Imagine...ASTORIA BORACAY

Imagine this.

You are holding hands with your partner and strolling by the beach. White sands kissing your feet while the amazing sun caressing your skin with enough warmth. Again, you are here in this familiar place where nature's beauty meets the beautiful people.

From among the people, this lady approaches you telling you that you get an invite to a free lunch(yes, FREE) in their hotel. She just asks you to provide some personal information and you and your partner will get to enjoy the free lunch in this relatively newly-built ASTORIA BORACAY. Seems like a wonderful dream indeed.

Just imagine it's true.

So there you are and your girl just entered the modern-designed hotel. It's architecture may be simple yet elegant. The hotel's entrance has a welcoming dining hall with furniture that compliments the awesomeness of the place itself. Even with Astoria's reputation and prestige, this Astoria Boracay can even cater to not just to the upper class denizens. 

The room rates are reasonably cheap considering the 5-star accommodation each guest and members will enjoy. Yes, they also have membership for those who can't get enough of ASTORIA BORACAY. But WAIT, (yes, you guessed it right) there's more. Their membership would not only let you get very low discounts in their Astoria Hotels and Condominiums in the country but also in hotels from a hundred different countries. Did I mention the freebies and discounts you can also get from other establishments? 

Now, let me help your imagination with these pictures I have gathered for you. Watch out, your jaws might drop.  

 

So this is the part where I will have to stop you from just imagining. Do something to make it come true. Get in touch with ASTORIA BORACAY now!

Thank me later. :-)

 

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On Priorities, Mayonaise, and Coffee

I was just taking my doze of surfing the net when I read a very motivating analogy from one of the blogs I follow. I got so moved and impressed by it that I am re-posting it here on my blog. I hope it is going to inflict the same effect to my followers (if I have any, hehe).

The post was by someone named Dennis of Act Like A Man. Read on and I hope you'll like it. I did.

When things in your life seem almost too much to handle,
When 24 hours in a day is not enough;
Remember the mayonnaise jar and 2 cups of coffee.

A professor stood before his philosophy class
And had some items in front of him.
When the class began , wordlessly,
he picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar
and start to fill it with golf balls.

He then asked the students if the jar was full.
They agreed that it was.

The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured
it into the jar. He shook the jar lightly.
The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls.
He then asked the students again
if the jar was full. They agreed it was.

The professor next picked up a box of sand
and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else

He asked once more if the jar was full.. The students responded
With an unanimous ‘yes.’

The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table
and poured the entire contents into the jar, effectively
filling the empty space between the sand.
The students laughed.

‘Now,’ said the professor, as the laughter subsided,
‘I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life.
The golf balls are the important things – Family,
children, health, friends, and favorite passions < BR>Things that if everything else was lost
and only they remained, your life would still be full.

The pebbles are the things that matter like your job, house, and car.

The sand is everything else —
The small stuff.
‘If you put the sand into the jar first,’ he continued,
‘there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls.

The same goes for life.
If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff,
You will never have room for the things that are
important to you.

So…
Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness.
Play with your children.
Take time to get medical checkups.
Take your partner out to dinner.
There will always be time
to clean the house and fix the dripping tap.
‘Take care of the golf balls first –
The things that really matter.

Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.’

One of the students raised her hand
and inquired what the coffee represented.
The professor smiled.
‘I’m glad you asked’.
It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem,
There’s always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend.’

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Pacman Sings "IMAGINE" for Margarito??

One good thing with us Filipinos is our knack for singing. Most, if not all, Filipinos know how to carry a tune.

Another good thing about us, Filipinos, is Manny 'Pacman" Pacquiao. I am one of the many people who have watched this lanky hair-dyed fighter exchange blows with almost everyone who wants a piece of him in the ring. Now this fighter is now one of the most exciting boxer there is. Even if that Mayweather kid brags to be the best, he will never be as exciting as The Pacman.

Now, Pacman will again climb into the ring for his countrymen and face another Mexican. Even with the controversy, The Tijuana Tornado should not to be taken lightly. Although there is a chance Antonio Margarito may find it difficult when he finally tests the scales the day before his Nov. 13 appointment with Manny Pacquiao at the Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas, still, he can make it difficult for Manny.

Aside from boxing, this great Southpaw from the Philippines can also sing. Well, not as Charice Pempengco great or Lea Salonga spectacular though. Nonetheless, let's just give him that, as long as he can make Margarito kiss the canvass come fight night.


(This is my very first post with a video since I just recently discovered how. Amazing, right?! Hehe)


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The Supreme(Not??) Court of the Philippines

Few days ago, my girlfriend shared to me something really disappointing and disturbing. Apparently, she was also 'shaken' about what she learned which is something really sad for the country. It also stirred the same emotion from me.

The Supreme Court and its Justices are looked up by most Filipinos as most intact when in comes to integrity. Of course, this is compared to the other departments of the Philippine Government. They are supposedly the "good guys" of the government where corruption seemed to be as common as flies.

One of the Justices seemed to have shrugged off plagiarism in one of his delicate decisions ever. I just learned that the 'lack of malicious intent' and the incapacity of computer softwares can now be used as excuses to 'plagiarize' yet not quite.

This is probably one good example of correcting a mistake by another mistake. Justice Del Castillo tried to escape the call to resign by the UP Law Professors by making such a lame excuse. The excuse is so lame that even a regular college student would be ashamed to even use such.

Is admitting to have committed a mistake too hard that he can be excused to be dumb with coming up with poor excuses?

I am no lawyer. I wanted to be one though. But this is not even a hindrance for me to be smart and yet be humble enough to admit fault in every screw up I cause.

Smart or not, we are humans. One of our curse is our imperfection. We snap every so often. Being smart is no guarantee of perfection. Not quite.

Even Rosanna Roces is not as Flawless as she used to be and she knows and swallows it. So why can't our Justices admit fault when they see one?

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Talk JOLOGS

I was reading some of my favorite blogs when I chance upon this site which I really did not intend to click on. The link directed me to a site which has a very simple construction which, I must say, is not typical for its purpose.

The site offers to translate what ever you want to say in "Jologs Language". I am actually not sure if there is such a term. I have nothing against those who patronize or are themselves true-blue jologs. I even believe that there is a jologs in each of us somehow. It's just that some people are just so full of being jologs that it shows in how they dress up, talk, and text.

Let's face it, the Jologs is now considered as one of the fashion statements and you can see them almost everywhere now. So to those who are not a fan of being jologs, just hold your piece and let them be.

So here is the site I am talking about. It's called The Jologs-inator. Just type what you want to say in a 'normal' way, and the site will translate it in jologs terminology. I may not be a fan of those jolog caps and colorful Supra Shoes, but I had a laugh in translating some words in 'jologs'.

Jologs or not, have fun.




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There's Nothing Like Good Customer Service

Just few minutes ago I was in one of the well-known BPO's in the Metro. For a company known as one of the best, their 'receptionist' was not as friendly and courteous as one would expect. The experience with this receptionist's way of addressing visitors and future employees of the company left a bad taste in my mouth. I just hope the company will be able to make it up with their excellence in what they are known for---oddly enough, customer service.

Things like this should not be taken for granted by even the big guns in every business industry. Customer experience is a vital aspect of a company's reputation and later on their business. If customer service sucks, possible clients or customers might not even be interested to even check out the good stuff the company has to offer.

Companies who are aware of this fact, don't take this for granted and would really invest on improving their front-liners.

I will be coming back to that company soon and I just hope she's going to be nicer to people next time. Unless she wants her superiors to call her attention after some "little bird" advised them about her bitchiness. :-)




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The Legend of The Seeker: Season 3???

As I was browsing the net, I stumbled into a buzz about one of the TV Series that I have been following. I learned of a big chance that the series wont get another chance to air for its Third Season. Now that should raise a lot of complaints from those following the said TV series. I just recently found out that the said show does have a lot of followers.

The Legend of the Seeker, like most of the series I follow, really didn't get my attention at first. I am no expert in acting but the main character, Richard Cipher, played by Craig Horner, seemed to be off with his delivery. Well, I thought it would be like another "Robin Hood' or 'King Arthur" type movie. Most of it's scenes would take place in forests and castles and the Seeker's primary weapon is a sword--The Sword of Truth. It is set during the medieval times.

But to my surprise, I find myself always wanting to see more one episode after another. Slowly the characters are becoming more familiar to me each and every episode. The Mother Confessor Khlan Amnell, got me into liking her and her power to confess people. She can make these "confessed" people to follow her orders until she dies. She's one mean and kick-ass lady too. Most of the time, she finds it somehow pleasurable and satisfying to slit the D'Haran soldiers' throat with her daggers while staring at their eyes.

The wizard Zeddicus Zu'l Zorander, who is a wise and powerful Wizard of the First Order, protecting Richard from birth so that he could fulfill his destiny of becoming the first true Seeker in a thousand years, also added great magic and color to the show. Zed was also a great help to The Seeker in bringing down Darken Rahl's tyrannical rule of dark magic. Darken Rahl, by the way, is the main villain.

And you guys should watch out for Cara Mason who is one of the feared order of women known as Mord-Sith. She doesn't have a sword but you wouldn't want to mess with her and her Agiel. It might look like a common "batuta" but it can break and kill even the toughest man. Her killer moves are solid yet her devilish charm will make guys melt like butter. It will really be a lost if the show will not get another chance to return for another season. I think the show has proven that it is more than just worth watching. This cold-bloodied killer babe may be as tough as steel but there's a soft spot in her somehow.

Now before they pull the plug, you guys might want to watch it. Find your own copy of The Legend of the Seeker Seasons One and Two. I guarantee you a very enjoyable and awesome series to follow.




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Blog Writer

I am trying out this application I just found out fron the Apps Store. I have not been updating my blog for the longest time now.

Even if I frequent the web to check Facebook out, still I end up not writing anything on this blog. I have neglected a lot of things in my life and they are haunting me.

With this application 'Blog Writer' I can blog about something with ease. That should mean an updated blog moving forward.

A lot of things I want to share. A lot of stories I want to tell. A lot of lives I want to touch.

See you later then, guys.




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Basyang Has Left The Building...Thank God!

Is she really gone?

What she did was a hell of a disaster to those who crossed her path. Wait, wasn't she the one who was crossing our land? Well, it didn't matter to her. She still brought havoc to the lands affected by her.

Basyang was one helluva typhoon. Who named this typhoon after a woman's name was really asking for it. Nothing is more frightening than a woman's wrath. Next time, can we just name our typhoons after a guy's name?



Good luck to the land she will be visiting. It will be one great party!!!


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Soon Be Back...

I will soon be back to blogging.

It has been some time now since my last blog and I miss it.

Few more days and I will be back to updating this "baby" of mine. A lot has been going on to my not-so-exciting-yet-worth-thanking-for life.

See you guys soon.

Keeping It Cool

This morning, I was feeling a bit tired and exhausted than the usual. I dragged myself to work with eyes a few more tons heavier. I fought hard to keep myself awake while walking to the office. I think there were even moments when I was walking like drunk. My tummy might give out that idea that I love drinking but the thing is that I don't drink.

Because I was so feeling worn out and off today, I was easily agitated and pissed off. My co-workers can attest to that-- specially those I lost my temper at. It wasn't something I am proud of but I would like to believe that I really never meant to be a pain in butt to others today.

Waking up on the wrong side of the bed is the most common excuse we blurt out when we don't understand why we feel bitchy. This actually gives us a safe excuse of not being in control of how we deal with things. But if you really give it a thought, it just doesn't make sense.

I know we sometimes don't have any control on how things can stir us to react. But how we react or feel the whole is definetely in our ability to control. We slip once or twice but there should be a moment we attempt to pick ourselves up. If you are off at the start of the day, you still have the rest of the day to make it better. It doesn't have to end as bad-- or worst.

Exercise And Some Fruit Magic

Since Me and my girlfriend started dragging ourselves to the gym, it really has been a constant struggle. I know I've read about the challenges in keeping a habit of getting oneself fit considered as difficult but I never thought it would be this real. Hats off to those who have passed this stage then.

Part of the struggle is in choosing what to eat. Not being healthy and be in that shape we've always wanted always got wrong diet as one of it's nemesis. So choosing what we eat-- means right diet-- is half of the battle. Someone who is trying to stay fit will eventually be mindful of what are written on that "Nutritional Facts" box. Good thing about this is you get to buy less and spend less.

But enjoying what you eat or drink can still be yummy yet healthy. You don't have to suffer eating healthy-yet-taste-like-paper food. It makes habit forming easier if you are enjoying what you are doing-- or eating in this case.

Good thing I found this fruit stand in SM Southmall where one can find many selections of fruit shakes that promotes wellness and health in every glass. Fruit Magic offers customers one of the best-tasting and freshest fruit extracts and nectars. Every fruit concoction of shakes and smoothies will surely find itself on top of the list of health-conscious customers.This will definitely be the best alternative to the popular carbonated drinks; which really makes it hard to stay fit.

I now have a juicy reward for every session I spend in the gym loosing those stubborn and unwanted calories. I always look forward to Fruit Magic's Nutty Oaty Shake. A glass takes away the "sorry" feeling and still stay fit. And did I mention it's affordable?

Don't take my word for it. Go to your nearest Fruit Magic stand and try them out. You can thank me later.

Love Is Now

Today in the office, we were asked to wear something red. Since it's Valentines Day, the people at the office got this very 'unique' idea of seeing agents in red. Some complied and wore red tees, red caps, red socks, and even red undies (now how did I ever get to know this?). So red was all over the place and it was kinda crazy to see a lot of the said color in one day.

So I wore my red collared-shirt to work. I am not a fan of the idea but what the heck, right? Perhaps I just didn't want to be one of those people who tried to kill the fun in this circumstance. I thought, well, the people who thought of this were putting their best red clothes on so it won't hurt if I blend in, right? And besides, they prepared freebies and prices for those who came to work and join the 'fun'.

Everyone got some chocolates and flowers. But some were just happy to be there, me included.

Valentines Day has always been spoke of as the "Love" day. It's a day people get to find the chance show the people around them how they really mean to them. At least, this early part of the year you get to let the significant people in your life feel how much you love them. Showing love can also mean showing gratitude to someone who made you whole or complete. Or it is also in the mere 'thank you' that the other person will know that he has done something worth appreciating.

Although love is a choice that one commits to without expecting something in return, I know each of us will agree that it feels nicer when love is reciprocated. When you are in the receiving end of loving, you see things in a different perspective. The feeling of being loved back can make you feel invincible. You feel inspired and motivated to do great things without fear of failure. You would feel like 'the king of the world' when you are loved.

Just like The Joker-- Batman's arch-nemesis--, Love puts a smile on your face. In a positive way, of course.

So grab this chance to let your loved ones, family, and friends to know how they mean to you. Whether through giving flowers or chocolates; sending 'thank you' cards or saying it yourself; Or even just by wearing red when you're with them, just show your love. The most important thing is you do it now.

Never postpone love. Believe me, you don't want to regret not doing so.

What Are The (Second) Chances?

Just few days ago my relationship was rocked hard that almost reached its apocalypse. It really scared the wits out of me. And the situation really caught me off guard which is regretfully one of the reasons why I got into this mess. Fortunately, I was able to convince her to give it another shot...thank God!

Life is not always like that. Sad as it may seem but it doesn't always give us another chance to change things. We can't always bank on the idea that there will always be a 'next time'. And even if there will be a next time, that won't even guarantee a better outcome than the last time.

So how do we deal about it? Well, one thing I can think of right now is to do things according to its value to you. If something is that important to you, may it be a job or a task for someone, give it efforts it deserve. We should never give less value to things/people that means so much to us.

Probably you can suggest more on how not have regrets. I know there are still a lot but I want to hear from you too.

Any other suggestions?

My iPhone and Me

I celebrated my not so much-awaited birthday last January 17. I'm not being ungrateful still being able to breathe and alive. When one is passed the age of 30 (darn, now you got an idea how young I am), you just try not to count the succeeding birthdays.

But one thing that happened on this day which makes made it one of the best birthdays ever is my new gadget. I got myself an black iPhone 3Gs with a Globe Plan. I know this means extra bills to pay each month. But this is an iPhone we are talking about.

I've always dreamed of getting a high-end phone but never thought I would find myself 'tinkering' and toying with one of the best-- if not the best-- phone there is in the market. I know others have other phone brands in minds when it comes to the best there is. But it's iPhone for me.

Now, I will be much active online with this phones features. I should now be able to update my Facebook now.

Lost In A Shallow River

I feel lost.

It's not that I had no idea how on earth I got myself into this disappointing drama. The hints were all over the place and yet, somehow, I just shrugged them off like I do with dirt on slippers. But was I thinking that by continually neglecting those clues and refusing to address them they will just concede and burst like bubbles? If so, what was I thinking, for crying out loud?

Now, it's all coming back to haunt me like they have always been trying to. I admit I have been warned a lot of times with sporadic knocking on the head. I have been advised of in different and unexpected manners how things can get ugly. But I didn't budge. Now the inevitable is happening and it's hitting me harder.

I used to smile at the image I see when facing the mirror. Not that I was crazy, but I was proud of what it's making me see. I've seen myself in the mirror with my chin up and with eyes full of passion and motivation. I used to see me as a force not easy to mess around with. A worthy competitor who could have given anyone a run for their money any given day.

But the image seems kind of blurry now. I'm seeing those bended shoulders that used to be proud of how many battles were won. Are those eyes looking down like that of a sorry loser? The feisty eyes used to be filled with inspiration left not even a trace of its past. It's like they were never there in the first place. Or was there? I would like to believe they used to be there. I don't see me smiling now.

This person looking at the mirror right now is regrettably empty. The years have seen him beaten to a pulp without him realizing. He got dried up and drained after years of trying to make it to where he wanted yet finding himself drifting into the nothingness. He has become a shallow river making a lot of noise. Noise that can never hide the sad fact that it wasn't deep enough to drown anything or anyone who hinders its path.

I have become a shallow river.

But the hope of gaining that depth to make me matter is something I don't want to loose. I don't want to let go and give up. After all, this is one thing I'm sure I still have. Hope.

A New Lifestyle For A New Year

This year, I decided to start a different lifestyle. A healthy lifestyle is what I'm aiming for this year. I beleive it is never too late to start a good and healthy habit. But I'm no guru in healthy lifestyle. Actually, I'm one of those people you will never find in a gym sweating it out to loose those unwanted calories. But that was last year...and the years before last year.

People are now noticing my 'beer belly'. It seems like it really pains them to see me with my 'love handles' and that they had to tell me about it like I'm not aware myself. I have nothing against people who prefers eating those delicious and mouth-watering killer foods. Actually, I am the last person who would abhor such love for eating and great food. But this year, I have to say my farewell to this 'beer belly' which I have been nurturing since few year back. And did I mention I don't drink even? Such a pity, right?

Though I've heard tons of comments on how expensive Fitness First's membership is and that other known gyms are way much cheaper, still I signed up for a 12-year program. The gym inside the mall is just a walking distance from my place while the other gyms are few kilometers away so that settled the score. And besides, the expensive membership of the gym is working as an additional motivation of some sort to me-- since I have to make every cent count.

I'm still on my fourth day working out and trying out gym machines and equipments that are new to me. I've been observing people on how things are done inside the gym and to the point of following others with what they are trying out. The place/gym is conducive, I say, for working out and pampering oneself indeed. The locker rooms reminds me of how it was in the seminary back in college-- minus the couch and television. And I see drinking water stations in almost all corners of the gym.

Earlier today, I was aching to join the group exercise but, I guess, I am still shy to start dancing/exercising together with those women older than I am. But perhaps, tomorrow will be different when I will once again hear the beats. Move aside, maam!

Goodbye 2009...Hello 2010 !!!

I spent the final hours of the year 2009 at my girlfriend's house to welcome 2010 and what it brings. The same time last year, I was also here but it was a bit different scene. Lola Tele was still around and the whole Santos Family celebrated the season all hopeful for her recovery. She passed away just few months ago though.

Baked Macaroni

As almost every New Year (or Christmas) Season, Sheril baked her famously delicious baked macaroni. Knowing her, she bakes it with all of her expertise and finesse. I can say that she is consistent in aspects that involve her precious time and efforts when it comes to how the result would be. Shen does almost everything without any compromise to quality. And that doesn't exclude even baking or cooking. Well, good for those who she would cook or bake for, right?

Short-lived Vacation

For most of us, the vacation this season is somehow short-lived. Well, I believe it always is when it comes to spending quality time and happy moments with loved ones. Time is somewhat few minutes short every time you find yourself enjoying. It's not that I'm complaining but I only got to spend two days off from work. For years now, I get lucky if I get to find myself shouting "Happy New Year!" while not on a call. Call center life has been eating up my time for almost 6 years now. So I guess, I still got lucky this year.

New Year's Resolution

Now that the new year has just introduced itself to us, we can see ourselves 'shouting' to the world our the resolutions that we have on our list. No one knows how this "tradition(?)" came to life but it's undeniably the most common practice every year. Well, whatever our list have-- some of them might not even find it's realization the whole year-- let us hope things will be better for each of us this year.

So do you have your New Year's Resolution list full now? If not, well, better start writing yours down. Good luck!