Orange Magazine TV [re]Launched!

I am changing my font color to Orange, to celebrate with Orange Magazine TV's relaunching held last Saturday at Gweilo's Bar in SM Mall of Asia.

Orange Magazine TV is one of the hippest sites in the cyberspace today. It always has fresh contents from music features and artists interviews, movie reviews, and events coverage. For several years, Jeman, the man behind the Orange Magazine site was doing all the work. The first time I met the guy, I was surprised, because I had been reading the site even before I started attending events. I've seen how the man works during events. He takes pictures, (and I mean great pictures), captures the most priceless moments during events, and records videos to share with his followers - bringing them an exclusive peak on what has happened during the event. Never mind if he is the last person to eat, he is there to do the job.

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My Casino Experience: On Beginner's Luck

Gambling is one of the things I thought I would never ever do. Until last night. You know what they say about Beginner's Luck? It didn't work for me. Unfortunately.

I spent my Sunday night with two of my College friends in Resorts World and after a nice dinner at Johnny Chow, and coffee at Starbucks (while we listen to classical songs sang by two great artists inline with Italian exhibit), one of my friends invited us to play the Casino.

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'Kariton Klasrum' Program Receives IBM Grant

It is always nice to read good news, right? and it is much more fulfilling to be part of the good news. Just want to share this.


Quezon City, September 23, 2011: IBM (NYSE: IBM) today announced the award of a ‘Catalyst Grant’ to support volunteer activities of a team of its employees at the "Kariton Klasrum" (Pushcart Classroom) program. Kariton Klasrum is an educational program and advocacy to bring the classroom to the streets with the use of pushcarts.

James Velasquez, Country General Manager and Edda Di Dios (lead IBM volunteer for Kariton Klasrum) awards the check to Efren Peñaflorida. 

The program is a project of the Dynamic Teen Company (DTC), founded and headed by Efren Peñaflorida - winner of the 2009 CNN Hero of the Year Award.

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Celebrate Oktoberfest 2011 in Sofitel Hotel, Manila

We're counting on the last few days of September, and before we wear our costumes for the Halloween or hit the mall for serious Christmas shopping, it is first time to prepare our mugs for Oktoberfest 2011.

It is not just bars and clubs which are preparing for the grand event, but also the posh Sofitel Philippine Plaza Hotel in Manila. I missed to attend the press conference, but here's the press release that I want to share with you who would want to celebrate good beer in Sofitel (how nice it is to just get totally crazy with beer and just stay in Sofitel? No need to worry about going home safely).

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3M Reusable Mounting Strips Keep My Wall Clear and Clean

Are your walls covered with posters? I meant, your room walls and not your Facebook wall. I want mine clear and neat. Even when I was younger, I only had one portion in the room where I post posters and pictures I cut from newspaper. I remember using thumb tacks and double sided tape, but I hate them because either they keep the poster permanent with marks (tacks), or the pinning would just be temporary (double sided tape). I am glad I got a new room, and everything is just clean and clear and neat - the way I wanted it. Until...

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Bibingka Espesyal - All Year Round [?]

I just want to share what I had for breakfast yesterday morning (and yes, I am eating the same thing again!). I work in night shift, and just like any other day, I just took the normal route on my way home, BUT I had to step back and walk back a few steps when I smelled something cooking.

Guess what's inside these paper bags..

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Converse Opens a Store and Launches New Collection!

When I once asked my rockstar if he thinks I would look good in Chuck Taylor, he said he couldn't imagine me in such shoes. Maybe because they always see me in stilettos, pumps, sexy shoes, red heeled ones, with sexy straps, or a bow, but never a shoes with that star - trademark star from Converse.

But now, I want to show them I can wear Chucks and be as fierce as they thought I am. Check out these nice designs from the newly opened Converse Store in Eastwood Mall.

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Congratulations to the Winner of Kengkoy Dog Tag from Solo!

I had gotten my Kenkoy stuff from Solo store the day the collection was released (that was two or three weeks ago?!). I was sooo excited! I love the comic strip print. I was actually planning to get the white shirt with black print, but I wanted to get my own shirt that day so I settled with this black shirt which is also classy and cute!

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I Came, I Saw, I Blogged: What Happened in Blogapalooza and What Would Happen Next?

Straight from Friday shift, I went home and just took a bath then headed to the Fully Booked Store in Fort Bonifacio for the much anticipated Blogapalooza. We were actually scheduled to fly to Cebu that morning but I had made up my mind and convinced myself that Cebu can wait - I have to attend the Blogapalooza.

What is Blogapalooza?! It is an event wherein Bloggers and Businesses meet each other. The brilliant DJ Vince of When In Manila shared that he always get requests from businesses to have their products/services be featured in his blog,  since there are too many of them, he cannot accommodate, and thought of organizing Blogapalooza. So 150 "most influential" bloggers were invited after screening and 30 businesses presented what they got.

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Terranova [Re]Opens in MOA and Introduces Brand Ambassadors

Terranova which opened in the Philippines in 2003 (I remember College Days), re-opened its biggest store in Manila in the Mall of Asia last Thursday. Imagine my excitement when I received an invite to the said event! Wohooo!!

I just shopped and shopped from Terranova a couple of weeks ago, and it is nice to be back in the store and be one of the first to see the Fall/Winter Collection. If you are worried that the collection is not suitable in our climate, I can attest that the materials are just perfect for the cold offices in the Metro Manila (like ours).

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Cocoaphilia: Appreciation of Chocolate (Van Houten Made Me a Cocoaphile)

I would give you a bar of chocolate and 1 minute to finish it. That's quite easy, right? What if I let you stay in a room full of chocolate, but you have to eat those luscious chocolate in a Cocoaphilia way?


Cocoaphilia is a term used to describe appreciation of chocolate; it refers to the passion of a person, who is nuts over chocolate and someone who knows that Van Houten is a good chocolate! Van Houten, a popular chocolate brand who has been in the market for over 180 years, made us certified Cocoaphiles last week at Society Lounge in Makati and made us use our senses to better appreciate good chocolate.

Lori Baltazar of Dessert Comes First hosted the event and showed foodies, cocoaphiles and media how to better appreciate chocolate. Nope, it is not putting it straight in your mouth, you have to use your five senses.

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IBM Gets Bolder with Social Media and Social Business

From punch cards, magnetic strips, travel reservation system to supercomputer named Watson - there is no denying that IBM or International Business Machine is a leader in technology and innovation. With the advancement of technology and social media, IBM sees this as an opportunity to leverage one's business through Social Business.

The era of Social Business

We have seen how companies use Facebook and Twitter to update their consumers on what is latest on their products and services, and even use these sites as tools in making their followers or likers involved (from contests, surveys and feedback requests). IBM introduces Social Business wherein organizations and large companies can use social media internally where employees can collaborate, share knowledge and interact to build better business.
 
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Religioso Collection by Ensembles - Women Would Love It - Religious or Not

Religion has been a favorite topic for the week after the results of the Ms. Universe 2011 was announced. I wonder if the topic has trended in Twitter, but I see a lot of posts and comments in my Facebook news feed. Now, there is a bigger reason to talk about religion or should I say, Religioso.

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My First Taste of Bon Chon Chicken and More

This blog entry might be in the last page of Google's search result for Bon Chon Chicken. The world is raving about it and I am still stuck and finding joy in the usual chicken we can order in other quick service restaurants. I only got to try the Bon Chon Chicken last Saturday. I was lucky to be invited to the Bon Chon Blogger's Lunch in Bon Chon in Ayala Triangle Park.

I came unfashionably late, and I cannot blame my fellow bloggers who attacked the chicken as soon as they were served (after the usual ritual of food photoshoot). Just an exaggeration, they were so kind to remember  my hungry soul and curious palate. So here are what were left of me for the photoshoot, but I got new servings of the food which went straight in my mouth and stomach.

Calamari at Php125

Ginger Tofu Salad at Php125

Bon Chon Chicken!

Fish Taco Php75 (really cheap!)

Bulgogi Rice at Php125

The chicken comes with soy-garlic glaze or  hot and spicy glaze. 

Small - Php185.00 (Wings 6 pcs, Drumsticks 3 pcs, Chops 4 pcs)

Medium - Php365.00 (Wings 12 pcs., Drumsticks 6 pcs, Chops 8 pcs, Combo 3 drumsticks & 6 Wings)

Large - Php720.00 (Wings 24 pcs, Drumsticks 12 pcs, Chops 16 pcs, Combo 6 drumsticks & 12 wings)

I honestly don't know and didn't get what is the fuss about the Bon Chon Chicken. Until last Saturday. Alright, so Bon Chon uses a special cooking method allowing the sauce to be absorbed without making it soggy. The method of frying renders the fat, making it healthier - even producing a crunchier, crispier chicken when you bite. 

The sauces are one-of-a-kind. Don't even try to imitate, you would fail. These are mixed in Korea, made from premium spices - then shipped to the stores in Manila. 

I was able to talk to one of the marketing staff of Bon Chon, and I curiously asked why Bon Chon is such a hit in America. She said that Americans love to partner chicken with cold beer, the same with Koreans who love to eat it with cubes of pickled radish, and cold soda or beer. Listening to this makes me imagine the taste and experience - spicy/hot plus cold drink, salt and sugar, crunchy and bubbly - that's an experience I should try. 

Filipinos who have adventurous palates probably love the whole Bon Chon recipe - but this time partnering it with - RICE! 

The verdict?

I like the soy-garlic glazed Bon Chon Chicken.  A little break from the traditional chicken that we have in Manila. The hot and spicy chicken is too strong for me (eventhough I love spicy food). This is the first time I said no to spicy chicken that I felt that I got a little cut in my tongue. Probably it should really be partnered with cold beer.

The Fish Taco is good too! Eventhough I cannot experience taking a bite (but rather slicing it in my plate - thanks to my brackets), I love the crunch and sauce experience. The fish is Cream Dory by the way. 

The Ginger Tofu Salad is a serving of healthy dish. I am sure my mom would love it. It is very Asian, I think and a good break from the usual salads that we see in other restaurant menus.

I haven't tried the Bulgogi Rice because I was soo full that afternoon. 

It is nice to finally taste the chicken coined as the Best Chicken in America. 

Thank you to Bon Chon Chicken and PR Asia for the invite. 

Scott Tan and the Bon Chon Team in Ayala Triangle Park (with Mr. Mix of Everything - the one in glasses)

I'll see you again with my friends, and my barrel of cold beer.

Please like the Bon Chon Facebook Fan Page and see more of events pictures here. 

BonChon is best consumed when you order. For takeout or pick-up: just open the box to keep it crisp; reheat in the oven or toaster. For delivery, call 2121212 or visit their branches at Ayala Triangle Gardens (6216188) 10am-10pm daily; Greenbelt 1 (6598080) 10am-10pm daily; until 11pm Fridays and Saturdays; SM Megamall: Building A, Upper Ground Floor (4511818)  10am – 9pm daily; until 10pm Fridays and Saturdays; Libis: across Eastwood (6551818) 10am – 10pm daily; Robinson’s Galleria (end July);Greenhills Promenade (end July) and more branches coming up soon so don’t miss it!

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FOR TWO WEEKS ONLY & RATED GP: Glee (the 3D Concert Movie)

I am not really a fan of Glee. I haven't even watched a single episode - only that part when Charice joined the group. Anyway, just want to share this exciting info regarding Glee.

Glee successfully tuned in to worldwide acclaim tackling teenage problems via its ensemble of perfectly flawed characters. Created by Ryan Murphy, “Glee” has struck such a strong chord with young people in particular because it deals in a realistic way with issues facing teenagers that are often ignored, such as outward appearance, sexual orientation and disability, but it does so in an authentic and entertaining way. The cast is diverse, the storylines are strong and the show is infused with humor and wit. Nevertheless, despite its high wattage of uplifting music and dance, most guardians find the show’s depiction of teenage problems inappropriate for the little ones. Thus, addressing the show’s curbed viewership, “Glee” steps up on stage reaching to broader audience as young as three in “Glee the 3D Concert Movie.”
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Let's Sing with Mickey and Dance with Donald at the Disney Live! Mickey Music Festival

Who doesn't know Mickey, and Minnie and friends (maybe only the kids who are less than a year old)? Who once dreamed of being a princess and meeting prince charming? (ironically, I didn't. I was dreaming of rather a risque-realistic life). I am guessing most of the kids did, and I am the only exception.

We all grew up with Mickey and Disney Characters. We see them on TV, or even (betamax? yes.), kids love anything with Mickey and friends on it from towels, tumblers and especially plush toys, people always look forward to Disney films, couples even used the Disney Theme Songs as their wedding song, aspiring singers always sing the signature Disney soundtrack during competition, and people anywhere in the world get excited to see the Disney logo. It just means that there is something magical, grand, and exciting coming.

Here is another reason to get excited about. Mickey and his friends would be gracing the stage again for the Disney Live! Mickey Music Festival happening next month.

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Bizu Patisserie Celebrates 10 (Yummy) Years Through Photo Exhibit and Contest

Bizu or Bizu Patisserie needs no further introduction or marketing. It has been an institution of good pastries and desserts. My friends and I always visit the Greenhills Promenade branch for good slices of cakes and pastries.

Did you also grow up with Bizu? They say that only 10% of the new businesses would survive, and only 10% of that 10% would still be on the business after 10 years, and Bizu is part of the small percentage. Bizu, from the French word Bisous, which means kiss or beso-beso as we Filipinos love to do when meeting and greeting friends is an inspiration of the Bizu Patisserie as it creates good selection of pastries and cakes.

Bizu treated us to a full meal last week and served us the best dishes on their menu, as it launched its newest Photo Exhibit and Contest entitled Joie de Vivre, to celebrate its 10 years.

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I Drank (But Not Drunk) BenMore Scotch Whisky with Borgy Manotoc ;)

Who wants to have a date with Borgy Manotoc and share a bottle of BenMore Scotch Whisky!?

Ok, I got you there! There is no contest, whatsoever. But we were lucky to meet Borgy last week at the Wine Museum and get a taste of the fine whisky he is endorsing -  BenMore Four Casts blended Scotch Whisky.

Stag, but this is no stag party!

You may be wondering why only now does Borgy Manotoc decide to endorse an alcoholic drink? Being the fine, manly, smart and charmingly witty man that he is. He said that he had had offers before but he was not very comfortable endorsing something that he doesn't believe in, until BenMore Four Casts blended Scotch Whisky. As the marketing head shared, Borgy best symbolizes the quality of BenMore.

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Chefs Cooked Chicken at SM Master Chef's Cooking Marathon

Remember the SM Masterchef Cooking Marathon I had talked about in this post? I chanced upon the cooking marathon in the SM Hypermart in Mall of Asia last week. For each cooking marathon, chefs would feature a "star" product and this time, they featured and used Bounty Fresh Chicken. 

I am just glad to meet the Ultimate Chef Warrior of QTV 11's Kitchen Battles, Chef Arnold Bernanrdo, and finally taste Chef Sau Del Rosario's cooking.

Chef Arnold is a registered nurse, but he knows how to slice, cook and prepare good food. He's currently an Executive Chef/Consultant  for Montemar Beach Club and Wheat Bakery & Cafe, responsible for testing and improving existing dishes, training cooks and waiters and checking food costing. He is also a Chef Instructor in Mapua Institute or Technology and a Contributing Writer for Cook Magazine. He has such an impressive background, but what is more impressive is his Bounty Fresh Chicken and Cheese Casserole. 

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Nuvali's Collecticon: Shop, Bid and Own Collectibles and Vintage Pieces

Are you the kind of shopper who always type "vintage" and "collectibles" in the search box of Ebay or online shops? Do you love to go to places and stores which sell antique items and collectibles? Do you get excited with the sight of old phones, transistor, limited edition memorabilia or one of a kind jewelry piece?

Then, this event is for you! The COLLECTICON, Nuvali Collector's Fair!

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Millennium Run for Women's Health

Here is another event that I missed to attend because of conflict in my work schedule. The Millennium Run for Women's Health was launched yesterday at Sweet Bella (oh yeah, even the name of the resto blends with the theme).

I am glad that I got the press release in my mailbox today. The fun run aims to create awareness on women's health issues like pregnancy, breast cancer and cervical cancer. It is not a surprise that the death rate is quite high in the Philippines compared to other countries which receive strong support from the government. In this light, the Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society is raising awareness on women's reproductive health issues through an advocacy run which will be held on November 6th.

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Speed Regalo: New Online Shop

I missed an event this morning because I got totally confused with the dates because we are following EST. I just saw the status update of one of my blogger friends and I wanted to fly to the venue just to check what the launching is all about. It is for a new online store (yes, shopping!) and I really wanted to know more about it. Anyway, so I have contacts who are nice to send me the Press Release. So I am sharing them with the readers.

SpeedRegalo, Inc. is set to launch the newest online shopping store based in the Philippines on September 13, 2011. The past decade has seen a rise in e-Commerce in the country as more and more entrepreneurs take advantage of the technology afforded by the Internet. Advances in IT have given rise to new ways of doing everyday tasks including shopping. For those who would rather not deal with overcrowded malls or for those whose schedules can’t permit them to go out, online shopping has become their gift-giving solution.

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Great Buys of the Week: Terranova Items On Sale [Php145 to Php445!]

Do you guys remember Terranova?! I think the brand landed in the country when I was in College. The store mannequins usually wear the typical winter and urban get-up, but I used to go to the store for street fashion. Anyway, I was surprised when I saw the Terranova Store in Robinson's Place (I thought they only have one surviving store in Megamall) add the phrases "End of Season Sale", "From Php145 to Php495". I just couldn't NOT check out the store..

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My T-Shirt Story: I Think (Thought), Win (Won) and (Will) Share

This blog entry won 4th place in the My T-Shirt Story Contest sponsored by Electrolux. I didn't win the Grand Prize, but it is nice to hear that there are people who think that my shirt story deserves to win. More importantly, I find fulfillment in knowing that there are people who got inspired by my story and find new meaning in the word, Think.

You see we were even featured in Philippine Daily Inquirer!

Thank you to Electrolux and to bloggie friends for the support!

I got really inspired by this campaign, and I sent a proposal to our team/club to also do something like this - donate t-shirt for a cause. I hope I get the approval. Read my t-shirt story below:

When people say I write good pieces. I am not convinced (because most of them are my friends!), even if I have won from several contests (my first winning was when I was in Grade School), I don't feel that I am that good. It gives me goosebumps when people at work call me a "writer" - I feel that the word is too heavy for me to digest and put in my system. I don't even follow a certain writing style, I just write whatever it is on my mind that the Editor in Chief of our company newsletter loves to assign me articles last minute, thinking I just breathe the words and they string sentences, paragraphs and articles.

So here comes another blog contest and I am threatened. Who wouldn't get threatened with the likes of Pinayads and Astig Machismis? who were always announced as winners in blogging contests. It seems like their names where just put on a roulette and the judges would just roll it and pick a grand prize (they are that good!)

The blog contest asked us to talk about a shirt story. I didn't find it hard to think of the shirt that I want to feature - no, it is not the shirt I wore when I met the loverboy (because I was wearing a lace sleeveless top then - yes, I still remember!), and it is not the shirt I took off just when Freestyle's Let's Take It Slow song was playing on the radio (Hehe). It is a shirt I received as part of the prize for winning the Essay Writing Contest in celebration of our company's centennial celebration.

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Sale Alert: Crumpler End of Season Sale [September 9 to 18]

Spent the day at the mall and found myself holding paper bags and shopping bags! I loooove shopping!!! The reason I went to the mall is to pay for my online purchases through Globe G-Cash, but I found myself shopping again in stores - argh! I am just glad I was with mom to push the stop button. Now, here's another reason to get excited - Crumpler will be holding a sale event on September 9 to 18!

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Are You Ready to Wear Sperry Top Siders?

Ladies, it is time to keep the killer stilettos, pumps and sandals back to their shoe boxes. The favorite slip-ons and slippers must retire! It is time to welcome a space for a new top sider shoes!

Gents no need a little more convincing. I think they had been loyal fans of top siders, as it can transform, casual look to smart casual, and vice versa. And when you think about top siders, only one name comes to mind - Sperry!

I was lucky to get invited for the soft launching of the American Brand, Sperry at the Complex Lifestyle Store in Eastwood last September 1st. The event was rather intimate as we shared dinner at the Uncle Cheffy restaurant before heading to the store.

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The Ultimate Taste Test 6.0's Top Ten Plus Two

Yesterday was the first time I said no to free food. Haha. That was after trying out almost 40 food from appetizers to desserts, and I was ready to give up but my friends were persistent and supportive of celebrating good food! I never really cared if I came straight from work and never had a decent sleep the night before, and never mind the braces - I still took a bite of that crunchy bars!

Were you at the Ultimate Taste Test yesterday in Rockwell Tent? I was there with friends, and yes, we tried all the offerings from the 55 booths which offer good and unique food. It was fun - we felt like certified food critics, even talking about packaging and presentation. We came at around 11:30 (the door actually opened at 11:00AM), and we finished at 8:30PM. The tickets were sold out at around 4:00PM (that's when I saw the sign at the entrance door), but there were still people checking the place at around 7:00PM.

First things first, what is the Ultimate Taste Test? It is the annual event where foodies and food owners are gathered to showcase their products. Foodies, bloggers and even just about anyone (who has ticket!) can sample the dishes and be a critic for a day. You would be given a passport (paper with list of food establishments and space for writing your comments). The ticket costs Php585 but it was worth it because this year's UTT has a good line-up of food establishments. I have to thank my friend for buying a ticket for me (I haven't paid him yet).

There are just so much good food and amazing new businesses. I just want to share my top 10 picks.

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Great Buys of the Week: Eye Make-up Palettes from Ebay!

I haven't really paid for the items yet, I just won these a few minutes ago, and I just want to rave about it! Actually, I was so ecstatic about the idea of winning! It's been ages the last time I bidded and won something from the Ebay, and yesterday, since I was out the whole day, I lost two items I had placed bids on so that drives me to check for some interesting items in Ebay and found the prospects and I know I have to get them.

These make-up palettes from Pop Beauty made my heart beat faster - and I know I have to get them. 

 

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On Giving Feedback and Answering Surveys

I just had a one-on-one session with my second line manager (meaning the boss of my boss) yesterday and I always look forward to this type of session. Maybe because, in our team, we are all comfortable with each other, but we know when to draw the line and get back to business. At some point in my career, I also felt nervous whenever my former boss would call me for a meeting - as if I did something wrong or with worry that he found out I had a crush on the "bigger" boss. Anyway, the purpose of the meeting I had yesterday was to give feedback on my performance, and to guide me on what my plans are for my career. The one hour meeting was fruitful and enlightening on my part. But the most important thing is that I was also given a chance to give feedback to the management and leadership team.

I can't find two pretty ladies in a meeting.. So I am using this. My boss' boss is one pretty lady!

 

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Congratulations to the Winners of Vote for Ms M&M Green and Pasko Sa Agosto Giveaway!

Before you throw in confetti and we get to the announcement of winners, first, thank you to all the readers, bloggers and lurkers who joined the mini-give-aways. I apologize for the delay in announcing the winner for the M&M's Vote for Ms. Green Contest. I am awaiting for the announcement of the winner for the campaign and I thought of adding prizes if I would be announced as winner. But as of press time, we don't have a word yet. I am raffling off the winner and might just raffle another one if I get luck to win the campaign contest ;)

It is just sad that there are some subscribers who didn't confirm their subscription to my blog, and losing points and more chances in winning in the raffle. But just the same, thank you for joining the contest and for visiting the humble blog.

Enough of the talk, let's go to the best part.

The winner of the M&M's Gift Pack is...

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Planning Your Fairy Tales

I just found out a [blogger] friend just got married (congrats and best wishes!) - and I saw from a Facebook feed that another blogger is getting married SOON. I am not surprised with how fast people can simply update their relationship status from Single to In a Relationship [with] to Engaged then Married. Facebook recently made changes in the site, and I just hope developers would not add Divorced or Legally Separated in the relationship status.

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