Which Lenovo IdeaPad laptop are you?

I was doing my Christmas shopping a few days ago when I just realized that I've been buying stuff for almost everyone I know but has not yet decided what to give myself on Dec. 25.

Definitely, I want to have a new gadget.  But since the needs of my son Charles has been my priorities lately, all I can do for now is to window shop for my gift.  I want to have something that would match not only my need but my personality as well.

Then I saw this question online:  "Which Lenovo IdeaPad laptop are you?"

It made me think for awhile but after visiting a few computer shops, It just occur to me that I think I am Lenovo Ideapad U160 because it looks fun and alive in high definition and boast the very best and updated full HD and entertainment features available.

It weigh less than 3 lbs. and is as slim as a quarter is high.  Fits in just about any bag or backpack.  It is perfect combo with my lifestyle because I am always on the go and wants things to be compact and handy.  It also has plenty of ports for speedy wireless, internet and downloading and sharing.  Its like me who wants to do things fast because I always have a lot of deadline to meet at work.

This is my official entry to the Lenovo-PTB Great Laptop Giveaway!

10 Fun Things I Can Do with a new Lenovo Laptop

Dreaming of Lenovo

If you’re on the hunt for a laptop that features premium entertainment and multimedia this holiday season, no need to complete the nine Simbang Gabi masses or ask Santa so your wish will be granted. Just go to your favorite computer store and ask for a Lenovo G460, which comes equipped with powerful processors, an advanced graphics card, plenty of RAM, and an eye candy display for grown ups who'll definitely feel like kids again once they get their hands on it.

My sister-in-law has a Lenovo and got some ideas from her for 10 Fun Things I Can Do with a new Lenovo Laptop. Below is my list which I wrote as a poem entitled LENOVO G460:

Link with my friends via Twitter and FB
Enjoy cyber games like Plants vs. Zombie
Nice to chat with my best online buddy
Or receive an e-card from my fave Auntie
View amazing and funny videos and MTVs
Of course, I'll also blog my daily activities

Go to places with FREE wifi access
4G mobile Broadband is also a blast
6000+ mp3s and dozens of movies
0 stress & all fun Lenovo brings this X'mas

This is my official entry to the Lenovo-YugaTech Laptop Giveaway!

Everyday Eveready Moments

You know how significant and dependable a brand is when it becomes synonymous to the product. Take the case of Eveready. You’ll definitely think about batteries when you hear the name, right?

Eveready has been a partner of many Filipinos for 110 years now--- all the way back since we had President Emilio Aguinaldo as our first president. After 15 Presidents and counting, two world wars, hundreds of typhoons and countless of brownouts in the country, Eveready continues to be a part of Pinoy life, both in good times and bad times.

Memories of my Eveready moments suddenly hit me from left to right. Like my lolo who always ask me, “Bilhan mo nga ako ng Eveready para sa radyo ko, apo.”

Hmmm… I have so much Eveready moments that I need to make a list. Yeah, why not? Walking down the memory lane is always fun. So here’s my top Eveready Everyday Moments:

1. Scaring my self during brownouts. Mahilig akong manakot ng mga kalaro ko nung bata pa ko at sa sobrang galling ko e pati sarili ko natatakot ko. Alam kong nasubukan n’yo na din ‘to nung panahon na may naiipit na dikya sa transformer ng NAPOCOR at halos araw-araw walang ilaw: ilagay ang Eveready sa flashlight at humarap sa salamin sa loob ng isang madilim na kuwarto. Buksan ang flashlight at makikita mo sa harap ng salamin ang nakakatakot na nilalang! Nyaaaaaa!

2. When hunting season opens. Noong mga panahong wala pa ang tatlong pabrikang nakapalibot ngayon sa village namin, isang malaking paraiso (enter music bed: Smokey Mountain’s Paraiso) ang bakanteng lote na madaming damo at mga puno. Tuwing gabi gamit ang Eveready flashlight, nanghuhuli kami ng gagamba at salagubang para ipanlaban sa mga taga-kabilang kalsada. Pero ang talagang pinaka-aabangan ko e ang pagpatak ng anting-anting ng puso ng saging na nagbigay ng kapangyarihan kay Ramon Zamora sa pelikulang Pedro Penduko.

3. Brick game is the best game ever. Naalala kong bigla yung dalawang classmate ko nung high school na nagsuntukan dahil nag-agawan sa brickgame na usong-uso noon. Pag wala ka nun, nakatunganga ka lang sa likod ng naglalaro na napapamura pa kapag may maling salansan ng bricks. Siyempre, nung binilhan ako ng nanay ko dahil nagsecond honor ako nung high 2^nd year high school, special request ko ang isang pack of 4 na Eveready para sa magdamagang kasiyahan. Hanggang ngayon, nasa cellphone na ang larong brickgame e hindi ko pa din nae-ending ang laro at maligtas yung princess :-(

4. Under the spotlight. Hindi po kanta ang mga susunod na linya. Nakalusong ka na ba sa dagat ng basura? Nag-aral ka na ba habang may brown out at baha? Finals namin sa school kaya kailangang mag-aaral kahit baha sa sala at brownout pa din kahit isang linggo na mula nun bumagyo. Kelangang mag-improvise kasi nga 2^nd honor ako at dapat i-apply ang natutunan ko sa electronics class. Bumili ako ng bumbilyang maliit, maikling wire at 9 volts na Eveready at gumawa ng lampshade for yagits. Kung may Wish Ko Lang na nun, baka na-feature ako dahil sa emote ko na pang-Oscars: studying in the midst of a barangay-wide brownout while my feet with alipunga is dipped in flood waters. Ahhh… na-teary eye naman ako.

5. Thank you for the music. Mahilig akong makinig ng music. May turn table kami noon pero dahil sa kalikutan ko e maraming nabaling plaka. Marami na rin akong napakaing tape sa cassette player namin at ibinabad na radio sa balde (para kako linisin). Music lover nga ako e. Nung college, halos mangayayat ako sa pagtitipid ng baon ko para makabili ng walkman. At nakabili naman ako bago pa ako ma-rehistro na malnourished sa school namin. Hanggang sa una kong work pagka-graduate at maikling pag-stay overseas e dala-dala ko ang walkman at ang partner nitong double A Eveready, di ako nauubusan. Last year lang nasira ang walkman ko courtesy of my 1-year old son. Ngayon alam ko na feeling ni Tatay noon.

6. Passing the torch. Nahihilig ang anak ko ngayon sa mga bagay na tumutunog at umiilaw. Ako din naman kaso bubugbugin ako ng asawa ko pag pumunta ako dun. Yung sa anak ko e mga laruang de baterya. Alam n’yo ang cute kasi pag hindi umaandar o tumutunog ang laruan niya, pupunta na yan sa cabinet kung saan nakalagay ang mga reserba namin ng Eveready batteries at pilit ipalalagay sa laruan niya. E, 1 year and 8 months old pa lang siya. Nung ganun ang edad ko, sabi ni nanay e ang kaya ko lang daw gawin e sumayaw sa ibabaw ng lamesa tuwing tanghali habang tumutugtog ang theme song ng Eat Bulaga.

I can actually make a longer list but I think, I don’t need to tell all my stories because I am pretty sure that most Filipinos have there own Eveready moments to tell. These stories will definitely echo to generations to come. Dahil ang Eveready, kasama sa pagbuo ng isang laging handang Pilipinas.

* Images used in the list is from The Joe Comic Index.

Entrecard Contest, Everyone wins 5,000 credits!!

Have you heard of a contest that all participants will win?

In can only happen in a kiddie party where every child should get a treat during the games or you'll end up having crying toddlers in every corner of the room.

Then, I found out about Entrecard Contest, Everyone wins 5,000 credits. At first, I said it's to good to be be true. But then what will I loose if I try, right? And beside, Entrecard has been a great ally for bloggers like me in promoting personal blogs.

Entrecard is a free advertising network. It aims to help online business increase traffic to their site and network with others using EC credits that you will also earn for free or purchase at a minimal cost.

Here are the 8 reasons why you should join and sign up for a FREE account:

(1) Grow your web traffic
(2) Absolutely FREE to Join
(3) Increase your Sales & Revenue
(4) Network and make new friends
(5) Get your Online Business Card
(6) Extremely fun and enjoyable
(7) Increase your Alexa Ratings
(8) Award Winning Customer Service

For first-time members of Entrecard.com, what a way to start with this cool contest.

Snap it with SnapIt Screen Capture 3.7

Being a certified dad for a year now, I have gained this habit of taking photos and videos of my son Charles in every activities he's getting into. From his first smile to his first steps, I have captured them all in my digital camera.

I just have this small problem with some of the captured moments. I want to grab a snap a shot from a video file while running it to my media player but the Print Screen capability of my desktop somewhat won't let me do it.

Good thing, SnapIt Screen Capture 3.7 came into the picture. SnapIt is easy to use screen capture software which allows you to easily capture anything on the screen including windows, menus, full screen, rectangular regions, web pages and take shots of moving images.

- Supports hotkeys, auto-saving, clipboard
- Automatically copies screenshots to the clipboard
- Tracks capture history, auto-saves captured images
- Saves files in BMP, GIF, JPEG, PNG and TIFF formats
- Auto-names captured images

Here's another special feature of SnapIt which is considered as its most powerful feature:
In menu Properties you may switch on "Auto save images" option. It means that every time you capture image on your PC screen you don't need to save it! It will be saved automatically in the selected folder with selected image type. It is a very convenient feature for web designers who surf the Internet for new graphic ideas and want to save them in their local collection with one click.

For a FREE trial, just visit www.digeus.com.

Of Asus, Milla Jovovich and Santa

Last week, I saw a this big print ad in one of the leading local newspaper showcasing Milla Jovovich's kick-ass beauty beside another kick-ass gadget--- the new N Series from Asus.

The ad is such a great sight to look at that I almost salivate while staring at... the new N Series from Asus.

In this new line of laptops from Asus, great performance with Intel Core i5 and i7 processors and superb audio-visual experience were combined to guarantee fun fun fun! The 14 and 15.6 inch N53 notebooks are bundled with the ASUS Exclusive SonicMaster technology featuring new NVIDIA GeForce 400M graphics engines with Optimus technology, resulting in powerful computing, multimedia performance and improved battery life.

That's why this weekend, I plan to go to my favorite mall and purchase what I've been longing to get in since last week--- a pair of movie tickets for Jovovich's Resident Evil: After Life 3D.

Then, will think about getting a new laptop this December. Asus N53JQ will definitely be on top of my list. How I wish Santa does exist.

Modus Operandi sa QC Post Office?

Please share this hanggang makarating sa Post Master ng QC Cental Post Office

This morning, I came out from the Quezon City Central Post Office feeling that I have been unfairly served by three staff of the government institution. Well, I just went there to pick up a package from Hong Kong. I thought all is smooth after paying the Php 40 custom fee but it’s not. A certain Girlie Umali of Window 37 said that the item is subject to Php 1,457 VAT on the imported item, which was a wrist watch, even if it’s just a gift from an overseas based company. I told them that I did not buy it or will not sell it. Hindi ako negosyante. It’s just for personal use.

But they won’t release it unless I pay the said amount. Then, a man came into the picture and immediately took the item from me while I am still checking my watch, and made me feel that as if I just stole it from them. Girlie even gave me her office number (928-1667) in case I already have the money. Hmm... parang na-hostage... este nakidnap bigla ang relo ko.

Good thing, an “angel” approached me and said, “Malaki ba yung fee? Ako na ang bahala kay, mam.”

This lady said that I can have the item for a lesser price but they won’t issue any receipt. We met at Php 500 just to get out of this “tiangge.”

Kung alam ko lang cell. no. ni Noynoy, isusumbong ko sila. Alam ko e ayaw ni niya ng corrupt. Baka pwede naman mapagsabihan ang mga tumatao sa Window 37 na hindi lahat ng kumukuha ng parcel o package sa kanila ay may pera. Sayang din yung ibinayad ko pambili ng diapers at gatas ng anak ko. Mapupunta lang sa bulsa ni Girlie Umali.

This is no fiction. This happened in the morning of September 7, 2010.

Pagbabago

Last August 28, after 17 years, I was reunited with my high school classmates in a get-together that was made possible through Facebook's friend finder.

Our class muse and escort where both present and gamely answered questions about their failed romance.

Our president was too busy taking photos with her DSLR and let our resident jester to preside, surprisingly, not with the usual antics and jokes he was known for but with ala-Bro. Mike Velarde monologue.

After the expected “kumusta na? sa’n ka na?” greetings, we spend the whole evening talking about family matters, our kids and future plans. Our last conversation before this, happened in our campus when we are all 16 and was about our high school crushes, the latest Anime series, and who among us has the clearest VHS copy of Sharon Stone’s Basic Instinct.

Truly, every one of us has changed in our looks, lifestyle and how we see the world. One of my classmates who was obviously drunk that night offered me a toast, “Para sa magagandang pagbabago.”

I don’t know what he meant with that but it did sound good so I also raised my bottle.

Then it hit me. I found myself talking to a bottle of beer. Well, actually it’s my reflection on the bottle who I’m talking to (silently, of course)

“What has become of me since high school,” I asked myself.

I was an honor student--- 3rd honor in my freshman year and improved to 2nd honor as a sophomore. I was a happy and fun-loving kid until things got a little complicated when I reached third year high school. I lost my scholarship after a skid of my grades due to some big "changes" in my life. It all started when my father lost his high-paying job in the same year we found out that he has a mistress. It was the first major major (just to lighten up things) blow in my young adult life.

It took me a while to get used to the sudden changes in my life. In a blink of an eye, all the great things in life I enjoy were gone. I even considered it as a miracle how I was able to finished high school from a private school.

In college, I availed the working scholar program offered by the University of the East - Manila for four years and eventually graduated with a degree in Communication Arts. Luckily, I got a job a month after graduation and was never unemployed ever since. I would like to believe that that critical change in my life served as my motivation to be independent and to persevere in life.

Today, I manage a monthly business magazine and contribute to two of the top 3 local broadsheets while working for an NGO. Mine is not a perfect life since I just went through a series of unfortunate events in recent years.

But I have something now that was missing before when a big changed happened in my teenage life. Something that can make me smile even after a great storm. Life will forever be a road worth traveling as long as I have the love and warm hugs of my wife Leah and son Charles.

Changes will happen. And I will rise and shine along with it.

I’m sure my reflection on the bottle of beer agrees.

In every success or moment that changes our lives, there are things that have become a part of celebrations just like Goldilocks, a "friend" to many Filipino families in the past 44 years. From birthdays to graduation or even on ordinary days we feel like celebrating, getting a cake at Goldilocks is one of the first thing we would think of. Our favorite bakeshop may have undergone some"Pagbabago" recently with a fresh and modern look but it still retains the unique Pinoy flavor that we all grew to love.


And so I say, when you are faced with inevitable changes in life, just remember GOLDILOCKS…

Computergirl's Musing Giveaway

Do you carry a bag everyday?

Me, I've been a fan of backpacks ever since. Sometimes when I go out without a bag, I feel like there is something missing or I left an important back home. That's why, you'll more likely see me carrying a bag while watching a movie (if you can see me) or shopping in a mall.

Computergirl's Musing asks, "What would I find in your daily handbag/backpack/hand luggage? It can be a health or beauty item for daily use, or just a good space saver/multi-purpose product."

Just leave a comment on HERE and get a chance to win everything you can see in the photo in this post.

For a better chance of winning, you can also blog about the contest that will run until September 5, 2010. Ohhh... that's my birthday, too! I want to try my luck for my wife who'll definitely have a blast with the beauty giveaways.

My Birthday Wish (ko lang)

Saturdays should be relaxing, right?

Every working individual deserves a break after five days of wrestling with Mr. Job. But weekends nowadays can be a little depressing.

Well, partly I can blame myself since I usually spend my Saturdays in front of the TV. I turned on the TV and have a sad breakfast while watching people asking for help via Kapwa ko, Mahal ko.

Lunch time. Watch Eat Bulaga (Something I've done in more than 20 years now) since I wanna watch fun fun fun. But again, got a little upset because I did not won the DSLR camera that they gave away last Saturday via a text promo :-(

Noon time. I had meryenda with Ms. Vicky Morales and a woman who takes care of her son with a incurable illness. Being a father, I felt the agony that the woman is going through.

At the end of Wish Ko Lang, the host invites everyone to send in their wishes, "Baka sa susunod, ang hiling mo na ang matupad namin"

Then, Jolina Magdangal's last line... "Wish koooo laaaaaaannnngggg!"

Hmmm, I was thinking if Ms. Vicky can grant me this wish for my upcoming birthday:

Well, this nice looking gadget is an Eee Pad (OS: Android 2.2). Of course, this suits best for bloggers like me (Internet Access, Social Networking Access, E-mail, Webcam, Wifi and 3G Support). Eee Pad other sleek features includes Interface : 1 x USB OTG 2.0 (Mini port), 1 x Card Reader MMC/SD, Camera : 1.3M, and 8.9’’ LED Backlight WSVGA Screen.

For those who also want to have an Eee Pad. You can either start saving money for this or sing along with me... "Wish koooo laaaaaaannnngggg!"

Media grants for citizen journalists and bloggers

I got this invitation from Mulat Pinoy, a group that gives fellowship grants to individuals and group with a maximum of Php 25,000 for works that deals on Philippine Population in Focus.

I am posting the actual invitation for the benefit of interested parties:

"Social media and accessible digital technology have brought about the rise of citizen journalism in the Philippines. In the past year, the local cyber-communities were all abuzz with disaster response, advocacy awareness, and political debate. Mulat Pinoy, a social media initiative on population and development, recognizes the medium's pervasive nature and potential for engaging new audiences by providing bloggers and other netizens with the Mulat Pinoy Media Fellowship: Philippine Population in Focus.

Traditionally offered to print and broadcast journalists, a media fellowship provides individuals with the technical and financial resources needed to develop and create media output -- such as a news feature or documentary -- based on an approved proposal. Mulat Pinoy's media fellowship offers grants for the new forms of reportage available online, such as blog features, podcasts, viral videos, even infographics. Creative treatments are encouraged -- as long as there is an identified audience for the intended work, new media formats have an equal chance of receiving grants as its more traditional counterparts. A maximum of P25,000 will be awarded to each selected Fellow.

Entries must present a balanced view of population and development issues. Since population growth (or decline) can be felt over a variety of areas -- from healthcare, to education, or gender issues -- and can have a lasting impact over generations, the field is open to a wide range of topics. To help identify innovative story angles and streamline their fellowship proposals, interested applicants are encouraged to a media forum, Philippine Population in Focus: Myths and Challenges on August 28, 2010, 4:00 to 7:00 PM, at Annabel's Restaurant, Tomas Morato, Quezon City.

To download registration forms for both the Forum and Fellowship, kindly visit www.mulatpinoy.ph or www.probefound.com. The deadline for forum registration is on August 20, while grant proposals will be accepted until September 6."

Top 10 Emerging Influential Blogs for 2010 Writing Project

This year, Influential Blogger by Ms. Janette Toral continues with its annual quest to find the emerging influential blogs. Now in its forth year, all bloggers are invited to send in their nominees so those who truly deserves will be recognized.

Below is my list of nominees based on my taste. Actually, these blogs have influenced me in one way or another:

KaBlog! ni K Brosas - Yes, that funny girl K Brosas has a blog and his Dear Tehhh saga is a blast! It's like reading a script of her upcoming stint at your favorite comedy bar.

Totoy Henyo - This blogger from the South posts stupidly funny ways to survive life. Reading his posts alone will make you wanna live longer to be able to get a dose of his unusual yet amusing ideas.

TV Series Craze - I am a certified couch potato but never have a chance to do a TV marathon lately. Good thing this blog exists and I am updated of what is happening in the boob tube.

Brew of the Day (Musings of a Coffeholic Teacher) - I had this dream when I was a kid that I will be a teacher someday so I much as well hear some (dis)encouragement from this teacher online.

Paolo Dome - Three F's to describe this blog: Funky, Fresh and Fun (and not that F you're thinking of).

The Music Vlogger: Rabsing - It's raining again these days. Maybe I have to stop singing in the bathroom. I'll just have a bite of the latest tasty bits in the music biz via this blog.

Chuck Norris is the Best Man I Ever Know - I grew up watching Chuck Norris films and it was only this year that I found some unknown facts about my hero through this blog dedicated in breaking the hearts of every Norris fan

Jay.eLx - A movie blog where one can read good recommendations on what's hot and what's not in the world of silver screen. That will save you at least Php 150 worth of ticket from a what-the-heck film.

My Puzzle Piece - I found this blog as an exciting piece in the blogosphere. It's like a box of chocolate, you never know what you're gonna get since it's just about anything under the sun!

Mapanghingi ka ba? (Freebie for every Juan) - I was surprised that a contest blog can be a venue to find new friends. Maybe because I don't only post promos and freebies. I want my readers to hear what I really think about it. That's why I am nominating my blog where I get some comments and emails of appreciation for the heads up and tips I gave re different promotions.

This writing project would not have been possible if not for the following 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.

Coping with Hapontukin

This is a stolen shot taken by my former office mate and so called friend Sam when I was still working in a call center somewhere in Quezon City during one lazy afternoon in 2007.

I don’t know why I find it very tempting to sleep in my cubicle during office hours. Does the gentle breeze from our aircon unit has something to do with it? Or how about the cute sound of the keyboard or the delightful scent of the newly-vacuumed carpet? Hmm… just the thought is already an irresistable invitation to sleep.

I will be the first to confess if there will be a survey here in the office about instances of sleeping at work (as long as my name will be withheld, of course.)

But how do you cope with what we all now call Hapontukin? Personally,
when hapontukin sets in, I usually divert my mind in concocting random crazy thoughts that sometimes end up in my blog.

Below are some suggestions that might interest fellow working class hapontukiners (just coined this). You can try each "for office use only" exercise which promises progress in your agility, memory, endurance and strength. Just a simple reminder: There are no approve therapeutic claims in these activities.

1. Pumunta sa guard post at i-dial and extension number mo. Tumakbo ka ng mabilis at pilitin mong sagutin ang line mo sa loob ng apat na ring. Para hindi mahalata ng iba na ikaw ang tumawag sa extension mo, lakasan mo ang pagsabi ng linyang ito “Sorry, mam but you dialed a wrong number”

This will test your agility. You can repeat the same procedure until you get your personal best. You can also vary your speaking tone and modulation and choose the best one that matches your personality.


2. Abangan mo ang pagpunta ng lahat ng officemate mo sa pantry. Siguraduhing mag-isa ka lang sa IT room. Hanapin ang main server ng opisina ninyo at hilahin ang lahat ng wire na makita mo in 30 seconds. Mag-pause ka ng sampung segundo at dali-dali mong ikabit uli ang pinagtatanggal mong wire.

This will advance your memory. Make sure to plug in the connectors to the socket where you pulled it from or you will loose your job. Another option is too immediately leave the premises and let the IT guy loose his job.


3. Mag-abang ka ng naglalako ng nilagang kamote o mani at bumili ka ng worth Php 50. Wag kang mamigay at ubusin lahat yun. Pumasok sa CR at i-lock ang pinto. Isara lahat ng bintana at ilabas mo ang lahat ng gusto mong ilabas. Paulit-ulit kang huminga ng malamim at piliting ngumiti.

This will develop your stamina. There is no best way to check your endurance but to trap yourself in a room with limited oxygen to breath. Count the number of times you smiled while doing this. You can brag about this during a drinking spree with strangers.


4. Itulak mo ang file cabinet na malapit sa hagdan at sumigaw ka ng malakas, “Ay, sori akala ko pader!” Pilitin mong iakyat uli ito pabalik sa third floor at ambahan mo ng suntok ang sinumang janitor na mag-aalok ng tulong.

This will improve your strength. But it will depend on what the file cabinet contains so my suggestion is to choose the one where your property custodian keeps the chain saw, anchor, and spare kitchen sink. Avoid the one with the 201 files.


If you feel like the above mentioned exercises is too much for you. I have a much simpler tip which actually is my tried and tested hapontukin-buster. Take Enervon Multivitamins everyday. More energy, mas happy. And you’ll work happily ever after!

This android needs an android phone

I deserve to have a Samsung i5700 Galaxy Spica Android Phone because I’m an android.

I am programmed to work from 9 am to 6 pm everyday without the benefit of complaining about an overload. I am stationed in a cubicle to punch buttons and print out data. I am only unplugged for an hour to recharge (under the sun) and refuel during noon time.

Like the android phone, I also have the following:

1. Touchscreen - People would touch my LCD to point out errors in my work--- errors in their standard.
2. Micro SD up to 32 GB capacity - My tolerance level.
3. Autofocus Camera - Just can’t take my eyes off our office crush
4. Digital Compass - Can reach the comfort room and pantry with my eyes closed.
5. Voice Memo - Gets it from time to time from my boss.

Now, tell me why I should not have that Android phone.

How BUM am I?

I am BUM in so many ways...
I am in front of the Boob tube Until Midnight.
I listen to Banging Underground Music.
And I love to Buy Unique Merchandises.

I have been this BUM since my college years and proud of who I am. Some might see me differently with my preferred lifestyle but that is my individuality. I am glad that there is a line of apparel that suits my taste.

I have been a fan of BUM Equipment for many years now because its designs fit my idea of a clothing line that is “simple pero rock!”

I have lost count of how many BUM shirts I have brought through the years because some already ended up as “arbor” by friends and handovers to my younger siblings.

But what I am sure is the fact that my best get-up is in a BUM shirt because I feel hip, cool and very comfortable in it.

So how BUM am I? It is in my Blood, my Universe and my Mind! (and in my closet, of course)

It's Asus after a long debate

Last month, our company bought three (3) units of ASUS K40IJ notebook after a week of debates with some office mates.

Each one of us has different brands in mind but I was firm with my stand: Asus.

Well, I based my recommendation with the requirement of the team who will be using it. They need a no-frills computing experience while on the move with a budget less than Php 30K for each unit. "It should also look stylish and has a webcam," the last reminders from the team.

We got some quotations from three shops and I picked ASUS K40IJ notebooks. I told them that my sis-in-law bought an Asus unit two years ago and I don't remember her complaining about it. She even brought it to Japan as her companion after receiving a one-year scholarship grant in Kobe University in Japan.

To make the story short, our purchasing officer listened to me and at the end it's Asus! For that, I got the bragging rights!

Btw, Asus Philippines would like to remind the public of their new hotlines:

Toll-free number: 1-800-1441-0573

* Local Number: +632-636-8504

Working days and hours are:

* Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-7 p.m.

Also, maybe you like to received updates on Asus upcoming products, events, promos and freebies. Just go to the Facebook account of Asus Philippines.

Why I want to win an Air-con unit?

When my wife was still pregnant with our son, I wished that he would not get the three dreaded “H” that I posses--- “hika, hight (I’m just 5’3) and handsome-maangmukha”

A year later, we were blessed with a boy who has a face as cute as his mommy and he looks taller than the other babies in our place who are just the same age as he is. But the downside is, he has asthma.

Last December, we almost spent our son’s first-ever Christmas in the hospital due to pneumonia. It was a blessing that after 10 days of confinement, he was able to survive and we got our release slip on the 24th.

Until now, my son is taking some medications and maintenance to reduce his asthma attacks. The summer heat and wrath of El Niño also cause him to have a hard time breathing from time to time. So the doctor recommended that if possible, we should have an air-condition unit in our room.

And that’s the reason why I want to win the Gree air-conditioner courtesy of The E-zone. The money that we can save in buying a unit can be used for his other needs.

If we win, our home will surely be filled with hahahas, hehehes and hihihis!

Coca-Cola Para sa Oras-Oras Happiness Winners (March 2010)

I've been reading and hearing request for the posting of the list of winners of the Coca-Cola Para sa Oras-Oras Happiness Promo.

Then, I saw a spread print ad of the list of winners yesterday at Philippine Star so I thought of scanning the list of winners (per day) and sharing it to answer the plea of those who joined the promo. And so here are the list of winners (Feb 2010):

The Feb 201 winners list can be found at Mapanghingi Ka ba?

Humor Me Makoy Contest

This is my entry to the Humor Me Makoy Contest. I have been following Makoy's blog because I like his writing style--- simple and with humor. Last year, Makoy posted a funny entry on how he celebrated his birthday. Check out Not So Lonely Birthday and it will definitely make you smile. My favorite part is when he mentioned that he had miswa that day. At least it's still noodles. So Pinoy! Ankulet! Just like my Nanay who never forget to remind us to cook something pansit or spaghetti on our birthday! Hmmm...Maybe that's one of the secret of Makoy and his blogs' longevity? :-)

His post also reminded me of a funny incident that happened more than a decade ago. My friend asked me for gift suggestions for the father of his girlfriend who lives in the province. He plans to go with his GF to visit her father but he wants to buy the old man a gift so their first meeting would start on a good note.

I told my friend to buy something that his future father-in-law can use. He agreed with the idea and called up his GF to ask what her father do for a living. We were in a mall that time and he was having little trouble talking to her over the phone. But my friend was able to hear that her father was a carpenter. So, he bought a new set of chisels, hammer and a saw from a hardware store and wrapped 'em in a big box sealed with a kiss.

A week later, I received a text message from my friend. He texted that although the old man finds his gifts useful, he can't use any of 'em at work since he is a Car Painter and not a Carpenter.



A-nye-nye!

Meet the new Barangay Ginebra Import

Barangay Ginebra is tapping the services of an import with an interesting story – Awvee Storey.

Storey, an NBA veteran, has had quite a tumultuous career. He was a former teammate of Gilbert Arenas with the Washington Wizards where they played together in 2006. During the Memorial Day weekend of the same year, he and Arenas were arrested and charged for disobeying the police at Miami Beach.

Charges were dropped after the 6-foot-6 Storey donated $250 for charity.

As a player of the Dakota Wizards in the NBA Developmental League, Storey punched teammate Martynas Andriuškevičius in the head during practice.

Andriuškevičius fractured skull, and suffered from severe concussion and a bruise after the incident. He didn’t file any charges against Storey but the league suspended him and Dakota terminated his contract later.

But Storey has great basketball sense. He was one of Pac-10’s top rebounders while playing for University of Illinois and posted 16 double-double performances in his 85-game NCAA career.

During the 2007-08 NBA season while playing for the Milwaukee Bucks, Storey averaged 3.5 points and 2.1 rebounds.

Source: GMANews.TV

Pacquaio vs Clottey: A Podcast with Quinito Henson

I enjoy watching basketball games and boxing matches on TV especially if the commentators guiding the viewers offers great information, sidelights and trivia aside from the blow-by-blow account on hand.

One of the those people behind the mic during special sporting events who i really admire is "The Dean" Quinito Henson. Any Pinoy sports buff knows this man and his great approach in sports coverage.

That's why it was really a blast when I was chosen as one of the five boxing fans who joined him in his podcast primer of the upcoming Pacquaio-Clottey match in Texas on March 14 (the same day my son Charles Anthony will celebrate his first birthday).

The podcast which was recorded in a studio in Manila will be accessible via www.philstar.com starting on Monday, March 8. It was such a great experience sharing my thoughts about the fight with Mr. Henson. I felt a little starstruck at first but he is accommodating and friendly in person and even shared his thoughts on other sports topics prior to our recording session.

The Dean also mentioned us (the lucky podcasters) in his regular column Sporting Chance in Philippine Star today (March 4).

What made the occasion more fun is when Quinot raffled some prizes to us. I was the first one to be picked and got an Ala Gym Shirt. The other two guys also got shirts with other brands while the top two winners took home a basketball and a wristwatch courtesy of his generosity.

Philstar.com through Dino Maragay, Vernadette Joven and Jhon Richard Miguel also gave us a cool prizes each.

I hope my fearless forecast on the fight would come true so Pinoys around the world will have another reason to celebrate!

Yugatech Gimme Your Best Shot

Yugatech has launched another great contest called Gimme Your Best Shot Giveaway promo that is ongoing until February 26, 2010

What will you win?

* Grand Winner - MSI Wind U123H, 10-inch netbook with built-in 3G powered by Globe Tattoo
* 4 Consolation Prize Winners - Globe Tattoo
* 10 Most "Like" in Facebook - Globe Tattoo or P500 Globe load each
* 5 Random PixLink Winners - Globe Tattoo EACH
* 10 Random Blog Entry - Globe Tattoo or P500 Globe load each
* Top 5 Google Image Search - P500 Globe load each
* 10 Blog/Twitter Raffle- Globe Tattoo or P500 Globe load each

How to win?

1. Go to the most crowded place and have your picture taken holding the sign “Follow @abeolandres and @talk2globe on Twitter!"
2. Upload your submission on Flickr, PixLink, Picasa, Facebook, or any photo-sharing site
3. Try to name your photos as “yugatechcontest.jpg” and include a tag “yugatech contest”
4. You may write a short description on the shot you made
5. You may use this PDF document as props or create your own signage yourself
6. Yugatech will shortlist 5 finalist based on the most difficult, most creative and crowd-drawing picture
7. A panel of judges will choose a winner who will win the MSI Wind

Other ways to win:

1. Tweet about the contest by pasting this to your twitter "Win an MSI Wind 3G netbook! Follow @abeolandres & @talk2globe. Join the YugaTech Giveaway: http://bit.ly/cWBn3M #thanks2globe"
2. Or blog about this the contest and leave a link at the contest page
3. Winners will be raffled off

Choose and win what you want at Animetric’s World

When was the last time you felt that you’re in a place where you are surrounded with a lot of things that you wanna have?

Hmm… actually, just last week when I found myself “trapped” inside a toy shop. I again got into the same dilemma when I checked the anniversary promo of Animetric’s World. She has ons of great prizes for people who can best convince her that they deserve to win. It’s like choose and win what you want!

She has a set of Yummy cookbooks which I really need so I can finally cook adobo without ending up with lechon kawali.

But I also want to win the Neutregena Wave Starter Kit so I can have an oil-free face that looks better than my version of adobong baboy. Or maybe a bottle of Celeteque Advance to make me look younger so people will stop describing my relationship with my wife as a May-December affair. People…I’m just 4 years older than her.

A pair of VNC shoes would be a perfect gift to my wife on her birthday this coming April since one of her missions in life is to take a crack at Imelda Marcos' record. Well, I can also give her a pair of Havainas Slims for a planned summer trip in Aklan. Havainas and Boracay will be a great combo.

I haven’t been to Ace water Spa and I want to experience the great things I’ve read and heard about this water wonderland and massage center. And it will be a blast if I can bring my wife with me to enjoy such first time.

Last but certainly as fabulous as the other prizes is a Starbucks Clean and Green tumbler. I really want to get one of the pair Animetric is giving away. I plan to give it to our office messenger who has been very accommodating every time I asked him to pick-up my prizes courtesy of the promos that I joined.

So many prizes to choose from but I’m sure there are a lot of fellow followers of this blog who are also eyeing for the treat that they want.

Who will win what is Animetric’s last say. The name of the game is to make her give in to your plea :-)

Congratulations to Animetric and more power!

Tatay Momoy and his Marikina Shoes

I’ve met people who consider their nice-looking cars or thoroughbred horses as their prized possessions. Not my Tatay Momoy. For a simple man like him, his Marikina-made leather shoes are his well-kept treasure.

Tatay came here in Manila from Agoo, La Union in the late 60’s as an innocent just-got-20-years-old man armed only with a few pesos in his pocket and a bag full of courage.

Good thing he easily got a job as a carpenter in Paco where he also met our future Nanay Conchit. Tatay has told us a lot of times how he charmed our mother with his good looks and porma with special mention to his shiny leather shoes. He would also tell us how he walked for miles from Pasig to Marikina just to buy his very first pair of shoes with his first paycheck. He considered it as his lucky pair since he was wearing it when nanay gave her sweet “yes” to him.

To make the story short, they got married and had six children. I am the eldest and have witnessed how Tatay raised this family for more than three decades and counting, though thick and thin. He loves shoes but he never had a huge collection of it. He just makes sure that when he buys a pair, they are durable and will last for years. He took care of them--- rub and shine every week. He would only get a new one when the shoes are already smiling from ear to ear.

I still remember during my grade school years, he always bring me to Marikina to get a pair of school shoes a month before classes start. And these shoes would really last until the next school year. Tatay really knows a thing about footwear and their life span. That’s why every time I need to get a pair for myself; going to Marikina is one of my first options.

But of all the memorable shoes stories of my father, the one which happened a month before my graduation was the most unforgettable and touching of all. I just came home from school when Tatay approached me. He gave me a box inside wrapped in a generic plastic bag.

He was scratching his head and sounded apologetic when he said, “Pasensiya na anak ha? ‘Yan lang ang nakayanan ng Tatay. Pwede mong gamitin sa graduation.”

It was a pair of black leather shoes with markings inside: Made in Marikina. I remembered wiping tears from my eyes that time but I did not show it to him because I felt it was kinda corny.

Today, I can’t help but smile every time I look at the black leather shoes I’m wearing in the office. It looks like the pair given to me by Tatay… the lucky shoes I was wearing when I got my first job, took a plane for my first overseas trip and visited the house of my then-girlfriend Leah to ask her hand in marriage.

Hmmm… I think I have my own shoe stories to tell my son Charles.

Bubblewrap Valentine Giveaway

Valentine's Day is less than a week from today. Probably some of you are still thinking of what to give to your special someone.

For the gentlemen out who are still on the hunt for a good give for their lady love, here's a suggestion: how about a jewelry set? You think it's kinda expensive? How about a FREE jewelry?

Interested? Well, Bubblewrap is giving away a set for a lucky individual. Just visit their site for the contest details

52nd Grammy Award Winners

Taylor Swift conquered the 52nd Grammy Awards by bagging the Album of the Year award for her world-phenom Fearless eclipsing Beyonce Knowle's record six trophies. Below is the complete list of the other winners in this year’s ceremonies.

Record Of The Year
Use Somebody by Kings Of Leon

Song Of The Year
Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It) by Thaddis Harrell, Beyoncé Knowles, Terius Nash & Christopher Stewart, songwriters (Beyoncé)

Best New Artist
Zac Brown Band

Best Pop Vocal Album
The E.N.D. by The Black Eyed Peas

Best Male Country Vocal Performance
Sweet Thing by Keith Urban

Best Female Country Vocal Performance
White Horse by Taylor Swift

Best Rap Album
Relapse by Eminem

Best Rap Song
Run This Town by
Jeff Bhasker, Shawn Carter, Robyn Fenty, Kanye West & Ernest Wilson, songwriters (Athanasios Alatas, songwriter) (Jay-Z, Rihanna & Kanye West)

Best Rap Performance By A Duo Or Group
Crack A Bottle by Eminem, Dr. Dre & 50 Cent

Best Rap Solo Performance
D.O.A. (Death Of Auto-Tune) by Jay-Z

Best Contemporary R&B Album
I Am… Sasha Fierce by Beyoncé

Best R&B Album
Blacksummers’ Night by Maxwell

Best R&B Song
Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It) by Thaddis Harrell, Beyoncé Knowles, Terius Nash & Christopher Stewart

Best Urban/Alternative Performance
Pearls by India.Arie & Dobet Gnahore

Best Traditional R&B Vocal Performance
At Last by Beyoncé

Best R&B Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals
Blame It by Jamie Foxx & T-Pain

Best Female R&B Vocal Performance
Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It) by Beyoncé

Best Jazz Vocal Album
Dedicated To You: Kurt Elling Sings The Music Of Coltrane And Hartman by Kurt Elling

Best Contemporary Jazz Album
75 by Joe Zawinul & The Zawinul Syndicate

Best New Age Album
Prayer For Compassion by David Darling

Best Dance Recording
Poker Face by Lady Gaga

Best Electronic/Dance Album
The Fame by Lady Gaga

Real Leaf Paparazzi

No matter how bad my day at the office goes, I always go home smiling.

Well, in about 45 minutes, I’ll finally see my son Charles whose been waiting for me in the last 8 hours. Oh, and also my wife. Sorry Leah, I almost forgot you ;-)

Going home in the last 10 months has never been this exciting since our little one came to our lives. Every day, I always imagine how I would enter our house and surprise him. Sometimes, I’d sneak in and mimic Elmo, Winnie the Pooh or Goofy until Charles finds where I’m hiding. There were also times that he is already asleep when I come home so I’ll just stare at him for hours or kiss his cheeks from time to time.

One day, I came home with a couple of “pasalubong” for my wife --- her favorites (1) oatmeal cookies from a popular coffee shop and (2) a bottle of Real Leaf Green Tea.

My wife and son were playing in our bedroom when I came home. Leah already got a few bites of cookies and was about to drink her green tea but Charles was egging for the bottle of Real Leaf. Leah just took a few sips and closed the cap and let Charles hold the bottle. In the next 30 minutes, my wife and baby played with it and I can’t help but take some snap shots of this quite amusing moment.

These photos only show how amazing parenthood can be. Fun moments can start from scratch and become a memorable moment. For our scrap book, I’ll label these as Real Life with Real Leaf.

FREE Paramore Concert Tickets

I first heard about Paramore from my former boss Ms. A who asked if I know where she can get a shirt with the band's name pinted on it. I told her to try the Top 40 booth at SM Megamall since it sells such clothing line. And I did saw a couple of Paramore shirts there.

From Wikipedia: Paramore is an American rock band that formed in Franklin, Tennessee in 2004. Members are Hayley Williams (lead vocals/keyboards), Josh Farro (lead guitar/backing vocals), Jeremy Davis (bass guitar), Zac Farro (drums), and Taylor York (rhythm guitar).

Paramore's song "Decode" was the lead single for the novel-based Twilight film. Another song called "I Caught Myself"[ is also featured on the film's soundtrack. "Decode" was released on October 1, 2008 on the Paramore Fan Club site as well as Stephenie Meyer's website. The band began shooting the video October 13 and it premiered on November 3. Hot Topic hosted listening parties for the soundtrack on October 24, 2008, and the album was released on November 4, 2008. Borders released an exclusive version of the soundtrack that features an acoustic version of "Decode." (So that's why a lot of Twilight" fans like their music)

The band released a live album named The Final Riot! on November 25, 2008. The album includes a bonus DVD with a full concert recorded in Chicago, as well as a behind the scenes documentary. As of the 9 of April 2009, The Final Riot! is certified gold in the United States.

And on March 9, Paramore will come to Manila for a one-night only concert. And you can watch it for FREE but needs to eat a lot of crab meat, corn soups and fish fillet salads first.

Here's a promo according to Mr. Ricky Lo of The Philippine Star: Every P5,000 worth of accumulated receipts in any of the Little Asia outlets (Tomas Morato, Quezon City; Promenade in Greenhills, San Juan City; and at The Venice McKinley Hill Fort, Taguig City) entitles you to two complimentary tickets to the Paramore concert on March 9 at the SM Mall of Asia (MOA) Concert Grounds. The promo is good until March 9.

Ticket prices ranges from Php 550 to a whooping Php 10k... so it's up to you to decide if Eating at Little Asia for 5k will be a bargain with two FREE concert tix as a bonus.

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