My Top 7 Emerging Influential Blogs and Why?

I had a hard time choosing from a great pool of new blogs for the Top 10 Emerging Influential Blogs Writing Project and I can provide only lucky seven nominations which I think deserve due recognition. Here my Top Seven (7) Emerging Influential Blogs for 2010.

1. This is for My Bikini Why? I am voting for This is for My Bikini simply because I love my own blog. This serves as an online journal of my ups and downs during the process of losing weight and burning all unwanted fats away hoping that someday I will be able to get into that bikini I have always wanted to wear.

2. NomNom Club Why? I am voting for NomNom Club simply because the owner of the blog loves food, and what makes it even better is that he shares this love with his readers by writing about his dining experiences and food reviews, and by conducting various blog contests and events that bring joy and excitement both on his part and ours.

3. Hir Na Me! Wer na u? Why? I am voting for Hir Na Me! Wer na u? simply because I love travelling and photography. Following travel blogs like this one helps me know more, explore more and learn more about the Philippines and beyond.

4. Bongga Ba? Why? I am voting for Bongga Ba? simply because I am fabulous; and a fabulous lady like me loves fabulous things. Bongga Ba? covers interesting and informative features that make the author and the blog itself major major bongga.

5. Life in Manila Why? I am voting for Life in Manila because this is the newest blog of my Superfriend. This blog is all about her city, her lifestyle and her dreams. Nominating her is one way to show my support and be one with her as she achieves her goals for her family.

6. Thirsty Blogger Why? I am voting for Thirsty Blogger simply because I love to drink coffee, tea, fruit juices, sodas and anything that is edible and liquid. Seriously, I am nominating him simply because I have been one of his followers since I started blogging in 2005. Indeed, I am a fan!

7. PromoPerksPhilippines.info Why? I am voting for PromoPerksPhilippines.info simply because I love promos, perks, contests, freebies and more. I love being a blogger and having her as one of my closest friends in the blogosphere makes my blogging life more fun.

Special thanks to the following project sponsors:

Events and Corporate Video, Budget Hotel in Makati, Pinoy Party Food, Copyediting Services, PR Agency Philippines, Budget Travel Philippines, Send Gifts to the Philippines, Black Friday Deals, Roomrent - units for rent, Search Profile Index and Corporate Events Organizer ♥

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EscortSite What?

Choosing the right topics to discuss in your blog is as important as choosing the right templates, layouts and designs for your website. In my case, I have changed my template thrice already just within a span of eight months. I really make sure that the ones I use is a reflection of what I really want to portray in my online journal; that is why I am having a hard time.

I have come across a new website called EscortSite, which offers a wide variety of web designs, modules and widgets. What’s great about this escort site is that it is easy to navigate and has a full content management system that supports bloggers – professionals and beginners alike – in developing their websites.

A friend from high school has just started a blog. As a blogger since November 2005, I have the knowledge, skills and experience to help her out and be of great help to her advantage. I would recommend EscortSite to her so she can choose the perfect escort web design for her blog.

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Why Travel?

My answer is "Why not?"

I believe that life begins when you decide to step out of your comfort zone; that life’s meaning depends on how you give meaning to it. How can you bring color into your life if you are just sitting in a corner – afraid of what’s waiting for you outside the real world – and die doing nothing? You will perish without experiencing the world, and with no one to notice that you are already gone.

“Ang buhay ay isang libro. Iisang pahina lang ang nababasa ng taong hindi naglalakbay,” Bob Ong says. I agree with him because in my 28 years of existence, I have travelled much and from these travels, I have realized that the world doesn’t revolve around me; that I am not the center of the solar system; and that there are a lot more to discover and learn than just being ME.

You will get to appreciate the things around you – the people, the food, the culture and the environment – and you will be forever thankful for being able to get out of your shell, to spread your wings, to learn how to fly and to soar high to have a perfect view of the world from above the skies.

Life is a journey. We must enjoy it to the fullest until we realize the sole purpose of our existence: to be happy and to be able to share this happiness with the people we meet along the way.

This is my entry to the Let's Go Sago! anniversary contest entitled, "Why Travel?" of Jonel Uy. The blog, Let's Go Sago!, mainly promotes Philippine travels, along with the mention of the culture, traditions, food and people of the Philippines.

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Believe and Win Levi's GCs

I seldom join contests these days because of heavy work load so I am hoping I'll get to win this one!

This is my entry to Animetric's latest blog/facebook contest sponsored by Levi's jeans. I was asked to fill in the blank and complete the sentence: I believe _______. I should have used one of my best travel photos and answered, "I believe that life begins when you decide to step out of your comfort zone," to promote my blog's slogan but the space for characters was not enough.

I had to think of another answer. Well, it's true naman... I really believe that happiness is a matter of choice. For me, happiness depends on how you see and appreciate the things around you. It is a decision and should never ever be just an option.

Want to make your own Levi's I Believe badge? You may visit Levi's I Believe website for instructions.
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My Weeklong Weight Loss Diet

I started dieting last August 13 for a friend’s wedding on August 21. I had a week of eight (8) glasses of water each day and no rice at all. It has been difficult for me because my colleagues love to eat and I am not used to skipping heavy meals. But I found out that I do not have to skip meals; that I do not have to deprive myself from eating food I crave for; nothing to avoid but rice.

So I had a week of no overindulgence and only moderate eating. I set my mind that rice should be a no-no and I urged myself to always get a glassful of water every time I felt I had to drink. Vegetables were a requirement as I had to get vitamins, minerals and fibers. Meat was a must-have, too, for energy and muscle building. Most especially, chocolates were always a weeklong favorite.

Was it effective? Yes. From being 146 lbs., I am now 144.5 lbs. - not a great amount of loss but at least, I've lost some fats in just 7 days. My arms got thinner; I just need some exercise to get them more toned and to prevent them from sagging. My waistline got slimmer, too. I've noticed the curves getting more obvious. I just love the new me, a more confident Nicely that I used to be.

Discipline and self-control are the main attitudes one must possess when having a weight loss diet. If you lack them, one would not be successful in taking away unwanted fats from his or her system. A nutrition diet plan shared by other dieters and websites will also be of great help.

To know more about my one-week diet program, you can visit my diet blog: This is For My Bikini.

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Five Questions to Solve a Problem

Recently, I have been questioning myself what I really wanted. Am I happy with what I am doing? Does it serve my purpose well? It's just that until now I am on the process of thinking about what to do and what possible solutions are there to make things better; to make me feel better; and to give me a better future.

Listening to an audio book entitled, "How to Solve Problems Quickly and Effectively," by Zig Ziglar, I happened to clearly see the signs across the foggy road. I have been weighing things over and over for the past days and have been asking my family and closest friends for some advice. Yes, each of them is an eye-opener, but the decision still depends on me. It still leaves me hanging, though; but at least I am moving forward.

Now, I want to share with you the five (5) questions we have to raise in order to solve problems quickly and effectively. Here goes...

1. What's great about this? Or what's good about this? Or what could be great about this?

2. What's not perfect yet?

3. What am I willing to do to make it the way I want it?

4. What am I willing to no longer do in order to make things the way I wanted?

5. How can I do what's necessary to get this job done and enjoy the process?

I have gone reflective on the subject as I am about to make a big decision that could change my life: actually a make-or-break decision, it is. I ask myself what good could it give me? Years from now, would I be able to harvest the fruit of the seed I would have to sow now? Would it really benefit me? Presupposing that it's gonna be perfect, what should I do? Are there any means to make the situation better? Well, obviously, I have to focus on the solutions. I am willing to do this but I am not sure if this would work. What should I do to get this job done while enjoying it? I know I have to sacrifice and think of the long-term solutions.

This is a really a pain on my neck. It's getting into my nerve. Water please.

I am still not ready to elaborate more as things are yet stable. I just want to give you hints on how to get your problems done. For those who are having confusions at this time, jot down these five questions and answer them, and don't just answer them verbally. Write them down and contemplate on it.

Just a piece of advice, play with your problems, enjoy them and grow from them. That's what I am trying to do now. Seize the day, guys!

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"In The Presence of My Enemies" by Gracia Burnham

I started reading the book a year ago and it has been quite a while since I last opened it. Now I am glad that just this morning, I have finished it.

"In The Presence of My Enemies," by Gracia Burnham is a must-read book. The Burnham couple has a lot of God's messages to tell. Their wisdom, faith in God and positive outlook on life amidst the dangers in the jungle are attitudes we should emulate in order to be better individuals.

As Gracia tells their story of captivity and of how they managed to deal with the Abu Sayyaf, there were many times that I cried - with hurt, pity and sympathy - for them having to experience this misfortune. Most of the times, I can relate with her, making me see a side of myself I didn't like, just like when she said, "There was a Gracia I barely knew existed: fearful Gracia, selfish Gracia, bitter Gracia, angry-at-God Gracia. That wasn't only me, but it was a bigger part of me than I wanted to accept."

I also learned a lot about the terrorist group, Abu Sayyaf, and their battle for jihad. Is it really worth the blood? Is it really worth human lives? Perhaps I wouldn't understand because I am not a Muslim; and I am sure that there are some Muslims out there who don't actually believe in violence as the only means to reclaim their land and to follow the words of Allah. I know not all Muslims want war and death; not all Muslim warriors know the real meaning of jihad; and not all Abu Sayyaf members love what they are doing - there are some who are just forced to be one. I have no right to question Islam, we are all entitled to our own religion. I just wish and pray that peace be on Earth.

How I admire Martin and Gracia's courage to live! What situation they got into was really terrifying and with God's guidance, they surmounted all the challenges. Maybe Martin has died at the very finish line - he was almost there - but as he dies, he lives. His contribution to the world is immeasurable; he is such a great man.

Here are some passages I happened to favoritely jot down while reading the book:

"Everyone is tempted, but you have a choice about what to do with that temptation. God always works on the heart of a person. It's not outside temptations that make us sin; it's our sinful heart, and God wants to change that heart."

"It is not what we have; it is what we do with what we have."

"No problem is ever too tough to overcome, no ordeal is too grim to endure."

"Isn't it amazing how the human mind can find humor in even the darkest situations?"

"God doesn't always look at things the way we do. God's ways are higher than ours, and his thoughts beyond our comprehension. The secret things belong to the Lord our God."

"God has much to teach us about forgiveness, but the place to begin is forgiving ourselves."

I also want to adopt Gracia's promise to herself one night while Martin was having a hard time: "From this moment on, I will never leave his side when it is time to sleep, no matter what the consequences." I think this is one guide that I can use to make my relationships last. No matter what happens, even how mad I am or how problematic is someone, I won't turn my back on that person. I will try my best to understand and be calm.

There are still more inspiring quotes from Martin and Gracia but I will leave it to your reading, because it is really worth your time. Other than the quotes, their story of captivity, their love story and their strong relationship with God is what made the book truly precious. In fact, I got the chance to send a message to Mrs. Burnham through the Martin and Gracia Foundation website to express my admiration and thanks for being an inspiration to all. I am still waiting for a response; that is, if Gracia is not too busy to read it and reply.

Now I want to end my post by reiterating what Clay Bowlin, the preacher during Martin's funeral, said: "Gracia was rescued from the jungle by a helicopter; Martin was rescued from the jungle on angels' wings."

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La Luz, When Will I Ever Touch You?

I really want to go to the beach --- I am dying to see the sand, the sea and the sun AGAIN!

I told myself that right after the wedding of my friends, Mich and Jose, on August 21 (Bawal pa kasi magpaitim nang sobra), I would do my best to let my beach escapade happen --- I want to go to La Luz!

For those who are asking why I suddenly feel like going beachy, here are some reasons...

1. I want to go swimming. Well, I believe that swimming rejuvenates the soul. It is one way to flush out all the negative energies I got from being so workaholic for the past few weeks.
2. I want to go out-of-town. I need to change environment. I promised myself before that even once a month, I shall go to places I have never been before. La Luz has always been in my wish list. 3. I need to breathe some fresh air. The concrete forest is eating me up. I need space. 4. I need some time for myself. I can read a book. I can try out new dishes. I can have a morning walk. I can explore the shore. I can take pictures. I can hike Mt. Dagulgol. I can have a whole body massage. I can talk to strangers and meet new friends. I can bring Yobs and some family and friends along and share the vacation with them, too. I can do whatever I want. There are no limits.5. I can sleep-all-I-can. That is, if I would be there alone. I can sleep all day without hearing the honks of cars, the tapping of computer keyboards, the noise of Manila. I can sleep all night with the chirping of the birds, the splash of the waves, the rustling of leaves as my lullaby. But of course, if I have companions, all we would do is LAUGH and that would be better!

~♥~♥~♥~
Want to join me? Maybe you want to check the place and the rates HERE.

Photos taken from La Luz Resort website ♥ Thanks!

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