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Nov 28, 2009

Twilight Saga: Eclipse Book


Thursday Evening, Power Books was in the office. Contrary to what I had in mind - that they will only sell books that were pre-ordered, turned out there were many books to choose from and that you can buy right there and then.

After I've seen New Moon, I'm sure I want to read the rest of the books. And so I asked for my sis' opinion if I can read Eclipse without reading the first two. I bought the book as soon as she said yes... and I'm happy it turned out well.

For roughly 2 days I finished it. If I'm to sum up the hours I think it's about a day and a half. I was ecstatic to begin and to continue the story in my head. I wasn't this excited when Twilight came out. I wanted to try and read though but I saw the movie first then I heard so many people say it's a little boring. So I got discouraged. I'm not a wide reader and I'm afraid to read something that won't turn out ok.

I'd say the book was moving -- of Jacob's, Edward's and Bella's love story. It was also light to read and I find myself grinning and chuckling from time to time. I have better understanding now why Bella acted differently the way she did from both previous movies. I also can't judge Edward's and Bella's love story. I get it now, the story is about Edward and Bella per se - other vampires and wolves are just bonuses so I shouldn't ask for more throwing, fighting, etc -- although it's not so bad to add, right? :wink:

I don't know if I'm team Jacob still, maybe I'm like Bella - torn.

When I finished, I reread few chapters back; 15 and 20 to be exact. There were also 'sweet' scenes there that I love.. oh Edward! lol

I'm looking forward to see the movie.
  • Let's see if it will have as much holding, smack's and kissing as the book
  • Bed scenes though can be improved.. really
  • I love the sleep over with the Cullens; the night Edward proposed - very very cute
  • the tent scene was silly - I have to reread that Chapter, not yet included in my fave chapters
  • tent scene continued - if my bf is edward - he'll die of jealousy that very instant
  • it got me to a point when I just said... 'why Bella?' - she's human, what can she do. Feeling would always be feelings
  • the love making attempts (plural) - i'm buying fourth book so I'd know how it happened, hahaha :grin:
  • Bella cried more than once in this book, I wanna see if the actress is capable of doing so
  • Jacob's hair in this book has grown, I wonder if they will adapt this
  • I love Alice Cullen (Ashley Greene in real life). I don't know if she looks better with long hair, but she's sexy and cute. I love her features, I love her character.
  • Edward in this book is undeniably sexy, romantic, perfect and beautiful. hay :p
This truly fits the teenage 'kilig' love but I hope they carefully make the movie and think of other viewers too. I believe it's due June 30, 2010.

.. sorry if your 'sick' of my twilight entries. wehehehe.

Nov 24, 2009

Twilight Alert: Spoilers Ahead

I can't contain my Jacob fever after we've seen the movie. I feel i'll go insane any moment now.. at the same time.. i feel so baduy talking about it over and over.

Monday night, several minuted after I arrived at the office.. we all (my officemates) got talking about New Moon (the movie). Turned out we're all crazy about Jacob.. at least about his abs for that matter, hehe. My manager joined the conversation minutes later and she said she read all the books long before it became a movie, so we asked her to share details. It doesn't really matter if it is going to affect my perception and imagination of the next story - I just want to hear it. She said the 4th book is nice, with a good twist - it will eventually reveal the marriage, the pregnancy, more of Jacob, of Edward, wedding, honeymoon, baby and all.

Wee, it didn't really spoil the fun. I even feel like I want to read the books for more juicy details.



... if you're reading/have read the book.. this entry is not really a spoiler then. :)

Nov 23, 2009

Efren Peñaflorida named CNN 2009 Hero of the Year

courtesy of CNN.com

CAVITE CITY, Philippines (CNN) -- At 16, Rhandolf Fajardo reflects on his former life as a gang member.

Efren Peñaflorida's Dynamic Teen Company offers Filipino youth an alternative to gangs through education.

Efren Peñaflorida's Dynamic Teen Company offers Filipino youth an alternative to gangs through education.

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"My gang mates were the most influential thing in my life," says Fajardo, who joined a gang when he was in sixth grade. "We were pressured to join."

He's not alone. In the Philippines, teenage membership in urban gangs has surged to an estimated 130,000 in the past 10 years, according to the Preda Foundation, a local human rights charity.

"I thought I'd get stuck in that situation and that my life would never improve," recalls Fajardo. "I would probably be in jail right now, most likely a drug addict -- if I hadn't met Efren."

Efren Peñaflorida, 28, also was bullied by gangsin high school. Today, he offers Filipino youth an alternative to gang membership through education. Vote now for the CNN Hero of the Year

"Gang members are groomed in the slums as early as 9 years old," says Peñaflorida. "They are all victims of poverty."

For the past 12 years, Peñaflorida and his team of teen volunteers have taught basic reading and writing to children living on the streets. Their main tool: A pushcart classroom.

Stocked with books, pens, tables and chairs, his Dynamic Teen Company recreates a school setting in unconventional locations such as the cemetery and municipal trash dump.

Peñaflorida knows firsthand the adversity faced by these children. Born into a poor family, he lived in a shanty near the city dump site. But he says he refused to allow his circumstances to define his future.

"Instead of being discouraged, I promised myself that I would pursue education," he recalls. "I will strive hard; I will do my best."


In high school, Peñaflorida faced a new set of challenges. Gang activity was rampant; they terrorized the student body, vandalized the school and inducted members by forcing them to rape young girls, he says.

"I felt the social discrimination. I was afraid to walk down the street."

Peñaflorida remembers standing up to a gang leader, refusing to join his gang. That confrontation proved fateful. At 16, he and his friends "got the idea to divert teenagers like us to be productive," he says.

He created the Dynamic Teen Company to offer his classmates an outlet to lift up themselves and their community. For Peñaflorida, that meant returning to the slums of his childhood to give kids the education he felt they deserved.

"They need education to be successful in life. It's just giving them what others gave to me," he says.

Today, children ranging from ages 2 to 14 flock to the pushcart every Saturday to learn reading, writing, arithmetic and English from Peñaflorida and his trained teen volunteers.

"Our volunteers serve as an inspiration to other children," he says.

The group also runs a hygiene clinic, where children can get a bath and learn how to brush their teeth.

Since 1997, an estimated 10,000 members have helped teach more than 1,500 children living in the slums. The organization supports its efforts by making and selling crafts and collecting items to recycle.

Through his group, Peñaflorida has successfully mentored former gang members, addicts and dropouts, seeing potential where others see problems.

"Before, I really didn't care for my life," says Michael Advincula, who started doing drugs when he was 7. "But then Efren patiently dug me from where I was buried. It was Efren who pushed me to get my life together."

Today, Advincula is a senior in high school and one of the group's volunteers.

Peñaflorida hopes to expand the pushcart to other areas, giving more children the chance to learn and stay out of gangs.

"I always tell my volunteers that you are the change that you dream and I am the change that I dream. And collectively we are the change that this world needs to be."


His passion is so noble and very inspiring.

Congratulations to you Efren. May you continuously find your inspiration to make this change. The LORD will repay you ten thousand folds.. even more.

Let this be another wake up call - there is hope. It's in you.

Nov 22, 2009

Downtime at Pier One



after watching movie.

i love spending quality time enjoying great company, food, booze and music.

.. but I ain't drinking again. LOL. whew.
My limitations have decreased.. I'm down to nothing now... I'm not capable of drinking anymore. hahaha.

Nov 21, 2009

Twilight Saga: The New Moon



I watched New Moon yesterday.
I thought it was really 'bitin'. Maybe I was not convinced that the story ended just like that.

Anyway, I'm not a pro in giving reviews - so I won't. But here's my insights and questions:
  • I'm not convinced of Bella's acting. She's way better when the scene requires running, shouting, getting angry, etc. When it's a normal conversation or a heart to heart talk, i feel like her acting is way off and as a 'manonood', I can't connect to her feelings. LOL. I'm not the director, maybe that's how she was instructed.
  • Victoria's appearance was so abrupt. I was looking for more action between Bella, the Wolves, or the Cullens. When the tension started to rise because Bella was unprotected... she then disappeared. One of the vampires said Victoria is planning to kill Bella slowly. That would have been a good twist. Victoria capturing Bella or at least an encounter with her, and a fight scene between her and the Cullens and the Wolves... interesting scene!! But nah... and don't mind me. I'm just looking for more flying, jumping, throwing... more action so the LOVE story can sell.
I got this info somewhere:
Not much is known about the time Edward was away from Bella. He spent most of his time tracking Victoria, a vampire who helped James hunt Bella during the first book.

This task led Edward to Texas and eventually to South America but Edward never found Victoria.

I didn't notice that in the film. He was tracking Victoria pala. I have issues with the way they talk. LOL.
  • The "Volturi" encounter was different and cool; including the yellow car - was that Ferrari?
  • Jacob is pure HOTNESS. Silly, I feel like I'm still in College. But poor him, he couldn't have Bella.
  • Yeah, ending the movie with the marrying part is two thumbs up.


Nov 20, 2009

Traveler's Wallet


I recently purchased a traveler's wallet that will act as my ultimate travel organizer.

Normally when I have my passport, boarding pass, and so many other receipts and papers.. I don't know what to do. I had to keep all of them for reporting purposes. I always end up stuffing them all inside my sling bag and when it's time to get them.. I had to get it all and look one by one.

For quite some time now, I've been really wanting to have a chic and fashionable traveler's wallet. But I couldn't find any here.. or maybe I've not searched enough.

Anyway, I made a reasonable purchase at SM, men's accessories lately. I thought this is exactly what I need. I was asking if they have in white, green, glittery perhaps, or red... but to no avail.

Nevertheless, I bought it. I'm contented.



the front side of the wallet has slot for the boarding pass or tickets
my travel will be so convenient now.
no more folding and placing tickets/boarding pass in between the pages of my passport




once open, the wallet has many other slots - for cards,
id's, receipts, passport, and pen!




when i was inspecting it.. i pulled a paper. interesting
read:


Indeed!

Nov 16, 2009

Weekend Update!


Mga samu't sari:
  1. Yesterday we've seen another victorious battle of Manny Pacquiao over the Puerto Rican boxer Miguel Cotto. I don't know why but I was hooked in finding a live streaming over the internet, which fortunately I came across with. The internet wasn't that good but I saw at least some happenings round per round.
  2. Two more weeks and it's our Xmas party na. I wonder when the 13th month pay is going to be. Yes, we still don't have it.
  3. I'm happy to find today a passport/ID's/tickets/boarding pass organizer that I have been wanting to buy. Uhmmm, I want a more feminine organizer though but I guess this one will work for now. I'm OC pagdating sa pagoorganize ng mga bagay bagay and I can't trust myself to carry a ladies bag when traveling. Trust me. Either it's a sling bag that's around me every time, or a big bag that I can't miss. Makakalimutin kasi ako. And I'm not giving myself any reason to forget anything, oh lord, not when I'm traveling. Why am I talking about traveling here? hehehe. No serious details yet.
  4. Had a good time today with the boyfriend. We had Pho Hoa during lunch. Please follow the rest of my entry here.



Happy Monday! :)

Nov 12, 2009

Sinbad: The Legend of the Seven Seas


.. is our theme this Christmas Party. Last year it was 'The Untouchables".

You might have noticed that dressing up and joining theme days is one of my advocacies. I feel so connected with the company and with everybody else when I participate.. and I guess I have influenced the rest because they are now joining too. Love it!

The team decided we will spend a little for this special day.. not too much though because after all, we will just use it for one day, unless of course you want to be a pirate everyday. And so yes, our chosen concept is pirates - sexy pirates for us!

I don't know if I should say 'unfortunately' but I'm responsible for buying the fabrics and the patahi. Good thing I'm on leave today and tomorrow. I can go early in Divi and look for the one's we need. I have my fingers crossed as early as now hoping that everything goes smoothly for us.

We have also decided to choose our own sexy pirate costumes but the colors would remain as black and gold.
I know I won't be able to make this pic come alive, for one I don't have that figure, second I don't have that boobs and third .. even that long hair, aghh. But I'm getting crazy every time I see this pic. I'm thinking of having hair extensions. I have also started scouting for that vertical striped leggings, and I can't stop thinking how to totally achieve this pirate 'goddess' look. ah. the quickest find is the boots if you have moolah to spend, the rest - tailor made. This is getting so stressful.


.. but, I want to look OK on December 5. So, I will open my other options and make sure I'm confident whatever I'll be wearing.

.. I just love theme days!


Nov 10, 2009

Belle de Jour 2010


My favorite planner is still here with their latest power planner. They are accepting orders now so grab your copies quick! If you're willing to wait, you may get the planner in selected National Bookstores and Power Books nationwide for around Php500 or less. I have this planner since 2008 so I can say the price is totally worth it.

Belle de Jour 2010 Power Planner is the ultimate planner for women who wants to lead the IT Girl lifestyle. With the Belle de Jour (IT Girl) Power Planner, you have all the time management-based tools, pages, lists to help you manage your priorities.

To guide you to living out a fabulous year, you have a power planner complete with affirmations, articles on beauty, time management, health, beauty, travel, career tips and more! Of course, for the inner shopaholic and fashionista in all of us, discount coupons from various lifestyle brands to allow you to live the Belle de Jour lifestyle. For all women, who dared to achieve, reach beyond her limit, and most of all, does it with style, Belle de Jour is dedicated to you. In these pages, you will find your soul sisters as you live the life of your dreams.

- belledejourpowerplanner.com


here's a pic of the cover, (copyright is given to the owner of the pic)


Nov 5, 2009

Kapamilya Christmas 2009 Station ID

ABS-CBN recently launched their official station ID this Christmas season entitled "Bro, Ikaw ang Star ng Pasko". "BRO" like brother, is the term popularized in the soap opera 'May Bukas Pa' pertaining to Jesus.

.. the station ID is truly moving with a heartfelt message.

Actually, hindi lang siguro si BRO ang pinasasalamatan dito. "Salamat sa liwanag mo, muling magkakakulay ang Pasko" - lahat siguro ng tumulong, one way or another made a difference and showed light to the others nitong recent crisis ng Pinas. Oo ikaw.. kaya mabuhay ka. Salamat sa'yo.

Above anything else with no doubt, YOU LORD is the center of Christmas.




Star ng Pasko
Performed by: ABS-CBN Artists

Kung kailan pinakamadilim
Ang mga tala ay mas nagniningning
Gaano man kakapal ang ulap
Sa likod nito ay may liwanag

Ang liwanag na ito
Nasa ‘ting lahat
Mas sinag ang bawat pusong bukas
Sa init ng mga yakap
Maghihilom ang lahat ng sugat

Ang nagsindi nitong ilaw
Walang iba kundi ikaw
Salamat sa liwanag mo
Muling magkakakulay ang pasko
Salamat sa liwanag mo
Muling magkakakulay ang pasko

Tayo ang ilaw sa madilim na daan
Pagkakapit bisig ngayon higpitan
Dumaan man sa malakas na alon
Lahat tayo’s makakaahon

Ang liwanag na ito
Nasa ‘ting lahat
Mas sinag ang bawat pusong bukas
Sa init ng mga yakap
Maghihilom ang lahat ng sugat

Ang nagsindi nitong ilaw
Walang iba kundi ikaw
Salamat sa liwanag mo
Muling magkakakulay ang pasko
Salamat sa liwanag mo
Muling magkakakulay ang pasko

Kikislap ang pag-asa
Kahit kanino man
Dahil ikaw Bro, dahil ikaw Bro
Dahil ikaw Bro
Ang star ng pasko

Salamat sa liwanag mo
Muling magkakakulay ang pasko
Salamat sa liwanag mo
Muling magkakakulay ang pasko

Ang nagsindi nitong ilaw
Walang iba kundi ikaw
Salamat sa liwanag mo
Muling magkakakulay ang pasko

Ang nagsindi nitong ilaw
Walang iba kundi ikaw
Salamat sa liwanag mo
Muling magkakakulay ang pasko

Ang nagsindi nitong ilaw
Walang iba kundi ikaw
Salamat sa liwanag mo
Muling magkakakulay ang pasko

Dahil ikaw Bro, dahil ikaw Bro
Dahil ikaw Bro
Ang star ng pasko!


Merry Christmas everybody.


Nov 3, 2009

Typhoon Ondoy (Ketsana): Missing Stories 2



In pa rin ang mga spooky stories this season.. tutal November pa din naman e.

How true??

Remember how SM Sta. Mesa suddenly got flooded? I heard someone said, me news blackout din daw na nangyari sa SM Sta. Mesa.

If you're familiar with the structure of SM Sta. Mesa grocery, pababa ung papunta ng grocery - parang basement. Kung merong unang babahain.. ung grocery yun. Allegedly, there were several number of people who died daw that day. Nung tumaas ung tubig.. nakuryente ung mga tao. Ang sabi pa.. there were even two american's there na naggrogrocery, husband and wife. Again allegedly, SM daw paid 1M sa lahat ng families ng nasawi para wala ng maiskandalo at para hindi na din maTV pa ung nangyari.

But come to think of it, how can they discreetly hide the bodies of 10-20-30-or God knows how many... people? Parang hindi makatotohanan ung balita na to. Kung sarado ang supermarket ngayon, and they're hiring workforce.. baka nga totoo.

I've never been to Centerpoint ulet e. AND I won't dare to go to back!