Inevitable 7 at the Villa Maristela Resort in Pansol, Laguna

Despite our busy schedules, our barkada would always make time for some catching-up. It can be in a quiet rented hotel room, over coffee in a cafe with that offers a relaxing ambience or a hearty dinner. This year, we chose to go night swimming at a hidden gem in Pansol, Laguna - The Villa Maristela Resort.

We decided to meet at the Goldilocks on Taft Avenue. Narl, Abby and Lianne were the first ones to arrive. Being the dutiful friends that they are, they went straight to the grocery nearby to buy food and some stuff we need.

I got to the meeting place shortly. It didn't take long before Ian also arrived. Noriel, as expected, was the last person to make it to Goldilocks.

We spared a few minutes for some light snacks and to pose for a few shots before we headed to the Van terminal.

After what seemed to be a shorter trip than the usual, we reached our destination.

It  was drizzling and the water was a bit cold but we didn't mind. We spent a good 3 hour soaked in the jacuzzi before we decided to call it a night.

Morning came. After a hearty breakfast which left almost everybody full, we decided to take a dip while the others just settle on lounging by the pool. We went giddy when the water sprinkles were turned on. We had the resort all to ourselves.

We don't get to see each other as often as we used to but whenever we do, we would always pick up exactly where we left off. I guess that's the thing about established friendships- there's this never ending bond that goes beyond the distance; reaching forward but always finds its way back.

We have all gone a long way and only God knows what's at stake for us in the future. In the meantime, let's enjoy what we have, savor the friendship, embrace change, learn from each other, share stories, go on more trips together, fall in love, remain in love.

You are in me and me in you. No matter the distance, fate will always bring us together. It is inevitable.

Richwell "Kids Craze" Warehouse Sale

The Kids Craze Warehouse Sale is happening on the following dates: December 2-4, 9-11 and 16-20, 2011.

Enjoy up to 80% OFF on Barbie, Sesame Street and other branded toys, apparels and shoes.

Shop during Saturdays & Sundays (9:00am to 6:00pm) and Weekdays & Fridays (1:00pm to 6:00pm)

Cash basis only.

Limited parking for those who will be bringing cars.

The Great Lifestyle Sale at the High Street

The Great Lifestyle Sale is on-going and will run until January 15, 2012 on the 3/​F Dimensione Bldg., Quadrant 5 Blk 6, Bonifacio High St., Taguig. 

Shop from 11:00am to 11pm daily (Except on December 24 and 31, 11:00am to 8:00pm) and enjoy up to 70% discount on popular brands - Aldo, Charles & Keith, Bench and other participating labels.

Vans, Freego and Fresh Gear Sale at the UP

The University of the Philippines Junior Finance Association will hold a a Sale on December 2-4, 2011 at the Solair, UP Diliman, Quezon City.

Shop from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and enjoy up to 70% on selected Vans, Freego and Fresh Gear merchandise.

Credits cards are accepted.

Mega Shoes and Bags Sale

SMX Convention Center (Hall 3)

Mega Shoes and Bags Sale is from December 2-4, 2011.

Up to 50% OFF on great selections.

Sale Hours: 10:00am to 10:00pm.

Get 10% OFF on all your purchases on December 2, 2011, 10:00am – 12:00 noon. Simply present your SM Advantage, SM Prestige or BDO Rewards Cards at the cashier.

The Christmas Warehouse Sale

SMX Convention Center (Hall 2)

The Christmas Warehouse Sale is from December 2-4, 2011.

Sale Hours: 10:00am to 10:00pm

Enjoy up to 70% OFF on selected items.

To All BDO Credit Cardholders, Enjoy a half-day exclusive from 10:00am to 3:00pm on December 2, 2011. Simply present your BDO Credit Card at the registration counter for free entrance.

Choose from wide array of apparel, children's wear, personal care products and more.

For inquiries, please call at 556-2967 or 556-8888 loc. 103.

Toy Kingdom Great Holiday Toy Sale

SMX Convention Center (Hall 1)

The Great Holiday Sale is from December 2 to 4, 2011.

December 2: Exclusive to Members & Metrobank Cardholders.

December 3-4: Open to All Shoppers

Enjoy up to 70% OFF on selected items.

Super Brands Super Sale at the Megatrade

Feast on your favorite Super Brands at very low prices at the Super Brands Super Sale happening at the SM Megamall Megatrade Hall 3 from December 2-4, 2011. 

Enjoy as much as 70% discount on favorite brands such as Crocs, Esprit, Sebago and many more. 

Enjoy shopping and have a Merry Christmas!

The Great HP Sale!

Enjoy up to 80% off on desktops and laptops at the MSI-ECS HP Warehouse Sale on 28th November until 2nd December 2011 at the MSI-ECS Bldg., #3 Economia Street, Bagumbayan, Quezon City.

Black Friday Sale at the Megatent

Helix Ventures Unlimited brings to us Black Friday Sale Manila 2011 at the Megatent, Meralco Avenue, Ortigas Center, Pasig city on November 25-27, 2011.

Shop from 10:00 A.M. to 11:00 P.M. and get loads of the biggest discounts from the biggest brand names and retailers. See you there!

Binondo Sale!!! Levi's, Sebago, GBX and many more.

I have always believed that Binondo was a place for bargained merchandise and good buys. I never thought it's also home to the most popular brands as Sebago, Hush Puppies, GBX and Levi's. 

It's a good thing that I started blogging because I have ever since allotted time to do a lot of readings. From my recent reads, I came to know that a sale of branded merchandise is happening at the Stateland Business Center in Binondo Manila from November 14-20, 2011. 

Apart from the brands I have already mentioned, shoppers also get the chance to get a discount of up to 70% on Dockers, Zoo York, Cole Haan and many more. So save some of your 13th month pay and visit Binondo to get a handful of these amazing deals. 

Green Light Sale in Trinoma

I had dinner with my brothers and sister at the Trinoma last night. The mall I thought was quite packed considering it was a regular week day. When I had my eyes on one of the posters on standees scattered everywhere, it was then that I remembered that they are having their Green Light Sale once again this year.

Another thing I observed was the long line to get to the ATMs. I asked, "13th month?" My brother said, "Yes!" 

I don't get a 13th month pay in my line of job. But it doesn't hurt to do retail therapy once in a while. A new shirt and cologne for both Andrei and I and a pair of flats and belt for Nessa ended the night right. 

The Green Light sale will run until 20th November. Enjoy 70% off on selected items. Happy shopping!

I had my picture taken with a celebrity

We chance upon them once in a while. Most of us would throw them a quick glance or yet a second one. Others who are bolder would say hi, call out their names and walk up to them and ask to have their photographs taken with them.

I am referring to famous personalities and celebrities that you bump into once in a while inside malls, or you sit next to while dining at your favorite restaurants.

Whether its inspiration, admiration or idolatry, somehow we all have reasons why we don't pass on opportunities to have our pictures taken with them.

At their sight, some of us can't help bursting out popular exclamatory remarks as, "Oh shx0x0x0t!", "OMG!", "I'm gonna die!" and "Kill me now!” This is followed by a wrenching feeling right inside the gut. In our minds are randomly-charged thoughts, "I have to make this decision. Should I or should I not?" first and then "This is it! It's now or never."

I had, in several occasions, the opportunity to have my picture taken with famous celebrities. Some of them I passed on but some opportunities are just too rare to let go.

She was promoting her latest album then. I spent around P600 for the album but who cares I had my picture taken with the Lea Salonga.

I could tell he was already tired from the game but Efren "Bata" Reyes was gracious enough to pose for a photograph.

Christmas City by LEGO at the SM North EDSA

The Christmas celebration began officially today at the SM North EDSA mall with "City Christmas", an exhibit of popular cities in the world created using LEGO blocks. 

The event was co-sponsored by World Vision, an advocacy organization focused on providing and assisting the needs, rights and responsibilities of children through sustainable development and education.

World Vision advocates Jan Marini Alano, husband Gerard and children as well as teen pop singer Sam concepcion were there to grace the affair. Jan Marini with her daughter and Sam also delighted the crowd with separate Christmas song numbers. 

The highlight of the program was the lighting of the LEGO Christmas tree with Sam concepcion leading the countdown.

The day ended with a repertoire of Christmas songs from the choir and picture taking with the LEGO mascot.

 The Christmas City exhibit will run until January 2012.

The Provisional 7 Wonders of Nature Announced

It's another happy day for Filipinos as the Puerto Princesa Underground River National Park made it to the list of Provisional New 7 Wonders of Nature. The announcement was made by Bernard Weber, Founder and President of New&Wonders Campaigns on Friday, November 11, 2011.

Following is the complete list of the Provisional New 7 Wonders of Nature in alphabetical order.

1. Amazon Rainforest – Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Peru, Suriname, Venezuela

2. Halong Bay – Vietnam

3. Iguazu Falls – Argentina, Brazil

4. Jeju Island – South Korea

5. Komodo National Park – Indonesia

6. Puerto Princesa Underground River – Philippines

7. Table Mountain – South Africa

This is the result of the initial vote count which will be checked, validated and independently verified. Confirmed winners will be announced starting early 2012 during the Official Inauguration ceremonies.

Way to go Pilipinas!

Meaning of 111111

So it's November 11, 2011. The sun rises a magnificent yellow; once again spread light to the whole of humanity. People are back to their usual course. Morning greetings everywhere. And then a Skype message that reads, "111111, place your bets at the lottery." I thought, "why not?!" Maybe this day is good for gambling. Who knows? I might just bag that elusive P77,177,499.20 jackpot in the Philippine lottery. 

That's just one fellow. Others may hold different meanings to this day - momentous to citizens of the United States as they celebrate Veterans Day at the Arlington National Cemetery and yes, happiest day to those who will be married. 

As for me, this is just one regular day. But one special day it is because every day is a promise of new things which are special. The fact that we woke up this morning, to this beautiful day, is a special thing that we all have to be thankful for. 

Stop, Relax, Reminisce

During stressful days when items on your to-do list seem never ending; when your slumped in a world of deadlines and sometimes all you want to do is get away and take a breather but a trip to the beach is not feasible, you are left with no choice but a quiet corner in your home, you're inviting bed and fluffy pillows, or a refreshing cold shower to relax, cool down and de-stress.

Alternatively, you can evoke some good vibes by going down memory lane and watching TV commercials you grew up watching just like these videos I came across with on YouTube recently.

Remember Joey and Jenny from the Royal True Orange series?

Or the Power House cast of San Miguel's "Neneng" commercial?

Rekindle old flames with this classic Close Up commercial.

I'm sure you played "The Beat" with somebody.

Or remember Lolo and Lola with this Bear Brand commercial.

Ok that's enough. I already feel better. I hope you do too. 

Bench on America's Next Top Model

Filipinos are definitely on top of the game these days. Fresh from the hype of Gwendolyn Ruais' victory when she clinched First Runner Up in the Miss World tilt, pinoys are sure to keep the excitement up as semi-finalists in the US reality television show, America's Next Top Model, on its November 9th US airing parade in their swimwear from popular Filipino brand, BENCH. 

BENCH is represented by Filipina-British model, Georgina Wilson, who couldn't hide her excitement as she tweeted, "SO EXCITED to announce something that I've been keeping for so long now! I will be in this season of AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL!!!! season 17!"

The episode will be aired on Philippine Television on November 14 over ETC at 8:00 P.M.

Beware! Fire Caused by Laptop

When I first heard of a similar story, I thought it was a hoax. But when news like this circulates on a widely-referenced website such as Yahoo, I thought this is something serious and the public has to be made aware.

A report of a man who died in fire caused by a laptop was one of the news on Yahoo World this week. According to the report, the man fell asleep while working on his laptop. It was also said that he was listening through music connected to the equipment. Police believed that the laptop was being charged and a problem occurred when the switchboard positioned too close to the bed let it out a spark which set the bed on fire. Police though, are not ruling out the possibility of a foul play.

Whether the reports are true or not, it won't hurt to take some precautions and be extra careful in handling one of the most indispensable products of modern technology, laptops.

Below are some tips to avoid accidents caused by mishandled laptops.

1. Store in places with normal temperature. Never leave your laptop in the parked closed car, if the weather is hot, and do not leave it in direct sun light. Excessive heat can damage the components of a laptop.

2. Avoid excessive humidity.  Regardless of the reason for the humidity, you should do your best to protect your laptop from humidity. This can cause damage to the motherboard as well as possible damage to the screen.

3. Do not place laptop on a soft surface, while working. Laptops placed not on solid flat surface, are inclined to absorb heat very quick, so you might experience computer overheating pretty fast. It is definitely higher danger to drop it as well…

4. Check the fan. If your fan is not working correctly you could experience some huge problems with your laptop overheating, which can cause troubles with your monitor, memory or even the hard drive. To avoid this problem you need to make sure that the fan is working properly. If you are unsure whether the fan is working properly check the website for the laptop manufacturer, you can frequently find software there to use for testing purposes.

5. Treat the battery properly. For the first time, the laptop battery should be charged completely, before you use the computer. Experts say that you need to charge and discharge the battery completely three times in the row for better battery performance and longer lifetime. You should do the same for the laptop, which was not used for month or longer. If you do not plan to use your laptop for long time, remove the battery from the laptop and store it separately.

6. Turn your laptop off before going to sleep.

Laptops have somewhat given us great powers to do great things. To borrow a line from my favorite super hero, "With great power comes great responsibility." Responsibility in a lot of sense can save lives. Who knows the next life you will save might be your own.

Toys R Us Trinoma Sale!

Toys R Us Sale is happening today November 4th until November 9th, 2011 at the activity area, Trinoma Mall, Quezon City.


Enjoy 70% off on selected items. 


FREE Eco-bag or P100 Gift Card for a minimum single receipt purchase of P2,500 on your citibank credit card.


Happy shopping!

Super Sale Bazaar at the World Trade Center

For the benefit of World Vision, helping build a better world for children, A Super Sale bazaar is happening at the World Trade Center on November 4-6, 2011. 

Enjoy shopping from 10 A.M. to 9 P.M. and get as much as 90% discount on selected items. 

Get the chance to catch some of your favorite celebrities manning their own booth as they take part in this worthy and charitable cause. 

Toy Kingdom Warehouse Sale at SM Megamall

It's time for Christmas toy shopping as SM Megamall brings to us Toy Warehouse Sale 2011 at the Megatrade Halls 1 & 2 on November 4-6, 2011.

Enjoy great discounts on popular toy brands that your kids, pamangkins and inaanaks would surely be glad to receive this Christmas. See you there!

Jason Mraz Live in Manila with Toca Rivera

American singer-songwriter, Jason Mraz, the voice behind the worldwide hits, "The Remedy" and "Im Yours" is in the country to perform in a special acoustic evening concert with percussionist and good buddy Toca Rivera. 

The show will be held at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on October 20, 2011, Sunday at 8:00 P.M. 

Roctobeerfest at the Metro Bar

All you rock fans out there! Be prepared to kick the long-weekend off with a bang as Metro Bar and UNO, in cooperation with Great Links bring you, ROKTOBEERfest, a rock fusion featuring popular bands: The Blooomfields, The Dawn, Brownman Revival, Rivermaya and True Faith. 


The event will be held at the Metro Bar on West Avenue, Quezon City on October 28, 2011 at 8:00 P.M. Tickets sold at P600.

SM Malls Pre-holiday Sale!

Feel the spirit of Christmas as SM malls hold a Pre-holiday sale on October 28-31, 2011. Get as much as 70% discount on great selections nationwide. 

Nicholas Sparks in Manila

Fans of the best-selling author, Nicholas Sparks, will have the chance to meet and greet the man behind worldwide hits as A Walk to Remember, Dear John, and The Notebook in an autograph signing session at the Podium Mall in Pasig City on October 28, 2011 at 5:00 P.M.

He will be here in time for the official launch of his newest book, "The Best of Me" which tells the story of two former high school sweethearts who are both called back to their hometown for the funeral of the mentor who once gave them shelter, they will be forced to confront the choices each has made, and ask whether love can truly rewrite the past.

Grab a copy of the book now at any National Bookstore and PowerBooks branch for only P549 and get a chance to have it autographed by Nicholas Sparks.

Please see the mechanics below for the chance to get his autograph:

1. All purchases of Nicholas Sparks’ new book “The Best of Me” from National Book Store or PowerBooks will come with a Lucky Draw Coupon. Note: The Lucky Draw Coupon in not a guaranteed Signing Pass.

2. A person may purchase as many copies as he/she wants and each purchase will come with a Lucky Draw Coupon.

3. The Lucky Draw Coupon shall entitle the bearer to one (1) attempt at a Lucky Draw on Friday, October 28, 2011 at the atrium of The Podium. Lucky Draw will start upon registration at 1:00 pm.

4. Every person who draws a marked winning stub shall be entitled to a signing pass to have one (1) book signed by Nicholas Sparks at the event.

5. There will be a minimum of six hundred fifty (650) winning stubs in the the Lucky Draw.

6. In addition, there will also be fifty (50) Early Birds. The first fifty (50) persons to arrive at the venue will be allowed to have their Lucky Draw Coupon automatically exchanged for a Signing Pass. Limit is one (1) signing pass per Early Bird.

Sources: National Bookstore website, Nicholas Sparks’s official website.