Just like Christmas, New Year's Eve is a time for celebration for the whole family. New year is new beginning, we welcome the new year full of hope for a better year. For me, this is the happiest time of the year. Most filipinos observed many traditional beliefs during this time, let me share some things that I know and follow. I usually start my preparation after Christmas... the earlier, the better. Before countdown: Happy New Year! First Day of the year:
Days before New year's Eve:
From glitchline, wishing you the timeless treasures of Christmas... the warmth of home, the love of family and the company of good friends. Have a blessed and meaningful Christmas. Read more...
The screenshot below was my old template I've used for 2 almost two months. I am attracted to sunset that's why I use it as my header image now. Got to make this post to remind me of my old template design. 2 nights ago, I want a new lighter look and feel to my blog... I was thinking of a template that I can easily customized depends on the season and my mood.
Here it is now. It's a lot different... I've widened the body, transferred the sidebar from left to right side, widened the sidebar, customized colors, sunset on my header. I still have many customization to do... for now, I leave it the way it is. I hope you like it, its not that professional but I'm proud that I've customized it myself. It's a good start already. :-D
UPDATE 12/28/07:
The template still loads slow because of the images and widgets. I don't know if it was a bug but I can't update technorati since I've used the template. I've settle for the default template and made some modification.. its easier to debug default codes.
Read more...
What: Katufor's Christmas Party
When: Dec.15 6pm - Dec.16 6am
Who: Katufors
Where: Villa Majia, Pansol, Laguna
Another Katufor GEB, our Christmas party. Katufor derived from the word "kain-tulog-forum", don't take it seriuosly... its just a name. :-) This was our second time at Villa Mejia in Pansol, Laguna. We seldom see each other, we communicate through mobile SMS, forum, friendster and YM, we make it a point to organize such get together once in a while. Maybe, the next GEB might be on summer vacation.
Anyway, most of the members came from Bulacan and Nueva Ecija, some from Manila, Caloocan, Batangas, Laguna. Members present: Ace, Alexis, Athan, Cadaver, Fatima, Glitch, Grande, Jac, Jade, Jearic, Jeff, Jhanrich, Mafel, Metal, Mybernal, Nathalie, Neth, Nol, Phonetics and Sarah plus 5 non members. The companion of Jhanrich, Jap from Nueva Ecija became a member after the event. :-)
Foods and drinks: Canadian ham, BBQ, Litson Manok, Beef Brocolli and Macaroni Salad plus 2 bottles of Grand Matador & 24 bottles of Red Horse Mucho. Whew!
Overall, the Christmas party was fun, no dull moments. Members from the north left at 7am while the rest (mostly from south) stayed and continued the fun until 4pm that day.
Read more...
The SMS Christmas messages I've received so far. You may copy them and send to your loved ones on Christmas.
You might also want to hear Lea Salonga's version of "Sana Ngayong Pasko" mp3 while copying. This is the theme song of Goldilocks's Christmas TV advertisement. Get this widget Track details eSnips Social DNA
Work of Christmas begins...
When the song of the angels is tilled,
When the star in the sky is gone,
When the Kings and the Princes are home,
When the shepherds are back with the flocks,
Then the work of Christmas begins...
to find the lost,
to heal those broken in spirit,
to feed the hungry,
to release the oppressed,
to rebuild the nations,
to bring peace among all people,
to make a little music with the heart...
And to radiate the lights of Christ,
everydaym in every way, in all what we do and
in all that we say.
Then the work of Christmas begins.
***
"Christmas is most truly Christmas when we celebrate it by giving the light of love to those who need it most." - Ruth Carter Stapleton
***
What good is it that Christ was born?
Meister Eckhart once said: "What good is it that Christ was born 2,000 years ago if he is not born now in your heart?"
***
Lord, we do far too much celebrating your actual coming in our hearts. I believe in God but do I believe in "God in me?" I believe in God in heaven, but do I believe in "God on earth?" I believe in God out there, but do I believe in "God with us?" Lord, be born in my heart. Come alive in me this Christmas.
***
Christmas is the season for kindling the fire of hospitality in the hall, the genial flame of charity in the heart. - Washington Irving
***
C-hristmas gave
H-imself as a
R-eward so that
I-ndividual know the
S-acrifices
T-hat He did for
M-ankind to
A-chieve the gift of
S-alvation
***
"Christmas. my child, is love in action. Every time we love, every time we give, its Christmas". -Dale Evans Rogers
***
"He who has not Christmas in his heart will never find it under a tree." -Roy L. Smith
***
"Christmas is not an eternal event at all, but a piece of one's home that one carries in one's heart." -Freya Stark
***
Let us keep Christmas beautiful withouht a thought of greed, that it might live forevermore to fill our every need. That it shall not be just a day, but last at lifetime through, the miracle of Christmas that brings heaven close to you. -Garnett Ann Schultz
***
Let Christmas not become a thing merely of merchant's trafficking. Of tinsel, bells and wreath and surface pleasure, but beneath the childish glamour, let us find nourishment for heart and mind. Let us follow kinder ways through our teeming human maze, and help the age of peace to come. -Madeline Morse
pinoy tv
I've read pinoyblogero's entry regarding Pinoy Entrecard users. I like the great idea of the list. This is my personal blog... basically, my entries are my opinions and comments to anything about Philippines. As you can see, I have various categories. With the kind of blog I have, I admit, I'm having a hard time finding pinoy entrecard blogs to advertise. So, I've copied pinoyblogero's list and added more pinoy entrecard users.
It may be a long list in the long run that's why I can't put it in my blogroll as much as I want to. I'll be visiting the website and blog that are listed here. Same routine with my other blog, so sad that I still don't have my own domain there. Anyway, call it link love or whatever to pinoy blogosphere, its easier if I have my own list. :-) Here it is...
In alphabetical order:
I was watching Eat Bulaga this afternoon when Joey de Leon and Vic Sotto wanted to announced something about unknown issue but later on asked the viewers to search for a vedio keyword on youtube. It was allegedly the rehearsal of Wilyonaryo of the show Wowowee. Before ABS-CBN have the said video deleted on youtube, better to post it. Watch it before its too late.
Whew! The price of reality show on TV... shame. Shame for fame? Whoa!
I'm not against reality TV, I still do watch Pinoy Big Brother. Baron "Wild Child"Geisler is a certified bad boy when he gets drunk. I'm sure, Big Brother knows that. Its not normal to Big Brother House to have such party with alcoholic drinks. I guess, it was for a reason and their target was Baron. Baron always lost his state of mind when he gets drunk, he kissed and hugged every woman in the house. He's so rude loosing his respect to the women housemates. There was a story why he got involved to drinking. He went inside the house hoping that Pinoy Big Brother will reform him. Well, seeing himself on video what was he like when he was drunk will finally wake him up. Tough love? Maybe...
See the image? He was wearing an underwear on his head, drunk. Baron, Barbrief? Sorry, I can't think of a better title to this entry.
Technorati tags: pinoy big brother pinoy tv
Reuters reported that the peso hit 41.62 per dollar, gaining just 0.2 percent from Friday, but taking its rise in the past month to 3.7 percent and its gains this year to almost 18 percent. I've exchanged my dollar yesterday at SM Mall of Asia for PHP41.40 per dollar.
It is normal that the Philippines have low demand of dollar during Christmas season. We have an estimated of 8 million Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) and other Filipinos abroad who send dollars to their families here for the Christmas season.
Did I mention that Filipinos have the longest celebration of Christmas? Yup, you read it right. We started preparing for the upcoming holiday as early as you can imagine. 90% of Filipinos are Roman Catholics that's why, plus the culture and traditions we have.
Stonger Peso? Strong just because we have reach the lowest exchange rate? For the record, OFW are the ones who's sending the money here. They're working hard for their family and our country. Its not easy raising the family if you're physically absent on their side. Lower currency exchange rate means lower remittance.
As far as I know, a stronger peso means a "better economy". Unemployment rate is high and you can smell poverty around.
Presidential Politics 2008
Found On The Internet - Dec.2
Found On The Internet - Dec.4
Found On The Internet - Dec.5
Found On The Internet - Dec.9
Looking for Christmas gift? Its natural that children asks for gift they want on Christmas. Actually, I always ask my children what they want for Christmas so I can tell Santa Claus.
Anyway, the picture below is Lego watch, inspired by Star Wars for my youngest son. He's 7 years old. He's asking for this watch for months, he really want to have this Lego watch. Who doesn't know Lego? Lego is long time available in the Philippines and always one of my chosen gift for my children. Its only now that I came to know that there are also Lego watches. I love it, if its not awkward I want to have one for myself. hehe... If you're not yet finish on Christmas shopping, it's available at
No Curfew Nation, 2nd floor of SM Mall of Asia, cost: php 1,200. Lego is more than building blocks, its another way of enjoying Lego... on our wrist! 
Some Lego information:
Like this post?
Presidential Politics 2008
Found On The Internet - Dec.2
Found On The Internet - Dec.4
Found On The Internet - Dec.5
Found On The Internet - Dec.9
Are you a member of entrecard? If not, register now and be one of us.
What is entrecard anyway?
The “entre” root for the word “entrepreneur” loosely means “to undertake.” Bloggers are the largest growing community of entrepreneurs in the world, each undertaking their own venture for their own reasons. Entre-card is their digitial business card, for networking and promoting themselves in this community.
So, that explains a lot. From a new blogger's point of view, the root word for registering at entrecard is "TRAFFIC" with less effort and enjoying every moment of using it. At first, I got intrigued and wonder what was entrecard for. Since I considered myself new to blogging, I barely understand the terminologies other bloggers posted on their blog.
Its sort of leaving a business card to your favorite site. That's hitting two birds with one stone! The author of the website will know that you visit his/her site and chances are, he will visit your site in return. Imagine, if you visit 100 sites a day and leave your entrecard.
Is that enough? The purpose of entrecard doesn't stop there. From every visit you made to registered members of Entrecard, you earn 1 credit. Accumulated credits will give you the purchasing power to advertise to your favorite site. Upon purchasing an advertisement, it is subject for approval of the website's owner. The best part is, if its approved, you will see your entrecard to your favorite site's widget for 24 hours.
Advertisement with entrecard will not cost you a single penny. I'm really amazed on how it works. With Entrecard's unique system, you'll enjoy traffic already. Entrecard is new bloggers' bestfriend! Don't be left behind, register now. blogging
I stumbled from the news that The Kilusang Magbubukid Ng Pilipinas (Movement of Farmers in the Philippines) has sent a letter to the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees to look at the worsening refugee situation in the country.
I admit, I got excited. :-P I am her fan, I've watched her movies and followed her career. Actually, Kilusang Magbubukid Ng Pilipinas is asking for United Nation to send here the ambassador of goodwill at the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees which is Angelina Jolie's position.
Anyway, according to the letter... "Hundreds of people are being forced out of their homes and farms every month." I believed it was true (the letter), tv news at primetime shown protesting and crying farmers with their placards and not allowed to get near Malacanang Palace. I don't know if they knew that President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo is still in Kuwait.
I really don't know how to express my sadness with their situation. They work hard for their farm, didn't even earn much and they lose their own farm. :-(
Found on the internet-Dec.2
Found on the internet-Dec.4
Found on the internet-Dec.5
The Panunuluyan (derived from the Filipino word "tuloy" means "to come in")is an old Filipino tradition. It is the re-enactment of Mary and Joseph's search for a place to stay in Bethlehem in which to bear the child Jesus. Panunuluyan is still observed in the provinces, haven't got to chance to seen one in the province though. Many schools in Manila are still doing this in their classroom and school Christmas program, students acting as Mary, Joseph, 3 Kings and others. ***
If you're in Manila and want to watch a Panunuluyan, you can visit Cultural Center of The Philippines as they (CCP) and the Manila Broadcasting Company (MBC) mount a grandiose Christmas treat for the public from December 18-22, 2007. On December 18 at 6:30pm, the Panunuluyan will start at the CCP Liwasang ASEAN, and will move to Harbour Square, Folk Arts Theater, Sofitel Philippine Plaza and end at Star City. At 8:00 p.m., upon the arrival of the Panunuluyan group at the CCP Ramp, there will be a program featuring performances by selected artists and groups. A 1,000 voice choir will be the grand finale of this production. An event you shouldn't fail to watch.
Like this post? event pinoy
Food trip! A friend came from Camiguin...
CAMIGUIN is a pear-shaped volcanic island with a total land area of 238 sq. kilometers. It lies 10 kilometers off the coast of the Province of Misamis Oriental. Along with the Provinces of Bukidnon, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental and Misamis Oriental, CAMIGUIN forms part of a geopolitical grouping of provinces comprising Region X or Northern Mindanao.Camiguin is one of the best destination for scuba divers from different parts of the world. That's why my friend came from there, his hobby is scuba diving and his second time to Camiguin. And look what he gave me as "pasalubong". Two boxes of Pastel. :-)
.jpg)
Pastel is soft, sweet bun with varied fillings. They were bought from VJANDEP Bakeshop. The pastel is a native delicacy and can also be categorized as dessert because of its sweetness, it is now identified with Camiguin Island that every tourist never goes home without tasting the famous bun. The filling choices are cheese, langka, macapuno, mango, pineapple, ube, and regular yema. I believed, the pastel I got was yema, it was really delicious, I just don't know if it was special or the regular yema. They also have other filling "by order": durian, guava, strawberry, chocolate and special yema. If I wasn't mistaken, Korina Sanchez of Rated K featured the famous pastel bun of Camiguin.
Read more...
My entry about Curfew In The Philippines made a negative impression of my country but I can't hold myself on posting the present situation. That's how I felt. For the first time after martial law ('70 era), we've experienced curfew BUT that was a one night curfew only. Still, from the back of my mind, they could implement again. They already did, I hope the present administration won't do that again. If they do, I don't know what would happen next. I'm against curfew and I still want democracy. ***
Senator Antonio Trillanes together with the co-accused walked out the Makati Regional Court in the middle of their Oakwood Mutiny hearing last November 29. What was the curfew for? Sen. Trillanes are calling for President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to step down to her Presidency. He was calling for Filipinos to unite and join them in Makati. Curfew was immediately implemented to avoid people from coming to Makati and to avoid movements of people. There was an estimated 800+ persons caught in curfew that night and many were unaware of what was happening.
Still not prepared for Christmas? My answers below might help you. :-) ***
As far as I remember, I've joined the wagon of Christmas Rush shoppers 3 years ago and that was it. I've learned my lessons very well and I don't want to join them again.
I don't want any migraine on Christmas Eve. So, I've prepared some tips that I know that might help you out if you're in a rush:
Christmas Shopping 5
Christmas Shopping 6
Christmas Shopping 7
Christmas Shopping 8
This is the latest local TV commercial of Quake, featuring the famous "Pugad Baboy" by Pol Medina Jr. hehehe... really love this one! I am a Pugad Baboy fanatic, I've collected the comic strip book collection from book 1-18, started reading them from college days. Even my professor borrowed a copy from me. The sad thing was, I've lost some of my older copies. Some of my friends forgot to gave them back until I've forgot who borrowed them. I don't have the Pugad Baboy action figures though.
Why am I collecting them? For me, its a wise collection for my kids when they grow up. They will understand the political history of Philippines laughing while not getting bored. They have their social studies class at school anyway. I'm still in the process of bookstore hopping looking for the older books that I've lost. FYI, I've printed a Pugad Baboy shirt for myself, there was no available Pugad Baboy shirt 16 years ago. I guess, they have it now, I'm not sure, I hope they do. :-) I've learned that book 19 is already available in the bookstore, gotta have my copy as soon as possible.
***
Like this post?
pinoy tv
Read more...
