Sweet Friends Dine at Sweet Bella!

When you are feeling down and want some comfort, you always long to be with your friends. So I was comforted with the company of two of my super-friends last Saturday, and a good food too! With my friend's cravings for Eggs Benedict, we went to Burgos Circle and dined in at Sweet Bella.

We were supposed to attend the Fete De la Musique which was also happening in the area, but we thought that the crowd and music were too rock and roll-ish for us, so we decided to just have dinner and have "breakfast".


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I have a Toma Degree from GSM Blue-niversity

When I say I have tasted almost all kinds of alcohol - from beers, spirits and wines, I am not exaggerating. Bar Management was my favorite subject in College because it was the most relaxed and fun class. It is the only subject in school that drinking was allowed.

I am, however, not very fond of drinking alcohol. I never like its taste and aftertaste. Let's say, I can only drink certain alcohol drinks and alcohol-based drinks (I am actually loving wines now). I only get to enjoy alcohol if I am with a company of friends, but I am not the type who looks for it, or craves for it. Usually, after class, it was the boys who would took (and consume) all the alcohol bottles. It was the biggest time of their life.

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Random Thoughts at Work

It's official. We're going to China for vacation, and not for business trip. Two weeks ago, I received an invitation from our company for a great opportunity to work in China from August to September; however, due to business needs, I have to turn it down and just wait for a greater opportunity (hopefully by 2012).

Now my documents had been set, and I am just praying that we all get the thumbs up from the Embassy. The Spratlys issue is not the perfect timing at this point, but I am still hoping we get in. Per my friend's advise, I also secured a bank certification for my joint dollar account with BPI. Securing the document only took a few minutes, with the charge of Php100 deducted from the bank account itself (that is just $2).

We have already booked accommodations in Sommerset (before booking, we were actually thinking of using my corporate discount); but we were thinking of using the Roomorama service. It lists all the available accommodations from condos, apartments and rooms in every part of the globe, offered by other people (hosts) at a very reasonable price.


Untitled from Roomorama on Vimeo.

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What Happens to Your Online/Social Media Identity When You Die?

What would happen to my Facebook account? Facebook page? My twitter? and my blog after they close the casket and throw some rose petals and bid goodbye? That was the question/s that run to my head after I opened another account in the bank two years ago.

Would your social media identity also be buried in your grave?
Image from arikhanson.com

Social media and bank - where is the connection?! Well, after I opened my own account (we usually open joint accounts with my family), I was advised by my friend to get an ATM card for the account so my family can easily withdraw the money if ever something happens (that is if I give them my PIN) - it is not that I have millions in my bank account, but a few thousands can help in the burial; and going through the usual bank process would not be such a burden for the family. Then I suddenly thought, if I die, I want my family to post a very glam pic of me next to my casket - so I thought, I would now choose the picture I would want to be posted during my wake. I know death is the least favorite topics to talk about - but hey, it doesn't hurt to be prepared.

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Unsuccessful Paypal Fund Withdrawal through Banco De Oro (BDO)

Are you the type who separates your online income from your regular work pay? I do. I want to separate my savings, extra income, dollars and bonuses. Ideally, I want them in separate bank accounts. So anyway, last June 4th, I requested and withdraw some funds from Paypal to my BDO savings account because I wanted to use some of the funds I earned online.

I was thinking if I should withdraw them using my Unionbank EON account (where I want my online income to be kept), but the processing fee is Php250, so I thought I would just withdraw using my BDO account (processing fee of Php200).

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Yahoo! OMG Winners and Highlights!

We promise you the whole nine yards of purple rug - the tears, tantrums and trophies; rubbing shoulders with the god-like mortals, kissing the air with the kings and queens of glam and waving to the paparazzi.


Those are the words, phrases printed in the invite I got for the Yahoo! Philippines OMG Awards. Who wouldn't be excited about the event?! So last Tuesday, June 21st I prayed hard to God to give us good weather as I battle the traffic from Manila to Resorts World, and cover the event in Republiq. 


True to the theme, I would blend this blog entry with Yahoo! OMG by using a purple font ;)


I know you have been itching to know who are the winners? Here they are:


Awesome Young Actress: Kathryn Bernardo 

Awesome Young Actor: Albie Casiño 
Breakthrough Male Artist: Coco Martin 
Breakthrough Female Artist: Cristine Reyes
Favorite Male TV host: Luis Manzano 
Favorite Female TV host: Toni Gonzaga 
Amazing Male Newcomer: Alden Richards
Amazing Female Newcomer: Ritz Azul


Coolest Male Singer: Christian Bautista 
Coolest Female Singer: Charice 
Coolest Band: Parokya ni Edgar


Hottest Male Actor: Piolo Pascual 
Hottest Female Actress: Jennylyn Mercado 


Funniest Comedienne: Eugene Domingo -  "I always go to Yahoo for my horoscope, and it says there You will receive something better, my goodness! This is it?"


Funniest Comedian: Vice Ganda

Fashion Designer of the Year: Joey Samson

OMG! Celebrity of the Year: Shalani Soledad 
OMG! Major Impact: Shamcey Supsup 

Special Awards go to:

CLEAR Woman Award - Sam Pinto 
CLEAR Man Award - Piolo Pascual 
Wi-Tribe Award - Somedaydream 
Most Animated Celebrity of the Night - Barbie Forteza (he was the first one to arrive at the venue, and I find her really nice - there is one teen celebrity which I find a little too snob. Turn off!)
Most Watched Celebrity of the Night - Marc Nelson (he is the hottest and he's sooo fine! No question! I am just not very happy with our pic together.. howell...)
Pond's Natural Beauty - Shamcey Supsup
Sunsilk Award - Alodia Gosiengfiao 
Sweetest Couple of the Night - Victor Basa and Divine Lee (I agree the sweetest! Victor even waited outside the ladies' room while Divine did her thing, so I took the chance to have a pic with him! ;))

The HIGHLIGHTS:
Dr. Vicky Belo welcoming the guests to the Yahoo! OMG Awards, and we were like checking Hayden's reaction ;)

Carmi Martin's arrival like a teen star in a very cute pink minidress!

Alodia's arrival and the crowd just went gaga to have a pic with her. 

Cristine Reyes' pristine (conservative in front) white gown - but revealing backless with a black cross design at the back.

Amazing performance by Johnoy Danao!

Arrival of  lovely ladies in pajamas! They say the invite says relaxed, unpretentious.. So.. Love, love it! Fanpage likers are complaining that their outfit were not appropriate, but I honestly do think these ladies rock!  Only pretty ladies like Ms. Smith and Ornussa (and.. forgot the name of that model in the middle) can wear something like that but still look glamorous!

Taken from the Hair Experts Album of Sunsilk

Fabio Ide's adorable Tagalog greetings!

Jim Paredes' announcement that David Foster would accept Charice's award.. I know he's not a comedian, so he tried it for the second time, and announced Oprah would accept it. Nice try, but it still failed. 


Piolo Pascual accepting the award on stage! We have not seen him arrive or even mingled with the crowd. We got surprised that he was actually there. Probably at the backstage.

Vice Ganda requesting to have a category for Feminine-looking Comedian (something like that) during his acceptance speech.

Jojo Alejar's dance moves before he presents an award! The guy is soo funny and cool even in person!


The PlumPinays.com ladies gracing the event like the hottest ladies in the room!


The Smith's presenting the award! Rock and Roll! I love the Smiths!

Lovely ladies and hot dudes all over! 


There was even a photo booth  by Barely Toast (see pictures here) and Sunsilk Hair Experts' hair testing booth (see pics of lovely celebrities here. Can you spot me in the album? ;)). Wi-tribe was also there, and Sanya Smith (oh, I love her) was the lucky one to win a prize! After the event, they raffled off an entertainment system and a fellow blogger won it! Congrats Myk!


I was enjoying glasses of white wine at the back of the VIP area where we were seated, and I never realized I have the license to go infront to get better shots of the event and awarding. Argh. I want to kick myself now for being a little too shy to mingle and approach celebrities. I'll do better next time. 


It was indeed a fun event with good vibes! See more pictures here. 


(and thanks to Kuya Sabatini for driving me from Manila to Paranaque! He knows the best shortcuts in Metro Manila!)

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Prescription Eyeglasses Can Be Fashionable Too!

Celebration calls for toasts, wines and fireworks! We would know if the event is a talk of the town if there would be fireworks displays (and I am talking about outdoor events). When we check our calendars and think of celebrations, we can note that the Fourth of July is the one event that we would celebrate soon (yes, people of Manila included!). 

Do you know there are fashion glasses that we can wear to better enjoy and see firework displays? The goal is to protect our eyes and better enjoy bursting lights and colors in the air. 

Photo from www.vanityhairs.blogspot.com

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I am No Genius, But I Need Not Just Smart But a Genius Phone!

If your idea of genius, is the one who wears eyeglasses, I don't, so I am not. I am no studious, and even skipped classes during College, but I was always part of the top of the class since grade school. My IQ is above average and people say, I am street-smart. But when it comes to mobile phones, I guess I am stuck with the normal mobile phone which only allows me to call and text (then maybe, listen to FM radio).

I thought I am fine. I am no stockholder and no celebrity and I always say I don't need so-so features. I am not the type who always checks the store windows to see what's the newest model of mobile phones. I don't search the internet what is latest in mobile phones or applications. And I don't get envious if all my friends update their status in their Androids, Blackberry and iPhones. I am fine. I was fine. Until I realized my needs and lifestyle calls for more than a smart phone, but a genius phone.

I checked every aspect of my life and weigh things, and I know I need a genius and not just a smart phone!

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Contest Alert! Watch Team Azkals in Action: Join the Cortal SQR Facebook Promo!

Who wants to see Team Azkals (yes, I mean Phil Younghusband) kicks the ball and let their opponent eat their own dust?! Cortal SQR, the official pain reliever of the team would bring this to you. Join the new Cortal SQR Facebook Contest to win exclusive tickets to the match between Sri Lanka and Team Azkals on July 3rd at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.

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Beauty and Butter: A Fun Nail Art Salon

My hands were disabled for a few hours this afternoon. I had redeemed the voucher I have purchased from Cash Cash Pinoy for the 50% Nail Art Service at Beauty and Butter. So here I am typing with my loud purplish nails with sunflower necklace design. I love it!

I actually love nail arts. I used to buy and wear nail tattoos back in College (and my partner loves them!). I just don't get to wear the funky ones today since I have to maintain a professional look in the office - so I always settle with the two-toned polish - usually in purple - gold shade.


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PLDT myDSL’s Internet to Sawa TRANSFORMS my Internet Experience from Buffering to Burning

I have been a PLDT DSL subscriber since I have ditched the old modem and prepaid internet cards. I am just glad that I have PLDT as my provider since I do not need to worry about internet connection and being disconnected to the cyberworld even PAGASA raised the storm signal to 3 in Metro Manila.

PLDT continues to race with other internet providers by giving not just 5MBPS speed but up to Sawa!

Imagine that one can just download movies, play online games, update status messages and just BLOG simultaneously with such a speed.

There is no need for me to turn on the TV set while I wait for the movie to download completely. There is no waiting for me to upload my pictures in my online album while I am doing my nails.

I think we that speed I have to put my messenger status into DND mode as I can finish all the downloading, uploading, blogging and sharing in a few minutes.

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Great Buy of the Week: Silicon Nippies from Babu

The office dress code calls for smart casual attire. It means that I always go to work in dresses or skirt and dressy tops. We only get to dress down on Fridays which works for my advantage since I feel more comfortable, yet look polished in dresses. It also means that I have to wear suitable underwear underneath those tube dresses and lace tops.

Believe it or not, I sometimes go to work without any "support" (not to seduce anyone), but if the style and cut of top or dress calls for it. BUT I don't go bare without any protection - the worst that could happen is a wardrobe malfunction in the office - or even during events. In this post I shared how I prevent wardrobe malfunction. With gatherings and events happening everyday, I have to make sure I have enough "bullets" to use in the battlefield.

Of all my underwear and wonder patches, I super love my silicon nippies because it is soo easy to use. I just put it on, and it sticks on my skin the whole day/night. I just peel them off and wash with water and regular soap then let them dry - it is good until the next day/event I use it. 

This great buy was actually bought a month ago, together with a dress. I came too early for our training in Eastwood and I found myself checking the stores once again. I had bought a nice dress from Babu and found this nice silicon nippies on sale.

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The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf's New Drink: Espresso and Cream Ice Blended with Espresso Jelly

I no longer have a reason to go to Starbucks. Not because Starbucks is banning smoking nationwide - which I think is good. The only reason I go to Starbucks is to claim my free drink (Coffee Jelly Frappuccino - the only drink I order from Starbucks), or if I am meeting friends - but now, Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf gave me no reason to go back to Starbucks - they just released the new drink - Espresso and Cream Ice Blended with Espresso Jelly. Coffee Bean answered my prayers!

I had been telling the Coffee Bean managers to ask/request/beg the management to offer something like Coffee Jelly Frappuccino - and I am just glad that miracle finally happened.


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How I Use My Credit Card to Get Freebies and Discounts

I am proud to say that I have never paid a single centavo for my credit card membership. I have three cards (1 from BDO, 1 from HSBC and 1 from Citibank). My tip in having your membership waived is simple - pay your bills online and in full. I never had any problems with BDO in requesting to have it waived every year. It is my first year with HSBC and Citibank, so I can't tell yet if my simple trick would do wonders - if not, I can always tell them to deactivate my membership. The least I wanted is money and/or financial issues.

Credit cards should always work for your advantage. Aside from the points that I am earning everytime I use my credit card, I also take advantage of the promos and tie-ups.

During my birthday, I took advantage of the 10% discount from Yellow Cab Pizza for using my Citibank Gold Credit Card (for purchase above Php1,200).

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Yahoo! OMG Philippines Named the Nominees for the First Purple-Carpet Awards Night

What was your very first email address? Mine was in @yahoo.com format. After that email registration (which I think was 12 years ago), my "online relationship" with Yahoo! just strengthen as I also explored and registered with other Yahoo! website and application services such as Flikr and Yahoo Messenger (YM).

Yahoo!, being the premiere digital media company and it continues to provide what the market, netizens and social media people's needs. Last Thursday, at the Opus Restaurant in Resorts World Manila, Yahoo! announced the launch of the OMG! Awards. It is the first of its kind event that will recognize the most searched celebrities on its newest and leading property in the Philippines. It is time to prepare the red purple carpet as Yahoo! OMG recognize the top trending celebrities and those who have propelled to stardom in cyberspace and used the power of the Internet to reach their fans.


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Bye Bye Bad Photos: Share Them and Win Samsung Two-View Camera!

Remember the fantastic new camera by Samsung? Here's a good chance to say bye-bye to your bad, bad photos by joining Bye Bye Bad Photos Say Hello to a Samsung 2View Camera Contest. Time to dig into your photo album and Facebook albums (or even Frienster's exported files), and share your photos with bad angles, failed jump shots and failed baby picture shots.

By joining, you get a chance to win 1 of 3 Samsung ST700 Camera.

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Promotional Items as Tool for Marketing

In most of the events that I have attended to, companies always give away bags (with stuff inside) as tokens to the media and even bloggers who took time to come and cover events. Most of the companies give away eco-bags, notepads and personalized pens, even mugs and USBs with logos of their companies which I think best promotes their products and services.

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My Magical Food Discovery: Magic Pop - Korean Rice Pops!

We were strolling around SM and I suddenly got surprised with the popping sound and flying "saucers" from one of the kiosks at the lower level of SM San Lazaro.

People were checking out the kiosk and leaving the area with a crunchy sound as they chew and walk. It's the Magic Pop Rice Pops!

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Global Academy: Top Chefs, Great Facility and Culinary Education in Modest Price

Back in College, I hated the day of our Catering Classes. It means I would have to wear the sooo unfashionable Chef's Uniform. I even had the pants customized so I would still look stylish - mine was bootleg - but just the same I hated it.

Until after a few years, I realized wearing that double breasted long sleeves and checkered pants would mean glamour. Studying in a culinary school and working with pots and pans is a thousand-peso career - and I am not just talking about the tuition fee. With so many culinary schools offering expensive classes, you can just forget about your dream of being an Executive Chef (or even a Sous Chef), and just settle with your instant noodles.

But there's hope. The Global Culinary and Hospitality Academy invited us to their open house and I know there is hope.

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Help for Students: Available Online

Suddenly, I missed College - I missed being a student - when your mom would just give you money to spend on night outs. I wonder if ever I have taken a course in Legal or Medical School, would I ever have a more relaxed work today?

But I chose a course that calls for being social. It is not easy to earn a degree in Legal, and Medical or even Business School. Lucky are the students of today, as online help such as Veritas Prep which is one of the many options in preparing them in passing a degree. It is interesting to find a resource as helpful as this online. Students no longer need to visit centers just to inquire, as everything is available online - with links to specific locations. Just like a typical social networking site, it even has a testimonial page, wherein students can share what they love about the program and services. What interests me most is the store online where one can buy not just books, but also notepads and pens.

I am hoping soon there would be something similar like this in the country.Something that would leverage the quality of education.

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Carol's Texan 5: Carol Would Serve More than Ribs and Chickens

People always ask me if I do food blogs. Yes, I do. I loooove trying new dishes, restaurants (or even snack and chips) in the Metro, even provinces and places outside the country. Yes I love buffets too. My built might be a little too deceiving but I know how to indulge and enjoy a good food.

I love pastas, anything fried, dishes with rich sauce, makis and anything sweet (for dessert), and anything spicy and sour (like crisp green mangoes!).

More than the fun of sharing good food with friends when dining, I love it when readers comment on the good food I discovered - which makes me want to be part of the Bloggers Buffet at Carol's Texan 5.

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I Vote for Green M&Ms Because I'm Green-Minded, Are You? Vote & Win!

Do you ever care what color do you put and play in your mouth?  Oooppss.. I don't want to sound too GREEN on that, but I am talking about M&M’s®. chocolate. True to that tagline that it melts in your mouth, not in your hand - what is your favorite M&M’s® color?

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NBA 3-on-3 Philippines 2011 Tournament: Rules Are Out, Are You In?

I grew up watching basketball on TV. It's because my dad and brother owned the remote control and I don't have a choice but to join them and rejoice everytime the team scores a basket. I remember that my very first basketball crush was Jojo Lastimosa.

Eventhough they say I could pass as a basketball player, I would say No to the game. It is so physical that I don't want to break or chip even my fingernail.

Fans, especially kids are so lucky today as they have a chance to play the game like a real NBA star through the first-ever NBA 3on3 Philippines 2011 as presented by Sprite.

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Freeway Launches National Artist Collection Featuring F. Sionil Jose

Freeway is one of the local brands I love. I love that it doesn't just follow the trends and styles available in the market; but rather, Freeway sets the trend. That's why, I was ecstatic when I got an invite to the launching of Freeway's National Artist Collection featuring F. Sionil Jose.

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Globe's Tattoo Tonino Lamborghini: Internet Speed Comparable to A Race Car

I have been a loyal Globe user ever since I got a phone (it's a maroon Bosch phone, I still remember), and although I stayed as a pre-paid user, I am happy with the services and perks Globe has been offering to its consumers. I first contacted Globe when I wanted an internet connection (I can't believe we even live through dial up connection) to inquire about their internet services. At that time, there wasn't available line or connection yet in our area, so I had no choice but to avail of the DSL services my landline provider was offering then.

Until broadband services were introduced (then comes Wi-fi - abled gadgets). Now, Globe has another treat to the market - the Tattoo Toni Lamborghini. It is not a car but a stick, and its speed can be compared to a racing car, as it is 5x faster than the regular broadband sticks. It is the first service offered under the 4G mobile network, and uses the global HSPA+ (High Speed Packet Access). It is the first and biggest in the Philippines with sites in Mandaluyong and even not-so-commercialized areas in Navotas, Caloocan and Valenzuela. It is also expanding in other cities and areas in Metro Manila.

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San Mig Light Apple and Lemon Flavored Beers Served Below Zero

I am not the drinker type, although most of the people I meet would tell me that I look like a typical party girl who spends the night at bars holding cocktails and downing shot glasses.

I have actually tasted most of the brands and types of spirits and alcohols, from wines, to hard drinks like gin, to beers, and cocktails and even liqueors. I have a high-tolerance for alcohol eventhough I don't drink that much and that often. That works for my advantage, at least my friends need not worry about the things that I might do everytime I would down a shot of tequila.

Two weeks ago, I and some of my friends discovered a new drink from San Miguel - (yes, the makers of good beer).

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My Elba Kitchen Cookbook: Newbie Chef's Kitchen Bible Launched!

Elba is not a new name for me. My mom (and dad) has chosen the brand when I requested for an oven when I fell inloved in baking during College years. That was 10 years ago. The sleek black Elba oven is still serving us after so many years of good food from mom, brittle chocolate chip cookies, failed chocolate cakes and burnt hotdogs.

Elba is an Italian Brand and has been a kitchen name for 20 years in the Philippines. Now Elba has cooked a new innovation and it is not just good dish, or a tested recipe, but a collection of finest dishes crafted by popular chefs with amazing chefs from the Center for Culinary Arts (CCA) - the My Elba Kitchen Cookbook.

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Medical Practitioners: How Can You Be Fashionable with Scrub Suits?

I have never imagine myself wearing a pristine white uniform just like what the nurses used to wear with that nurse cap. Maybe that's the reason I said a firm NO when my sister suggested I took up nursing in College. If not mixing drinks and working as bartender in a local bar, I imagined myself working in a corporate world, probably wearing stylish clothes and attending events and rubbing elbows with the popular and famous.

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Lifeline Foundation Says Thank You

Too bad I missed the Run4Life event, but the team wants to say Thank You to everyone who supported the cause.

 

 

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[CONTEST] Be 100% Guilt-Free Shopper! Tell Us How and Win "100% Guilt-Free Shopper" Bag!

Who loves shopping?! It's time to share the advocacy with the World Fair Trade Organization - Asia. What is it's campaign and advocacy about? Please check this blog post.

Now, I am sure you want to show your support by parading this fashionable eco-bag.

You can own this and show your support! Joining is easy!

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