http://en.wikipilipinas.org

WikiPilipinas: The Hip 'n Free Philippine Encyclopedia

It is an online, free content encyclopedia on the Philippines. In addition to encyclopedic entries on history, culture, sports, politics, and other knowledge areas, WikiPilipinas also features the following components:

A Who's Who of prominent Filipinos
A directory of schools, corporations, government institutions, and more
An almanac of useful and interesting records and data on the Philippines
A community portal for discussing and preserving the heritage of different cultural and social groups in the Philippines

The name WikiPilipinas is a portmanteau of the words wiki (a type of collaborative website) and Pilipinas, the Filipino term for Philippines. The project was conceptualized in February 2007 by the editors of Filipiniana.net. Together, Filipiniana.net and WikiPilipinas.org aim to become the two primary portals to Philippine knowledge.

And it happened!

*Charice Pempengco on The Ellen Degeneres Show

www.queenofdisco.com

WELCOME BACK, MY DEAR FRIEND, LEANDRO MENDEZ!!!



Relive the exciting decade that is the 70s, when disco reigned supreme and the world is ruled by one Queen... DONNA SUMMER!

For the first time in theatre history, Donna Summer's remarkable life and music are celebrated through her own chart-topping hits like "Hot Stuff", "On The Radio" and "Last Dance" -- reinvented and revitalized in this groundbreaking show:

"QUEEN OF DISCO"
The Musical Journey of Donna Summer

Featuring multi-talented stage actress
JENINE DESIDERIO (of Miss Saigon) performing live as Donna Summer, with a cast of incredible dancers and amazing video imagery.

Catch "QUEEN OF DISCO--The Musical Journey of Donna Summer" on its WORLD PREMIER on
New Year's Eve, December 31, 2007, 8pm at ONSTAGE Greenbelt 1 in Makati City.

Watch "Queen of Disco" and dance the night away!
______________________________

For tickets, call Ticketworld at 891-9999.
Show inquiries, please call 0915-494-1868.

www.actsofkindness.org

[Taken from www.actsofkindness.org]

The Random Acts of Kindness™ Foundation inspires people to practice kindness and to “pass it on” to others.

ABOUT THE FOUNDATION
Through the dissemination of ideas and the development of materials and programs, we have helped our kindness coordinators – including educators, students, community members, faith groups, service clubs, and others – incorporate kindness into thousands of schools and communities. As people tap into their own generous human spirit and share kindness with one another, they discover for themselves the power of kindness to effect positive change. When kindness is expressed, healthy relationships are created, community connections are nourished, and people are inspired to pass kindness on.

Established in 1995 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation is a resource for people committed to spreading kindness. We provide a wide variety of materials on our website, including activity ideas, lesson plans, project plans, teacher's guide, project planning guide, publicity guide, and workplace resources on our website at www.actsofkindness.org – all free of charge.

The Foundation is privately held and funded. We accept no donations, grants, or membership dues. We do not provide financial assistance to individuals or organizations. The Foundation has no religious or organizational affiliations; we encourage the practice of kindness in all sectors of society.

The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation is the United States delegate to the World Kindness Movement, an organization that includes various nations. People in these countries promote kindness within their countries' borders and are creating a global network of kindness and compassion.

As people from different cultures and from all walks of life are joining to spread kindness, they are creating a powerful, synergistic action throughout the world. Please join us in bringing kindness and compassion to our local and global communities!

Twisted 8 - Out now.

[Taken from Jessica Jafra Blog]

Just when you thought it was safe to go into a bookstore, TWISTED 8 appears on the shelves! TWISTED 8, the latest collection of seriocomic essays by Jessica Zafra, hits bookstores in the next couple of weeks. Want to get it before everyone else does? We’re taking advance orders at zeus.books@gmail.com, and giving discounts for orders of six books or more. TWISTED 8 is available in book 80 lbs that will not disintegrate after several readings, P250 per copy. Order ten copies and co-publishers Ige Ramos and I will even meet you for coffee to hand over your books. Email us! Now!

Ellen....um....um...

This really caught my attention...

Okay, Ellen...I am thinking of a good deal. After our dear Charice Pempengco graced your show, could you also go here in Manila? *wishful thinking*

The Secret: A Gift from the Secret Scrolls

Intimate Relaxation Event

Tonight at Tiffany Place, Makati...See yah there!

Forbes Asia 40 Richest Filipinos

I came across this list. I think, it's worth sharing. This figure could be, as of 2006.

Forbes Asia 40 Richest Filipinos
1. Henry Sy - $4.0 billion
2. Lucio Tan - $2.3 billion
3. Jaime Zobel de Ayala - $2.0 billion
4. Eduardo Cojuangco - $840 million
5. George Ty - $830 million
6. John Gokongwei - $700 million
7. Tony Tan Caktiong - $575 million
8. Andrew Tan - $480 million
9. Emilio Yap - $350 million
10. Oscar Lopez - $315 million
11. Enrique Razon Jr. - $285 million
12. Andrew Gotianun - $280 million
13. Enrique Aboitiz - $275 million
14. Alfonso Yuchengco - $225 million
15. Menardo Jimenez - $210 million
15. Gilberto Duavit Jr. - $210 million
17. Ramon del Rosario - $205 million
18. Felipe Gozon - $180 million
19. Beatrice Campos - $160 million
20. Luis J. L. Virata - $150 million
21. David M. Consunji - $145 million
22. Bienvenido Tantoco Sr. $140 million
23. Betty Ang - $115 million
24. Manuel Villar - $110 million
25. Mariano Tan - $100 million
26. Rolando and Rosalinda Hortaleza - $90 million
27. Oscar Hilado - $85 million
28. Vivian Que Azcona - $80 million
29. Manuel Zamora - $75 million
30. Magdaleno Albarracin - $73 million
31. Jesus Tambunting - $70 million
32. Frederick Dy - $65 million
33. Tomas Alcantara - $60 million
34. Lourdes Montinola - $50 million
35. Salvador Zamorra - $45 million
36. Antonio Roxas - $40 million
37. Wilfred Steven Uytengsu Sr. - $38 million
38. Philip T. Ang - $35 million
39. Marixi Prieto - $30 million
40. Manuel Pangilinan - $25 million

I lost my phone today....

For the information of everybody, i lost my phone just this morning...so i can no longer be reached thru the smart number...(my number since 2003). So for anyone who's thinking why I can't be reached these times, or accuse me of deliberately ignoring them, that's not intentional this time.

It's not the phone, actually...(Oh well, it could be). Foremost, it's the cellphone's directory. All my contacts are practically there....Lesson: DO AN EFFING BACK UP.

Well...shit happens.

PRA Cavite Occulars

Today is the day I've visited some of the Philippine Retirement Authority's accredited facilites in Cavite...

Chester Place
Filipinas Paradise
Philslife

I love Philslife...the place is so nice.

Huh?

How to Panhandle
http://www.wikihow.com/Panhandle...funny!

November 7-11 Davao City

FYI people...I'd be staying at the Grand Men Seng Hotel. Ring me from there for urgent matters.

WTF?

This site teaches non-tagalog speakers to say insults using our language:
http://www.tagaloglang.com/listen/Say_Insults_in_Tagalog.htm

...like, is it really needed? I mean, to go as far as posting them on the website that formally teaches the language? All complete with audio, take note. I don't know if i'm astonished, bewildered, or just puzzled. Check it out!

Whoa!

www.viralvideochart.com

I am just taking note of this site...coz at once, they featured my site:
http://www.viralvideochart.com/youtube/amy_winehouserehab?id=RKVbgkfFygY

Don't you just love to own one?

Hidden Emoticons...

You won't find these in the emoticon menu of ym messenger, but you can send them by typing the symbols directly into an instant message.

:o3 puppy dog eyes - New!
:-?? I don't know - New!
%-( not listening
:@) pig
3:-O cow
:(|) monkey
~:> chicken
@};- rose
%%- good luck
**== flag
(~~) pumpkin
~O) coffee
*-:) idea
8-X skull
=:) bug
>-) alien
:-L frustrated
[-O< praying
$-) money eyes
:-" whistling
b-( feeling beat up
:)>- peace sign
[-X shame on you
\:D/ dancing
>:/ bring it on
;)) hee hee
:-@ chatterbox
^:)^ not worthy
:-j oh go on
(*) star
o-> hiro
o=> billy
o-+ april
(%) yin yang

Imagine Pacquiao doing this!

Sweetness!!! Ü

Dory and Me

I was organizing my stuff when i saw my Finding Nemo cd. When the movie first came came out, i got couple of texts from my friends saying that the Dory character in the movie is sooo ME. I was actually surprised coz the friends who texted me don't know each other. Secondly, i could never relate myself to being a fish.

I watched the movie. So well, what can i say? Dory is a hilarious blue tang who suffers from short term memory loss, voiced by Ellen De Generes...so well, i am actually flattered.

Though, it also occured to me that; it's also my friends' subtle way to tell me that i'm so forgetful, that i manage to forget things, important dates, or meet ups with them. That either I always come late (coz they remind me late Ü), or i just don't show up at all, coz i completely forgotten about it.

But well, i'm the best keeper of secret, don't you think? Feel secured that your secret will be kept hidden from others or known only by you and me; coz i would really forgot what you indeed told me. Haha!

So, this is me:

We got the same smile but i got more teeth.

A happy song from a happy group

Kim Shattuck and the Muffs' REALLY REALLY HAPPY

Free Fiction

Read Luis Katigbak's column at Manila Bulletin and he got some recommended fiction online.

The Remember by Almee Bender
http://www.randomhouse.com/boldtype/0798/bender/excerpt.html

The Faery Handbag by Kelly Link
http://www.lcrw.net/fictionplus/link-handbag.htm

On Seeing the 100% Perfect Girl One Beautiful April Morning by Haruki Murakami
http://www.mat.upm.es/~jcm/murakami-perfect.html (different link, from the one posted)

Understand by Ted Chiang
http://www.infinityplus.co.uk/stories/under.htm

Some of Us Had Been Threatening Our Friend Colby by Donald Barthelme
http://www.coldbacon.com/writing/barthelme-colby.html...hope this one works. (Coz the one posted was http://www.jessamyn.com/barth/colby.html is not working)

(His very own) Subterrania by Luis Katibak...the link's not working. And it isn't searcheable either.

Want to earn dollars?

Earn monthly paychecks viewing and browsing ads. Not only that, these ads are even of your own interests.
Join now, it's simple. Click this link now and sign up for free:
http://www.clixsense.com/?2250850

Note: One computer, one account, per person.

Laughing Matters on the Web

From Techie Pen – Manila Bulletin (Technews)

eBaum’s World
www.ebaumsworld.com

Engrish.com
www.engrish.com

Found Magazine
www.foundmagazine.com

Funny or Die
www.funnyordie.com

The Subservient Chicken
www.subservientchicken.com

Overheard in New York
www.overheardinnewyork.com

Pictures of Walls
www.picturesofwalls.com

Simply, ENDO

Got home like 2 hours ago from Endo’s screening in UP. The movie’s impressive. Love the simplicity and down-to-earth treatment of the story. It isn’t too raw as I expected to be. The behavior of the cameras, angles are all very much and undeniably “indie” but it didn’t give a headache. The script is actually undemanding but not plain at all; a good combination for me.

BORACAY makes it again to the TOP 10 World's Best Beaches List

YAHOO! Travel's 2007 World's Best Beaches

1. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
2. Miami, Florida
3. Cancun, Mexico
4. Kaanapali, Hawaii
5. Honolulu, Hawaii
6. San Diego, California
7. Boracay Island, Philippines
8. Key West, Florida
9. Sydney, Australia
10. Santa Barbara, California

Spanish and Japanese...

Two languages, i wanted to learn.

oOo Events and Weddings oOo

We specialize in themed events and destination weddings!

Other Services:
Company and Corporate Parties, Grand Openings, Concerts, Promotional Events, Trade Shows, Golf Tournaments, Children’s Parties, Ting Hun and more.

Please get in touch with us
+63915-9766487
+63922-4618554
eventsnweddings@gmail.com

This is amazing...

Trailer video for PostSecret: A Lifetime of Secrets and PostSecret.com, A Frank Warren project. Produced by firemancreative.com, music by donoramusic.com.

THE #1 SONG ON THIS DATE IN HISTORY

To look up and listen to Billboard's #1 song on a specific date in history..
What was the #1 song on ...
- the day you were born?
- the day you graduated from high school?
- the day you were married?
- the day your child was born?

http://www.joshhosler.biz/NumberOneInHistory/SelectMonth.htm

.39 seconds could be long...

Funny Pictures

what do you think? Or it could be THAT waist...oh well, let's not put malice in it. She was just sniffing...

Oh well, can you spot a lesbian?
http://www.lesbischemensen.net/spot1.html

Mishka in my photo archive

While i was checking my old photo cds, i came across these pics of Mishka Adams. If i'm not mistaken, these are taken at the Candid Jazz International Music Festival, sometime like two years ago...

Bored?

Try this:
http://www.extremefunnypictures.com/funnypic602.htm

and well, if that ain't workin' yet, i already recommend this:

Pacquiao-Barrera, GMA once in a lifetime chance, and the Lupang Hinirang

With all the speculations that Manny Pacquio would be defeated this time, oh well, better luck next time. With all respect to Barrera, he really prepared for the fight. Without KO, Barrera could still hold his head up high. But, not too much, of course.

Meanwhile, GMA turned the Pacquiao-Barrera fight a whole day event. Obviously, they grabbed the opportunity with hot fangs and just made the most out of it... 9.am to around 4 in the afternoon, other viewers already turned into mushrooms.

And could please someone teach Manny Pacquio our Philippine National Anthem? He was lip synching it, but still got all the words wrong. My friend had to suspect that he was humming his own song (Para sayo ang laban na 'to) while the Lupang Hinirang was on. Now, that's weird.

With all the boxing fights that Pacquiao had, we even expected that he has also memorized the Himno Nacional Mexicano by now. So, if he can't learn the Mexico's National Anthem, maybe he can learn ours, by heart.

Nevertheless, our congratulations Manny. You won again. Don't even dare go to Mexico alone.

My dear friend, Leandro Mendez

Sunday, February 11, 2007


Leandro Mendez

From Manila to Vancouver


A screenwriter’s journey

THE year was 1997. In his last year of Mass Communication studies at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines and still at a crossroads on what he wants to do in his life, Leandro dela Paz Mendez, decided to join his family in Canada, who had migrated and settled in British Columbia in the 1980s. A month after starting his new life in a new country, he received a call from his brother Oliver, who tells him: “You won!”

“I was absolutely shocked,” says 31-year-old Leandro. “I can’t imagine that they liked my work, enough to actually win.”

Leandro is talking about the script he submitted to ABS-CBN’s scriptwriting contest in 1997. “I found out about that contest by accident,” says Leandro. “I tagged along with some classmates, who were applying as trainees for the TV station, and saw this poster for a scriptwriting contest. For some odd reason, when I got home that day, I started typing my very first script—and yes, a manual typewriter, as computers were not really the norm yet those days,” he laughs.

After getting the phone call that his script was chosen among thousands of entries, Leandro had decided that writing was his calling, and he kept writing from then on.

“Of course, I was really disappointed that I couldn’t fly back to receive my award. It wasn’t practical, having just moved [to Canada] and just starting with a job,” he says. His brother had to accept his prize on his behalf, which was awarded by ABS-CBN entertainment head Charo Santos-Concio.

With the cash prize and certificate, came a job offer to work for the prestigious TV station, which was regretfully turned down by Leandro. “At the back of my mind, I always wonder, what if? But people make choices in life, and I guess I made mine.”

The youngest of eight children, Leandro finished his grade school in San Beda College. “During that time, I was also a member of the Manila Children’s Choir, which regularly performed at the CCP, usually for visiting dignitaries and official functions of Malacañang,” he says. “So very early on in life, I had been exposed to theatre and music, not to mention the fact that my three sisters were all singers in a show band called Hall of Fame.” The band did the hotel lounge circuit in the eighties alongside the likes of Kuh Ledesma and the Music and Magic and Music Making Company.

In high school, with a natural talent for dance and theatre arts, Leandro kept himself busy with extracurricular activities—from being an active member of the drama club, to choreographing dance numbers for school events, to directing plays.

Music and the arts seem to flow in the family’s blood. Leandro’s mother Erlinda, trained as a classical vocalist, having attended UST’s Conservatory of Music along with Sylvia la Torre as a contemporary. “My mother always had interesting stories about her days singing on the radio in the 1950s . . . and how she eventually chose a life of being a full-time wife and mother,” he added.

Leandro’s parents separated when he was only 2 years old, when the physical and emotional abuse by his late father toward his mother came to feverish pitch. “Although I was really young then, I remember it was the toughest time for the family, especially for my mother, who was left to single-handedly raise eight kids. But she managed to feed, clothe and put us all through school, and for that she has my utmost love, respect and unending gratitude.”

Devastating event

In 2000, Leandro, having just graduated from Vancouver Film School (Writing for Film and Television), was excited at the prospect of officially starting his career as a writer, when tragedy struck. His mother, 68 years old, suffered a massive stroke, leaving her paralyzed and in a 24-hour care facility in Vancouver.

“The whole family was devastated,” he says. “I was so distraught that time; I didn’t even know what to do anymore, as my mother had always been the center of much of what I do in my life.”

During his visits to the hospital, spending hours at a time at her bedside, Leandro’s mother started telling him stories when she was a young girl during World War II. How she became friends with a Japanese officer who became a sort of father figure to her, as her own father became a war guerilla and had to leave the family and go in hiding. Leandro had heard his mother’s stories before but it seemed like after her stroke, she clearly remembered more details from memory.

“I told myself, I had to move on and do something positive out of this sad episode. So I started writing my next script, Mariana, which is inspired by my mom’s accounts of her life as a young girl growing up in wartime San Miguel, Bulacan.

“Somehow, the process of writing Mariana was cathartic,” reveals Leandro. “It really helped me deal with what had happened to my mother and at the same time, it became my little homage to the extraordinary life she lived.” He eventually submitted this script to Star Cinema’s scriptwriting contest that year, but unfortunately did not make the cut.

A new venture

After such a painful period, Leandro put writing aside, and decided to put up his own business venture, Deco Attack, a small stall at Brentwood Mall in the suburbs of Vancouver. He started creating and selling his own line of costume handmade jewelries, using stones and materials from the Philippines.

“Writing is a very emotionally draining task for me. A writer pours out his heart and soul in every sentence he puts on paper. At that point in my life, it was the last thing I wanted to do.”

Although his jewelry line is praised and loyal customers had started telling friends about it, Leandro was barely breaking even because of the high rent for the space. Bored and broke, he decided to fold up. “I knew there was something else for me out there,” he says.

In 2002, he was hired by a production company to choreograph and dance for the show All Hail the Queen! “It was a new challenge for me, and I gladly welcomed it,” Leandro says. “The gigs helped pay the bills, and I was having fun at the same time.”

The following year, although still doing his occasional dance gigs, and working part-time in retail, Leandro decided to start writing again. He wrote Daryll James (a pilot episode for a planned TV series), which landed as a top ten finalist at the Scriptapalooza TV Writing Competition in Los Angeles.

“Being a finalist really inspired me. I figure writing is still in me, and something I should pursue,” he says. He started writing Lihim—a suspense thriller screenplay.

In the midst of writing, Leandro, who is always open to new challenges, also tried his luck as an actor for the first time. He auditioned and got picked to play the “drag witch” Addaperle, “The Good Witch of the North” in the Vancouver production of The Wiz—the same role made popular by comedian Andy Dick (of the US TV sitcom Newsradio) in the Broadway musical. Leandro’s stint as an actor was short-lived though. “I couldn’t wait until the show run was over. It just wasn’t me!” he exclaims.

Win some, lose some

In the meantime, his brother in Manila saw a TV advertisement, calling for entries to the 1st FSR Screenwriting Contest, in memory of Fermina Salvador-del Rosario (a.k.a Mina Aragon), an actress and one of the prime movers of Viva Films. He encouraged Leandro to submit the screenplay Lihim, but still unfinished, they started brainstorming through e-mails and online messaging to finish the script.

It was submitted on the day of the deadline. “I was on the phone with my brother as he drove, and that was such a nerve-wracking moment. He barely made it in time before the Viva offices close for the day!” Leandro recalls. “But it was all well worth it.”

In July 2004, Lihim was announced as one of the winners of the Viva contest. Leandro hopped on the next available flight to Manila. “I told myself, ‘I am not going to miss this for the world—not this time.’”

Leandro was awarded P75,000 and a trophy by Vic del Rosario, chairman and CEO of Viva Entertainment. Del Rosario also promised that the screenplay would be produced and made into a movie.

Taking advantage of the opportunity, Leandro presented several original stories he was working on to Cel Santiago, head of creative writing of Viva Films and to del Rosario.

In 2005, Viva got back with Leandro about one of the storylines he submitted, a dark comedy called Reyna, about “a woman impersonating a man in a last desperate act to win a beauty pageant crown.”

Viva had continually requested Leandro to write the full script, as they love the storyline, convinced it would make a good comedy movie. Unfortunately, Leandro, with much regret, had to decline, as he was in the middle of creating the show, Tina—A Rock ’N’ Roll Journey. The piece is a stage musical biography of rock legend Tina Turner, which he was commissioned to write, choreograph and direct.

“I was really choked when I had to make that tough decision of declining the offer of Viva. I knew that it was my chance to get my work produced for the big screen, but it came at a time when I had committed already myself to another project,” Leandro explains. “I guess you win some, you lose some.”

Viva purchased the rights to the storyline of Reyna from Leandro, and had asked another screenwriter to pen the full script. He later found out too, that the title role went to Keanna Reeves, although during negotiations, the part was being considered for Ethel Booba.

A new journey

In September 2006, Tina—A Rock ’N’ Roll Journey held its world premiere in Canada. It opened to rave reviews and is enjoying a successful tour run, with several sold-out dates. Tina showcases the remarkable life of rock icon Tina Turner, her story told through her own hits.

Described by Leandro as a “live visual feast,” the show features Luisa Marshall, a Filipino-Canadian singer/actress performing as Tina Turner, going through various wig and costume changes to cover the four-decade reign of Turner as the undisputed queen of rock ’n’ roll, with a gorgeous ensemble of dancers and dynamic video imagery shown on a giant screen as backdrop.

Leandro is hoping that Tina goes worldwide. “So far, the show has been touring Canada then [this year], there are planned dates already across the United States,” he says. “Also, there’s discussion of a possible European tour in the summer of 2008 but I don’t want to elaborate further on it. I don’t want to jinx it!” he laughed.

“I’m really proud of what I have accomplished,” Leandro says. “This project was very challenging for me as a writer because I had to interpret Ms. Turner’s tragic and colorful life to the stage without the use of dialogue. And the fact that the life story of a recording artist like Ms. Turner is told through her own songs is very special to me. It hasn’t been done before. Also, the video imagery and symbolism shown throughout the show prove that a writer can clearly convey a message yet leave the audience to draw their own interpretation and conclusion,” he added.

When asked what inspired him to work on such a project, Leandro responds: “I have always admired strong, independent women—like my mother. And Tina Turner reminds me of my own mother, somebody who has endured so much hardship in life but still came out a winner. She epitomizes a woman of true courage, survival and triumph over adversity. Physical strength in a woman . . . that’s Tina . . . that’s my mom too.”

Future projects

In June 2006, Leandro saw Lani Misalucha in concert at the River Rock Casino in Vancouver. Totally astounded with her talent, he was inspired to start creating an all-new stage musical, with Lani Misalucha in mind, as the headliner. “She’s just amazing! A real world-class talent!” he exclaims. “The production company I work with is in touch with her people already, and we’re preparing a proposal. What’s the musical about? I can’t talk about it yet, but rest assured it will be as awesome and as exciting as Tina,” he added.

Almost 10 years after moving to Canada, with some career setbacks, personal sadness and missed opportunities, Leandro, at 31, finally feels he is at a good place in his life, and is raring to come back to the Philippines to share his creation to his fellow Filipinos, and maybe given the opportunity, to be able to see his screenplays come to life on the movie screen.


http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2007/feb/11/yehey/weekend/20070211week3.html

Which part would you give?

Help some Live...Be an organ donor.

The Human Organ Preservation Effort (HOPE) is an outreach program of the National Kidney and Transplant Institue (NKTI), in coordination with REDCOP and the Office of the Press Secretary-Philippine Information Agency (OPS-PIA), dedicated to the Retrieval, Preservation, and Distribution of Organs and Tissues for Clinical Transplantation.

NKTI Trunklines: 924-3601 to 19
NKTI Hotline: 926-8940
HOPE: 924-4673
Email: medical@redcop.org
www.redcop.org

"You can't change the world, but you can change the life of a child..."

Just last August, I decided to sponsor a child under World Vision. That was my gift to myself. At 30, I have given myself a gift of responsibility.

We can just call my child's name, Che. She's already 7 years old. For now, all i have is her picture and some little details about her. What's good about the program, is that you can visit your sponsored child, if you want to. You can also correspond to her, to see how she's doing in her school, or with her everyday life.

I am trying to schedule my visit to Che as early as now. Christmas is fast approaching and that is probably the best time to see her. I can't wait to meet her.

For anyone who's interested in Child Sponsorship, please visit their website:
http://www.worldvision.org.ph. Or contact the Donor Service Hotline at (632) 372-7777. They would be happy to accomodate all your inquiries regarding your sponsorship. You may also fax the Donor Service at (632) 374-7660 or send a text message at mobile no.0917-8664824. You may also e-mail them at wv_phil@wvi.org. For other World Vision queries, please contact (632)374-7618 up to 28. For P450 monthly or P5,400 annually, you are already able to sponsor 1 child.

Congratulations on being the creator of a new Evil Plan (tm)!

This is a world domination generator, and this is really funny; unless, you're really serious about dominating the planet earth...http://members.tripod.com/~mrpuzuzu/plan.html

My result:
Your objective is simple: World Domination
Your motive is a little bit more complex: Power

Stage One:

To begin your plan, you must first Seduce a Wall Street Executive. This will cause the world to sit up and take notice, stunned by your arrival. Who is this Demented Madman? Where did they come from? And why do they look so good in a Corporate Suit?

Stage Two:

Next, you will Steal the Internet. This will cause countless hordes of Corporate Suits to flock to you, begging to do your every bidding. Your name will become synonymous with Sheer dementedness, as lesser men whisper your name in terror.

Stage Three:

Finally, you will Activate your Corporate Takeover, bringing about an End to Sanity. This will all be done from a Corporate Tower, an excellent choice if we might say. These three deeds will herald the end, and the citizens of this planet will have no choice but to elect you their new god.

Trust us, it'll all come together in the end.

...LOL oh well, i think i'm having a good weekend!

This picture turned a year old

I took this photo exactly a year ago now. And look at SM Hypermart at Pasig right now, established and fully operational.

Now i reminded that i have to go there to renew my effing driver's license that has been expired for two years now. I heard the LTO branch there is not cramped. Less people, the better.

If you think YOU DON'T HAVE A LIFE...think again.

Amy Winehouse, i thought you said NO?

Yes, she's currently at the rehab.

7th Asia Pacific Hospice Conference

Hospice Philippines will host the 7th Asia Pacific Hospice Conference this month. For more information, visit www.aphc2007.com

If interesting things don't move me, i result to any of these...

Either I...
Take a picture of my own eye


Take a photo of my own hand


Take a photo of my own feet


Take a photo of both my own feet and hands


I henna tatoo myself


Take my own photo


Abstract my own photo


Or blog. Thank God for it.

Free-for-All

Courtesy of Sunday Inquirer Magazine

Old Manila Deco Tour – time to travel to the roaring 120s and explore Manila’s rich Art Deco Heritage. Monthly. Log on to www.oldmanilawalks.com for schedules. Email oldmanilawalks@gmail.com

Gantimpala Theatre/Concert at the Park’s award-winning plays – On September 30, watch Leoncio Deriada’s “Taluktok”. Directed by Tony Espejo. For more information, log on to www.nationalparks.ph for schedules of similar free shows at Paco Park and Concert at the (Rizal Park).

National Book Month at the Ortigas Foundation Library – Mini Book Fair on October 18, 19 and 20. Located at 2/F Ortigas Building, Ortigas Avenue, cor. Meralco Ave., Ortigas Complex, Pasig City

Retail Therapy at the ANPs 22nd Trade Fair – Let the Association of Negros inspire you as you browse through their offerings: food, fashion accessories, furniture and housewares at Rockwell Tent, Power Plant Mall in Makati, October 3 to 8, 2007. The shopping’s not free, but the surfeit of good feeling is.

Check out your storeroom for toys and playthings

I saw an ad of Celine, (not the model, not the shoes, but the vitamin brand for kids), and they encourage everyone to donate toys, probably in time for Christmas.

I think, Jollibee has the same christmas project too, which runs every year during December. You would see boxes at almost all Jollibee outlets that welcomes old-toys and stuffs for less-fortunate kids.

So, if you think your kids already got too much toys and much of them are basically untouched for months, then it’s time for these toys to make other children happy.

An exception...

With most of the korean girls that i learnt to hate (Read: I know personally), this girl is definitely an exception...

Text to fly

I commend Asian Spirit for having this alternative means of booking a flight. As their tagline goes, “Booking a flight is just a text away”. And to note, the numbers are in regular formats. (For Smart 0928-9599309; For Globe 0917-3725272; For Sun 0922-5059515)

Yeah, they had to do away with those three or four-digit numbers that you had text for promos, etc (i.e. 2366 and the likes). I hope other local airlines follow this method too, since it’s not always easy to call airline ticketing offices or to log on to their websites.

Citizen’s Call

Got stories? Tell Philippine Daily Inquirer about it. Yes, they call it Citizen Call. May it be a signage that made your day; a garbage dumped on your street that annoyed you big time; a role model in your neighborhood or delightful/dredful finds on your way to work; in short, what-have-you.

Just text: 0918-8985566
Follow the following format:
For SMS ccall name/age/location
For MMS ccall name/age/location

Late Realization

I like Cher Calvin. It hits me only now. For some reasons, i just realized how charming she is and how eloquent she could get. This lady is very good with what she does, it's obvious. And don't you like her voice? I love it. I had to watch POV's episodes posted on youtube. She needs to be really far away before i learnt to like her. What's with that?

One more of this, then kill me!

No further pre-explanation.

What Are You Looking for in a Relationship?
Sam, you're looking for a Best Friend

There are many different ways to look at relationships, but for you, finding a best friend, the one person you share everything with, is the most important. Some people focus more on the romantic image of a soul mate to last the span of time, but you probably prefer the reality of making the most of every moment of every day. And who better to live those moments with than someone who's true blue through and through?

The ideal match for you is probably someone who can anticipate the next word out of your mouth and who laughs at the punch line before you even tell it. Chances are it's important to you that they'd expand your circle of friends, introduce you to new places, faces, and experiences, too. Whether this relationship is here for the short- or the long- term, you're a take-it-as-it-comes kind of person, with few expectations or fairytales to live up to. You'd take your constant companion and trusted secret-keeper over a fairy princess or Prince Charming, any day. Whether you realize it or not, there's someone out there who feels the same way about you. Like you, that someone is looking for the one person to be their best friend — both in the bedroom and out.

I'd prefer that it generate simple result like this:
Sam, RELATIONSHIPS ARE NOT FOR EVERYONE...simple and precise.

More of Pope

Since the moment i heard the lines delivered by the character of Dunst in Eternal Sunshine, as she quoted Pope's, i promptly took note of it. Aside from his "To err is human, to forgive divine.", the more that i knew he has recounted some more bywords and witticisms remote to my knowledge. Here are some of those:

One science only will one genius fit:
So vast is art, so narrow human wit.
(intellect)

Honour and shame from no condition rise;
Act well your part, there all the honour lies.
(integrity)

Love, free as air at sight of human ties,
Spreads his light wings, and in a moment flies.
(love)

Histories are more full of examples of the fidelity of dogs than of friends.
(loyalty)

A Writer of my Time, JZ

For those who just arrived from Mars, and happens to like Jessica Zafra…yes, she has a blogsite of her own now that she maintains on a regular basis. Check out www.jessicarulestheuniverse.com. She also has a column on the Philippine Star called Emotional Weather Report, which comes out every Friday. And did I mention podcasts yet? Yes, she does that, too. Check out www.viloria.com/jessica-zafra-podcast to hear her voice, usually on a good mood.

Not a BOBong Pinoy

Bob Ong is known for his wits, sarcasm, use of the conventional Filipino language, he tackles everything from Filipino culture, politics, and personal experiences; though he became famous with his books, his identity and personality remains anonymous.

ABNKKBSNPLAKo?! (2001)
Bakit Baliktad Magbasa ng Libro ang mga Pilipino? (2002)
Ang Paboritong Libro ni Hudas (2003)
Alamat ng Gubat (2004)
Stainless Longganisa (2005)
MACARTHUR (2007)

I'm hooked!

Well, these tests have gotten over me. Another result of some effing test in some effing site.

COLORGENICS FOR SAM

You are the sort of person that needs a peaceful environment. You seek release from stress and freedom from conflicts and disagreements, of which you seem to have had more than your fair share. But you are taking pains to control the situation by proceeding cautiously and you are right in doing so as you are a very sensitive person.

You enjoy taking part in anything that may constitute fun and excitement. You need to be stimulated and need to feel that 'Life is worth living' and you are awaiting that stimulation and you don't particularly care where it comes from!

You are a dreamer and you seek perfection in any relationship that you may establish. Some of your ideas and standards are over the top so it may be a good idea to review your perception of life and accept people for what they are - not for what you would like them to be.

It is said that we are all influenced by our environment and indeed you are no exception. It would seem at this time that even though you may be surrounded by people, you are experiencing an inner loneliness. Fortunately you are sufficiently strong minded to realise that life has a great deal to offer you and that you may miss your share of experiences if you fail to make the best use of every opportunity. You therefore pursue your objectives with a fierce intensity and are prepared to commit yourself deeply and readily. You believe that whatever you would like to do or think 'you can do' - you do! It is because of this attitude that you may be considered by others as arrogant and even conceited, but its fair to say that whatever it is that you really want out of life you will put your heart and soul into it and will not take 'NO' for an answer.

You have so many ideas that you would like to revitalize but you need to realize a stable and peaceful condition to do so. Once you can free yourself from all the aggravation and tension around you, you will make strides that may amaze you. You will not be prevented from achieving all the things you so desire.

...On the second thought, these words could apply to almost 90% of people, i know. So again, eff that, right? Tata for now.

So, eff that, right?

Another test at the same site (www.tickle.com)...this is what you do when you're overly bored. You took random tests and discover a part of yourself that you never know exist.

Sam, you're a Passionate Partner
Love or lust? You probably don't ask that question too much — they're both important to a passionate soul like you. This doesn't mean that you play the field. You just love getting swept up in your emotions, and you want to keep desire alive in your long-term relationships.

You don't mind taking the initiative in the relationship department, and you expect the same level of enthusiasm and attentiveness from your partner. Whether you prefer amorous walks on the beach or impulsive kisses on the street, you feel energized when you're in love. Weak in the knees? You know it!

This test is crazy. Coz for one, I DEFINITELY MIND WHO'S GONNA TAKE THE INITIATIVE, okay? I better go to sleep.

What's there to celebrate?

I was browsing a little bit and saw this IQ test in www.tickle.com and i took it. Here's the result...

Congratulations, Sam!
Your IQ score is 115 !

This number is based on a scientific formula that compares how many questions you answered correctly on the Classic IQ Test relative to others.

Your Intellectual Type is Word Warrior. This means you have exceptional verbal skills. You can easily make sense of complex issues and take an unusually creative approach to solving problems. Your strengths also make you a visionary. Even without trying you're able to come up with lots of new and creative ideas. And that's just a small part of what we know about you from your test results.

That's not even MENSA. So no need to congratulate me. Tata!

I find this rather creepy...

Finally found it!

I wanted to believe that there's practically a song or couple of songs that bring us to childhood days. With my bro, it's the Carribean Disco Show by Lobo. Oh yeah, the "Day me say day me say day me say day me say day me say day-O" song. Everytime he hears it, he grins and claims his childhood once again.

In my case, it's NEVER MIND by Colours. "Never mind her, Never mind her. We'll sweep the night away"... Been searchin' thru the net, hopin' that I could stream it and listen to it once more. Even in forums I read, some admit that this is indeed a hard-to-find song...(Good to know i'm not alone in this world).

And one fateful evening, just in passing, I asked a friend to help me out with my perpetual searching. After hours of sending me thousand of links of music sites and blogs, tada! she found something in imeem that works! (I searched it there, didn't find it. Imeem doesn't like me much, I concluded) Doesn't matter to me now, i have it. Just the link, though, but it's good as gold. Thanks, Racqs!

And well, even before that, i already tried Limewire, but it's not there. Already asked three users of it, same thing, no results. Now, my search is on again. Hearing this song gives me hope. Haha!

Any tip where i can download this song? Or if you want good karma, you can send it to me if you happen to have it. For now, for those who doesn't know what i'm talking about...here it is:



And don't worry, I already dropped a message to the one who posted it there. I just doubt if he frequents imeem, he barely got songs in there and profiles not even updated.

Wookies...tata for now!

Not Bitter Anymore...

As I was cleaning up, i saw an inlay of Jill Sobule's album Happy Town. Just it, no tape...(yes, a tape...college days?) Well, her hit "Bitter" made me bought the album back then. I was singing it too much, my college barkadas would probably just wanted to kill me. I loved that song!

Where's the tape then? well, i lost it. It's all coming back to me now. I left it at the cab one time when i asked the cabby to put it on. See? Too much of everything is not really good.

I was with my friends, i was infront of the cab and just gettin' high. When we reached SM, we just got off, without the tape. Yes, i forgot it. And thank you to my dear friends, who also didn't remind.

I felt miserable that time. Jeesh, i lost a tape and it seemed the world was falling apart. Well, i owned the song. Losing it, was like losing Jill Sobule, as a friend, too. Haha! Hmmm, gets me thinkin'...if i ever lost a cd now, would i be equally affected like that? Well, not Enya's CDs, please...she's one of those singers i buy the originals.

I was (am still) a big fan of pirated CD's though, and i wouldn't hide that fact...who wouldn't love it? Hard to find songs, compiled! Best collections ever produced by looters. Well, with the emergence of songs, MP3 downloadable with just searches and clicks from the net, i'm pretty much done with the pirated CDs era. Yes, this is piracy too, but in a different level. Now, i'm the pirate. Haha!

By the way, with the song BITTER of Jill Sobule, I was singing and shouting MOUTH by Merril Bainbridge too... "When i kiss your mouth, i wanna taste it...Turn you upside down, don't wanna waste it..." Jeesh, the music is so lesbian. Haha!

Do I need to bother?

Why do we bother sometimes? Seriously...I give up trying...Actually, I just give up.

To get my mind off things at the moment, i'm preoccupying myself with discovering tunes, specifically of female singer-songwriters... and oh, by the way, i already finished listening to all Zafra's podcasts (www.viloria.com/jessica-zafra-podcast).

I love these songs at this specific moment... What You're Made Of by Lucie Silvas, Sunny Road by Emilia Torrini, Hallelujia's Allison Crowe version (i just don't know right now if she owns this song, i heard this from a guy in the L-word Soundtrack though), Clear the Area by Imogen Heap, River of Life by Heaver Nova, Way With Words by Allie Moss, Under my Skin by Rachael Yamagata, Superstar by Tegan and Sarah, and Cosmia by Joanna Newsom (yes, she's a freak that's why she falls in freak folk genre) and well liking her, you need not judge me...Haha!

Okay, be back in a jif... gotta change my fave playlist in ipod. And well, my favorite Missy Higgins and Regina Spektor's tunes, stay of course. Love 'em both...tata for now!

Frozen

I ask no question for the time being...