Mga Kwentong ma Alamat

Singer IT Reunion at La Mesa Eco Park

icemanx51@gmail.com — Mon, 09 May 2011 11:58:00 +0000

I told you Singer wasn't just a place of work but also a place to create friendship. I have actually made lots of them and I am thankful for these gifts. Though personally speaking my Singer experiences were not all about a bed of roses. Matter-of-factly, I had parted Singer with grudges in my heart, the only thing that keep me from smiling upon hearing the word Singer are the friends I have made for years.

Nuff said for these! I don't want to go on with my Singer lamentation again, lols.

Last May 07, 2011, we had a Singer IT Reunion attended by those who have worked or been friends with the people of EDP (Electronic Data Processing) Department. See, the antiquity of the term? Yes, Singer was indeed a pioneer when it comes to technology before Internet and Facebook even came into existence, Singer has already established its own electronic data processing. And mind you, Singer was one of the first few companies in the Philippines to have acquired the expensive services of Microsoft SQL Server for its data warehousing.

But ofcourse that is not the topic for this post obviously, lol.

On topic. It's been a Singer tradition that when a former employee is coming back to the Philippines, those who are either based abroad for good or working abroad. One of the activities they had in their itinerary is to set a Singer get-together. Last February, we also had a Singer reunion hosted by a friend who came back from Dubai, I have blogged about it click here and here.

For this reunion, hosted by Ate Ludy who had a month of vacation from Canada wanted a get-together that supposed to be exclusively for IT Department where she worked for nearly 20 years. But later on, the invite was extended to other departments who want to share the fun with the EDP people. But on the last minute call those who have confirmed earlier suddenly had a change of mind so the numbers wasn't that grand.

But nevertheless, we had a whole day of fun and happy that we were reunited once again as we reminisced those years of the final weeks (a period of time where everyone in the company is busy with each task to be able to submit the required report on a designated time).

We have chosen the La Mesa Eco Park as the venue after hearing some nice words from those who have actually experienced first-hand about the place. Although in terms of distance, the place is not quite friendly but setting foot inside is a relief. It's a lovely place, I for one being a typical Sagittarian who always fascinated with nature, pleased as Mother Earth greeted me with gusto and ofcourse not to mention Father Sun who seems want to compete with Mother Earth with the greetings, welcomed us with super gusto, as we were sweating as hell, lol.

After the greetings and the beso-beso (cheek to cheek greetings) right away we started the recollections of memories. And as they were talking about their each life after Singer, the four of us; Ate Yolly, Irene, Chat and I, excused from the group and went climbing on the hill where different flowers like Aurora, Caballero, Calachuci, Marigold and Crotons are at bloom.

And to preserve this very special occasion, it is important that picture taking will not be missed. I think we had gone to every spot that would suggest inviting and worthy to be the background, lols.

See the pictures for the hints, lol.

At four, Eco Park mangement has announced they had to closed, visiting hour is only until four in the afternoon so we vacate the place, pleased with the experience and for the restored camaraderie.

Till next time. For now, I leave you with a puzzle game called "Spot the Difference", lol!

Enjoy.

The hypocrite among us!

icemanx51@gmail.com — Sun, 10 Apr 2011 13:54:00 +0000

The issue about Willie Revillame and the alleged child abuse has gone too far. Social media has played her role well and succeeded in a way. The call went viral prompted advertisers to pull-out ad placement on Willing Willie, ending the tormented Willie to voluntarily suspend his show for two weeks.

The most painful part he was not aware on the crime he was accused. All the while he thought that the March 12 episode was one of the fun-filled episodes of Willing Willie. He was clueless on the crime stoned at him like what went wrong?

I am one of those who actually watched that particular episode, one of those who laughed hilariously like anyone in the audience (including some of TV5 execs) when Jan-jan started gyrating his body as if a midnight dancer at some gay/strip clubs.

Honestly, I cannot find any fault on that segment and I thought the interaction between Willie and Jan-jan was in a good taste that they even ended liking each other.

For crying-out loud, you people who condemned Willie are supposed to be of high intellect as you always brag in your groups like you were the group of people who have excellent grammar and write in impeccable English.

So you mean, geniuses are shallow minded now, oh spare me from being a genius, lol.

NO! Jan-jan was not exploited on that episode and matter-of-factly he gained a two thumbs up reaction and gained praise for the showmanship he has displayed from the studio audience and at home (including me) because despite on the verge or actually crying he still carry his routine flawlessly.

Come on smart-head, just because a boy is crying while dancing in front of a national TV, it doesn’t mean that he is not in agreement of what he is doing. Jan-jan registered a blank face as if wants to cry any moment prior to his dirty dancing, see the kid is a cry baby, lol!

I bet those of the know-it-all-morally-perfect-and-HYPOCRITE individuals who tweeted and joined the group only seen the edited version of Jan-jan's dancing and never even watched a single episode of Willing Willie and the hell of these people to judge someone they do not even know just because they hear something bad about his old reputations?

Hello smart-head where's your brain, people change; the people you may have known from 15 years may not be the same person of today. And Willie is a person who wants to make his ways to be corrected by showing his love to those neglected by our society, oh yes, that include you smart-head and now you are playing saint - you are a humongous filthy hypocrite, shame on you!

And just because Willie has this unusual sense of humour it doesn't mean he has no manners. Willie is a playful person; he would pick anything to make it a laughing matter, not to offend someone but to make things light. That is the way he is, the way he sees life.

It is unfair to accuse him of Child Abuse. I heard some legal experts on this matter, and at first glance they sound convincing but I am not after what is technically right here what matters to me is what is RIGHT and the intention.

Was there an intention to humiliate Jan-jan in his show? NO! He may not be witty enough to have chosen the right words and tackle the situation well but nevertheless there was no intention of humiliation.

And what about those repeated dancing?
Oh you were never happy in your life don't you? Those were an act of affection, a gesture of fondness to the kid, don't you get it? It happens in every family reunion or family gatherings. It is a normal response of a HAPPY person to repeat a thing that amuses them.

A national TV is not an ancestral house to show such act.
You mean, those kids from Goin' Bulilit are spared? Most of the time, kids portray as gays in complete outfit, some of the girls in bras, do you think it is a good example? Did you cry foul on those occasions? Now, shut-up!

The Anti-Child Abuse Law was created to protect children from cruelty, exploitation and endangering a child's life. After the March 12 episode Jan-jan life become a better one, he gets the attention he was longing and with the money he earned, in a way it improves his life. And he was never degraded because he has done such sexy routine. He was actually the most loved kid on TV after that episode.

So do you think, R.A. 7610 is applicable for Jan-jan? Hell, don't give me that technicalities again you stupid smart-head!

On Friday 8 April 2011, in his 25 minutes monologue Willie announced that he decided to take a leave for two weeks. Meaning there will be no live broadcast of Willing Willie for such period. He said he wants to take a rest for a while to weigh things up, especially if it is worth coming back to the show. His only concern is supposed to give hope to our less privilege brothers and now that advertisers are pulling out from the show, he is afraid he cannot accommodate them again the way he treated them before. In the end he promised that he will continue Willing Willie even it will not attract advertisers, he will give his entire salary if needed just to help our poor country men.

He also made mention of individuals who have been actively participating on the campaign against him. Jim Paredes, Lea Salonga, Agot Isidro, Aiza Seguerra, Bianca Gonzales, K Brosas, Mylene Dizon, Tuesday Vargas and Leah Navarro.

I used to respect these people, er I mean except Leah Navarro, I never like her ever since. She talks a lot, sees every fault of the previous administration but look at her now, what good she has done so far for our country now she is with her supported president?

I remember Lea Salonga (I used to call her with Ms, until Friday as a sign of respect) in her "hey days" during her Miss Saigon days. Yeah, Miss Saigon the time when she was not a "has been" lol, she talked about the bad habit of crab mentality but look who is talking now. Right! Thanks we live in democracy, lol!

Jim Paredes what about him, well, I used to visit his blog but I have deleted him on my blog roll after that Friday incident ahaha.

For Bianca, oh this no-good-girl, her opinion don't matter much to me. I remember her when she was inside the Big Brother house, she's kind of sl**ty don't you think, yuk yuk, lol.

By the way speaking of Child Abuse, have you noticed Mutya in some of her episodes while dipping herself in water? On many occasions, her lips and whole body is trembling as a sign of coldness. Do you think it is far better than a child dancing like a stripper, to be called child abuse?

And lastly, I will not buy anything from those advertisers who have been shallow-minded by submitting to the pressure made by those equally shallow minded groups.

Yippeee, I love McDonalds now, haha!

Bilo-bilo: An after meal favorite

icemanx51@gmail.com — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 12:42:00 +0000

I was on my way home from work yesterday when I passed this small eatery at EDSA Boni, it's always a habit to me whenever I'm near the vicinity to have a glimpse on the displayed menu for anything worth craving.

Lo and behold!
I exclaimed as Bilo-bilo greeted me and very inviting.

I remember in my previous work (after Singer) every time we dined at the nearest Mang Pepe, Bilo-bilo will always be in the menu. A truly mouth-watering native Filipino dish and is one of my favorite sweet snacks.

Typically speaking Bilo-bilo is a combination of ripe banana (saba), sweet potato (kamote), jack fruit (langka) and sago as the main ingredients but this varies depending on how creative you are on presenting the dessert.

In Negros we call it Lugaw (imagine my surprise the first time I had the taste of Lugaw here in Manila, it comes with a chicken, lol), but instead of the powdered rice we used the real rice (malagkit) and like the Manila style it consists of different sliced ingredients.

I remember as a kid when my birthday comes mother would always include Lugaw or Bilo-bilo in the menu.

See, I felt home everytime I'm eating Bilo-bilo.

Cooked in coconut milk extract (gata) thus Bilo-bilo also called "Ginataan" in Tagalog with glutinous rice balls, ripe bananas (saba), sweet potatoes (kamote), ube, cassava, jackfruit (langka) and sago making the combination colorful and attractive and is best serve as an afternoon snack or for an after meal.

Bilo-bilo is easy to serve just combine sweet potatoes, ube and cassava in a saucepan with enough water until cooked. Add sago and glutinous rice balls until transparent. Add bananas, langka and coconut milk, wait till it boil and add sugar. When done, pour over coco cream and voila serve it while it's hot.

The only seems hard about making a Bilo-bilo is the making of the glutinous rice balls. Forming those sticky things into a ball is kinda tough but in a way it's also fun. So, without further ado, let's get ready and well doing the Hell Kitchen featuring Bilo-bilo, here's the ingredients.

Ingredients:
2 medium sweet potatoes, diced
1/2 c ube, diced
1/2 c cassava, diced
1/4 c sago, soaked in water
1 c bananas (saba), sliced
1/2 c langka, sliced
3 c coconut milk
3/4 c sugar
1 c coco cream

Now, serve this hot to eight (8) of your love ones.

Medical Uniforms for Men

icemanx51@gmail.com — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 01:58:00 +0000

Gone were the days where medical professionals have to endure wearing the same old bland and boring uniforms over and over again.

Today, medical practitioners can be as fabulous and stylish as they want to be just like any other professions while rendering the needs to their patients without sacrificing professionalism.

Thanks to BlueSkyscrubs.com who for years dedicated to make medical profession an exciting job by re-inventing eye-catching medical uniforms; from scrub tops, scrub bottoms to scrub hats.

The new look is more friendly, inviting and warm to the eyes. And who says fashion is only limited to women? Ofcourse, men also deserves a shot of glamour.

So want to be glamorous while serving in your respective ERs or DRs maybe? Why not try BlueSkyscrubs.com, and start getting your own favourite set of scrubs and other men lab coats, there are various collections of medical uniforms available for men. Grab one of the collections and see for yourself how nurses in uniform look, the BlueSkyscrubs way.

Take a look on the scrubs set for example, the designs are far stylish and savvy compare to the usual scrubs after turning the classic scrub top into a slimming shirt, so that the cut is just long enough to tuck in or wear out, and equipped with a single solid pocket.

While the scrub bottoms are made of soft, wrinkle free fabric with one pocket in the back and a classic white tie in front. That when putting this low-rise scrub pants on will surely make you worthy of a head-turner while at work. These stylish scrub sets uses the classic design elements and are available in multiple color to suits your individual taste.

And oh don’t forget to put your scrub hats too. BlueSkyscrubs.com also offers cool and hip scrub hats available in various collections; the executive, urban and sport collections. So cool, that I want to try it myself and I am not in any way a medical practitioner, for that matter lol.

Executive collection is made of 100% imported European cotton shirting; this premium quality hat is set to give you that polished and executive look. Urban on the other hand offers a trendy pattern, and is perfectly suited for those who want to make a bold statement or in short for the adventurous ones. While the sports collection chooses fabrics that would reflects your inclination on your favorite sport using patterns the like of football, basketball, sailing among others.

So anyone you want to impress at work? Why not start putting your BlueSkyscrubs collection now and let see, how many dates you can get in a week.

25 Years After!

icemanx51@gmail.com — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 14:15:00 +0000

We are still a struggling country.

We may have freed from the slavery of the dictatorship but we are still a slave to poverty. EDSA Revolution was tagged as Pinoys finest moment or in general, man’s finest moment by overthrowing a dictator government in a peaceful way, “street praying”. We were praised by the world with such ingenuity and unique form of rebellion. And now, other countries have actually borrowed the idea by doing the same.
Alright, democracy was restored. What next?

EDSA Revolution has triggered us for a change, to be a humungous brat. Why? Because of that, we are free like we can do anything we want provided in accordance with the law (but most of the time it turned out to be against the law). And that means as well as the politicians, they are free of politicking in politics.

After the re-installment of the new government, politicians were free to go around with different political parties, depending on the degree of the promises, imagine only in the Philippines that every election we have a new Political Party being registered.

How could you trust these people of government when they can’t even loyal to their original party affiliation? No wonder where going backward instead of going onward.

I heard, the honorable Bongbong Marcos, the son of the late dictator (is he a senator now), uh I must have missed it (lol). He said Philippine could be like Singapore by now if the Filipino people let his father run the country.

Seriously, I’m so agree.

It could have been a different story, if we let him maneuver our country. In his days, Philippines is one of the top countries in Asia, second only to Japan, in terms of progress.

But look us now, we are even pulling behind Vietnam. And our President, in his EDSA 25 anniversary address, as usual he does it again, he’s blaming everyone; he blames the Arroyo for taking Philippine money in her terms, he’s blaming the former first lady the imeldific, Madam Imelda Marcos for her shoe collection.

Mr. balding president, why don’t you shut-up and do the job. Work in silence, and let the people impress by your work because seriously, until now you haven’t done anything nice to our country aside from the witch-hunting-power-tripping for those individuals closest to the previous administration.

And until you prove something good for the country, you will far worst to Arroyo when it comes to achievement as president.

Your time is running, show us what you got! Be a president to the Filipino people.

P.S.
By the way, you are not your father!

Revisited: SINGER and Memories, Part II

icemanx51@gmail.com — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 02:54:00 +0000

After the most anticipated reunion organized by my former friends from my previous work, my Facebook has been flooded with Singer memories. The moment I open my account, feeds from various Singer friends showing pictures of familiar faces in different and comical shots showing their favorite smiles ever.

Say cheese!
Oh my God, these people are maniac, lol. I mean these are people who won’t say no to a camera when in focus.
As I have told you in my previous post (of which, by the way happened to be the primer), a friend who in vacation from Dubai, asked us to organize a mini Singer reunion before she flies back to the desert. The reunion was supposed to happen sometime first week of January but due to the hectic schedules left by the aftershock of the holidays, we ended finalizing it on the 20th of February, a day before her flight back to Dubai by the way.

So, last Sunday was the day, Singer friends and foes alike (lol), were one-by-one summoned to Luneta Park. After a series of deliberations wherein suggested venues were presented, Luneta was the unanimous choice. For one, Luneta is accessible to every Pinoy, so the chances of getting lost is inconceivable and beside Luneta is now a decent place to hang around. Gone were the days, where walking in that area is a serious crime, lol. Ofcourse, for violating the code of ethics of the conyos (ahahaha), seriously who really wants to be caught doing the infamous HHWW (Holding Hands While Walking) at Luneta on those days? Hello, I rather cut myself to death than to endure the humiliation from friend’s ahahaha.
The agreed time was supposed to be ten in the morning but being a Filipino, it started at 12NN. Oh by the way, when you say Pinoy/Filipino time (this is for the sake of those outside the Philippines) you always have to add two hours to the designated time, so when a Pinoy friend says, “I’ll see you at eight”, that means she/he wants to see you at ten. But ofcourse sometimes it varies depending on the person but I tell you two hours is a modest estimation.

Now, let’s go back to the topic. I came in at eleven in the morning (see, I told you it varies depending on the person, ahaha). The Punong Bantay aka the Punong Abala (Event Planner) which is Irene was already at the place socializing with other early birds. They must have caught a lot of worms by that time (lol). I was greeted by a shriek as they approached me to say Hi’s and Hello’s with matching how-are-you-nice-to-see-you greetings. Five minutes after my arrival (naks, red carpet eto, lol) another familiar faces came and then another and another. We used the iron-gate as the port-key as one by one disguising themselves as Muggles came sprouting - only to be distracted with a loud shriek every time someone familiar is coming.

The waiting group composed of the younger generation (I was in that group, lol) and the not so young ones; we call them “The Thunder” as in matatanda (the elders’ haha). And we had our ways of greetings, the younger ones preferred the Hi’s and Hello’s while “The Thunder” were shrieking uncontrollably as if they were the only person in the Park, ahaha.
Thirty minutes past twelve our numbers have grown remarkably. The heat of the sun and the shrieking must have been the culprit that someone has called for lunch. As if automatic, they proceeded to the food area and started unpacking packages. There’s a lot of food, cakes, ice-cream, bibingka, cassava cake, lumpia, pansit, chicken adobo and a lot more.

Me, being assigned for the drinks; had to walk to the nearest Savemore (formerly Masagana) because Glorya Ulan was waiting, we were both assigned for the drinks. It was a long walked under the heat of the sun. It’s so tiring that when we’re back my appetite was somehow being shut. Nevertheless, I helped myself with two spoon-full of rice. Ida and Mother (Ate Salv) were actually giving me more foods in my plate and commenting I should eat more.

While eating we started talking about Singer; reminiscing the good old days, how it was a fun part of our lives and how it was become. Ofcourse, while other can’t resist but to open their cameras and start taking pictures.

Ofcourse, precious moment like this must be preserved for eternity. Imagine, Ate Adel came all the way from Pangasinan just to attend the occasion. Ate Leny and Kuya Roland were the last to arrive having come from Nagcarlan, Laguna. Ate Remy as usual was hilarious with her stories, to the joy of everyone. I for one, enjoyed as I listened to her antiquity.

We had a short rest after that sumptuous bouts ofcourse this while exchanging stories of the now and then about each life; the Punong Bantay prepared a game to be joined by everyone. I was called to join the trivia game (by the way all the games were Singer related) of which we were five in the group, unfortunately we lost, ahaha. Well, we were cheated. The Punong Bantay was too obvious siding the other group. I confronted her on our way home as we both taking the same route but she denied it. My thick eyebrows fly high to planet Mars.

We really had good times but like any good stories, it has to end. The sun was about to end her duty for the day and so as our time. One-by-one, each of us bid our goodbyes and heads to our respective home and having brought a happy memories – memories of friendship that will be kept forever.
We were the last batch vacated Luneta, so I came home eight in the evening. Immediately, I opened my Facebook and those who left earlier already uploaded the pictures and tagging everyone who attended. In the group’s wall, Lhina posted a comment how it was fun seeing each other and she calls it the “Real Singer Family” of which I agree.

EPILOGUE
The remaining four years of Singer existence was not a memorable one. People in power were swallowed by corruption and arrogance to the point that every employee has despised Singer.

Revisited: Singer and Memories

icemanx51@gmail.com — Sun, 20 Feb 2011 15:00:00 +0000

I have worked for several companies from Port Area of Manila, going to the Central District of Makati, made my way with a short tenure at Ortigas Business Center and currently at a posh vicinity of Bonifacio Global City where my everyday routine’s greeted by my face and other faces who wants to fit in in a cubicle of up and down as I enter the elevator to make my way up at the 18th floor where I have to spend an eight hours of work and without a Facebook. An agony if you ask me. I’m not getting use to a strict environment.

That’s why I’m still longing the warmth and inviting ambiance of Singer, my first ever job.

And speaking of Singer, we had a planned Singer reunion after its demise and today is the day. I woke up early as four in the morning because I had a sudden headache and my body was in pain, and I had developed a stiff-neck. I haven’t done anything the previous night so I asked myself, what with these? It’s really painful that I had to get up and find for a pain reliever but I couldn't find one, so I just closed my eyes enduring the pain.

With my Singer friends
I must have slept that at ten I woke up and without the headache, wow good riddance. After half an hour I’m ready to go, I’m excited I have to see old friends. I always wanted to see Mother (Ate Salve), Bali, Ida, Ate Yolly, Ate Remy and some of the nice people of Accounting.

The sun is at her element, she’s killing everyone, lol. I mean, it’s a very hot day, obviously summer has come. I have taken the Harrison/Kalaw/Luneta route and dropped at the BIG LETTER that says Rizal Park. There was a Magnolia ice cream vendor and I was craving for an ice stick, so I approached him and look for the Melon flavored Popsicle. I was already biting the ice stick when I asked him how much the Popsicle cost. He replied with Php30, I almost dropped the ice candy with a gesture of “what”? It only cost Php14 at the nearest store in my neighborhood. But I am not in the mood to go warring with anyone at that time so I handed him the Php30 and entered Luneta Park.

It’s a long walk going to the part of the park where the heroism of Rizal was re-enacted; it would be the place where the reunion will be held. Familiar faces greeted me as I enter that part of the Place. We exchanges Hi’s and Hello’s as we were waiting for others. From time to time we were shouting as a sign of greetings as some familiar faces sprouting the area, coming in.

It’s no doubt a gesture of Singer that we had known for so long. It has been a fun day; we get reconnected and sharing stories of the past of course the Singer way. Everyone is happy seeing each other. I must say that most have not aged, despite the ten years of not seeing each other.

We were flooded with food as everyone is bringing as they come. Again it’s very Singer. We shared the food as we sharing memories and of course the highlights of every events. Taking picture. I am not fond of picture taking simply because I am not photogenic, lol. I look better in person (lol) than in picture, you know ahahaha.

So, as to excuse myself from the horror of the flashing light of the camera (haha), again, I have to babysit my godson. I think we have developed a connection that he loves to play with me. Every time I am out of his sight he would scream, with “Where’s ninong? Matter-of-fact sometimes he would deny his mommie in favor of me, ahaha. I had two godsons on that occasion.

One is Joshua, I remember on his baptismal his Daddy was missing because he fetched me over in my home as I don’t know the place going to the church and we were stuck with traffic. The ceremony was scheduled at 10A.M. but we were able to get there at 1PM where the ceremony was already finished. I was so embarrassed, because it’s was my fault he was unable to attend to his son’s christening. But it was him, who insisted to fetch me, still it was my fault. Now, Joshua has grown to be an intelligent kid. He is a whiz kid and always bagged first prize in any competitions his in. The last title he earned was the Science Quiz Bee grand champion. Everyone in his family is proud of him and ofcourse his Ninong.

Now, as I am babysitting my other godson, he came and played with us. From time to time he would open his camera and focus the lens to where I was located. He was taking picture of me waaah. I just ignored him; he was doing that for several times. Until, I stopped pretending and grinning addressing to him what was he doing? He just grinned in return and deposited his camera and continued playing with us again.

It was a fun day and a memorable one. Singer may have died but the people who have experienced his love will always be grateful; for the good times, fun memories and the love it shared among its employee.

After, that day we went home with a happy smile and as we parted our ways we have agreed for another Singer reunion.

Until then.

Thanks, Singer for the friendship.

Redemption - It is never too late!

icemanx51@gmail.com — Sun, 13 Feb 2011 12:58:00 +0000

Saturday, and I woke up very early despite lack of sleep, I had a rough day prior to that one. Still, I need to go to work; we are required for a half-day work on Saturdays.

I had a report to finish before 12NN, so my focus was on my work and thanks goodness by 11:30 I was already emailing the report to my boss.

The moment, I received the “successfully sent” message; immediately I packed up my things, and deposited my laptop in its case. I need to go home, I need some rest, my head was painfully aching the whole morning.

I got home and proceeded straight to my bed without changing my clothes and with nothing on my stomach.

At two, I woke up.

I still had the food from the previous night which it turned out to be “eatable”, lol. After eating, I turned my TV sets on and I thought all the programs were boring so I decided to go out.

I want to buy a book, I had read some parts of Jessica Zafra, 8 ½ book and as usual it was fun reading her Twisted series. It’s about the new technology, from social networking to blogging to laptops and the like. I wasn’t able to buy the book last weekend because as I have told you in my previous post, I only have enough money to get me home, so I wasn’t expecting any expenses that would come my way on that day, lol. I even had to babysit for an excruciating and tiring three hours to my godson simply because I cannot buy him the beyblade that he wants, haha.

So, I went back to National Book Store and look for the copy. I was disgusted, I cannot find one, and even the opened one I had read last weekend, probably someone was reading that torn copy by that time.

Instead, I scanned other titles in that particular shelf. One title caught my eyes. The front cover was in black and with a “Parental Advisory” label. A grin on my face registered, I always love reading contents with “Parental Advisory”. It gives me the idea that I am actually reading the real story and not fictional. That's why I love vertigo stories, I mean we are leaving in a world where everyone is sinning even those we thought are not capable of!

Then, I turned to its back cover, ayayay, it’s in pink – so cute, ahaha. The, title of the book is “the chronicles of e”, it was originally an online journal of a person, in a blog format and due to its popularity and of its unique content, caught the eyes of the people from the publishing world and encouraged the author if they can make his work into a book, hence, I am now reading the book.

It’s a confession of a drug addict turned prostitutes turned bisexual; and after diagnosed as HIV+ returned home as a prodigal son. In his story he talks about his life as a drug addict, who were with him when in pot sessions and it is very disturbing that they have a priest member in their clan, and other respected professions and individuals who make drug addiction and sex as part of their leisure routine.

His story is very inspiring, especially for those who seek for redemption or wants a second chance.

In a way, I am like him, not that I am a prostitute or a drug addict but the way he submits on some occasions during his down and failure on how he would talk to God, how he would pray so hard to the Lord, to make his prayers be heard. Yet, it seems that God just loved to ignore him and that finally he stops asking God for any favor and instead thanking him for whatever blessings he receives.

In my lowest time, I felt the same way to the point that I am questioning Him, of how He was so unfair with me and that it seems He’s happy seeing me when I’m in pain, in agony. Why can’t He gave me what is due for me, those that I have worked for, I am not asking anything that is not for me. I hate him for so many times that I stopped praying or even stopped believing.

I have read every pages of the Bible to be somehow enlightened but instead it only made me to conclude that Bible is a harsh book and full of authority unless you want to dig your deeper heart, Bible won’t motivate you in any way. Then, I look to the people who made Bible as the start and the end of their day and truth-of-the-matter these were the worst people I have ever seen, in terms of what they do towards others. In short, I can’t find the answer.

I go to church not because I want to ask something from Him or even asked for forgiveness but I just want to hear the songs played during the mass. I feel calm every time, I’m hearing those angelic melodies with angelic voices, I’m at bliss. I started reading books that would make me worthy to be called heretics. The 12th Planet, Chariots of the Gods? And some bold titles that would insinuate that Aliens are the one our forefathers worshipped.

But, after reading E’s story, I realized how lame my experiences compared to him. I mean he was given by his parents to his evil Aunt’s when he was a kid. While in my case, I have a loving family who despite my blacksheep persona, they never ceased from loving and shower me with that unconditional love. He was a drug addict and to top it all he traded his body in spite of the pain he would encounter just to survive for his addiction and for his life in general. While, I’m only addicted to comicbooks and chocolates (lol) and I don’t have to trade my body (of course, no one in their right mind would ever want too, lol) to earn a living.

Then, when he thought everything is falling against him, he realizes that he still has his family. He went back home, changed his ways and promised he will be a new person from that on.

The moral of the story, is that there is no such thing as late when seeking redemption and to follow the path of righteousness, despite gone through hell for most of your life.

I'm so tired, I give up!

icemanx51@gmail.com — Sun, 06 Feb 2011 15:35:00 +0000

LOL!

My officemates from my previous work have arranged an impromptu get together prior to the planned Singer Employees mini reunion that would be happening come the 20^th of this month. During the holidays some of them have taken their vacation back home and part of their itinerary would be seeing friends from their former friends from work, that's Singer.

To a Singer employee, that is a Singer legacy not just the first ever sewing machine invented as what everyone has perceived. Singer was not just a place of work but a second home. Most of its previous employees would resign because they were petitioned by their family or they have to work abroad while others due to its retirements, most of them have rendered more than 20 years of happily serving the company, by the way.
It was only in Singer that you can find a previous employee who despite traveled the globe when they have a chance to visit home they cannot forget to bring pasalubong, chocolates would always be the generic items that would be distributed equally to all the employees even it would mean a combination of any two bite sizes of Kisses, Snickers, Mars or Babyruth.

Until some four years ago, a new management was installed. Manned by a Srilankan who resembles to a growling ape (I'm sorry, Srilankan I just happen to hate this man, I like you matter-of-factly, except him, lol). He was the kind of boss who everyone won't want seeing him (imagine the movie – The Devils wears Prada). He was the worst person this earth have ever walked.

And while it is true that I despise Singer, that's because of the mismanagement by the power monger and money hungry individuals. The truth of the matter, Singer would always be a family to me. With Singer, I have made friends not just friends but bestfriends.

I am one of those infamous employees, Singer has employed yet they never deprived me of the friendship. Despite of my hard-to-please attitude, lols, surprisingly I am friends to most of them. I have made quite of godsons and god-daughters mostly because their parents were a friend from Singer. Singer may have gone but to its previous employee, the friendship still lives on, thanks to Facebook, we can say "Hi and Hello" regardless of what continent we are in.

Now, as you can see – this is not what my title suggests. So, let's start the real topic, lol. Because we want a venue that would be accessible to anyone, we have trimmed down the options and unanimously agreed to hold the reunion at the Rizal Park, Luneta as they popularly call it.

It was my first time to actually explore Luneta in its nakedness. Previously, Luneta's credibility was always links to be a "Jologs" place that home to pickpockets, snatchers and robbers. Now, Luneta is a picture of class with lots of fun in it. It's clean, the area is well maintained and with security guards visibility, a sight that would make you safe in a way.

Aside from the classic statue of Dr. Jose Rizal, another eye-catching figure would be the enormous stone figure of Lapu-lapu facing our national hero, it's really a big one. The statue looks like, Machete; imagine the horror if you happen to be in the area at midnight and all of a sudden the figurine comes to life, ayayay, lol.

And who would ever want to miss the famous dancing fountain that changes its rhythm according to the melody of the song being played. This one is a big hit, the moment it start dancing people around would start running to the closed fence that surrounds the area just to make a closer looks to the giggling waters. I myself can't help moving my body as Lady Gaga's Bad Romance was playing while shots of water accompanied by red lights would splash up to the air in rhythmic with the song.

No again, this doesn't suggest about the title, eh?

Here's it is, lol.

Prior to going to Luneta we had made SM Manila to be the rendezvous. And one of my friends, whom I have made his son my godson, came. The last time, I seen him was on his first birthday. I gave him a small motorbike, I didn't knew he grows up to be a foreigner, lol. Yes, a foreigner that's because he do not speak local, I mean he's English speaking. Uh, you really are so "totyal", I told her mother. Why, didn't you give me a hint, I wasn't prepared. In short I had a nose-bleeding experience - haha.

Now after seeing me he immediately asked me to buy him a toy and drag me to a toy store, "whoah wait". I only have enough money to keep me from going home because I thought we're just going to see the place. And my godson, started to hand me the toys of his choice, "Oh my God", it cost, Php 1,279, Pphp 499 and Php299. I was relieved by the last one but he was crying because he wants all. Good riddance, his Mommie come to the rescue and tell him where off to go. We left the toy store without the toys and he's crying "I give up", "I give up".

With my godson and his older brother
When we reached Luneta we were in good terms and he started to drag me around the place. I have suddenly enrolled to "How to Babysit in 3 Hours". I become the instant babysitter. We have roamed every part of Luneta where the Heroism of Rizal was re-enacted.

Fifteen minutes before six a loud voice was heard, thanking everyone for the patronage and that section of the Park will closed at exactly six.

I was relieved and shouted.

"I'm so tired! I give up!

Resulted them to laugh hilariously.

Neil Gaiman: ETERNALS

icemanx51@gmail.com — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 15:29:00 +0000

Mark Curry is a medical student working as intern in an inner city hospital. And aside from rendering 36-straight hours on duty and having some strange dreams at times, that somewhat talks about his past life, Mark Curry is after all lives a pretty normal life. He got a girlfriend who loves cat and he's favorite partner when at work is the double giant vanilla mocha latte.

Well, until a charismatic tall blond man named Ike Harris keep following and appearing before him telling stories that he is not human like him and that they are called Eternals, immortal and possesses power beyond any human can imagine.

Eternals, was created by "The King" himself, comic superstar, the legend Jack Kirby after returning to Marvel from an expired contract with DC, back in 1975. Kirby was always fascinated with aliens' stories - and his curiosity about the origin of man and his mythologies, what if the aliens were the first inhabitant of the planet and that they were the gods worship by ancient people and after reading Erich von Daniken bestselling book, Chariots of the Gods? He was convinced to do his own alien story.

He presented the story at Marvel's House of Ideas. The story would be about aliens visited earth in distant past and influencing ancient cultures including the Mayans.

It's about an alien race known as the Celestial who during the early days of life, about one million years ago came to earth to weigh and measures life as it was developing. They experimented on the humanoids and resulted to the creation of Eternal and Deviant.

Eternals were given superior genetics, imbrued with cosmic energies that took centuries to master. On the other hand, the Deviant were formed with unstable genetic code which caused them to mutate over the years.

Eternals cannot die, they were unkillable and they do not breed, there were only 200 of them that walk the earth but only few were identified. Unlike the Deviant who can breed, and in their quest to dominate the world, resulted to increasing its number with each having a unique genetic code.

The Eternal first came out in 1976 and continued for nineteen issues including an annual. But after Kirby's ran of Eternal no one dares to continue the story of this bunch of the most left-out characters in Marvel universe. Perhaps afraid they cannot set the standard of what the King have started or simply not enough reference to the story that it might turned out to be a dull one.

But in 2006 the House of Ideas challenged Neil Gaiman to relieve the glory that was due for the Eternals and Neil accepted it.

Neil Gaiman's story although modern in its way still conforms to what they called the Kirbyish way of presenting the story. Character driven, a very Neil Gaiman yet it embodies Kirby's vision. It seamlessly manages to integrate the past of the characters. It begins on a personal level being a medical doctor who thinks he's no doubt human is being told by someone who a bit more than human that they're both immortals.

Eventually the doctor and the rest of the Eternals start to remember their real past. And in their desire to unfold the mystery of their lost memories they stumble across an even greater danger to Earth.

The story is great that even Mama and Papa would recommend this book to their children and not to mention the classic rendition of John Romita, Jr. This one simply one amongst his best creation.

How about you have you read this book yet? Oh you should grab your own copy, this is classic, I tell you.

X-MEN #1: Curse of the Mutants, Part 1

icemanx51@gmail.com — Mon, 03 Jan 2011 15:59:00 +0000

From Marvel's House of Ideas, Curse of the Mutants is a cross-over story arc that will include titles the like of Blade, Namor: The first Mutants, the dedicated title for mutants greatest thieves Storm & Gambit and of course the X-MEN among others.

Now let's talk about my favorite legion of all time, the Uncanny X-Men. New York is no longer home to our favorite costumed heroes, the outlaw group called the X-Men and now relocating themselves to the City by the Bay.

Settling in San Francisco is never the same again and things have been rough on the X-Men. They have endured the life under the dark reign of Norman Osborne and not to mention a near-genocide at the hands of Bastion.

But it seems a new day has finally arrived for the X-Men after braving their worst months ever with the strong leadership of Cyclops, the X-MEN finally settled off the coast of San Francisco called UTOPIA, an island home to the X-Men.

It looks like the X-Men may finally find peace.

And when they thought a new day has come, think again because the dawn of something bloody is about to arrive. Did I just say bloody?

Hint! Dracula.

San Francisco is infested with suicide bombers whose splattered blood carries a virus that would make infected person to become a blood thirsty blood sucking creatures called the vampires. This is a move to increase their numbers as they want to take over the world. And here's the exciting part, the suicide bombers are targeting Jubilee who now powerless and in the comfort of the X-Men.

Written by Victor Gischler and penciled by Paco Medina. It's my first time reading Gischler work and I love it this instant, the choice of words are clever but not boring. Ofcourse he was the brain of the highly rated Deadpool: Merc with a Mouth. But I'm not really a Deadpool fan so I missed that title and Paco's art is hip and cool plus Warren is back flying, the only thing I hate about because Iceman and Beast are both missing. I lost track keeping up with the X-Men for a longest of time, waaah.

Next issue Vampires versus the X-MEN!

Trese: Mass Murders

icemanx51@gmail.com — Sun, 02 Jan 2011 17:45:00 +0000

Whoah! Wicked…

Reading the first copy of Trese was hard to ignore The Kambal aside from agent Alexandra Trese, ofcourse. I mean these two shared most of the funny moments in Trese's breath-taking escapades with the underworld and my ever favorite line goes like this,"Gago, a Higante can't fit in the banyo" (while investigating the death of some of the members of the Black Knight, re: Trese, Murder on Balete Drive ).

And with the third book, I have found out how this bunch became part of the picture – cool if you ask me. Budjette Tan has his own way to surprise his readers. And my best bet is that Basilio is the one wearing the smiling mask, the frowning one could be Crispin(?) uh oh, the book obviously wants another surprises that the other Kambal wasn't named. And it couldn't be Sisa, for sure lol.

The last five chapters that starts from chapter nine down to the chapter thirteen (Trese) is not typical the other two books were presented on which each chapter has a new story/plot. Here in the last installment, every chapter is a continuation of the previous.

The story showing Alex in her early days and how she would be destined; like how her birth was prophesied as the one to fulfill a great undertakings to be the chosen one (Harry Potter?) as the ultimate force to the Underworld being the sixth offspring (sounds like horcruxes, eh) to the famous Trese clan.

On her 18^th birthday, she was summoned by her Lolo (Grandfather) for a test to determine her capabilities if she's worthy of the title as being the chosen one (ang takda, Lia?). She was presented with gifts, Cloak of Takipsilim (twilight) - cloak of invisibility ba ito lol. The Sinag (ray of light or simply the light) – wow, deluminator ni Ron? It's actually a silver knife. And the third gift is a pouch (beadle bag ni Hermione naman, eto haha – laugh trip) containing all her gifts that composed mainly of agimats (magic charms) to be used in her journey as she takes a simulation exam on Teach Yourself to become the Ultimate god of the Underworld in 24 Hours by Sams, with CD inside, lol.

Now, I don't want to go spoiling you just in case you might want to purchase the book yourself. All, I can really say, is wicked believe me.

Grab your copy now.

Bob Ong: Mga Kaibigan ni Mama Susan

icemanx51@gmail.com — Thu, 23 Dec 2010 18:54:00 +0000

What a story!

He never fails to surprise his readers every time his new book is out, this despite the use of mediocre words. Simple, no sugar-coating and yet it would penetrate into your deepest heart. Why? It's because these simple words reflects reality - the real world. A pure reflection on how we frequently used these words in our everyday lives.

I finally got my own copy of Bob Ong's Mga Kaibigan ni Mama Susan. At first glance of the book, it really signifies creepiness. The cover design was in velvet underneath a hand written Latin text that looks like Bunny usually utters in The Vampires Diary when she's into some enchantment. And unless you take a closer look on the title, it is hardly readable.

I actually asked the ushers at National Bookstore where's the new book of Bob Ong, and actually asked her where I can find the Mga Kaibigan ni Aling Nena. The ushers grins at me at said, "Sir, I think what you mean is Mga Kaibigan ni Mama Susan". I blushed and suddenly resembled to Rudolf that instant, lol. I just play it cool while smiling back at her, trying to hide my embarrassment – "Oh, yeah that exactly what I am looking for" as she handed me the book.

It's the craziest book I have ever read. I couldn't imagine a simple journal could have blown my senses away. Reading MKnMS (whoah, it's close to MKmA, lol) is like reading Dan's Brown, Angels & Demon (you know technology and faith) and at the same time watching movies like Harry Potter & The Blair Witch Project (I won't tell you why, go get your own copy, lol).

Reading the first half of the book is like reading a diary of a teen-age kid. I was actually started asking myself, "whoah this is what I have waited for?". Although funny and candid lines were already evident, a very Bob Ong's trade marks by the way. The heart-beating scene is what awaits you in the latter part of the book where twisted story was finally laid.

Grab your own copy now, and see it for yourself, why I call it twisted.

Aargh, pakshit, lol!

I am Casper, the friendly ghost: Who are you?

icemanx51@gmail.com — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 03:05:00 +0000

An invasion of our favorite childhood cartoon character has been flooding Facebook for days. Heroes and villains of different imaginary planes showed up and united for one cause (blimey, it reminds me of the Onslaught SAGA where heroes and villains alike had to fight in unison to preserve their rightful place – the earth from the threat posed by Big O, Xavier/Magneto –lol) to raise awareness about child abuse and neglect.

This internet meme to change Facebook profile pictures into your favorite cartoon character has been spreading like wildfire that caught the attention of various groups including the powerful news media.

Of course not without criticism despite promoting a good cause, some claimed that the meme is a hoax because the idea was a hi-jack from a group of women who promote awareness about breast cancer that originally initiated asking to change Facebook profile in support of their campaign which was first posted and written in Greek and that there's no significant date in December that celebrates about advocacy to stop child abuse.

Yesterday while blog surfing, I read an article about this Facebook meme and that according to the post the initiative of the campaign was allegedly came from a group of pedophiles who in order for them to have a successful friends request from younger users they used cartoon figures as their profile picture as it is more appealing therefore there's a good chance of being accepted.

I am one of those who actually changed my profile picture into a cartoon hero for one; it's about advocating a cause and I always have this inclination towards promoting equal-rights (ever wonder why my favorite comicbook is X-Men? Oh yeah mutant/human co-existence) because I feel, it is unfair to treat these kids being battered and neglected while others are freely and happily playing with their friends. Second a friend posted it first to his wall, so basically speaking it's his fault, lol.

Originally I changed it to Iceman because it's my favorite cartoon hero of all time (yeah, I swear it's not Peter Parker, lol). I have actually Binged the coolest Iceman picture on the net but after realizing that the campaign is about raising awareness to stop child abuse, I immediately changed it to Casper, which is more friendly and oh he's so cute, I'm loving it, haha and besides, Casper looks like the kiddie version of Iceman, remember the Mojoverse? Not that Iceman is violent but you see fighting with the Apocalypse, Magneto, Sinister, et al, I think is not a kid friendly stuff, lol. Okay, 'nuff said.

Now let's go back to the meme, while it is true that changing our Facebook profile to our favorite cartoon hero won’t help save those battered children or creates healthy child development. But you see, the fact that this campaign created a buzz that even broadsheet, TV and other media are talking about. For sure we have sent enough messages that child abuse is un-acceptable to this society. One way or another I'm sure the meme help saves one child maybe two or more from battery.

By changing our profile picture to a cartoon character is like wearing red ribbon to help stop the spread of AIDS or purple ribbon to stop domestic violence or to make it more local, it is simply like wearing a yellow ribbon in support of the Aquino's.

I am not ashamed I have changed my picture profile and supported the campaign.

The Dreadly Shallow

icemanx51@gmail.com — Sun, 28 Nov 2010 14:00:00 +0000

As birthday present, I promised myself for a Harry Potter movie. This after I heard from a friend how great the movie was, she actually acquired an advance ticket so she's one of those who first witness this phenomenon – a movie that would make history by breaking any box office record of all time. So, eager to see what it's like, today I decided to see it myself.

I had a brow-raising experience from the beginning to the end of the movie. It's not what I have expected for a finale story. The movie was way too tamed and boring if you ask me, well I think, same goes to the thousand others who religiously follow the books.

I mean, can you imagine my shocked when all of a sudden Harry had to ask Hermione to dance on a Christmas Eve while Ron is away? Or when Dobby and Kreacher appeared side-by-side with each other at the Malfoy Manor? And Griphook was held captive at the same time as Luna Lovegood and Mr. Ollivander, what happened to Dean Thomas? And that Harry forgot to disguise himself at Fleur and Bill's wedding and when they visit the Godric Hollows?

I was imagining Fenrir Greyback to be like Sabretooth of the X-Men being a savage and gruesome wolf himself but it turned out that he looks more like of Dorian Grey or that of an immortal vampire. He was actually looks younger than Lupin to think that it was him who made Remus a wolf when a young boy. Same goes to Xenophilus Lovegood, I thought he would be more like of the older version of Alfalfa, lol – something nerdy and oddly but it only the clothes his wearing that looks odds to me lol.

And what's with that Ron-Hermione-Harry thing? Ron for sure won't get jealous on Harry even if he sleeps side-by-side with Granger.

Though I love that chasing scene with Hagrid and Harry in a motorbike, oh very muggle I love it and not to forget the beadle bag of hermoine, lol. And ofcourse the cliffhanger, where Voldemort have taken the Elder Wand at Dumbledore's tomb, that's was clever.

For sure it will give excitement to its millions of fans though after seeing the actual movie disappointment will soon follow haha.

How about you, do you like the movie version?

My Birthday and Pretending to be Happy!

icemanx51@gmail.com — Sat, 27 Nov 2010 17:28:00 +0000

Looking back at the person that I was years ago, for those sleepless nights I have spent planning for a perfect, future me. For those whole lots of dreams I have dreamt for myself, trying to produce a better me.

And yet what have I become despite those re-assessment years after years was a complicated life, it wasn’t perfect, not even close to beautiful or atleast to a simple one.

Once I had isolated myself from certain people close to me and start doing things in my own because I thought these people were stopping me from doing things that I want and I thought the only way to continue what I love doing is to liberate myself from them.

And then I realize these people whom I put barriers with were always the first one to be there for me when I reached my lowest, darkest and most-confusing crossroads. I know I'm such a fool to think that way. My family may not be the best cheerleaders that I want to be but they have always been there for me as much as I could be there for them.

November, 27. I woke up fifteen minutes past eight with a low-spirited aura perhaps still sleepy but not likely. The previous night was the coldest I have ever experienced in month. I went straight to the washer to wash my face, the room smelled of breakfast.

After washing I decided to have a walk on to the nearest swimming pool to get myself in livelier mood. Leaves were constantly falling as if Philippines suddenly had an autumn as I passed by. I saw the caretaker with his net filtering falling leaves at the pool area; I smiled to him as a sign of greetings while he smiled back. I roamed the area and took pictures on some interesting spots.

When I'm backed at the cottage breakfast was already served and everyone was getting ready so I joined in. We were halfway eating when one suddenly erupted screaming as if a conductress in an orchestra and asking everyone to sing a "Happy Birthday" while all eyes were fixed on me. I just raised my eyebrows while smiling, in answer to their grins and happy faces. One of them actually handed me a gift, to my surprise.

We were on a two-day business trip in Hermosa, Bataan but we were able to finish the entire requirement needed in one day and going back to Manila is too soon, so we decided to visit Bagac, to see Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar. Someone in the group heard about it and he was ecstatic to see the place. We arrived at Las Casas at exactly 10 in the morning. The heat of the sun was disappointing that you don't want to expose from her ever again if you have any choice as not get any damages she could put on you. But Las Casas was indeed lovely, seeing the place is like traveling back Philippines, in Spanish era. Guards on duty were on a Guardia Civil uniform while usherettes were in saya and terno. Ofcourse, I'll tell you about the details in my Weekend Getaway presentation soon, so avid followers, stay tune, lol.

It took us two hours to explore the beautiful Las Casas but it still too early to go home and someone suggested how about climbing Mt. Samat. No one disagreed. My headache started giving me uncomfortable feeling. But I have never been to the Dambana ng Kagitingan before, so can you imagine how I feel? Again, I'll tell you about Mt. Samat in my Weekend Getaway, let me use this space about my birthday okay? So for now assuming it's already time to go back to Manila.

We were all starving on our way back to Manila that every one of us has to keep an eye on a restaurant to be spotted and not to mention the searing pain I was going through in my head. Finally we found one, I forgot the name but it sounds like "Dulang", it's located along the highway. It's an eat all you can restaurant and food were delicious not because I am hungry and in pain but seriously the food were all yummy. My companions actually help themselves for atleast three servings, imagine that? While me having the disadvantage of having a headache perfectly settled for one serving.

After that sumptuous bout at 'Dulang" we were off to Manila but we have to drop by at Orani for crabs, the caretaker of the resort we had booked earlier told us that crabs in Orani were cheap. But when we approach the Balanga proper one of my companion asked for an ATM booth, so we decided to park at Balanga Cathedral church the only way you can park your car at the area, I was napping waiting for them when suddenly they have emerged from nowhere asking me to get out of the car. They were carrying cake with three lighted candles. Immediately they told me to make a wish and blow the candle, adding that I'm lucky to have done it in front of a church.

The cake bore a caption that reads: Stay as lovable as you are, we love you! Gosh, I can't help blushing because for all I know I am not the lovable type of person, lol.

Well, I'm so touched, with all the efforts. This is my first birthday I have ever celebrated on the road.

I'm away with my family but in a way, my birthday still a memorable one and for this, I'll pretend this is my happiest and perfect birthday, so far.

P.S.
To all those who made an effort of sending greetings, in anyway.. my heart is truly grateful, I can't thank you enough.

May the Lord give you more blessings. God Bless

Eid-Al-Adha (The Feast of Sacrifice)

icemanx51@gmail.com — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 17:05:00 +0000

An acquaintance asked me why it was a holiday; she was referring about yesterday's celebration. "Oh is it? What is the date today?", I answered her back with a question. I lost keeping tracks on dates these days, lots of things overpower my mind. "Today is November 16", she replied. "Ah it's a Muslim holiday", my quick reply upon hearing the date, it's my first time to hear the word so I play it safe to instead referred as a Muslim holiday than saying the words "Eid Al Adha" in case I might pronounced it wrong. I heard it on the news the other week.

Eid-Al-Adha or simply means the Feast of Sacrifice is one of the most anticipated holidays in Islam. It happens on the 10^th and the last day of the Hajj (the yearly celebration of the holy pilgrimage to Mecca), in the 12^th month of the Islamic lunar calendar. In Western calendar, for the year 2010 it falls on the 16^th of November.

The feast commemorates Abraham unmatched faith to the Lord (Allah) when he was willing to sacrifice his own son Ishmael without any resistant by proving his faith. Convinced with his faith the Lord instead sent angel Gabriel and substituted Ishmael to a lamb as Abraham's sacrificed.

Muslims all over the world celebrates this occasion in several ways. Of course an animal is the center of feastivity, it could be a lamb, a goat or a camel but if you're in a tropic country like the Philippines a cow is a good replacement and sacrifice it in the same way Abraham sacrificed the lamb. One-third of the meat should be given to the poor as part of the sacrifice, the other one-third will be given to friends and the rest goes to the holiday feast by the immediate family which will takes place at the high point of the day.

This act symbolizes willingness to give up things that are of benefit to us or close our hearts or the willingness to give up our bounties, to strengthen ties and friendship and help those who are in need. This is also to recognize that all blessings come from Allah and we should therefore open our hearts and share with others.

Happy Eid-Al-Adha to all our Muslim brothers.

Printer cartridges and ink refill kits within your budget

icemanx51@gmail.com — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 18:02:00 +0000

As online store rapidly increases by numbers each day, shopping for your favorite items is literally like having a sip of coffee these days because now you can actually have your coffee while shopping at the comfort of your own home, thanks to the online convenience the Internet is bringing us.

Take shopping for your printer requirements for instance, traditionally before we get what we wanted we need to submit first to the tiring process of physically looking for a specific model or comparing for reasonable prices from one store to the other. Isn't that an agony already?
But now, with the power of Internet we can shop printer cartridges and ink refill kits with just a stroke of our fingers. And if you're looking for these items, printer-cartridges.com has a wide variety of more than 300 models of different brands. From printer cartridges, laser toner cartridges, ink refill kits, toner refill kits, bulk ink and bulk toner.

Printer-cartridges.com not only offers wide selections of different models but their price is always within the budget and all these with the highest quality of products and services. You get a full one-year guarantee on all printer cartridges and ink refill kits plus they will ship it free for you if your purchase is $45 or above, in the same day upon your purchase and here's the more exciting part, they will give you a 20% discount if they failed to deliver it within the day. Isn't it tempting?

Now, do you have a printer cartridges and ink refills requirement? Why don't you try printer-cartridges.com, I heard their technical support is as great as their price as well.

The Passion of Margarito

icemanx51@gmail.com — Sun, 14 Nov 2010 15:03:00 +0000

As expected, Pambansang Kamao Manny Pacquiao again set history as he claimed his eight world title after a unanimous victory against the bigger Mexican fighter Antonio Margarito in their November 14^th World Junior Middleweight championship fight at the Dallas Cowboys Stadium. Filipino fighter Manny Pacquiao is the only person in the history of boxing who wins eight titles in different weight categories.

Despite outweighed by 17 pounds, the smaller Pacquiao uses his trademark once in the ring by displaying his lightning speed blended with raw power to topple the bigger and taller opponent leaving Margarito a puffed eye on the left while a badly swollen cut was registered on his right.

Early rounds showed Pacquiao's signature moves as he splits Margarito defense by connecting follow-up jabs but Margarito seems not affected by the punches. It was in the fourth round that accumulated punches by Pacquiao becomes evident in Margarito as his left eye wore gigantic swollen bruises.

In seventh round Margarito find his way to fight back Pacquiao and land his best shot when he released a left hook that nearly sent Pacquiao at the corner but the Pambansang Kamao was quick at firing back.

After 12 rounds of raw action, judges gave Pacquiao a unanimous win which earned him a guaranteed $15M richer. Judge Jurgen Langos scored 120 – 108, judge Glen Crocker 118 – 110 and judge Oren Schellenburger 119 – 109.

Pacquiao improves his career record with (52-3-2, 38Kos) while three-time world champion Margarito slipped to (38-7, 27Kos).

Congratulations, Congressman Manny Pacquiao!

The Manny Pacquiao versus Antonio Margarito fight

icemanx51@gmail.com — Sat, 13 Nov 2010 15:04:00 +0000

Later today, boxing enthusiast all over the world will be in unison as they witness yet another great battle in the history of boxing. Number one pound-for-pound best fighter in the world and now Sarangani Province representative Manny Pacquiao is set to fight former three-time Welterweight champion Mexican-American Antonio Margarito at the famous Dallas Cowboys Stadium.

A scheduled 12-round of non-stop and exciting action is what two fighters promised as they both aiming the vacant World Boxing Council (WBC) Junior Middleweight title.

Each camp claimed victory as they will knock-out each other as both had enough practiced and being conditioned for the fight. Early psychic predictions said that Manny Pacquiao will emerge victorious but will go thick and thin and will having hard time fighting Margarito.

Manny Pacquiao is back at the Dallas Cowboys Stadium after his last year unanimous win to Joshua Clottey. Manny being known for his speed and being a power puncher is on a mission to get his eight world title in different division while Margarito is up for redemption and ofcourse for stopping Manny. A hard puncher himself, Margarito is an aggressive fighter who likes to attack and come forward to his opponent.

Good luck to both fighter and thanks for giving us great and action pack viewing pleasure.

PayBox a new payment system

icemanx51@gmail.com — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 16:14:00 +0000

I stumbled on this website called PayBox.me some months ago. I was tempted to register because it promises a $50 sign-up bonus by just creating an account. And what it is a minute of your time when you can trade it with a $50? So in other words, I took chances and registered.

While it is true that you can make real money on the net, the fact still remains that most of these online making money programs always end up to be a hoax. So, it is really up to your instinct where to put your heart.
Now, let's go back to PayBox.me and like Paypal, PayBox is an online currency and payment processing service website, that is why it won't ask you any payment method upon registering.

PayBox is in development stage but they decided to open it on beta. The reason they open it in public despite in development phase because they want to make it sure that before they would launch the service it should be working all fine.

Every member is encouraged to use the services so they would know the flaws and for them to correct it. This simply means that members are in full authority in helping PayBox shaping its development, to be the best payment system designed for internet.
As a member, you can earn money by participating on the surveys, or get a $10 for every referral and from time-to-time they're running a promos. Their current promotional campaign is the debit/credit card design contest wherein you get a chance to win $1000 debited to your account if your design will be picked.

Because instead of spending millions of dollars on advertising, PayBox wants to rewards EarlyBird users for helping them test the system as they build it.

So, be an EarlyBird now and register your own Paybox, you might surprise what in store for you when they open the box?

Its target launching date will be on 2012 but it could be earlier than expected once they get more than a million users.

November 18, the Beginning of the End!

icemanx51@gmail.com — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 16:16:00 +0000

Potterheads, are you still there?

Good! Now listen very carefully because come November 18, starts the beginning of the end. I know it sad but you see some good thing never last, every good thing has to come to an end.

I am Uatu, the chronicler of the universe and I say, "The end of an ERA".

So altogether now.., let's kill Harry potter, lol. I mean, let's watch Harry and friends as they bid goodbye to Hogwarts.

On November 18, the first installment of this two part series will debut on screen worldwide, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

I'm sure Potter mania all over the globe, muggles and witches alike will be in unison as they party hard celebrating and giving the grand salute to the boy who lived. It's been a wonderful seven years of laughter, rivalries and hexing at Hogwarts. Harry Potter has become an icon of today's generation, where innovation is a norm yet traditional way of passing time can even more exciting, thanks to Harry Potter.

I'll confess, I am a fan, oh I'll gonna miss the queue at National Bookstore as I pick my reserved copy on the first day, the book is released. I have a complete set of the books and all in hard-bound. My first three copies are the UK version (Bloomsbury) while my fourth down to the seventh are by Scholastic, the US version.

I never been hooked to a book before but by reading Harry Potter, I felt guilty everytime I have to put a bookmark on the page just because I need to attend some important matters. But I confess in the last three titles I made it a point not to close the book without reading the entirety.

Addiction? You'll be the judge, lol.

Now here's the official trailer of the first part of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

See you on the 18^th!

I wanna be a billionaire, so freakin' bad!

icemanx51@gmail.com — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 15:08:00 +0000

Bruno Mars is an inspiration, lol.

I put on my jacket, grabbed my cap including an umbrella just in case fistful of rain would come my way. I headed straight to a nearby lotto outlet, I'll buy ticket. Grand lotto 6/55 will be drawn later tonight.

I am one of those, taking chances and longs for the prize money. Today's draw will be the biggest pot money ever to be given to a winner in the history of Philippine lotto, a whopping Php 383,405,230.40. I can't even imagine how to spend it but ofcourse I'll worry it later when I'll be named the winner, lol yeah fat chance.

Oh come on now don't give me that look. I'm starting betting just because I want to be in the league of Senators Escudero, Revilla, Recto and Zubiri, lol.

But seriously who won't say no for a million, the fact that it's legal and the good thing you are sharing equal luck as the others. Accept it; it's really hard making money these days. Like even working very hard still it's not enough, so the opportunity of having it with just pure luck, why not.

I bought two combinations 2 5 7 11 25 27, a combination that is all about me in numbers and the second combination is 15 27 39 45 48 53, a random selected sequence after hearing senator Zubiri that it is wise to go for a higher number, so that's it, I tried to be wise, lol.

After betting I went home, the rain started falling? Was it a bad omen? I just put it behind and hum with Jazon Mraz, Lucky.

Oh by the way, I leave you with this song Billionaire, by Travie McCoy featuring Bruno Mars.

Video Credit
Goodluck… to us!

A heart was found for Willing Willie

icemanx51@gmail.com — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 19:38:00 +0000

You are right! I am referring indeed to Councilor Shalani Soledad. For days she's been a topic all over the net having been chosen as the co-host of Willie Revillame's Willing Willie. Her hosting debut earned her name (#Shalani) a trending topic on social media, the Twitter.

Ofcourse, not without the criticism - like why of all people? Given the fact that she's a shy type of person and it seems socializing isn't her strong point. Not to mention the idea of being paired with the infamous and playful Willie.

But then again, there's always room for improvement and the fact that she accepted the role, I think that's enough of assurance that she's willing to learn and embrace a new life.

So, on Saturday 08 November 2010, she was officially introduced as co-host of Willing Willie and was tagged as the "heart" of the show. Just before she went onstage, different images of her were flashed on the big screen while Bruno Mars, "Just the Way You Are" served as the background. And as the slide fade to an end, host Willie Revillame finally called her to join him on stage.

A finesse and obviously nervous Shalani emerged from behind wearing a simple white dress but nevertheless with a touched of class while "Nothing on You" of Bob (feat. Bruno Mars) playing on the background.

Willie gave her the honor to speak after the introduction and the soft-spoken and timid Shalani addressed the audience with a greetings and explaining them how it happened, why she was in agreement with her new role? It left her teary eyed after her introduction.

Now, if you ask me to rate Shalani in her hosting debut? Well, she's NI (Needs Improvement) for me. And after watching her everyday (yeah, I know, I'm a devoted one, lol) on the show, I think she's getting better she can even drop some funny lines, now.

I personally love seeing them together especially when Willie would pick about her love-life. Today's episode was a hilarious one, after Willie advices her to go for her heart and follow the right path (Tamang Landas), a satirical comment referring to PNoy's campaign tagline, Matuwid na Landas (straight path).

How about you? Do you think Shalani has brought excitement to the show?

Fashionable medical scrubs at BlueSkyscrub.com

icemanx51@gmail.com — Wed, 03 Nov 2010 15:08:00 +0000

Are you a medical professionals or maybe a student's having the look of the same old, bland and unflattering scrub hats while attending your daily routines at the operating room (OR)? Well let's put it behind this time because now, you can be as chic as you want to be while tending dedicatedly to your patients.

Isn't it wonderful looking fabulous, beautiful and stylish while actually saving the lives of millions? Yes, surely you can do this all at the same time and how would that be?

Well, let BlueSkyscrubs.com do the trick for you. For years, the company has dedicated to making medical profession looks more exciting and fashionable with its line of hip, innovative and stylish medical scrubs and scrubs clothing that would flatteringly match hospital uniforms.
Experience the difference now by having BlueSkyscrubs.com products from medical scrubs, designer nursing uniforms to surgical scrubs hats fitted differently for men and women, delicately sewn to suit everyone's personality, using only but high quality cotton fabric and unmatched designs (with over hundreds of unique designs by the way) to make your new scrub hats a head turner and apart from the rest.So, you're a nurse and always want to look sassy even at work then you find the right place. You can choose the right accessories for your nursing uniforms at BlueSkyscrubs.com, nursing scrubs for example. It comes with two designs of scrub tops and scrub bottoms, the original and simple scrubs. Both offer the same slimming fit and used the same high quality fabric only that the simple scrubs comes with a simpler details but with a very attractive prices. While the original scrubs carried a fashionable stitching details on both the back pockets of the scrub bottom and that the stitching details matched the pocket of the scrubs top.

So are you ready to get classy this time? Why not try getting one now and impress everyone at your work place. Let see how many head-turns can you get;).

WeekInRewind: Kindle Wi-Fi Latest Generation giveaway [Digg]

Digg — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 10:55:47 PDT

A Kindle giveaway contest

NEW MAJOR GIVEAWAY: iPad 64 GB Wi-Fi!: Movie Reviews, Traile [Digg]

Digg — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 20:23:53 PDT

Woo hoo!! Here we go again, a brand new iPad giveaway from Weekend in Rewind. They asked what the readers wanted as a prize , and now we got it. A brand spanking new Apple iPad 64 GB Wi-Fi, it doesn't get any better than that. Enter for your chance to win.