Get SMiLDS

As expected, the Digital Filipino E-commerce Summit and Web Awards 2009 conducted on November 12 & 13 at the Hotel Intercontinental Manila in Makati City was a big success. To begin with, I would like to congratulate all the DigitalFilipino Web Awards 2009 winners, and a big kudos to Ms. Janette Toral who is the mighty woman behind the event. Surely, you all deserve the award. It is my prayer that all of you will continue to strive to be the best in your respective field.

Other than the awards, the summit also paved the way in introducing one of the newest e-commerce players in the Philippines- SMILDS.com. A major sponsor of the said summit and awards night, SMILDS.com promises everyone of the safest, easiest and most enjoyable online shopping in the Philippines. I have actually visited their website promotion and one thing I noticed is that there are already a lot of registered merchants who sell various products from Dried Mangoes, Wheatgrass powders, Biocofee, to Pendants and Watches, and a whole lot more. As of the moment, there are at more than 6,000 different products available for sale, and still counting, as more and more merchants are registering and offering their products.

I find using SMILDS.com very practical, specially during this christmas season, you wouldn't want to mix with all those people in the mall doing their christmas shopping rush. There is a better option, and that is by using SMilDS.com.

Or, if you are a merchant and you want to give a boost to your sales, you can register your business and let SMILDS.com advertise and increase your sales volume. Needless to say, your business will definitely go global since people from all parts of the globe can access you through the internet.


For more details and updates about SMILDS.com, you may register and be a fan of SMILDS Philippines Facebook fan page, and be one of the many others who instantly fell in love with SMILDS.com.

Maguindanao Mass Murder: Where Is The Logic?

The death toll on the infamous Maguindanao Mass Murder on Friday (November 20, 2009) has now reached 52 as of Wednesday noon today, GMANews reports. This was confirmed by Chief Superintendent Felicisimo Khu, head of the Task Force Alpha, which spearheads the initial probe and retrieval operation for the victims.

Meanwhile, an International Watchdog has named the Philippines as the World's Most Dangerous Place for Journalists to work, due to the inclusion of at least 12 journalists among those whose bodies were recovered.

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) states that, "under the current government the Philippines has become the most dangerous place in the world for media workers. At least 74 journalists have been killed during its eight-year tenure, yet the [Arroyo] government has not acted to end the culture of impunity. At last count, only four convictions had been secured.”


The question that still rings in my mind to this day is that, "Where is the Logic in Killing People just for the sake of Politics?"

Can anyone give a convincing answer?

Maguindanao Massacre Video & Photos

Several bodies dead bodies were now found following the alleged abduction of more than twenty people last Monday in Maguindanao Province. Reports say that a convoy led by the wife of Maguindanao Vice Mayor Datu Ismail "Toto" Mangudadatu was seized by about 100 men last Monday, November 23 while they were on their way to file the Certificate of Candidacy of Toto Mangudadatu who is running for Governor.

(picture credits here)

At least 22 people were brutally murdered, including about 12 journalists.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has now declared a State of Emergency in 3 areas of Mindanao, even as she has ordered the immediate pursuit of the abductors.

Meanwhile, you may watch the First Exclusive Video of the Maguindanao Massacre Site on youtube, courtesy of Dateline Philippines.

Manny Pacquiao- Krista Ranillo Scandal?

How many among you are able to watch the supposed video of Manny Pacquiao and Krista Ranillo?

They say that the video was taken (and posted on youtube) on November 3, 2009. Apparently, Pacquiao was seen on a car after his Jimmy Kimmel Live interview. They say that there was somebody there in the car (apart from manny's wife Jinkee Pacquiao), a lady, who resembles that of Krista Ranillo.

It has been in the news for quite sometime that Pacquiao is having an affair with Ranillo.

Efren Peñaflorida: CNN Hero of the Year

The 2009 CNN Hero of the Year is a Filipino. Efren Peñaflorida topped the online voting spearheaded by CNN. Peñaflorida is known for "Kariton Project", whereby he started a pushcart classroom to bring education to poor children in the Philippines.

(more about this here)

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While the entire nation celebrates with Peñaflorida's victory, perhaps it is also time to ask our leaders: How is our Literacy Program in the country doing?

Why should we resort and wait for somebody else to make a pushcart and teach the children?

If I am not mistaken, the Philippine Constitution provides that a priority of the government budget should be allocated for the education of Filipino children. However, every start of the school year in June, we always hear stories that we lack classrooms, teachers, and school materials to adequately teach our young.

We are grateful for people like Efren Peñaflorida who has devoted themselves in doing good for others.

But isn't it that the government be the one taking charge of our Literacy Program?

Under The Tree

Back when we were yet small children, we used to have a small Rope Hammock installed under a big guava tree in our frontyard. It has always been a delight for us to be playing and chatting along under that old guava tree.

However, when our parents decided to renovate the front lawn, we were left with no option but to remove the tree.

T0day, whenever we take a time off and go to the beach, I never pass the chance of laying my body in one of those colorful Fabric Hammocks placed under the coconut trees alongside the seashore. There were numerous occassions where I just lay in a hammock to watch the sun set. It was truly a very relaxing experience. Those are rare times wherein you just lie there and not think of any worries and cares. Moreso, those were opportunities to meditate and remember the Lord's goodness in our lives.

Hammocks are very popular especially in tropical countries because they make good accessories on beaches. There are various types to choose from. There are Rope Hammocks, Fabric Hammocks, and there are also Weave Hammocks, any of which can also be placed outside our houses for great relaxing experiences whenever we want or feel the need to- and this is what we actually plan to have in our ancestral house.

We are negotiating and are actually intending to buy the lot nearby our house. Since we intend to convert our ancestral house to become a vacation place, we want to convert the extra lot as a garden extension. Among the immediate plans are to put up a small nipa hut (a house made of wood and nip). My father, who has a green thumb, would of course love to put on some trees and ornaments. Also, we are alloting a specific place to put on a Rope Hammock because we also want to go back to the time when we were children playing under the big old guava tree.

Dealing With The Big "C"

Having dealt with two cancer cases in the family, I feel there is a need to share my views about what people should do when there are relatives or close friends who have contracted the dreaded Cancer disease.

First of all, Cancer, according to wikipedia, is a class of diseases in which a group of cells display uncontrolled growth (division beyond the normal limits), invasion (intrusion on and destruction of adjacent tissues), and sometimes metastasis (spread to other locations in the body via lymph or blood). These three malignant properties of cancers differentiate them from benign tumors, which are self-limited, and do not invade or metastasize. Most cancers form a tumor but some, like leukemia, do not. The branch of medicine concerned with the study, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of cancer is oncology.

As there are no sure medical treatments yet developed in arresting the disease, a lot of people who suffer from cancer are left, most of the times, hopeless with their cases.

If you have a relative, a family member, or a friend, who is suffering from Cancer, my simple advise is this: Be Physically, Emotionally, and Spiritually Present on their side.


1. Cancer patients tend to decrease their strength and immunity. Cancer tends to paralyze the body, and so it is but necessary that there is always somebody to assist the patient in almost everything that they do.

Assist the patient with delicate concern.


2. Due to the fact that a cancer patient thinks he/she already has a hopeless case in surviving the disease, his/her emotions will definitely be unstable. Always be there to support him/her. Strengthen his/her emotions and don't get affected when he/she turns his/her bad moods toward you. Be an understanding listener and advisor whenever a patient needs somebody to talk to.


3. There is hope, even when there seems to be nothing more! I like the saying:

God is too wise to be mistaken.
God is too good to be unkind.
When you don’t understand,
When you don’t see His plan,
When you can’t trace His hand,
Trust His heart.

There are things that our minds and our eyes could not understand. But the Lord is giving us an assurance that there is hope. We just have to rely on Him because He knows what's best for us.

Be an encourager. In times when you have to deal with Cancer patients, be the one to send the message that there is hope, because all things are possible with Jesus.

Pacquiao Vs. Mayweather

Pacmom Mommy Deonisia Pacquiao, mother of Filipino Boxing Icon Manny Pacquiao, doesn't want her son to fight in the ring once more after his bout against Puerto Rican Miguel Cotto last Saturday night at the MGM Grand, Las Vegas, Nevada. Pacquiao made a convincing win via a 12-round bout. The referee stopped the fight before midway to the 12 round after seeing that Cotto will no longer be able to put up a good fight against Pacquiao.

Immediately after the fight, the whole world is clamoring for a dream match between Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Junior. Both of them were named pound-for-pound king of the ring.

Mommy Deonisia prefers her son, Manny, to just retire and enjoy his life.

As for me, I daresay that it is better for Manny to fight Mayweather and win bigtime rather than for Manny to fight in the 2010 elections and lose bigtime.

Pacquiao has repeatedly said in previous interviews that he is running for a congressional seat in Sarangani Province come May 2010. This, he said, is due to his desire to help his countrymen.

In 2007, Pacquiao bid for a congressional seat in General Santos City, but lost with a big margin from incumbent congressman Darlene Antonino-Custodio.

Manny Pacquiao, sir, you can help your countrymen even without seeking an elective post.

What A Wonderful World

It's been a long while since we've had our Picnic Basket full of goodies. I think the last time we've had a real grand time together in a park was since four years ago at a small town in Batangas, Philippines where the park is overlooking Taal Volcano.

Yesterday I had a sudden urge of asking my family to go on an out-of-town picnic holiday. This was after I heard a very beautiful song in the radio in the bus while on my way home.

The song is entitled, 'What A Wonderful World', and the lyrics goes like this:

I see trees of green, red roses too

I see them bloom for me and you

And I think to myself what a wonderful world.

I see skies of blue and clouds of white

The bright blessed day, the dark sacred night

And I think to myself what a wonderful world.

If always feels good whenever we are in touch with nature. It gives us a sense of knowing that God is indeed faithful in providing us with a very good habitat. The trees, the flowers, the waters, and the skies, all creates a peaceful feeling deep within our souls.

A friend who is a tourist agent has suggested a couple of must-see parks, and we are planning on taking a long weekend vacation on the first week of December. For now, I am on the hunt for quality Picnic Baskets because our old one is already battered.

Today, you will be surprised that even simple picnic baskets have transformed into portable baskets that can make you pack almost everything you need for a wonderful picnic meal in the park.

Or, you may want to try buying Picnic Backpacks, instead. There are picnic backpacks that serves as an organizer for all your picnic and camping needs. Much more, you can be sure of the materials' durability. I have also seen backpacks that are suitable for Kids-these are best for children who enjoy camping and attending picnic activities at school.

The colors of the rainbow so pretty in the sky

Are also on the faces of people going by

I see friends shaking hands saying how do you do

They're really saying I love you.

I hear babies crying, I watch them grow

They'll learn much more than I'll never know

And I think to myself what a wonderful world

Yes I think to myself what a wonderful world

The Oprah Winfrey Show Ends

Is it true that the worldwide popular daytime talk show 'The Oprah Winfrey Show' will really end?

Harpo President Tim Bennett, announced in his letter that the show will indeed have its last episode on September 2011.

"Tomorrow, Oprah will announce live on 'The Oprah Winfrey Show' that she has decided to end what is arguably one of the most popular, influential and enduring programs in television history."

News say that Oprah is planning to do a new show which will be aired on his own cable channel, The Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN).

Johnny Delgado is Dead

Reports are now circulating in Tweeter and other social sites that Filipino actor Johnny Delgado is dead at past 1 pm this afternoon, November 19, 2009.

Delgado, a great actor and husband of director Laurice Guillen, was diagnosed of lymphoma, a type of cancer, sometime in 2008.

He was 60 years old.

During his showbiz career, Delgado won six awards and at least 19 nominations. You may see his various achievements and movie works here.


Our deepest condolences to Johnny's Family.

The Mexican Traditional Way of Cooking

It is not surprising that different races (or nations) have their own different set of materials and equipments used in cooking their food. While now, technology has provided us with gas stoves, electric stoves, ovens, electric grills, etc., it is still interesting to learn about how our ancestors are able to cook their food.

In the Philippines (South-east of Asia), for example, tribes were able to cook rice using bamboos. In fact, this method of cooking is still being thought during youth campings. They also have what they call 'kalan', a tripod made of clay wherein twigs and woods are being placed in order to create fire for cooking.

A Mexican friend shared to me that during the early days (hundred or even thousand years ago), their Mexican ancestors were using chimineas to cook their food. I have to admit to him that I have never seen one in my entire life, and so he was eager enough to surf the internet and sent me a sample picture.

Just like the 'kalan' from the Philippines, the original chiminea is made of clay. This is because clays are easy to find in Mexico. Historical stories tell us that whenever a chiminea breaks down, cracks or falls apart, the people will just have to go to river banks and scoop clays to repair the damage.

Because of their beautiful and artistic designs, chimineas became popular export products in the United States and in the United Kingdom because aside from cooking, they are good ornaments outside the house and in the gardens.

However, since clays easily wear off, manufacturers are now introducing chimineas that are made of iron. A very popular example is the Leaf Cast Iron Chiminea.

With the introduction of new equipments (stoves, ovens) used for cooking, the chiminea is now instead used as a Portable Fireplace outside houses. They are perfect whenever groups would want to gather together and share the night away. And because new models are now made up of iron/metals, chimineas become an instant source of fire to provide heat and comfort among people.

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For best results in using chimineas, you may want to use woods that give aromatic scents when burned, like pinonwood.






This blog specializes in grills, barbecue grills, oven, and other outdoor equipments.

Of Triumph And Defeat

(photo: photobucket)

What a weekend that was for the Filipino.

While basketball still remains to be the most played sports over the country, boxing has clearly made its way to be one of the most watched game in our television-proper credits given to Manny Pacquiao, who recently won over Puerto Rican Miguel Cotto via a technical knockout in Round 12.

How sweet it is for the nation to see our champion being accorded the highest degree of respect in the world of boxing. Considered as the reigning pound for pound king, Pacquiao is said to have written history to become the First Boxer to win seven (7) Titles in different weight division-something no one has ever achieved.

And not only has Pacquiao become triumphant. The Filipino spirit is once again uplifted by the triumph of its most prized fighter on Sunday morning of November 15, 2009.

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Unknown to many, however, on Saturday night and the day before Pacquiao steps into the ring, another budding Filipino Boxer in the name of Z Gorres, has suffered Triumph and Defeat at Las Vegas, Nevada. Minutes after winning a convincing bout, Gorres was rushed to a hospital when a swelling in his brain got him to a comatose.

As of today, the fate of Gorres is uncertain.

Triumph. Defeat. Tragedy. Boxing remains, and has now become a popular option for uneducated children in the provinces to get a shot at fame and fortune. Much like their hero Pacquiao.

(grills, barbecue grills, pacquiao, outdoor)

Aquino Tops October 2009 Pulse Asia Survey

If elections were held today, 44% of Filipinos would elect Liberal Party's Standard Bearer Noynoy Aquino III as president of the Philippines. This is according to Pulse Asia's most recent poll on Presidential Preference. The nationwide survey was conducted on October 22 to 30, 2009.

Far second is Manny Villar of the Nacionalista Party (19%). Third is Chiz Escodero (13%), and at fourth is Erap Estrada who got 11%.

Aquino, who, in the previous surveys was not included among the choices, suddenly rose to "stardom" after her mother, former president Cory Aquino, died of colon cancer. After what seems to be a sympathetic gesture coming from the people, Noynoy Aquino became an instant contender for the presidency.

Meanwhile, despite Chiz Escudero's risky resignation from the Nationalist People's Coalition (NPC) on October 2009, his rankings in the survey did not improve much.

Administration candidate Gibo Teodoro, however, maintained his standing at far below the list, with only 2%.

The Heat Is On!

Getting our clan together for a night would be a very rare occassion. This is because it is very difficult for us to meet our schedules for a particular day. This year, however, we are hoping on having a family/clan reunion come Christmas day at our ancestral house, so we have started on getting our schedules fixed since June 2009. As most of our cousins and relatives have confirmed that they are coming, our parents, who are living near the clan's ancestral house, have also started fixing up the place and checking on how we can best accomodate our relatives, specially those who are coming from abroad.

One particular issue that we still have to resolve is that since the start of September, an abrupt change in the climate has happened in our area. We are experiencing cold weather, so we are contemplating on setting up an Outdoor Heater in the gardens. This is to make everyone feel comfortable even as we sit and relax outside the home.

As you may have read in my previous posts, barbecues are always a part of our dinner menu, so we really will have to set up grill and do our cooking outside. Also, since we are expecting many relatives, it would be most practical if we will be setting up the dinner table outside, where there is more space for everybody. A Patio Heater every table must have to be set up in order to ensure that everyone will be kept warm during the occassion.

Patio Heaters may be a little bit uncommon in our area, but really, they are a good use specially in countries where they have a very cold weather. But with the unexplainable climate changes happening around the world, the cold weather has suddenly come unto our region, and we have no choice but to adjust and make sure that everyone among us deserve a comfortable accomodation.

There are various types of Patio Heaters, and really, I was surprised to see that they are actually not that expensive. In fact, there are types that are sold even for less than 200 Dollars in the internet. So why must we suffer from cold weather when we can turn the heat on and enjoy a very precious moment with our families?

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Advanced Merry Christmas, everyone!

Edu Manzano Is Lakas VP Bet

It is time to dance The Papaya!

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DILG Secretary Ronaldo Puno announced today that the Lakas-CMD-Kampi is fielding Actor Edu Manzano as its Vice Presidential Candidate for the 2010 National Elections. He is running alongside (Defense Secretary) Gilbert 'Gibo' Teodoro who is gunning for President.

Manzano, a former actor, has previously held public office as Vice Mayor of Makati City, and as Optical Media Board (OMB) Chairman. Aside from acting, he is also the host of the popular ABS-CBN network game show, Game KNB?, where the song and dance 'Papaya' has become a very big hit.

As of today, expected tandems for the coming elections will be:

Gibo Teodoro & Edu Manzano for Lakas-CMD-Kampi

Noynoy Aquino & Mar Roxas for Liberal Party

Erap Estrada & Jejomar Binay for PMP

Manny Villar (from the NP) is reportedly persuading NPC member Loren Legarda as his Vice Presidential candidate.

Pacquiao Vs. Cotto Live

The Firepower match between Manny Pacquiao and Miguel Cotto is set on Saturday night, November 14 at the MGM Grand, Las Vegas, Nevada.

Lots of people here in the Philippines have already subscribed on pay per view in order to watch the Manny Pacquiao-Miguel Cotto Fight Live on their television screens.

Cinemas like the SM Malls, Shangri-La Mall, and various other movie houses are also showing the fight live. For this fight, even the Araneta Colesium is showing the fight live on Big Screen.

Still some, like me, will have to try and search for Live Streaming Videos in order to catch the fight live.

Gong: A Wonderful Gift

Christmas holidays is almost at hand!

Christmas this year will be a little different in our home because one Family will be spending their holidays with us. They are distant relatives from down south, and my father has invited them to come and join us during Christmas.

It is customary for us to be giving gifts to visitors, so we have been thinking of what we could present to them. They are a family of musicians, so we were contemplating on giving them with a gift that is somehow related to what they do, and what they like.

My brother suggests that we give them a musical instrument that is not ordinary, so we came up with giving them Gongs.


Gongs are musical instruments which are found and are still being used in South East Asian countries. These are instruments that take the form of flat metal discs and are being played by hitting them with mallets.

We first witnessed how gongs are played when we went to one of the provinces of Mindanao in the Philippines last year. Their cultural dances and music are always accompanied with the playing of Gongs. And really, the musicians played the instruments well, accompanied by the distinct tribal dances by the natives.

There are, of course, various types of gongs. One particular variant that I like is the Meditation Gong. True to its name, a Meditation Gong is a perfect instrument in creating a harmonious sound that blends well with the sound of nature. I can truly say that the sounds bring peace and relaxation in your thoughts.

The illustration above is an example of a Woodstock Desk Gong. The metal disc is suspended on air from a black wood stand. This, to me, can fit well as an additional accent inside our homes, or even outside in the gardens. This is a perfect gift to people who love collecting items from different cultures.

I believe the Gong would be a wonderful gift for our visitors come Christmas. Truth be told, I might also buy one for myself.

National Geographic's Top Travel Destinations 2010

The National Geographic has released its list of the Top 25 Best New Trips for 2010- and good news to us, The Philippines is included on the list among the top travel destinations in the world!

Indeed, who can dispute that our country is beautiful and is rich with natural resources?

So for all you nature lovers and all of you who love to travel, here is the list of the 25 must-see places in 2010 (alphabetical order):

Bhutan Outfitter: Bio Bio Expeditions
Bolivia Outfitter: Nantahala Outdoor Center
Botswana Outfitter: Explore Inc
Canada - B.C. Outfitter: Monashee Adventure Tours
Canada - Manitoba Outfitter: Earthwatch Institute
Chile + Argentina Outfitter: Boojum Expeditions
Costa Rica Outfitter: Wildland Adventures
France Outfitter: Discover France
Iceland Outfitter: Explorers' Corner
Ireland Outfitter: Country Walkers
Kenya Outfitter: Geographic Expeditions
Laos Outfitter: Asia Transpacific Journeys
Madagascar Outfitter: Kumuka Worldwide
Montserrat Outfitter: Green Monkey Dive Shop
Nepal Outfitter: Journeys International
New Zealand Outfitter: Active New Zealand
Peru Outfitter: Adventure Life Journeys
Philippines Outfitter: Wilderness Travel
Slovakia Outfitter: Biosphere Expeditions
Sri Lanka Outfitter: Access Trips
Tanzania + Kenya Outfitter: Tropical Ice Limited
Tonga Outfitter: Wilderness Travel
U.S. - California Outfitter: Southern Yosemite Mountain Guides
U.S. - Colorado Outfitter: Western Spirit Cycling
U.S. - Idaho + Montana Outfitter: ROW Adventures


Congratulations to the Philippines!

Pacquio Is The Heavy Favorite

Have you already placed your bet on the upcoming "Firepower" boxing match of Manny Pacquiao and Miguel Cotto?

Here in the office, Pacquiao is easily the heavy favorite. About twenty against two in favor of Pacquiao is that standing, so we decided not to play our bet.

Even in Las Vegas today where the match is set to be played, the current betting is 3 to 1 in favor of Manny Pacquiao.

But of course, we need not be sure. Miguel Cotto is the younger and bigger opponent, not to mention that sometimes, being underdog becomes a factor in winning.

The official weigh-in will be on Friday, while the fight is scheduled on Saturday night (Sunday morning in the Philippines).

Go, Manny!

Math Made Easy

Are you one of those college students who have difficulty dealing with Math Problems? Do you always wish that somehow you will be able to become first in finding the easiest solutions to the Math Word Problems that your terror professor writes in the board?

Then you need not worry that much!

With the help of the internet, you can now seek Algebra Help online anytime you need it. Nowadays, you can access the internet in a minute and get credible tutoring via TutorVista's online tutoring 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

It really is good to know that people do have easy access to education today with the big help from advanced and modern technologies. Much more, we praise companies like these who were able to conceptualize and set up a site wherein you can get the Algebra 2 Help easily and conviniently even in your own homes.

Gone are the days when you will just rely on your professors, teachers, parents and friends to teach you in understanding your Algebra Word Problems. Today, you can do your own research, or to make things a lot more easier, you can enroll on these Online Mathematics Tutorial just for a small price. You can also be ensured that you can get the best and the most corteous online tutors to assist you in understanding your most complex mathematical problems

So folks, it is never too painful taking off some dollars in your pocket in order to avail Online Math tutorials. After all, education is really important. So come off, avail of the online tutorials and find the Math Answers easy and conveniently.

A Better Option in Grills

Are you tired of using your old, conventional barbecue grill?

Try Viking Grill!

I first heard of Viking Grills from a friend who is in the restaurant and grill business. Actually, he has just started with his business in 2006. As a person who really loves cooking, he was able to formulate a very good-tasting barbecue recipe. He started with using the conventional grill, and he was doing good with it.

However, his business has grown from one small dinner place to four different branches in a span of three years. With the incresing demand of his now-famous barbecues, he has no choice but to keep in step with meeting the demands. It is for this reason that he has been on the hunt for months for the most suitable grill that he can purchase.

As he very well know that our family loves grill foods, he went at our home last night to ask my opinion if the grill that he saw in the internet will be a good buy- and it was then that I am able to see for the first time about Viking Grills.

For you, out there, who are very sophisticated when it comes to purchasing top of the line food equipments, a Viking Grill is for you; and I tell you, it is not easy to fall in love with it.

We are not yet sure if the online shop site that we have browsed last night is charging extra for the shipping of the equipment, but I have already advised my friend to buy the Viking Grill with or without additional shipping charges. We have discussed and we both agree that it is about time he invest into a good grill equipment because after all, a gas grill is able to cook barbecues faster and better- thus more sales on his restaurant.

Aside from the fact that it will produce faster outputs, Viking Grill designs are really superb. They are made of stainless-steel materials and can actually be featured in your outdoor restaurant as an added attraction to customers and passers-by. You can also choose from a wide variety of grills, so you can get the one that will suit your home or your restaurant.

So when you are on the lookout for a better option in grill equipments, try Viking Grill.

Make That First (Good) Impression

In the year 2000, I was a fresh graduate struggling to find my place in the corporate world. Having studied in one of those colleges in the Philippines that specialize in Accountancy and Business Administration, we were taught that the one of the most important factors in getting yourself a job or a business deal is by making a good first impression with potential employers and potential business partners.

To my surprise, I found out that a small piece of paper can do wonders in making a good first impression- that is, by handing out nicely written business cards during interviews, business deals, or even mere acquaintances.

Looking back, I always admire people who have their own personal business cards ready to be given to potential employers and business partners. That is because to me, a person that has his/her own business card appears to be very professional and has had actually reached a certain milestone in their careers. Even in my first corporate office, only those who are in managerial positions have their own business cards.

These papers may be small, but business cards actually tells a lot about you on first acquaintance. This is because business cards inform other people about the nature of your work or the nature of the business you are into. In the future, people may use the business cards for reference, whenever they need your service.

As a fine example, my brother, who is a contractor of buildings and houses, makes it a habit of not leaving the house without at least five business cards in his wallet. During social gatherings and meetings, he would hand-out these business cards to other people. The results? He has already constructed at least three (3) residential houses in posh villages out of those to whom he had given business cards.

You need not worry about what you should put into your business cards. There are wonderful companies that specialize in creating the cards that will suit your need. There are loads of layouts to choose from, but of course, you can customize by giving your company logo, or your own personalized design.

So remember, when you mean business, always make sure you have a handy business card in your pocket. Hand them out, and make a good first impression among your business acquaintances.

Kidnapped Victim Beheaded in Jolo

A suspected Abu Sayyaf group has reportedly beheaded their kidnap victim, Gabriel Canizares, in Jolo Island early Monday morning, November 9, 2009.

Canizares, principal of Kanague Elementary School in Patikul (Sulu), was kidnapped while on board a passenger jeepney on October 19, 2009. Police report states that prior to the beheading, the bandits reportedly got angry after getting only 150, 000 out of the 2 million pesos demanded ransom.


source: abs-cbnnews

Pacquiao VS Cotto

Filipino boxing champion Manny Pacquiao battles Puerto Rican Miguel Cotto on November 14, 2009 at the MGM Grand Arena, Las Vegas.

Here is the Tale of the Tape:

The fight is entitled Firepower, and at stake is Miguel Cotto's World Boxing Organization's (WBO) Welterweight Championship Title. Should he win, Pacquiao will be the first ever to hold Seven Titles in Seven Weight Divisions.

The fight, however, might not be easy for Pacquiao because Cotto is bigger and younger.

Folks, we've got 8 days to go before Fight Night.

Let's get ready to rumble!

Be On Top

Every year, thousands of students in the United States, and perhaps millions all around the world are graduting from College. It is quite understandable that most of these students do not easily get their dream jobs. In fact, due to the global financial crisis that hit the whole world in the last quarter of 2008, many people were left unemployed.

Nowadays, companies who are hiring new employees are really scrutinizing the applicants' qualifications in order to get the best employees. That is why it is very important that you have to be on top among the rest.

For this reason, many college graduates opt to browse the internet to search for mba online. The simple reason is that, in order to be on top of the others, you must have the edge over the them, and a very good edge would be by having an MBA degree. An MBA program being thought in schools is recognized worldwide and is considered as a major step towards a successful business management career.

It is no wonder why an mba online is a great help for everyone who dreams of having a Master's degree. The mba online directs individuals about the various degree courses offered in different schools and universities accross the United States.

Having sites like this in the internet makes things very much easy for all. In the past, prospective MBA applicants will have to hop in to different universities to inquire about their programs, which is very much time-consuming.

Today, with the help of the modern technology, the mba online acts as a one-stop shop wherein you could easily get details of respective universities' offered masteral degree courses. The site also provides practical tips about taking Master's degree. Aside from that, you can send questions via email and you will be rest assured that someone will be there to entertain your questions and send you clarifications on the matter.

Indeed, in this very competitive world, you can never let things to chances. You have to strive your best in order to be on top among the rest. Be equipped with the latest knowledge and techniques by taking your masteral degree.

November 27 & 28 Holidays Retracted

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has retracted the previous Proclamation 1808 declaring as National Holidays, November 27 & 28 in celebration of the Eid'l Adha.

Instead, by virtue of Proclamation 1808-A, the non-working regional holidays is only applicable in the Autonumous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).


----------

Eid al-Adha (Arabic: عيد الأضحى‎ ‘Īdu l-’Aḍḥā) "Festival of Sacrifice" or "Greater Eid" is a Muslim Holiday celebrated by Muslims (including the Druze) worldwide to commemorate the willingness of Ibrahim to sacrifice his son Ismael as an act of obedience to God. (source: wikipedia)

I Am A Barbecue Lover

How would you like to have a bite at this mouth-watering pork ribs straight from the BBQ Grill?

I am sure a lot of you can't get your eyes off the picture above, and so do I. I am a barbecue lover since I was a grade schooler. It is actually customary for our family to gather together at least once a month in our ancestral home, set-up the BBQ Grill outside in the gardens, and cook pork or chicken barbecue, grilled fish, and hotdogs for the kids.

As a child, I used to think that barbecues is a Filipino delicacy. This is because most of the families in our neighborhood are cooking barbecues. To my surprise, one day while watching a foreign show, I saw that even Americans are fond of cooking barbecues. In fact, my research shows that barbecuing in America started even in pre-colonial times.

Needless to say, different types of barbecue grills have evolved through the years. The most common types are the charcoal grills, and now, the gas grills. I have read in a magazine that there is also the so called infrared grills which functions by igniting profane or natural gas.

Several companies are also competing when it comes to designing grills that can best accessorize house gardens; while some companies continue to innovate in making multi-function grills. That is why today, do not be surprised when you see grills with rotisserie, grills with oven, and grill and fire pit combined.

Depending on your need and preference, you can choose from a wide variety of grills. There are built-in and free standing stainless steel grills, portable grills, and all-in-one grill (multi-function). This is actually good for customers because we get to choose and buy what we need most. Also, you can find the one that can suit your budget.

So how do you get to enjoy your barbecue?

Make sure the meat is well-marinated; use the most suitable barbecue grill; and spend the time eating with your family and loved-ones.

Bon appetit!

Lock Your Valuables

My brother is furious.

His son came home yesterday from school telling him that he lost his mobile phone for the second time. They left their bags in the Locker and proceeded for their afternoon basketball practice in the gymnasium.

However, when they returned after three hours of practice, they saw that two Gym Lockers were forcibly opened. The school security still has no clue over the incident which caused to a loss of about five mobile phones and other valuables.

It is actually the second time since my nephew lost his mobile phone. The first incident also happened at school in the canteen. Because of this, my brother is now coordinating with the school administration so that better securities may be enforced to avoid theft among students' valuables.

My brother suggested that they purchase new School Lockers and totally replace the old ones since some of the security locks are malfunctioning, causing robbers to easily destroy and open the lockers.

We do hope that the school administrators will look into it with much concern. After all, this will not only help secure the students' valuables, but the teachers and faculty staffs too.

Manolo Quezon For Senator

The title will, of course, directly tell you what I am trying to say to anyone. I should have liked to entitle this as "A Few Good Men", however, I think it is more fitting these days to say directly what you mean to say.

Yes, I am one of those Filipinos who are urging Manolo Quezon III to run for Senator in the coming 2010 elections.


For those who are not in the know, Manolo actually comes from the lineage of the Philippine former president Manuel L. Quezon.

I got to know about Manolo whenever, as a child, our parents would turn on the TV and watch the news. By and by, Manolo Quezon would be a resource person as an analyst on Political and electoral issues.

Today, I am a regular visitor of his blog, The Long View, because that is where I gain exhaustive insights about Politics and Current Issues. But, perhaps one of the things that cut him above the others is how he puts his thoughts and analysis into action.

I am witness as to how he spearheaded a lot of efforts to help the victims of Typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng. His twitter account provides a blow-by-blow account on how every single Filipino can do his share to help the victims of the calamity.

And so now, without any apprehension, I am calling, together with the others, for Manolo Quezon to run for Senator.

We have a Few Good Men who can spearhead change and improvement in the system.

Manolo Quezon, I daresay, is one of them.

A Bell In The Clouds

"Talking between men and women never solves anything. Where we think, they feel. They are creatures of the heart. "
- Don Pedro Aragon, A Walk In The Clouds


I really like the story of the movie A Walk In The Clouds featuring Keanu Reeves. It is a story of a US Army Sergeant Sutton(Reeves) who met a beautiful Mexican-American university graduate whose family owns a vineyard in the Napa Valley. Apparently, Victoria Aragon (Mexican-American) was pregnant and Sutton offers her to introduce him to his family as her husband.

Apart from the story, what really captured my attention is the beauty of the setting, Napa Valley, a farm of grapes which they call, The Clouds.

I just love to imagine living in gardens like these wherein you get to see the beauty of God's creation everytime you open your eyes. I also imagine a beautiful house with a Farm Bell attached in one of the house posts.

I don't know about you, but having a Farm Bell or a Dinner Bell gives a peaceful and harmonious feeling inside of me, whenever I hear the sound of it. And if you think this is used only for decorations, you may get wrong. A Dinner Bell acts to signal family members who are working in the gardens/fields to come home for lunch or dinner.

Also, you might find it surprising that a Farm Bell does not really cost that much. In fact, you can even find great buys when you browse the internet. Some online stores offer other great selection of beatifully crafted wind chimes that are perfect for your country houses.

It is my hope that someday I would be able to have a house in the gardens or in the fields. Surely, I shall be looking forward to the day when I and my family will just stay out in the gardens and enjoy the beauty of nature, with the hope that someone from the house will ring the farm bell to announce that we need to get back to our house for a bountiful dinner.

Stormy Halloween

Folks, expect a Stormy Halloween this weekend as typhoon Santi (International Name: Mirinae) threatens to move closer to the Philippines' area of responsibility by Friday night until Saturday morning.

Storm Signal Number 2 has already been raised in Metro Manila and many nearby provinces, so people who are visiting on the Cemeteries are advised to take caution and bring tents, umbrellas, or raincoats.

People who are planning to travel to Central and Northern Luzon are also advised to take their trip early Friday to avoid possible heavy rainfall caused about by the typhoon.

Meanwhile, it has been declared that November 2 (Monday) is a holiday, in commemoration of the All Souls Day.

Keep Safe, Everyone. Have a great weekend!

Go Get Gold

Do you have excess cash?
Are you looking for a sure investment?

Go Get Gold!

The world is witness as to how the US economy has become so unstable during the last quarter of 2008, and as such, most countries around the world are also affected. With this, a lot of people are asking: Is there still a good means of investing? Well, economists and financial experts are offering the people a good investment, and that is, to buy gold bullion.


To buy gold coin as an investment is actually one of the most popular forms of making your assets secured from any economic and financial unstability (such as stock market declines and inflation). In fact, famous author Michael Kosares indicated in his book that the gold owner will always find a friend in the yellow metal no matter what happens with the stocks or with the market.

Not only that, investors also believe that when you buy bullion, you are almost sure that the value will rise up in a few years time because gold does not depreciate, but always appreciates its value.

There isn't much hassle in doing this because you can actually refer to various respectable companies wherein you can purchase gold bullion. These companies even find their way to help you get more acquainted with the what, how, where and why's of investing in gold.

So remember, if you are on the lookout for a good investment:

Go Get Gold!

Our Old House

My Dad is a retired teacher. Bust aside from teaching and farming, he also loves doing carpentry and house improvement works. This is why it is no wonder that he always want to watch the show "This Old House"; a television hit that teaches step-by-step procedures related to carpentry, home renovation, among others.

One particular episode that proved to be very useful for our own "Old House" was when they featured about Gutter Protection. The idea of protecting gutters is actually new to us because for all we know, it is the gutter that protects our house from unwanted water leaks.

But as we watched and listened at the program, it became clear to us about the importance and significance of installing gutter protection, because by protecting the gutter, you eliminate the chance of getting leaves, twigs and dirts to be stuck on your gutters. In turn, rain waters can easily flow out. And since the waters do not stand still in the gutters, you also prevent mosquitoes from breeding in it.

The picture below is a fine example of what I am discussing about.


This type of gutter protection is called the Black Magic Filter. It actually looks neat in the gutters because of its color and design; and as you can see, the house gutter is well covered and protected from any foreign objects such as leaves, twigs, etc.

There are other types of gutter protection, like the GutterPiller Gutter Brush which has durable wire bristles that effectively clears out leaves and dirts from the gutter.

Of course, you can save a little bucks and choose not to install gutter protection but this will cost you much time in coming up the roofs and checking on your gutters regularly. You also get worried whenever rain comes, thinking that leaves and dirt will block the flow of water out.

Or, you decide to spend money, have your gutter protected, and let your worries out.

I choose the latter.

After all, we all love to keep our Old House nice and beautiful.

Unique House

No, this is not Titanic.

You are actually looking at one of those uniquely designed houses that will truly captivate anybody's eyes.

For a complete view of the Homes of the Unique and Famous, click here.

Chiz Quits

The news came as a big surprise to everyone.

Last week, Senator Loren Legarda has announced that she is no longer running for President, but instead run for Vice President under the Nationalist People's Coalition (NPC) of business tycoon Eduardo "Danding" Cojuangco, Jr.

With this development, everybody seemed and conditioned that Senator Francis "Chiz" Escudero will finally emerge as the NPC's Standard Bearer for the 2010 Presidential Elections, forging a Chiz-Loren tandem, and quite a team to beat.

And just when everyone is awaiting the big formal announcement for the tandem, Senator Escudero announced Wednesday morning today, October 28, 2009 via a press conference in Club Filipino that he has quit as a member of the NPC.

Escudero cited three reasons of his decision:

1. First, that anyone aspiring for the presidency should not be part of any group.

2. Second, that anyone who wants to become president would not be able to perform his job if his hands and feet are tied and his eyes are blindfolded.

3. Third, that he could decide freely on the role he would play in the upcoming elections if he does not belong with any group.

Needless to say, this unexpected move caused quite a stir in the political landscape.

Escudero did not mention, however, if he is running for President next year.

Change Address

I felt a little sad over the weekend when I found out from one of my relatives in my hometown that our address is being changed courtesy of an ordinance recently passed by our local village leaders. Needless to say, the local government has collected a fee for the purchase of address plaques that will be distributed to each house bearing the new address numbers.

Now I just don't think it is a good idea that they still collect a fee because it is on my understanding that they already collect taxes out of people's income and businesses. What's more, I am just sad because our address which has been our address since I was born has been changed. It is just that I felt that a part of my childhood has been taken away from me.

Anyway, the new address plaque was delivered to us last Monday containing, of course, our new house number which is now #202. The plaque is made of tin can and painted white. So you could just imagine that what they delivered is only a basic type of plaque.

My mom doesn't like the idea of placing that plaque in our house post for fear that the tin can-made address plaque will easily accumulate rust. Further, the basic address plaque looks awkward when placed in our house post.

We made contact with the village chief to ask if it is alright that we just purchase our own customized address plaque (bearing our new house number), and he said that it is fine with them. We just have to make sure that the address number is the same. We have decided that we shall put the new address plaque in our lawn garden so that visitors and postmen can easily locate our house. With this, we also need to ensure that we buy one that is rust-proof and does not easily depreciate due to changing weather conditions.

I hope we find the best plaque, and hopefully I will begin to love our new house number. After all, no matter what our address is, I still have my family to share our new memories together in our new address.

The Law of Average

Have you ever wondered why companies resort to giving flyers as a way of promotion even if people do not seem to take interest about what they offer?

The answer is, because they are practicing the Law of Average.

Thesaurus.com defines the Law of Average as the theory of probability, or, a probable future.

To further explain, business companies anticipate that for every variable, there is an equal or opposite ratio. Say for example, out of 10 flyers given to 10 customers, there is a probability that 1 customer will take notice and be interested about the product.

So if you are able to give 100 flyers, there is a probability that 10 persons will be interested in your product; thus, more sales.

It really doesn't matter whether some people just seem to ignore your flyier or your advertisement. As business analysts say, the Law of Average is sure to take effect in one way or another.

++++++++++

I know that I have the ability to achieve the object of my Definite Purpose in life, therefore, I demand of myself persistent, continuous action toward its attainment, and I here and now promise to render such action.

-Napoleon Hill

Mar and Korina Wedding Live Streaming Video

I hope I wouldn't miss it.

Senator (and Vice Presidential aspirant) Mar Roxas will tie the knot with ABS-CBN Broadcast Journalist Korina Sanchez today, October 27, 2009 around 3 pm at the Sto. Domingo Church, Quezon City.


See the wedding details here.

In the meantime, I am looking for a site that will feature a Live Streaming Video of Mar and Korina's wedding because I want to know what will happen during the wedding.

So if anyone of you knows of a site, kindly leave a comment, including the link so I can visit.

Thanks so much!

Impress Them!

Today I am blogging once again about the best kitchen equipments that any housewife (or house husbands who love cooking) will want to have.

I will now discuss about Fire Magic Grills, probably one of the best, if not the best name in grill equipment, not to mention that they have been in the industry since 1937, so you can be sure that the brand has actually become one of the most credible in the market.

But before I go on further, I want to first co-relate my article with what is about to take place in our family next weekend. My brother has just been married to his long-time girlfriend of 8 years, and it will be the bride's parents' first-time to visit our house (since the parents are residing in another city far south). So we are discussing about our plans for the weekend, but of course, we will be having our weekend dinner in the garden with some grilled chops, barbecues, and some vegetable salad.

We want to make a good first impression on them and we are contemplating on purchasing a new grill that would look good on our outdoor setting since our old grill is actually malfunctioning. My brother tried to browse the internet last night to look for various options but my mother really loved this model of the Fire Magic Grill (see picture).

This is a freestanding legacy fire magic grill. My mom loves the stainless steel material design because it looks very clean and organized, easy enough to make a really nice first impression on any visitor who will get to see it.


Another good thing i like about the design is that it gives an impression of being smart. Maybe it is because the design looks new and innovative, thus users and/or owners will also look smart.

We've heard that our visitors on next weekend also love barbecues, so naturally, they know a good grill when they see one. So we hope that we can purchase a Fire Magic Grill immediately to really get that good first impression.

I hope we do.

The Perfect Gift

Are you looking for a nice christmas present or a birthday gift for your mother-in-law?

Well, I hope this story will help you.

Have a good laugh, everyone!

++++++++++

Two guys were talking at work.

"I've got a problem," said the first one.

"What is it?"

"My wife has done it to me again. I'm supposed to buy my mother-in-law a present for her birthday, from the two of us. And I am fresh out of ideas. I mean it's HER mother, why can't she buy it?"

"What did you buy her last year?" the other one asked.

"Last year I bought her a VERY EXPENSIVE cemetery plot."

"Hmmmm, hard to top that one," said the other.



The two guys couldn't come up with anything. So the son-in-law didn't buy his mother-in-law anything for her birthday.

When the big day arrived the next weekend, she was a bit upset. At the family gathering for her birthday, she announced out loud to everyone, "Thank you all for the wonderful gifts. Too bad my daughter and son-in-law weren't so thoughtful!"



Thinking quickly, the son-in-law responded, "Well, you haven't used the gift I gave you last year!"

He Is Yahweh

I would like to share this very inspiring song that was presented on our church last Sunday. The song is entitled HE IS YAHWEH (by the Vineyard)

I do not have to explain the meaning of the song because actually, the message is really very simple to understand.

So here goes:

Who is moving on the waters
Who is holding up the moon
Who is peeling back the darkness
With the burning light of noon
Who is standing on the mountains
Who is on the earth below
Who is bigger than the heavens
and the lover of my soul


Creator God, He is Yahweh
The Great I Am, He is Yahweh
The Lord of All, He is Yahweh
Rose of Sharon, He is Yahweh
The Righteous Son, He is Yahweh
The Three-in-one, He is Yahweh


Who is He that makes me happy
Who is He that gives me peace
Who is He that brings me comfort
And turns the bitter into sweet
Who is stirring up my passion
Who is rising up in me
Who is filling up my hunger
with everything I need.


Creator God, He is Yahweh
The Great I Am, He is Yahweh
The Lord of All, He is Yahweh
Rose of Sharon, He is Yahweh
The Righteous Son, He is Yahweh
The Three-in-one, He is Yahweh


You are holy and eternal
And forever You will reign
Every knee will bow before You
Every tongue will confess Your name
All the angels give You glory
As they stand before Your throne
and here on Earth we gather
To declare Your name alone.


Creator God, He is Yahweh
The Great I Am, He is Yahweh
The Lord of All, He is Yahweh
Rose of Sharon, He is Yahweh
The Righteous Son, He is Yahweh
The Three-in-one, He is Yahweh

-Surely, there is a God greater than anybody else. He is the God whom we serve; He is the God to whom we place our trust-

Cry Baby

Tiring but Fun.




That was how I felt last Sunday when we brought our baby to the mall for her first photo shoot. We brought her to Pic-a-boo, a photo studio that specializes in taking child photos.



I am not sure how many branches they have here in the Philippines, but they have one at The Block, SM North EDSA, and one at The Atrium, SM Megamall.



We went at about 3 in the afternoon but were told to return by 5:30 pm because they have a lot of customers (so if you are planning on taking your child for a photo session, be sure to come earlier).



It was a tiring experience because we were on the streets as early as 10 am, coming to church first, then we had lunch at a nearby food and bakeshop, before finally proceeding to the mall.

The real fun came when we finally proceeded to the photo studio because our baby started to cry when we put on the costumes. So you could just imagine how the photographer tried her best to capture the best pictures out of our baby.



Anyway, she finally succeeded taking beautiful shots even if our baby kept crying.



But you can't blame babies from crying, anyway. They just cry because they want (and need) to cry. You can't force them to smile when they don't want to. All you get is the real expression of what they feel at that particular moment.

The Standard In Grilling

I once read about this very beautiful quotation:

"Be in such a way that when the world is sitting, you'd be standing... And when the world is standing, you'll stand out... And when the world stands out, you'll be outstanding... And when the world tries to be outstanding, you'll be the standard."

The lesson is simply to bring out the best in you in whatever you do. This, of course, applies, to anything-whether in the office, in relationships, and in whatever thing that you do.

I would like to correlate this lesson to my featured topic today, which is about grills that we use in cooking.

As I have written in one of my previous articles, my family really enjoys gathering together and cook barbeques and grilled chops whenever time permits us. Needless to say, we are always on the lookout for the best grill equipment in town.

I chanced upon reading an article in the internet about a list of branded grilling equipment, and by far, the best that I saw is the Lynx Grill.

Meticulous as I am when it comes to getting house appliances, I really love the different types of Lynx Grills being offered to the market. Name what you want and you'll have it, because Lynx Grills offer high-quality gas grills. They also offer different styles of stainless steel barbeque grills and accessories.

You can choose from a variety of sizes ranging from 27 inches to as much as 42 inches built-in grills with rotisserrie and prosear. As I have mentioned, the grills are made of fine grade stainless steel materials so you can ensure that these grills can withstand even bad weather conditions.

Why go for a good, or even better grill equipment when you can own the best?

Dubbed as the "Rolls Royce of Grilling", Lynx Grills have been in the grilling equipment industry for more than 30 years that is why you definitely depend on its performance. You can really be sure that you get the best out of Lynx Grills because they continue to innovate their designs so that the brand itself becomes the Standard In Grilling.

Repair Your Credit

I couldn't help but give as much sympathy that I can for my friend who called me last night and told me he was declined from getting a car loan. Now he has been desiring to get himself a car since last year but could not purchase one, so he opted to get it by loan.

However, he was declined because the loan company has evaluated that he has a bad credit standing.

Well, I told him last night that he need not worry much because all he nees to do at the moment is a credit repair.

Never been keen on discussing financial and accounting matters, my friend literally had to bear with me as I discuss about the necessity of having a good credit standing in order to get loans (housing, car, etc.) approved easily. But since, he is now faced with having a bad credit standing, I also introduced to him the need for him to get some credit repair services.

I first got the idea about it during one of our Finance subjects in college. I was even amazed when our professor told us that there are even credit repair companies whose business is to help people in repairing their credits. The credit repair company's job is to evaluate your credit standing and look for ways to improve your credit line. As to how they do it, well, it is their job, and we can just be very happy that there are companies like them that can help us in achieving a good credit line.

So really, your dream house, or your dream car is not that hard to get. All it takes is for you to repair your credit.

Holiday Declarations In November

Filipinos will experience two long weekend holidays this coming month of November 2009 as President Gloria declared various holidays in observance of All Saints/Souls Day and the Feast of Sacrifice for the Muslims.

Here are the two long weekend schedules:

October 31- Saturday
November 1- All Saints Day (Special Non-working Holiday)
November 2- All Souls Day (Special Non-working Holiday)


November 27- Eid'l Adha/Feast of Sacrifice by the Muslims (Special Non-working Holiday)
November 28- Eid'l Adha/Feast of Sacrifice by the Muslims (Special Non-working Holiday)
November 29- Sunday
November 30- Bonifacio Day (Regular Holiday)


sources: abs-cbnnews.com , gov.ph website

Sharing The Night Together

This morning I was awaken by a very beautiful song coming from my brother's room. His radio was playing Dr. Hook's "Sharing The Night Together". It kind of makes me imagine and think with the idea of asking my special someone for a dinner date.

Now we've been to countless dinner dates on restaurants and grills but as far as I can remember, we have never tried having dinner date in the gardens- that is to say, even outside our house.

I've seen in the movies how lovely is it having dinner in the gardens, when both of you will just eat a nice dinner and drink wine and stare at the stars above. There was even a particular movie I saw wherein a couple was having dinner using a Fire Pit Table, so you could just imagine them eating outside in the gardens on a table with a fire in the center illuminating the night. Oh, I've long been dreaming of doing that!

Now Fire Pit Tables may not be popular in other countries, but these are very well used in areas with tropical settings. They are perfect when you set them up outside on beach resorts, and some, even put them in golf courses.

But of course, you do not need to go that far to enjoy the effect of using a Fire Pit Table. All you have to do is a little creativity and imagination in having your perfect dinner date even at the comfort of your home. Fire Pit Tables are available on purchase even in the internet. There are many variations, so you can be sure that there is an available one that is most suitable in your garden or in your terrace.

What's more, these Fire Pit Tables are also suitable for big parties, so you can invite friends and relatives for a lovely dinner party in your house anytime. Surely, they, too, will love the idea of owning one in their homes.

A beautiful setting, fine food and wine, plus beautiful mellow music playing in the background, who wouldn't want to fall in love?

++++++++++

Sharing the night together, oh yeah
Sharing the night together, oh yeah
Sharing the night

We could bring in the morning gir
lIf you want to go that far
And if tomorrow finds us together right here
The way we are
Would you mind

Sharing the night together, oh yeah
Sharing the night together, oh yeah
Sharing the night