Cher Cabula's Mindbox

The Delight of Faberge Eggs

noreply@blogger.com (Cher Cabula) — Wed, 30 May 2012 01:37:00 +0000

I was pleasantly surprised when I opened a fresh tab on my browser to search something on Google and I saw that the google doodle today is a tribute to Peter Carl Faberge. Years before if you ask me about his name and his works, I’d say that it doesn’t ring a bell but after having read The Romanov Prophecy by Steve Berry last month, I’m excited to see the Faberge eggs once again. These are Peter Carl Faberge’s legacy to the world.

This is what today’s Google Doodle looks like.

The jeweled eggs crafted by Faberge’s family started out just as jeweled eggs given by the Tsars of Russia to the female members of their family. The tradition was that the Easter eggs be given as gifts. They started out simple but soon, Faberge was given free reign on what the eggs would look like and each year they became more and more intricate. What makes these eggs special are not only their outside appearance but also the surprise that they hold inside.

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Pre-order Samsung Galaxy S3 free with Smart Unli Data Plan 2000

noreply@blogger.com (Cher Cabula) — Wed, 30 May 2012 00:04:00 +0000

I’ve been a very happy Galaxy S2 user for almost a year now. I can still remember the first time I held it in my hands and I was unaccustomed to how thin it was. Now that the Samsung Galaxy S3 is out, I gotta admit the temptation is very high. It still boasts of the same thin body at only 8.6mm, super AMOLED touchscreen on a gorgeous 16M color display. The large screen makes it all the more so pleasing to the eyes.

The Samsung Galaxy S3 phone comes with the latest version of Android which is Ice Cream Sandwich. It’s microSD is upgradeable up to 64GB. It also has an 8MP camera. For techies, the main appeal of this phone is the raw processing power that it has. This makes it ideal for handling apps like HD Video. There’s also no question that it can run almost all the apps in the Play Store. No need to worry that games will lag or that applications would eat up too much resources in the background. To handle such promising long hours of browsing through the Play Store and trying out large download apps, Smart offers the Samsung Galaxy S3 for free on Smart’s Unlimited Data Plan 2000. To date, this phone is vying for one of the top Android smartphones in the world. Wouldn’t you like to experience the Android goodness and power yourself?

To pre-order this phone and to know more about Smart’s postpaid plans, go to www.smart.com.ph/galaxys3 or inquire personally at any Smart store near you.

Secret Catwoman Poster for The Dark Knight Rises

noreply@blogger.com (Cher Cabula) — Tue, 29 May 2012 00:23:00 +0000

I love it when marketing campaigns for certain movies take you more than the usual route of admiring posters and news articles on the web. This particular poster was revealed upon scanning a QR stamp at the previously released posters (I got it from Joblo.com). Catwoman’s fame and infamy is almost at the level of Batman himself. I think she goes up the pedestal along with The Bat and Joker as well.

This particular poster just how formidable a foe (or an ally) she is. The stiletto looks mighty sharp and deadly. It insinuates that she’s about to stomp on The Bat, not just stomp though but fierce. Remember all those trailers where Selina Kyle is doing a slow dance with Bruce Wayne and she mentioned that “a storm is coming”, well looks like she’s in the middle of a ravenous storm here. The Dark Knight Rises will be shown in theaters this coming July.

[CLICK ON THE PHOTO FOR A LARGER VIEW]

The Evil Queen in Snow White and the Huntsman

noreply@blogger.com (Cher Cabula) — Mon, 28 May 2012 00:15:00 +0000

For some, everlasting beauty is all that matters and as we all know…with age, physical beauty soon fades away. Ravenna (Charlize Theron) was abducted as a young child by an evil master. She was on her way to becoming one of the most evil and formidable forces in the kingdom with an eternal beauty as her primary weapon. It was an enchantment given by her mother.

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Trying out Camopic Lite–Free Android App

noreply@blogger.com (Cher Cabula) — Sun, 27 May 2012 17:30:00 +0000

This app caught my eye when I saw the initial description for it, it lets you create secret photos that you can share with your friends. I decided to give it a try. Camopic Lite is available for free at the Play Store for a minimal download of 656Kb.

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Coffee and breakfast from Serye Cafe Filipino

noreply@blogger.com (Cher Cabula) — Sun, 27 May 2012 03:39:00 +0000

Last week, while in the process of doing my car registration, my dad and I swung by Serye Cafe Filipino located at Quezon Circle for a bit of coffee and a bite. From the minute I walked in, I loved the ambiance. The place was big but it had a very cozy ambiance. When we got there, there was even a media forum taking place in the adjoining function room.

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Movie Review: Men in Black 3

noreply@blogger.com (Cher Cabula) — Sun, 27 May 2012 03:10:00 +0000

What makes the Men in Black movies worth watching is the partnership between Agents J & K. Their unique partnership after all saves the world at the end of the day. There are also the aliens and how they’re cleverly disguised among us. All Men in Black movies have a sequence of scenes where they are revealed. They all have unique personalities too. Aside from these, I also look forward to the gadgets and minor celebrity cameos.

In my opinion, the third installment of the Men in Black movie franchise is the best of the bunch. There have been mixed reviews on the movies but I’ve always liked them.
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New Banners for The Dark Knight Rises

noreply@blogger.com (Cher Cabula) — Fri, 25 May 2012 01:11:00 +0000

Lately, the campaign for The Dark Knight Rises has escalated and I’m pleased to bring to you the latest banners released for the movie, as well as some international banners I saw on Comingsoon.net. The banners depict the major characters in the film. Bane is looking pretty sinister and I still can’t believe that Tom Hardy is behind that mask. Anne Hathaway is pretty sultry as Catwoman. Okay guys, get over the banter about her cat suit, let’s see how Anne Hathaway interprets this vixen. Could this really be the end of Batman, hmmm I wonder.

As always, click on the photos for a larger view of the movie banners.

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My Top Cloud Storage Services

noreply@blogger.com (Cher Cabula) — Fri, 25 May 2012 00:49:00 +0000

Gone are the days when you get to keep data on portable storage devices and think that you're home free. What happens when you suddenly lost that precious flash drive or accidentally drop your external hard disk? Uhoh right? Well that's why it's a very good thing that we have cloud storage nowadays and since providers are competing for the best service for consumers, there's actually a lot to choose from. I've personally signed up for five, I figured with that amount of storage space I could have for my files, I don't have to worry about losing anything anymore because I can just access the files on any computer as long as there's an internet connection. However, having that many cloud storage space does require a bit of organization. Here's how I organized mine and a little overview of the subtle differences each cloud storage service has to offer.

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Limited Edition Windows Mouse, Artist Series

noreply@blogger.com (Cher Cabula) — Wed, 23 May 2012 05:50:00 +0000

Last night, I was really annoyed at how my mouse was automatically doing double-clicks each time I press the left mouse button. We've shared good many hours together during work and play and understandably for something that I bought so cheap, it had finally shown signs of wear. I know I have to replace it soon.

Coincidentally, I saw these mice from Microsoft belonging to the Limited Edition Artist Series. As of now, there are many artists who have created wonderful designs for the mice. I narrowed my favorites to two.

Oh Joy's mouse is pretty unique in form, maybe this is why it had caught my eye. I also like the subtle design of stylized flowers and the splash of lime color.

Stina Persson's mouse appeals to the graphic artist in me. The splashes of pink and orange along with the design, fits my personality just right. Creative, diverse, feminine and subtly wild.

Movie Review: The Raven

noreply@blogger.com (Cher Cabula) — Tue, 22 May 2012 16:31:00 +0000

Edgar Allan Poe was an American author and poet who was best known for his short stories that had themes of macabre and mystery. He was believed to be the pioneer for detective stories and was catapulted into fame by his poem, The Raven. He died of mysterious causes. This was the opening scene for the movie, The Raven which stars John Cusack.

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New The Dark Knight Rises Movie Poster Revealed

noreply@blogger.com (Cher Cabula) — Tue, 22 May 2012 04:27:00 +0000

Christian Bale returns to play Bruce Wayne and Batman in The Dark Knight Rises. This is the much anticipated conclusion of the Batman set of movies directed by Christopher Nolan. Now that The Avengers movie had come and gone, The Dark Knight Rises is now the movie awaited by fans worldwide. For me, I can’t wait to see Ann Hathaway as Catwoman in action as well as Joseph Gordon-Levitt as John Blake, whose importance in the film is yet to be revealed. For the meantime, revel in the latest movie poster released for the movie.

[Hi-res photo available when you click on the picture]

Jelly beans!

noreply@blogger.com (Cher Cabula) — Sat, 19 May 2012 00:44:00 +0000

I’m having an intense craving for these sweet treats. Did you know that jelly beans may have taken its origins from the Turkish Delight, a candy made of soft jelly. It wasn’t until William Schrafft in 1861 slowly made his jelly beans popular by sending them as treats to soldiers in the forefronts of the American Civil War that it became known to the American public. Today, these colorful little sugar confections are listed as one of the top movie snacks in the world. Well, as for me, I found these amazing jelly bean photography on Corbis.com, I’m sharing them with you with the intention that you join in my cravings too. :P

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Newsflesh Trilogy Third Book Countdown

noreply@blogger.com (Cher Cabula) — Fri, 18 May 2012 00:16:00 +0000

I’ve never been fond of zombies before, I’ve always thought them to be the least scariest of all the horrific monsters in movies and books. I did a 36o when I got to watch The Walking Dead as a TV series and when I finished reading the book Feed by Mira Grant (read my book review). Since then, I couldn’t get enough of zombie novels. I’m most especially fond of the Newsflesh trilogy by Mira Grant which tells of the story of George and Shaun Mason.

After reading feed, I waited anxiously for the release of the second book in the series, Deadline. I was in the bookstores by the time I got news that it was already out and I finished the book in two days. Now the release of the third book, Blackout is almost here. May 22nd to be precise and with it being too near, I’m getting all excited again. More so when I was shown Fed, an online publication released last May 16th which can be read on Facebook or on Isuu. It’s an alternative ending to Feed and I’ve trying to squeeze in my extra breaks during work to read it. Thanks Druce for the heads-up.

Blackout (Newsflesh Trilogy #3)
by Mira Grant
Rise up while you can. -Georgia Mason
The year was 2014. The year we cured cancer. The year we cured the common cold. And the year the dead started to walk. The year of the Rising.
The year was 2039. The world didn't end when the zombies came, it just got worse. Georgia and Shaun Mason set out on the biggest story of their generation. The uncovered the biggest conspiracy since the Rising and realized that to tell the truth, sacrifices have to be made.
Now, the year is 2041, and the investigation that began with the election of President Ryman is much bigger than anyone had assumed. With too much left to do and not much time left to do it in, the surviving staff of After the End Times must face mad scientists, zombie bears, rogue government agencies-and if there's one thing they know is true in post-zombie America, it's this:
Things can always get worse.

Video for Breath of Life, Music from Snow White and the Huntsman

noreply@blogger.com (Cher Cabula) — Thu, 17 May 2012 04:31:00 +0000

One of the movies I’m excited to see this year is Snow White and the Huntsman. From the trailers I’ve seen, it’s going to be one hell of a fairy-tale retelling. Charlize Theron is one wicked stepmother and I can’t wait to see her be evil on-screen. For the meantime though, here’s the video for Breath of Life sung by Florence + The Machine, one of my favorite music artists.

Florence + The Machine and Snow White and the Huntsman equals win win for me!

Reasons why Coffee Lovers should read On What Grounds

noreply@blogger.com (Cher Cabula) — Thu, 17 May 2012 02:21:00 +0000

Book Review: On What Grounds by Cleo Coyle

When I was reading On What Grounds last week, I couldn't remember what link I pressed that lead me to finding out about the book in the first place. I'm really grateful that I did. It was such a light and interesting read, a break from the serious books I've been reading alongside it. I know it's cliché since the book is part of The Coffeehouse Mysteries but it really is best to be reading this book in a coffeehouse just to be surrounded by the smells of freshly brewed and ground coffee. The book made me crave for a cup of Java the whole time.

On What Grounds is the first book of The Coffeehouse Mysteries by Cleo Coyle. The name is a pseudonym for the husband and wife team-up of Marc Cerasini and Alice Alfonsi. Together they've penned The Coffeehouse Mysteries that is comprised of 10 books in all.

On What Grounds (Coffeehouse Mystery #1)
by Cleo Coyle
Introducing a delightful new series featuring Clare Cosi, manager of the historic Village Blend coffeehouse...
Clare arrives at work to discover the assistant manager dead in the back of the store, coffee grounds strewn everywhere. Two detectives investigate. But when they find no sign of forced entry or foul play, they deem it an accident. Still, Clare is not convinced. And after the police leave, Clare can't help wondering...If this was an act of murder, is she in danger?

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Experience Virtual Tours of a Five Star Luxury Hotel in Manila

noreply@blogger.com (Cher Cabula) — Wed, 16 May 2012 01:08:00 +0000

I was lucky enough to attend the launching of the official website of Sofitel Philippine Plaza, a five star luxury hotel in Manila. In this day and age, there’s no denying that the internet and the use of gadgets has become such an integral part of our daily lives. It’s normal for a person to check for information on the internet first before picking up the phone. This is why it’s very important for businesses especially for Sofitel as a luxury hotel in Manila to keep up with the influence of technology.

The event was hosted by Vince Golangco, the brain behind the wonderful site When in Manila (of which I also contribute articles to) and was attended by a select handful of bloggers. The general mood during the event was relaxed and expectant. Before the official launching, we were served scrumptious food that could easily make one forget his/her diet.
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The Amazing Spiderman on June 29th!

noreply@blogger.com (Cher Cabula) — Mon, 14 May 2012 00:30:00 +0000

Good news for Philippine fans awaiting The Amazing Spiderman movie will get to experience the movie, days ahead from it’s July 4th showing abroad. The movie which stars Andrew Garfield will now be shown on JUNE 19, 2012. Are you ready to see Spiderman battle The Lizard on the big screen? I know I am. The movie also stars Emma Stone, who is the real-life beau of Andrew Garfield. I’m sure we can bet on seeing that chemistry on-screen.

The Amazing Spiderman is the story of Peter Parker (Andrew Garfield) as he struggles being abandoned by his parents as a boy, working through high-school and being burdened with responsibility and a host of new powers when accidentally bitten by a radioactive spider. He comes face to face in a battle with The Lizard (Rhys Ifans).

Opening in Philippine cinemas on June 29th, The Amazing Spiderman is distributed by Columbia Pictures and will be shown in IMAX 3d, Digital 3d and regular theaters.

Tom Hardy as Bane in The Dark Knight Rises

noreply@blogger.com (Cher Cabula) — Mon, 14 May 2012 00:11:00 +0000

With Marvel’s The Avengers is still raking in millions of earnings in the cinemas, the next movie that I can’t wait to see is The Dark Knight Rises. The thrilling conclusion in Christopher Nolan’s Batman movies is close at hand which is slated for a July showing. Let’s take a look at the most prominent villain in The Dark Knight Rises, Bane who will be played by Tom Hardy.

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Book Review: Insurgent by Veronica Roth

noreply@blogger.com (Cher Cabula) — Sun, 13 May 2012 15:01:00 +0000

When Divergent came out last year, Veronica Roth easily became one of the authors to watch out for. They’ve started to compare the book with the success of The Hunger Games series. If that wasn’t a compliment, I don’t know what is. I loved reading Divergent. It didn’t feel like a rip-off from The Hunger Games, Tris as a heroine stood out on her own. So there it goes, I joined the leagues waiting for the day Insurgent will come out.

One choice can transform you—or it can destroy you. But every choice has consequences, and as unrest surges in the factions all around her, Tris Prior must continue trying to save those she loves—and herself—while grappling with haunting questions of grief and forgiveness, identity and loyalty, politics and love.
Tris's initiation day should have been marked by celebration and victory with her chosen faction; instead, the day ended with unspeakable horrors. War now looms as conflict between the factions and their ideologies grows. And in times of war, sides must be chosen, secrets will emerge, and choices will become even more irrevocable—and even more powerful. Transformed by her own decisions but also by haunting grief and guilt, radical new discoveries, and shifting relationships, Tris must fully embrace her Divergence, even if she does not know what she may lose by doing so.

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New Products from Go Nuts Doughnuts

noreply@blogger.com (Cher Cabula) — Sun, 13 May 2012 06:37:00 +0000

Last week, my office-mates and I were snacking on a dozen doughnuts from Go Nuts Donuts. The brand is different from its competitors - Krispy Kreme, Dunkin Donuts and Mister Donut because it’s proudly Pinoy. Go Nuts Donuts is a Philippine brand that tries to incorporate local ingredients in its products.

Go Nuts Donuts aims to set itself apart from competitors further by coming up with new products to add to their already numerous tasty line.

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Fringe is on for a Fifth Season. Yey!

noreply@blogger.com (Cher Cabula) — Sat, 12 May 2012 13:15:00 +0000

This past week has been incredibly stressful for me because I have not finished all the tasks for 2 projects assigned to me and already I’ve been given another project to work on, with a 3-day production period at that. The unexpected fast track project had me sleeping much less than usual and the comfort of de-stressing I resorted to was watching past Fringe episodes while having dinner or before retiring for the night.

Season 4 was a bit rocky and despite having a solid fanbase, Fringe wasn’t raking in that much ratings as Fox would hope it would and I heard rumors that it will be canceled soon. Thankfully, through the efforts of a brilliant production and directing team, the show was able to redeem itself. To much joy of the loyal fans, just before the airing of the Season 4 finale, it was announced that Fringe will be signed on for a 13-episode fifth and final season. The folks at Bad Robot are promising that it will be a proper send off to the story and the characters who have entranced us in the past seasons. They say that it will be an ending “fitting” to the feel and essence of the show. Now I can’t wait for that.

For people who haven’t yet tuned in to a single episode of Fringe or have yet to discover its wonders, allow me to list some of the reasons why I love this show so much.

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Book Review: Envy by Gregg Olsen

noreply@blogger.com (Cher Cabula) — Fri, 11 May 2012 01:58:00 +0000

When I saw the book cover of Envy, I was already intrigued. It was dark and dreary and depicted someone scary in a tub. The girl looks a bit like Sadako from The Ring at first glance. Reading briefly from the synopsis, it looks like there's gonna be some sleuthing involved even if it was a suicide book.

Envy (Empty Coffin #1)
by Gregg Olsen
Crime lives--and dies--in the deceptively picture-perfect town of Port Gamble (aka “Empty Coffin”), Washington. Evil lurks and strange things happen--and 15-year-olds Hayley and Taylor Ryan secretly use their wits and their telepathic “twin-sense” to uncover the truth about the town's victims and culprits.
Envy, the series debut, involves the mysterious death of the twins' old friend, Katelyn. Was it murder? Suicide? An accident? Hayley and Taylor are determined to find out--and as they investigate, they stumble upon a dark truth that is far more disturbing than they ever could have imagined.

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Photographers Unite on May 15

noreply@blogger.com (Cher Cabula) — Fri, 11 May 2012 00:47:00 +0000

A project called Aday will kick off on May 15, 2012 with the primary aim of uniting photographers around the world to take one picture. If you want to join the project, head on over to the site for registration. The project will compile all the photographs submitted on the site on that day and compile it in one source site. The photographs will have 3 categories: home, work and connections.

Movie Review: Dark Shadows

noreply@blogger.com (Cher Cabula) — Thu, 10 May 2012 15:40:00 +0000

Dark Shadows is the new Johnny Depp movie directed by Tim Burton. It's essentially a movie about love that transcends time, revenge and the importance of family. It's also a story about a family that's very unique and like every family, has its share of secrets and skeletons in the closet.

I have several reasons for wanting to see the movie. One is that I get to see Johnny Depp as a vampire and it's another Tim Burton film. His films have always been the ones that I've liked. Lastly, the trailers I've seen of Dark Shadows showed a film that was promising to be entertaining to watch with a nice mix of humor and action sprinkled in.

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