UK Cars, Anyone?

In today’s time, having a car is really an advantage. Traffic congestions in the city continue to worsen, that is why having your own car gives you the option to take the shorter way home and off to work, less the inconvenience of commuting and crowded passenger vehicles.

If you are looking for new and/or used cars for sale, you might want to check the website of www.BuyYourCar.co.uk, a car portal in the UK which started three years ago. It not only sells cars but it also allows consumers to search and inquire on car leasing, contract hire and van leasing and even compare offers across all of these purchase routes.

www.BuyYourCar.co.uk generally focuses on all aspects of car purchase and research, and offers independent car reviews and links to competitive loans and insurance. There is nothing to lose if you would try so what are you waiting for? Visit their website now and see for yourself.

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Flavors of Spain '09: A Food Festival at its Best

Last Thursday, September 24, I was at the Tower Club, Makati to cover the launching of “Flavors of Spain ’09” hosted by Fuego Hotels & Properties in cooperation with the Economic & Commercial Office of the Spanish Embassy.
The event was graced by foreign dignitaries, diplomats, media, Manila society and Fuego Hotels’ corporate clients and friends. The Clara Ramon Danza de Flamenca was also there to show their dancing prowess and outstanding performance. Guests sampled treats and wines from participating exhibitors and savored an array of mouth-watering Spanish tapas and hams especially prepared by Chef Mikel Arruiz and the wonderful chefs of Tower Club. Wines were sponsored by Wine Depot.
Lucky guests won accommodations to Fuego destinations: Taal Vista Hotel, Pearl Farm Beach Resort, Club Punta Fuego, 7Stones Boracay Suites, and roundtrip tickets to Kalibo on Philippine Airlines among others. Although I did not join in the raffle, I was able to bring home a tote bag filled with goodies from Heno de Pravia, Gallo, Clara Ole and Chupa Chups.
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"The Echo," A Movie Review

First, I would like to congratulate Director Yam Laranas for doing such a good job. “The Echo” will surely mark in Philippine history because this is the first Filipino horror film ever translated into a Hollywood film.

Say I am biased, but the truth is, the movie is indeed frightening. The (dim) lights and (melodramatic and suspense) sound effects set the mood for viewers to internalize the eerie scenes. The old building/condominium setting is perfect for the story, just like in “Sigaw,” where there is a family of disturbed souls who ask for closure, justice and peace. The props, costumes and make-up of the haunting ghosts namely Gina (Iza Calzado), Gina’s daughter Carly (Jamie Bloch) and Jesse’s mother looks natural and realistic and they truly scare me to death.

Jesse Bradford’s acting was superb as he tries to solve the mystery of his mother’s and neighbors’ deaths. Iza Calzado’s portrayal as the battered wife was also outstanding, and as the ghost, she also did an excellent job. I can say that Iza did better in “The Echo” than in “Sigaw.” Jesse’s girlfriend Alyssa (Amelia Warner) was good, too, especially during her scene inside the family's room, when the invisible ghost/husband/policeman brutally injures and bangs her against the walls.

The plot is direct and some scenes, although already seen in other horror movies, still bring scare and suspense to me that I almost forgot I was watching a Pinoy masterpiece.

In general, “The Echo” is a good movie. Even though it is not as scary as “The Ring,” “The Grudge,” or “Shutter,” I still give it an 8 for the fine direction, superb acting performance, overall productions and great story.


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Toblerone's National Thank You Day (Year 2)

“Why are you here?” asked Karen Pamintuan, the mistress of ceremony during Toblerone’s National Thank You Day (Year II) celebration last September 22, 2009 at the Fiamma Bar, Makati City.

And if she had asked me the same question that night, I would answer, “I am here to see how other people show their gratitude to their loved ones and to other people who have played an important role in their life, in our society, and in the world."

Just recently, Toblerone launched a photo competition entitled, “Spread the Sweetness of Gratitude,” as a way to express our gratefulness to people we love and admire. And this is what I am excited about – to see how other people say “thank you” through pictures and actions.

Together let us witness the much-awaited announcement of winners on October 20, 2009 during the National Thank You Day Awards.
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Blog Post Backlogs...

Thank God It's Friday! It has been a busy week for me - as a blogger. Everyday there was a blog event to attend to and what's giving me pressure now are the post backlogs. I'll make sure that on Sunday, if I won't make it to the Philippines - Otaku Kingdom 2009 at Enchanted Kingdom, I will finish all these pending blog posts:

1. Toblerone's National Thank You Day Celebration @ Fiamma Bar, Makati

2. Movie Review of "The Echo" by Director Yam Laranas

3. Red Carpet Premiere of "The Echo" at SM Megamall
4. Spanish Foodfest '09 by "Flavors of Spain," at Tower Club, Makati
5. Wine and Food Review for the "Flavors of Spain" Event

6. Doña Elena Cuisinera Club Event @ The Podium

7. First Big Bite Match Hotdog Eating Challenge @ MOA

8. [and hopefully, if time would still permit me to] Rockatropa Concert @ MOA

Plus the uploading of photos during these events. And I also have to blog about Town's Delights' food, which is long overdue already. I hope I could do all these in one sitting.

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The Echo: From Manila to Manhattan

In 2004, Director Yam Laranas released the horror movie "Sigaw," which went on to become a huge hit both here and abroad. A year later, Yam received a call from a Daily Variety reporter who told him that a producer named Roy Lee wanted to watch it, so he sent a copy to the States.

When Producer Roy Lee watched "Sigaw," he loved it. “Certain scenes made me jump and I have seen so many other horror movies where that never happens,” Roy said. It just so happened that he served as a mediator between Hollywood and Asia—he is the man behind the Hollywood remakes of so many Asian horror films which include The Ring I, II & III (Ringu, 1998, Japan), The Grudge I, II & II (Ju-on, 2000, Japan), The Departed (Mou gaan dou [Infernal Affairs], 2002, Hong Kong), The Lake House (Siworae, 2002, Korea ) and Dark Water (Honogurai mizu no soko kara, 2002, Japan).

“Sigaw" stood out as a really well-crafted movie and when I found out Yam had made the film for well under a million dollars and had done such a great job, I wondered about what kind of picture he might make if he was given the resources to do a full Hollywood production,” recalled Lee.

So it was that Yam’s masterpiece started its journey from Manila to Manhattan and from "Sigaw" to "The Echo." Some changes were made to "Sigaw" to make it more suited for American audiences. In the original, the main character just moved into a new apartment. When he questioned the screams he heard coming from it, his girlfriend tried to get him to move out, but he refused out of pride.

For North American audiences, pride alone isn’t a reason to keep an apartment. “We solved that problem by giving Bobby, the main character, a criminal record and because of the terms of his parole, Bobby has to stay in the apartment where his late mom used to live,” explained Tyler Mitchell, one of The Echo’s producers. The Echo’s setting was also changed from Manila to Manhattan.

American actor Jesse Bradford takes over the role that Richard Gutierrez brought to life. When approached to play Bobby Reynolds, he was given "Sigaw" to watch and that sealed the deal. “I thought Yam had a terrific visual sense and I had never taken on a role like this.”

Meanwhile, Iza Calzado reprises her role as the victimized wife. “It’s hard to find someone who can be both sympathetic and horrific in the same film. Iza lends herself well to both,” says Mitchell.

For Director Laranas, the experience of remaking "Sigaw" was an epiphany. “I got to relive the days when I made the original, but correcting my mistakes and making it better this time, working with people who were there to help me tell the story better and on a bigger scale, and that was gratifying.”

To be released by Viva International Pictures locally, "The Echo" will hit theaters on September 30.
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I'm Back in the Kitchen

Have you experienced playing with chopped ornamental leaves, shredded gumamelas, blanched santan, pounded five fingers, and rice in play pots when you were 6, 7 or 8? And afterwards, your Mom would come out screaming, "Anak, nagkalat ka na naman dyan!!!"

That was me when I was a child, a chef in my simplest, most innocent way; experimenting unedible formulas, abusing the abundancy of water supply, making mortar and pestle out of igneous rocks, playing with fire and matches, cooking the "uncookables," and so on. That was the best part of my childhood.

Now I realize I have grown up with the same interests I had when I was young. Cooking, along with writing, sports and the arts, started during kindergarten and I am glad I am able to nurture "my gifts."

I am finally back in the kitchen! I was able to cook breakfast, lunch and dinner for my family this weekend. All of them had their own favorites. Fernan liked my sardines omelette for breakfast, Mom loved my grilled pork chops with spring onion sauce for lunch, and Dad & Pemy loved my penne primavera for dinner. It really feels good when people you love appreciate your "Labor of Love."

Seeing the positive impact of this hobby will definitely get me going. I hope I can find more time to cook for my loved ones because cooking, aside from serving as an outlet of inspiration and a therapy to relieve stress, is one way to show my family and friends how much I love them.

And as a proof, I want to share with you some recipes I did during my long weekend stay at home. Kindly visit my food blog at http://patikimako.blogspot.com. Enjoy!

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Gusto mo ba ng libreng Starbucks Coffee? I-repost lang ito.

Subject: Gusto mo ba ng libreng Starbucks Coffee? I-repost lang ito.

Bakit may pa-kontest? Wala lang, gusto kong magpa-kontest. May nagbigay ng Starbucks Coffee Gift Certificate sa akin. Naubos ko na yung dating pinapakontest ko na ticket sa Comedy Bar kaya ito naman.

Mekaniks:

1. I-repost ang buong blog na ito (yep, copy and paste) sa kahit anong blog site na trip mo.

Halimbawa: Friendster blog, Multiply blog, Facebook Notes, Blogspot, WordPress, MySpace, self-hosted sites.

2. Kailangang ilagay ang subject na:

Gusto mo ba ng libreng Starbucks Coffee? I-repost lang ito.

Kapag hindi ganyan ang subject, hindi valid ang entry. Maliwanag?

3. Pumunta sa: http://salbehe.wordpress.com/kontest/ at ilagay ang inyong link. Isang valid link ay isang koment.

4. I-ra-raffle ang Starbucks Coffee Gift Certificate sa Oct. 3, 2009.

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I Choose Nestle

As part of my "losing weight" diet, I have been enjoying the Nestle's Fitnesse Honey and Almond Cereals and Nestle Low Fat Milk during dinner for weeks now [except during special occasions, of course]. I hope I can get through this until the end of October. I am preparing for something extravagant and it uber excites me.
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Two Thumbs "UP"!

"Up" is another must-seen animated movie directed by Pete Docter under Disney Pixar. Starring the voices of Ed Asner as Carl Fredrickson, Jordan Nagai as Russel and Bob Peterson as Dug, the talking dog.

It is a movie for kids and the kids-at-heart alike. For children, it is about adventures, fun and friendship but for adults, it is a story of life, love and loss. Perhaps kids will not understand why their guardians are rolling down with tears in the first 15 minutes of the movie, down to the middle part where Carl lost Ellie (Ok, I'm a spoiler here. Sorry.) up to the last 15 minutes of it while Mr. Fredrickson got up on stage to pin the Ellie badge on Russel's chest. It really caused me a silent cry.

However, it is not all about sentimentality here for me. And yes, it is a super funny movie, too. I couldn't help but laugh out loud whenever Russel gives hilarious punchlines that I didn't expect would come from the mouth of an innocent, little kid. Even my seatmate giggled [and even clapped his hands unconsciously] whenever there are amazing tricks and comical dialogues thrown by the lead actors.

I highly recommend "Up," because for me, it is an excellent movie! This is my most favorite cartoon movie at present, after "Bolt." I give it a 10.

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Ipietoon, I Love!

I so so so love my newest template! Do you like it, too?

For so long, I have been looking for a neat, organized and girly look for my main blog. It has been years. When I happened to visit Ria's food blog, I'm On A Diet Daw... Or At Least I Try, I first had the impression of having the same template because of its well-positioned sidebar columns, where I can put my blog add-ons and accessories. But I opted not to because its Ria's. So, I clicked on the website link where she got it and, Voila!

After enjoying my snail template for months, I am redecorating it with this cosmeticgirl template. Thanks to ipietoon for providing me with a free blogger template that will suit my own style and personality.

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A Million Minutes for Peace

I found a link in Facebook where we can pledge a minute for peace.

On September 21, the world will observe the United Nations International Day of Peace. Let us pause at noon and pray for peace for one minute. Each minute of prayer, if done together, will truly create a difference for us all.

You can visit my charity blog, MAKING A DIFFERENCE: THE NICELY WAY, to know more about the registration.

You can also visit Odyssey Networks' website for more information about the organization and this project.

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5th Annual Sculpture Review (September 8-22, 2009)

From September 8-22, 2009, the 5th Annual Sculpture Review will be at the Art Center, 4/L, SM Megamall A, Mandaluyong City. Artists such as Mulawin Abueva, Salvador Joel Alonday, Carlo Aranton, Michael Cacnio, Aba Dalena, Pete Jimenez, etc. contribute their artworks for the exhibit.

~

Yes, this is an art review exhibit but this post ain't going to be a review. I'm just sharing the news and some photos.

"Call Center Revolution" by Anna Varona"

"Dreaming Goddess" by Agnes Arellano

"I'm Just a Rumbling Man" by Lirio Salvador "Flagellant" by Carlito Ortega

The art exhibit is open to public during mall hours.

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I'm an ATD Friend Now! Yey!

September 12, 2009 – I attended the All Together in Dignity (ATD) Philippines’ Orientation at Powerbooks, SM Megamall. This event aimed to inform the public of ATD’s existence and at the same time, to inspire more volunteers and friends to support the ATD Fourth World Movement in helping more families living below the poverty line.

But first, what is ATD Fourth World Movement? It is an international non-government organization composed of full-time and part-time volunteers who assist poor individuals and families living in developing and developed countries to mitigate extreme poverty.

ATD was founded in 1957 in Paris, France by Fr. Joseph Wresinki who grew up in a poor family and community. In 1987, Fr. Wresinki brought the ATD Movement in the Philippines and let Dr. Estefania Aldaba-Lim, former DSWD Secretary, supervise it.

The orientation started at 3pm with Kuya Robert Alejandro (former GMA 7’s Art is Cool host) as facilitator/emcee. I was so glad to have a photo taken with him and for the chance to talk to him and reminisce good old days when my Comm. II group way back UP days had him for an interview. (He said he still remembers it because we (my group) were late, but the truth was, he came ahead of time. Hehehe!).

It was a fun event as I expected. There was a mime presentation showing how hard it is to look for volunteers. It was followed by a powerpoint presentation by ATD Manager, Ms. Yuson, explaining what ATD is and how it makes a difference in other people’s lives. A representative from Anvil Publishing, an ATD partner, promoted a book entitled, “Gold Under the Bridge.” Too bad I was not able to buy or even scan its pages that time. Aling Tita, from the poor sector, also spoke up in front to tell success stories of ATD projects in enhancing the lives of the needy and less fortunate. Her family is one of the beneficiaries of the movement and she is very overwhelmed while describing how it is to be an ATD beneficiary. And yes, she was able to meet UN Sec. Gen. Kofi Annan in person when ATD went to New York City, USA.

ATD Philippines Fourth World Movement’s projects are as follows:

-street libraries

-adult workshops and gatherings

-Festival of Learning

-International Day of Alleviating Extreme Poverty

-October 17 Poverty Commemoration

-Creative HeARTS

-fundraisings and art workshops

And the best part of the event was the art workshop when we were divided into four groups, given art materials and asked to come up with a journal/diary in our own creative and artistic way. I was part of Gr. IV and have met new friends, Jason, Paoulo, Glenn, Mel, Eric (from OPAPP), Bel (from PMS) and Yobs. In the process, it was fun as we cut colored papers into shapes and letters, shaded craypass as backgrounds and borders, sketched, and we even did a pop-up page! The theme of the workshop is “The Rights of a Child,” and ATD is going to sell our outputs during Creative HeARTs fair.

.

As the orientation concluded, I have high hopes that this would not be the first and last time that I am going to be with the ATD.

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Be a Volunteer with ATD Philippines!

All Together in Dignity (ATD) Fourth World Philippines invites you to learn how you can be volunteers and help families living in poverty. Learn more about their programs and how you can help in your own small way and make a BIG difference.

If you want to join, please attend the orientation tomorrow, September 12, 2009, 3-5PM at Powerbooks, Megamall. We will have a FUN art workshop to cap the orientation session.

Please pass this invitation to more people who may be interested in helping others!

For any questions, please feel free to call ATD Philippines at 563.9312 or email atdmnl@pldtdsl.net. You can also visit their website at http://atdphilippines.blogspot.com/.

Thank you to Anvil Publishing in supporting us in this event!

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Noynoy for President

I always admire the Aquinos ever since I was a child. The late Senator Benigno Aquino, Jr. was way too brave to fight the Marcos' dictatorship. The late President Corazon Aquino, the first ever woman president of the Philippines, has been a great leader and inspiration. Ballsy, Pinky and Viel, amid the high position of their family in our society - economically, socially and politically speaking - have remained humble, quiet and generous to others. One of the highest paid actress/tv host in the Philippines today, Kris Aquino, though tactless and confrontationally frank, has always been true and firm in what she says and believes. Sen. Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III has always been a good political leader through his unselfish public service.

But when he declared his candidacy for the 2010 Presidential Election last September 8, I came to ask myself, "Will I vote for him?"

Will Noynoy be a good President? Will he be able to unite our people through his leadership? Will he be able to formulate solutions to national problems such as poverty, terrorism, inequality, socio-economic indifferences and political divisiveness? Will he be able to transform our country into an economic tiger? Can he make the Philippines a better place for all Filipinos?

I still have no straight answers for these, only assumptions. We can never tell until he is there. One thing is for sure, before I give him my vote, I will think twice because my future, our future, will rely on my vote, on our votes.

~

Photo Credit: http://www.daylife.com/

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My Second Shot of HPV Vaccine

I got my second shot of Gardasil today. Thanks for the kind assistance of Ate Erline of OP-HRMO and our ever helpful office nurse. (Refer to my first HPV Vaccine here.)

It hurts more the second time around.

What is Gardasil?

GARDASIL is the only cervical cancer vaccine that helps protect against 4 types of human papillomavirus (HPV): 2 types that cause 70% of cervical cancer cases, and 2 more types that cause 90% of genital warts cases. GARDASIL is for girls and young women ages 9 to 26.

GARDASIL may not fully protect everyone, and does not prevent all types of cervical cancer, so it’s important to continue routine cervical cancer screenings. GARDASIL does not treat cervical cancer or genital warts. GARDASIL will not protect against diseases caused by other HPV types or against diseases not caused by HPV. GARDASIL is given as 3 injections over 6 months.

Info Source: http://www.gardasil.com/
Photo Source: Here.

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My New Blogs

Introducing my newest blogs:

♥ Ano'ng Specialty N'yo? Patikim Ako. (with Yobs as my co-author/contributor/part-time photographer)
♥ Making a Difference: The Nicely Way
♥ Foxy Photos

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I hope that you will follow my blogs regularly. It heartens me to know that through my writings and photos, I can help and make others happy.

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Yobs' First Ever Attendance to a Blog Event

At last, I have succeeded in encouraging Yobs to attend a blog event. The food tasting event last September 5 hosted by Town's Delight The Caterer and Republic of Cavite Restaurant was his first time.

Yobs truly enjoyed the food event because he really loves to eat and try out new dishes!

He is my co-author/contributor/part-time photoblogger in my newly [re]created food blog, Ano'ng Specialty Nýo? Patikim Ako.

For more information about Town's Delight and Republic of Cavite, feel free to visit our food blog HERE.

Photo Credits to Edelweiza ♥ Edwin and also, thanks to Mr. Ron for the invite!

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mommregg of sulit.com.ph

MommRegg is the first sulitizen I met in person, aside of course from Yobs. We met during the food tasting event sponsored by Town's Delight The Caterer and Republic of Cavite Restaurant in Trece Martirez City.

I am so glad to meet her and hope to see her in more blog and Sulit events ♥

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Nestle Netizens' Meet and Greet Blog Event

I signed up for Nestle Philippines’ Netizens’ Meet and Greet blog event at the Julius Maggi Kitchen, Nestle Center in Rockwell, Makati City last September 3, 2009 and Nestle was too kind to let me bring two (2) other friends who are actively participating in online activities such as blogging and social networking. I brought Donna and Jhuy with me while my Superf brought Melay and Edwin with her.

It was fun though we were a litte bit late. The Nestle ladies were so accommodating that upon our arrival they invited us to the dining area for some food that they prepared while we were stuck in traffic.

The event aimed to raise the awareness among us, bloggers and friends, of choosing wellness as the best option in life. The “I Choose Wellness” movement is a call-to-action for Filipinos to get started on personal wellness. It starts with the little everyday choices one makes, from what to eat, buy, do and so on.

This movement also includes Nestle’s programs and projects on livelihood and business for local farmers and entrepreneurs.

For more information, you can visit www.choosewellness.com.ph and www.nestle.com.ph.
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Low Level Format

I felt bad because I have accidentally deleted all the pictures that Yobs and I have taken during the food tasting event at the Republic of Cavite, Trece Martirez City.

All because of this "LOW LEVEL FORMAT" button.

Ok, I'm just a newbie and now, upset.

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Talangkanin and Foxy

I have made two wishes come true last night. I got the chance to eat Only You's Talangkanin (Aligue Bibimbap) and bought my newest baby, Foxy, a Canon SX110 IS Powershot. I have much nothing to say but "YEHEEEY!"

Thanks to my very supportive friends, Superfriend, Edwin, Lil Sis, Marecoy and Jhuy!!! I love you, guys ♥♥♥

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Biggest Loser Challenge vs. Officemates Extended!

It has been a month since I had a deal with Liam and Paul. I was originally 147 lbs when we officially weighed in. After a week I lose 3 lbs, and back to 146 lbs after another week. It's really hard to lose weight.

Today is supposed to be the official and final weighing in but the three of us unanimously decided to extend it up to next Monday.

It's fine with me since I have done a lot of eating last weekend. Although I think I lost some weight already, extending the contest will be an advantage for me. One more week and I'll win. I can feel it.

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