My Own Piece of Heaven

Call Me Purple

noreply@blogger.com (Berto and Kwala) — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 04:36:00 +0000

I’m sitting down at a cafe juicing up on free wifi connection when I suddenly realized a horrific fact. I WAS PURPLE. I was wearing a purple blouse, had along my purple laptop bag and had on my purple earphones. Yep, I was purple. Don’t get me wrong, I do love purple, hence the purple items…but I’m not one to mix and match.. as in everything red or blue or pink. Or in my case, everything purple. Argh! So frustrating…and humiliating.

"Dial M" For a Not So Funny Joke.

noreply@blogger.com (Berto and Kwala) — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 06:59:00 +0000

How can we take these people seriously when they don't even take
themselves seriously? How can a former government official go on
national TV, lambast known politicians on air, in the midst of a
grueling campaign season and then say that the whole darn thing is one
big fat joke, when pushed against the wall by a senatorial hearing. His
talk show is a comedy show after all.

FYI, no one is laughing at your "joke", everyone is laughing at you.

Cosmo's Hongkong Summer Spectacular

noreply@blogger.com (Berto and Kwala) — Sat, 16 Jul 2011 13:47:00 +0000

MECHANICS

1. This promo is open to all Cosmo.ph and Cosmopolitan Magazine readers in Metro Manila, aged 18-30 with a valid passport that is valid until February 2012 and is available to fly to Hong Kong from August 29 to September 1, 2011.

2. To join, Cosmo.ph and Cosmopolitan Magazine readers must do the following on the ‘Visa go HK Super Shopper Promo’ on Cosmo.ph
Answer the question: “What's your fashion-forward style tip for Hong Kong visitors this summer?”
Include a link to a photo of themselves in their most "fashion forward in HK" style with a June AND July 2011 issue of Cosmopolitan Magazine.
Please make sure that your photo is viewable. Either paste the link after right-clicking the 'Copy link location' or give the 'download' link.

Missing My Mom's Handwriting

noreply@blogger.com (Berto and Kwala) — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 09:17:00 +0000

I remember my mom's handwriting vividly. She had beautiful handwriting.
It's a gift she failed to pass down to both my sister and me. It was
lovely and charming. Girly yet powerful. Mostly I remember her writing
when she made excuse letters for me when I got sick and had to miss
school. I remember how I loved the way she wrote my name...(Please
excuse Karen from being absent...) her capital K was so feminine yet
strong... I never liked my name. I always thought it was so short and
simple. I felt it wasn't special enough. But not when my mom wrote it, I
felt she scrawled my name with all the warmth and love in the world. I
felt special.

I also remember her staying at our kitchen table writing long letters to
my dad who was working overseas. This was way before the age of emails
and chats. It was during a time when only a privileged few had the honor
of owning telephones in their homes. Writing was their only way of
communicating with each other. I never thought of my parents as sappy
and romantic, but in their own way I guess they were.

She would write on her thick yellow pad using an old metal fountain pen.
Its ink bottle, still in its original box all blotched with ink stains,
always ready by the side, in case she needed to refill. She wrote in
beautiful and seamless longhand. I always admired how she wrote her long
letters, and believe me they were long... She kept our father up to date
with the daily humdrum of our household, the quizzes we had and how we
did, who got sick with what and even the latest scandal in showbiz and
the local news.

I guess miss my mom's handwriting because it mostly reminds me of my
youth. I miss how things were.

Mostly I just really miss my mom.

New Philippine Peso

noreply@blogger.com (Berto and Kwala) — Sun, 19 Jun 2011 02:08:00 +0000

These are the new Philippine currency. They are not yet in full circulation but they are slowly being eased in society. After all the brouhaha of wrong data and illustrations, our new peso is now here. Thankful I was able to grab hold of the whole set when our photo booth, BK Pixels Photo booth was rented last May at a kiddie party. The celebrant’s mommy worked at BSP (Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas) and she paid us all in new bills. Yey!

It was kind of weird counting the bills though, I had a hard time. It might need some getting used to. Although I loved the more vibrant colors, I found it disturbing to find some of the former presidents’ faces younger… almost virginal, hahaha!

Tigers love to tug on purple ducks

noreply@blogger.com (Berto and Kwala) — Sat, 18 Jun 2011 23:24:00 +0000

Tigers love to tug on purple ducks

Acoustic and Bossa Girls

noreply@blogger.com (Berto and Kwala) — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 21:37:00 +0000

Recently I’ve been bitten by the music bug. I’ve gotten into pop songs revived by young girls who added on their own vocal stylistics. Or maybe it was just LSS… Whenever we go to events for our photo coverage or photo booth rental, these songs are a staple fare. They are actually current pop hits like Just the Way You Are and Fireworks sang ala-bossa or acoustic. While the crew is just setting up we are treated to the girls’ gentle crooning… we just fell in love with the genre! I guess we are actually late getting into this since in fact acoustic and bossa songs are enjoying a new surge of appreciation for some time, this accounts for the reason for the records sprouting left and right from virtual unknowns hoping for a shot at the big time. Oh well, the more the merrier I always say =)

My current faves are Sabrina and Yasmin de Pereira. Another popular singer is Suy , but I don’t have her album yet so I can really pass judgement on her songs. In my book, Sitti has always been the Filipina Queen of Bossa and she is yet to be toppled from the throne.

Now excuse me as I do my Saturday load of laundry with Sabrina in the background singing Snow Patrol’s Chasing Cars.

Super Sale at Rockwell Tent 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Berto and Kwala) — Wed, 18 May 2011 15:22:00 +0000

Ready for the best summer sale? With various stores carrying brands we all crave for?
It's almost here, at the Rockwell Tent on May 20-22 2011.

CLICK HERE AND REGISTER

To get your FREE Entrance tickets to the

SuperSale Bazaar happening on May 20 - 22, 2011

A Treat for Ayala Cinema's M-Pass holders

noreply@blogger.com (Berto and Kwala) — Wed, 18 May 2011 13:36:00 +0000

Ayala Malls Cinemas’ M-Pass cardholders are in for a treat as they get to watch an exclusive screening of Disney’s “Pirates of the Carribean: On Stranger Tides” on May 20, 2011 at Glorietta4 Cinemas. Being invited to special movie screenings is part of the wonderful perks of being an M-Pass cardholder!

Other privileges of M-Pass are exclusive movie promos, birthday treats, access to online food order and a lot more!

M-Pass is a prepaid service that allows one to pay for his movie tickets ahead of time. With the M-Pass, the cardholder gets past the long lines in ticket booths and conveniently goes straight to the cinema of choice to his preferred seats. One can even take his own sweet time in getting to the movies as with the M-Pass, your seats are definitely guaranteed.

Ayala Malls Cinemas also offers other exciting promos to its moviegoers. Watch Disney’s “Pirates of the Carribean: On Stranger Tides,” at any Ayala Malls Cinemas and enjoy any of the the following treats.

Buy tickets in advance and get a collectible magnet and get a chance to win other cool premium items for every advance purchase of two tickets, promo runs until May 22. Metro Manila ticket holders will also get a chance to meet and take a photo with the characters inspired by Disney’s “Pirates of the Carribean: On Stranger Tides.”

“Pirates of the Carribean: On Stranger Tides” opens May 20, 2011 in all Ayala Malls Cinemas. Also in Disney Digital 3D™.

Visit www.sureseats.com for more details on the movie and how to get your M-Pass card.

Weight-loss Insanity

noreply@blogger.com (Berto and Kwala) — Wed, 18 May 2011 09:43:00 +0000

I read somewhere that a symptom of insanity is doing something over and over the same way but sincerely hoping to get a different result. Yes,
it's the story of my life.

I often refer to my college days as the good 'ole days. Sure, I had the most fun with my friends at that time plus I did so well in school. But
these are not the reasons why I loved that era. I loved it for the simple reason that when I graduated from college, I weighed exactly the
same way as I weighed on my first year there. I was thin! My cheekbones were visible even with my face at rest, (no sucking in the cheeks just
to check if I still HAVE cheekbones) My collar bones were ever present! I was a medium and I can buy clothes in free size.

After I graduated, I took on an office job that I didn't really like, but many approved of. Being the "good girl" that I am, I stayed on,
thinking I'd eventually like it...This must've had an effect on my psyche. Depression set in and pounds started to pile on. Slowly but surely, 20 pounds crept in. After I got
married, my excess pounds welcomed their friends who invited other friends and soon they have a party on my thighs and midsection. I nearly
had a panic attack when I realized one day that I tipped the scales at almost 200 pounds!

To say that I've had trouble keeping the pounds off is an understatement. I have tried various ways of losing weight, from going
vegetarian, going to the gym, trying fad diets, drinking protein shakes etc. If I weren't budget-constrained, I'd probably gone off already for
a liposuction.

I'd binge, I'd gain weight, I'd be remorseful, I'd try to lose weight. I'd lose SOME weight, I'd binge, I'd gain MORE weight than I initially
lost, then I'd feel remorseful and the vicious, frustrating cycle begins again! What's pathetic is I start my latest diet/exercise regimen with
the pure intentions and strong determination... until I fall again into the temptation that comes in the forms of pizza/chocolates/chips etc.

Hopefully someday I find the determination to permanently choose to be healthy... then probably the insanity will end... probably.

Stork Studios and the Inspiring Woman Behind It

noreply@blogger.com (Berto and Kwala) — Tue, 17 May 2011 06:23:00 +0000

Yesterday, I met a woman who, along with a partner, set up a very

lucrative business, the Stork Studio. Her specialization: new born

photography. This niche is pretty popular in the States but here in the

Philippines, she is the pioneer. Although Sofia Genato took on a

partner, she basically she runs the whole photography business, from the

marketing to the accounting to the actual taking of pictures. Her

background in advertising sure helps her a lot.

One thing that is quite obvious when one speaks with her it is her

passion for photography! And she's got it all figured out, she wants to

specialize in baby photography. She even invested in further training in

the states, and according to her, it is well worth the expensive

trainings!

I wish I can also have her passion for her craft. I love how she is so

definite about her goals and dreams. She has concrete dreams from their

business and is actually taking steps to achieve those aspirations.

I also hope for the laser-like focus that she has.

Now I understand why financial gurus promote staying within successful

people's radius. Her joy and enthusiasm for success is simply

infectious.

I would love to grow our business. Leaving the concrete rat-race has

always been my dream almost from the time I started running in it. Now I

finally have a chance to actually do it. Running a business is

definitely frightening, but hanging on to a job you're miserable in just

because of the fear on the unknown (unemployment) is no way to live.

On Mother's Day:Pacquiao Dominates Over Mosley

noreply@blogger.com (Berto and Kwala) — Sun, 08 May 2011 10:23:00 +0000

Today, mother’s day, mothers all over are treated to a wonderful gift on top of what their families gave them, the gift of Manny Pacqiao’s victory over opponent Shane Mosely. With this win, Pacquiao retained World Boxing Organization welterweight title.

Too bad MP wasn’t able to score a knockdown, Mosely is so stable! But the scores from the three judges favored our national sports hero: 120-107, 120-108, and 119-107. Sure, we all held our breaths when Pacquiao fell on his fanny on the 10th round but Mosely just stepped on his foot, so officially it was just a trip, not a knockdown!
Our family had a lot of fun watching it since it is our first time to watch a Pacquiao real time, and we didn’t even pay a single cent for it. For their office summer outing, my sister took our whole family with her to Hotel H2O. It so happens that the hotel was showing the fight live, for 995 per head including lunch. Luckily, we had a view of the big screen from the hotel lobby. As early as 10am, our father already secured a seat, and stayed there through all the prefights and until the end of the Pacquiao vs Mosley fight… for free!

When we got home at around 3pm, we turned on the TV and the fight is still on… shows just how the local channels drags on showing the fight to make sure more sponsors are accommodated.

Mother’s day this year is pretty special for me, a free stay at a posh hotel with the whole family and a free Pacquiao-Mosley show! Lucky me!

Writing, Venting and Me

noreply@blogger.com (Berto and Kwala) — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 01:39:00 +0000

I had put my blogs on hold for some time. Not intentionally, mind you. I
just felt I had nothing to say. I was really trying to stick to the idea
of The Secret. I veered away from writing anything but positive
things... until I slowly realized that I didn't have any drive or
interest to write at all. Writing has always been my way of venting.
Some drink, some punch walls, I write.

Lacking in verbal skills to effectively communicate my thoughts and
feelings, I write my best when I'm mad or sad. Even extreme happiness is
sometimes not enough motivation for me to write a blog post.

So now I have to decide... write only positive stuff... and wait for the
writing mojo to strike (which sometimes never comes) or write whatever I
feel.

I guess right now, I have to compromise. In order to practice my
writing, I will write whatever I feel. I will try to edit as much as
possible, keep it less negative... hahaha... but I give no guarantees.
=)

Courier New, Simply Fontastic!

noreply@blogger.com (Berto and Kwala) — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 18:11:00 +0000

I have always known certain quirky facts about me. For instance, when I have to eat alone, I HAVE to read. When I do eat, I NEED to have matching utensils. I can’t drink a glassful of cold water, I need to mix in some lukewarm water. Recently though I realized another quirk, apparently when I am writing a blog entry, I can’t write using any other font other than Courier New. Why, I don’t exactly know… but I have a theory that it has something to do with it looking like a typewriter font. I guess it makes me feel old school in my writing, somehow more authentic. I know… I know… weird. But hey, that’s me! =)

TV5 Gets a Bitter Taste that is Willie Revillame

noreply@blogger.com (Berto and Kwala) — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 11:35:00 +0000

Some blogger friends are sounding off about the controversial episode of
the notorious TV personality, Willie Revillame. I didn't catch the
original telecast but I was able to watch it last night in youtube. I
have to be honest. Initially, I also found the 6-year-old JanJan's stunt
funny. It was funny in the way that he was like a wind-up doll, who
dances immediately at the sound of a certain song. It was amusing since
he is so young and yet so trained. It was like his body has a life of
its own, moving on its own accord, once the music starts.

Had it been any other kind of dance (breakdance, salsa, ballet, the
Macarena), the stint would have been a huge hit. Funny, cute kid you
dances at the drop of a hat. What was revolting was little Janjan was
gyrating sensually to the beat of the music... like a macho dancer! As
if this wasn't enough, we also have Willie Revillame laughing devilishly
egging the little boy to dance. Janjan's own aunt was laughing along
with everybody... I think I would've forgiven Willie and the show if the
dancing happened only once or twice... it happened several times! The
ultimate shameful performance was when Janjan was placed on the show's
hydraulic stage, slowly raised up as he gyrates. Willie then directs his
female dancers to act like crazed matronas screaming Janjan's name while
raising their hands as if trying to grab some piece of meat.

Yes. It was such a disgraceful sight.

It caused an outrage around the country! People cried abuse! DSWD cried
exploitation! TV5 was pressured into giving an apology... Serves them
right. This is what they get for picking up the trash that ABS CBN threw
out. This is only the beginning. You now have a savage under your
roof...and please be forewarned, he has a penchant for biting off the
hand that feeds him!

Rest in Peace

noreply@blogger.com (Berto and Kwala) — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 07:51:00 +0000

Last Tuesday, I arrived to an office buzzing with rumors: Angelo Reyes committed suicide. I thought it was one of those bad humored jokes. When I heard it on the radio, I waited for them to contact Angie Reyes himself to refute the rumors, but after a while, it was confirmed, he did take his own life, in front of the tombs of his parents.

I did not know Angelo Reyes personally, but the fact that his current circumstances became too much that it pushed him to a corner and left him with no other choice but to take a leave from the cruel world, saddened me. Maybe it’s because suicide is a sensitive topic for me, since I lost a family member because of it.

I can’t help but feel sad, sad that he’s gone even before he was able to clear his name, if he was innocent; sad that he wasn’t able to implicate the true villains in this scenario (higher ups I presume); sad that people are left with the impression that he had to take his life because of guilt; sad for his tainted legacy and sad for his family and his sons because of the shocking surprise and unanswered questions.

Many people judge this act as a sign of cowardice and guilt… while some hail it as an ultimate act of courage. Right now, I’m not sure just how I feel about it, one thing is certain, I feel sad for his family, since I can sincerely feel that he is loved by them.

Rest in peace, Angelo Reyes.

Book Now Pay Later Promo from Sea Air

noreply@blogger.com (Berto and Kwala) — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 13:41:00 +0000

Want to spend the holidays in care free Boracay? No need to worry about the costs since you can book now and pay next year! What a great deal!

Eastwood City Pre-Holiday Sale!

noreply@blogger.com (Berto and Kwala) — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 13:36:00 +0000

Wanna avoid the Christmas rush? Start buying gifts for your loved ones!

Get the new The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf 2011 Giving Journal

noreply@blogger.com (Berto and Kwala) — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 13:59:00 +0000

A minimum single-receipt of any purchase of any regular or large sized Original Ice Blended, Frozen Swirl, or Coffee-based, or Tea-based beverage qualifies you to get a stamp card.

Each card consists of 24 boxes, with corresponding drink assignments. These are as follows:
1 Original Ice Blended (any flavor, regular or large)
1 Tea Latte (any flavor, regular or large)
1 Apple Caramel Ice Blended or Apple Pie Tea Latte (regular or large)
Any 21 Regular or Large Sized Original Ice Blended, Frozen Swirl, Coffee-based or Tea-based beverage.

Your stamp card must always be presented so that a box may be stamped whenever its corresponding product assignment is purchased,

Once all 24 boxes are stamped and completed, you will be able to claim The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf 2011 Giving Journal at any of our stores.

The completed stamp card should be presented and surrendered to the branch where the giving journal will be claimed. The cashier will punch the stamp card to prevent reuse.

Promo period is from November 8, 2010 to January 31, 2011.

Giving Journals may be claimed all throughout the promo period until 60 days after the promo has ended.

Per DTI-NCR Permit No. 5261, Series of 2010.

Crocs and Toys "R" Us Sale this November 2010 by Citibank

noreply@blogger.com (Berto and Kwala) — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 13:37:00 +0000

Get your sizes, get your children's sizes,
get your friend's sizes!!!
Be ready for the Crocs and Toys "R" Us SALE!!

Crocs & Toys "R" Us Sale. Enjoy up to 80% off on your holiday shopping with Crocs and Toys "R" Us plus other special offers. Simply Present & use your Citibank Credit Card at Whitespace, 2314 Pasong Tamo Extension, Makati City on November 11 to 14, 2010 from 11am to 9pm.

Invite your friends over and if they don't have a Citi Card. They can apply on site or pay in cash.

**Note: As stated it is opening at 11 AM, but trust me there will be lines as soon as 7AM, so sleep early and prepare for the lines.. bring water and some snacks.

Demi Lovato Drops From Jonas Brothers Tour, Checks into Rehab

noreply@blogger.com (Berto and Kwala) — Sat, 06 Nov 2010 16:16:00 +0000

The latest news about Demi Lovato created waves in the entertainment industry. Another Disney princess falls. Although the details of the news is not entirely clear, one thing is sure, 18-year old Demi Lovato is struggling with problems and it has pushed her to the brink.

News states that the young actress/singer called off an opening with the Jonas Brothers and has voluntarily checked herself into rehab. Her representative said the following in an official statement: ‘Demi Lovato left her tour early this weekend in order to seek medical treatment for emotional and physical issues she has dealt with for some time.Demi has decided to take personal responsibility for her actions and seek help. She is doing just that and Demi and her family ask that the media please respect their privacy during this difficult time. She regrets not being able to finish her tour, but is looking forward to getting back to work in the near future.'

Click here to read the rest of the article.

These girls are just too young to be facing these kinds of problems! i guess that is the sacrifice you have to pay for money and success at a young age. Maybe the pressure just got too much.

Maybe Disney should include shrink sessions for their talents as a standard part of their compensation package, to help the kids deal. Just thinking out loud...

Buying Baking Pans

noreply@blogger.com (Berto and Kwala) — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 14:48:00 +0000

I have recently been bitten by the baking bug. For the past few weekends, i have been doing baking projects. My first project was cupcakes! I am proud to say that my cupcake venture was wonderfully successful! (at least in my opinion)

Now, I have been asking my husband for more baking pans so i can make more cakes and cookies... he keeps on saying he'll buy some for me but I have yet to receive them. Maybe i'll get them by the time my birthday comes.

Giant Sinkhole in Germany

noreply@blogger.com (Berto and Kwala) — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 14:11:00 +0000

A giant sinkhole appeared in the residential part of Central Germany last November 1, 2010. The landslide just appeared out of nowhere and the cause is still unclear. Thankfully nobody got hurt, although they had to evacuate people from the affected area. Talk about creepy! What if a sinkhole appears right smack where your house used to be? oh my! i wouldn't know what to do! how will i save my books, my make up, my clothes, my gadgets?!

Are Skin Toners Part of Proper Skin Care?

noreply@blogger.com (Berto and Kwala) — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 14:56:00 +0000

I remember going to the dermatologist for the first time when I was in college. My mom took me when she noticed I had very oily skin and big pores. Luckily, I didn’t have any pimples or acne, but my face was constantly an oil slick, particularly my T zone. After a facial treatment, the dermatologist explained to me the virtues of maintaining a proper skin regimen. She explained to me the importance of using a toner, especially for someone who had such oily skin like me.

I’m just happy that my mom cared for me enough to worry about my skin. =) Someday when my daughter is old enough, I will also do the same for her.

Getting into the Right Business

noreply@blogger.com (Berto and Kwala) — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 09:51:00 +0000

A few months ago, my sister gave me a copy of The Science of Getting Rich by Wallace Wattles. Basically, it is a book about the law of attraction. It tells of how a person can form anything through his thoughts…including riches. It is a really inspiring book, makes you believe that you can be abundant and rich, just by simply changing your attitude. I breezed through the whole book, but was stumped when I got to Chapter 13 Getting into the Right Business. It generally proposes that a person has better chances of getting rich when he is into the right business. According to the book, a person will do best in the business “which will use your strongest faculties – the one for which you are naturally best fitted”. I just couldn’t relate.

I always knew I wasn’t in the right business. I knew when I was in college, I knew after I graduated, and I, of course knew, when I was already working. I just felt I had no choice. A wake up call for me was when I read a statement in the book that states: You will get rich most easily in terms of effort, if you do that for which you are best fitted, but you will get rich most satisfactorily if you do that which you WANT to do. Ouch!

Doing what you want to do is life, and there is no real satisfaction in living if we are compelled to be forever doing something which we do not like to do, and can never do what we want to do. Double Ouch!

I knew I wanted to do something else. “Desire is the manifestation of power”.

I always knew I wanted to write. I may not be the best at it, but I am certainly better at it than in crunching numbers. I always knew I wanted a change. I always desired something else for me.

Thankfully an opportunity presented itself to me. Now I get to write articles about anything and everything I want to, without thinking about keywords and blogging niche. Now I get to do what I love (write), and earn from it. I feel happy. I feel fulfilled whenever I see that my article has been published. I feel inspired again.

So now I am still stuck with the same old job, but I have hope, that things will change, that someday, when my skills are honed and I’m better at my craft, I will get rich most satisfactorily, doing what I WANT to do. (yoohoo, universe, are you listening?!?)