Sunset in Boracay.

I’ve been seeing this kitty in Farmers – Cubao for the last three nights on my way home from work. I just felt really bad over its mewing while scavenging for food. Yesterday, I stopped by a vendor of candies and brought a pack of Skyflakes biscuit. I had tossed it to the poor kitten but she expectedly ran away. When I was about 10 feet away, I saw it come back to eat the food.

I was advised a few hours back by my friend to bring along sardines on a tetra pack with me on my way home, but I somehow forgot to buy some from 7-11. I ended up buying another pack of Skyflakes from the same vendor. When I got back to where the kitty was, and to my surprise, I saw that she got company with the same coloration of the fur. I saw them playing by the sidewalk, but far from the pouring rain. I tossed the biscuits again. While one ran away from me, the other one stayed and ate them in a flash.

I wish I could bring them home with me. However, my mother’s pretty adamant and impervious to new pets. About nine years ago, I brought home a pure white kitten when I saw it scavenging for food near the jeepney drop-off in UP, after my Saturday P.E. class. I named it Piper, and has been my cat for a few years until she ran off. Ugh. She’s probably dead by now.

Meanwhile, I must have mental note of buying a tetra pack of sardines for these kitties in Cubao.

Born amid poverty in the Philippines, where he is currently the lone congressional representative from the Sarangani Province, Manny Pacquiao (54-3-2, 38 KOs) has overcome every barrier to become an icon, capturing world titles in eight different weight divisions.  Pacquiao will be fighting in Las Vegas for the 14th time as he defends his title live on HBO Pay-Per-View, Saturday, June 9.  His opponent will be undefeated Timothy Bradley, Jr. (28-0, 12 KOs), an engaging fighter and one of the future stars of the sport.

###

After our dinner in Lamesa Grill, we were on our way down to the jeepney terminal. As we are about to pass by the Sky Dome, we noticed flashes of camera from unruly groups of people and some bouncers assisting a tall guy. To our surprise, that guy was some sort of a celebrity. We initially thought that he was John Vesely of Secondhand Serenade since it was just hours ago that he had his concert there. But the real thing was he just played he drums for Vesely that night and his name was Jon Wilkes. He’s a drummer for another rock band I personally like, The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus.

Not minding the dense crowd, I really pulled his shirt and politely asked if he could pose for a picture with me. He said ‘sure’ and so he put his arm on my shoulder, I wore a big smile, and posed with my friend Yyo on the left side. Out of luck, we got the chance to meet a cool guy like him. I just love looking at his tattoos all over.

That night was a blast. A fully loaded meal plus a chance to get in touch with an awesome drummer. Now tell me how awesome is that. Haha ;)

Atulayan Island, Camarines Sur Philippines

The importance of creative play in early childhood is one of the most important criteria in Mental Health. Play helps children weave together all the elements of life as they experience it. It allows them to digest life and make it their own. It is an outlet for the fullness of their creativity, and it is an absolutely critical part of their childhood. With creative play, children blossom and flourish; without it, they suffer a serious decline.

Source: Joan Almon of  Wardolf Research Institute

* The photo was taken before leaving the island. The kids in the photo live in the island with their family who watches over the resort.

GlobalEnglish has released early this month the results of its annual Business English Index (BEI), the only index that measures business English proficiency in the workplace.

For 2012, results showed that from 76 represented countries worldwide, only the Philippines attained a score above 7.0, “a BEI level within range of a high proficiency that indicates an ability to take an active role in business discussions and perform relatively complex tasks.”

“This is particularly interesting because the Philippines, a country with one-tenth of the population of India, recently overtook India as a hub for call centers. Over 400,000 Filipinos are now employed in call centers, roughly 50,000 more than in India,” the study said.

The Philippines, which scored 7.11 and the lone country in the intermediate level, were joined by Norway (6.54), Estonia (6.45), Serbia (6.38) and Slovenia (6.19) in the top five.

GlobalEnglish noted that a country’s business English capability is an indicator of its economic growth and business success.

“It is not surprising that both the Philippines and Norway—the only two countries in the top five in both 2011 and 2012—are improving their economies, based on the latest GDP data from the World Bank,” it added.

Meanwhile, struggling economic powers (Japan, Italy and Mexico) and fast-growth emerging markets (Brazil, Columbia and Chile) scored below a 4.0 in business English proficiency, placing them at a disadvantage when competing in a global marketplace, the study said.
It also pointed out that shifts in global talent have put even English-speaking countries at risk.

“Surprisingly the BEI score for global workers in the U.S. declined from 6.9 to 5.09 since the original 2011 BEI benchmark, which is attributed to a majority of test takers being foreign-born engineers and scientists,” the report said.

Rest of the world ranked beginner and basic level
Based on a scale of 1-10, the average 2012 BEI score across 108,000 test takers around the world is 4.15 which is lower than last year’s 4.46.

Nearly four out of 10 (38.2 percent) global workers from 76 countries were ranked as business English beginners, meaning that, on average, they can’t understand or communicate basic information during virtual or in-person meetings, read or write professional emails in English or deal with complexity and rapid change in a global business environment, the study said.

Meanwhile, the majority of global workers (60.5 percent) from the represented countries scored between a 4.0 and 7.0, below an intermediate level, indicating an inability to take an active role in business discussions or perform relatively complex tasks such as presentation development and customer or partner negotiations, it added.

GlobalEnglish stressed that the 2012 BEI which showed a lack of business English proficiency is threatening the productivity of companies, industries and country-specific economies this year.

“Poor Business English skills are bad for global businesses and this year’s Business English Index suggests that many companies will be hard-pressed to achieve their desired performance goals during 2012,” said Tom Kahl, GlobalEnglish President.

“Addressing English skills gaps and ensuring that employees can immediately perform at the necessary proficiency level should be viewed as a strategic imperative for multinational businesses, as Enterprise Fluency, the ability to seamlessly communicate and collaborate within global organizations, can deliver significant financial upside,” Kahl added.
Headquartered in Brisbane, California, GlobalEnglish works with multinational companies – including Cisco, Procter and Gamble, HSBC, Phzer – to support performance in business English across the workforce around the world.

Here’s the list of the 10 best and worst countries in the world for business English proficiency based on GlobalEnglish’s 2012 BEI:
10 Best Countries:
Philippines
Norway
Serbia
Slovenia
Australia
Malaysia
India
Lithuania
Singapore
Canada

10 Worst Countries:
Armenia
Cote d’Ivoire
Taiwan
Honduras
Columbia
Chile
El Salvador
Saudi Arabia
Israel
Brazil

By Shielo Mendoza | Yahoo! Southeast Asia Newsroom – Wed, Apr 25, 2012

http://ph.news.yahoo.com/ph–world-s-best-country-in-business-english.html

Ive been super busy… Gosh, Imagine how much fewer i would be able to write when I start school.. :c

Actually, ive been dreading checking my email, haha… so many back posts and stuff, but anyway, im reading some of your blogs now… but to be fast im not liking or commenting, i just want to read.. :p

except when I love it so

like = <3

so what have i been doing…

READING in my KINDLE

going to my cousin’s house in Cavite

READING using my KINDLE

going to Mall of Asia twice in 2 days

READING using my KINDLE

watching the conclusion of the impeachment trial of the now former chief justice Renato Corona

(im happy with the decision and all but im sad that some senators used the vote they gave (guilty or not guilty) to campaign for the coming elections, some discreetly, some SUPER obviously its annoying)

READING USING MY KINDLE

playing sims

and did i mention i was READING USING MY KINDLE??

I mean, i havent had any problems that caused permanent alarm

just one false alarm, i thought i broke it when i put too much documents in it, it hanged, but when i texted my retailer, he told me what to do, he’s so great, you must check him out and if your in the Philippines, why not buy some of his gadgets, good costumer service I mean, i text him sometimes almost midnight and he’s not all grumpy and all passive aggressive when he replies like some other retailers

actually, he just shipped my latest order, the cover case, book light and anti glare protector for my kindle… he’s so awesome I think he even process orders on a weekend

anyway, here’s his site..

https://www.facebook.com/SomzStore

so in conclusion, i just got to say I love my kindle, if i have time next week ill review it.. thanks for reading my pointless post.. HAHA!

The S3 at the Palm of my Hand

The Samsung Galaxy S3 is officially here in the Philippines! Got the chance to check it out at the Jump Experience Center, SM Megamall. (Globe also has demo units, but they’re a little more secured with zip ties )

I got to spend a few minutes with it. Sad. Anyway, here are some impressions:

1. Looks simple and sleek; not really the hey-look-at-me type
2. VERY LIGHT; weighs around half my Samsung Monte S5620.
3. Very responsive; I barely noticed any lag when navigating around.
4. Reminiscent of the Galaxy SII in so many ways: form factor, UI
5. Smart stay didn’t work haha. Maybe because due to the low-light, I dunno..
6. Camera was very responsive, very good quality too (see samples below)

The unit wasn’t connected to the internet, so I wasn’t able to check its browsing behavior.

Well, I’m looking forward to trying out the unit more. Very interesting unit.

Indoor Lowlight: Click to View

Aperture Test: Click to Enlarge

Tech Specs @ GSM Arena

The band and the patron crowd

Even so, the absence of that song from their setlist was hardly noticed by the 12,000 or so people who showed up in Araneta last May 26. I had to review my previous concert recap four years ago, when I was just a casual fan of the band, and I only showed up because I’ve always loved Jason Wade’s voice. Back then, I thought he sounded a little slurred and seems detached from the audience. This time, he still didn’t flirt much with the crowd, so to speak, so I’m guessing segues and transitions were never really his style during a live performance. He sounds less slurred now and I understood the lyrics a lot better. Maybe because that 2008 concert transformed me to an avid listener and follower of Lifehouse, and I’ve come to know every word to their every song.

I prefer the songs that came from their earlier albums, like No Name Face and Stanley Climbfall. I think most of the audience shared my sentiments when Jason Wade’s 10-minute acoustic medley that included Breathing, Sick Cycle Carousel and From Where You Are, gathered the most shrieks and wildest reactions. Jason Wade’s trademark gravelly voice and acoustic guitar filling an entire arena was enough to leave the entire female audience dazed and wobbly. I would’ve wanted to hear Blind in full band version, but hearing it in raw acoustic still sounds pretty amazing. I’ve got a ghetto recording in my lowly phone of their 2008 performances, but lost all of it when my external drive crashed. And they mostly suck so it’s actually not much of a loss.

The vocalist.

Their playlist choices were a little questionable. I understand Nerve Damage and Here Tomorrow, Gone Today, since it’s called the Smoke and Mirrors Tour after all, but Wash came out of nowhere. As far as I know it was never an official single. I don’t even know their opening song, but I might’ve just missed something from their discography. Take Me Away is still one of my favorites. At some point during that song, I probably got pregnant. Therefore I demand Jason Wade to return here immediately and take full responsibility for our baby.

Ahem. Going back. I noticed there’s no projector. I don’t mind personally, but I can’t help thinking of the folks in the upper sections who can’t see much. The last time Lifehouse came here, they didn’t perform Everything. We’ll have to credit Colton Dixon and American Idol for bringing that song into more mainstream popularity, which is likely one reason why they’ve made it their encore performance. On record, that song gave me goosebumps and live, I’m swooned beyond my senses. Barely holding my camera with shaking hands, I literally and truly almost cried. Hands down, it’s one of the best live performances I’ve ever seen from any concert.

This was better than their last concert, or I’m just saying that because I admired them a lot differently now since they last came over. By all accounts, it seems they sincerely enjoyed the reception they’ve gotten so far. Hopefully, it’s enough reason to make them come back for the third time. Who knows maybe I’ll finally get my chance to hear Somewhere in Between in its full, unadulterated acoustic glory.

—————–

pics from my friend. with permission

2. Daddy.

3. Lola.

4. Lolo.

5. Mama.

6. Other relatives, who you can count on, really. Hehe.

7. The sun that burns my skin.

8. The sound of the rain, and when it touches my skin.

9. Hougan.

10. Holga.

11. My Friends.

12. I got to study in a good school. (Nursery, K1,K2, First Grade til the 7th then 1st-4th year HS)

13. I passed my dream college w my dream course.

14. I passed the cut off.

15. I met “awsm” and some “true” friends in college.

16. I don’t commute back and forth to school nor drive.

17. Having your own place but not having outsider visitors, but only those who live in the bldg.

18. Having those three neighbors in my dorm.

19. Getting to drink alcohol whenever I want. Hehe.

20. My parents sort of allow me to do whatever I want.

21. My parents, trust me

22. I have a super cool name. Haha.

23. People don’t forget my birthday.

24. I can wake up an hour before class or 30, and still not be late.

25. I can play the guitar.

26. I have so many guitars at home.

27. My mommy and daddy loves me so much. I just know it. Hehe.

28. I have an iPhone. Lol.

29. I have a blackberry. Haha.

30. The inventor of milk tea.

31. The Filipino chefs who make Japanese Cuisine.

32. My parents buy me whatever food I want, pretty much whenever I want. THATS WHY IM FAT.

33. I live near The Fort.

34. I live near SM, Galle, Podium and Shang.

35. I live near Eastwood.

36. I`ve tried out pretty much every buffet in town.

37. Modern Family!! Haha.

38. Humorous Bob Ong!!

39. My business partners even though we’re sorta out of business now.

40. The consul who granted me a 10 year visa.

41. Hanayo!! Hehe.

42. Korean Ice Cream.

43. I got to celebrate my 7th birthday in Dreamscape.

44. My Wreck this Journal.

45. Secret adventures w my friends.

46. T knows I exist.

47. M and I are friends again.

48. My jet black buhaghag curly hair.

49. My fronts

50. My new northface backpack that I`ve wanted since forever. Haha I actually don’t know what to put in there anymore.

51. My keychains. Haha. I actually think I`m into keychains now. No kidding. Haha.

52. My Divisoria finds

53. The lies I got away with. Hehe.

54. The Bop It that you know who gave me before that I havent used. Lol.

55. My lipsticks

56. My cute teeth.

57. I passed the freshman go see. Wait for me! I`ll win that shiz

58. They always go to my house and ask me if I could do the sagala. Hehe.

59. I think my lab tests were alright, I can take those meds soon

60. People in Moonleaf knows my order. Hehe.

61. My powerpuff girls pillow that’s been with me for over a decade already

62. I have a fridge in ze dorm. Amen. Lol

63. My Skype friends. Lol.

64. My parents are super nice.

65. Lola and Lolo treat me like a baby still. Hehe.

66. Tito R is really nice to me.

67. I don’t have to deal w mum’s bestfriend anymore. Hehe.

68. I`m the secret drama geek I actually amaze people with that. Hehe.

69. I am not scared of doing things. Hehe. Kinda.

70. I have fun lesbo friends. Lol.

71. My dorm feels homie. Kinda.

72. I`m kinda creative. Lol.

73. Talent for writing? Lol.

74. I can eat whatever I want. Kinda. Lol. W getting fat.

75. My secret Skype friends. Hehe.

76. Some of my friends live near me. Hehe.

77. I have drinking buddies. Lol.

78. My friends make me libre whenever I want. Lol. Atleast used too, since we all moved out, we’re broke.

79. My schedule this sem, is alright, go to school late on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

80. My Hopia (English Bulldog Stuff animal)

81. I have kept this blog going on for about 5 months already

82. Thankful for everyday even though it’s a struggle.

83. God listens to my prayers.

84. Doc Martens. Hehe.

85. This house.

86. Cars.

87. INTERNET.

88. My mum’s pretty old school outfits.

89. My parents aren’t bothered bout my friends.

90. My parents don’t judge my friends.

91. My parents buy me stuff I want. Hehe.

92. I get to sleepover wherever during school nights.

93. I get to go home whenever I want on school nights.

94. I learned Pusoy Dos. Hehe.

95. I like my nose, I just hate how my complexion’s gone bad and how much weight I have gained.

96. I kinda know how to put on make up already. Hehe.

97. My parents are supportive.

98. I`m young, kinda.

99. I have lived a comfortable life.

100. Life that was lent to me by the Lord

nope! its not a postcard

It was the wee hours in the morning when we headed to the bus station along edsa. We were very early for the bus departure but we didn’t mind. One of my friends is always beaming with energy. He made us all crack up in laughter while waiting. Some of the waiting passengers (most of which are sleeping), found our laughter very annoying. Can’t blame them though. Its 3am and its very hard to be enthusiastic at this ungodly hour.

I was very surprised to see how organized this bus was. We fell in line at the ticket booth. Our ticket indicated our bus number, seat number and time of departure. And we actually have to follow our assigned seating or else the bus conductor will reprimand us. I’m sorry but these kinds of glorious things rarely happen in my country. Award!

After hours of bus ride, we hopped off at San Antonio Zambales and from there we road a tricycle to Pundaquit. You can also trek your way to Anawangin from Pundaquit. It would probably take hours but being the lazy asses that we are, we opted to take the 30 minute boat ride.

The view from our boat

Relaxing view

And by the time we jumped off our boat, the trees greeted us.

Hello mother nature!

Inhale… Exhale…

I have never seen so much agoha trees in my life. The air was so fresh that I just wanted to keep inhaling it. I tried sticking all the fresh air up in my nose and fill my lungs with it so when I go back to the city I can use it. hahaha???

Our tour guide immediately set our camp and helped us make fire. We grilled our breakfast and ate away our hunger. Afterwards we explored the area and found a hill. Of course we just have to climb it.

The mountain siting right next to the beach

And boy that hill was technical. It was steep and a we had to climb over a lot of rocks. We could only hold on to short strips of grass just for balance but it would be stupidity to hold on to it for your dear life. But then we got this scenery.

\ Perfect, just perfect

Night falls early in this cove.  We were reminded that this place does not have electricity. We needed to make fire and prepare dinner before the dark sets in. Surprisingly, other campers brought generators and huge speakers. And that toned down the possible boredom.  Seriously? I don’t know how they brought those things. We could barely carry our bottle of beer.  And by the time we ran out of things to do, this girl showed up.

this girl got skills

Oh she was good. She danced the night away with her whimsical fire and cellphone speakers. When she was done and tired, we did this

Its not a party without bacardi

A lot of drinking and chatting and dancing and singing and we all woke up in the beach front soaking wet with sand all over our body.  I have alcohol all over my hair and s’mores on my face. I reek of vomit and my legs have a collection of scratch and bruises. But waking up to this

Good morning nature!

seemed like a perfect hang over cure. It was a good weekend indeed.

Shang Salcedo Place

Conveniently nestled in the city’s bustling Central Business District, the 64-story residential condo Shang Salcedo Place boasts the signature Shang Properties’ living experience superior amenities, outstanding architecture and aspirational design, all reflecting the prestige and comfort of the high life.

Featuring architecture designed by Hong Kong-based Wong & Tung International Limited and upscale interiors care of Manny Samson and Associates, Shang Salcedo Place majestically towers above the Makati skyline at over 220 meters in height and promises to be one of the city’s most iconic residential landmarks yet. The design and layout of its 794 studios, one-bedroom and two-bedroom units aptly reflect the passions and preferences of the upwardly mobile. Shang Salcedo Place also features panoramic vistas of the city, inspired by the current aspirations of the accomplished man who deserves a place in the high life.

Shang Salcedo Place also houses an array of impressive amenities for individuals who want nothing but to relax and unwind—a fully-equipped gym and fitness center, with male and female changing rooms and saunas; a children’s play area; multi-purpose game rooms; and two convertible function rooms that can accommodate over 100 persons.

Enjoy outdoor indulgences and go for a leisurely morning or evening swim, with adult and kid-sized pools available for residents; or make it even more blissful by stepping into the Jacuzzi. For fun activities and get-togethers with families and friends, head to the spacious podium garden, which features a BBQ station and an outdoor children’s play area.

Immerse yourself in the hip Makati lifestyle, with various business, commercial, educational and medical establishments easily within reach of your home in the city. Located along the streets of Gil Puyat (Buendia), Tordesillas, and HV de la Costa, Shang Salcedo Place makes getting around an enjoyable experience whether on foot or by car, and also with an abundance of fast and hassle-free commuting options in and around the vicinity.

√  Location

Shang Salcedo Place is located along the street of Gil Puyat AVE. (Buendia), Tordesilas And HV dela Costa. Moving around by foot or by car is easy and commuting option come fast and hassle-free.

One is on top of his world with business institutions, schools, commercial establishments and hospitals located nearby.

Get to the metro’s new University Belt in no time. The Ateneo Professional Schools and the Mapua Institue of Technology-Makati Campus are just a few steps away. ensuring a smooth transition from the academic path to the road to succes.

√  Plan And Unit Layout

♦  Site Development Plan




♦  Floor Plan




♦  Studio Type A 35SQM




♦  Studio Type B 36SQM




♦  Studio Type C 35SQM




♦  One Bed Type A




♦  One Bed Corner Type C




♦  Two Bed Type A




♦  Two Bed Type B




♦  Two Bed Type C

√  Brochure

Price And Sample Computation

Click click!!! —> Day 01: Man’s best friend.

Note: This photo won 8th place in the “Human Activity” photography contest.

Until next time!

Kalesa in Vigan. Such transport is still common in Laoag and Vigan.

Another view of Calle Crisologo.

Even the McDonald’s restaurant look so much better than ours. Vigan.

A nice little street in Vigan.