::- p!nkroma blogs -::

One book per month

2011-01-23T23:14:00.002+08:00

Not that I don’t read books. I used to get the borrower of the year award from the library when I was in high school. It’s just that I haven’t had some free time for myself. And this is what I really missed doing… the speed reading and the fantasy worlds it leads me.

Well, my target for this year will be to read a book a month. Manga not included, of course. Sort of like the monthly book reading reports we had when I was in high school. And it shouldn’t be just about romantic fiction.

I haven’t started yet and January is about to end. I got one more week left… better find a book asap.

See more progress on: read books

What's in a day?

2011-01-16T01:06:00.001+08:00

I failed to finish this last year. I only managed half a year before my schedule became so hectic I missed a lot and ended up not completing this.

So far this year I haven’t missed yet. It helps that in the forum I’m in quite a number of us want to give it another try so we sort of encourage each other to continue. :)

Project 365 list

See more progress on: complete project 365

I finally enrolled in language classes

2011-01-16T01:01:00.001+08:00

I finally got the nerve to enroll in language classes rather than try learning on my own. I have just started my elementary Japanese classes and have attended two sessions already. It’s supposed to be for a year but since I wanted to finish earlier I took the intensive course which will end in June. Not sure if it’s a good thing as my schedule this year is a bit hectic. Plus, the pace is quite fast. Right now I’m struggling after just two sessions. But just like my fave Japanese athlete, Mao, I will try my best and persevere. haha!

While studying intensive Japanese is already quite difficult for me, my roomie wants to enroll in a French class since she might be assigned to work in a French-speaking country. And since I have always wanted to learn that language, too, I enrolled with her. Better have someone you know as your classmate. At least I can practice with her. :-P

See more progress on: Learn another language

The Merlion from my Nokia 5800

2010-06-04T22:07:00.000+08:00

Here's a shot of the Merlion taken from my Nokia 5800. I finally got a night shot that's acceptable (for me). My Sony Ericsson w800 actually took much better night photos before.

Been too busy

2010-05-18T20:32:00.000+08:00

*sigh* been too busy since the start of the year that I'm not able to update my blogs. I'll try to make updates again and start with at least a post a week. Hope I'll be able to do this... =)

For starters, I've started doing one of the things I loved doing before and that is collecting postcards. It's such a wonderful feeling when you receive postcards from different countries. I'll be making another blog dedicated to this hobby. =)

Will update you soon.

My Project 365

2010-01-02T21:11:00.001+08:00

I've stated in my New Year's resolutions posted yesterday that I wanted to do a project 365 where I have to take a picture a day for an entire year. Well, I started yesterday also. =) Here's to hoping that I can actually consistently do this 'til the end of the year. Of course, they're not photographer quality material as I'm only using my mobile phone's camera (as of the moment) but it's ok with me. What's more important is that when I look back later I can still remember how my year went by... ;)

So here goes my project 365. I made a photoblog just for this: Project 365: What's in a day?!

If you're also doing your own project 365, feel free to share them here.

Goodbye 2009! Happy New Year 2010!

2010-01-01T15:02:00.006+08:00

Goodbye 2009. May the new year bring me and everyone happy times and more success!

2009 hasn't been quite good to me. Well, there were good things and there were bad things. I was able to do some of my resolutions last year. Would've wanted to accomplish all but certain issues seem to have affected my goals. Some of the goals I'll list for this year will be a bit related to what I posted last year so here goes:

Refrain from letting other people use my credit cards' limits no matter what. They're just good at making me feel guilty so that I'd let them "swipe" or pay something online and then never bother to fulfill their promise of paying me on time even if they know it affects the other items on my billing statement, my good credit standing and my finances. It's a tad bit better if they'll give partial but, alas, I'm left to pay for what they've enjoyed... including the charges. Can't believe even professionals will do something like not paying. They've totally ruined their credibility to me.
Pay off my CC bills hopefully within the first quarter so that I can finally save for myself. [related to no. 1]
Save, save, save money and look for feasible investments
Have the courage to finally use contact lenses
Have my hair rebonded [hehe]
Learn another language [again. But this is a must this time]
Overseas vacation
Take a picture for every day of the year [project 365]
Strive for self improvement
Forget the word "tired"

Career-wise, I found this post tweeted by Smashing Magazine very interesting. I'll pick some I'd like to achieve this year:

Get some exercise. Working from home make me stick to my chair most of the time so I really need this goal.
Live beyond your workspace. Pretty understandable.
Don’t be scared of the dark side, take more risks
Work on stuff outside your comfort zone. I think I've started this last year. I'm quite happy so would like to continue doing so this year.
Read more... that and learn more from what you've read
Make time for personal design projects. I've started some projects last year and would like to give them a bit more priority this year.
Network and connect with people (it’s part of the job)
Work smarter
Use the internet to make your life easier, not harder

I guess... that's majority of what the writer posted in that article. But they're all very useful anyway so... ;)

Here's to hoping I'll be able to do most of what's listed here this year. I'm not aiming for all since that's quite impossible, I think.

Again, Happy New Year to all!!!

Mao Asada is back and gets Olympic spot! Japan Olympic Team named.

2009-12-27T21:58:00.006+08:00

Japanese Figure Skating Nationals was such a nailbiter! In the Men's event, I was pretty sure Daisuke Takahashi, Nobunari Oda and Takahiko Kozuka will be named in the Olympic Team. Nobunari Oda already clinched a spot when he placed 2nd at the Grand Prix Final but Takahashi and Kozuka still have to prove themselves at nationals. Daisuke Takahashi won, Nobunari Oda was second and Takahiko Kozuka third. :)

The ladies' event, however, was even more of a nailbiter with so many competitors deserving of an Olympic spot. Miki Ando already got a spot when she placed 2nd at the Grand Prix Final so only two remaining spots are up for grabs. Yesterday and today proved to be stressful for fans. Point-wise, they were all so close with Mao Asada in the lead. But it was a very minimal lead. Yukari Nakano, Miki Ando and Akiko Suzuki were close behind. I think Mao shouldn't have gotten a downgrade, though. Her triple axel looked fully rotated to me. But aside from that, she delivered a wonderful performance. Her spirals and steps have been modified and they looked even better now. She's also held her spirals longer so she got high levels. Most of all, I love her reaction at the end of her skate. It was so nice to see her smile like that again. That's what made me a fan in the first place. :-D

Today's free skate was even more nerve-wracking than yesterday because of the point difference in scores -- just less than 2 points separating the top 4 ladies. Even more so when Yukari Nakano skated really, really well and posted a high score. Miki had some problems, I think. But when I read that Mao skated clean and got 204 I was really, really happy and relieved. She did only one triple axel today and a 2A-2T instead of her 3A-2T. After watching her FS it was good to see her finally skate to it cleanly. I do think she skated conservatively and not with her intended full program content seeing that her 3A in the SP got downgraded. I do wish she used her blue and black Japan Open costume. I like it much better than the red and black one she's using now. So... Yay! Congrats, Mao!!!

Fumie Suguri didn't do so well and Akiko fell. I thought it was a fall on a jump but glad to find out later it wasn't. While I'm ecstatic Mao made the team, I know my heart is going to break for either Akiko or Yukari. They both got the same PCS but Akiko got higher TES. Overall, there's only 0.17 separating them with Akiko winning silver and Yukari getting bronze. Akiko got the third Olympic spot while Yukari goes to Worlds. Both ladies deserve to go to Olympics so while I'm very happy for Akiko I'm also very sad for Yukari... :'( This is the second time she missed being named to the Olympic team. But I hope she rocks at Worlds next year and show them all what she's got. It also seems Fumie didn't get named to either 4CC or Worlds so nationals is probably her last competition this season. I don't know if she's going to retire after or not...

It's interesting to note that there are so many junior skaters who are also doing well in this competition esp. Kanako Murakami. Such a joy on the ice! It looks like Japan will have a strong presence in the future seasons to come.

Aside from Men and Ladies, Japan is also sending Cathy Reed and Chris Reed (Ice Dance) to the Olympics.

Congratulations to all of them and I hope they do really well in Vancouver!

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-25T01:16:00.003+08:00

Just a short post. It's Christmas eve and, of course, I want to greet everyone a very Merry Christmas!

YugaTech Great Gadget Giveaway

2009-12-14T21:53:00.007+08:00

Christmas is a time for giving and YugaTech and Globe Telecom are doing just that to some lucky twitters/bloggers. YugaTech is holding a contest with wonderful prizes sponsored by Globe. The theme this week is Twitter.

To join this contest, simply do the following if you have a Twitter account:

Follow @abeolandres and @talk2globe on Twitter.
Post a tweet “Just entered to win a Modu Phone. Quick! Go follow @abeolandres and @talk2globe and retweet: http://bit.ly/6e2q7O #thanks2yugatech”

If you don't have a Twitter account, you can blog about this. Blog Mechanics:

Blog about the “YugaTech Great Gadget Giveaway”. Include the photo I posted here and link to this contest page.
Don’t forget to include in your post the mechanics for the Twitter contest above.
Leave a comment here with the URL of your entry.

If you don't Tweet and you also don't blog, you can still win some prepaid cards by commenting on the contest page here.

Prices include Modu Phones, Globe Tattoo kits, P500 Globe Prepaid Cards. There will be a winner or a Modu Phone, 10 Globe Tattoo kits, 20 prepaid cards for the Tweet contest. 1 Modu phone, 10 Globe Tattoo kits and 10 prepaid cards for the blog contest. The 10 most creative comments on the question posted at the YugaTech page wins a prepaid card.

So why don't you start tweeting and blogging about this contest now or head over to the YugaTech contest page and answer their contest question. Who knows one of us might win a prize. :-)

Here's the YugaTech Contest Post.

Johnson’s Body Care Lotion Gift Package Freebie

2009-12-09T19:08:00.006+08:00

Johnson and Johnson Philippines has a giveaway promo (while supplies last) of a Body Care Lotion gift package that they'll ship anywhere in the country. All you have to do is to provide your mailing address, a valid email address (which you'll have to verify) and recommend 5 friends. It's very easy.

I found out about this last Nov. 22 from the FemaleNetwork's GirlTalk forum. That time I had problems signing up for this giveaway. The next day I tried again and it was successful. after two weeks, I was losing hope of receiving a package. Maybe supplies have run out already as quite a number of GT members who signed up at around the same time as me also did not receive their package.

Just a while ago, somebody was calling out "LBC" at the gates. I hurriedly went out remembering that the other members said their package was delivered by LBC, I was so glad when the LBC guy asked about me and said I have a package from JnJ. hehehe... I finally got my gift package. Here it is:

Here's the promo mechanics:

Promo Mechanics
Promo is open to all females, 18- 35 years old.
To be qualified for the promo, you must sign up and refer 5 of your friends.
Upon accomplishing the sign up page, you will receive a verification e-mail.
Registrants have to click on the verification link to receive the limited edition designer Johnson's Body Care gift pack.
Registrants or registrants’ authorized person shall receive the gift that will be delivered to their homes.
Each user may only receive one (1) gift pack each.
Promo starts on November 6, 2009 until supplies last.

If you still wanna try to get one (hopefully they still have supplies), you can signup here: Johnson's Body Care Lotion gift package.

Thanks, JnJ and FemaleNetwork!!!

Postcards Delivered Today

2009-12-08T23:42:00.006+08:00

As what I stated in my last post, I wanted to start my postcard collection again. I joined PostCrossing 35 days ago and sent around 7 postcards already but only 5 have been registered so far. Since it's been more than a month already, I was feeling anxious why I haven't received any yet. I started to think the post office might be really delayed. Well, they normally are. I just hope the two remaining postcards I sent will be received by the recipients soon.

1.] Hawaii Postcard from The Postcard Project 2.] a postcard of He-Huan Mountain
3.] a Taipei postcard from Taiwan 4.] a Paris postcard

Just when I wasn't expecting anything at all now, I received four earlier along with what looked like a credit card statement of account. I opened the SOA first thinking I'd better open the bad news before the good ones. To my surprise, it was not a statement of account. It was a letter saying they've increased my credit limit. I felt relieved. Then I slowly checked the postcards I received. I got 2 from Taiwan, 1 from France and 1 from the US. Three of these cards came from PostCrossing and one of them was from Elizabeth McClung's The Postcard Project which she got during her vacation in Hawaii.

These postcards surely made my day! I've now finished scanning them, along with my other postcards and I think I will be putting up another blog just for this collection so please watch out for it. I'll be posting the link here when I've finally set it up and the new blog will contain details about the postcards I received. :)

Gotta look for other postcards to send again... :)

Starting my postcard collection anew

2009-11-04T00:54:00.004+08:00

Years ago, I started a postcard collection. I bought postcards from bookstores and office supplies and loved looking at them. Then I realized I want postcards from other countries, too. I thought about how to get some and luckily found some old ones sent by my father whenever he's abroad. I've also found some sent by my mom's friends. Others were given to me when they realized I liked postcards.

I like looking at postcards esp. those of other countries because I start to imagine what it must be like if I'm there. Later on, I realized postcards aren't just about beautiful places but can just be about anything. This makes it all the more interesting.

However, I've lost most of them (along with my stamp and anime/cartoon card collection) when we were transferring homes. I can only find some of them and stopped collecting then. But friends who knew I love postcards kept giving me some brought by family members during travels. I can't help it also if some friends who travel ask me what I want to receive and I'll just automatically say just a postcard is enough.

So after finding my remaining postcards and along with the new ones I received and/or bought, I want to start my postcard collection again. I also just now registered at PostCrossing where you send postcards to random people in other countries and you'll randomly receive postcards from others, too.

I'll be starting a new blog on this. Once I've set it up I'll post the address here.

If you want to help me with my collection, feel free to send me some postcards. Just ask for my mailing address. ;) Hehe...

A Missing Bouquet

2009-10-30T15:39:00.002+08:00

Just got back from some errands and from buying bouquets for tomorrow's visits to our departed loved ones. It's normally held here every 1st and 2nd of November. Cemeteries will surely be packed with people and many roads closed or rerouted because of the traffic. To avoid all that, we planned on going tomorrow instead. It would have been easier if we're just going to visit one cemetery but in our case we have to visit two in opposite sides of the city and travel will surely take up most of our time.

I went to the place where I am sure many flowers are being sold and where other flower stores get their flower supplies. I braved the heat and the throng of people looking for flowers like me and when I got there, a dozen flowers costs 2x-3x more than what they'd cost in a normal day. I already bought the 2 dozen Anthuriums when I realized that buying a couple of other types of flowers will cost me a lot. I decided on just buying 3 bouquets.

Exhausted almost an hour later, I took a ride back home with the three bouquets and the anthuriums. When I alighted from the vehicle and went to board another one, I realized the bags of bouquets I was carrying felt lighter and to my shock, I was now carrying only two. I saw the vehicle I alighted from but it was quite far away from me already and just inside was the bag containing my missing bouquet. Waaah! I wasn't able to reach it on time. And now I'm short of a bouquet... huhu!

How I need to buy another one and prices of bouquets here in near my area will surely be more expensive. *sigh* Gotta rest for a while before I venture out again in search of another one.

I know I always forget something and this time I forgot to check if I had carried everything I bought.

Congratulations to Yuna Kim, Mao Asada, Yukari Nakano and other TEB winners!

2009-10-18T19:55:00.004+08:00

Ok. So I was wrong on Carolina Kostner. I was hoping that after changing her coaching staff she'd be back on form but from what I read on forums she still made a lot of mistakes. She did place #4 in the FS from her 7th place finish in the SP to move 1 place higher which is 6th place overall. I'm still hoping she'd do better in her next grand prix event.

Congratulations to Yuna Kim for winning the 1st Grand Prix event of the season and for setting new records. Congratulations also to Yukari Nakano for placing 3rd overall. And of course, congratulations to Mao Asada for overcoming this event. She placed 2nd though the gap in scores were too high. She made mistakes but this performance was overall much better than the one at Japan Open. Many may not like it but I do. One step at a time. I think that's how they want to take this season. Go Mao! You can do this. I believe in you!

Well, that's for the ladies. Congratulations also to those who won in the other events!

Mens

Nobunari Oda
Tomas Verner
Adam Rippon

Pairs

Maria Mukhortova / Maxim Trankov
Jessica Dube / Bryce Davison
Aliona Savchenko / Robin Szolkowy

Ice Dance

Tessa Virtue / Scott Moir
Nathalie Pechalat / Fabian Bourzat
Sinead Kerr / John Kerr

Once again, congratulations to everyone!

The Figure Skating Grand Prix Season Begins!

2009-10-16T00:17:00.002+08:00

The figure skating olympic season is about to start with the Grand Prix Series coming up. First stop is in Paris France for the Trophée Eric Bompard which will be held on Oct. 16-18. This 1st grand prix stop packs quite an interesting lineup in the ladies' field with the 2008 World Champion Mao Asada (JPN), 2009 World Champion Yuna Kim (KOR), 2007 and 2008 European Champion Carolina Kostner (ITA) in attendance. Aside from these 3 ladies, you have Yukari Nakano (JPN), Caroline Zhang (USA), Kiira Korpi (FIN), Gwendoline Didier (FRA), Alexe Gilles (USA), Elene Gedevanishvili (GEO), Anna Jurkiewicz (POL). This would've been 2006 Olympic silver medalist Sasha Cohen's first competition after announcing her comeback last May but she pulled out a couple of days ago due to injury. I do think the podium will belong to Yuna Kim, Mao Asada and Carolina Kostner (in no particular order) if they skate really well.

The Men's competition will highlight the French team esp Brian Joubert. Of course, Japan's Nobunari Oda is also a strong contender for podium. I happen to like both of his programs for this season. There's also Vaughn Chipeur (CAN), Chao Yang (CHN), Tomas Verner (CZE), Yannick Ponsero (FRA), Alban Preaubert (FRA), Peter Liebers (GER), Sergei Voronov (RUS), Javier Fernandez (ESP), Ryan Bradley (USA), Adam Rippon (USA).

For Pairs and Ice Dance I have no fave pair. I wasn't really interested because I prefer singles skating. But I will try to watch these this season.

Now I'm just hoping that there will be no more injuries for athletes. There are currently 3 withdrawals from GP events. Aside from no injuries, I hope athletes will be able to give their best in each performance.

Less than 24 hours from now the competition in France will begin... I'm so excited! :)

-----

Edit: Removed Candice Didier and Elena Glebova. I read in some forum Glebova has replaced Sasha Cohen but it didn't seem like that yesterday. There were only 10 ladies during the ladies' event. Yuna Kim, Yukari Nakano and Mao Asada placed 1st, 2nd and 3rd respectively in the short program. Carolina Kostner placed 7th although I wanted her to place higher.

Olympics 2016 Host City: Rio de Janeiro Makes History!

2009-10-03T01:28:00.003+08:00

Congratulations to Rio de Janeiro for winning the bid to host the 2016 Summer Olympic Games! They made history being the first South American country to host the Olympics. The applicant city logo will most probably change now that they will be hosting the 2016 games. And I love their slogan: "Live the Passion"

Chicago lost on the first round of voting. This was very, very surprising. One minute the IOC president was saying blah.. blah.. on the voting then he just said (from what I can remember) that Chicago got the least no. of votes and can join the voting for the second round. I swear... The coverage went Huh?! I might have heard that wrong... Tokyo followed Chicago being voted off in the second round.

Between Rio de Janeiro and Madrid, I'm not sure who I wanted to win. Rio will make history if they win. But I can also remember the very first Olympics I saw on tv as a child and that was Barcelona 1992 and I was awestruck. Haha... that cauldron lighting did it for me. I was hoping for Tokyo this time, though.

But... results are here and Congratulations again to Rio de Janeiro! I'm sure they'll really prepare to give us a rich and unique experience.

Typhoon Ondoy (Ketsana) Donation Centers

2009-09-27T19:16:00.009+08:00

Just a short post for those who'd like to help victims of Typhoon Ondoy (Ketsana).

Spreadsheet list of Donation Centers

Text RED AMOUNT and send to 2899 for Globe users or 4483 for Smart users. Amounts that can be donated are P25, P50, and P100.

Red Cross Donations - Select "Others" from the menu

List posted by Definitely Filipino Facebook Group:

A Relief Operations Drop-Off Center has been set-up at La Salle Greenhills beginning today 9:00 AM, Sunday, September 27. Please bring donations to Gate 2 of La Salle Greenhills, along Ortigas Ave., Mandaluyong

Relief Goods can be sent to Caritas ManilaOffice at Jesus St., Pandacan Manila near Nagtahan Bridge (tel.no.5639298/5639308) or Radio Veritas at Veritas Tower West Ave. Corner EDSA (tel no. 9257931-40)

Noynoy Aquino and Mar Roxas Disaster Relief:Drop off for relief donations at Balay Expo across Farmers Market contact: a. Jana Vicente: +63 928 520 5499 b. Clare Amador: +63 928 520 5508

Ateneo Resident Students Association now accepting relief goods for Typhoon Ondoy at Cervini Hall lobby at 12nn. For details, please contact 0917 631 2423 AND 0917 703 5357

PAOLC - We are requesting for donations (Clothes, blankets, towels, canned goods, Bottled water etc) to be distributed to typhoon victims. You can drop them off at the Philippine Army Gym inside Fort Bonifacio or GHQ Gym in Camp Aguinaldo

I think this is all for now. Will try to find some other list. I'm looking for a way if it's possible to donate goods from the Visayas and Mindanao area aside from money.

Update:

Reply from Definitely Filipino FB Group: Visit nearest ABS-CBN and/or GMA7 stations as they have ongoing relief operations.

From twitter tweets: For donations via American Red Cross Call 800-435-7669

Inquirer updated list of verified relief centers" Click Here

~~PayPal Donations via Kerygma.com~~

~~PayPal Donations via TXTPower~~

[ Note: Donations via PayPal are refunded as PayPal doesn’t have the license to receive donations for the Philippines. :( ]

Another blog with list for people living abroad to donate to Ondoy Victims: Moongirl's List

E-wers? Flowers!

2009-09-17T23:48:00.004+08:00

My 2 year old niece Lexi loves flowers. Before she turned two last month, she pronounces flowers as o-wers. She pronounces most 2 syllable words with an O: o-bie (for her dog Robie), ogi (for Mama's dog pogi). But after her 2nd birthday she's now pronouncing words with an E: e-mie (mommy), e-dy (daddy), e-bie (Robie), e-fon (cellphone), e-fan (electric fan) and... e-wers (flowers). Glad to hear she still calls me Tita. c",)

Anyway, she loves flowers so much the she picks flowers outside our neighbors' fences whenever she goes out. There are no more flowers in the plants here at home because she picked them all already. And she wants some more.

Last month during her mommy and daddy's anniversary, her daddy gave her mommy a bouquet of red roses. Lexi was SOOOO excited to see flowers. She claimed the bouquet as her own (see pic below). Then two days ago, Tita Laarnie and Tito Eric gave Mommy-La a bouquet of roses for an early birthday. She claimed it as hers again. There's another pic of her with Mommy-La's bouquet. Both bouquets are actually too big for her. So I told her we'd make a small (mini) bouquet just for her.

We have some materials to be used at home so we just need to look for small flowers. As I was on an errand near the cathedral the other day I noticed some stalls selling flowers. There wasn't much variety to choose from. There were a lot of daisies and red roses but I don't wanna use them. I found a few pink and white small roses so I bought a dozen for Lexi.

Less than 24 hrs ago, Mommy-La celebrated her birthday and since she already has a bouquet, Lexi and I made her mini-bouquet with the small roses I bought and the materials we had her at home. Here's our DIY mini bouquet (1st practice). Hehe...

She liked it so much she acted as if she was the celebrant... Next time we'll look for better flowers and buy materials so we can make a bigger and better bouquet.

Wedding Invitations

2009-09-12T11:31:00.002+08:00

I made a new post on wedding invitations I've made for friends... Well, those I can find copies in my hard drive (whether pictures or layouts) only.

Visit my hobby blog for the pics: Wedding Invitations.

My BDO Amex Replacement Card

2009-09-06T11:47:00.004+08:00

My Equitable/BDO American Express Credit Card is expiring this month so I was expecting a new card to replace the old one. Yesterday, I received it and I was so excited to see what it looks like. My old one wasn't the BDO Amex card but the Equitable Amex card which was transferred to BDO when both banks merged. However, my Equitable Amex card wasn't replaced since I just received my renewed card that time. A couple of months ago I started receiving notices from my billing statements that they'll be replacing my old card soon with the new one. And I do have it now...

This is how it looks:

It looked nice like this but when I opened it I don't like the color. :-( It's green and not the kind of green Bankard's MyDream JCB (which I used to have) uses. Its kinda dull-looking and it's attached to a dark green letter.

Why am I complaining?

Hehe... It's because green is one of my least favorite colors. I did like Bankard's MyDream JCB colors. Oh well, I guess it's ok as long as I can finally access my account online again. I used to be able to do so when it was under Equitable (access disappeared when it was turned over to BDO). I'll have to ask BDO again if it's possible now or not.

Gotta make myself used to this kind of color... ;-)

Another Installment Paid Off

2009-09-01T23:10:00.002+08:00

I managed to have another installment paid off last month. One major installment will be paid by next month and two minor installments will be paid (hopefully) two months from now.

I gotta focus paying for these so that I can start to SAVE, SAVE and SAVE…

See more progress on: pay off my bills

PMA Class 2011 - Silent Drill - Kadayawan Festival

2009-08-24T22:41:00.001+08:00

Here's my compiled clips of the Silent Drill performed by the PMA Cadets (Class 2011) on August 22, 2009 at the Agro football field in Davao City for the Kadayawan sa Davao Festival.

I saw a silent drill performance at the Philippine Military Academy in Baguio City (Borromeo Field) and you'll appreciate it more since you can clearly see the formations they are doing.

Clips taken from a Sony DSC W55 digital camera.

This Blog's Privacy Policy

2009-08-17T17:23:00.005+08:00

As per Google adsense requirements, here's this site's privacy policy.

Privacy Policy for pinkroma.blogspot.com

If you require any more information or have any questions about our privacy policy, please feel free to contact us by email at pinkroma@gmail.com.

At pinkroma.blogspot.com, the privacy of our visitors is of extreme importance to us. This privacy policy document outlines the types of personal information is received and collected by pinkroma.blogspot.com and how it is used.

Log Files
Like many other Web sites, pinkroma.blogspot.com makes use of log files. The information inside the log files includes internet protocol ( IP ) addresses, type of browser, Internet Service Provider ( ISP ), date/time stamp, referring/exit pages, and number of clicks to analyze trends, administer the site, track user’s movement around the site, and gather demographic information. IP addresses, and other such information are not linked to any information that is personally identifiable.

Cookies and Web Beacons
pinkroma.blogspot.com does use cookies to store information about visitors preferences, record user-specific information on which pages the user access or visit, customize Web page content based on visitors browser type or other information that the visitor sends via their browser.

DoubleClick DART Cookie
.:: Google, as a third party vendor, uses cookies to serve ads on pinkroma.blogspot.com.
.:: Google's use of the DART cookie enables it to serve ads to users based on their visit to pinkroma.blogspot.com and other sites on the Internet.
.:: Users may opt out of the use of the DART cookie by visiting the Google ad and content network privacy policy at the following URL - http://www.google.com/privacy_ads.html

Some of our advertising partners may use cookies and web beacons on our site. Our advertising partners include .... Google Adsense

These third-party ad servers or ad networks use technology to the advertisements and links that appear on pinkroma.blogspot.com send directly to your browsers. They automatically receive your IP address when this occurs. Other technologies ( such as cookies, JavaScript, or Web Beacons ) may also be used by the third-party ad networks to measure the effectiveness of their advertisements and / or to personalize the advertising content that you see.

pinkroma.blogspot.com has no access to or control over these cookies that are used by third-party advertisers.

You should consult the respective privacy policies of these third-party ad servers for more detailed information on their practices as well as for instructions about how to opt-out of certain practices. pinkroma.blogspot.com's privacy policy does not apply to, and we cannot control the activities of, such other advertisers or web sites.

If you wish to disable cookies, you may do so through your individual browser options. More detailed information about cookie management with specific web browsers can be found at the browsers' respective websites.

---

Note: This privacy policy was made using Serp Rank's Privacy Policy Generator and carries a notice.

Please note that the Privacy policy that you will create is in no way a legal binding policy. This generator has been developed to provide you with an easy and quick way to create a Privacy Policy to keep in terms with the recent changes to the TOS of Google Adsense. Serprank.com cannot be held responsible for any situations that may arise due to any wording or misunderstanding relating to the generated Privacy Policy.

Figure Skating Wallpapers and Avatars

2009-08-17T02:37:00.003+08:00

The 2010 Winter Olympics is near and my favorite [actually, the only event I like] is Figure Skating. I’ve made some wallpapers and avatars of my favorite figure skaters and they’re uploaded in the Goodies section of my hobby site. This contains Mao Asada wallpapers and avatars of Mao, Miki Ando and Yu-na Kim.

Go to my hobby site to view these figure skating wallpapers and avatars.

The day President Corazon Aquino was laid to rest

2009-08-06T00:42:00.007+08:00

August 5 was declared a special non-working holiday for President Corazon Aquino's funeral. I woke up late and tried to work on something. While surfing the net like I always do every morning I kept on hearing the neighbor's loud TV. They seemed to be watching a special coverage and I remembered the coverage for today's funeral. I didn't realize it started early. I hurriedly switched on the TV to watch. The other family members started to join me as we watched the mass progress, the eulogies esp. Kris' very emotional speech, the songs sang during and after the mass (esp. Lea Salonga's rendition of Bayan Ko) up to the time the funeral cortege left the Manila Cathedral.

Who wouldn't be brought to tears by the eulogies given esp the one delivered by Kris. Who wouldn't be moved by the throng of people who braved the rains to pay their last respectto the simple person who braved so much more -- against tyranny and corruption -- to bring democracy to this country.

I was able to watchup to the time they bought her casket out of the Manila Cathedral. I then left to do some errands. There weren't much people out but it seemed every home had their TVs switched on and people watching the same thing: Tita Cory's funeral coverage.

Out in the streets I was even more surprised. It's a holiday and normally streets are supposed to be busier. But no... traffic was scarce and as far as I can remember it only goes like this when Manny Pacquiao has a boxing match. Still, I went downtown. There it's a lot busier but compared to normal days it feels like holy week. The city hall was closed and same with banks (and it's my deadline for paying bills *sigh*). TVs were turned on for the funeral coverage, I noticed.

As I passed by the San Pedro Cathedral (I live in Davao City) it was quiet I decided to stop by and offer a prayer for her while lighting some yellow candles. It's the most I could do. What I wanted was to be in Manila and be there live. If I were there I'd have braved the long queues and the rain...

Anyway, as I went about my errands, I seem to notice more that streets and establishments aren't so busy. In fact, most that were open have turned on TVs and people gathered to watch the funeral coverage. It just goes to show how important this person is to us.

Back at home I found out the coverage hasn't ended yet. It actually ended very late as probably tens of thousands (if not more than a hundred) of pinoys troop to the streets throwing yellow confetti, flashing laban signs and shouting Pres. Cory's name made it difficult to reach the Manila Memorial Park on schedule.

As we were glued to the TV screen esp when it reached the memorial park and people started following the march to her final resting place shouting her name, it was very moving. But I bet it's more so if you're actually there. It might be an accidental coverage when her casket was opened for her family's last viewing and we caught a glimpse of her for a second or two (before the camera focused on something else) but I know viewers welcomed that. We may not have seen her during the public viewings but that coverage made up for it. It probably ended past 9pm but people here at home still watched the news clips of the coverage earlier.

All in all, it has been a somber day...

To Tita Cory, your legacy will live on. You will be missed by everyone.

And thank you for everything!

PS:

This is now shorter than what I previously typed which I wasn't able to recover when I was redirected to another page while writing this post... Had to start again.

Farewell, Dear Turvy! =(

2009-07-27T02:40:00.005+08:00

I'm feeling even more depressed today. T_T Our dog of 16yrs, a Japanese spitz named Turvy, just died. He had been feeling quite weak recently and when I checked at around 2am he wasn't moving already. ='(

He'd been with us since my uncle brought him as a gift from another uncle. Just barely 2months old (he was born around July 1993) he was so adorable and we all loved him. He was charismatic, loyal and loving to us, his family, but quite fierce with people he does not know. He's quite something since he's fairly small.

It's almost 3am -- I'm awfully tired and depressed. Need to force myself to sleep. I'll write another post about Turvy when my mind's clear already. Gotta look for his old pictures, too.

Through this depressing event, I'll just comfort myself with one thought... that at least dear Turvy will not be suffering anymore... that he's in dog heaven now along with our dear Trixie... huhuhu! ='(

I want to learn new things

2009-07-24T00:15:00.002+08:00

I’m bored. I feel as if my life is stagnant. Doing things routinely doesn’t promote learning. Since the start of the year I’ve probably learned just a couple of new things—not as much as I had hoped at the start of the year. =(

Wait, maybe I did learn some more—but not the tangible ones that are easy to see. I mean, as a person…

This goal will probably never be removed from my list. After all, learning is a part of our lives. But I’ll try to find new things to learn to grow more as a person… =)

See more progress on: learn new things

Got Paid in DNeero. Yey!

2009-07-17T12:24:00.004+08:00

When I checked my mail account yesterday, I saw a message from PayPal telling me that I was sent funds from DNeero. I was quite baffled as I'm not sure how much I have to reach before being paid. True enough, my account went back to zero in DNeero when I checked and I saw my balance (before it reverted to zero) reflected in my PayPal account.

You earn money by joining in DNeero conversations and posting them on your blog. You also earn by answering questions they post on Twitter. I actually like answering questions they post esp. those found on Twitter. You also don't have to do requests for payment. They do it automatically once you reach the minimum amount. I didn't even notice I reached it and got surprised when I checked my mail.

To signup to DNeero, click HERE.
If you don't have a PayPal account, signup HERE. It's free.

Check out my Twitter...

Do You Care?

2009-07-11T02:19:00.002+08:00

Being asked this question makes you think... Do you think about the issues out there or only those directly involving you? What are the things you care about?

Here's a conversation in DNeero concerning this:

Now, what do you care about?

Hello Kitty Birthday Party

2009-07-06T18:04:00.004+08:00

I've made a new post on my new hobby site. It's about my niece's 1st birthday party with Hello Kitty as the theme. I've made some invitations, tarpaulin designs, giveaways, placecards, and other layouts for her big day.

Here's the link to her Hello Kitty party: Hello Kitty Party

Halfway to 2009 and some random thoughts

2009-07-01T23:33:00.004+08:00

Half the year is gone and I don't think I've accomplished much. I don't know if I've done any of the goals I've set for this year. Half of the year still remains and we'll see if I can accomplish most, if not all, of my goals for this year.

----------------------------

I feel so damn tired... physically, emotionally, psychologically -- name it. I hate feeling angy, frustrated, depressed, stressed, etc... but I can't help it. People near me aren't any help either. In fact, they're contributing greatly. I need to escape or get away from here. Gotta start planning for this...

----------------------------

I need some feasible long term goals that will help me improve my life. I already have some in mind. I need to focus, too, and not let distractions get in the way.

----------------------------

I wanna go back to school but I don't think I'd like to go to any school here. I wanna study in a foreign land, meet new people, experience different culture. *Sigh* That'd be too expensive... Gotta look for alternatives.

----------------------------

I'm praying my sis will pay me back all the money she owes me and diligently pay the installment she has on my Bankard Gold. Darn! It's too much already. All I ever do is pay for her... It's ruining my budget and I always end up saving nothing for myself. =(

----------------------------

Enough of the rants. Gotta start looking for something POSITIVE to post next time. This blog is getting too negative.

Flash Floods at Midnight, No Electricity, and Other Events

2009-07-01T11:22:00.005+08:00

The past few days have been really bad for me. First off, our internet connection at home has been encountering connection problems the most recent was last Saturday when we lost connection in the afternoon. I thought itwas because of the hard rain (our internet connection at work suffered from this before) but when around midnight the problem was still there, I called tech support. After doing what was intsructed of me with no success, the TSR finally said he's schedule an on-site visit to our house.

Less than 14hrs later, two Globe personnel came to "fix" it. Problem was, whatever they do didn't solve the problem and they went to the house twice with a number of calls in between coming from them. Having not solved the problem, they said they'd escalate it and see if there are other solutions. We seem to be the second client who complained of the same problem and no matter what they try they can't get it fixed. The next day, still no connection when they came. But late in the afternoon I was so happy to check that we got our connection back.

Even if it took them 48hrs to fix, I'm thankful it was solved. I'd like to thank those two personnel who came back a couple of times to the house to check and did numerous calls to follow up and try to solve the problem. Problem got fixed late Monday afternoon.

-------------------------------------------------

Monday morning when they came, I was about to configure some work updates. Since I had no connection I was transferring files to my USB to transfer my work to my Bro's computer (he has a separate net connection, albeit, slower). Because they'd have to use my laptop to configure, I was in a hurry to transfer the files and did not notice I made the wrong copies and had overwritten the recent files I worked on 'til 3am. Of course since the files were transferred from USB to HDD (when it should have been the other way around) and I chose overwrite, I can't recover the files. Waaah! All those hard work down the drain! I barely rested and went on a marathon coding to recreate the files, upload and configure. Huhu...

-------------------------------------------------

Speaking of my coding project, I have to make some changes to a major feature and while working on it late Monday night, my brother interrupted me telling me to watch something outside. To my surprise, the water was steadily rising, current was fast and the water is already inside the gates. This was quite a shock to think it happened around midnight when many people were already asleep! I hurriedly turned off my laptop, and other electrical appliances, placed them and other stuff on top of the beds. Since our kitchen is not as elevated as the front of the house, water got inside. We've moved some stuff... others we can't -- too heavy.

This was the FIRST time I've encountered flooding where water got in the house. I managed to stay calm but my mom and my sis were already panicking -- esp when they saw some parents outside carrying their kids to escape their houses. Our area wasn't hit that bad... just some ankle length water in some areas of the house. Outside, the water was knee-high and the current was fast. Three of us went outside around 2am just to check, hehe... I lost my slippers because of that. What was worst was that electricity was cut off by 1am and it was pitch black everywhere with water still rising and some people trying to escape their half-submerged homes (other blocks in our village).

Around 2:30am, the water level was slowly going down and we started to do some cleaning. Since we have so much stuff at home, we weren't able to clean all. By 3:30am, we were so tired from the initial cleaning and fell asleep by 4am. It's too much to try to sleep earlier knowing that there's water in some parts of the house and may continue to rise. Gotta be sure...

Tuesday morning came and we're absolutely shocked at the extent of dirt and damage we have to clean. The place was so muddy esp. outside. The neighbors were already starting their cleaning. Since the men in the house had to leave for work, there was only me (since I'm working homebased and I can't work without electricity) and Jessa who made the cleaning. We're not even halfway done yet. In the evening, power was restored between 9-10pm. We got some help from Joemar when we continued cleaning. And we called it a night by past 1am. Again, we're not done yet. Today, we're doing the laundy and the amount of clothes, blankets, etc... we have to wash is 3x than normal because of the flood. There are still too many stuff to throw because they're heavily damaged by the muddy waters. We'll probably be finished by the end of the week.

I researched on this before going to sleep and read that these flash floods (it happened in many areas) occurred because the dike in the upper areas near here overflowed from all the heavy rains of the past few days. Some areas (esp. those near the dike) suffered heavily ours would pale in comparison. Their houses are probably submerged in water. Some have half their homes submerged while ours here have only ankle length water in some areas.

Well, I'm just glad it's over now. What an experience! And I hope I won't experience it again.

-----------------------------------------

Now I have to make some marathon coding for the changes I have to make to the project I'm working on. If only I can concentrate well I can finish this soon. But as it is, my body is aching terribly -- esp. my hands (from all the brushing, sweeping, and other hard cleaning work we did at home) :'(

-----------------------------------------

On a sidenote, I'm glad I was able to give some pens and pencils to Pens of Hope in Davao last Saturday. It's such a nice feeling to know you can help others in need.

To know more about it and how to help visit this blog:

http://pensofhopeindavao.blogspot.com

Rants, Cleanliness, Malls, Etc...

2009-06-18T23:20:00.001+08:00

Today didn't start well for me. After sleeping really late last night, I woke up to my almost 2yr old niece apparently complaining that her bed is a bit wet. Seemed like her diaper was already so full. Her mom left so early for work and probably forgot to check her diaper. So I was left with the changing diapers task.

Then I realized my sis still hasn't paid the amount she owed me and I have to use that money to pay my bills, one of which was due today. I'm getting so depressed now because my budget gets terribly messed up. I always end uplike this -- one reason I can't really save and I need to save. =(

Then while Lexi and I were sitting on the front porch,we saw somebody pass by the gate and spit so loudly outside. Both my niece and I had the same reaction: Ewww! (her fave expression). I hate it when people do that 'coz it's so disgusting. I experienced another one while I was going to the bank to pay my credit card bill -- I stepped on some chewing gum in the pavement. Gross! I was really feeling all the more down and angry by then.

In Singapore, littering and spitting anywhere is prohibited. Streets are clean and you won't really see spit marks randomly on the pavement. I think it carries a $1,000 SGD fine if caught. Here in the Philippines, people just spit anywhere and throw their garbage anywhere including used chewing gums. To think that you see trash cans everywhere (even in public utility vehicles) still people here are being lazy. I'm not saying all but a good number probably. Hey, if only a few do these our country wouldn't be so polluted and dirty as it is now.

Why am I complaining more about this? We all know that the threat of the Swine Flu Influenza virus is still prevalent now. There are so many news clips about what to do with cleanliness being on top of the list but why do people still do these in public?! The complain immediately if problems arise but I hope before they do they'll look at themselves and see if they've contributed to the problem.

While I was entering SM (was there to withdraw some money to pay the said CC bill) I noticed there was now a "foot bath" as a precaution for the swine flu virus. Looking at their "foot bath" I thought it was ok... looked clean unlike the foot baths I encounter everytime I travel between CDO and Davao (which look so dirty I always have second thoughts stepping on them as I feel I'd probably get a virus from doing that than preventing a virus) so I had no complaints.

After the "foot bath" came the customary checking of bags. It's the norm when entering malls here. But there's just this one mall here which irks me the most when doing these bag checking. Once you enter the main doors, you get checked/frisked. When you enter another section (grocery, dept store, etc), your bags get checked again. Wherever you enter your bags get checked -- only for mall owned stores, I guess. It's such a hassle, seriously! Try to get stalled waiting for others to have their bags checked while the lines of people waiting to get in grow longer. Not to mention, the attitude of those guards aren't really customer friendly most of the time.

Speaking of that mall, I went there today to buy some stuff (SM didn't have it) for the snacks I wanted to prepare. So I had my bag checked a number of times before I got inside the grocery section. I was still inside when noon came. After the Angelus, the grocery attendants fell in line and started "dancing" (they always do this) and until now it annoys me. It's ok to do this. I understand the staff needs a sort of "exercise" from all the standing they do but they should also know that THEY SHOULDN'T BLOCK THE WAY. I was shuffling through the aisles and getting stuck because they haven't finished dancing yet. Not to mention, you can barely find an available attendant if you need to ask something since most of them are dancing.

Whew! Quite a number of rants I have here... My day seemed so negative. Luckily, I watched the latest Naruto Shippuuden episode just now and there were some ITACHI scenes!!! Yes! It made up for my dismal day. Hehehe...

Now, if I can just get back to working...

Pens of Hope in Davao

2009-06-16T00:57:00.005+08:00

For the past two years, my former landlady's househelp [in CDO] would muse about the poor state of children in her hometown [Zamboanga]. Children who would like to go to schools have problems doing so. And if ever they get enrolled in public schools, many have trouble sustaining it as they can't afford school supplies. They can barely afford the daily meals and they'd place that as the highest priority rather than school things. Children would walk how many kilometers just to go to school (like you see being shown on TV) and some barely have good slippers to wear.

This househelp I call Ate Julie would say she pities the kids going to school because of this -- because she has experienced it before. She wanted to do something even in her small litle way -- even if she can give something that's for one class (that'll be around 40-50 students).

Since she's a househelp with a very small income (we all know how much they earn here in the Philippines) giving something for those poor school children will be way too much considering she sends money every month to her family, too. But her desire to help was bigger and so for months she saved whatever small amounts she can. She talked about it to us and we pledged to help her in our own little ways, also. That got her really excited and she planned on giving enough for one class. I'm not sure what grade level -- if Grade 1 or 2.

Those living in the house (me included) contributed erasers, sharpeners, colors, pencils (my share), pad papers and notebooks. I joined her as we went to buy these things (not in malls as they are so expensive and we're on a limited budget) and we got both excited. I love shopping for school supplies :-). She packed a set for each student (around 45-50 sets), placed them in a box, brought them to the bus terminal, paid for the "cargo" and asked the bus conductor to drop it in a certain terminal where her brother will fetch it. We waited for an sms from her bro whether he got it or not. Fortunately, he did and he brought it to the school.

The teacher in charge was very, very happy at what Ate Julie has done even if it's only for one class. The children who received them and their parents were ecstatic. And we are, too. I asked if there's a picture and she said they've taken one from an old film camera. But since it's in a far barrio and there were no digital cameras or internet connection there, the picture got lost. I was hoping I can post the ithere :-(. We did this again last year (and added some rulers) and the beneficiary was a different class this time. This year, however, I'm not sure as I already resigned from work and returned home. Maybe I'll ask her if she's still doing this or probably not as we're not there anymore. Still, maybe she will and I'll send her some money to buy those school supplies. I better send her a message. :-)

Now, why am I posting this?

I've come across this Blog via Twitter entitled Pens of Hope. It's about donating slightly used pens and/or pencils that will be given to the needy children of Davao City [my hometown]. According to the blog:

The "Pens of Hope in Davao" is an outreach program initiated to help address the scarcity of writing materials in developing countries like the Philippines.

This blog post made me remember Ate Julie's charitable act and I wanna do something to help also.

I'll try to find some unused pens/pencils here and donate. I know I have some. If not then I'd just buy some. Better give unused ones...

If you wanna help, too, go to Kikit Avenue for more details. You can also tell your friends about it and/or blog this.

Now, I gotta look for those pens and/or pencils...

Design suggestions anyone?

2009-06-14T00:56:00.002+08:00

I changed my custom blog template to one available in Blogger so that I can use widgets. This design will be temporary, though, because I intend to make my own.

When thinking of site designs/layouts I will normally get stuck not because I can't think of any but because I can't seem to decide on what I want. Normally, I'd start one, before it's even finished I'll grew tired of constantly working and looking at it that I'd start a new one again. I better learn to change this habit.

Aside from this, Blogger seemed to have changed the way templates are made and I'll have to familiarize myself again with the coding style to be able to make my own. *sigh*

Now, care to suggest some ideas for Blogger designs?

Get your Facebook Username NOW!

2009-06-14T00:53:00.003+08:00

Having a username in Facebook is now available. Get yours now before somebody gets it first. Of course, that means I will be using pinkroma again. Haha!

My Thoughts on Naruto Chapter 450

2009-06-06T01:09:00.001+08:00

I liked the first part of this chapter -- that welcome just like what the Sand gave to Gaara. But then came Sakura's hug. AAARRRGGGHHH! Why now? After all that Naruto has done for her she never gave him a hug to think she's generous in giving hugs to Sasuke. Why show some PDA now in front of all of Konoha?!

Hinata sure is kind. She's not selfish. She didn't mind what Sakura did and just looked really happy to see Naruto safe and well again. That's my Girl! hmmm, I noticed on page 6 each team has its own panel but hinata was shown separately... ;-)

I'm surprised that Shikaku is a member of the Land of Fire's council. and i'm glad that he recognizes Kakashi to be hokage material, too, nominating him immediately 'coz he seemed sure that something not good was brewing when the hokage issue was brought out. But then again he is shown to be as wise, if not wiser (I'dgo with this), as his son.

Danzou sure has the guts to nominate himself. Damn him! And the Land of Fire's Daimyo (if that's what he is he looked too comical) IS stupid... I'm sure the people of Konoha will not accept this decision with open arms esp. naruto now that he knows what danzou did in the past and how it affects the present. Even if I don't like Sasuke he's very welcome to kill this Danzou bastard since he's already on his way to konoha. Make him useful for once...

Tsunade should've recovered already. She wouldn't like what's happening when she wakes up. Didn't she say before (Part 1 Sannin battle) that she just needs some time to rest to recover? So what if she wakes up and finds Danzou became hokage? There's going to be real conflict in the leaf. (Kishi should've shown her face...) Worst case scenario she dies... i really hope not. i want her to see her dream fulfilled.

And where's Yamato? He should've reached the village by now and could've made a better accomodation for Tsunade rather than in a tent... Since Zetsu the aloe vera looks more plant-like it would be good if his opponent will be Yamato.

Team Samui kinda looked stupid, too... and Katsuyu seems to be the official gossip girl in Konoha now. ;)

Postcards from the UK

2009-06-01T21:59:00.004+08:00

Last May 7, 2009, Leah sent me some postcards from the UK. That's what I asked her to send me so that I can add some to my collection. The snail mail system is really slow and obviously not good. I only received the postcards last weekend and they weren't in good condition. Grrr!

Here's a shot:

Now she did say she has some more and her uncle will be bringing those stuff for me when he gets back here. I can't wait!

My New Hobby/Project Site

2009-05-30T00:00:00.005+08:00

Last month, I got a free domain and hosting account for FREE at DREAMHOST -- for two years to boot! It was really a very good opportunity as I was scouting for an affordable plan for the hobby site I wanted to setup. Hey, I know it'll cost much after the free years expire but I'm hoping there'll be discounts and other promos that time. It's still two years anyway...

When I registered for an account, I was still uncertain as to what domain I'd like to get. Afraid that I'd lose this opportunity, I just thought of naming it Pinkroma's Creations. Duh! Now I shouldn't have used that. I should just have made a subdomain from my pinkroma.com hosting and registered a different domain. Too late... anyway, I now have this domain -- might as well use it. Just in case, I did make that subdomain and pointed it to Pinkroma's Creations. Just go to http://creations.pinkroma.com.

Pinkroma's Creations will be my site about projects I've made -- paper crafts, drawings, web layouts, other craft projects, etc... I'd probably post some for download, too. So if you have the time, why don't you check it out. It doesn't have much as of now but I'm planning to make a post or two every week.

See you there! c",)

PS: This blogsite now has an alternate address -- http://blog.pinkroma.com.

DNeero: buzzTrendz, bringing twitter and youtube together

2009-05-28T11:37:00.004+08:00

There seems to bea new site showing infor about what's hot now in twitter and youtube. The name's buzzTrendz and there's a convo about it in DNeero. Here's my DNeero answers:

DNeero: Hair, Beautiful Hair!

2009-05-28T11:33:00.003+08:00

Just the appropriate topic for me since I wanna have my hair done again. Actually I wanna have a new haircut but I don't have the time to do so yet -- and I don't know what style I'd like to use. If I can't think of anything, I wanna try hirokita maki's short-medium hairstyle again.

Anyway, here's my blog post on this DNeero topic:

What's your take on this?

DNeero: All about memorial day

2009-05-26T23:22:00.000+08:00

What is memorial day for you?

Globe's Terrible Maintenance Issues

2009-05-22T13:44:00.003+08:00

Since last week, I have been experiencing slow connections using Globe Broadband to think that our plan is 1mbps. Not only that, connections are down for a number or hours everyday. Since the early hours of May 20 (around 2-3am), the connection was lost again... there's still no connection and it's already May 22.

I called Globe 171 and asked about out billing status. Hey, might have forgotten to settle the bill but the account was ok according to them. I called technical support next. After getting my location, I was informed that our area here is affected by the current maintenance going on. MAINTENANCE... they should have informed subscribers ahead of time. And why does it take this long?! I asked when will this "maintenance" end? Guess what? The tech guy said THEY DON'T KNOW!!! WTH! How can I do my online job now???

Globe shouldn't let maintenance drag too long... and they should improve their customer service.

Greetings to all mommies!!!

2009-05-10T12:31:00.002+08:00

MySpace Codes at BlingPixie.com

Free domain and hosting for two years from Dreamhost

2009-04-30T17:37:00.004+08:00

The first site I've had was hosted in Yahoo! Geocities' free hosting service. Now I just keep a list of links to my new sites there. But back when I was working and handling basic html, I encouraged my studes to signup for free hosting account in Geocities since it's automatically linked to their Yahoo! mail accounts. And today, one of those former students, Rosanna, sent me an offline message that Dreamhost is giving away 2 year domain and hosting for free for the first 1000 Geocities account holders to signup.

I checked my Geocities account to see if it's still active and yes it is. Then I noticed something -- There was a note saying that Geocities will be closing down later this year. Quite sad, really considering it was my first webhost. Then I checked the link that Rosanna gave me for the instructions... I followed what was written there and now I also got myself a domain and 2 year hosting for free! Yey!

What to do:
Create a page in your Geocities account with the required phrase: “I’m off to DreamHost!”
Go to http://signup.dreamhost.com
Select the 2 year plan (worth $200+)
Enter the domain name you want and fill out the required details (personal info)
Enter the URL of the page you created in Geocities with the required phrase in the Promotional Code box...
Once approved, wait for the approval email from Dreamhost (within 24hrs) and that's it...

You can read about Dreamhost's blog post about it HERE. Just when I was on a lookout for good domain and hosting promotions for a site I wanna make, this sure is a welcome treat! The craft project site I wanted to make now has its own domain and hosting for free.

Watch out for Pinkroma's Creations soon... c",)

Team USA wins ISU World Team Trophy!

2009-04-18T16:39:00.003+08:00

Team USA won the ISU World Team Trophy placing 1st after getting 60 team points.

Team Canada followed with 54 team points.

Team Japan got 3rd place with 50 team points.

Team France got 4th place with 37 team points.

Team Russia got 5th place with 35 team points.

Team China got 6th place with 34 team points.

Here's the result page: ISU Results

Congratulations to all teams!!!

Mao Asada wins the ladies event at the ISU World Team Trophy!

2009-04-18T16:11:00.005+08:00

Mao's Free Skate

Since the ISU World Team Trophy isn't aired here in my country and I don't know where to view the events online in real time, I just waited everytime the ISU Results website automatically refreshes the results page for updates. You can view the results HERE.

And just now, it finally flashed Mao Asada's free skate score. She got a 62.11 for her Technical Element Score and 63.92 for her Program Component Score giving her a total FS score of 126.03. This score plus her 75.84 in the Short Program gives her a total of 201.87 and she finally breaks the 200 mark.

Although 126.03 is already very high for a free skate score, I can't help but wonder if she could have gotten higher marks. I'm just used to seeing her score almost 130 or even higher. But then again, her FS program seemed really demanding this season. On the other hand, this seems to be the 2nd highest FS score she got this season next to her 126.49 at the 2008 NHK Trophy.

Enough about the scores... I'll update this post later after I can find and watch Mao's FS performance. *I can't wait!*

Well, CONGRATULATIONS to Mao-chan for winning 1st for Team Japan!!!

Update:

I finally saw a video of her free skate and all I can say is that Mao-chan is amazing!!! What a wonderful skate! Two triple axels (although they say the second was downgraded) but wth, she nailed both... She makes it look so effortless.

What's more important is that she seemed to enjoy her performance in this team competition than when she was at worlds last month. I love seeing her smile while performing and I especially love her expression after finishing her routine! She looked so happy with it and so are we.

Mao's expression after her performance. c",)

At the kiss and cry corner she was even waving and shouting "Tatiana" --> Tarasova, her coach, who wasn't there but is commentating in Russian webTV. There were those who say TAT was silent the entire program and then you can hear her exclamations after Mao's performance while Mao was shouting her name. That sounded so adorable. I wish I could've watched that, too.

On a side note, the cutest part for me would probably be those young voices shouting Mao-chan, Ganbare!!! hehehe... it sounded so cute...

Mao Asada is No.1 at the ISU World Team Trophy Ladies SP

2009-04-16T23:11:00.010+08:00

Mao Asada placed 1st in the Ladies Short Program (SP) at the first ISU World Team Trophy held in Japan followed by Joannie Rochette (2nd) of Canada and teammate Miki Ando (3rd). The results can be viewed at the ISU Results website. I was wondering, though, why Miki was placed 3rd when she got the same score (62.08) as Joannie.

Anyway, I think this is the first time she's done a triple axel (in combination with a double toe loop to boot!) in a short program in a senior ISU competition and Mao did it! She got a score of 75.84 for her SP performance. I just saw the video and I really love her perform on ice. But what I like most of all is seeing her smile while performing -- esp. her wonderful smile at the end of a wonderful program. She really looked happy. Now I can't wait to see her performance in the free skate on Saturday. Go, Mao!!!

*Sigh* I really wanna see her skate live at the olympics in Vancouver next year.

Happy Easter!!!

2009-04-12T03:07:00.001+08:00

MySpace Comments at GlitterBell.com
Easter Comments

Spitztunes -- I am a boy!

2009-04-03T19:26:00.002+08:00

Join the conversation at DNeero.com

Congratulations to Kim Yu-Na for winning the 2009 ISU World Championships!

2009-03-29T11:12:00.004+08:00

Since figure skating is rare news here in this tropical country, my only hopes of knowing the latest in this amazing sport is thru the Internet. I've been searching for news updates twice every hour and this time I'm glad there's finally the result of the 2009 ISU World Championships in Los Angeles. I found it here: IHT Sports.

Congratulations to Kim Yu-Na of South Korea for winning the title! She deserves it. I've finally seen her SP performance and it's amazing. She's amazing -- wonderful jumps, so artistic, and brilliant performance. I just have to say I love her SP routine this season. No wonder she broke her own record. She's even surpassed Mao's record of having the highest combined score by more than 8 points when she scored 207.71 total after the free skate, from what I've read online. WOW!

What I have trouble believing is that my other fave, Mao Asada, only finished fourth after falling on her second triple axel. It seems like she's not having a very good season despite winning the Grand Prix. I hope she'll be able to pull through 'coz I also love seeing her skate. She makes it look so effortless and her jumps are so wonderful.

Both of them goes into the Olympics early next year with world titles -- Mao in 2008 and Yu-Na in 2009. We can expect the showdown of showdowns next year.

For now, I'll be waiting for uploaded videos of their performances again...

2009 ISU Worlds Ladies SP -- Kim Yu Na breaks her record!

2009-03-28T10:23:00.005+08:00

OMG!!! Kim Yu-Na broke the record for highest short program score again. She broke it in the 4CC competition last month and surpassed it by 4 points in this world championships event garnering 76.12 points. Japan's Mao Asada took third place with 66.06 points after a single mistake (triple lutz became double lutz) while Canada's Joannie Rochette took second place with 67.90. Still, that's like a 10-point difference. Would Mao be able to bridge that gap in the free skate? That seems to be her forte and I hope she doesn't make a mistake in her triple axel.

I haven't seen the coverage yet as figure skating isn't covered in this part of the globe. But I'm glad there's the internet to catch up on these updates. Got this new piece of info on the Los Angeles Times. Click Here.

I can't wait to see the actual videos. I just hope some kindred soul will upload videos soon.

Update:

I found this video clip on YouTube:

Kim Yu-Na's World Record Breaking Performance

Mao Asada's Short Program

Mao Asada and Kim Yu-Na at the 2009 ISU World Championships

2009-03-27T21:34:00.002+08:00

I think the last major competition for the ladies figure skating event this year is today's World Championships being held in Los Angeles before the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics. I'm glad I'm not Japanese or South Korean so I can cheer for my two fave figure skaters: Mao Asada of Japan and Kim Yu-Na of South Korea -- born 20 days apart on September 1990.

Kim Yu-Na has the highest ISU score in both short and free skate programs. She was plagued with injuries the past two years but it seems she has recovered well and ishaving a very good season. She just won the Four Continents Championships in Vancouver last month. Ans from the videos I've seen of her, she's the best in the short program.

Mao Asada, I think, is currently ranked no. 1 and holds the highest combined score (short + free skate). She's the only woman to have landed two triple axels in competition and is the 2009 season's Grand Prix Final's champion aside from being the 2008 World Champion. She only ranked third at last month's FCC because she didn't perform well on her short program. In her compertition videos I've seen, it seemed as if she has trouble on her short programs lately but is the best at free skate. She slipped on her first triple axel in last year's worlds (her first jump) but didn't lose confidence and went on to perform a brilliant routine and grabbedthe title.

They've been rivals since they were little and now they're competing against each other again in the last match before next year's olympics. I wonder who will enter the olympics as world champion?

Well, I'll just enjoy the competition and will be rooting for the both of them...

Trying out the Oil Cleansing Method (OCM)

2009-03-23T23:06:00.002+08:00

There is a thread in GirlTalk (GT) about Oil Cleansing Method or OCM. It involves a small mixture of Olive Oil and Castor Oil although some other types of oils can be used. Since I bought a bottle of olive oil for my hair, I figured I'd give this type of facial cleansing a try, too. Some instructions stated that the mixture should start at 50/50 for the extra virgin olive oil and castor oil. Then later on you can adjust based on your skin type. Since this is my first time to try it, I started with 50/50.

I mixed a small amount of extra virgin olive oil with equal amounts of castor oil. Then I applied the mixture to my face. After that, I applied a warm face towel to my face for about a minute to stimulate a facial steam). I think I tried applying the warm towel a couple of times. When I finally removed the towel, I reapplied the oil mixture to my face then wiped it with the facial towel washing it afterwards with cold water.

After doing this, my face felt very clean I'm lovng it. I think I'll try to do this every night for a week or two and see if there'll be some improvements on my face.

If only it's easier to find other essential oils here so that I can try other oils... *sigh*

Olive Oil and Honey Hair Treatment

2009-03-23T21:40:00.002+08:00

It seems like there are a lot of uses of Olive Oil based on what I've read in the Let's Primp and Prettify section of the GirlTalk forum. I've made some research on Google and hoped that maybe there are uses for it for my damaged hair.

My hair has been really damaged by all the hair straightening treatments it has endured. And because of the damage done, I seem to suffer some itching -- that or my head just isn't used to late showers. I found this Olive Oil and Honey hair conditioning treatment somewhere on the billions of pages in the internet. *Just forgot the actual site 'coz of all the surfing I've done* It's quite easy so I figured I'd give it a try. That, plus the fact that the ingredients are quite easy to find, too. So, here goes the mixture I've tried:

2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

1 tbsp honey

The instructions I've found varied. Some say place it on a plastic bag and then dip in hot water 'til warm enough. Then apply to the hair, wrap with a warm towel and then cover with a shower cap. Others say mix the two and then heat in the microwave for a couple of seconds to warm the mixture, apply to hair from roots to tips, cover and then wait for at least 15min. I did just that yesterday and after more than 15min I shampooed my hair -- quite some more shampoo used than usual to get rid of the oil.

Since this is the first time I've done this, I'm not sure what to expect. But I guess I think my hair feels quite better than before. And I didn't experience some itching today -- that's what I love the most. I figured I'll give this a try every three days to see if there'll be some major improvements in my damaged hair. I'm hoping it does. Hmm, would adding castor oil be good? I guess I'd try that next time I try this hair conditioning again...

I'll try OCM next also while I still have some olive oil here...

DNeero's now on Twitter

2009-03-23T12:04:00.001+08:00

Now you can follow DNeero conversations on TWITTER. And it'll earn you money, too.

Join DNeero and Twitter now...

Naruto Chapter 440 -- Speaking with the 4th -- is out! Link posted...

2009-03-19T17:56:00.002+08:00

I'm so glad we have an early release this week after all the excitement generated by Yondaime's appearance last week. A lot of fans stated they wouldn't mind a chapter more on conversations. Well, I'd say I love this chapter also... we finally get to see Naruto's reaction to the 4th being his father. We also now have info on what happened during theYondaime'sbattle with the Kyuubi. But I guess the info crammed in a 17-page chapter isn't much.

Naruto now has an idea about who the leader of akatsuki is. And his will of fire is back after his encounter with his dad. We might expect another exciting battle (continuation) next week. But we still don't have any info on Naruto's mom. *sigh* I guess that's just hoping too much for a 17-page chapter.

Here are the links if you wanna read (I'm sure you do):

http://mangahelpers.com/s/meetoichi/readonline/17360/1

http://www.onemanga.com/Naruto/440/01/

Your Health -- What's you opinion?

2009-03-16T20:35:00.000+08:00

I got another DNeero conversation to answerand it's about health.

So, here goes:

How about you?

Naruto Chapter 439 is out!!!

2009-03-13T09:24:00.002+08:00

Naruto Chapter 439 is already out -- quite early, really. But I'm glad I can now read it. This invasion arc has been really unpredicatable. So many deaths and the destruction to Konoha has been massive. There were so many epic battles esp. in sage mode. But this nine tails powered Naruto sure is something.The development is really surprising but I'd have to say I love the last panels of this latest chapter entitled: Chibaku Tensei. I <3 Yondaime!!!

Link: http://www.onemanga.com/Naruto/439/

Now I can't wait for next week's release. What will be Naruto's reaction to this new found info -- that he's now face to face with his idol, the 4th hokage, who acknowledged that he is his son. Ack! The wait til next week's release will surely be long...

Nodame Cantabile Chapter 127

2009-03-11T19:33:00.001+08:00

To those who still haven't read the latest release after more than 6 mos. hiatus, Nodame Cantabile Chapter 127 has finally been released!

http://www.onemanga.com/Nodame_Cantabile/127/

Mukya!!! Better read now and then post your comment of the chapter here...

DNeero: Our Philippines

2009-03-05T20:59:00.002+08:00

My 200th post and it's about DNeero... hehe.

This is probably the first DNeero conversation I've seen about the Philippines sp -- here goes:

What's your take?

Free Courses Online and Others...

2009-02-27T00:27:00.004+08:00

I've always wanted to take up other studies but can't make up what to take. For sure, language studies and web-related courses are included. But for the rest, I don't even know where to look for availability.

One thing I'm sure of that is FREE is the PGMA Training for Work by TESDA. I think you can only avail of one course. Each one has a specific monetary value. For example, the finishing course for Medical Transcription (MT) has a voucher work 10k. Other courses like call center, animation, software development, and others are also available with varying voucher amounts and training hours. I'm just not too sure if the voucher amount covers the full or partial training cost. It'll probably depend on the institution.

I'm more familiar with the PGMA MT scholarship because we used to accept PGMA vouchers in ICI - Cagayan de Oro. It covers 160hrs. of free training both lectures and laboratory exercises. I'm not sure if it's still offered because it will also depend on the availability of training vouchers. For more info, contact your nearest TESDA Regional or Provincial Office or VISIT THIS PAGE for more info.

RxSecure, Inc., a medical transcription company based in Cagayan de Oro has MT staff who were previously enrolled in this scholarship program. Incidentally, if you have MT experience and is looking for work, you might want to contact them because I think they're looking to hire some MTs. Here's their website: RxSecure, Inc.

For online courses, I've seen a post in GirlTalk that there is this site called EmailCollege offering free courses delivered via email. I'm not too sure about this but I've seen the website and they seem to be offering a variety of courses ranging from Business, Personal Development, Jobs & Careers, Health, Information Skills, Creativity & Ideas, Consumer Issues, and Writing Guides.

I'm interested in a number of courses and I'll probably try to signup on a course later. We'll see how it goes. I'll post feedback some other time...

I Made Some Tacos!

2009-02-23T01:05:00.003+08:00

I was craving for some tacos so I decided to make some for snacks earlier. I bought the ingredients the other day -- 1 lb. ground beef, taco shells, taco mix, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and cheese.

Finding taco shells with all 12 intact is quite a troublesome task. And it seems not all groceries here have some taco shells available. *sigh* It's also very difficult to find a variety of taco mixes here. The only brand you'll probably see in supermarket shelves is McCormick. But I guess there's a sort of "localized" McCormick and the imported version -- see the packaging and price difference. Thank goodness GMall here offers a variety of imported goods. They have the "imported" McCormick version, Taco Bell (I think), Tones (in a very big container), and another brand(which I can't remember).

Well, enough of the rant about taco ingredients. Here's the finished version of some tacos I made:

Now, how do you make Quesadillas? Gotta search the net for some quick recipes...

Learning Japanese

2009-02-02T14:01:00.002+08:00

I wanna start learning another language -- the Japanese Language. I wanna be able to understand, read and write in Japanese. Why? Because I don't wanna wait forsubs to appear before I can understandthe dialogues of the JDramas and Anime I'm watching esp. Naruto. Hehe... Read because I wanna collect Japanese mangas (Nodame Cantabile and Naruto). My current Nodame manga volumes are in Japanese. And Write... well, so that I can post in Japanese also to forums.

Here are some helpful links I've found that might help me start to learn Japanese and I'm sharing those links with you:

Language Exchange

A Japanese guide to Japanese grammar

Wakan Project Website

Multiply Nihongo Class

Well, that's all at the moment. I forgotthe other URLs. Gotta find my bookmarks backup. If I do, I'll post the other links here so just check back always.

c",c",)

My January 2009 Report

2009-01-31T22:18:00.005+08:00

January is about to end. Just a couple of minutes more... What have I accomplished this month? Not much, really. For starters, I wasn't able to focus much during the start of the year because my 1 yr. old niece got admitted to the hospital for almost a week and I visited her daily. She underwent all sorts of test for her throat problems and to make sureit will not progress to RHD.

I waited for Gracie (my friend) 'coz we planned to go overseas together. Since she was visiting Cebu for a couple of days to attend the Sinulog festival, I waited for her to return but she hasn't been online since then. She doesn't even reply to text messages up to this day. I have to think of the worst and look for another plan starting tomorrow. My other friend, Leah, is now overseas waiting for her training to start (just awaiting her pass and visa). The other, Jonah, is already there with her husband. She's coming back 3 days from now to get their kids for their PR interview. Shucks! I really have to plan already without Gracie if I wanna follow them.

Aside from researching job opportunities in this recession time, I should have been updating my skills. However, my sis kept perstering me for layouts for her party biz. She started her biz as a hobby but is now openingher own shop. She asked me to make quite a lot of layouts but didn't give enough details for me to get a good grasp of what she wants me to do. First it was just a logo, then some bean bag designs. Oh, and throw in the tumbler and tarpaulin designs I finished just after new year. With just a few info to work on, I had trouble coming up witha design she might like. When I finally did, she can't decide which one she likes because she likes a couple of them. Then I think somebody suggested that she retain the original design she had in her multiply site becausesome people have already associated her with it. So, there goes my work... She should have planned and decided carefully. I'm so pissed because I've wasted a lot of days and endured endless pestering for those designs. I could've used those days for something more beneficial to me. Now she expects me to make other designs for party items instead. Let her wait. I'm going to do what I've put off for almost two weeks because of her demands.

Starting tomorrow, I'm gonna update my personal site and include the other projects I've done but haven't included there. I'm also gonna update my resume so that I can start applying for jobs again. I'm thinking of trying to find a home-based job or part-time jobs because I'll be following my friends overseas. As much as possible, I don't wanna live here at home. I'm going to get crazy if I do...

On a side note, I've finally learned how to use Illustrator. I haven't used this previously but this time I wanna start learning how to use this. Of course I already know the use of basic tools so it was rather quite easy. c",)

Well, that's all for now. I hope next month's report will be a positive one.

Globe and Smart Broadband

2009-01-29T23:39:00.001+08:00

I've been noticing that quite anumber of hits to my blog site concerns myprevious post on the Smart and Globe broadband we have at home. When I posted that, our Globe account was still new. So, after a couple of months of using it and after a year of SmartBro, what can I/we say?

For SmartBro, my bro's been using that mainly for his online gaming. I rarely use it now except when Globe keeps on acting up and he's not using that account. I did, however, notice that he's complaining quite recently. Well, not as much as we complain about Globe. There are times the connection drops but gets connected again fast and it's affecting his game. If that was me, it would've been ok as I just normally surf, post of forums, upload stuff, and download torrents. My sister has no problems with using it so I guess I can sayusing it is still ok.

Move on to our Globe broadband account. My sister got the 1mbps packaged with a landline. The landline isn't cheap. You have to pay per minute to contact non-globe landline numbers. And the charge is more expensive than PLDT's prepaid landline. As for the internet connection, the speedtest shows 1mbps download speed, alright, with 300+kbps of upload speed. It's connected to our wireless router so that I can use it, too. The problem is that there are quite a lot of times the connection gets terminated and takes time getting reconnected. I'm not sure if it's a router problem but we did use the router with the Smartbro account before and we didn't experience this kind of problem. My sis has alsosaid that when she paid her bill at the Globe center, quite anumber of people were complaining about terminated connections -- during the times we experience the problem also. So, it might not be our wireless router after all. Quite disappointing, really. I hope this problem gets solved.

Just recently, I've read on a certain forum that SUN has started to offer 3.5G broadband services. Those who got one seemed to like the service so far. So I hurriedly searched Sun's website only to find out that it's being offered in Makati, Manila, Mandaluyong, Quezon City, Las Pinas, Paranaque, Pasay, and Pasig only. 3.5G broadband plus unlimited calls and text, it's surely quite a value for money. Sad to say, I'd probably have to wait for a couple of months or even a year for that tobe available here...

Burning fingers caused by chili peppers

2009-01-26T23:57:00.005+08:00

First of all, Happy Chinese New Year!!! It's kinda a little bit late already but I have a hard time typing at the moment so I wasn't able to make this post a little bit earlier. Why is that?

Well, me and my sis wanted to make siomai complete with chili paste. I've found a recipe on the net so we went to the grocery earlier to buy the ingredients. Since I really wanna try making the chili paste (as the process looked so simple), I prepared the chilis and other stuff. Quite easy really until after I was done with the chopping of chili peppers. The fingers in my left hand started to sting. Then I remembered something I've read a couple of weeks back that to prepare chilis I have to use gloves on my hands. Too late... I didn't really think it'd sting because I only chopped a few... as in a few pieces only for trial purposes. But no...the stinging in my fingers slowly intensified.

What to do? I remembered that for burns, a first aid using tomatoes can be used aside from using toothpaste, shampoo, etc. Since I was in the kitchen, it was easy to find a tomato. But it didn't work. My fingers are burning like crazy and I still have other stuff to prepare. Washing hands with water and soap only worked for a short while. Then I tried the toothpaste and shampoo stuff. They both worked for just a short while also. After preparing the stuff, I decided to continue with the mixing process tomorrow as I can't concentrate with my fingers stinging. I searched the net for some solutions and I've read somewhere that rubbing rock salt will help then soak with water with shampoo or toothpaste and something like soak in milk, too. Wait, here's the link: How to Stop Chili or Chilli Burning. I did that... it helped a bit. I next tried using my milk salt bath and still the same. I can't really use milk as we weren't able to buy one earlier -- unless I use baby's milk (my 1 yr old niece's baby formula). But I'm not sure about that. *sigh*

The burns in my left fingers have subsided a little. It's a bit tolerable than earlier. I gotta give the rock salt treatment another go later. I think it's done quite some good already. My fingers will probably feel better after another salt treatment. But so much for preparing food. Next time I won't even try this again. huhu... So much for eating siomai now...

Just what is a logo?

2009-01-26T00:39:00.004+08:00

For a couple of weeks now, my sis has been bugging me about designing a logo for her business since she will be opening a shop next month. After some asking, it's not just the logo. It will probably include a website, business cards, etc... I've listed some questions for her about the nature of the business, products and services, what kind of image does she want her biz to project to existing and potential clients, and stuff like that so that I can get a good grasp about what the biz is all about and design a suitable logo. However, seems like my sis has a different idea about what a logo is.

So, what is a logo?

From the net, a logo is:

a graphical element that, together with its logotype (a uniquely set and arranged typeface) form a trademark or commercial brand (wikipedia)

a graphic representation of a business or product (ezinearticles)

your company's most important design element because it's the basis for all your other marketing materials: stationery, packaging, promotional materials and signage (entrepreneur.com)

a name, symbol, or trademark designed for easy and definite recognition, especially one borne on a single printing plate or piece of type (thefreedictionary)

Well, that's my understanding of what a logo is, also.

What's my sister's idea of a logo? It's something that looks like her multiply site's header image -- complete with pictures and stuff. I've already told her what's on her site isn't a logo but a header image. After makingtwo logo designs, I'm told if I can make something like the one in her multiply site header. So much for designing if I will just copy...

I don't think I'd like to do that layout now if I can't exercise my own creativity...

How to mix instant coffee?

2009-01-21T01:12:00.006+08:00

I can't start my day without drinking a cup of coffee. Coffee shops are in abundance but when I want to make one at home, I always end up using 3-in-1 variants. We have coffee (instant only. I'll try brewing when I get my own coffeemaker) at home, creamer/milk, and sugar but why 3-in-1? Because I dunno how to mix the right amounts to make my own cup. Too sweet. Too strong. Too much creamer/milk. It ends with such a waste... At least with 3-in-1 I just have to pour hot water. Still, I'd like to learn how to mix appropriate amounts of each ingredients 'coz there are times I run out of 3-in-1 sachets.

Suggestions will be very much appreciated. hehe...

My 2009 Resolutions

2009-01-21T00:54:00.002+08:00

Last year, I posted my list on January 1. This time, it's kinda late since we weren't here during New Year and I keep putting this off. So I've been able to accomplish some of my resolutions last year (although not all) and this year I'm hoping to do most, if not all, in this list.

1. collect naruto stuff. hehehe...

2. focus on one or two fields of specialization (first, decide on a field of specialization. hehe..)

3. learn at least one new language (a must! japanese or mandarin)

4. update my site and apply what i have studied (and get a hosting plan to get rid of the unwanted ads)

5. study/learn new technologies (self-study -- related to no. 2)

6. pay off my bills/installments

7. save money and look for possible investments

8. learn to control my temper

9. learn a new hobby (I've got a few in mind)

10. visit more places

11. do more creative stuff

12. clarify and put an end to the "misunderstanding" (as complained by a certain someone) caused by my "resignation"

13. be more self-confident and find ways to improve myself

14. finally get a job i want

15. open a new Mutual Fund account

16. get a certification

17. save more on my cooperative fund

18. start reading books again

19. try new endeavors

20. and of course: focus. FoCuS. FOCUS so I can accomplish the above.

Well, that's all I can remember writing on a list somewhere during new year so... gotta find that slip of paper -- or maybe it got thrown among the new year trash. *sigh* I'll just add more if I can remember something...

My 2008 in retrospect

2009-01-12T23:02:00.007+08:00

2008 seemed to have gone by in a flash. I have made quite some decisions last year, some may not have been good at the time but I'm still glad I did them. Looking back at the major things I did last year, I can say that the major decisions I made included trying to collect debt payments, buying a laptop, resigning, giving extensions, failing some students, getting an insurance policy, going to Singapore, living there for two months, and going home.

This has been going on for around two years already that I want to get this out of my system. I had a "friend"/officemate, she's known as Rose, who swiped some items in my credit card (with my permission), promised to pay as soon as she gets the refund for the purchase and totally "forgot" to pay. More likely she doesn't want to pay even if she got that refund already. This same person also proposed that me and my other friend invest in their new biz. This biz is quite profitable and since they still lack capital, they asked us to place in some money and in return a percentage every month from the earnings. She and her husband even left us each a blank check so that if we need our money back, we can withdraw by using the blank check we got provided we inform her beforehand. By the time we needed the money back, she wasn't returning the percentage they promised, all we got were promises. I still have those damned messages promising to pay since 2007. That blank check was worthless. She never paid during the times she promised she would and, to top it off, the lady's got the gall to even insult me. It's as if I have no right to get angry at what she's been doing.

You might ask why it even went to this point. I'm the type of person who believes that if a person owes something, he/she should be responsible in paying for what he/she has borrowed. If they can't because of some circumstances, then they should at least inform the person whom they've borrowed from and pay on their promised date. I know they were having some difficulties because of all the borrowing they did and I've really been patient with them. But I really hate all the promises when I found out they have been paying some of their debts to others but not a single cent to me just because they think I don't need the money. I also found out later that the money we gave weren't invested. Instead, the money was used for another purpose and we weren't informed about it. Late last year, she gave me 3 post-dated checks as some sort of payment, although those wouldn't be enough for all her debts to me. Two went ok, with some problems because she kept on insisting I deposit the checks late (too bad I left the check for deposit before I left for overseas). But the last check bounced because she closed her account. Damn her! My record went from ok to shit and my account even got charged because of what she did. Why did it even reach this point? I have been trying to make my accounts clean. I'm willing to help but to do this to me? I'm already tired of listening to all their worthless promises. So much for what you call friendship. They treat you as a friend only if they can get something from you.

Last year also, for the first time in my life, a credit card payment collector called to inform me I did not pay a single cent in my card. I was shocked 'coz I almost always pay my bill in full and on time. I even told the collector a number of times that a check was deposited as payment. BTW, I left my share to my officemate because she owed me something and she said she'll pay the full amount before due date. Turned out this officemate lied. I'll just say she lied because she said she paid in check but did so after my billing date (so much for the cash I left behind). Then she later said (when I bombarded her with questions why no payment was reflected in my account) that when she asked the bank they found out she used the wrong signature. Do you really make mistakes like this when you pay? I bet for them this is ok because I can no longer follow up myself since I am no longer connected there. To think that I kept on insisting I paid via check a few weeks back. It made me look like a liar. I really hate this kind of scheming.

Enough of the debt issues. I finally bought my laptop after how many years of planning. Years of planning because I was still waiting for those who have debts to pay me so that I can use my money to purchase my laptop. Since it would seem that I'd have to wait for an eternity before I can get my money back, I just went ahead and use my credit card instead to pay for a laptop using an installment promo. I intended to use this laptop to get online projects when I resign. So far, I've earned some but still not enough to cover payment for this. I have to focus and look for more sidelines... otherwise, this will remain a liability and not an asset.

Start of June, I've submitted my resignation letter stating that I will stay 'til end of June but I will extend until I've completed my lectures/consultations. I've stayed 'til middle of July when I've finished them... the exams are already with the DCS coordinator, projects will be checked online and I'll go back to finish them if it wasn't enough (I really have to go home already because I still have to help in my niece's 1st birthday celebration). One subject became the root cause of my current troubles. The kindly me accepted really late submissions (submitted two weeks after deadline) with them insisting they've finished their projects only to find out during evaluation that each submission is far from finished. This is because they did not submit their project for initial checking -- during scheduled consultations. I even went back there to personally check because according to them they're ready for their defense -- which turned out to be far from it.

October, Leah, Armand, Gracie, and I went to Singapore to try our luck. I have to admit I wasn't prepared when we went there. The laptop I got which should have been used for prior research and preparation before leaving has to be checked for some problems leaving me with a laptop I can barely use in almost a month. And as bad luck would continue to hunt me, my former colleagues told me that a student complained. I was informed the student complained because I resigned and was not personally around to check on their project and some other things (erroneous complaints). I'd like to defend myself. Yes, I resigned but I stayed until AFTER the DEADLINE. No group submitted anything during the deadline and even until the extended date. Maybe my FAULT was in ACCEPTING their "finished" project (according to them) even if it was way beyond deadline hoping that their claims are true so I can submit a PASS in their grade. If it was then I will go back for the defense. Since they haven't complied with all the requirements after more than a month of extensions, I have to tell them to extend it for another term. Every week since start of class I have never failed to remind them of the deadline. I have never failed in asking them where there projects are so I can check and tell them if they're on the right track or not. I am there during scheduled consultations yet they barely submit anything for checking. Heck! I even have to do some, if not most, of the analyzing for them everytime they submit something. After all the effort I've made for them, this is what I get. The other students admitted their projects are far from finished except for one... This really gets to my nerves. I'd probably accept this if I have never been there for them. But I was there, they weren't. So why put all the blame on me?! I wanna say more but I don't wanna drag things out too much.

Since I can't focus on anything because of this issue, I really wasn't able to concentrate much on job hunting. Why Singapore? Well, we got too tired of the culture (work and others) here so we wanna try living and working in a different cultural environment. SG isn't so far from here so it's easy to go home. Not to mention, there really is a big difference in pay -- but expenses are high also. Still, convert what you'll earn there vs what you'll earn here and it'll be at least 3x more. Their work culture is different and that is what I'm after. I know working there is really serious but hey, I do more work here but not enough compensation. Sad to say, I wasn't able to focus much on this during my stay there and I failed to get a job I like within the duration of our pass. My friends keep on telling me to get trainer jobs and I know I can get one if I'll apply. But I don't wanna be a trainer again. I want to get more industry experience. I've had enough with the training job. I can probably do some training if it's not my main job, though.

For the new year, I want things to settle already so that I can move on... no more hindrances to my goal. And I'll try my luck again... but I have to be really prepared first before I'll even try. I have to do my research and update my skills. For the time being, I'll be looking for part-time virtual jobs while updating my skills. I think I still don't wanna work here after all the work I've been through that I barely have time for myself. I worked 7 days a week, 2 companies, more than the normal working hours each day with no overtime pay, and other assigned tasks/responsibilities. My friend and CM, Leah, left for the same reasons... so, if I will be working myself hard, I should at least get better compensation for it. I just hope I'll be able to accomplish this...

Well, enough of my rant about the previous year. Although some decisions didn't work out the way I would've wanted to, I'm still glad I did them. Resigning being the major decision I'm glad I did. At least I now have time for myself -- time to reflect what I really wanted to achieve, time to set my goals. I haven't completed my list -- it's an on going process, hehe, but I'm looking forward to what this year will bring. Hopefully, this will be better than the last...

Oh... just wanna add. If 2007 had me hooked so much on Nodame Cantabile, my 2008 still started with it having had the Nodame Cantabile Special in Europe. But, around August the manga temporarily stopped as the mangaka was having a baby. While my laptop was also in the service center, no new updates on Nodame, and doing nothing, I started watching the DVDs I gave my bro a while back -- the anime Naruto. Needless to say, I got hooked I was able to catch up to all episodes up to the current Shippuuden ones, as well as, the manga. So my year ended with the Naruto hype. hehe...

Note: Sorry if there are some grammatical or typographical errors... this seemed to be my longest post hehe... I'll just try to review this another time...

Paying bills is such a hassle!

2009-01-06T13:01:00.001+08:00

It was really, really hot outside earlier but I still went to DCWD Matina office to pay our water bill as instructed by my mother. However, there was a looooooooooooooooooooooong line of people outside waiting to get inside that I didn't want to continue. Thinking about it, I'd have to pay the next day or so if I don't pay now so... I fell in line, too. After a short while, a staff instructed us to get inside because it was really scorching outside. Finally!

Much to my horror, the payment center was crammed with people in "lines" trying to breathe properly even though all the airconditioning units were working. I hate long lines, throngs of people, and jam-packed rooms because I get dizzy. So I said to myself, just calm down andit'll be over eventually.

Fortunately, paying in payment centers in Davao is easier compared to those in other cities where it takes you at least half a day just to pay. All you have to do is prepare your billing statement, money, fall in line, and avoid complaining. Some staff are willing to assist politely if you have queries.

While in queue (hehe... that's the term they use in SG) I heard various chikkas from the older ladies and the guards assisting about the worse condition yesterday. They said the lines even reached the corner of the street because of all the people. This didn't just happen in DCWD. Even in other government payment centers the scenario is the same. And while in that same queue people were grumbling, I thought to myself were quite lucky here (based on my experience in CDO) because it's very systematic.

I just wish that paying for these bills online will become a reality. This way it'll be convenient for people to pay... less hassle for the cashiers, less hassle for those people who can't pay online, and less hassle for those who can.

Is there something wrong with Yahoo today?

2009-01-04T18:26:00.002+08:00

I've been trying to login to YM and Yahoo Mail since early this afternoon and I can't seem to access anything. Even a Flickr page takes ages to load (and not everything gets loaded). Is there a problem with Yahoo? Or is this an internet connection problem? Wait... I'm only experiencing this with Yahoo sites so this can't be my internet connection. That rules out the second one. Has anybody experienced this recently?

Damn! I've got mails and messages to check...

Happy New Year!

2009-01-01T00:51:00.002+08:00

It's now past 12:00 midnight and I wanna greet you all a Happy New Year!

MySpace Comments at GlitterBell.com

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-25T02:20:00.002+08:00

It's now December 25, 2:30am here at home and I just wanna greet you all a very Merry Christmas!

MySpace Comments at GlitterBell.com

So, What Do You Think of Payday Loans?

2008-12-25T01:48:00.003+08:00

I saw another DNeero conversation notice in my email when I logged in earlier. I checked it out and -- I found just the right convo for me at the moment. This conversation asks about the user's opinion of payday loans. In my precious work, this is what we call cash advance (CA for short). My co-workers will always try to avail of this. But for me, I haven't availed of this "CA" ever since I can remember. Well, when I'm cash-strapped I try to limit my expenses. No unnecessary spending. And If there's something I really have to buy, I make use of my credit cards and make sure I pay the full amount in full. Well, that's what I'd like to maintain.

Anyway, here's the conversation for this topic in DNeero:

What about you? Have you availed of a payday loan before? Share your thoughts with us...

About You -- DNeero-ites

2008-11-30T17:01:00.003+08:00

DNeero has a follow up survey to the Get It Going With DNeero convo they've posted way back. It's an extension of that convo. So, here's my feedback:

How about you?

DNeero: Movie Stuff

2008-11-04T14:22:00.002+08:00

I love watching movies and reading entertainment news. But actually, I just love watching those that really interests me. If ever there's a movie I like it's no problem watching it over and over again.

I found this query on DNeero -- it's about Movie Stuff. Here are my asnwers:

Who is your fave actor/actress? And what is your fave movie? Post here...

DNeero: Yoiks, I lost my files! How do you backup yours?

2008-11-02T15:13:00.000+08:00

I found this topic at DNeero as I checked my account. This seemed really interesting. I've only been using CDs (a long time ago) and DVDs to make backups. Although I wanna have an external drive, I haven't been able to buy one yet. Since my laptop has quite sufficient disk space,i don't feel the urgency to get one -- that is, until I started my anime, drama and manga downloads. One partition in my drive is almost full. And I gotta save some moolah to finally get one -- a Western Digital Passport Portable drive.

Anyway, here's the post on the issue:

What's your opinion?

BDO and Citibank are driving me crazy!

2008-10-31T08:17:00.001+08:00

How should I start? Let's see...probably with Citibank. Here goes:

Last month, I was told that my silver credit card will be upgraded to gold and I just have to wait for 10 biz days to get it. The next day I remembered that I will be leaving the country on Oct. 10. I immediately asked Citibank again if it's possibleto cancel the upgrade of the card because it might not arrive on time before my departure. I was told that it has already been upgraded and my existing silver is still valid for 21 days. I just have to wait for my card to arrive. 5 days before my departure, I called them up again asking about the card but I was told it was shipped alreadyat the end of September. I asked which courier and I was told that there's no need for me to worry 'coz I'll receive it on time.

The day of my departure came, Itold them I received no card. They said they'll follow up. I told them I'll be leaving in an hour. What'll I do with the card now? I did leave an authorization letter to my mother. The CSR told me it could be claimed in their head office but at least 3 days notice should be given. What the?! I'm on a connecting flight. Well then,they asked what's my new address so that they can forward the card to Singapore but it'll take at least two weeks. Damn! They can't even deliver it properly to my home address. Anyway, I left without any further resolution to this problem hoping my mom will be able to receive it.

It's now the end on October and I still have no info on my "gold" card. My mom told me no card arrived at our house. I have asked my former officemates if anything from Citibank arrived there (my prev. billing address) and they said none. Next week will be my due date. My existing silver card is already deactivated. I can't login to my online account because of this. My previous experience states that I now have to use the new card number for paying. How am I supposed to pay for my bill now when I don't know my card number and my balance? I don't have a paper statement since I have long since opted for an e-statement. Damn!

--------------------------------------------------------

Then BDO added some more troubles for me. Before I left, I asked for a change of address so that my bills will be received at home. I was told that my next bill will be delivered to my home address already. It's now thelast dy of October and still I got no bill at home. I again asked my previous officemates and they told me I don't have any BDO bill there. When my American Express card was still with Equitable, I had no problem with checking my bills online. Ever since Equitable was acquired by BDO, my troubles began. Equitable Card Network's online banking isn't available now. I tried calling the international hotline number I found on my previous BDO bill but all I reached was a mailbox. I sent mail last Oct 16 using BDO's online banking and they replied asking for verification details the next day. I did reply asap but unfortunately I got no response from them up to this day. I already sent 2 followup mails also but still no replies. What am I supposed to do now? My bill's deadline for this card is even earlier that my Citibank due date. Darn it!!!

I always make it a point to try to pay my bills in full on time but how can I do this now? I guess I'll try calling Citibank later. Grrr! How much will that cost me considering it takes a long time to talk to a customer service officer. As for BDO, I dunno what to do now...

My Personal Website

2008-10-23T21:08:00.003+08:00

Site link: http://www.pinkroma.com

It seems like I have to make my own personal/portfolio site. Since I have to do it asap and I can't find most of my previous project files, I had to settle with just plain HTML/XHTML and CSS. The PHP email form will not work since I found out I have to pay to use it. I'll just update it later when I migrate to another hosting account.

I call it pinkroma v1.0 since it's still quite plain. I'll be updating it soon and hope to convert it to a Flash site or maybe something else.

I hope you check it out! Constructive feedback will be greatly appreciated. c",)

My Current Interest --> Naruto!

2008-10-05T02:10:00.003+08:00

Blame it on my laptop maintenance... Since I brought my laptop to the accredited service center to have my webcam fixed, I haven't had a chance to do what I'm supposed to do with my lappie. Instead, I looked at the available DVDs at home to see if I can watch something that'll interest me while waiting for feedback from Digital Interface. And then I saw the Naruto DVDs I gave to my bro before and decided to just watch a couple of episodes. After all, I've heard some good reviews about it -- from my Informatics family. hehe...

That is probably one thing I shouldn't have done because I am now hooked on this anime series. After getting my laptop back I'm now stuck downloading episodes (I have trouble with the dvd subs -- can't understand the stupid translations). Not only the episodes but also wallpapers, themes, pictures, ringtones, and the Manga. I've been so hooked on it I wasn't really able to start what I should have started last month. I'm even thinking of buying Naruto stuff -- gotta put that on my wish list.

I have got to stop myself (temporarily) from watching 'coz I still have a lot of stuff to do. This'll be really tough -- 'coz I wanna catch up to the current manga chapters and current Shippuuden episodes.

I know... I have to forcefully remind myself now -- FOCUS!!!

Anyway, since I've been hooked on this, I'll show you my desktop:

That's Gaara on my desktop. Hehe... I normally change walls every 2 days. c",)

SmartBro vs Globe Broadband

2008-09-29T06:42:00.002+08:00

I haven't been able to post for a while because of some net issues and some work to do. Now that the problems have been settled, I wanna post my initial feedback on SmartBro and Globe Broadband.

My bro got a SmartBro connection at home for almost a year now. Of course, the plan is up to 384kbps only. To be able to use it for his PC and the two laptops at home, we have to use a wireless router. Setting up the wireless route ca be quite tricky for non-techie peeps esp since their upgrade problems last month but I managed to find solutions for this. Net speed is ok even for some downloads.

As my bro primarily uses it for gaming at night and during weekends, my sis got another connection last week -- this time using Globe Broadband at 1mbps with landline included. I have to say I'm quite disappointed with their connection. Although Speedtest.net records it as having around 800kbps-1mbps speed, other speedtest sites record it as only having 150-250kbps. Globe's tech support who checked the connection a couple of days after installation said that I have to check the actual download speed when downloading, etc... And they did say we can use a wireless router so we can share the connection at home but they just haven't tried it with the router at home. I managed to set it up with the wireless router here. After all, settings are automaticically detected (dynamic allocation) unlike Smartbro's fixed settings.

When Globe said that we base our speed test with our downloads, I can now compare the two. Using a shared Smartbro connection, I can download a 4mb file in 3minutes and a 40mb episode file in 30min or less. With Globe, the 4mb file takes more than 10min while the 40mb file takes around 80-100min. Aside from their lousy download speed, connection keeps on getting dropped.

Between the two, I'd say I rather have the 384kbps connection from Smartbro.

I Finally Have My Lappie Back For Good!

2008-09-18T17:48:00.001+08:00

A couple of posts back I've written that I left my Compaq Presario B1285TU at Digital Interface to check on my webcam problem. I finally learned that it's a hardware problem and needs some part replacements. After a number of partial releases to me while waiting for the parts to arrive, I finally got it back for good this afternoon.

Well, according to the receipt I got, they've changed the LCD (with all the plastic coverings making it looking brand new than when I first bought it) and the mainboard to make sure all the will be working properly. I've checked the webcam and sure enough, it's working now. I just hope I won't encounter anymore problems with it.

Next time I get another lappie or gadget I'll probably get mine there because of their excellent service. Tomorrow, I'll setup this laptop again... customized to how I want it to be. I can now get back to my work... and my hobbies. hehe...

Thanks again to Digital Interface!

DNeero-ites want to know!

2008-09-08T21:04:00.000+08:00

Here are some questions DNeero users want to know about you:

I won't have a laptop for a couple of days

2008-09-05T08:07:00.002+08:00

I will be leaving my laptop at Digital Interface this afternoon for maintenance. I hope I can get this back early next week.

More than a month ago, I brought my lappie to the HP service center at NCCC mall to have my webcam and cpu temperature checked. Everytime I try to use my webcam, a webcam not connected error appears. From searching the net, I found out that many HP laptops have this error with Vista. I asked their email support and got no useful feedback. The tech support at HP here wasn't helpful also. I was just told to reinstall my OS and that my 93-94degrees CPU temp was quite normal. Hello! That's already very near the boiling point. He just wasted my time. As I have to use my laptop for finish a lot of task, I put off reinstalling my laptop until 2 days ago. After I finished with the download of updates, I still get the webcam not connected error. So yesterday I decided to bring this laptop to another service center -- Digital Interface.

Customer Service was good. They called the tech guy and he inspected my laptop. Based on how he checked it, he looks knowledgeable enough than the tech guy at HP. He said it could be a hardware problem and I have to leave it for a couple of days. -- I was quite unsure -- I need my laptop. How many days? 2-3 days. That's tolerable. Then the customer service gal said it's only 2-3 days if the necessary part is available. I asked how long if it's not readily available? 2 weeks, they said. Oh my... that's not good!

While I'm at it, I asked the tech guy what should be the highest tolerable cpu temp of my laptop. He looked a the model and asked if it's dual core. I said yes. He said 65degrees max although 70 is still tolerable. I told him I got much higher than that -- 93-94. I told him I got screencaps of it. He said he'll check this problem also.

So there... I brought this back home last night to backup my files. Later this afternoon, I'll bring this in and hope that I can get this back early next week. I just hope they'll be able to fix the problems. And that when I get this back there won't be any scratches 'coz I hate that.

I'll make another post regarding their service when I get my lappie back.

DNeero: No Sweat

2008-09-03T18:02:00.002+08:00

I'm not really sure about sports apparel since I'm not really into sports. Apparently, there's an issue about this:

What's your take?

Chrome: The New Google Browser

2008-09-03T13:28:00.000+08:00

Google has released a new browser named Chrome. It's still in Beta and I've recently installed it in my lappie. At first glance, the features seem to be like the features found in the Opera browser --tabbed windows, most visited pages (Speed Dial in Opera), integrated search, and zoom. The speed dial feature is my fave in Opera. With Opera, I can point it to my fave sites. With Chrome, Google will detect your frequently accessed pages and place them in the Most Visited page. In this case, I prefer Opera's implementation.

Of course, it is still in Beta and so we can still expect many improvements on its final release. Speed isn't an issue. It looks quite a fast browser. But looks like I won't be swapping my Opera yet with its array of other helpful features. However, I'll be checking on this new browser from time to time to see its improvements.

If you want to check it out yourself, download your copy here: http://google.com/chrome.

What's Your Travel Personality?

2008-08-26T14:32:00.001+08:00

Your Travel Personality Is: The Sophisticate

You're well educated and cultured, and the places you travel to reflect that.
You appreciate the best art, food, architecture, and local flavor.
A true traveler, you are destined to be multi-lingual and very worldly.

What's Your Travel Personality?

What's yours?

Eat Healthier, Not Cheaper -- What's your opinion?

2008-08-26T11:46:00.002+08:00

Which do you follow, Eat Healthier or Eat Cheaper? Do you agree that health foods are more expensive than junk foods? What do you prefer between the two?

Happy talkie, talkie ... Visual Talking

2008-08-26T11:39:00.001+08:00

What message can you compose with pictures? Try this new site now!

DNeero: Phelps is a Tiger

2008-08-23T14:45:00.001+08:00

What do you think of Michael Phelp's endorsement of Kellogg's Frosted Flakes cereals?

Do you buy or pay for ...?

2008-08-19T10:33:00.001+08:00

Do you buy or pay for items via the Internet? If so, what are those that you avail of?

Here's mine:

Visual Talking: Talk It Up!

2008-08-16T15:30:00.003+08:00

Have you ever tried sending a message composed of features?

There's a new message sending site on the net using pictures instead of text. It's what you call Visual Talking. I've tried this although it's quite too early to see some advanced features.

Here's a link to the DNeero Social Networking Site regarding this topic:

Try it!

China Wins Gymnastics Team Gold!

2008-08-13T17:08:00.003+08:00

Gymnastics has always been the sport I monitor every Olympics. It probably started when I first watched the event in 1996 cheering for the Magnificent 7 (US Team) as they clinched that gold with that courageous performance by Kerri Strug. Twelve years later, I'm now cheering for the Chinese team. I dunno why but it seems like my preference has changed. Hehe... Same with my team preference in Figure Skating (from the US figure skaters to the Japanese and South Korean skaters).

As I cannot watch the event on television, I had to rely on the Internet. I know that today the team finals will happen and so I searched for news. And... My team won! Yes!!! Their FIRST ever in the Gymnastics category (Women and Men).

Picture from the China Daily. Click here for more pictures.

The Chinese Team led by captain Cheng Fei won with a 188.90 total. The USA scored 186.525 to grab the silver while defending olympic champion Romania got 181.525 to get bronze.

Alicia Sacramone of the US, tipped to be Cheng's strongest contender, blundered on the beam and floor. Reigning all-around world champion Shawn Johnson and Nastia Liukin landed outside the line in floors to add to the US' problems.

After the finals, seems like the US coach hinted that they lost the gold because Sacramo lost concentration when she was made to wait before performing on the beam. The US Gymnastic Federation has stated they do not agree to this statement. Well, for me... using the delay as a reason in not valid enough. Hehe...

Whatever. I'm still glad the Chinese Team won!

What's Happening -- August?

2008-08-13T15:40:00.001+08:00

August is here. What do you expect will happen this month?

I Won Some Getzmo Olympic Items!

2008-08-12T08:02:00.001+08:00

I was quite surprised early this morning when I received a text message informing me that I won some Getzmo Olympic Items and that I should confirm my receipt of the announcement in their forum. I remembered sending my answers early last month so I registered in their forum and looked up the Beijing Olympic Promo post. I was listed under the 2nd batch of winners (but it seems like my name is misspelled).

Here are the prizes that I can claim -- if I can claim them by Aug. 15:

1. Olympic Shirt
2. Key Chains
3. Stickers

My problem now is that items are supposed to be claimed in their Makati office and I'm residing here in Davao. *Sigh* How can I claim my prizes by Friday? Rather, who can claim them for me.

I'm not going to shop at NCCC Stores again!

2008-08-11T14:37:00.004+08:00

When you ask what supermarket I usually buy my groceries, I always answer SM or Gaisano Mall (in Davao) or Robinsons (CDO). But my mom does her grocery at NCCC Mall. I don't like buying groceries there as I find the their supermarket so disorganized. It's quite difficult to find items I need in that big supermarket. Now, that dislike has escalated to HATE. I won't do my groceries there any longer.

So what happened that I reacted like this?

Well, I was planning to go somewhere in San Pedro St. this afternoon when I suddenly wanted to buy some microwaveable popcorns. So I dropped by NCCC Mall on the way (supposedly) to San Pedro to buy a box. I'm aware of the frisking done when you go inside a mall. Even when you enter the supermarket. I just prepared my bag (sling bag) for inspection. Then the lady guard said:

guard: Iwan mo na lang yang bag mo sa counter.
me: huh?!
guard: Iwan mo na lang yang bag mo and just bring your wallet. Wala naman masyadong laman...

WTH!!! I was so surprised why I was told to just bring my wallet and leave my other stuff at the baggage counter. I've bought groceries in that supermarket a number of times wearing that bag so why single me out -- and in such a tone like I was going to steal or something. There are those who go inside bringing large bags but they don't comment like that. They don't tell those people to just bring their wallets and leave their bags at the baggage counter on a floor below the grocery section. What does she think of me? That I'll steal some stuff and place them on my bag? I got infuriated. P*ny*t*! I can't help myself... If she thinks I'll do what she said, then she's wrong. I walked out, went to SM where customers are treated well, and swore not to buy again in their supermarket and department store sections. Late last year I posted another entry about our grocery there which lasted 3 hrs. 1 hour for the actual shopping and 2 hours falling in line in the payment counters.

At home, I told my mom and my sis... we're not doing our groceries there ever. It's either SM or GMall. To think they spend quite a lot for groceries in NCCC. Well, they better stick to the other 2 malls -- or I'll get my CC back.

Come to think of it. NCCC used to be known as a place where you can shop affordable items compared to other malls. But, shopping there with my mom and sis, I realized they now cost as much as the other malls (if not higher). What I don't like the most is their customer service. And when a particular music is being played, all employees stop and do their ridiculous dance. I mean, it's ok if its only for a couple of seconds... or a minute but since it goes on for a couple of minutes, they're already distracting the shoppers aside from not being able to assist them. For service, SM always comes on top of my list -- in whatever SM branch I've been. GMall is my choice for variety...

Because of this event, I wasn't able to go to my real destination. Instead, I was stuck at SM buying more than just plain popcorns. =( The guard at SM supermarket just inspected my bag and let me in. No more unnecessary comments...

What's your fave Summer Olympic Cauldron Lighting Event?

2008-08-09T18:18:00.003+08:00

As much as I would like to watch the opening ceremonies of the Beijing Olympics, the only channel I can watch this live (?!?) is RPN 9 (C/S) courtesy of Solar Sports. I frantically searching the net on what channel I can watch this and finally saw a post in PEx that RPN 9 will be showing it with barely 15 min before 8:08pm last night. I immediately switched channels. However, tv reception wasn't quite good. Somebody fixed it and only the sound had a little problem. After a few minutes more, it started and I was so excited.

Just a few minutes into the show, we've lost coverage. And this will go on for almost an hour. GRRRRRR!!! By the time it went back, the parade of nations was starting (the boring part). Well, I did get to see Prince Frederik and Princess Mary of Denmark, Prince Felipe and Princess Letizia of Spain, Roger Federer, Pres. Bush, Pres. Putin, some I can't remember the names, and then there's Pacman who seemed to have difficulty carrying the flag. hehe... GMA wasn't shown -- well, maybe the cameras can't find her. But seriously, Solar Sports gained the rights to broadcast this here in the Philippines yet they can't even show the Philippine Delegates properly. I've also read in forums I'm in that many aren't happy with their broadcast. So many cuts, delays, and LOTS of ADVERTISEMENTS!

I know I'm ranting here but I wanna see the performances and the lighting of the Olympic Cauldron and I wasn't able to watch the former.

The lighting of the Olympic Cauldron has, in recent Olympics, been kept a secret and many people love to guess how the host country would do it. Ever since I've watched the lighting at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, that will forever be etched in my mind.

That paralympic archer shooting the arrow that will light the Olympic Cauldron. That still remains as my fave Olympic to date although I've read in some posts todays that if you watch in a different angle, you'll se that it did not hit teh cauldron. Whatever, that was still awesome!

Here's a video clip I saw on Youtube:

The 1996 Atlanta Olympics cauldron lighting was quite emotional and dramatic -- with Muhammad Ali as the one who lighted the cauldron.

Here's a video posted in Youtube:

Then there's the one at Sydney in 2000 lit by Cathy Freeman. This one involved Fire and Water.

Here's the clip:

In Athens (2004), Here's the clip:

And last night's Olympic Cauldron lighting in Beijing was awesome -- former Olympian Li Ning (Gymnastics Gold Medalist) soared above the Nest, "ran" the length of the stadium while a "scroll" unfolds showing footages of the places the Olympic Flame has travelled and then lit the cauldron. Quite a show-stopper just like the previous Chinese performances. I'm glad I finally saw a clip of this in Youtube:

I'm not too sure about posting the link to China's Cauldron lighting... But if it's against anything, I'll remove the link...

PS: Saw the lighting in Seoul and all I can say is: the poor doves... :(

Here's My Ranking:

1] Barcelona
2] Beijing
3] Atlanta
4] Sydney
5] Athens

What's your ranking?