JUST COMMERCE

American Hero T-Shirts For A Cause

2012-02-24T13:36:00.003-08:00

A civilian person cannot really fully comprehend the important role of a soldier;as it is, the U.S. soldiers have been involved in the fight against injustice and oppression, for as long as we all can remember. Their Call of Duty extends as far as the Middle East, the U.N. organization and other international territories. Thankfully there is a way that we can show our support and gratitude for their sacrifice;by wearing Patriotic Shirts or American Flag Shirts. Wherever you are in the world and even if you're not an American citizen, you can purchase these originally designed Patriotic Shirts and by doing so, you will be donating to a cause. The American Hero T-Shirt company is donating $5 for each shirt sold, to help the surviving families of the soldiers who either died or were handicapped from performing their service. It is a fact that the U.S. is the greatest country and it would be both an honor and a pride to wear the American Flag Shirts anywhere.I think these shirts can also make for ideal gifts for any occasion As for me, I would rather choose to display a shirt promoting hope and patriotism, than wear perverted and obscene messages. Let's support American troops and their families by wearing American Hero T-shirts.

TIDBITS OF DAYS:FAMILIAR FACE

2012-02-19T12:46:00.002-08:00

Luigi's Coffee Bar
As it is, on weekday mornings after I've taken my daughter to her school I usually drop by for a cup of cappuccino and 'bomba'(a donut without a hole) at Luigi's Bar which is right by the fleamarket. I remember last month I asked if he ever has a 'bomba' with chocolate inside and he said he never had a choco flavor of it. Then came the harsh snowing days when schools and some public transportations were either reduced or suspended,so we basically stayed at home for almost two weeks. Then this week when I returned he asked me right away 'Cappuccino with choco 'bomba'? So I was glad to see that he responds to customer demand even it it's singular.

The Chinese Miscellaneous Retail Store
On occasion of the carnival festivities where people especially kids, dress in themed costumes like Spiderman,Snow White etc.,my five-year old daughter doesn't want to be left behind with the customs,although she originally wished to dress like Aurora of Sleeping Beauty or Arielle The Little Mermaid,we were left with no other choice but the white costume of The Snow Princess but we didn't have enough money at hand.So I asked the owner if I could take the item and return the balance I owe which was only €3.Thankfully the owner conceded.

At the bank
Last Friday I also went to the bank to withdraw some money from my husband's account.The good thing is that I don't have to fill-up any form but just by showing my face the clerks know that I'm there in behalf of my husband who they personally know. I just have to say how much I need and sign the receipt and on my way I go.
These are only some of the tidbits that happened to me during the recent days.I thank GOD for HIS grace.

Childish Miscellaneous kit

2012-02-10T04:50:00.000-08:00

Light update only,for today: I guess, all or most kids want to show off to their playmates. Even in their school, once a week the little ones are allowed to bring to school their most favorite toy,not that they don't have toys in their classroom.On the contrary they're full with toys and books and many educational materials that train them for the real life,like they have mini-kitchen, mini-house. She sometimes would tell me if she played the 'waitress',at school they're trained to serve tables during the meals. Kids as small as three years old are already taught the main domestic chores or social ethics.To help the smaller ones and have the attitude of sharing. One Friday, she asked me to carry this small kit and I didn't have the time to see what were in it. Just a few days ago, I was amused to see all the colorful things that she cared to include in her purse;a hand lotion, her shades, her hand-knit coin purse,kiddie make-up kit, and 'fancy' necklaces. To be honest,when I was around her age I didn't have much to enjoy and now, I'm thankful for GOD's blessings that enable us to give fancy things for our daughter to enjoy.

Most Recent Snow in Rome

2012-02-06T00:00:00.000-08:00

Snow covered most of Rome when it snowed last Thursday and Friday (February 2 & 3), as classes and public transport were suspended. It was the heaviest snowfall in twelve years. And Roman citizens welcomed the cold white with open arms and some snow games like snowball throwing and mini snow bob.We contented ourselves with building a mini snowman without a face, when we dared experience the whiteness of snow.But during the night I can't help but think of the poor homeless beggars who have to weather the harshness of winter,some of them die from freezing. There are some charitable shelters but maybe most of these organizations ask for many requirements like one can only sleep once or twice a week, or enter and leave on fixed hours (limited time) etc. And they maintain a certain quota of persons that they can accommodate, as far as I know or have learned from a TV docu. Last night I was trying to figure out, if I had enough resources, I could rent out a huge truck with heating and mount multiple beds in it and have it parked in a warm paid private parking space. I know it's not that simple. I was thinking if people relied on someone else to initiate the assistance,it would probably never take place. There are similar thoughts in my mind,to share and help.But I think this is not yet the ripe time.As it is, I am a working mother who barely has enough time for everything that needs to be done.
Going back to the most recent snow in Rome, I had planned to take my daughter to snow in the mountains but I thought maybe, when she's older like six or seven years old. But my Lord Jesus brought it to her earlier. Here are some more photos of the most recent snow in Rome,taken from our kitchen window.

Vodafone SIM lost

2012-02-02T11:06:00.000-08:00

I maintain two cellular numbers, one for personal calls and the other for business purposes. Sad to say, I lost the business SIM or my Vodafone number. For many days now, I am without it.But it's good that I keep a log of my business transactions in paper form so I still have some important numbers of my clients.Now I am considering acquiring another Vodafone number for work-related or business calls.Besides my regular day job, I do a lot of sidejobs to multiply our income,I am a freelance real estate agent, a DXN herbal and natural vitamins and supplements distributor, and also credit promoter. Many times I need to get in touch with people I don't really know that well and so for me it would be safer to use a separate number for business purposes. I prefer to use another carrier or phone operator. so that I can avail of the bonuses or promotions from two different cellular companies,that way I can easily call other numbers (of the same phone carrier, for free courtesy of promotions. Of course in line with this,I will need a quadband phone.I say quaDband,because I prefer clearer communications which is not always so with dual band. Anyway,the electronic stores always offer discount promos for celphones and other gadgets.Here's to a peaceful continuation of good business with a new Vodafone Sim.

TECHNOLOGICALLY ADVANCED PRESCRIPTION EYEGLASSES

2012-01-22T10:05:00.000-08:00

I just turned a year older three days ago and so I'm past the age when life is supposed to begin. (if you're familiar with the saying,you'll get what I mean).'Speaking' of begin, I think my vision is beginning to deteriorate.Sad to say,at this stage in life,many of the bodily functions which used to be energetic during the prime of life,gradually lose their youthful verve.And vision is one of them.I never had difficulty seeing or reading even the most miniscule texts,before. Now, I notice that I have to extend my hand further just to be able to read a text before me.I realize it maybe time for me to wear prescription eyeglasses.I heard of Zenni Optical eyeglasses so I checked them out and discovered that they offer a variety of trendy and cheap prescription eyeglasses which can be customized according to the wearer's requirements.What's more,each pair of eyeglasses has oleophobic coating which repels water,oil,dust and fingerprints,so there's no need to constantly wipe the lens to keep it clear.Another technologically advanced quality of Zenni Optical eyeglasses is the AR (Anti-Reflection) coating which protects from glaring lights,most advantageous when driving,taking pictures or under the dazzling sunlight.The biggest surprise is that their prices are very cheap,they even have$6.95 presription eyeglasses Once I confirm from the eye doctor that I should wear eyeglasses,my first and best option would definitely beZenni Optical.

My guests on my birthday.

GOLD DRESS AND MATCHING BAG

2012-01-17T13:52:00.000-08:00

The season for bargain sale has just concluded and as usual it enticed us with many colorful material attractions just like the ones appearing in the photo above. As I have already mentioned, I am attracted to gold colors or more specifically gold jewelries.Lately I have also been buying some nice gold motif apparel and I think I have enough of gold in my closet.Also, this last bargain sale didn't yield positive results partly due to crisis,but partly also because some stores offered a 'deceptive' sale in that the bargain price was just a little less than the original price,contrary to the discount percentage displayed. People can easily recognize a real drop down price and will gravitate at the real bargain sale. Actually I got a lot of things I'd like to buy in addition to clothes or the matching 'golden bag'. My friend was telling me that she just bought a new tablet PC I could use a handy PC tablet to ease the load off my bag.

Gold Economy

2012-01-10T10:52:00.000-08:00

I should have taken a photo of the little gold pin that I found on the ground over a week ago, before selling it yesterday at the goldbuyer's shop. Nevertheless, it looks very similar to the pin shown in the photo above,only there is a lady's face etched on it. Actually I wasn't sure that it was gold until I had it checked yesterday and when it was confirmed to be so I quickly decided to cash it.I was paid €40 for it. A peculiar thing about gold these days is that, here in Rome more and more gold buyer stores are being set up. It seems that you can see one every one hundred meters distance. I suspect that it is somehow connected to some economic scheme which might just be implemented any moment, considering all the financial chaos going on in many first world countries.The economic situation might go back to Gold standard of trading, although at this point it doesn't seem to be relevant but it is a possible option especially in a worldwide transition when inevitably the world will be unified in one currency. Who knows? But I guess gold will always remain to be a timeless asset.

Gold Bag Rome

2012-01-01T10:32:00.000-08:00

Do you like this bag? I do, I found it at the flea market, at the unbelievable price of Euro 1.00,it looks almost quite new as it still had the little plastic string that held the price tag.A handbag in gold motif, with the name 'Roma' printed in white letters, on both sides. Who would resist this beauty,especially if the price to pay is next to nothing? It looks a little bit sporty, but I guess, it also can pass with casual attire. Although it was bought from the street-vendor, the quality compares with the ones that you find at the more prestigious Rome stores. Its size and shape is also convenient, as I don't like a bulging bag anymore because sometimes it's less comfortable to carry around or squeeze in,particularly in packed public transport systems like train or bus. I have to learn to limit the things I have to carry with me everyday,in my bag. Now, I'm particularly satisfied with the appearance and color of this gold bag 'Rome',

Traditional Roman Christmas '11

2011-12-28T06:45:00.000-08:00

I have marked this best Christmas with a video commemorating our family's celebration. On Christmas eve, we received a lot of very nice gifts and stuffed with tasty italian cuisine and filled with warm love by my husband's family.On the 25th we went to European-renowned Circus Medrano,my first time to go to a circus show. I, particularly dedicate this to my family in the Philippines, who knows where we used to be and what we've been through, for many years, that they may not only know but experience for themselves, the GOD who brought these blessings to us and to them.For somebody like me, who used to live in extreme poverty, (we couldn't afford to buy clothes and toys,even our house furnitures were assembled from pieces of wood gathered from the streets by my jobless father). Ridicule and scorn were not uncommon to us as a family, although we lived in a so-called apartment adjacent to the slum area, it was nevertheles indecent habitation in many unhygienic ways and it flooded all over the house at the slightest of rain. I really never realized that there was more to life, if you find the Giver of it and its abundance. My mother eventually was able to go to work in the USA just a month after I came into a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ (October 13, 1983), there she stayed for twenty three long years and we, her children grew up lacking in parental guidance and caring and love, but sufficient financial support. So, nobody really coached me about life and the essential things, all I had was the survival mindset. Now, I'm grateful to GOD who paid for all the things I lacked in the past, and I'm enjoying them together with my little daughter. All the love, the material pleasures, wisdom to live, a good job, good health and Christian family.And all these wouldn't mean a thing without the grace and love of the One who brought Christmas into our world. “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld His Glory, the Glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of Grace and Truth.” – John 1:14

Music Courtesy of Matt Papa 'O Fount of Love' from the Album 'This Changes Everything' Available for retail download in itunes. Although I purchased this song from iTunes,it was in another extension file which is not supported by youtube,and so with some tweaking it was converted to an acceptable file but the last part of the song has been omitted and so this explains the redundant music, but I like Matt Papa's contemporary-style and performance.

Wishing For Second Home

2011-12-23T06:36:00.000-08:00

I am what you can consider a city girl,having lived all my life in two cities, the first being the Philippine capital and now for almost twelve years , here in the Italian capital of Rome, which is what majority of tourists consider the best place to be. Well,as it is city-life means rush hours, noise and pollution, of course it has also the good perks like job and business opportunities, beautiful diversities, technological updates and many other.
But every now and then, I wish for a change in environment,a break from the hustle and bustle of city-life. Even my own five year old-daughter asks us,her dad and mom,if we could buy a second home with a spacious balcony and a garden where she could keep or play with a real cat and dog. As a family,we share this same desire of a second home, without necessarily giving up our present apartment because we are strategically located. We are just a few minutes away on foot, from the main community market,we are surrounded by all the necessary institutions like the school (kindergarten, elementary and high school-they're all just a walking-distance from our house), also the municipal hall, government and private medical clinics, supermarkets and many stores and snack bars.
But I conclude that,if ever it will materialize, we might as well deal directly with the Real Estate Owned Foreclosures which will save us a lot of money,compared to buying from real estate developers. It is my personal opinion that buying homes from them would be more economical because they don't charge all the fees that most real estate developers charge their clients. The house that we desire is a bungalow type by the country, surrounded by greeneries, quiet and tranquility and fresh air. Hopefully somewhere in Colorado or Massachusetts or Texas USA.

Flea Markets in Rome

2011-12-21T04:50:00.000-08:00

In general,as it is in the U.S. where most residences are isolated from the main commercial areas or downtown shopping center, flea markets populate every community, usually open from 9 in the morning until 2 p. m.
The Lady Doggie Aficionado:
Yesterday, I started work at 2 p.m. and finished at 6 so I had time for a quick Christmas shopping at the nearby fleamarket,in the morning.And it was,while I was doing the rounds of the stands, I noticed a chubby middle aged lady checking out the small stuffed toys and it took her quite some time before hesitantly deciding on a rather cute yellow doggie.And without anybody asking her, or maybe she was aware that those cheap stuffed toys weren't really ideal for gifts,she explained that they have a tall Christmas tree and its base is full of gifts,and that her dog,as if appreciating or understanding Christmas,conveyed to her the desire to get a gift too.She said that she would even wrap the toy for her dog.Talk of dog aficionado.Italians in general are pet lovers,or more specifically, dog lovers.
Are You Married ?
As it is, I was both born and raised in the notorious capital of Manila Philippines,the Universtiy belt area and its culture somehow influenced or honed my 'bargaining' skills. And so,the next stand sold woolen coats, the cheap brand.I asked about the size,as I was unsure if it would fit my niece-in law who is a tall and robust 28-year old italian .. .I asked if I could return it in case and it led to a conversation longer than necessary where he asked a curious question 'Are you married?'. I confirmed and asked for a €2 discount claiming that I saw the same clothes being sold for €2 less,in another area,which by the say is true and I didn't buy right away then because I was on my way to my lessons,I had no time and I was carrying too much load. And so I bought two items which totaled €17, the ones shown in the photo above the long brown hooded cardigan and a simple flesh sweater. He would have given me just what I asked for,if only I had the exact change.At the end,I was only able to avail of €1.50 discount. In addition, I bought two necklace/accessories,a kit box and a pair of male pyjamas.
Below, is the photo of the gifts for kids, I already had the 2 wrapped in the mall to save me time (educational mini-computer for boys and musical piano-book for a one-year old babygirl, a red dress for a 6-month old baby and a Barbie Charm Academy Princess for my daughter

Three more gifts for adults and we're done with our shopping list and the next step is gift-wrapping. I still have to work until Friday and tomorrow is my daughter's (class) Christmas performance at her kindergarten school. As you would know,the way of the Italians in gift-giving, each person has to give a gift to every person and the same person will receive gift from everyone. I find it expensive and tedious, to be figuring out what gift to give to each person and eventually shopping for a number of people.It would be simpler to raffle out the names and give a gift only to the one person you pick-out from the raffle,of course,the gifts for children are a ChristMust.
We wish all co-bloggers and everyone, a Very Blessed and Merry Christmas !

Queuing in a Restaurant

2011-12-16T14:08:00.000-08:00

Having worked for several years in a position which deals mainly with customer satisfaction or people oriented field, I have a first hand knowledge of the importance of the customer's contentment which is one of the main factors in the success of the business. Although sometimes customers are inevitably inconvenienced, for reasons beyond the control of the company or business in that case, the company may consider compensating through excelling in another phase of their service. For instance, everytime we eat in Hard Rock, we were made to wait an hour or more just to be seated, we would be given this electronic pager

to announce our turn. After you get the seats, you will have to wait some more minutes before the waiter decides to get your orders and another twenty some minutes for them to be actually served. You might as well eat first before considering entering this restaurant. And the wait isn't convenient especially when it's cold outside the restaurant and you got small kids. There must be another way to entertain the customers while they're waiting. For this disservice, we and my friends avoid Hard Rock. For instance, as shown in the picture, customers are waiting to be seated and I see this sight fairly enough around Rome. Something that I never experienced in the U. S. nor in the Philippines. Not only in restaurants should customer satisfaction be highlighted but in every kind of business or service.

Needing Instant Cash?

2011-12-10T03:28:00.000-08:00

Financial-wise our family belongs to the middle income or the typical working class,which goes to say that people belonging to this class depend largely on minimum wage, if not,slightly above minimum.Even if you're an entrepreneur your business can also touch the highs and lows of the market and that can also draw your income within the minimum or average at best! As it is, the economic sector sometimes bears with it the inevitable or unexpected financial bind.If you happen to find yourself in a difficult money situation, or whenever you need a fast cash advance, you can rely on getting same day cash advance from the experienced company,provided you can prove that you got the resources or a stable income to pay up for it. You can also have the money even if you got bad credit cash loans. This would really be a big sigh of relief for some of those,who can't find a solution to their problem. But I want to leave a very good piece of advice to avoid the money pit; eliminate unimportant expenses or things that you can live without.Spend your money on basic needs like food,electric or water bills.If you should 'lust' for the latest iPhone 6 or iPad 3 other latest gadgets you might as well save up for it than loan just to get it.

All's Well That Ends Well:Another Teaching MiIestone

2011-12-09T01:00:00.001-08:00

Last week, I had an argument with my boss due to conflict in scheduling.She keeps on assigning me new students (thankfully) but the problem was that,the time allowance given, to get from one place to the next is too short considering the traffic and walking or getting to the bus stop and waiting for the bus and the travel time.So we didn't hear from each other for a few days but when it came time for us to settle with the payments (of the students) she explained her reason in a calmer manner. Now I realize that I've been slightly narrow-minded and I see her point.She said that I could arrive 15 minutes late to my lesson, and personally or professionally adjust to the student's reaction, as some students might get irritated or offended. Also this week, I would have received some more payments from my freelance lessons but one group canceled our meeting this week,and I, myself,also had to cancel my two other lessons due to personal reasons. So the cash collectibles are due for next week. And there is peace between me and my boss! I really appreciate very much this peculiar position of an English teacher, because unlike the traditional office jobs, I don't have a Supervisor above or behind me who orders me around, I got a flexible schedule (days) and time, and 'variable workplace', I have full independence on how I will execute every course depending on the need or knowledge level of the student. Yet still, the need to increase our financial income is pressing. So here's hoping to discover more sources and fountains of money.

Free Music Lessons in Rome

2011-12-06T01:00:00.000-08:00

We are keen on enrolling our 5 year old daughter to a music school and I have made some inquiries concerning it,well I found out that it 's important for the violin to be custom-made for the musician or violinist.Violin is the preferred instrument of our child.She is musically-inclined because she still plays with plastic musical toys which she's had since she was three years old.Even with any object she would play music,glasses or kitchen utensils.But when asked of her favorite,she would respond with utter certainty 'violin'. I also asked a local music store specializing in violins, about the normal price and I was slightly taken aback to learn that a little custom-made violin costs a minimum of €500. So, I hope that the music school where she will hopefully go will loan her the instrument during the actual lessons.I found a school not so far from our place,it's private and understandably it costs.Then this morning, when I went to work I found an announcement posted by an immigrant charity organization that provides free music lessons to kids.It's a bit far from where we live but I don't think distance matters so much now, anyway it's just a once-a-week activity.It's important for me first to make our child happy, second reason,music develops and improves the brain activity and soothes the condition of the listener. So here's hoping everything goes smoothly for this family desire.

CARRIBEAN CRUISE WITH TAFFI DOLLAR

2011-12-03T01:00:00.000-08:00

HOw'd you like to enjoy and experience the Carribean Islands in the company of vibrant and dynamic Christian women? Of course, husbands or other men and boys who care to be entertained and enriched by this women affair, are also welcome. Needless to say,the sights of the Carribean are always something that most of us yearn for. Add to this,the positive music entertainment provided through the cruise itself and definitely a sumptuous cuisine to match.
Taffi Dollar is holding a Women's Conference onboard a cruise ship which will sail across the Carribean Islands, from March 24 to 29 2012. Price is fair at $757 per person.The cruise ship provides state-of-the-art recreational facilities like spa,gym and quality staff service. This is something really worth experiencing together with friends and family.

Multi-function Printers OnThe Road

2011-12-01T11:18:00.000-08:00

One of the privileges, (if I may call it that) of my job is being able to travel around Rome,as I get assigned to different areas.In doing so,I get to chance upon some particular objects like these which are both a pity to ignore and a beauty to take home.Well,some Italians would throw away printers (I suppose,they're working) like these just because they want or they have bought a new one.I also have friends who almost filled their house with appliances found in the streets. Or five years ago,a month after I gave birth we had our apartment renovated and we threw away most of our (working) appliances (two 2-door refs and six-burner gas range) and home furnitures, to give way to the new ones. But quite frankly this Italian habit is annoying. If it were up to me,I would keep things as long as they're working. Like these printers, apparently both multi-function Epson.Anyways, there is a host of cheap or discounted multi-function printers now,almost all electronic stores sell them on 0% interest loan.

Italian Youth Talent Show:Maria Di Filippi

2011-11-27T01:00:00.000-08:00

I recorded this part,as I would like to share about this Italian Youth Talent Show, called Amici di Maria Di Filippi ( Friends of Maria Di Filippi,Italy's top TV host). As much as I can,I try to watch every episode. This show is about completely unknown, but talented teenagers who are initially chosen through a major audition,after passing which,they will undergo another process of elimination live on TV.There are two categories for the young talented participants:dancers and singers. The finalists will then be consequently mixed together to form three groups (each group consists of dancers and singers) and compete with each other. The judges are also grouped in the same way (judge for singers and judges for dancers) and each judge has to both hone the talent of the protegees,and defend them during each competition. The judges' opinion can greatly affect the standing of each talent group, (later on,the individual talent or contestant)but,what counts the most is the voting from the viewers,who will ultimately decide the winner. What is interesting and very entertaining about this format is that,most participants (judges and talents) are very unpredictably uninhibited and straightforward as is the common characteristic of Italians.So one might watch a serious altercation between judges or between talents or between judges and talents, which most of the time,are both heated and humorous. After this particular scene,another altercation followed which amused me again to laughter. Eventually at the end of this program's season,a single winner will be announced who will proceed to get the €300,000 cash prize plus showbiz entertainment contracts, music album and everything else that will guarantee him fame and fortune for the next months or years.

DXN Spirulina

2011-11-26T01:00:00.000-08:00

I'm so glad that DXN Spirulina is proving itself to be a very great health booster for our family. We all take DXN Spirulina regularly,to help strengthen our immune system especially during weather changes like now,when winter is officially settling here in our part of the world. Weather changes usually cause flu and some related sicknesses,but with the right dose of SPirulina you can avoid those negative physical sicknesses.DXN Spirulina is the mixture of all the necessary vitamins and minerals provided by all natural herbs and fruits, in the compacted form or tablet form.As it is,we can't always take in necessary vitamins and minerals needed by our body to function in the maximum level,and for this reason it is most important to fill this bodily need with Spirulina tablets. It is also recommended for children,I also give it twice (once in the morning and once after supper) to my 5 year old daughter. And I'm planning to offer or sell it to the other families and mommies in my daughter's kindergarten school.DXN health products are available internationally,but the mother company is located in Malaysia.

Bagolaro Restaurant In Rieti

2011-11-24T11:01:00.000-08:00

Two weeks ago,we attended a 4 month-old baby's baptism.It was a very nice occasion and ceremony,and weather.We were in the company of beautiful and elegant people, young and old.And so the reception followed at a restaurant,one hour away from Rome, by car.But the long trip was worth it,because it afforded us guests,the scenic countryside view along the way to Rieti,where this Agri-tourism restaurant was. The restaurant is called BAgolaro,it's located in the midst of olives plantation,nestled by the mountainfoot.Not only is the panorama around the restaurant breathtaking,the air very fresh but the service provided by the restaurant staff was impeccable.Not to mention,all the sumptuous food served.I really appreciate the very professional manner that the waiters served the guests. There is a head waiter that directs the other waiters where to serve,or when to remove plates or to serve the dishes (As there are several,separate groups of customers). They have a particular way of holding the plate,when they serve or remove dishes.As it is,the italian meal is a complete course consisting of appetizer then first plate (carbohydrates:pasta,rice),second plate;meat or fish or coldcuts with side dish like potatoes or vegetables,then to finish off there's the fruit or sweets or vegetable salad.But on this occasion in place of fruit,since it is a baptism there was the cake.The entire day was made even more positively memorable by merit of Bagolaro's exemplary service and delicious food.

This is the long convoy of cars of the people attending the baptism reception,we all pulled over to check if the rest were able to keep up with the trip.

Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Rome, Italy

2011-11-23T00:00:00.000-08:00

If you love gothic building designs,you would enjoy Europe or Rome in particular.I personally really admire old-style buildings that reflect the mid-century living.I enjoy building-watching almost everyday,especially watching the roof-decks which are usually residential extensions with spacious and beautiful gardens. Fortunately Italy has preserved their cultural heritage even through their buildings,both commercial and residential.When we were in the USA four years ago,particularly in California and Nevada I didn't see archaic or gothic buildings like the ones here in Italy.(Of course there are also modern structures but they don't outnumber the old ones).
This very nice orange building is located across the tram station where I wait most mornings,it is the Embassy of Saudi Arabia which is along Queen Margaret St. (Via Regina Margherita) Rome.

Early for Christmas

2011-11-20T06:06:00.000-08:00

Back when I was in the Philippines I used to frequently go to National Bookstore in C.M. Recto(I was born, and grew up around the University Belt area).I go there mostly just to check out the latest bestselling book,back then in the early 1990's internet wasn't a full-blown phenomenon yet.I appreciate the host of choices available such as the diverse and very artistic greeting cards and,that they were cheap.Now,here in Rome such kind of store doesn't exist,of course there are also stores at the mall but not quite like National Bookstore which is exclusively dedicated to school and office supplies and other gift items or related products.I miss the beautiful and cheap greeting cards.(Yes,I'm aware of electronic greetings) Greeting cards here are found in small local bars (as they call it) but they're actually a mini-store that sell mixed items including limited number of greeting cards,cigarettes,chocobars/candies,knick-knacks,fancy jewelries kiddie stuff.It is there that one can usually buy very plain and simple greeting cards at an unfair price (€2.50 each). But as it is, my job as a private English tutor allows me to roam a lot around the Rome center as I have to go to where my students are (in-company or private homes) and in doing so,I chanced upon these very nice Christmas cards for only €1,and in English language at that. So I bought 5 of them.I really need to send personal cards to thank our relatives in the U.S.A. who hosted us for one month when we spent our vacation there four years ago.They took us to very beautiful places,including Las Vegas and Reno Nevada Los Angeles,San Francisco,Sacramento etc.
So,these Christmas cards are just a very small token of our gratitude for their amazing hospitality.

Versatile Shoes

2011-11-15T03:09:00.000-08:00

It's been days that I've been wondering where I can find shoes that are convenient both for work and mundane outdoor errands like buying the groceries in the nearby supermarket, which can be presentable both with rugged attire and a working suit.Then, just the other day I found this pair which is just the perfect answer to my idea of shoes.Actually the Hogan brand of shoes is the most popular here in Rome,which is also my favorite and imitations of it are also sold here,just as with signature bags like Louie Vuitton etc. But this shiny black pair corresponds to my budget at this point in time.I can wear them with my work suit or,when I'm simply running errands in rugged jeans. They're also comfortable as they're not too high, and easy for walking because they're soft inside. Shoe business must be a thriving business in countries where there are four seasons (summer, winter spring and fall) like Italy.And since people have to adjust to these temperature changes, there are more varieties of shoe styles and types.During summer one may simply wear open shoes or sandals, while in winter people have to cover their skin very well and so the popular style for winter are leather boots. However this verstyle shoes can be good be it winter or summer.

What is Gladvertising?

2011-11-08T00:21:00.000-08:00

Gladvertsising is an outdoor medium of advertisement (displayed on digital billboards)in public areas like the bus station,the mall or business shops. Major technopreneurs and marketing developers together have raced against time to make this innovative advertising, a reality. Steven Spielberg adopted this technology in his film starring Tom Cruise,the Minority Report,then followed to predict that this innovation will be a reality by 2054 which was consequently rebuffed by the Chief of |GTG(Geographic Technologies Group) Mr. Daniel Steinbichler,claiming that it will be available by 2015. A revolutionary marketing strategy,Gladvertising generates announcements or ads based on the facial expression of the onlooker. For example, if an individual projects a sad face,Gladvertising could produce a publicity suggesting a happy holiday or vacation in a tropical paradise. As it is, Gladvertising is programmed to be sensitive to the major human emotions like sadness,happiness,fear or anger and therefore capable of reacting to the individual's situation through ads. This technology is also designed to align with the applications currently being used by iphone, 3DTV's or touchscreen medium and has the capability to access the individual's personal information profile through NFC (Near Fiel Communication) which recognizes the data in the iphone (facebook account,medical info. i. e. allergy info. ) and thereby,generate ads relative to the individual's profile. As it is, we ain't seen nothing yet when it comes to technology advancement which is constantly progressing in a faster pace.What is your opinion on this? Is it good or bad for us, as a society and as an individual?Let me know your stand on this.Post in the comment section,to share your opinion.Thanks.