Swirling Thoughts

Top Ways to Make Money Online

2012-05-22T15:54:00.000+08:00

I have not earned much online so I am really no expert, but I can say that I have earned quite a decent amount with my online pursuits. By decent, I mean it is equivalent to an amount that I would usually earn for a part time work. The only difference is that my online activities are much easier to do and doesn’t require much time. Right now, my online earnings can’t rival my income from my full time job. But my earnings help me save some money and make it somewhat easier for me to pay some bills. For others who also want to make money online, here are some of the online activities that will make you earn money, based from my own experience:

Start a Blog: A quality blog can really earn some bucks thru Adsense and other advertisers but it is not so easy. Blogging requires time, effort and passion so it is not recommended to start a blog just for the goal of making money. The best way is to start a blog on a topic you are passionate about- then you will sure post great content that others will be interested to read and soon you might end up earning money from it.

Buy and Sell sites. Make use of sites that offer free advertisements such as sulit.com.ph where you can set some of your old stuff (or new stuff) for sale to earn money. If you have an existing business, you can reach more customers and promote your product for free by using these sites. Of course, you have to be cautious of scammers to avoid being victimized by scams.

Paid Surveys. There are survey sites that really pay but I think they are not so many. Plus those who pay don’t really give surveys frequently so earning money here is slow. It is usually a slow but sure process so answering these legit paid surveys is still worth it for me.

Paid to Click Sites: Earning takes so much patience but there are a lot of paid to click sites.

Paid to Post sites: There are websites like ezines, mylot, squidoo and forums that need people to post something to keep the sites or the forum alive. For those people who loves to write, earning will come easy here.

Do you know other ways to make money online? Share them here by leaving a comment:

Hunger Games E-Book Review

2012-05-03T10:22:00.000+08:00

I am so into Hunger Games nowadays and it is not because of the movie. I have just finished reading Book 1 and 2 of the Hunger Games and been spending sleepless nights finishing the Mockingjay (Book 2). I am now clearly a fan of Suzanne Collins. I love the main characters in the book, Katniss Everdeen, Peeta Mellarck, Haymitch and Gale.

The book is nothing like the Twilight or the Harry Potter but since it is another trilogy and also a novel that has been turned into film, I think some people can’t help but compare them. And I can say that between the three, Hunger Games is the best. Harry Potter is very much for children while Twilight is so much for teenagers. On the contrary, Hunger Games is a book that deals with concepts that concerns everyone. It tackles poverty, politics and an oppressive government but also highlights family, friendship and love issues. One thing that I noticed about the book is that Suzanne Collins never mentioned the idea of religion. I noticed that Katniss even if she’s about to die did not utter even a single word of prayer.

Narrated by Katniss character, the book is set in the future when a television show called Hunger Games is staged every year. In this game, the twelve districts would each have one male and one female participant aged between 12-18 years old. The participants on the Hunger Games are called tributes and for 2 weeks, the 24 participants would fight each other to death in a place called the arena. The Hunger Games is a cruel reminder to everyone of the uprising that took place years ago, a war that destroyed District 13 completely.

For a book with a violent or should I say barbaric theme, it shows so much emotions; the love of Katniss for her sister, her special relationship with Gale, her confused feelings towards Peeta and Peeta’s undying love for Katniss. I also think the character of Katniss would be a good role model for young girls – she’s brave, smart, determined and a survivor. I have seen the movie and I think the movie actors (Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson as Peeta) are perfect for the role. I quite have regrets that I did not see the movie in a cinema but on second thought, I don’t think I will appreciate it as much if I haven’t read the book first.

I was able to have a copy of the book because my officemate gave me an e-book of the whole trilogy. To those who wants to have a copy of the Hunger Games e-book, just leave a comment and I will send it to you via email.

Get Beautiful Lawns in a Snap

2012-04-14T05:00:00.001+08:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Scotts® for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

We all have versions of our own dream houses. And in my case, I would love a big house with a blooming garden. Of course that would mean maintaining a great lawn area. Keeping a beautiful garden is not so easy as it can get messy and tiring. Fortunately there is one product that can help make the lawn task a breeze- Scotts® Snap® Spreader System

Alas, I don’t have a garden area in the house where I lived right now so but I know someone who I think would greatly benefit from using this product- my sister in the US. I am talking to my mother via Skype the other day and she mentioned that it is already Spring season in America. She loves the weather and the fresh air. She also told me that my sister requested the services of a gardener the other day to tend their lawn.

The next time we talk, I would suggest to her to give this product a try so she won’t need to hire a gardener again. This product might save her money and might make her feel she has a green thumb as it seems to be so easy to use. The Scotts ® Snap® Spreader System promise to help one achieve a great lawn fast because the system is just snap, lock ago.

I can’t wait to tell my sister about this product. To those who are in the US (or know someone there), you might want to check out this product. Know more about it by checking out the Scotts® Snap® Spreader System and "like" Snap perks on Facebook

Holy Week 2012

2012-04-08T00:30:00.000+08:00

For the Holy Week this year my family is supposed to go to my husband’s hometown in La Union. However, we had to cancel this trip at the last minute because from Sunday afternoon to holy Wednesday, Sophie has a fever that would not go away. We went to the doctor on Monday because we are scared that it might be dengue. Thank God, the complete blood test confirmed it was not.

Even if Sophie is already up and about by Wednesday evening, we opted not to pursue our travel plans because our daughter needs all the rest she ca get. Sophie had lost weight and not her usual active self because she doesn’t want to eat anything during the time she was sick.

As an alternative, we just stayed in our house in Cavite. You see, we mostly stay in my mother’s house in Mandauyong because it is nearer our workplaces. We only get to visit the house and lot we purchased thru Pag-ibig in Cavite on weekends and during long vacations. The house is still a work in progress, but we had furnished it with some furniture and appliances to make our stay comfortable such as sofa, bed, refrigerator, aircon, oven etc. But we have no TV yet! Mu husband is saving up for a LED TV I think which I find expensive.

So our vacation is really simple. We would wake up at around 6-7am, eat breakfast and then we would let Sophie play in the subdivision’s playground. After the morning walk, it is time for me to do some dusting, sweeping and a bit of scrubbing around the house. My husband and daughter would still be outside – my husband cleaning his car while Sophie runs around to alternately disturb us.

Sophie would insist for a play time before lunch and after lunch. Then we would all enjoy an afternoon nap. It was not always easy as Sophie would throw tantrums every now and then.

We basically just bond, watch movies, play video games, cook, talk and eat and eat. I actually enjoyed and did not mind the no TV part as it tends to eat most of our time.

But all in all- there was no stress and no worries - our vacation was great. I spent it with the two most important persons in my life and I got that much needed rest and relaxation.

Easter Sunday Greetings

2012-04-08T00:00:00.000+08:00

May your Easter be blessed with health, longevity, love and a lot of happiness!

Happy Easter!

Cute Panda with a Short Temper

2012-03-28T16:46:00.000+08:00

It is a typical day at the office and I am a little bored. I lack energy as I haven’t had much sleep the night before because I have been watching marathon episodes of Pretty Little Liars. So when an officemate shared me a link of a video, I am not so keen to click it. But thank God I did because it made me laugh so hard, it snap the blues out of my system.

I find the video amusing and really very funny because of the cute panda throwing fits. It is a cute scene but I would never let my daughter watch it. I think the commercial is too violent for young minds and may convey a wrong message.

But just for laughs, I want to share the video here. Watch it and share your thoughts about it:

The Flight Going to the US

2012-03-25T17:20:00.001+08:00

Conclusion of blog post: Journey to US Immigrant Visa

So my mother’s US visa was delivered on Nov 11 (yes it was the 11-11-11 day) last year and my sister was able to schedule a US flight for my mother on Nov. 29. Though we are all expecting that my mother would be traveling to the US before year 2011 ends, you can just imagine how busy we all were in November. First my mother had to figure out where to book a flight for my mom. She first asked me to inquire the schedule and rates of Philippine Airlines. When I called PAL, the schedule they gave me was this: my mom would need to have two stop-overs and in both stops, my mom had to wait for six to twelve hours. My mother is traveling alone so we don’t want her waiting that long.

Then my other sister who is working in Abu Dhabi had to go home (only for a one week visit) because she wants to see my mom before her flight to US. She also wants to personally help my mother pack her things because as an OFW for almost 15 years, she is a pro when it comes to traveling abroad. Then we arranged two small despedidas for my mother. I also had to buy some stuff for my sister in the US.

Back to my mom’s flight, my sister just contacted a travel agency from the Philippines and booked a flight for my mother and then gave me the contact details of the agency. My mom and I went to that travel agency to pay in US dollars and claim the ticket and itinerary.

In this flight, my mom had to travel on a Tuesday morning, around 8 am then by 1:00 she would have a stop over in Narita, Japan where she would only stay for two hours. My sister chose Delta Airlines (formerly Northwest Airlines).

Then the next flight would be from Japan to Detroit, USA which is my mom’s US port of entry. She would only stay there for three hours then she would board a flight going to Baltimore. She was set to arrive in US time at 3pm. But in the PH time, that would be around 4 am.

As my mother is not used to traveling overseas, my sister requested wheelchair assistance for her. Though my sister already specified it in to the travel agency, I still called the airlines a day before the flight to confirm the wheelchair assistance and I also informed them that my mother would need help in filling out immigration forms.

I also did little research and found this short but helpful video for those traveling to US for the first time. I let my mother watched his video several times so she would have an idea what woud happen in the course of her flight.

On the day of the flight, we are all up early and arrived in NAIA three hours before the sched. It surely pays to be early, because as my mom is traveling to US for the first time, she still needs to undergo a PDOS seminar. That got me worried for a while but the airport officer told me that the PDOS formality would only take a few minutes. We had to pay PHp400 for this seminar and I filled out an immigration form for my mom. They also checked in and weighed our baggage. I am nervous about this part because my sister requested many items for her balikbayan box.

We are over the 10 kilo-limit but since the excess is only two kilos, they let it pass. I think an excess of up to 5 kilos is allowed. Then we had to take pictures before saying goodbye and bon voyage to my mom. My brother and pamangkins, husband and daughter were all there.

All throughout the flight, I am praying for my mom’s safety. I love Delta Airlines because they have this flight tracker tool in their website- www.delta.com

I was so relieved when I saw my sister’s facebook status about my mom arriving safely in Baltimore. My mother has been in the US for four months now and though she sometimes complains about boredom as there is barely nothing to do around the house (meaning no chores), she is happy and intends to stay for a year before coming back here for a vacation.

US Visa Finally Arrived!

2012-03-07T22:31:00.000+08:00

In Continuation of: US Embassy Interview for Immigrant Visa

After mailing the documents, we patiently waited. According to what I researched, if the visa officer is still not satisfied with what we submitted, they might call us or we might receive an email with details on the additional requirements. My sister said that if two weeks passed after mailing the docs and we still get no reply, I think I can already call the Embassy for a follow-up.

So I think about two weeks passed and we still get no reply from the Embassy. I am getting worried and was about to call them to make a follow up when finally the much awaited visa arrived!!! It felt like I run for miles and miles and finally I hit the finish line.

I was at work then and my mother called to inform me that a messenger just delivered a big brown envelope from the embassy. I was so excited and happy because I know that it is already the US Visa. I asked my mom to open the package and thank God my mother did not obey me. According to her, there was a big written note that the sealed brown envelope should not be opened.

True enough; the package should only be opened by the visa officer at the US port of entry. We can only get the passport which is outside the sealed envelope.

When we opened the passport, we were all so happy to see the US Visa stamped. I immediately informed my sister that my mom’s passport now a US visa stamped. We felt so triumphant and thankful. So now it’s time to book a flight for my mother.

US Embassy Interview for Immigrant Visa

2012-03-06T06:52:00.001+08:00

In Continuation of Medical Exam for a US Visa: Sputum Test Procedure

We were early at the US Embassy on the day of the scheduled visa interview. I am very nervous because for the first time since the start of this visa application, my mother had to face this alone as only the applicant can go inside the US embassy.

Before the interview, I prepared all the documents my mother would need. I arranged the docs in a folder with several pockets. The documents she would need are categorized in three, the docs she needs to show the guards, to the first window and to the consul officer who will interview her. I also gave my mom ideas on the questions that may be asked. I told her to be calm and honest in all her answers as she just needs to prove her relationship with my sister. I also instructed her that if she wants an interpreter, she should request for it at the first window she will go to.

Many are saying that this interview is going to be easy, sort of like a formality, but we are still nervous. We prepared all the docs specified in the instructions and we also bring some docs that were not specified but may be asked such as remittance slips from my sister, my mother’s passbook etc. Unfortunately, we fail to bring any pictures showing my mom and sister together. It is because all of our old photo albums are in the house where my brother lives. He promised to bring it to us but he failed to do so because of his busy schedule. So we just went to US embassy without it, with the hope that they would not ask for it.

But alas, according to my mom, at least three visa officers requested for a picture. I think it pays to bring old photographs. Thank god they let it pass as my mother just presented copy of remittance slips to prove her constant communication with my sister. Most of the questions of the visa officer were about my sister, her work, her family and how long they had been in the US. After several questions, the consul thanked and congratulated my mom and asked her to go to the last window.

I think I waited for more or less three hours outside the US embassy. When I saw my mother, I immediately asked her for the outcome and she said it was positive. I was so happy, but then my mother is holding a blue form and when I read it, my heart sank.

It was a 221(g) form and according to it, we need to present an NBI clearance with also known as (aka) specifications. My mother’s name start with Maria and even though she spells it with only Ma., some of her docs spells it with the full Maria. So she needs a new NBI clearance with a tagged also known as (aka as) Maria --.

After that, we need to submit the docs and the form to the nearest 2Go branch. We don’t have to pay anything as the 2Go officer already knows what to do with the docs. The visa officer repeatedly said to my mom that she doesn’t need to go back to the US embassy for another interview; they just need to receive the document so I guess that means my mom really passed the interview.

Although I am a bit disappointed, I know we do not have much time so that same day, we went to the NBI satellite office in Mandaluyong to get the NBI clearance. By this time, I am already getting frustrated with this US visa. It was fortunate that as my mom is senior citizen, we don’t have to wait in line and she was accommodated right away. I love senior citizens law!

However, the NBI officer said that we would need to wait for I think 3 weeks before they can issue the clearance because my mother shares a similar name with someone with an estafa case. I panicked because the medical and the US visa would expire in less than 2 months by then. I explained and pleaded that we can’t afford to wait that long because my mother already has a flight schedule to US. I had to lie because I am desperate. I think it worked because they said that the fastest time they can deliver is after 7 working days. I still think that’s a long time but as the NBI officer offered no further help, we decided to take a drastic measure. We had to seek the help of a police officer we know at the City Hall. He is our neighbor and is a friend of my brother. He holds one of the top ranks there so even though I don’t really know him, I know that is not the time to be shy, so we asked for his help.

Guess what, we got the NBI clearance after two days! I immediately went to 2Go branch in Megamall to mail the docs. What happened after mailing the 2GO form– to be continued.

Medical Exam for a US Visa: Sputum Test Procedure

2012-03-02T21:47:00.000+08:00

In Continuation of: Medical Exam at St Lukes Medical Center

For three consecutive days, my mother had to undergo a sputum test. She needs to expel phlegm which they would examine to see if she has active tuberculosis.

For three day, we were at St. Lukes as early as 5:30 am. Before the test, my mom can’t eat or drink anything. She is also not allowed to wear lipstick. The sputum test was a quick process and for three days, my mother got a negative result.

But then the sputum would now be cultured so we have to wait for 60 days. In case we got a call from them before the 60^th day, it means, the culture had developed into something and my mother needs to start treatment right away.

I am so scared for their call because I read somewhere that in case my mother’s sputum proved to be positive, she would need to go to St Lukes everyday for 6 months just get her medicine. That is every single day for 6 months! I first thought it was a joke but they were serious. We prepared for the worst scenario as my sister said that in case my mom’s sputum culture is positive, we would need to rent a place near St Lukes where my mother would live alone for 6 months. That would really make me sad!

Thankfully, two months passed and we got no call from St Lukes. I am the one who called them to ask about the sputum result and they said it was negative. To hear them say that my mother can come to St Lukes for the vaccines and medical certificate made us all so happy.

My mother got the shots for the required vaccines and got the medical certificate. I had to call the US embassy call center to schedule another appointment for a visa interview. They said that our medical exam and the visa will expire in less than 2 months so we need to act fast. Fortunately, I was able to get a visa interview quickly. What happened at the US Visa Interview – to be continued.

My Pesang Isda Recipe

2012-03-01T05:31:00.008+08:00

For almost a month now, I am on leave from work (the reason I would tackle in another blog post). Ideally, the leave is intended for me to rest but as I am already a mother, I can’t afford to just lie in bed all day. I took advantage of this vacation to bond with my daughter and do some of the things I always wanted to do but can’t find the time for it. One of them is to do a lot of cooking. I have tried dishes that I have never cooked before like ginataang alimasag with sitaw and kalabasa, pininyahang manok, adobong galunggong, sinigang na buto-buto, etc. I know they are simple dishes but for someone who doesn’t really cook, I consider cooking those dishes an achievement (lol).

One of the dishes I tried to cook is pesang isda. The pesang isda I know is only a clear soup wih pechay, potatoes and tilapya with onions and pepper. But when I looked it up in the recipe book, there was a tomato sauce needed. The problem is, I don’ have a tomato sauce then. What I saw in my kitchen was a bottle of ketchup and so that’s what I used. My aunt said it tastes great (or maybe she is just hungry) Here is my pesang isda recipe:

Ingredients:

½ kilo tilapia
2 tbsps cooking oil
Garlic and onion
1 small tomato
2 cups water
Salt and pepper to taste
1 bunch of pechay
1 potato
¾ cup ketchup
1 teaspoon sugar

Procedure:

I fried the fish then set it aside.
I put cooking oil in a new pan then sautéed garlic and onion.
I added the tomato.
I then added the water and the ketchup. I let it simmer for five minutes.
I added salt and pepper and the sugar.
After 5 minutes, I put the potatoes and let it cook for 5 minutes.
When the potato is cooked. I added the pechay and the fish then let it cook again for 3 minutes.

Here is a picture. Sorry this is is actually what is left of the dish after we have eaten. I always forget to take a picture of a dish before we eat.

Samsung Galaxy Y Review

2012-02-29T15:45:00.001+08:00

For my birthday this year, my husband gave me a wonderful gift- a new Samsung Galaxy Y GTS-5360 Android phone. It comes with a2GB microSD card, Wall charger, headset, USB cable, warranty and manual.

I appreciate my husband’s thoughtfulness and effort but really my first reaction was how much it cost. Probably because it looks expensive and one of my goals this year is minimizing spending.

Fortunately, this smart phone is one of the affordable ones that are available in the market today. It only costs more or less Php5000. Smartphones are getting cheaper and cheaper and I remember my boss saying that there will come a time when everybody would own a smartphone. I guess it is really time to change my jurassic phone.

I am not a techie person so this is not a real review. I just want to share my experience in using this Samsung phone so far.

I am not sure if all smart phones are like these but I find it hard to connect to the net and download apps. Probably because of the slow connection. It comes with a free micro-sd card and I have tried to transfer some of my fave files from my pc to it. It’s cool too but I can’t transfer the contents of my sd-card to the internal memory of the phone. When I take out the sd card, the files are also gone.

There are also times when the phone would hang but I am assuming that it is common to most smartphones. So far, I think only mp4 files work on this phone as I can’t play some of the movies I’ve added. It has a memo feature where you can stores notes about your day -sort of like a diary. I find it cute. The camera is not so impressive as it is only 2mp. The manual of this phone is also not so helpful but the phone is relatively easy to use.

I just heard that one cool feature of this Samsung phone is its tethering and portable hotspot feature. This means that one can use this phone like a router.One can share internet connection.

To activate the Samsung Galaxy Y hotspot, go to Wireless & network then to Tethering & Portable Hotspot. Then check on Portable Wi-fi hotspot option and Hotspot configuration. At Portable Wi-fi hotspot settings, select Configure Wi-fi hotspot and there you go.

I like the design of Samsung Galaxy Y GTS-5360. It looks expensive too as the many new Samsung phones in the market now looks identical. It is so light and fits nicely in my hand. As this is my first Android and touchscreen phone, I can say that I am satisfied and happy with it.

Samsung GT-S5360 Galaxy Y Specs

Release:Date: October, 2011

Dimensions: 58 x 104 x 11.5 millimetres

Mass: 97.5 grams (battery included)

Software: Environment

Embedded+Operating;System: Google Android 2.3.5

Browse devices running this OS

Microprocessor,+Chipset

CPU:Clock: 833 MHz

Memory,-Storage-capacity

RAM;capacity: 384 MiB

ROM:capacity: 512 MiB (accessible: 160 MiB)

Display

Display-Type: Supported

Display;Diagonal: 3 "

Display+Resolution: 240 x 320

Sound

Microphone(s): mono

Loudspeaker(s): mono

Audio-Output: 3.5mm

Medical Exam at St. Luke's Medical Center Extension Clinic for US Visa

2012-02-27T00:09:00.001+08:00

In continuation of: Journey To a US Immigrant Visa

So we are all so glad to receive an email from the National Visa Center (NVC) that they are satisfied with the documents we submitted. Therefore, we are ready for the next step of visa processing which is the visa interview. However, one requirement in the visa interview is a clear medical exam.

I am not so nervous about it because at 70, my mother is strong and healthy. She doesn’t have any illness and is very cautious of what she eats.

The instruction was that we have to accomplish the medical exam before the scheduled visa interview. We don’t need to set an appointment; we just need to go to St. Luke's Medical Center Extension Clinic (SLMCEC).

So we went to SLMCEC two weeks before the scheduled interview. We were there at around 5 am as we were advised to come early to avoid long lines and for us to finish early. There are already many people waiting outside when we arrived. We had to wait before the guards would let us in which was around 6 am. To allow entry, we need to present the visa interview appointment letter; passport and I think 3 pictures of the required size. We also need to submit a photocopy of the requirements. Once inside, we were given a form to accomplish and wait until our names were called. There was a separate lane for the senior citizens and that is where we submitted our forms and docs. We first had to go to a screening process to see if my mother had complete requirements. One of the things they check is the passport validity. I think the person in that area is quite rude especially to old applicants.

Anyway after that, we need to pay the medical exam fee at the 4^th floor I guess. Sorry I forgot the exact floor but all throughout the medical exam, I think we were able to tour the whole building as there were designated floors for different medical procedures. After paying around 9,800 pesos, my mother had to undergo a physical exam. Everything went well I guess, then she had to undergo a compete blood count. The third step was a thorough physical exam which left my mother quite shocked because she really had to undress and bare it all. Then there is the x-ray.

I thought the medical exam would be finish in one day but we were asked to return the next day for the results and other instructions.

This time, we don’t need to be so early as our entry card indicates a time when the result would be available. I am expecting a clear medical exam so just imagine my disappointment when the nurse said that they saw something white or something blurred in my mothers x-ray. They are not sure if that was a result of my mom moving while the x-ray is being done or it can be a scar. To be sure, my mom needs to undergo a sputum test which will be done for three consecutive days. If the result of the sputum is positive, they would start to give treatment. If it is negative, we would need to wait for two months for the sputum culture result.

Because of this, the visa interview would not push through but we were advised not to call the embassy as they will be the one to inform them of the medical result.

It was devastating because my mother always had a negative x-ray result. We were all sad but we can’t do anything but to comply and wait for the sputum test result.

As consolation, my mother is not the only one who received the bad news. There are many others who also need to undergo a sputum test and some of them are young and look really healthy. To be continued.

Advice for the Brokenhearted

2012-02-24T17:44:00.001+08:00

Year 2012 seems to be a fast year. Before I knew it, the love month, February is soon coming to an end and we are about to greet the month of March in a few days. But before we say goodbye to the love month, let me share this essay that talks about dealing with a broken heart.

Let me say that I am not brokenhearted. I just want to share this because I have been hearing rants from my officemates and friends about love lately. I hope the essay below would somehow help:

Thoughts of a Brokenhearted

Love, like so many things in my life is a changing concept. Lately though, love for me has taken on a horrible spin. All it took was one phone call from a friend who told me my boyfriend has finally decided to leave me for her!

In a moment, my world crushed to pieces. A dark cloud enveloped my whole being.

Suddenly love became nothing but a dangerous game where everybody wins except me. I thought of it as a fraud, which brings momentary happiness, but in truth will just lead one to unbearable suffering.

For quite a long time, I allowed myself to be swallowed by dark emotions. I spent my days in a quandary and my nights in tears. It felt like nothing would ever be the same again. I desperately wanted my life back to normal.

But I struggled to get out of that mess. “No one can hurt me without my consent,” I constantly reminded myself. I surrounded myself with supportive and pleasant people; friends, family, even strangers, anybody who cared. I started joining organizations; concentrate in my studies, I even started a new hobby. I practically did everything that would keep my mind off it. I was willing to try anything and anybody just to hear myself say, “I finally got over it.”

But, everything I've tried relieved me only for a while. The pain remains as real as the air I breathe! I still feel weak. But it's a blessing to finally have the strength to admit that at present, I am not in control of my emotions. Time will heal all these wounds. Just wait, be practical and as time passes by, the pain will go, for pain is the breaking of the shell which encloses our understanding.

Just the other day, I found myself thinking about the four-letter word, hoping to grasp its significance ion my life. It was a fruitless attempt. Love is something I don't need: something I'm better off without and the more I think about it, the more absurd and pathetic it seemed to me.

I closed my eyes and in surrender, I let the word love dominate my thoughts. Gradually, an array of emotions represented by colors formed in my mind. It was a heavenly sight, like a melted, multi flavored icing. There were all sorts of colors imaginable, constantly mixing, hues and tones. Changing every second as it goes round and round; getting wider as it beats and moves to an invisible rhythm that is both soothing and slow. It was easy to be lured by its splendor. But it was a trap. One stare too long and the images haunt your every waking moment. After a while every reason which drawn you to it fades. Its magnificence ceases and all that’s left is making you dizzy and numb. It becomes art in its gruesome form, losing both its essence and style.

I opened my eyes, half torn, and half relieved but smiling, assured by the faith that all is part of the healing process. Recovery, without even exerting any effort will come sooner than I expect, at a time when experiencing it doesn’t matter anymore. It won’t be long till my whole life light up…beauty and happiness in all sorts of shades…

Uno Pizzeria Voucher Review

2012-02-16T00:32:00.000+08:00

Last Saturday, my family ordered take-out food from Uno Pizzeria Resto and Bar at its branch in MOA by the bay. It was my first time to try out this resto and as I’ve been craving for a pizza, I’m excited to try their food. I actually ordered an Uno Pizzeria voucher from Pakyaw.com, another group buying site.

My voucher is valid for a set meal for 3 - 4 people that include 16" Margherita pizza, a pasta, buffalo wings (8pcs) and 1L coke. As it is required, we called for a reservation three days in advance. We specified that we will take out the food at 5pm on the reserved date.

So we arrived at MOA a little past 5. The voucher said they are open from 4:30 pm onwards so we are surprised to see that it was closed when we arrived. We inquired and they invited us in but we had to wait for I think an hour before our food was ready. It was a good thing that we are not in a hurry. I noticed that there was also another customer claiming a voucher and they arrived earlier than we are. I was quite disappointed with that. They should not have accepted a reservation for 5pm when the food will be served at 6pm and the resto is not even open yet. What if we preferred to dine in?

Anyway, when the food arrives, here is how it looks like:

I deleted the buffalo wings pic by accident.

In fairness, the food tastes great. I like their pasta as the ingredients – the shrimps and mushrooms are fresh and tasty, the pasta is al dente. However, I think it would taste even better if it’s not too oily.

Their pizza is huge and tasty too. But I would still pick Shakeys and Pizza Hut pizza anytime. I’ve tasted other pizzas that are tastier. I don’t like the buffalo wings too much but my husband liked it.

One plus factor for Uno Pizzeria is the staff that seems nice and friendly. In conclusion, I wasn’t able to try other foods in their menu and I also don’t know their signature dish but I think Uno Pizzeria is worth a try.

Journey To a US Immigrant Visa

2012-01-24T09:48:00.000+08:00

My sister who is working and living in America for eight years filed a US immigrant visa petition for my mother who is already 70 years old. Well, I have applied for a US tourist visa before so I kind of have an idea that the petition process may not be a walk in the park. But I am also hoping that this one will be fast and easy because of my mother’s age and my sister’s US citizenship. Anyway, I am the one living with my mother so it is my duty to take care of everything that my mother needs for the US petition. Of course, I constantly coordinated and followed the instructions from my sister in the US.

The first thing that my sister told me is to wait for the letter from the National Visa Center (NVC). From the time she said it, I think a month passed before the letter in bulky brown envelope arrived. That first correspondence letter comes with instructions on the form that I need to fill out and the documents I need to submit.

The form can be downloaded online and in the letter there was an instruction that I can submit the form and the documents online. I just need to inform them that I want to communicate with them thru email. I tried that option but the US Embassy replied that email communication with the NVC is not yet available in the Philippines. So I downloaded the forms and filled it out carefully. It was quite scary because I can’t afford to make a mistake. I also prepared the needed documents and then sent the form to my sister in the US thru Fedex. I think I paid more than Php2,000 so the forms will be delivered securely.

My sister will be the one to send the forms to the NVC in US as she also need to fill out some details in the form. Anyway, after sending it to NVC, I think less than two weeks passed before we received a reply from them. We were disappointed because apparently, our forms have some inaccuracies. It was in the date where we need to indicate my mom’s addresses and dates of residence. The US Embassy wants us to list down all the places where my mom stayed for at last six months since she was sixteen. It was stressful on my part my mom transferred to four locations and it’s difficult to list down the exact addresses and date of residence.

I also had difficulty filling out the area where I have to name the parents of my grandmother and grandfather. My mom’s father passed away even before she was born- so I just had to specify that the data is unknown. To make up for our mistake, the NVC requested police clearances from all the cities where my mom resided. The police clearance should indicate my mom’s address and date of residence. That was such a hassle then as I need to take a leave from work so I can accompany my mom to all four different locations and explain to government employees what we exactly need.

Anyway, after two weeks, we were able to complete all the police clearances they want. This time, we need to fill out a new form and my sister and I are very careful as we don’t want them to request new requirements. I prepared two forms. I filled out the first form and I also prepared one blank form. The blank form only contains my mom’s signature. My sister will be the one to complete the blank form; she will only copy the details in the form I filled out. I then went to Fedex to send the forms again.

After a week, we received an email from the NVC. We both felt triumphant because the NVC is satisfied with the requirements we submitted. This new correspondence letter instructs us to go to St. Lukes Center in Manila for my mom’s medical exam. What happened to the Medical Exam at St. Lukes for US Visa--to be continued.

Starting the Year of the Water Dragon Right

2012-01-23T03:43:00.000+08:00

It’s Chinese New Year and my pc clock reads 3:35 am. Yes, I am wide awake at this hour, busy finishing some writing tasks. I woke up at 1:30 am but instead of sleeping again, I decided to complete some work. So I am feeling productive for the last two hours and I see it as a good sign that that year of the water dragon will really bring god luck to my whole family and to everyone.

I am erasing all bad vibes and negative thoughts. I am also saying sorry for all my wrong doings in the past and I promised to stop complaining. I vow to always be thankful for every blessing and to see the best in everyone and in every situation.

Happy Chinese New Year! Kung Hei Fat Choi!

Keep Your Family Healthy for Less: Join Walgreens

2012-01-21T16:00:00.001+08:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Walgreens for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

The saying that health is wealth is so true and should not be ignored. Making sure that the whole family is in good health is the greatest gift a parent can give to his or her children. To stay in tip-top condition, one must eat a balanced diet- filled with fruits and veggies, drink lots of water, daily exercise, enough rest and a simple lifestyle.

To prevent disease, regular medical checkup and taking supplements is a must. Of course, we all know that a visit to the doctor plus all the vaccine shots and prescribed medicine is not really cheap so the wise option is getting an annual membership to something that would give you more value to your money. The Walgreens Prescription Savings Club is highly recommended because they are currently offering a special discount on annual membership.

Imagine for only USD10, your whole family (spouse, children whose age is below 22 years old and even your pets) are covered by Walgreens membership. Individuals can also join for USD5 a year.

Benefits of Walgreens Membership:

Save on more than 8,000 brand-name and all generic medications
Get discounts on flu shots, pet prescriptions, nebulizers and diabetic supplies
Get a bonus when you buy Walgreens brand products and photofinishing services

To show my support to Walgreens, I just hit the Like and Follow button in their Facebook and Twitter pages. Be the first to know about their latest promos by liking Walgreens on Facebook and following Walgreens on Twitter too.

UPCAT Results 2012 Online

2012-01-18T16:42:00.002+08:00

The result of the University of the Philippines College Admission Test (UPCAT) for 2012 is out! I just saw this news item today and got excited so I decided to make a blog post about it.

The news takes me back to the time when I was still a very naïve and clueless 17- year old. I applied for UPCAT just because a number of my high school friends gave me an application form. I remember filling out the application form with care and I remember going to UP Diliman with my high school classmates on the last day of submission for application.

Of course I remember the day of the exam and how my brother accompanied me there and how scared I was in going home alone. And I remember that I find the exam difficult and I am not expecting to pass at all. I just savored the moment and

took the exam just so I can experience it.

And of course I would never forget the day when I receive the bulky letter from UP and was so shocked to read the note that I passed the UPCAT! I was very very happy then as I couldn't believe my luck.

So all in all it felt great to be an UPCAT passer! So to all who are part of UPCAT 2012 list of passers, allow me to say Congratulations!

View the complete 2012 UPCAT Results Online

Lazy Friday (the 13th)

2012-01-13T10:46:00.001+08:00

It’s Friday the 13th and I am feeling lazy at work. Found this beautiful song in Youtube and for some reason, I felt the urge to blog it here. I just hope I can get more work done before this day ends.

Mad World by Gary Jules

All around me are familiar faces

Worn out places

Worn out faces

Bright and early for their daily races

Going nowhere

Their tears are filling up their glasses

No expression

Hide my head, I want to drown my sorrow

No tomorrow

And I find it kind of funny

I find it kind of sad

The dreams in which I'm dying are the best I've ever had

I find it hard to tell you

I find it hard to take

When people run in circles, it's a very, very...

Mad world...

Children waiting for the day they feel good

Happy birthday

When they feel the way that every child should

Sit and listen

Went to school and I was very nervous

No one knew me

Hello teacher, tell me what's my lesson

Look right through me

And I find it kind of funny

I find it kind of sad

The dreams in which I'm dying are the best I've ever had

I find it hard to tell you

I find it hard to take

When people run in circles, it's a very, very...

Mad world...

Enlargen your world...

First Payment from Google Adsense

2012-01-11T00:14:00.000+08:00

Earning money from your blog by using Google Adsense is not easy. In my experience, it requires lots of effort and patience. In fact I find Google Adsense very frustrating at first. When I started blogging, my Google Adsense earnings are actually zero. It was pathetic because I would be thrilled on days when my Adsense earnings would register a 0.1 to 0.10 amount until it dawned on me that it is only equivalent to more or less Php4 pesos.

I actually have given up on Adsense and just focus on blogging for the love of it. Besides, aside from Adsense, there are still many ways to earn from blogging.

Until I discovered niche blogging, SEO and social media and started to create new blogs for experiment. That is when my Adsense earnings started to rise. The amount are not huge but it is great improvement from my previous zero earnings.

And last November is a momentous event for my blogs because finally, I hit the USD100 required amount for payment in Google Adsense. My earnings hit USD100 in November and I was able to withdraw my earnings thru Western Union in December.

It was really nice to earn from doing something you love. I hope to receive my next Google Adsense payment soon.

Teambuilding at Rizal Recreation Center, Laguna

2012-01-07T01:19:00.001+08:00

This is a really really late post. Last October, our company finally had a “real” teambuilding activity. I mentioned the word “real” because for almost six years of being in this company, our teambuilding events are just so so. We would often just go out to do something that our whole group can enjoy. This time, we have a team of facilitators to plan and supervise the activities.

When I first heard that we are going to have a teambuilding, I almost couldn’t believe it. My boss doesn’t like holding office events in far locations and of course it is not in his nature to splurge. Well I guess things have changed and I’m glad it’s for the better. In fairness, our company has grown and improved so much and I am proud that I am somehow a part of that growth.

For a month before the teambuilding, there was a poster in our bulletin board detailing the activities for that 2-day event. The event was handled by the group that conducts Bible study at the office. I don’t want to join but my boss made an offer, I can’t refuse. All who will attend would have a 3-day offset.

Our boss rented a whole bus to take all of us to the venue which is the Rizal Recreation Center in San Pablo, Laguna. We met at the office at around 6 am and it was nice that a hot breakfast is waiting for all of us.

The teambuilding started at the bus where we had a mini-videoke contest, charade and Pinoy Henyo. We are laughing all the way to Laguna. When we arrived at the location, we first deposited our belongings to a hall which is part of the package because the rooms would still be available at 2pm. So from 11-12 am, we had a team bowling competition.

My team won this game. Then we had buffet lunch at the venue’s canteen. The food is great- superlove it. After lunch, we had a big volleyball game and amazing race. The evening was reserved for a teambuilding reflection. We had worship and sharing sessions on the second day.

About Rizal Recreation Center, Laguna

I think this place really caters to companies or groups who wants a retreat or teambuilding activity. I loved the place, it is relaxing and huge.

The rooms where we stayed is good for eight to ten people. It has 4 double-deck beds and a toilet and bath. It Is not air-conditioned, no TV and there is no free towel, shampoo or soap. The bowling area and some of the facilities are not new. But I still like the place, there is an aura of calmness in the place that makes me feel at home. They said that all water in this place including water from the toilet is potable still I dare not drink water from the shower.

The strength of this place is the food (ang sarap!) and their buffet serving is generous. I would love to return to this place just for the food. They say they olny uses organic ingredients, bake their own breads, make their own sugar and grow their own vegetables.

So that’s it- I joined the teambuilding activity at the office and I’m glad I did. I got the break that I need and I got to appreciate my job, my boss and my co-workers more.

It’s More Fun in the Philippines of DOT: Like or Dislike?

2012-01-06T14:03:00.003+08:00

The hashtag #itsmorefuninthePhilippines is trending in Twitter today and I am so amused with all the twitter entries under it.

My officemate informed me this morning that the new slogan the Department of Tourism (DOT) plan to use this year to promote our country is – "It's More Fun in the Philippines." We both found the new DOT slogan not so appealing.

But it is trending both in Yahoo and Twitter today and I am having fun reading twitter posts about it. Some say that it is more fun in the Philippines because it is the only country where there is a gay lingo, the only country where glutathione's are everywhere, and where one can celebrate Christmas in a bikini.

I also read one tweet saying that word "more" in the slogan seems to imply superiority and comparison. For me the slogan seems so common, like I have read or heard it somewhere before. But I am hoping that it would be help in making the job of DOT easier - to make a beautiful image of the Philippines to the rest of the world. How about you? Like it or dislike it?

It's More Fun in the Philippines Website

Hello 2012!

2012-01-03T13:48:00.001+08:00

If it didn't Bring you Joy,

Just Leave it Behind.

Let's Ring in the New Year

With Good Things in Mind.

Let Every Bad Memory Go

That Brought Heartache and Pain.

And let's Turn a New Leaf

With the Smell of New Rain.

Let's Forget Past Mistakes

Making Amends for This Year.

Sending You These Greetings

To Bring you Hope and Cheer

Happy New Year!

Here's hoping for an even better 2012!

My 2011 in a Blog Post

2012-01-03T13:44:00.001+08:00

For me year 2011 did not pass by in a flash. I know it is just me - you know the feeling that it was a slow year. I mean I have been waiting for 2011 to be over since it started. But in that course of waiting- it's amazing how so many things happened. I felt like 2011 is equivalent to 10 years.

Maybe because 2011 had been a year of transitions in my work and in my personal life. I have done so many projects at work – others are successful, some are still in the process of completion and in others I failed.

It was a year of travels and despedida as many family members went abroad. My sister had to go to Abu Dhabi because of a job offer; a cousin who is very close to me went to Japan after passing a scholarship program. And my mother's US immigrant visa finally got approved. In 2011, I felt like I am always saying goodbye to people dear to me and every time, I would feel nostalgic and sad.

It was a year when I had to take care of so many things so I am practically stressed out all the time. But I think it made me more responsible, forced me to be a multi-tasker and help me managed my time well. A year I discovered I can cook, a year I got my first payment from Adsense (yey!) a year I danced in front of the whole office for a Christmas party presentation (really embarrassing!), a year I planned an out of town family outing and it was successful.

In my family, my husband and I learned so many things this year. We learned so much about ourselves, learned how to be a better parent for our daughter Sophie, and how to be a better wife/husband for each other. This post would be a novel if I would go into details but I can say that we are a better person than before. My daughter is growing up so fast and she is my top priority.

It's ironic how during 2011, I kept saying that is not my year but looking back- it was actually a very exciting and fulfilling year. I praise God for all the blessings and guidance he has generously given me and my family.