly 12:00 noon, Associate Justice Carpio-Morales administered the oath of office to Aquino. He then proceeded to deliver his inaugural address as the 15th President of the Philippines. Later on, the assembled crowds were led in the recitation of the "Panata sa Pagbabago" (Oath for Change).

The people of the Philippines really believe that Aquino can make the change for our country and will make the difference by upholding his mother's legacy Corazon Aquino whom we remember as we celebrate her first death Anniversary on Aug 1, 2010. A new beginning for a better Pilipinas!

Mabuhay ka P-Noy!

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/halalan-2010

Pacquiao- The People's Champ!

noreply@blogger.com (Pinay's Musings) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 19:19:00 +0000

Manny Pacquiao's popularity has reached the international audience and now he is part of Nike's new advertisement along with the world's super athletes Kobe Bryant (Basketball), Cristiano Ronaldo (Soccer), Roger Federer (Tennis), Xiang Liu (Track & field), Maria Sharapova (Tennis), and our very own Manny Pacquiao (Boxing) featured in Nike's international campaign.

We are truly proud and will be cheering on Saturday, Nov. 14, 2009 defending his title against Miguel Cotto of Puerto Rico! Read more here.
http://news.ph.msn.com/photogallery.aspx?cp-documentid=3701150

President Cory Aquino will Live On!

noreply@blogger.com (Pinay's Musings) — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 02:53:00 +0000

Maria Corazon "Cory" Sumulong Cojuangco Aquino became the first woman President when she fought for the Filipino's democracy after the death of her husband, Ninoy Aquino, who was running for President that time against the dictator Ferdinand Marcos. Upon his arrival to the Philippines in 1983 after being exiled in the US for the 3 yrs he got assassinated. During the next snap election, Cory Aquino ran for President against the dictator President Marcos and he tried to control the voting results but in the end it was the people who showed him who is in control! This brought People Power Revolution in Edsa. She helped break the walls of tyranny and freed our country from oppression. The famous People Power in February 22, 1986 was made possible because of her faith & trust to the Filipino in bringing peace and democracy back to our homeland. She fought for her husband, for her family, for our country!

She is not only a mother of 5 children but more than anything a mother of our country. She lived a life in governance of our countrymen with faith & courage to bring us together in peace. She lived to protect our constitution and much care for the people's trust. She is a woman to be not only admired but to emulate as well. I feel the pain of her family of loosing their one strength which keeps them together. Likewise it feels to me like loosing a family member as well coz Cory has touched our families in her faith and trust that there's goodness in every Filipino. As we say our farewell to her, we are every grateful of your service to our country. And may we all be inspired by her and live our lives as Proud Filipinos!

In her passing we shall keep her memory in our hearts. She is our icon of democracy and we will always be thankful for now and always we can say "Malaya ka Pilipinas" (You are free Philippines) !

Beer Diplomacy from OBAMA???!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Pinay's Musings) — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 22:36:00 +0000

The story broke loose when Pres. Obama made his smart comment of a Cambridge police officer saying he "acted stupidly" in arresting a Harvard University Professor in his own home for disorderly conduct. Of course the Cambridge police is white while the Professor is an African American which becomes a race issue. Without even gathering the facts Pres. Obama just made his comment out of his emotions instead of his brain and use such word as "stupid" without knowing the facts. See the interview here.... Obama Criticizes Police. If you don't know the reason why he got arrested it is in this Police Report...The Cambridge Police Department reports, authored by Sergeant James Crowley and Officer James Figueroa, quote an incensed Gates yelling, "This is what happens to black men in America!," and, when asked by Crowley to speak with him outside the residence, Gates replied, "ya, I'll speak with your mama outside." Instead of cooperating by just stepping out of his front door to speak calmly with the officer, Gates prefer to bad mouth the Officer. Now only if Pres. Obama knows, he wouldn't make such innocent mistake as this! Especially that he is the President of America. You should uphold what is right and fair. What were you thinking???

Hearing Pres. Obama reaction of the arrest made the Cambridge Police Dept. defend the action of their police officer, Sgt. James Crowley and one even mentioned that she supported & voted for Pres. Obama but not again. Click to see the video...Cambridge cops supports Crowley

It seems that this comment made by Pres. Obama got the best of him! Now he is asking both for a beer in the White house to end race row. And that's what we call back home "I-daan nalang sa TAGAYAN!!!" But really....WAKE UP AMERICA!!!

Michael Joseph Jackson Memorial Day...

noreply@blogger.com (Pinay's Musings) — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 00:09:00 +0000

The world mourns his death at the same time celebrates his life... Today is Michael Joseph Jackson Memorial Service at the Staples Center in LA. Family, friends and fans joins in this final farewell to the King of Pop. It seems to me that only when one goes away you can find meaning in what is left behind. Michael Jackson legacy in his music and in his dance touched the hearts of the world. I only hoped while he live he felt that same love he put in his songs.

If you would notice today is 07-07-09. Michael Jackson is the 7th Child. His Album Billy Jean and Thriller was top in the music charts for 7 weeks. Coincidence? Just like 9-11? I think there's a meaning to everything. Though also today marks the day when I arrived in America on 07-07-07. It's been 2 years. Time flies indeed!

This song is said to be Michael Jackson's favorite song...the way he wanted us to celebrate his life and ours!

It seems too early for him to go away....gone too soon! You will be missed Michael Jackson and thank you for the gift you shared to the world.

Lost of America's Icons.....

noreply@blogger.com (Pinay's Musings) — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 01:16:00 +0000

This week has been totally devastating when we heard that the famous Farrah Fawcett died after struggling with cancer at the age of 62. She is famous from the movie "Charlie's Angel" which captivated the public with her beauty and laughter. She will always be remembered of her beautiful smile and strength!

Today we heard in the news that the King of Pop died of heart attack at the age of 50. Michael Jackson who's music will always linger in our hearts. Since 5 years old he has shared his talent to the world and gave us the music to love! Many artists today mourns the lost of one of the best entertainer who brought life to music the way only a Michael Jackson can....His music will never die and his memory of being very talented and passionate in his work which has touched many will always be remembered.

This song composed by Michael Jackson is what he said one of his honest songs that he wishes many will listen....and know more about him.

Many are sad...many will mourn...many will remember!!!

The battle between the East vs West!

noreply@blogger.com (Pinay's Musings) — Sun, 03 May 2009 18:58:00 +0000

In the Philippines during Manny's fight you can expect to have No traffic and No crime. Everyone is finding their seat to watch his match. The PacMan is a big sensation and even herald as a hero in bringing solidarity everytime he fights in the ring. Truly becoming the nations treasure of bringing pride & joy to our country.

This game in May 2 brought two fighter from the East and the West. Both fighters trained for this big fight but one came out even stronger! Our pride who is the "Pound for Pound King" Manny Pacquiao defending his title from Englands "Prince of Punishment" Ricky Hatton. The ring at MGM in Las Vegas was the chance for Hatton to prove if he is really quick enough for the PacMan. It was a quick show for Manny Pacquiao to take down the hitman from England, Ricky Hatton in just 2 rounds! Though Manny's prediction was close to knock him out in 3 rounds. During their preshow at Manchester England, Hatton challenged Pacquiao over darts where Hatton won. Then again Manny's coach, Freddy Roach was right when he said that the only thing that Ricky Hatton can beat Manny is his darts and not his fist.

The Champs in the Ring!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Pinay's Musings) — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 16:40:00 +0000

It's one of the best individual sports in the world. It brings countries together and it can also turn friends into enemies. One of the biggest game ever witnessed by the world and still being remembered is the "Thrilla in Manila" between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier. But many doesn't know that there's more to that game than what lies beneath the eyes. Both Ali and Frazier were close friends. But after Ali converted in 1964 to become a muslim everything changed. In 1967 when the US Army included Ali in their draft for his service to the Vietnam War, he refused to fight due to his religious beliefs. Many saw this as betrayal to the country who needed his service that time. Consequently they stripped him of his title as the Heavyweight Champion and revoked his boxing license. But the one man who stood by him was Joe Frazier. He help him restore his license and even met with President Nixon to raise his concern for Mohammad Ali's license. During Ali's 3 yrs. exile Frazier even loaned him money. When the Vietnam war ended, Joe Frazier was along his side helping him restore his license and name in the boxing arena. But Ali became a supremacist and taunting Joe Frazier even insulting him and calling him name as "Uncle Tom" or the "Gorilla". This is how his religion played him. The man who once turned his back of his own country is now turning his back to his best friend just to restore his name and fight for his beliefs. Then their first match happened at the Madison Square Garden on March 8, 1971 known as " The Fight of the Century". Mohammad Ali boasted of his strength to knocked out Joe Frazier and if he would loose the game he would bend his knees walking around the ring and look up to Joe Frazier saying...You are the Champion of the world! After the 15 rounds of fist fight a unanimous decision came that made Joe Frazier still the undefeated Heavyweight World Champion. And the defeated Ali only ate his words and walked out with shame. For sure it never stop Ali there coz a re matched happened in the time of Marcos dictatorship that was held in Manila in October 1975. Despite Ali's defeat he was welcomed with a grand entrance while Joe Frazier had none. Ali's tactic of undermining Joe Frazier using constant insult and interruption while Frazier have his time in the ring is just not right at all. The "Thrilla in Manila" was not a fight between champions anymore but a fight between themselves. If only people would have known better that time they would not even make Muhammad Ali the man he is now. But truly God has a way of making you realize the pain you have caused to somebody coz for many years now Ali is living with Parkinson's disease that Joe said he help bring on him. While Joe Frazier is still living a boxing life in Philadelphia at his own gym training kids to live their dreams in the ring.

As I watched the HBO special of "Thrilla in Manila", it also brought me back to my history how the Marcos regime used the countries wealth to only show a facade that the country was well. According to reports, he paid $6 Million dollars for Ali and only $3 Million to Frazier. This was also the time when the world saw Imelda Marcos collection of shoes which made her famous. All this fruit of dictatorship is still soaking up the Marcos family until today. And she was never convicted and even their children are still getting a seat in the Philippine government. Tell me there's nothing wrong with that? I will give credit where credit is due but never to dictators! Poverty still lies in our country and even more corruption that for centuries cannot be fixed. I have only but hopes that in time we can have a better government we can be proud to have.

I am but proud of the people though who stands strong for our country and gives us pride despite our poor governance. The man who stands by his words and doesn't undermine any of his opponent. The man we call the "TRUE CHAMP" who is Manny Pacquiao or better known as "PacMan". Born in one of the poorest city in the south of General Santos City, a true warrior emerged. In his many fights you would see him with his rosary and waving our countries flag. And in his many wins, his generosity surpasses as seen in his charity works in the city. I am truly inspired by this man. He may not have finished school coz at a young age of 13 he already started boxing to helped his parents. His first win was Php 100 which is about $2 and he gave that to his mom to buy rice. Today he is not only giving some to his mother but to his community by helping them finished their education through scholarship. Building sports amenities and even more giving pride to our country. We are Filipinos with a big heart for our country! Anywhere we go, we will still come back to our roots.

On May 2, 2009 another fist match in a chance to defeat the PacMan is at hand. England vs Philippines. We will be keenly watching and cheering for the only "PacMan"...the peoples CHAMP!

What do you know of Marriage?

noreply@blogger.com (Pinay's Musings) — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 17:59:00 +0000

The truth in marriage can only be fortell by the ones who had years of experience already. But what about those who are just about to step into marriage. Will they wait to see the day to realize that this is what it means to be married. Indeed, marriage is a decision. And only the committed ones will last. So to shed a little light to what may or may not happen in this communion as husband and wife, I share an article I read online by Ylonda Gault Caviness that teaches about what love really means.

You're smart. You know life is no storybook. But admit it: Somewhere deep in your subconscious lurk romantic visions of Cinderella, or maybe Julia Roberts. The images may be sketchy and a little outdated, but you can still make out the silhouette of the bride and Prince Charming riding off into the sunset.

In real life, sometimes your Disney fairy tale ends up feeling more like a horror flick -- and you're the chick who keeps falling down and screaming for her life. I've been there. Let's face it, marriage is not for the faint of heart. You want to believe your pure love for each other will pull you through. And it does. But it ain't always pretty.

That may sound grim. But here's a secret: Sometimes it's the least romantic parts of marriage that have the most to teach you about yourself, your partner, and the nature of love. Read on for some simple truths that will unlock the surprising treasures and pleasures in your imperfect, unstorybook, real-life love.

1. You will look at the person lying next to you and wonder, Is this it? Forever? When you get married, you think that as long as you pick the right guy -- your soul mate -- you'll be happy together until death do you part. Then you wake up one day and realize that no matter how great he is, he doesn't make you happy every moment of every day. In fact, some days you might wonder why you were in such a hurry to get married in the first place. You think to yourself, "This is so not what I signed up for."

Actually, it is. You just didn't realize it the day you and your guy were cramming wedding cake into each other's faces, clinking champagne glasses, and dancing the Electric Slide. Back then you had no idea that "for better and for worse" doesn't kick in only when life hands you a tragedy. Your relationship mettle is, in fact, most tested on a daily basis, when the utter sameness of day-in/day-out togetherness can sometimes make you want to run for the hills. That's when the disappointment sneaks in, and maybe even a palpable sense of loneliness and grief. It's not him. It's just you, letting go of that sugarcoated fantasy of marriage that danced in your eyes the day you and your beloved posed in all those soft-focus wedding photos. You're learning that marriage isn't a destination; it's a journey filled with equal parts excitement and tedium.

Waking up from a good dream to face the harsh morning daylight may not seem like a reason to celebrate. But trust me, it is. Because once you let go of all the hokey stories of eternal bliss, you find that the reality of marriage is far richer and more rewarding than you ever could have guessed. Hard, yes. Frustrating, yes. But full of its own powerful, quiet enchantments just the same, and that's better than any fairy tale.

2. You'll work harder than you ever imagined.
Early on, when people say, "Marriage takes work," you assume "work" means being patient when he forgets to put down the toilet seat. In your naivete, you think that you will struggle to accommodate some annoying habit, like persistent knuckle cracking or flatulence.

If only it were that easy. Human beings, you may have noticed, are not simple creatures. Your man has mysterious, unplumbed depths -- and from where he sits, you're pretty complicated, too. You have to learn each other the same way that you once learned earth science or world geography. And getting married doesn't mean you're done -- it just means you've advanced to graduate-level studies. That's because every time you think you've mastered the material, he'll change a bit. And so will you. As two people grow and evolve, the real work of marriage is finding a way to relate to and nurture each other in the process.

"It's like losing weight," says Andrea Harden, 45, of Buffalo, NY. "You want it to be a one-time deal. You lost it, now just live. But then you learn it's a lifestyle. That's marriage. The effort is a forever thing." So don't be too hard on yourself -- or him -- on those days when you feel like you're struggling through remedial math.

3. You will sometimes go to bed mad (and maybe even wake up madder).
Whoever decided to tell newlyweds "Never go to bed angry" doesn't know what it's like inside a bedroom where tears and accusations fly as one spouse talks the other into a woozy stupor until night meets the dawn. If this scenario sounds familiar, I've got three words for you: Sleep on it.

You need to calm down. You need to gain perspective. You need to just give it a rest. I've found that an argument of any quality, like a fine wine, needs to breathe. A break in the action will help you figure out whether you're angry, hurt, or both, and then pinpoint the exact source. Maybe the fight that seemed to erupt over the overflowing garbage can is really about feeling underappreciated. Could be you're both stressed out at work and just needed to unload on someone. Taking a break will help you see that, and let go. Or maybe you really do have a legitimate disagreement to work out. Without a time-out, sometimes a perfectly good argument can turn into an endless round of silly back-and-forth, rehashing old and irrelevant transgressions as you get more and more wound up.

Even when you do manage to stay focused and on topic, there are some fights that stubbornly refuse to die by bedtime. And if you stifle your real feelings just to meet some arbitrary deadline, your marriage will surely be the worse for it. "This was a huge lesson for me," says Andrea. "As women we've been trained to make nice. But the whole kiss-and-make-up thing just to keep the peace was eating me up inside. I'd let things build up inside me until I just exploded. Now I wait a while to get hold of myself -- let the emotions settle a bit -- and state my position. Even if that means reopening the fight the next day."

4. Getting your way is usually not as important as finding a way to work together.
I can be a bit of a know-it-all. There, I said it. It's really not my intention to be hurtful or brash with people I love. It's just that a lifetime of experience has taught me that in most areas, at most times, I am right about most things. What shocked me several years into my marriage, though, was the realization that the more "right" I was, the more discontented my husband and I were as a couple. See, oddly enough, throughout his life Genoveso has been under the misguided impression that he's right most of the time (go figure!). So we'd lock horns -- often. That is, until I learned a few things.

Namely, that when it comes to certain disagreements, there is no right or wrong -- there is simply your way of looking at things and your husband's. "I used to be very black-and-white earlier in our marriage," says Lindy Vincent, 38, who lives in Minneapolis. "Now I see that I'm not all right and my husband is not all wrong. There's more gray in life than I thought, and that's taught me patience and the value of compromise."

5. A great marriage doesn't mean no conflict; it simply means a couple keeps trying to get it right. Maybe you think that because of my newfound wisdom, Genoveso and I never fight anymore. Ha! As important as it is to strike a balance, it's also important to have a big, fat fight every now and then. Because when you fight, you don't just raise your voices; you raise real -- sometimes buried -- issues that challenge you to come to a clearer understanding of you, your man, and your relationship. I wouldn't give up our fights for anything in the world, because I know in the end they won't break us; they'll only make us stronger.

6. You'll realize that you can only change yourself.
Ever seen the '80s sci-fi cult classic "Making Mr. Right?" When the stylish heroine, played by Ann Magnuson, is hired to teach a robot how to act like a human, she seizes the chance to create a perfect guy. A hotshot commercial whiz, she uses her marketing prowess to shape John Malkovich's android character into her personal version of the ideal man -- sensitive, eager to please, and willing to listen.

There is a bit of that makeover fantasy in all of us -- something that makes us believe we can change the person we love, make him just a little bit closer to perfect. We may use support and empathy or shouts and ultimatums, but with dogged conviction we take on this huge responsibility, convinced we're doing the right thing.

Whatever our motives, the effort is exhausting. Transforming a full-grown man -- stripping him of decades-old habits, beliefs, and idiosyncrasies -- is truly an impossible task. And you will come to realize, sooner than later if you're lucky, that it is far easier to change the way you respond to him.

7. As you face your fears and insecurities, you will find out what you're really made of.
There were clues when Genoveso and I were dating, especially with the trust thing. Early on, I was supersuspicious of him. He used to say things like, "I'll call you at 8." Then, just to try to trip me up, he'd call at 8. I knew he was up to something, I just couldn't figure out what. The same kinds of experiences followed after the wedding. Except occasionally he would actually mess up. And I had no sense of scale when it came to rating his offenses; everything was a major violation. Whether he teased me about a new haircut or came home late, I seethed for days and even let thoughts of divorce creep into my head. I figured, if he loved me -- really and truly -- this stuff wouldn't happen.

I'd like to be able to say that this irrational behavior lasted only a few months and I eventually worked it out. Kind of, sort of, is closer to the truth. After years of looking deeply into my soul and talking to good friends and the best sister a girl could ever have, I've come to recognize certain things about myself. Not to get all Dr. Phil about it, but I've had to examine my history with an emotionally distant dad and a strong-willed mom and face up to all the ways, both good and bad, that those relationships have affected how I approach my marriage.

That's the strange beauty of marriage: It's full of hard times and hard lessons that no one can ever prepare you for. But in the end, those are the things that give richness to your life together -- and make your love even deeper and stronger than when it began.

When you take that vow...it is not only a vow to yourself but to God as well. And in that marriage it is between you and me and God who can make the difference!

Steelers beat the Cardinals!

noreply@blogger.com (Pinay's Musings) — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 04:04:00 +0000

The 43rd Super Bowl was hosted here in Tampa, Florida at the Raymond James Stadium. Over the whole week many fans from all over the country came to see one of the biggest events in US sports. Many sports fans and reporters from all over the world came to witness it. Luckily as a resident it was easy to spot the celebrities in the best mall and bars in town. I wish my sister-in-law could have been here to see it up close. She is a big fan of the Steelers being that they are from...Pennsylvania!

The last quarter with 4 minutes left totally made the game! As the Arizona Cardinals made their touchdown and got ahead of the game by 4 points leaving roughly 2 minutes in the last quarter. It was an adrenaline rush for both teams to see if the Pittsburgh Steelers can make it in such a short time. The time was ticking and 49 seconds left when Roethlisberger #7 made his first pass to Holmes #10 waiting at the end of the line. Holmes #10 hands slip in catching the ball. We thought it was over but they have another pass to make. 35 seconds left and when Ben Roethlisberger #7 made another strong and high pass to Santonio Holmes#10, he got hold of it at last! (see pic on top) The judges have to make a decision if Holmes #10 had control of the ball and if both of his feet was inside the field. Amazingly, the camera captured all the action showing both of Holmes #10 feet down and had control of the ball. With a field goal score and 35 seconds left the final score was 27 to 23 making the Pittsburgh Steelers to win the 43rd Super Bowl!

Pittsburgh Steelers just made history to be the only team to win with six (6) Super Bowls. This is really history in Tampa! Where would i want to be in than here at this moment witnessing and cheering for the best team. Another best game in Super Bowl history.

Go STEELERS!!!

The Dream Match...Pacquiao vs De La Hoya!

noreply@blogger.com (Pinay's Musings) — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 03:35:00 +0000

HBO covered the training of Manny Pacquiao in east LA and Oscar De La Hoya in Big Bear. While Manny was accompanied by his 11 entourage, Oscar lived alone. Both showed hard work in training and studied each others weaknesses. One of Manny’s strengths though is that his coach Freddie Roach has trained De La Hoya in one of his matches. Thus he knows about Oscar’s weaknesses….even the left hook will be put to it’s test. Not only that but their weight will be tested. While Oscar will bring his weight down to 147 from 155, Manny will increase his weight into 147 lbs from 135. In the weight in Manny weighed more by 1.5 lbs to Oscar which surprised everybody.

There were high expectations for both title holders. De La Hoya won ten-time world champion and fought as high as 160 lbs. including his Olympic win. A very famous boxer and entrepreneur in his Golden Boy Productions has proven his name over time. On the other hand Pacquiao is a former flyweight two-time world champion; WBC flyweight world champ; and IBF Jr. featherweight title with several wins from flyweight to featherweight division. In many wins starting at the young age of 16, Manny now has gained himself the title of the ”Mexicutioner”. The spotlight he has gained in winning these battles in the ring is just amazing!

This fight with De La Hoya is the top of Manny Pacquiao’s career. He is recognize as one of the hardest punchers at any weight. Not only that but the hottest fighter in the business. The Pac Man has polished his speed skills along with a hard punch brings power to the ring. His formidable combination is becoming the greatest Asian fighter to conquer the West since Genghis Khan according to Michael Katz, a boxing columnist. Indeed Manny is a national hero of our country! To be adored by not just your countrymen but also in the greatest country in the world here in America is such an honor.

December 6 marks one of the important event for Pacquiao. This day Manny Pacquiao and Oscar De La Hoya will show to the world who is the man in the ring. Both are fighting for their honor and pride. It was a day when the Filipinos awaits for their champ and cheer to our countrys pride. Both came out strong in their predictions….Manny shows No Fear while De La Hoya is thinking of having a knockout! As both entered the ring Pacquiao shows a revered face while De La Hoya shows an fighter’s ego as high as he can take to cover his fear and take the pressure. That’s just too bad coz his ego ate his skills and from round 1 to 8, Pac Man scored higher and landed his punches 56% compared to De La Hoya’s 24%. In the end, the referee stop the game when De La Hoya’s face got swollen and his left eye nearly closed. The referee even reminded De La Hoya that he cant keep the game if he will just stand and take all the punches from Pacquiao. Good thing De La Hoya’s coach “Nacho” told the referee that it’s over…or else he will get a knockout punch from Pacquiao! And a sweet defeat brought down the Golden Boy. It is not his time anymore…

This marks Manny Pacquiao's career to be the best boxer in his division. A day we shall remember when the Pac Man brought down the Golden Boy! The pride of our country…a hero with a soul. What a way to celebrate his 30th birthday on December 17!

You may visit Manny’s webpage address @ http://www.mannypacquiao.ph/

They Voted for Change-OBAMA's chance!

noreply@blogger.com (Pinay's Musings) — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 04:14:00 +0000

As McCain makes his final statement to congratulate Obama as the first black American President... McCain's supporters dreaded this day. Americans makes history and McCain has been living it. But today it is Obama who has been given a chance to prove his words. Along with the economic challenges and turmoil we will see how he can fix that. We believe though that change is from within and not given rather a will to do something and not just wait. Many is saying this is a historic event and truly it is! It's the same feeling when the Tampa bay Rays wins then lost the world series and they were just about to make the difference of their name. The fans felt really bad and we share the despair of loosing. But on the other side I'm just thinking what could happen if Obama lost? One thing I AM SECURED with McCain but many might get their disappointment of loosing in a different way! Especially that they put a lot of money to make Obama win. So i guess in a way this is the best thing that could happen for everybody. I hope change is really coming and i hope it will happen before his 4 years of term ends. Coz if not then we can say WE TOLD YOU SO!

A lost election is not a failure but a great challenge to be better the next time! When that day comes...my vote will be a BIG CHANGE & a BETTER ONE.

Meeting Senator John McCain!

noreply@blogger.com (Pinay's Musings) — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 03:07:00 +0000

It is one of those rare occassions when you get to meet the Presidential candidate of your party. Being that my husband is a Republican, he campaigns for Senator John McCain. This opportunity was made possible coz he won the Super Saturday of making the most campaign calls in the state of Florida. I am proud to say that he is where his heart belongs and it has been worth his time and effort to finally meet the party's Presidential candidate.

On the day when Senator McCain visited Tampa on 9/16/08 for the party's rally, we were invited to be one of the greeters upon his arrival. This really made the meeting very special for us. As you can see we were not alone that day. The former mayor of Tampa was there, Dick Greco, who is a Democrat but very conservative and always endorses a Republican for President. And the rest represents different segments of society that supports McCain. Among those, I am proud as a filipino to be part of a history in the making! This is a one time opportunity to be up close to someone that America is keeping an eye on... The 2008 Presidential election.

It is only 45 days till the Presidential election day. We do want McCain to win not only for the party but because he is the right man for Washington!

Even more we are making history our story...

Initial documents for Visa Petition

noreply@blogger.com (Pinay's Musings) — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 16:23:00 +0000

Here I share our initial documents upon filing for our K1 visa petition in US immigration office.

Upon filing for your petition, a biographical information form G-325A is used in conjunction with a I-134 petition for a spouse/fiancee as beneficiary. The form asks for specific information on both the beneficiary and the petitioner. Along with that are the following supporting documents:

For your american partner:
1) A signed, notarized I-134 ;
2) Copies of last years federal income tax returns AND W-2s;
3) Copies of your recent pay stubs;
4) An original self-employment letter

*For your co-sponsor:
1) A signed, notarized I-134 for your co-sponsor
2) A copy of your co-sponsor's United States birth certificate OR a copy of his United States passport identity page (if he was born here and if he has one);
3) An original employment letter
4) Copies of your co-sponsor's federal income tax returns and W-2s for 2006; and
5) Copies of any recent pay stubs.

Most importantly all papers must have original signature of the person for whom the form was filled. For I-130, both the petitioner USC and the beneficiary (alien spouse) should each submit a set forms (all 4 pages).

If you have questions about any of the documents listed check out the uscis website under immigrant forms: http://www.uscis.gov

Outsourcing…changing the world!

noreply@blogger.com (Pinay's Musings) — Sat, 17 May 2008 04:32:00 +0000

It’s the way of connecting industries and creating better lives especially striving countries. This is the tool of the new generation but here’s the catch…not everybody approves of it!

So what’s the deal? In the past 8 months that we started living by ourselves I got to deal with four representatives from the Philippines. One took care of our hardware, our internet connection, and mobile services. The first one wasn't such a good experience but I did give one a kudos call while the rest were pretty good. I don’t miss speaking in our own dialect whenever I get service from the Philippines only that they have to speak English per policy. All of them are from Manila though one was bisaya and that’s even better. It brings me closer to home being in touch with our own.

I asked one local representative and all she said that their software technical support got move from Canada to the Philippines because of better price. Well of course! They save a lot with overhead expenses. I’m talking about manpower, labor cost, utilities and benefits. To improve profit margin and with the downturn economy the best option is outsourcing. The only thing is people living here don’t see that rather they only see that it is a bad thing because it cuts jobs and makes them feel unimportant for that matter when in fact it’s helping everyone. At one point when i made calls to sell drafting outsourcing jobs, 94% have a negative response thus shows no interest, 4% were polite to say they have less jobs while 2% showed interest but will call only when needed. I just noticed it here in the US that when you talk about outsourcing most will be prejudice about it and skeptical. Well at least the growing businesses are giving opportunities towards the demand for outsourcing. So enough of that because by experience we do make their life better with our excellent customer service and exceptional work ethics! Wink.

My experience in the call center totally gave me a bigger picture. It changed my concept of business management into a higher level. It gave me the opportunity to be at par with the growing demands of time. I’m glad to be part of it and continuing on…

Getting a Ride in America...

noreply@blogger.com (Pinay's Musings) — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 00:53:00 +0000

Growing up in the Philippines has such a difference in the means of transportation. Our daily public transportation which we call the "Jeepney" is our ride to school, work, the mall, grocery and practically anywhere. For the ones who wants air conditioning comfort there's the convenience of taxi, shuttles and vans but can be expensive . Then for the bigger land trips we have the bus that can take us from one city to another. And of course who can beat our motorela's and sidecars or the better called "trisikad or tricycle" for a quick ride within town. If there is more jeepney in the Philippines, here in the US you are most likely to see more cars. Everyone is expected to drive their own car to anywhere. Their jeepney would be their bus, only that it is air conditioned. Taxi's don't park in the mall or anywhere public rather they drive around the city until they get a call for a location. Also all taxis are company owned and not driven for personal use. Night time has more demand for taxi's here especially on the weekend. Moreover their roads are in four (4) lanes unlike in the Philippines which is only two. On top of that there's a 5 feet wide median that separates the lanes wherein we really don't have that in the Philippines. Also every road has a walking and bicycle lane on each side. Now why would that be? Well for one if you use your bicycle on the main road, you don't require a license plate only that you protect yourself by wearing a helmet. Despite the car revolution in the US, people are encourage to walk and ride their bike anywhere close to home. This is not only a good contribution to the environment but to yourself being that you get to exercise and save gas.

Getting a car in America is not as easy as having a car loan in the Philippines. For one it is much higher interest yield if you have poor credit. If you lease a car that would be a bad idea being that you can only drive to how many miles you are able to drive then you will pay per mile on the excess mileage. So if you are materially inclined and a comfort seeker you might end up paying 3-5 years on an average sports car that costs $20,000-$50,000 (P800,000-2,000,000). Unless you have a high paying job then I suggest stick to paying it in cash. I'm glad we're driving one for free! Because nowadays gas price has rise up so high from $.89/gallon (P35.60) in 1997 now its $3.31/gallon (P134.40). In a full tank would require a minimum of 21 gallons for an SUV, 15 gallons for small cars and some is 35 gallons. In fact today, more people are concern of their car's mileage per gallon due to high gas price. I mean a full tank that will last a week is the best. The farther your car can drive with less gas the better it is for the pocket. So let's see you are driving a car that is either leased or loaned....then you will end up having half of your salary paying a car, daily gas and on top of that a monthly car insurance. How much will be your take home pay after that? Or the bigger picture is how much is left for the rainy days? Now as for me being that I am only 2.33 miles away from work which is about 6 minutes away, I am lucky enough not to have the headache of gas prices and traffic. I just got my mountain bicycle yesterday. It's a great thing that just outside where I work is a bicycle trail straight to home. How convenient can that be especially now that it's Spring time? What more when I would have my own car! Well for now that has to wait until I can get one in cash. Because a debt isn't the way to live by just to have convenience. Throwing money in America is not a good idea at all. That's another topic... ;-)

Getting a JOB in the US...

noreply@blogger.com (Pinay's Musings) — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 16:40:00 +0000

Coming to the US gave me a lot of hope knowing it offers the American Dream. I feel grateful being here. Not until I moved to Florida did I get a real taste of what it takes to reach that American Dream. I was not sure when I stepped on the grounds of the US if I could make it through. But It wasn't a choice either to bring me to where I started. I waited over 5 months until I got my permit to work. Since February 26 it brought me to post my resume to over 50 resumes on 7 job sites online namely Craigslist.com, Jobing.com, Job.com, Snagajob.com, Worktampabay.com, yahoohotjobs.com and monster.com. To submit and create a profile to 6 company sites Macys, SCC Soft Computer Inc., Baycare, Amscot, Wachovia and Bank of America. And also submitted my resume to 2 staffing services which are selectstaffing and expresspersonnel. Among these application I got 6 interviews and spam replies for job offer or a commission basis job. I even got a taste of the Scientologist way. Now I know my skills and capabilities. If an undergraduate can get a job here then no reason for a graduate to not fit the qualification. However, it brought me to a point to question that....to what it takes to work in the US? Is it through your color, race, education, experience in the US, or connections? I say lucky them to have connections! But I went through making the numbers in resume....so that's what I thought. What matters really is to keep on looking till someone says YOUR HIRED! I got that answer on the evening of Easter. I said to myself by hook or by crook I will have a job on March 24 and it was my motivation. In fact the company who offered me the job was my last interview on that Friday afternoon. Thereafter, when I started my job as an Office Assistant I got a call from Bank of America for an interview. Well it's just too late for them.

In all the emotional ups and downs to get where I am now it made me feel even more grateful to have this job. At the very end my luck caught up with me after all...even more an answered prayer.

The Gift of Fear

noreply@blogger.com (Pinay's Musings) — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 01:00:00 +0000

Everybody feels this unpleasant emotion whenever we experienced danger. But only humans come in towards danger unlike animals. Indeed quite a distinction of instinct. While animals run away from its prey, humans come in forward to investigate. This inner power of our senses are warning signs that keeps us safeguard at all times. It is just the same instinct like our mothers of being protective. When you feel something is not right and you have that tingling feeling that things seems to be not the same as it they were the last time you check, then make it right. I'm talking about when you come inside your house and things are out of place especially when you live by yourself. Or when you drive through your driveway and the usual stuff you place aren't in it's right place. And more when the person you think you know becomes unlikely too closeby.

Nowadays many predators are roaming in the streets and you would be surprise to know even the most charming and nicest looking person are the more harmful ones. Especially here in the US where you just cant be too sure of everything & everybody. Thus the word "NO" is very important and should absolutely mean "NO". It is also better not to second guest because that is when you turned away from the warning sign. Don't' wait to see the worst thing that can happen such as rape, murder, assault, robbery and being stalk.

In this Easter season may we be reminded of how important to trust our instincts. A good way to extend such power is by giving a friend or family the book "The Gift of Fear" by Gavin D. Becker. We all need to be aware of our intuition and how we can prepare ourselves in the midst of fear.

Binibining Pilipinas World 2008

noreply@blogger.com (Pinay's Musings) — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 03:54:00 +0000

This years Bb Pilipinas World 2008 is just hilarious. I can't believe she won! In this interview portion of Ms. Janina San Miguel during the pageant, you can just see how her confidence faded away. While the crowd laughed at her pronounciation and confused answer... Shouldn't a beauty pageant be about beauty and brains? If so, what kind of criteria made her win the crown? Just think when she would come to represent our country amongst the other beautiful & smart ladies in the Miss World, she might be just a laughing candidate. I really suggest that if she cant say her thoughts right in english then say it in your own dialect. Or else you will just look like a trying hard copycat....sad to say. The good part is that it will just make her a famous comedian after all!

I really think that the standards of the Bb Pilipinas organizers have lowered because of this result or maybe the beauty with brains filipinas have just stop believing in this pageant. No wonder the judges have a hard time picking which one is best for Bb. Pilipinas World. Where are the likes of Ruffa Gutierrez and Charlene Gonzales? Also, what about the other candidates who were better than Ms. Janina San Miguel....is this just one of the many corrupt pageantry in our country? The only credit i can give her is having the guts to stand in that stage despite her twisted tounge. Still the crown nor the title doesnt fit her. Check this link to read on the other comments on her http://youtube.com/watch?v=xKwmseoKFCo

Remember that this "should be" prestigious pageant has a bigger role in representing our country with a good image. That is why there is a lot of pressure into it not "fressure". So to Miss Janina San Miguel, break the act and say it right. And to the organizers of the Bb. Pilipinas make it work for her or at worst it will be our shame.

Leap Year for a Longer Life!

noreply@blogger.com (Pinay's Musings) — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 17:37:00 +0000

Leap day occurs every 4 years...you know why? Because technically, we don't have 365 days per year but we actually have 365.25 days in a year. Which means you gotta put .25 x4yrs =1day. Many makes a big deal out of it being that it only happens once every 4 years. This would be the time when women proposes and many bachelors getting hook! Well that is supposedly a tradition here that i just heard. But really the aim is to have a longer year that adds a day to your life. Now wouldn't it be better if it can add 3 or 5 years to your life?

Nowadays people are starting to get aware of our health and how it affects our lifestyle even more to our longevity! You can see many products made with SPF 15-30, anti-oxidants soap and drinks, south beach diet, Jenny Craig, multivitamins and anti-aging remedies. Most consumer products tries to promotes these especially to women who are afraid of wrinkles and fats. I say you better improve your lifestyle by not only buying such stuff but also promoting healthy living consistently. In a way your not digging a hole to your pocket rather making an investment.

I only got aware more of the details in healthy living and how to achieve longevity after taking the test in www.livingto100.com by Dr. Thomas Perls MD,MPH. At my age on my current lifestyle and regimen diet, I can live up to 95 years old! While my husband would live up to 88. Then it showed me suggestions on how to add more years with a healthier diet and regular exercise.

What are the ways to promote a healthier lifestyle?
1. No Smoking. No second hand smoke. If you smoke it will only give you a life till the age of 70 years old caused to cancer. I would say you're only smoking your way to your aging or death.
2. No Fast food and rarely eat processed meat like bacon, sausage and lunch meats. The high calories it contains can not only make you gain weight but will increase the risk of heart disease and even perhaps cancer. Completely removing fast food from your diet could add 1 year to your life expectancy.
3. Less consumption of salty food like junk food. This will cause significant loss of calcium taken out in our urine.
4. Minimize consumption of red meats. Any meat from cow containing high iron can cause vascular risk. Since iron can produce harmful free radicals that likely cause aging and age-related illness like Alzheimer's disease and cancer .
5. Less Carbohydrates intake. Grains, pastas, fruits and starchy vegetable like potatoes especially french fries, white bread, white rice, and sugar. It produces insulin that induces storage of fat instead of burning it.
6. Avoid being overweight.Inefficient energy production leads to increased risk of various cancers, diabetes,heart disease and accelerated aging.

What are the ways to promote anti-aging and longevity?
1. Consume daily Calcium of 1,000-1,500 mg. Milk, cereal, calcium-fortified juices, bread are excellent sources. It can prevent osteoporosis and add half a year to your life.
2. Daily Vitamin D for calcium absorption to our body rather than in our bones that will inadvertently cause bone loss. A 15-20Min's sun exposure produces Vitamin D to our body.
3. Eat more fish which contains omega 3 fatty acids which lowers bad cholesterol and thus decreasing the risk of heart attack and stroke.
4. Regular Exercise. 3 days week could add half a year to your life. 4 days a week could add a year and a half. 5 days a week could add 3 years and 6-7days a week could add 5 years to your life expectancy.
5. Taking an 81mg Aspirin. At the age 40, it is suggested to have daily intake of aspirin to improve hear and brain health and could help you delay or escape heart attack or stroke. Taking each day, preferably in the evening could add 2years to your life expectancy.
6. Medical check-up once a year could add a year to your life. That includes examining yourself for cancer, appropriate blood test on a regular basis, and annual blood pressure check can significantly affect your life expectancy.

Most women are more ahead than men to the longevity marathon. Statistic shows 85% of centenarians are women and 15% are men. So men should be more active in the most part. Generally, the way we cope with stress will impact many aspects of our emotional and physical health. No wonder why Yoga is becoming famous in shedding stress. Only that it can be an expensive way unlike meditation, breathing techniques, physical exercise and prayer. Consequently having enough sleep also promote a healthy lifestyle. The most important contribution for longevity and shedding emotional stress is being close to our family. Belonging to a cohesive family and extended family through frequent contact is a notable feature of centenarian families. That means a longer life expectancy.

There are more details to better understand and achieve your longevity. So take the test and learn from www.livingto100.com . It is a win win activity!

80th Oscars results!

noreply@blogger.com (Pinay's Musings) — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 04:34:00 +0000

The 80th Golden Globe Awards has been one of the most anticipated event in Hollywood. I think that remains true only for the few since this years Oscar is the least watched in the history of the Oscars. Surprisingly most of this years winners were not as famous as Denzel or Johnny Depp. See who grabbed the award:

Best Picture- "No country for Old Men"

Best Actor - Daniel Day Lewis of "There Will Be Blood" (pic on top left)

Best Actress- Marion Cotillard of "La Vie en Rose" (pic on top right)

Best Supporting Actor- Javier Bardem of "No Country for Old Men"

Best Supporting Actress- Tilda Swinton of "Michael Clayton"

Best Motion Picture-Drama "Atonement"

Best Motion Picture-Musical/Comedy is Johnny Depp's " Sweeney Todd"

Former stripper Diablo Cody won Best Original Screenplay for the movie "Juno"

The best part is really the glamour it brings as they strut their fashion statement!Watch more of the Oscars moment in http://oscar.com/video/index?channel=6856

American Idol Top 24

noreply@blogger.com (Pinay's Musings) — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 19:09:00 +0000

This petite 20 year old girl made it through the Hollywood competition and now ready for our VOTES! A little FYI about this girl, she started singing since 12 and has been into many performances from Orlando to California. She doesnt sing in the shower but loves to do a hula dance while on it. Her favorite singer is Regine Velasquez who is our very own song bird. And she has tasted Balut! I will give her credit for that. To see more of her interview check this site http://www.americanidol.com/videos/?vid=906 and you may leave a comment for her coz I would like to know who gave her that haircut.

Tonight will be the ladies first performance. So make sure to tune in every Tuesday or Wednesday to vote for this Pinay in Fox Channel at 8pm. Remember the name Ramiele Malubay of Miami. It is our pride to see one on top of the american competition.

Keep those VOTES up! Call 1-866-436-5710 (toll free numer) to make that vote count for our pinay.