☮.♥.✮ ☀..✈

Who wouldn't want to go to Boracay?Ü
I want to go back.
---

WOW Philippines Travel Agency, Inc. is celebrating it's 5th year in business during July of 2010, and we would like you to have a chance to celebrate with us, so we have decided to give-away a FREE Boracay Package complete with 3 Star accommodations at the luxurious Artista Boracay Resort on Boracay Island. The lucky winner will win the following Boracay vacation package.

Vacation Package Inclusions:

5 Days / 4 Nights Luxury
3 Star Accommodations at the Artista Boracay Resort

Flights to Boracay from Manila to Caticlan Airport
on Philippine Airlines

Island Transfers - Door-to-Door from Manila to the resort
and back to Manila Domestic Airport

Three (3) Meals each day, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Boracay Activities - Horseback Riding, Island Hopping,
Glass Bottom Boat

-*-
Read More Information:
http://www.boracay-packages.com
☀..☮..✮..♥..✈

Labels: Ako'y Isang Pinoy

We're all proud of you Manny.Ü
You the man! Astig ka!

Pacquio TKOs Cotto, makes history.
MANILA, Philippines – (UPDATE 4) Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao made history Sunday (Manila time) when he bagged the welterweight title, his seventh in as many divisions, via technical knockout of Puerto Rican Miguel Cotto, the reigning champion in that division.

Kenny Bayless, the referee of the match, stopped the fight at 2:04-minute mark of the 12th round declaring Pacquiao the winner in the fight held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Pacquiao bucked a size disadvantage against Cotto on his way to becoming the first fighter to win world titles in seven divisions.

Labels: Ako'y Isang Pinoy, Good Times

The biggest boxing match of the year is happening today, 15-November 2009 in Manila.Ü Pound for pound champion MANNY PACQUIAO will take on welterweight powerhouse Miguel Cotto. If MP wins, it will be his 7th World Title in 7 different Weight Divisions. Today, we'll all find out if 7 is Manny's lucky number.



It's really a big thing here in the Philippines. My friends and I have been waiting for bout for months and weeks. We're all up early on a lazy Sunday, zero-crime rate in Manila is expected. All the best Manny, we'll be rooting for you. Make your country proud.

Labels: Ako'y Isang Pinoy, Good Times

I hope our being Pinoys does not start & end end in graphics and artworks here on the web and in shirts that we wear. We sing songs about Filipino pride, but do we really live up to it? Good and admirable Filipino values should not just be shown in times of need. Being Filipino definitely goes beyond these things, so let's always do things that will maximize our potential as a nation. Just something to think about.

Little things that we can do in our very own homes, schools, and communities ─ collectively, they'd sum up to something bigger.Ü



Siguro marami sa atin, nakalimutan na ang "Panatang Makabayan"
Sabi nga sa dito:

Sisikapin ko maging isang tunay na Pilipino,
Sa Isip, sa salita, at sa gawa.

--
Image Credits: anybeat

Labels: Ako'y Isang Pinoy

Evacuees live in tents inside the Marikina Sports Center in Marikina City as their homes remain flooded • Photo by PAT ROQUE, first posted by manila_bulletin

This one's a way better deal for an evacuation place or temporary shelter for people and families who were displaced by Ondoy & other super typhoons. Instead of letting everyone stay in just one coliseum where they'd feel like sardines, providing tents like the ones in the photo is more decent. I have to commend the people in Marikina for their efforts, keep it up.Ü

Labels: Ako'y Isang Pinoy

I hope the article in Manila Bulletin is just part of the promotions and trash talk shites. Lookin' forward to November 15. Even if you plan for office in 2010, for me you're still an awesome fighter inside the ring.

Goodluck Manny!
We'll be rootin' for ya.Ü

There were flashes of brilliance of course from Pacquiao, but it wasn’t the kind of thing that Roach wanted to see from somebody who is a few weeks away from the toughest fight of his life. To remedy the problem, Roach said he will make a major change in the roster of sparring partners... “As far as his physical shape is concerned, no problem. I just like him to be mentally tough and focused,” added Roach.

--
via pacquiaonews: 24/7 Pacquiao-Cotto
Music Video | HBO

Labels: Ako'y Isang Pinoy

It's a prelude to 2010's Spring / Summer Collection at the next Philippine Fashion Week, showing on Sunday, 25-October 2009 at 2:30PM @ SMX. I'm so excited Twinks, see you on the 25th.Ü

For invites...
E | info.twinkleferraren@gmail.com
M | 917.7588243
T | 632.8996281 • 632.8996278

Please include your complete name, contact number + details and postal address, so they can send and forward your invites ASAP.

Labels: Ako'y Isang Pinoy

Ack! My friend, Ben-Ariel already has this shirt ─ he's even wearing it in his profile pic in Facebook.Ü I want one too even if it's a bit pricey. I just need to have my measurements taken. You can send an e-mail to heroshirtorders@yahoo.com. For orders and pick-up points, it's in the Tumblr site of Mark Gosingtian.

Labels: Ako'y Isang Pinoy

This article was posted by one of my High School teachers in Facebook. I have mixed feelings, but one thing is for sure, I am PROUD of fellow Filipinos who have chosen to work in another land to be able to provide for their families and to be able to give a good life for their children.

SALUDO PO AKO SA INYO.

Click on the image to enlarge it.Ü

Labels: Ako'y Isang Pinoy

One thing I learned from Typhoon Ondoy, is that we are all HEROES, even in our smallest and simplest ways because we are always in the position to help others. God bless all fellow HEROES out who have helped the victims of Typhoon Ondoy: Prayer Warriors + Rescuers + Volunteers + Survivors + Umalahokans in Blogs, Twitter, Facebook, Multiply, Tumblr + Umalahokans doing text brigades. Good Job Guys. Tulong pa tayo!Ü

--

I've been pseudo-MIA this week, where have I been and what have I been doing? Post-Ondoy Days. Let me know if you can't view the album.

This is really a good read from Manik Makina ~ practical, useful, and helpful stuff when there's an emergency because of a typhoon. I just learned that you don't have to carry a ref because it will float.

Click on the image to see who's the creative genius behind WHERE I'M FROM | EVERYONE'S A HERO image.Ü

Labels: Ako'y Isang Pinoy

It's the first day of October and I was very very happy when I woke up at 3:51AM this morning, preparing for the 6:30AM Mass at St. Therese Church, near NAIA3 -- today is her feast day. All I had were good vibes. After Mass & breakfast, I went straight to Red Cross Alabang to help out.

When I got home, a friend called D to ask him how we're doing and to ask where we are. Then we were told about the not-so-good news. I can almost hear my heart pounding, I don't like it. As much as I don't want to believe the text messages and calls that I'm getting about the "Super Typhoon" that's supposed to hit the Philippines in a matter or hours or less than 3 days -- I already do not know which is which, I can't help but be scared. The tweets that I've been getting today weren't just about how to help Ondoy victims, but they were mostly about the "Category 5" Super Typhoon. I can just imagine how much stress this is for rescuers + more trauma for those who were recently affected by Ondoy.

I still believe in the power of prayer.
If you happen to read this entry, I ask of a simple request from you. Either take a moment of silence & just pause or join me and millions of Filipinos in prayer.

Jesus Christ a King of Glory has come in Peace. +
God became man, + and the Word was made flesh. +
Christ was born of a Virgin.+
Christ suffered.+
Christ was crucified.+
Christ died.+
Christ rose from the dead.+
Christ ascended into Heaven. +
Christ conquers. +
Christ reigns. +
Christ orders. +

May Christ protect us from all storms and lightning.+
Christ went through their midst in Peace, +
and the Word was made flesh. +
Christ is with us with Mary. +
Flee you enemy spirits because the Lion of the
Generation of Juda, the Root of David, has won. +

Holy God! + Holy Powerful God! + Holy Immortal God! +
Have mercy on us. AMEN.

--
Ondoy posts here:
This Was Storm Signal #1
Ondoy... What Have You Done?

Labels: Ako'y Isang Pinoy

I was really bummed out yesterday when I called the Muntinlupa Office of the Philippine National Red Cross and I was told that they already had more than enough manpower for the day so I was elated and jumping for joy when I woke up just a while ago to a text message from them.Ü Thank you RED CROSS for giving me this opportunity to help and to give something back to society.

Greetings from Red Cross - Muntinlupa Branch! Thank you for your desire to volunteer and help the people affected by typhoon ONDOY. As of now, we are in need of willing VOLUNTEERS to help us in the REPACKING OF RELIEF GOODS at OUR RED CROSS OFFICE in Alabang Town Center, Muntinlupa City, right beside BPI New Alabang. Please confirm your availability.

I won't be able to visit your blogs today, I'm so sorry. Country first.Ü Hope everyone else is safe. Have a good day guys!

---
PHILIPPINE NATIONAL RED CROSS
(632) 527.0000 | (632) 524.5787
Or Dial 143
...
They also have a branch in Alabang Town Center
Along Alabang-Zapote Road, beside BPI and National Bookstore
(632) 809.7131

Labels: Ako'y Isang Pinoy, The Beautiful South

My country and a lot of fellow Filipinos are now in the midst of huge crisis, but I am more than happy to see that the BAYANIHAN Spirit is very much alive amongst all of us. It is nice to see almost everyone wanting and willing to help in any way they can.

Come to me all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light | Matthew 11:28-30

SOUTH PEEPS, donations can be given to SMART Business Centers in Festival Mall & Alabang Town Center, The Concierge at Alabang Town Center, Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf which is also inside Alabang Town Center. You can also drop off relief items at De La Salle Zobel and at St. James. For those who wish to volunteer, they may go to:

SOCIAL ACTION OFFICE at DE LA SALLE SANTIAGO ZOBEL SCHOOL
University Avenue, Ayala Alabang Village
Look for Ms. Angie Brazan
(917) 859.7602

RED CROSS ALABANG
at Alabang Town Center along Zapote Road,
fronting National Bookstore
(632) 809.7131 for info

If you guys want to give food -- they need packed meals, cooked food that don't spoil easily. Canned goods will also do, but we need to give them can openers too. Other things needed are:
01. Banigs or Sleeping Mats
02. Blankets
03. Slippers & Shoes
04. Rice
05. Bottled Water
06. Soap, Alcohol
07. Toothbrush
08. Toothpaste
09. Medicines like Neozep & Biogesic
10. Candles & Matches for areas that still do not have electricity

---
Reposting from the La Salle Brothers
ONE LA SALLE DISASTER RELIEF OPERATIONS
We are running low on foodstuff to deliver while clothing & other supplies are constant.

Those who wish to help thru cash donations may do so in a centralized One La Salle Disaster Relief Fund. Please don't forget to indicate in your deposit slip the Account Number, SWIFT CODE, and ALL DETAILS indicated below.

Also, pls do not forget to email us your details once you have sent your donation:
YOUR NAME
AMOUNT DEPOSITED
DATE DEPOSITED
BANK WHERE YOU DEPOSITED

Please send your details to the ff. for confirmation of your donations:

Ms. Bee Cruz Co		→ prvbee@lasallian.ph
Ms. Tina Reyes		→ prvtina@lasallian.ph
Br. Dante Amisola, FSC		→ fscbdjra@yahoo.com

---
De La Salle Brothers Inc. | Disaster Response
Rizal Commercial Banking Corp.
Unimart Business Center Branch
GreenHills Shopping Center
Ortigas Avenue, San Juan, M.M. 1502 Philippines
US Dollar Account 8-296-00115-6
Philippine Peso Acct 1296-714778
SWIFT CODE RCBC PHMM


---
If you're not from the South, and you'd like to donate donate or offer financial and/or material help, my friend, Bianca compiled a list of places where you can drop off your items.

Labels: Ako'y Isang Pinoy

My weekend and early this week have been tough on my workout. I got off to a somewhat great start, then I have fizzled. I took a short workout break for three days – Sunday til Tuesday. I wasn't working out + I was eating normal food either for breakfast or brunch which means that I was having some carbs there and was surprised to see my numbers on the scale this afternoon. I was pleased, got very hyper and easily got back on track.

I took a break because I was feeling something painful on the left portion of my stomach when I run, but I noticed that this happens when I drink water or any kind of liquid, say Gatorade or an energy drink. I gave it a rest for three days after my workouts and runs last week. I have yet to find out the connection between my water intake and running. I cannot not drink water, otherwise I’d be dehydrated.

Today I got my iPod, had a great workout, and found good rhythm while running. I still felt that little pain in my stomach, but nothing sharply painful and it didn’t feel like I was pushing hard. I felt better and to make things more exciting, I am relatively running faster. I used to be around the low 7s, but these past few days, I have been doing splits … running at 8s. I’ll work on improving my speed and at the same time avoid my short walks. Last Sunday, I saw a friend who’s into triathlons and he told me to run with little steps so I don’t get tired easily. He said that if I constantly do this, I will eventually be able to do an easy 5KM or even a 7KM without walking. As most of you know, I recently grew a love for it - wrote about it here. It's so invigorating to run. With two new songs that I am madly in love with, despite the lazy weather that we have been having for days, I'm still in the mood to run.

These two songs on my workout playlist are what I have been listening to lately to get me pumped up to run. First off, there is Sara Paxton’s version of Can You Feel The Love Tonight. I really like it because it gets me started on the right pace and it also gets me in the running mood that I want. To add to that, with the kind of weather that we have been experiencing recently, there is another song, which I call my “steady running music”. It does not pump me up too much but it always puts a smile on my face because of its beats. It also makes me bob my head out on a run. I feel like I should do hopscotch while listening to it. This song is called Molotov by the now defunct Narda.

Now that I am back on my feet and on the treadmill, I am getting more and more psyched about marathons. Two girlfriends have already invited me to join two different marathons next month. I am seriously considering joining, but I really do have to work on my endurance first. Any tips? Should do a 5KM or a 7KM – okay, not right now .. this is extremely crazy talk.

--
Since we're on the topic of running … I was in awe when Sen. Noynoy Aquino’s announced that he will be running for the Presidency in 2010. The sudden turn of events just made the coming 2010 Elections more interesting. A week ago, I think we all saw this coming and now, everything is clear. I felt Sen. Noynoy’s genuine love for the country. He seems to be determined to continue what his parents have started. It is not an easy task, but he seems already set for it. Right now, the entire country has yet to wait for the other candidates and for the announcement of Noynoy’s running mate. Until then, abangan ang susunod na kabanata.Ü

Could Sen. Noynoy Aquino be the answer to our prayers?

Labels: Ako'y Isang Pinoy, Weight Loss Efforts

Escape, go out and watch a movie.
Don't know what to see? I have a suggestion.Ü Watch Kimmy Dora.
I'll keep this very short because I don't want to spoil it for you guys. I watched it this afternoon with Mom. She usually sleeps through Pinoy films, but I was so surprised that she didn't fall asleep with this movie, not one second! Mom and I were laughing so hard practically the whole time.

I've always thought that EUGENE DOMINGO's a good actress, very effective and talented. She's charming and at the same time hilarious in this film, playing the roles Kimmy and Dora. After seeing this movie, for me, Eugene Domingo is now Philippine Cinema's COMEDY GODDESS.

Labels: Ako'y Isang Pinoy

Two straight weekends of La Salle vs. Ateneo basketball. Last Sunday, though we dominated the first 3 quarters, Ateneo won. BUT, we did see that the field is leveled for these two teams.

Another huge game this Sunday. La Salle going against Ateneo for the second time this season. Let's go boys, GO GREEN ARCHERS.Ü It will be payback time right? All the best. Animo La Salle!

Labels: Ako'y Isang Pinoy

Yesterday was a monumental event for us Filipinos. I watched thousands of us go out into the streets to join many others to pay their last respects to former Pres. Cory Aquino, who passed on last Saturday. A nation was in mourning. Thousands of us wept. And there were 4 men, truly commendable, who stood stock-still on the truck that transported former President Cory Aquino. For 8 hours, despite hunger, bad weather conditions, and uncomfortable travel – they stood upright in military fashion.

To Army Pfc. Antonio Cadiente, Ariman Second Class Gener Laguindan, Navy Petty Officer 3 Edgardo Rodriguez, and Police Officer 1 Danilo Malab – MGA CHIEFS, SALUDO AKO SA INYO.

I hope they didn’t get sick. wwwgmanewstv reported that the Senate will commend the 4 honor guards. Dapat lang! It's the right thing to do.

I want to say thank you to my friends: Bianca, for sharing the names of the 4 honor guards and to Vince Santos, for the photos. He biked all the way to Quirino! Vince's shared in his FB album,

I went to the Roxas-Quirino area by bicycle and passed thru all the flooded parts of pasay. I got there hoping to get a glimpse of tita Cory before she goes home to the Lord... After 45 mins of moving around because i didnt want anyone touching my bike, i found myself at the back of the crowd. But it was still a good place to be in. It was a real mix of people; old, young, rich, and poor. As She passed everyone was in awe and in silence, which was fitting for a well loved and respected person. I just said my prayers, took some photos, and CARRIED my bike out of the ruckus. The uncomfortable experience was well worth it...

Labels: Ako'y Isang Pinoy

I don't have any formula for ousting a dictator or building democracy. All I can suggest is to forget about yourself and just think of your people. It’s always the people who make things happen. ~ Corazon C. Aquino

Maraming Salamat, Pres. Cory Aquino
If there is one thing that I am truly thankful for, it’s being born and being part of this generation. I am blessed to have experienced the fruits of what Cory Aquino has worked hard for. Thank you so much for everything you have done for our country – for the gift of democracy, for showing us an ideal way of how the Presidency should be carried, for strengthening the voice of Filipinos, for teaching us the value of unity and the meaning of love – foundations of where we can build a better future for the Philippines, optimism for our future children and generations to follow.

---
Second Image, courtesy of gma7news.

Labels: Ako'y Isang Pinoy

I need to get these out of my system.
Please bear with me.

Thursday Thought #1
I have a cousin who’s been constantly bugging me since Monday me to watch ALL MY LIFE in GMA 7. It’s a new series that just started. I won’t be a hypocrite and say that I don’t watch local TV series. Come on. They can be addicting. I’ve watched Marian Rivera’s Dyesebel since Day 1 and last May, I started watching Tayong Dalawa. So I did watch All My Life and this afternoon and I just heard the most touching line ever.

It's a scene inside a hospital room. Two brothers – little boys, were sharing the room and they’re confined because they were hit by a car while riding a kariton. A visitor arrives with a plastic bag of pasalubong for them. He asks if the goodies in the bag are just for him. The visitor tells the kid that he has to share it with his brother.

Kid 2: Uy, hati raw tayo.
Kid 1: Oo nga, hati tayo kaya nga 2 sa’yo, 1 sa’kin.

Super aww!
I felt tears welling up in my eyes.


Thursday Thought #2
Last week, the world was surprised with the unexpected death of the King of Pop, Michael Jackson. I was sad, but not really affected. Yesterday, I read in the news that Jacko’s songs are again topping the charts. I’ve also watched several interviews of celebs, talking about how good MJ was. It struck me and I wondered if they actually were able to tell him all these nice things about him when he was still alive. When he was caught in different controversies, he was very much hated. I know we live in odd times, and now that he’s dead, I find it really ironic at how most people only remember that he was good or he did something good only after he’s left this earth, and of course, it was not expected.

This brings me to the situation of former Pres. Cory Aquino. I am saddened with the fact that she is very ill right now, as reported in the news.

I truly admire her children, her family, and her friends for doing everything they can to show her that she is loved.

I have utmost respect for the people that she's worked with for speaking about things that she has achieved. There were politicians who didn’t see eye-to-eye with the former President, but I commend them for sincerely being there for Mrs. Aquino and her family.

What does this tell all of us? We don't need death to realize how important a person is. We don't have to wait for death to speak good words about a person. It was reported in the news tonight that people are leaving comments in the website of Mrs. Aquino and her children make her read all these messages – which is the right thing to do.

---
More often than not, it is easy to take the people we love for granted. We forget to tell them how much we love them. We ignore them and we can't even show them simple acts of kindness + love + appreciation. We're always good at remembering birthdays and other special occasions, but we don’t really do anything special for our loved ones in between those times. We do not need to wait for a special day. Every day should be made special because... "You don’t know what you got til it's gone."

Live simple. Life’s short, have fun and enjoy it while you can.
Smile. Love. Walk often. Sleep well tonight.

Labels: Ako'y Isang Pinoy

There are unusually rare times when one enters a room and a beautiful, huge LECHON is there on the dining table. You simply can't let this moment pass. Last Saturday, I succumbed to temptation. I was so weak that I didn't even have a debate in my head whether I'd have some of the sumptuous Roasted Pork or not. What was I supposed to do? I was craving for one since February this year - of course, I had 3 small slices and 2 little pieces of the Lechon Skin.


My friend, Billy, who was with me last Saturday totally dissed the Lechon Skin that he got when I told him how many calories one portion had.Ö Poor Bill didn't eat the skin! That's such a bummer. On the other hand, I enjoyed the two small pieces of the skin that I got.Ü

I have to say that the Lechon, no matter how calorie-infested it is, it's one Filipino specialty that I absolutely love! A Filipino feast or gathering is not complete without one.

Labels: Ako'y Isang Pinoy, Good Times