The Living Rosary

Last Thursday, October 13, several groups from the Makati business sector joined forces to commemorate the Holy Month of the Rosary. Candles and flowers were offered while each person recited one prayer of the rosary. Kudos to Ms Baby of UBS and Ms Precy of First Resources for organizing this event.

Intentional or Not... Scam???

I really don’t like writing about this stuff but I want to know how many people are having this same kind of dilemma. It’s about my credit card account in some multi-national bank in Ayala (thinking about suing so I’ll not mention the company).

One day, (a few years back) I called the customer agent of this credit card of mine, asking them to terminate my account. The agent instructed me settle the remaining balance in full. This is the only way I can close my account. So I did and afterwards, called the customer agent again to inquire if my payment has been posted. The agent confirmed that it has been reflected and due to this they are now able to close my account. Trusting the customer service agent of this bank, I thought my account was finally terminated.

After several months, a representative of the bank called asking me to settle my unpaid credit card bill of this bank. I was surprised, I told the caller that I already closed my account. The caller said I have an outstanding balance, so I inquired what is it about.. what did I purchase that I failed to pay? The caller checked and we found out that it was the ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP FEE and there are no purchases. So, I said my case and retold the caller that I asked the bank to close my account already. The caller, asked me to refer it to collections department. So I call the collections department to sort things out and look into my case. I was able to get in touch with somebody but they insisted that I pay the membership fee. I plead my case and explained what happened. The person from the collections department said that they will get back to me, she will just explain it to accounting or whatever department. So, I waited for their call and they never did. I thought it was ok already since they did not get back to me. Somewhere, sometime I forgot about it.

After, a few YEARS I received a demand letter from one of their partner law firms harassing and accusing me that I did not pay my credit card. I was very angry and shocked at this new development. This law firm keeps on harassing me. I called them up and explained but only got a shouting from whoever's in charge of the account. I asked them to provide me with the list or any purchases that I made and I will gladly pay it. But, it seems they found out that there are no purchases. Again, the law firm, did not get back to me again.

To date, I received around 8 to 10 demand letters from various law firms. I am so tired of being harassed and hounded everywhere, every minute of the day. I even learned that there are a lot of cases like mine. The last one has been charging me 50,000 for interest and other charges.

What do you think guys, I really feel like I am a victim here. I am not so aware of the policies of bank companies but it seems they are making money out of this. Now, I feel the bank intentionally did not close my account to make more money on me since I refuse to use their services anymore. Haay naku!

Tumi Quotes: Things That Make Me Smile

Tumi Quotes


dada : i will throw all your diapers tumi so that you will learn how to pupu in the toilet.


tumi : throw all the toilets dada, because i already know how to pupu in the diaper.

********************
tumi : teacher, you are so hardheaded you


don't listen to me. I want to go home.

********************

tumi : (to his teacher again)


teacher, im a dog...ar ar ar ar!!!

********************


when tumi was horseplaying in school


and the teacher approched him to scold him..


tumi : I love you teacher ... (then hugs and kisses the teacher with matching beautiful eyes)


********************


tumi and dada during house pictorial.


dada put a marking on the floor so that


tumi will establish his position all throughout the shots.

dada : keep ur feet tumi on the marking.

tumi : dada this should be two because


i have two feet....(ayus!)


********************

tumi on living things and non-living things issue

tumi : why are trees living things...


they dont have hands and feet...

********************

dada : removing his belt to make this


little boy wonder listen and obey...

tumi : dada, do not remove your belt...


your pants will fall!


:-)

********************

dada telling tumi not to cross the street


alone...(tumi is used to dada doing the ice


remedy wherever/whenever his head/face hits


anything...tables, chairs, walls etc)

dada : do not cross the street alone big boy!

tumi : why?

dada : because the cars will hit you!

tumi : and you have to put ice on the car?

********************

dada told tumi that spanking and hitting


other people is bad...

dada teaching tumi how to read...as usual,


the little boy's attention is somewhere


else...

dada : Listen to me tumi, i will spank you!!!

tumi : hmmm, diba dada spanking is BAD!

********************

tumi, with this very honest and sincere question


to his dada...

tumi : why did you spank me when i kicked you???


********************
tumi's early crush...

tumi : dada, come here i will tell you something.
(dada moved towards tumi...)

tumi : (whispered...) i love Sophia (girl classmate).

dada : (overjoyed!!! asked the question)... WHY!

tumi : because she is HANDSOME.
(yari!!!!)

********************
while visiting her aunt at the Manila Control Tower..
tumi on seeing distant objects...

tumi : i want to use the VERNACULARS!


dada : BI-NO-CU-LARS!!!


tumi : BI-LA-CU-LARS...


dada : BI-NO-CU-LARS!!!

tumi : i want to use the TELESCOPE!

********************

when reviewing fish topics


Dada: What make the fishies float?


Tumi: Life vest and kick board


(haaayyy....)



These are some of the anecdotes and quotes compiled by Boo. Btw, Tumi is our 3-year old son.

: D

Blair and Chuck Mania

hehe.. I love this video

Office Work Cut Short Due To Typhoon Scare

Due to the warnings posted all over the news, most of the office-works at the metro were suspended. After Ondoy, people are not taking chances at Pepeng (Parma, international name). People crowded the groceries to buy food, candles, batteries and other emergency supplies needed in case a nationwide power interruption occurs. Making the Friday afternoon traffic a bit heavier than usual.

During these trying times, the best preparation we can do is pray. Here is a special prayer:

Oratio Imperata for Deliverance from Calamities

Almighty Father, we raise our heats to You in gratitude for the wonders of creation of which we are part, for Your Providence in sustaining our needs, and for Your Wisdom that guides the course of the universe.

We acknowledge our sins against You and the rest of creation.

We have not been good stewards of Nature.

We have confused Your command to subdue the Earth.

The environment is made to suffer our wrongdoing, and now we reap the harvest of our abuse and indifference.

Global warming is upon us, Typhoons, floods, volcanic eruptions, and other natural calamities occur in increasing numbers and intensity.

We turn to You, our loving Father, and beg forgiveness for our sins.

We ask that we, out loved ones and our hard earned possessions be spared from the threat of calamities, natural and man-made.

We beseech You to inspire us all to grow into responsible stewards of Your creation, and generous neighbors to those in need.

Amen.

Take care all of you.

Ondoy's Wrath!!!!

It’s almost 20 hours of non-stop heavy rains here in Manila. I heard from the radio that 90% of Luzon, one of the 3 main islands of the Philippines, is heavily flooded. 23 provinces under a state of calamity!!! There’s no flooding this bad since the 90’s. Wow! When mother-nature gets angry, she really lets it all out!

Boo and I are supposed to go to a get-together today but when we reached Essensa it was flooded. I can’t believe it!!! a river here in the middle of Global City.. (No effffing way!!!)

This flood is unbelievable, whether big or small no vehicles can pass through. Small vehicles can’t pass and the big vehicles (SUVs) can’t overtake. (Well except from the 6x6 military vehicle) So we decided to turn around and head back to the house. Hey I love my friends but you should always think of your safety and your vehicle’s first.. Hehhehe.. It’s a good thing that the event was cancelled, flooded at the restaurant.

It’s really terrible; my nephew got stranded in school as well. They have a Science Club meeting today. (I can’t believe it, 11 year-olds have to go to school on a Saturday for a club meeting.. hmmm) . My sister’s vehicle is unable to get through the Aguinaldo highway. She said the water is waist-deep on the HIGHWAY! It’s already dark and we still don’t have news. Plus my other 4-year old nephew and his nanny are the only ones at their house. Haaayyy….

I just hope that the rains stop pouring, if it’s havoc here in Manila; I can’t imagine how bad it is in the provinces. Let’s pray that the rains will let up.

*** Image from PAGASA

Percy Jackson and The Olympians

Chiron - the Centaur, mentor of Percy. This will be played by Pierce Brosnan in the movie.

Finally, after a long wait, the first book, The Lightning Thief, of this wonderful series is now going to reel. If you haven’t heard of Percy Jackson and the Olympians here is a briefer just to get you started.

The whole tale revolves around this 12-year old boy Perseus Jackson (Percy Jackson). The first book narrates how Percy discovers his parentage and his true identity. Percy goes on a quest to the Underworld to retrieve a stolen artifact of power. I think I’ll stop here, I might spoil it for you guys hehhehe... Anyway, the whole plot is based on Greek mythology. Rick Riordan, the author, made Greek myth more interesting in this series. You’ll encounter familiar characters like Poseidon, Jason, Zeus, Medusa, The Fates etc.. I remember the movie Clash of the Titans while reading this book. : )

Sad thing is everybody compares it to Harry Potter. Yes, I admit it has a lot of similarities with J.K. Rowling’s HP but I still like how Riordan paced his books. Lastly, unlike other series’ i.e. George R.R. Martin, author of A Song of Fire and Ice, which is taking too long.. this series is now complete so you really don’t need to wait long for the finale.

The movie will come out in February 2010. It is directed by none other than Chris Columbus. Here’s the trailer of the movie. Enjoy!!!

Yellow Rain

It rained confetti in Ayala today while the remains of Former President Corazon Aquino passed by Ninoy’s monument. Our office halted from work while we watch the procession carrying Cory’s casket marched through. Throng of people, supporters and alike flocked Ayala to witness this historical event. Today is the last day for public viewing before Mrs. Aquino is laid to rest besides Ninoy at the Manila Memorial Park on Wednesday, August 5, 2009.

Long Live Cory!!!

Corazon Aquino Passed Away at 76

One of our beacons of hope was extinguished today. The whole nation grieves to the loss of our beloved Former President Corazon-Aquino. She died at 3:18 am today due to colon cancer. Cory, as she was popularly called by the masses, fought for the freedom and peace here in our homeland the Philippines. She was an icon of strength for the oppressed and broke barriers when she became First Woman President in the world.

Long live freedom and democracy!!! Long live Cory Aquino!!!

***photo taken from the internet

The Champ

Happy Birthday AnitoKid!!!

July 24, 2009

The Hunt Is Over

Finally!!! after a few weeks of cyber death.. I'm back :D

Boy, I have a lot of tales to tell regarding my search for the right hook up for me. I initially terminated my old plan 999 from SmartBro only to realize later that I'm going back to the Bro hahahaha!!!

You won't believe how frustrating it is for me not to have an internet. Like Boo said what is a PC without an internet. Yes I am online again and eager to share my roller coaster ride in getting the best deal of a plan.

First, I was drawn to these mobile plug-ins offered by Sun Cellular. It's very pratical and it gives up to 2mbps of internet speed. Compared to my previous 999 plan that only guarantees 384KBPS. Everybody knows that you don't get this speed. It was manageable in the beginning but hey the competition looks good. So I terminated my previous 999 plan and tried out the Sun plug-in. Whoa! it was ok when I was using my notebook. I can go anywhere with it Yehey! But when I used it in my PC and started my torrent activities.. oh no! The plug-in does not sustain the connection. It keeps on turning on and off. Nobody told me about this huhuhuhu!!! I should have done my research before I had my antenna cut-off.

I did not accept this discovery at once but I also tried other plug-ins like Globe Tattoo. I had the same results :( This is probably because we have a very poor Globe Signal here. Btw, I live in Fort Bonifacio just a stone throw from Makati. Imagine my disappointment, yeah I live in the suburbs but not the super suburbs like Forbes so most of the time resources has been allocated to these parts. Our village is often neglected because when these telecoms hooks Taguig and Makati they move to farther places like Las Pinas, QC, Bulacan etc just to say that they have wider coverage. Ahhh enough of that.. getting back to my story.. by this time I am getting desperate so I tried Lola Tetchie (Bayantel). They have a catchie commercial hopefully services have improved. I learned that before they can allow you to subscribe to their package you must have a trial first. Sort of a dry run to make sure that you'll get your money's worth. Sounds good to me .. so I waited and waited and waited (btw, during waiting period I follow-up and call them) and until now they haven't scheduled me for the dry run.

Haaaaayyyyy... so I said to myself ..I am going back to Smart to apply for my old plan at least I'm connected. When I went back to Smart .. I found out that they have new plans at reasonable prices. I got the Share It Plan and its a router already. So my house now has wifi and I'm really satisfied so far.

Oh! I forgot to mention that I also ventured in applying for a Destiny Internet ... since they are the only cable company that caters to our village. Hahahha.. and guess what.. only the cable tv is available..

I also tried applying to the PLDT MyDSL.. they say that within 3 days you'll be connected.. shmoehoe!! my #%$#$!! a colleague of mine applied for the dsl because they have an existing pdlt phone and it's been 2 months now.. Yes, no reply from PLDT hihihihi...

So the moral of the story before getting tempted in switching to any product .. make a little research first and do not dispose the previous one without a replacement.. I hope you learn something from me :D

Happy Father's Day

A Father's Letter to His Father

by Victor Juliet

The greatest person next to a mother is a father. As a son, I always believed that I am my father's child but I do not have proof of it except I look exactly like him. A lot of my traits, jokes, mannerisms and trivialities are no doubt that of my father I fondly called Tatay. He's the first person whom I considered my friend. We share things any boy or any man find amusing. We play basketball and loves swimming. But until I reached adolescent that I realized how easy to identify one's roots if you really want to know your real parents. What I mean is that I need little proof that I am my mother's child. Simply because I came from her and doctors can attest to that. But again, to a father, well, he needs a lot of explanations simply because he was not the one who gave birth to me.

Now that I am a father myself to two beatiful sons I did realize the importance of my identity. I need to show and say to my sons " Hey, I am your father. Listen and follow me." I thought when they obey me I already impose my presence as their Papa. I was wrong. I now need the learnings from my.own father. Day by day, they begin to look like me and do things exactly like me.

When my sons throw balls at me now and ask to swim with them, I see my old self - the son playing around my Tatay's lap while he's reading his newspaper. Sadly, he's no longer here to see his beautiful legacy and tha'ts enough proof, Tatay. Happy Father's Day!

Filipina Took 1st Women’s World 10-Ball Championship

June 6, 2009 - SM North Mall Manila, Philippines was the venue of the First Women’s World 10 Ball Championship finals. Out of the 48 contenders, it was our kababayan, Rubilen “Bingkay” Amit, bagged this prestigious award. Bingkay(13) overcame Shin Mei Liu(7) of Taiwan race to 10 format.

Bingkay defeated Julie Kelly of Ireland, H. Tan of Taiwan, Jeanette Lee of USA, Akimi Kajitani of Japan and Shin Mei Liu (10-4) in the finals. Bingkay was awarded with 20,000 USD and the illustrious title of world champion.

Another Filipina who made waves in this event is the 11-year old Gillian Go. Gillian made it to the top 24 during the round robin. We are definitely watching you girl!

2009 Manny Pacquiao 10-Ball Cup

He’s back! The money man is back for his second love, billiards. Yes the rumors are not rumors anymore Manny Pacquiao is again preparing another billiards tournament.

The 2009 Manny Pacquiao 10 Ball Cup will be held at the Makati Cinema Square SuperBowl on the 22nd, 23rd, 29th and 30th of May 2009. The finals is on June 1, 2009.

The tournament will have several levels -- Class C, B, A and O (open). Mind you Manny Pacquiao himself is on the B category not bad for the number one pound for pound champ.

Registration fee is P1000 and P700 to MAPPA, Makati Pool Players Association, members. The tournament is open to all amateur pool players.
(NO TIRADORS allowed daw)

Interested parties may contact the following:

Ato de Vera - 09177629054
Arvin Arceo - 09279816673
Jesse Gonzales - 09175270489

TFC Mother's Day Special

Last week I was invited to join 6 other mothers at The Bellevue Manila, Alabang. This is for a special segment that will be featured in TFC in commemoration of Mother’s Day.

The TFC crew picked me and Tumi, my little boy, in Market Market at around 9:30 AM. We arrived in Bellevue by 10am. Honestly, it was my first time in Bellevue. I am a Makati-Taguig person you know (ala Pacman style) and I don’t really frequent Alabang (can’t stand SLEX traffic).



It was raining cats and dogs that day but the air in Bellevue is so classy that it immediately warms you. All of us were directed to Cafe d' Asie at the 2nd floor, the buffet area. We were greeted by the pleasant aroma of delectable goodies. There were roast beef, roasted pork belly on a bed of vegetables, chicken with cashew, Mongolian barbecue, cold salad bar, Japanese sushi bar and sweets to name a few. There were such a variety of food I don’t even know where to start. You know me, I have to sample everything. Not to mention the desserts, it will make you desert your senses hahhaha.. they were to die for really. Tumi likes the mango cake particularly.



After the meals, a brief interview was held just to get our say about the whole experience. It was my first time on GLOBAL tv and I was up to the head nervous. I tried to describe the experience on my head and took a mental list of the people I’m going to greet. But when in front of the camera everything was a blur to me and I can’t remember a thing. I think I even stuttered. (well there goes my showbiz career hehehe) Anyway, it was fun for me and Tumi. It was really quality time for us.



So I’d like to thank TFC again for that wonderful experience and the very nice bouquet of flowers. This is one Mother’s Day that I’ll never forget. (eto dapat sinabi ko!)

Sa TFC Connect Tayo :D


TFC CONNECT SCHEDULE

NORTH AMERICA:
Pacific Region ~
Mon-Fri, 1:25pm & 8:15pm.
Eastern Region ~
Mon-Fri, 4:25pm & 11:15pm.

MIDDLE EAST:
Saudi Arabia ~
Mon-Fri, 7:20am.
Mon, 7:20pm.
Tue, 11:10am & 7:20pm.
Wed-Fri, 7:20pm.
Dubai ~
Mon-Fri, 8:20am.
Mon, 8:20pm.
Tue, 12:10pm & 8:20pm.
Wed-Fri, 8:20pm.

EUROPE:
Milan ~
Mon-Fri, 7:20am, 12:25pm & 5:30pm.
Tue-Sat, 12:15am.
London ~
Mon-Fri, 6:20am, 11:25am, 4:30pm & 11:15pm.

ASIA PACIFIC:
Hong Kong & Singapore ~
Mon-Fri, 7:40am, 1:30pm & 7:20pm.
Japan ~
Mon-Fri, 8:40am, 2:30pm & 8:20pm.

AUSTRALIA:
Sydney ~
Mon-Fri, 9:40am, 3:30pm & 9:20pm.

Watch the video here:

The Blogger's Block

July 20, well that’s a long time hehhehehhe… If anybody noticed, this is the date of my last blog entry. So what have I been doing all this time.. ahh yes and no…

Yes, I have been busy with this thing called “Day Job”. I actually don’t know why they call it a day job ‘cause mine usually extends to night and sometimes even after midnight. (well that’s I.T. life)

No, to the.... I run out of things to write or recipes to post because I have a lot. Well the thing is I felt that I have been limiting myself to writing stuffs about food and I wanted to write about other stuffs like my favorite sport, my other hobbies, books that I read or I want to read, politics or just my encounter with the #@&#@#% !!! call center agent at the bank…

I wanted to conform with this thing called standards…. things that will make other people read what I write and this is the time I started to get bored and I have forgotten why I started to blog.

I started my blog for me.. so I can express myself.. my thoughts and share what I know or what I want others to know. Pleasing readers and just making sure that I am searchable so I can get lots of hits should be secondary. I believe that every blogger should observe a sense of responsibility to their readers but this should not interfere to the writer’s style or the material you are writing…

So I decided to change my theme from food blog to… No theme at all :D

Haaaaaayyyy… there .. I wrote it.. and I am happy…

The Psyllium Husk Magic

Since Mrs. Aquino was diagnosed with the big C, a lot of products regarding colon cleanser came out. One of these is the psyllium husk. You’re probably wondering what is a psyllium husk. Psyllium is a plant and psyllium husk is extracted from its' seed. It’s all natural that’s why I’m not afraid of taking it.

Psyllium husk is actually a dietary fiber that helps in bowel movement. It is like a natural laxative and is recommended for people with low fiber intake. It also cleanses our body of some of the wastes we fail to excrete for it absorbs toxins in our bowel. How does it work? Simple, if you dissolve this in water you can see that it expands. Then it becomes a gelatin-like substance. Because of these properties, psyllium husk can absorb at least 10x of its original mass. If you take it in, it will make your bowels in your colon soft and easier to remove.

Boo recommended this product to me to help me regulate my time in the bin. I have been using this product for quite some time now and it’s really effective. I also noticed that it removed the bloated feeling every time I eat and has reduced my gassy episodes. I have a problematic tummy for a couple of years now and this product helped me a lot.

Another plus for psyllium husk is that it helps me maintain my body weight. Some claimed that this product was able to aid them in weight reduction. It also helps manage your cholesterol level and maintains blood pressure. This is indeed a wonderful find. It has been widely used abroad and now gaining popularity here in the Philippines.

Guidance in usage, psyllium husk can be mixed with juices, coffee, tea, milk, soup, stew etc. I used it plainly with water. If you’re taking it the first time, I suggest mix it with other liquids. It is not recommended for pregnant women. The best time to take it is in between meals.

Psyllium husk also comes in capsule form.