Last Post for 2011 is All About Gratitude and Hopes

I usually sleep and catch on sleep during New Year's Eve. But I cannot let the few minutes pass without writing my last blog post for 2011.

This has been a very great year for me. More than the blessings, material things, experiences, exposures, great job with supportive team and opportunities, I am more thankful to God for keeping me and my family safe, and for meeting a lot of talented and wonderful people in different industries who like me, share the same interest - writing.

This year has been so significant especially in my blogging. This is I think the highlight of my 2011. When I started blogging, I never wanted to be famous, or popular (not that I am today). I wanted to stay anonymous. I am happy documenting my experiences, my frustrations and views - I never even cared if there is anyone or no one who visits my blog. I never post my pictures because I wanted to keep my life private.

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For a Change, Speak Up for 2012

There are just so many ways wherein one can speak up and voice out his/her views. We are luckier now - because with just a simple tweet and upload, we can share anything that we wanted the world to see and read. We can even connect with personalities, institutions and businesses - simply to express our adoration, or raise a concern.

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What's On My BedSide Table? Unscripted by Sarah Meier and Vicky Herrera

I miss reading books and blogging about the books I read. The earlier posts in this blog are all about the books I read (mostly chicklits!) Read this blog about the book Thoughts While Having Sex which I wrote in January 2008! I miss having the time to read books. I got tons of books waiting to be scanned and read (see them here).  I am just soo glad I was given the time and opportunity to attend the book launch of Unscripted by Sarah Meier and Vicky Herrera some weeks ago - and that book stays in my bedside table. I simply love everything about the book!

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Nikon and Electroworld Unveil Nikon 1 J1 & Nikon 1 V1: Like Digital Cameras with DSLR Functions

I was thinking if I should really get a DSLR - I always think of the pros and cons of things whenever I cannot decide on something. It looks like at this point, there are more pros on getting a DSLR. When I bought my digital camera I got more reasons to buy digital camera BUT NOW - I thought I need a DSLR.  Let me list down the reasons:

1. DSLR has this commanding approach - when you ask someone if you can take their pictures with DSLR on hand, they will eagerly pose for you, but with a digicam on hand, you will always look like a fan (that is funny but true!).

2. I need DSLR mainly for events coverage - especially when I am seated somewhere far, and needed a good shot that can zoom away and sweep away the crowd.

3. My second line manager believes so. Hehe. Her opinion matters, and she, being an avid reader of blogs (fashion blogs), she suggested I get one.

4. Will be travelling somewhere and it is once in a lifetime experience. I need a good camera that can capture priceless moments (I sound like a commercial).

I never wanted to bring anything bulky, being me that I tend to bring everything and carry a big bag - having a DSLR is another burden to carry on my shoulder.

Then, there is light. I was invited to the media launch of Nikon's Latest Camera Technology. Two new cameras that can take pictures like a pro, aptly called the "camera of the future". They are called Nikon 1 J1 and Nikon 1 V1. 

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Great Buys of the Week: Flats, Dress, Organizer Boxes and Sling Bag!

Even though my closet and room are overflowing with clothes and stuff, I still cannot resist a great bargain - something that is worth of its price. Sharing some nice pieces I recently bought.

Flats from Payless

I have a lot of heeled shoes which I seldom use because I mostly commute and I am already too tall for heels. So I just wear them if the ensembles call for heeled shoes - if my clothes can go with flats, I wear flats!

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My House Husband, Ikaw Na! Presscon at Guilly's!

I can't believe it is already Christmas! I slept yesterday afternoon and woke up early this morning to attend worship service. My phone is flooded with greetings from friends, bloggies and loved ones - same with my Facebook alerts and Twitter. So what are you planning to do today? My mom and I will sure watch My House Husband. I missed the premiere night held last Thursday in SM Megamall (I woke up late because of the party I attended morning after shift!), and I just sulked while I prepare to work and read the tweets regarding the movie.

Last week, we were invited for the final presscon of the movie with the whole cast in Guilly's, Tomas Morato. We basically know about each cast member's role, having attended numerous presscons with Eugene, Judy Ann and Ryan, and even Direk Joey. Joining the presscon was Rocco Nacino and Ellen Adarna. Unfortunately, Direk Joey wasn't there - earlier that day I read his tweet that he was not feeling very well.

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Augmented Reality Game in Facebook: Conzace Viral Smackdown!

I just found and played a very cool game in Facebook and I just have to blog about it! You know that I am not a gamer and the last time I played competitively for a video game was when I was in Grade School. Anyway, as everyone knows, and every Facebook user is aware, Facebook also hosts fun games and different brands also host games in their Fanpages and Apps as a sort of promotion.

I have played and joined a lot! From normal fast-finger games, Mafia War-like games to puzzle games. But my new discovery is very interactive! So interactive that it requires a camera! Yup. So I played (I gave my permission for this app to access my camera - I just hope they didn't show it live somewhere while I played. Hehe) - and camera means using your hands (and maybe even feet)!

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New IBM Software Encourages Safe and Secure Social Networking

Does your company allow you to use the internet while at work? or use mobile phones and tablets? Well, if you are working as part of the marketing or social media relations team, you have the license to connect to the world wide web. But most of the companies do not allow such. Surprisingly, during the event I attended with Sandy Carter, she shared that applicants' consideration when applying for a job is if the company allows the employees to use the internet while at work.

I personally think that it is fine to be "social" while working, as long you do it in moderation. Sharing viral videos of kissing couples is not work-related - a gentle reminder. It is a perfect venue to collaborate with others, and connect and share. IBM, being the champion in innovation, unveiled recently new social networking and collaboration mobile apps specifically designed to address enterprise-class requirements. The new software, available for download today (yes, December 24th!) from the most popular app stores, takes IBM industry-leading social networking, real-time collaboration and online meeting capabilities from behind the company firewall and places it into the hands of tablet users.

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Finally Met My Ultimate Crush!!! - Bossing Vic Sotto [on Enteng ng Ina Mo]

What would you do if you received an invite to meet your ultimate crush? That someone you have been adoring since you were 3? Of course you will go. So I did go - never mind that I only have 2 hours of sleep. I couldn't miss this chance.

One thing I notice about Bossing Vic Sotto - he loves Lacoste shirts!

We were invited to the Bloggers Merienda with Bossing Vic Sotto last Tuesday in Cravings, Katipunan (I remember the old, rustic Cravings!) . I felt like dreaming when I read the message. I have to re-read and re-read the message. I took note of the date. It's the first time he's doing it. I cannot even remember that bossing actually sit-down with press people - well, mostly are press conferences with other stars of the film. This one though, is an intimate event. We were all very excited waiting for him. We were like on a dating game - retouching our make-up, re-applying lipstick and practicing smiles. As soon as he arrived, the cameras started clicking.

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Sale Alert: Where to Shop for Christmas Gifts?

Don't have a gift yet for Holiday Season? Check out the store sale schedules below:

Converse is having their last day of their Warehouse Sale! Below are the details:

Converse Warehouse
December 10 - 23, 2011
Converse Marikina Warehouse located at #65 Gen. Molina St. Parang, Marikina City

 
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[Corporate Service Corps] What Happens During the First and Second ConCalls?

Taking a break from work to blog about this - it is our second call meeting with the Indonesia Team, and I am glad to get to the office 15 minutes before the scheduled call because during the first meet, I was 5 minutes late. Thank you to heavy traffic caused by Christmas Rush.

I had been meaning to blog about our first call but because I am loaded with tons to do, the task is now buried under the other new tasks I need to accomplish - add the events that I wanted to attend, and chose to attend - my schedule is such a chaos.

Anyway, during our first call, there were 9 (out of 10) who joined the meeting. Our Facilitator named Roman - welcomed us and gave a short briefing regarding the program and why all of us were on the call that time. The facilitator is usually an employee who has been assigned to another country - simply put, a CSC alumnus. Roman was once assigned here in the Philippines, and their client then was PhilVocs. Yes, he knows the UP Area and the jeepneys. The participants are from other geographies and I am lucky that Roman chose 8PM to 9PM (Manila Time) to set the meeting. My schedule starts at 9PM, so at least the meeting is not between my sleep hours - I am just not certain about the other participants though. We later agreed that the schedule is the perfect time for all of us to meet. But just the same, Roman scheduled another re-curring meeting every Friday - just incase we miss the Wednesday call. So Roman told us that we need to be processing our Visa application and working on our Pre-Work Modules. Before we fly to Indonesia for the assignment, we need to complete series of modules to prepare us for the in-country assignment.

I started working on the modules as soon as I got the link. The first module asked me to create a profile. It feels like filling out a slum book. I don't mean to impress the facilitator or the other participants, but I want my real personality to reflect in the file I submitted. It took me hours to choose the pictures to be included. I even asked suggestion from a friend. I always find it hard to select a profile picture even in Facebook. I don't even regulary update my profile unlike most of my friends. I decided to add my picture taken from my recent trip to Beijing (it is not very recent - it was in August). The other one was taken while we were riding the 4x4 ride in the sand dunes in Ilocos (a Northern province in the Philippines).

Roman told us that on the third call (that's next week!), we will be introducing ourselves. Have you tried presenting or introducing yourself through conference call? This is going to be my first.

During our first call, we were all so quiet and just listening. Probably assessing each other's personality through the phone lines. We communicated with just our breathes. I sent a message to the facilitator and he said that  they were also like that during their first call, and after the assignment, all of them couldn't stop talking.

The call earlier was like a Q&A session. Almost everyone asked a question, specifically about the Visa processing and the online training.

Speaking of online training, I have already completed one module from the training plan sent to me by the client (this is a different from Pre-Work Module).  It is nice that at this early stage, I am already learning alot from the program.

More updates will be published here. In the mean time, I need to go and attend an important meeting.

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Congratulations to the Winners [GCs, GluthaMax, Kenny Rogers Stuff and Human Nature Goodies]

First, apologies. I just found time to raffle off the winners for my give-away. It has been a busy week - and I cannot believe I missed some deadlines. I have attended numerous events and parties, and experienced alot of good things - will share and blog about them soon.

Thank you to all who joined. Here are the winners -

*drum roll please*

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Buy Original Proactiv Set, Get Discounts and a Chance to Watch Katy Perry's Concert!

It's the time of the year again, and Christmas party invitations are flooding my inbox and mobile phone. Outfits and costumes (if necessary) are not the only things that make me worry - but my face too!! I need to always look good, if not fresh - especially most of my friends own those precious DLSRs. I feel like I were still on my teenage years because pimples are still present in my face. As much as I want to get enough sleep, stay healthy and follow a beauty routine, it is hard if you have deadlines to meet and meetings to attend. But lucky that I am Proactiv is now available in Manila, plus I try to get treatment from derma too.

They say that I use such expensive products to care for my skin, but Proactiv is what works for me. I am luckier that I don't need to buy from the US. I am sure  Mandy Moore, Avril Lavigne, the pop heart throb, Justin Bieber, and now Katy Perry (the new face and official endorse of Proactiv) get their monthly supply right at their doorstep.

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Christmas Gift Suggestions: 9 Gifts to a Techie Friend, Gamer or Photographer

I am no techie so a little wonder trick of technology amazes me. What is more amazing is to be presented with 9 awesome tech gadgets and accessories from well-known brands. I was glad to have attended the Brands that Click 2011 last December 5th at the Astoria Plaza, despite colds and fever - and bed weather. Read about my new discoveries:

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IBM Awarded Community Grants and Made Me a Chef (for a Day!)

IBM once again changed the views, if not the lives of many people. To cap off IBM's year-long centennial celebration, IBM awarded 6 new Community Impact Grants worth $10,000 last week, December 12th.

As you know, IBM celebrated its 100 years this year and instead of throwing parties and big celebrations, IBM decided to celebrate by giving back to the community, and it is such called the Celebration of Service. We (yes, I am an IBMer), did community service and help communities, and organizations. We just didn't give goods, but also our time, skills and knowledge - from building schools, teaching kids, donating books and blood, we give back to the community.

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Compose a Ringtone with Your Smart Phone!

The world has gone wild the other night, the much awaited phone has come to Manila - iPhone4S. It was like a fever that hit the country. I was busy working on tasks in the office, but Twitter allowed me to somehow know what's going on in the launch with two competing networks' campaign trending in Twitter.

As for me, I think I will be stuck with my old Nokia phone (yes, still the one which uses Key Pad!). I have had a taste of using touch screen phone, but I still find convenience in using key pad. I only use my tab supported with Android for browsing and Tweeting. Don't ask me about QWERTY phone because I haven't embraced the idea of owning a QWERTY phone yet. But I would glady accept a Black Berry phone as a gift this holiday season.

I remember the time when I owned the Nokia 3210 - I was one of the first in our campus - and I felt so "cool" that time. Imagine a phone that allows me to compose or make a ringtone? And mind you, mine is made in Finland.

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Christmas Gift Suggestions/Wish List: Signature Bags from Reebonz

You know how much I loooove bags - stylish and unique ones. I don't care about the brand, as long as I want it, I buy it. Last year, I got too addicted with bags that has Marilyn Monroe's face on it. I even find myself checking online sites (even the ones abroad) just to lust over the bags.

The only thing that restricts me from buying the bags that catch my attention is that card dangling on the side and the figures printed on it - the price! And at this time that I only get a regular salary, I cannot afford yet the likes of Hermes and other signature bags.

But then again, maybe I can afford those bags - with the perfect timing and right decision - I can buy from Reebonz. Or maybe I can just make a wish list and wait for my loved ones to send me the gifts. Here are my wishes!

Fendi Borsa Chef Tabacco Nero Bag

 - because I am loving that print and cute bag fob!

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Christmas Gift Suggestions: Watches and Bags from Fossil

I love the Fossil because it is a brand which is both stylish and affordable. Here are some nice pieces/good gift suggestions from Fossil that you might want to add on your wishlist or give to your friends/relatives.



MADDOX

This season, the beloved Maddox collection is back—and better than ever.  Complete with soft, pebbled leather and custom hardware, these iconic bags are even more stylish in perfect-for-the-season colors like navy, scarlet, and salmon. We love the messenger bags for keeping organized, and for holiday, we can’t get enough of “wow” details, like metallic accents and fur textures.

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Judy Ann and Ryan on My House Husband, Marriage, and Being Friends

Judy Ann opened the door of the room with such a rush and an apology. She was followed by her husband, Ryan Agoncillo, and the first things they said were apologies. We really didn't mind actually. We waited for them for hours, but we enjoyed the company of other bloggers in a cozy place such as Napa Restaurant in Timog, Quezon City.

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Gandiva Cafe and Archery Range: Eat, Shoot and Focus!

This activity is highly recommended as a team-building activity!

I was exposed to a Natural, Healthy and Organic lifestyle last Friday in Grandiva Cafe and Archery Range. Now, I thought of considering being a Vegan, and trying out Yoga.

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Project HeadShot and Take the Test Project: Commit to HIV Awareness

I know this blog post is uber late. But honestly, it is never too late to take the test, and take part on the campaign of creating awareness about HIV. I, together with chosen bloggers went to Victoria Court in Malate last November 23rd to have our pictures taken by the great Niccolo Cosme for the Project Headshot Clinic - Commit campaign.

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International Stylist Barney Martin Styled Bloggers

International Celebrity Stylist and Pantene Ambassador Barney Martin (who styled the likes of Kate Moss, Drew Barrymore and Lily Cole) flew to Manila and styled fashion bloggers and Gretchen Barretto in an exclusive hair show and workshop last November 24th, in The Loft Manansala in Rockwell.

Before you get excited, I am not one of the bloggers who got lucky to be styled by Barney but your guesses are right - I once again saw Camille Co, Kryz Uy, Laureen Uy, and Patricia Prieto on stage. They were in silver and white ensembles - reminds me of the theme we had for our Year-end Party!

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Wish List - From Travel Things to Baby Gifts

Holiday Season is coming! I just sent a reminder to our team regarding our Kris-Kringle theme for tomorrow - Something Useful but Trendy. Another email I sent is the list of individual's wishes - which reminded me that I don't have anything yet on my list. There are ten thousand things I want to buy and own, but yet, they cost too much that I am afraid my "mommy/daddy" cannot afford them.


I am thinking of asking for:

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Eugene Domingo on Being the "Other Woman" in My House Husband

When I arrived in Kenny Rogers Katipunan last November 30th, I find "the" Eugene Domingo" sitting quietly in the table, eating her salad. If not for the media people occasionally greeting her, and the My House Husband tarpaulin hanging behind her, I would think she were just one of the customers, enjoying a good meal on Bonifacio Day. She is as simple as that, but simple is not the best term to describe her achievements and talent.

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Congratulations to the Winner of Lazer Xtreme and Sparkle GCs!

Sorry for the late drawing and announcement. I enjoyed the party I attended to last night, and came home late.

The good news is, I included all the entries sent before I drew the winner a few minutes ago. The winner will receive 4 Laser Xtreme GCs and 1 SPArkle GC.

So based on random.org, 

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Subic International Marathon 2012 Schedule, Registration and Details

Who wants to/can run for 42k marathon?! Well, if you are up for the challenge, you need to join the Subic International Marathon 2012. For the newbie runners like me, there is also 3k. But I still need to get a good running shoes before I can join. Or probably considering running barefoot!

The Subic International Marathon is running on its 6th year with CORPS Movement Foundation and Dilaab Movement as the beneficiaries with eXtribe, Inc. as the running event’s co-producer and race organizer.

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World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF)-Philippines and BPI Foundation, Inc Reveals Study on Climate Change

I started my week in an "environmentalist" way. Last Monday, November 28th, I attended the event in which the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF)-Philippines and BPI Foundation, Inc. unveiled the results of the study conducted in 4 cities in the Philippines. The study aims to help these vulnerable cities adapt to climate change by building their infrastructure and coming up with a project pan.

The report entitled "Business Risk Assessment and the Management of Climate Change Impacts” which was started in August 2010 shows the city-specific socio-economic baseline data for four cities: Baguio, Davao, Iloilo and Cebu. It is interesting that these cities, although they are common choices as tourist destinations, face serious issues. The four cities were selected based mainly from the occurrence of storms, floods, drought and other extreme climate events during the past decade.

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Watch the Philippine Azkals and LA Galaxy Live on SkyCable HD

I am sure you might have heard - the "David Beckham" has arrived in Manila, and the name is now trending in Twitter.

Photo by @InquirerPhotog

If you don't have exclusive passes to watch the game, ditch the binoculars and time to switch on the TV and connect to SkyCable. Tune in on December 3, 2011 to SKYcable HD, Channel 167 at 6:30pm.

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IBM Introduces New Storage Offerings to Accelerate Smarter Computing

I don't know much about techie or geek stuff, but I just want to share the info below:

Makati City, December 2, 2011: As part of a key initiative to accelerate the implementation of Smarter Computing,  IBM announced yesterday (Dec 1) to local clients and business partners new and updated storage technologies that can help clients gain actionable insights from data, increase IT capacity and deliver new services faster to create profitable business opportunities. The launch and enablement activity was held at the New World Hotel, Makati City. 

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