Carrissa Villacorta - Author of book "Surreality" and known at New York

Wednesday, December 26, 2007 |


by Manila TImes
Filipina’s big harvest of
international writing awards


CARISSA VILLACORTA, the 27-year-old author of the book Surreality, garnered four Communicator Awards, including an Award of Excellence for the copy/writing of Surreality. “The Communicator’s prestigious Award of Excellence is presented to those entrants whose ability to communicate makes them the best in their field.” The other three were Awards of Distinction for her column of the same title in Philippine News, a US circulated newspaper; for the cover article “From Far Away to Broadway” for Filipinas Magazine, February 2007, also circulated in the US, and the Surreality book. “The Award of Distinction is given to projects that exceed industry standards in production or communication skills.” The Communicator Awards is an international awards competition that recognizes outstanding work in the communication field according to their official letter of announcement. The book was published by the UST Publishing House in celebration of the school’s 400th anniversary.

The New-York based Villacorta, together with her creative director John Paul Su of JPSU Multimedia Productions, also received two Platinum Hermes Creative Awards as author of the book and as writer and executive producer of its promotional video. “The Hermes Creative Awards is an international competition for creative professionals involved in the concept, writing and design of traditional materials and programs, and emerging technologies, administered and judged by the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals, consisting of several thousand members. Hermes award makers are the same makers of the Golden Globes.

Earlier, Villacorta received 3-bronze Telly Awards for her Surreality video in three categories—Excellence in Low-Budget Productions, Promotional Pieces and Promotional Music Video. “The Telly is an international award-giving body which honors the best in film and video productions.” Telly award makers are the same makers of the Oscars and Emmys.

Carissa was most recently a featured speaker at the Mensa Society of Greater New York, to discuss some themes of Surreality. With over 50,000 members, American Mensa is the largest national Mensa operating under the auspices of Mensa International Ltd. To qualify for Mensa, members must have scored in the top 2 percent of the general population on an accepted standardized intelligence test.

She became the youngest Distinguished Service Honoree for Excellence in Community Service in the 43-year history of Philippine New York Junior Chamber of Commerce’s Distinguished Service Awards. She was also honored for Outstanding Achievement in Contemporary Literature at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, New York.

Villacorta also holds the distinction of being the first Filipino author to launch at a Borders bookstore in the United States. Carissa works at the community and cultural section of the Philippine Consulate General in New York and writes as a hobby on personalities, events and places in New York.



Know Daniel Dingel here:
http://danieldingel.org
http://inventors.about.com/od/filipinoscientists/p/Daniel_Dingel.htm

Send a Text Message from your Email to Mobile phones

Friday, December 21, 2007 |


Service Providers

The following text messaging service providers are supported.

Aliant (NBTel, MTT, NewTel, and Island Tel) (from: 11, msg: 140, total: 140)Enter your phone number. Message is sent to number@chat.wirefree.ca

Alltel (from: 50, msg: 116, total: 116)Enter your phone number. Goes to number@message.alltel.com.

Ameritech (ACSWireless) (from: 120, msg: 120, total: 120)Enter your phone number. Goes to number@paging.acswireless.com

Arch Wireless (from: 15, msg: 240, total: 240)Enter your phone number. Sent via http://www.arch.com/message/ (assumes blank PIN)

AU by KDDI (from: 20, msg: 10000, total: 10000)Enter your phone number. Goes to username@ezweb.ne.jp

BeeLine GSM (from: 50, msg: 255, total: 255)Enter your phone number. Goes to number@sms.beemail.ru

Bell Mobility Canada (from: 20, msg: 120, total: 120)Enter your phone number, including the 1 prefix. Goes to number@txt.bellmobility.ca

Bellsouth (from: 20, msg: 160, total: 160)Enter your phone number. Goes to number@bellsouth.cl

BellSouth Mobility (from: 15, msg: 160, total: 160)Enter your phone number. Goes to number@blsdcs.net

Blue Sky Frog (from: 30, msg: 120, total: 120)Enter your phone number. Goes to number@blueskyfrog.com

Boost (from: 30, msg: 120, total: 120)Enter your phone number. Goes to number@myboostmobile.com

Cellular South (from: 50, msg: 155, total: 155)Enter your phone number. Messages are sent to number@csouth1.com

CellularOne (Dobson) (from: 20, msg: 120, total: 120)Enter your phone number. Goes to number@mobile.celloneusa.com

CellularOne West (from: 20, msg: 120, total: 120)Enter your phone number. Goes to number@mycellone.com

Centennial Wireless (from: 10, msg: 110, total: 110)Enter your phone number. Sent via http://www.centennialwireless.com

Cincinnati Bell (from: 20, msg: 50, total: 50)Enter your phone number. Goes to number@gocbw.com

Cingular (from: 20, msg: 160, total: 160)Enter your phone number. Goes to number@mobile.mycingular.com

Cingular Blue (formerly AT&T Wireless) (from: 50, msg: 150, total: 150)Enter your phone number. Goes to number@mmode.com

Cingular IM Plus/Bellsouth IPS (from: 100, msg: 16000, total: 16000)Enter 8 digit PIN or user name. Goes to @imcingular.com

Cingular IM Plus/Bellsouth IPS Cellphones (from: 100, msg: 16000, total: 16000)Enter phone number. Goes to @mobile.mycingular.com

Claro (from: 20, msg: 160, total: 160)Enter your phone number. Goes to number@clarotorpedo.com.br

Comviq (from: 20, msg: 160, total: 160)Enter your phone number. Goes to number@sms.comviq.se

Dutchtone/Orange-NL (from: 15, msg: 150, total: 150)Enter your phone number. Messages are sent to number@sms.orange.nl

Edge Wireless (from: 20, msg: 160, total: 160)Enter your phone number. Messages are sent to number@sms.edgewireless.com

EinsteinPCS / Airadigm Communications (from: 20, msg: 160, total: 160)Enter your phone number. Messages are sent to number@einsteinsms.com

EPlus (from: 20, msg: 480, total: 480)Enter your phone number. Goes to number@smsmail.eplus.de.

Estonia Mobile Telefon (from: 20, msg: 160, total: 160)Enter your phone number. Sent via webform.

Fido Canada (from: 15, msg: 140, total: 140)Enter your phone number. Goes to number@fido.ca.

Golden Telecom (from: 20, msg: 160, total: 160)Enter your phone number or nickname. Messages are sent to number@sms.goldentele.com

Idea Cellular (from: 20, msg: 160, total: 160)Enter your phone number. Messages are sent to number@ideacellular.net

Kyivstar (from: 30, msg: 160, total: 160)Sent by addressing the message to number@sms.kyivstar.net

LMT (from: 30, msg: 120, total: 120)Enter your username. Goes to username@sms.lmt.lv

Manitoba Telecom Systems (from: 20, msg: 120, total: 120)10-digit phone number. Goes to @text.mtsmobility.com

Meteor (from: 20, msg: 160, total: 160)Enter your phone number. Goes to number@sms.mymeteor.ie

Metro PCS (from: 20, msg: 120, total: 120)10-digit phone number. Goes to number@mymetropcs.com

Metrocall Pager (from: 120, msg: 120, total: 120)10-digit phone number. Goes to number@page.metrocall.com

MobileOne (from: 20, msg: 160, total: 160)Enter your phone number. Goes to number@m1.com.sg

Mobilfone (from: 20, msg: 160, total: 160)Enter your phone number. Goes to number@page.mobilfone.com

Mobility Bermuda (from: 20, msg: 160, total: 160)Enter your phone number. Goes to number@ml.bm

MTS Primtel (from: 20, msg: 160, total: 160)Enter your phone number. Sent via web gateway.

Aliant (NBTel, MTT, NewTel, and Island Tel) (from: 11, msg: 140, total: 140)Enter your phone number. Message is sent to number@chat.wirefree.ca

Netcom (from: 20, msg: 160, total: 160)Enter your phone number. Goes to number@sms.netcom.no

Nextel (from: 50, msg: 126, total: 126)10-digit phone number. Goes to 10digits@messaging.nextel.com. Note: do not use dashes in your phone number.

NPI Wireless (from: 20, msg: 160, total: 160)Enter your phone number. Goes to number@npiwireless.com.

NTC (from: 20, msg: 160, total: 160)Enter your phone number. Sent via web gateway.

O2 (formerly BTCellnet) (from: 20, msg: 120, total: 120)Enter O2 username - must be
enabled first at http://www.o2.co.uk. Goes to username@o2.co.uk.

O2 M-mail (formerly BTCellnet) (from: 20, msg: 120, total: 120)Enter phone number, omitting initial zero - must be enabled first by sending an SMS saying "ON" to phone
number "212". Goes to +44[number]@mmail.co.uk.

Optus (from: 20, msg: 114, total: 114)Enter your phone number. Goes to @optusmobile.com.au

Orange (UK) (from: 20, msg: 160, total: 160)Enter your phone number. Goes to @orange.net. You will need to create a user account at orange.net first.

Oskar (from: 20, msg: 320, total: 320)Enter your phone number. Goes to @mujoskar.cz

Other (from: 15, msg: 100, total: 100)If your provider isn't supported directly, enter the email address that sends you a text message in phone number field. To be safe, the entire message is sent in the body of the message, and the length limit is really short. We'd prefer you give us information about your provider so we can support it directly.

Pacific Bell Cingular (from: 20, msg: 120, total: 120)10-digit phone number. Goes to @mobile.mycingular.com

Pagenet (from: 20, msg: 220, total: 240)10-digit phone number (or gateway and pager number separated by a period). Goes to number@pagenet.net.

PCS Rogers (from: 20, msg: 125, total: 125)10-digit phone number. Goes to number@pcs.rogers.com. Requires prior registration with PCS Rogers.

Personal Communication (Sonet) (from: 20, msg: 150, total: 150)Enter your phone number. Goes to sms@pcom.ru with your number in the subject line.

Plus GSM Poland (from: 20, msg: 620, total: 620)10-digit phone number. Goes to number@text.plusgsm.pl.

Powertel (from: 20, msg: 120, total: 120)10-digit phone number. Goes to number@ptel.net

Primtel (from: 20, msg: 150, total: 150)Enter your phone number. Goes to number@sms.primtel.ru

PSC Wireless (from: 20, msg: 150, total: 150)Enter your phone number. Goes to number@sms.pscel.com

Qualcomm (from: 20, msg: 120, total: 120)Enter your username. Goes to username@pager.qualcomm.com

Qwest (from: 14, msg: 100, total: 100)10-digit phone number. Goes to @qwestmp.com

Safaricom (from: 15, msg: 160, total: 160)Goes to @safaricomsms.com

Satelindo GSM (from: 15, msg: 160, total: 160)Goes to @satelindogsm.com

SCS-900 (from: 15, msg: 160, total: 160)Goes to @scs-900.ru

Simple Freedom (from: 15, msg: 160, total: 160)Goes to @text.simplefreedom.net

Skytel - Alphanumeric (from: 15, msg: 240, total: 240)Enter your 7-digit pin number as your number and your message will be mailed to pin@skytel.com

Smart Telecom (from: 15, msg: 160, total: 160)Enter your phone number. Goes to @mysmart.mymobile.ph

Smarts GSM (from: 11, msg: 70, total: 70)Enter your phone number. Sent via http://www.samara-gsm.ru/scripts/smsgate.exe

Southern Linc (from: 15, msg: 160, total: 160)Enter your 10-digit phone number. Goes to @page.southernlinc.com

Sprint PCS (from: 15, msg: 160, total: 160)Enter your 10-digit phone number. Goes to @messaging.sprintpcs.com

Sprint PCS - Short Mail (from: 15, msg: 1000, total: 1000)Enter your phone number. Goes to @sprintpcs.com

SunCom (from: 18, msg: 110, total: 110)Enter your number. Email will be sent to number@tms.suncom.com.

SureWest Communications (from: 20, msg: 200, total: 200)Enter your phone number. Message will be sent to number@mobile.surewest.com

SwissCom Mobile (from: 20, msg: 10000, total: 10000)Enter your phone number. Message will be sent to number@bluewin.ch

T-Mobile Germany (from: 15, msg: 160, total: 160)Enter your number. Email will be sent to number@T-D1-SMS.de

T-Mobile Netherlands (from: 15, msg: 160, total: 160)Send "EMAIL ON" to 555 from your phone, then enter your number starting with 316. Email will be sent to
number@gin.nl

T-Mobile UK (from: 30, msg: 160, total: 160)Messages are sent to number@t-mobile.uk.net

T-Mobile USA (from: 30, msg: 160, total: 160)Messages are sent to number@tmomail.net

T-Mobile USA (Sidekick) (from: 30, msg: 10000, total: 10000)Messages are sent to username@tmail.com

Tele2 Latvia (from: 20, msg: 160, total: 160)10-digit phone number. Goes to number@sms.tele2.lv.

Telefonica Movistar (from: 20, msg: 120, total: 120)10-digit phone number. Goes to number@movistar.net

Telenor (from: 20, msg: 160, total: 160)10-digit phone number. Goes to number@mobilpost.no.

Telia Denmark (from: 20, msg: 160, total: 160)8-digit phone number. Goes to number@gsm1800.telia.dk.

Telus Mobility (from: 30, msg: 120, total: 120)10-digit phone number. Goes to 10digits@msg.telus.com.

The Phone House (from: 20, msg: 160, total: 160)10-digit phone number. Goes to number@sms.phonehouse.de.

TIM (from: 30, msg: 350, total: 350)10-digit phone number. Goes to number@timnet.com.

UMC (from: 10, msg: 120, total: 120)Sent by addressing the message to number@sms.umc.com.ua

Unicel (from: 10, msg: 120, total: 120)Sent by addressing the message to number@utext.com

US Cellular (from: , msg: 150, total: 150)Enter a 10 digit USCC Phone Number. Messages are sent to number@email.uscc.net

Verizon Wireless (from: 34, msg: 140, total: 140)Enter your 10-digit phone number. Messages are sent via email to number@vtext.com.

Verizon Wireless (formerly Airtouch) (from: 20, msg: 120, total: 120)Enter your phone number. Messages are sent to number@airtouchpaging.com. This is ONLY for
former AirTouch customers. Verizon Wireless customers should use Verizon Wireless instead.

Verizon Wireless (myairmail.com) (from: 34, msg: 140, total: 140)Enter your phone number. Messages are sent via to number@myairmail.com.

Vessotel (from: 20, msg: 800, total: 800)Enter your phone number. Messages are sent to roumer@pager.irkutsk.ru.

Virgin Mobile Canada (from: 20, msg: 140, total: 140)Enter your phone number. Messages are sent to number@vmobile.ca.

Virgin Mobile USA (from: 20, msg: 160, total: 160)Enter your phone number. Messages are sent to number@vmobl.com.

Vodafone Italy (from: 20, msg: 132, total: 132)Enter your phone number. Messages are sent to number@sms.vodafone.it

Vodafone Japan (Chuugoku/Western) (from: 20, msg: 160, total: 160)Enter your phone number. Messages are sent to number@n.vodafone.ne.jp

Vodafone Japan (Hokkaido) (from: 20, msg: 160, total: 160)Enter your phone number. Messages are sent to number@d.vodafone.ne.jp

Vodafone Japan (Hokuriko/Central North) (from: 20, msg: 160, total: 160)Enter your phone number. Messages are sent to number@r.vodafone.ne.jp

Vodafone Japan (Kansai/West -- including Osaka) (from: 20, msg: 160, total: 160)Enter your phone number. Messages are sent to number@k.vodafone.ne.jp

Vodafone Japan (Kanto/Koushin/East -- including Tokyo) (from: 20, msg: 160, total: 160)Enter your phone number. Messages are sent to number@t.vodafone.ne.jp

Vodafone Japan (Kyuushu/Okinawa) (from: 20, msg: 160, total: 160)Enter your phone number. Messages are sent to number@q.vodafone.ne.jp

Vodafone Japan (Shikoku) (from: 20, msg: 160, total: 160)Enter your phone number.
Messages are sent to number@s.vodafone.ne.jp

Vodafone Japan (Touhoku/Niigata/North) (from: 20, msg: 160, total: 160)Enter your phone number. Messages are sent to number@h.vodafone.ne.jp

Vodafone Japan (Toukai/Central) (from: 20, msg: 160, total: 160)Enter your phone number. Messages are sent to number@c.vodafone.ne.jp

Vodafone Spain (from: 20, msg: 90, total: 90)Enter your username. Messages are sent to username@vodafone.es

Vodafone UK (from: 20, msg: 70, total: 90)Enter your username. Messages are sent to username@vodafone.net

Voicestream (from: 15, msg: 140, total: 140)Enter your 10-digit phone number. Message is sent via the email gateway, since they changed their web gateway and we have not gotten it working with the new one yet.
Weblink Wireless (from: 20, msg: 160, total: 160)Enter your phone number. Goes to @airmessage.net

WellCom (from: 20, msg: 160, total: 160)Enter your phone number. Goes to @sms.welcome2well.com

WyndTell (from: 20, msg: 480, total: 500)Enter username/phone number. Goes to @wyndtell.com

Misa del Gallo - Midnight Mass Starts Dec.15

Saturday, December 15, 2007 |


Misa de Gallo, or Mass of the Rooster officially kicked off the Christmas season in the country last Friday, 16 December. For nine days, called the novena, Catholics wake up early than usual and brave the nippy cold to hear mass. Originally a practice in Mexico, it was extended to the Philippines in the 16th century not out of tradition but for practical reasons: the dawn masses were timed very early so that the farmers during those time can fit it in their schedules as during the day, they’ll be busy with farm work. While this are dawn masses, the Tagalogs call it Simbang Gabi, literally night mass.

When we were still children, we used to accompany my lola (grandmother) and mother to these masses, oftentimes, because of the cold water, would just wash our faces instead of shower. After, we would then buy puto (unground steamed sticky rice with ginger) to be dipped in sugar (my fave) or paired with sweet ripe mangoes and thick tsokolate, made from tablea, medallion shaped bitter chocolate made from pure cocoa.



Especially loooove bibingka -- it's a rice cake with salted duck egg and goat's cheese, topped with butter, a sprinkle of sugar and grated coconut. Yum! I'm glad it's available all year round now.



This strange looking contraption is a steamer for the puto bumbong. The sticky rice flour mixture is placed inside the bamboo atop a steamer. The cloth around the wood is used so that it can be handled like placing the mixture or retrieving the puto.

Cultural Origins of the Christmas Parol

Friday, December 14, 2007 |


The Spanish priests of old in the Philippines might have walked around the villages at night to appreciate the candle-lit lanterns by the windows of their parishioners, and appreciated the beautiful symbol of the stars that led the three wise men to baby Jesus. The Christmas parol was originally intented as one's offering to glorify the Lord. It was an important part of the devotion to faithfully attend the 9-day Misa de Aguinaldo, to petition for special favors. After coming home from church, instead of stowing the lantern elsewhere in the house from church, they would illuminate their parols with candles or coconut-oil lamps to display their art. Certainly there must have been friendly reminders to promptly blow out the lights before they go to bed.

The villagers would walk around to appreciate the work of others and see who had the nicest design. When new stylistic variations appeared, such as different kind of tassels, steamers, or crowns around it, others would innovate their own creations and make palns to display their better parol the following year. This friendly competition was encoureaged by the church and the Spanish priests offered incentives for the people to invest time and money to make their parol the best as devotional offering to Jesus Christ. That is why during the Christmas season, some made it a practice to visit various churches that yearly display these new designs and better craftsmanship.

Today the parol is a main component in the Filipino celebration of Christmas which has become a Festival of Lights. The festivities cover the months ending with BER. Christmas music can be heard sporadically in the beginning of September and one could feel an increasing sense of the coming Christmas as more and more Christmas songs are played on the radio, and as more homes, businesses, streets and parks become brightly lit with wonderful colors. The mall and department stores are the first ones to decorate and showcase their managers and beautiful parol.

'The Donald' sues Tan over Trump name use

|


by Manila Mail

United States developer Donald Trump is suing Megaworld for using the name "Trumps" in a residential condominium that is being built in Makati's Salcedo Village.

In The statement sent to Philippine newspapers, Trump's New York office said the Trump Organization had filed a trademark infringement complaint against the listed real estate conglomerate of billionaire Andrew Tan before the local Bureau if Legal Affairs.

"This is an outrageous attempt to mislead buyers into thinking that my name and company is affiliated with Megaworld's project, which is absolutely untrue," Trump said in the statement. "When someone says the world 'Trump,' people certainly do not think of Megaworld."

Megaworld declined to comment when reached.

Trump claimed that Megaworld, despite ongoing legal proceedings since June, still went ahead and erected a billboard announcing the construction of the "Trumps" condominium in what used to be the Shell Maya station on Senator Gil Puyat Avenue and Geronimo Street opposite RCBC Plaza.

Megaworld recently missed and declined set by Bureau of Legal Affairs to file an opposition to The Trump Organization's application to register its mark "Trump" in the Philippines, Trump said.

Organized in 1980, The Trump Organization has been ranked as the largest privately held company in New York, and has over 22,000 employees.

It is now developing residential, hotel and golf clubs in New York, Chicago, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, Toronto, Westchester, Bedminster, New Jersey, Hawaii, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Mexico, Panama, the Dominican Republic and South Korea

Tips on Caring For Your Holiday Poinsettias

Thursday, December 13, 2007 |



If there is one flower that's recognized a sign of the holidays, it's the Poinsettia. In addition to their role as traditional Christmas decorations, poinsettias can serve as tokens f goodwill, friendship and joy during the season and beyond. More than 50 million Americans will purchase a poinsettia plant this holiday season.

While 75 percent of consumers are said to prefer the familiar red version, there are currently more than 100 varieties available. White, pink, yellow and even variegated poinsettias are gradually gaining popularity.

Named after Joel Poinsett, who introduced this indigenous Mexican plant to the United States during the 1800s while he served as thenation's U.S. ambassador, poinsettias have become AMerica's best selling potted plant. More than 85 percent of all potted plants sold annually are poinsettias.

Here are some care handling tips for your own holiday classic from the floral experts at 1-800-FLOWERS.COM

~When purchasing your plant, slect poinsettias with dark green foliage, strong, stiff stems and completely colored flowers. MAke sure your plant has no fallen or yellow leaves and that it is fully balanced and attractive from all sides.

~Poinsettias thirve on bright, sunny natural daylight. Place your plant in indirect sunlight for at least six hours per day. Keep your room temperature between 68 and 70
degrees. Do not place plant near drafts, heating vents, or appliances.

~Water the plant when the soil surface feels dry to light touch. It's very important not to allow your plant to sit standing water.

~It is not necessary to fertilize your poinsettias when they are in bloom. However, after the hlidays, a balanced, all purpose household plant fertilizer will help maintain the rich green foliage color and promote new growth.

~Do not place your poinsettia outside, as the plant is sensitive to chilling temperatures.

Visit 1800flowers.com on the Web for wide selection of poinsettia plants and other great holiday gifts.

Poinsettias thrive on bright, sunny natural daylight. Place your plant in direct sunlight for at least six hours per day.

Gina Alexander - Designer of one of a kind bags

Wednesday, December 12, 2007 |




by Midweek
Gina Lopez Alexander’s handbag designs and her cause, HOPE for Children, have caught the attention of countless Hollywood celebrities.

She shares about her meeting with Elizabeth Taylor, where they sat in the actress’s home as they browsed through personal family photos.

“She’s just nostalgic, an icon,” says Alexander of Taylor, who instead of picking a photo herself for her bag, instructed Alexander to just surprise her. There’s the recent creation of a diaper bag for new parents, Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck.

“They chose to use a picture of them kissing, taken when they found out she (Jennifer) was pregnant.”


And then there’s the phone calls from hip-hop and R&B artist Ashanti, Usher’s mom and others. “I get in shock every time my phone rings and it’s someone like Kobe (Bryant),” she says.

She also had an order from Arnold Schwarzenegger, who purchased a photo bag for all the women in his family.

“Can you imagine,” says Alexander, “Maria Shriver’s mom (Eunice Kennedy Shriver) carrying around one of my bags?”

When asked what types of pictures are submitted the most for bags, she answers, “Kids and pets. People just love their families.”

With more than 60 kids in her family from siblings and cousins, Alexander always assumed she would have at least four children of her own. For years Alexander and husband Richard tried to conceive. When they finally did, it wasn’t what they expected.



The family reunion photo on the bag at right led
to Gina Alexander’s adopting a child
“I had an ectopic pregnancy,” she explains, “I almost died.”

The pregnancy loss and learning that she may never be able to carry a baby to full term made the grieving process long and difficult.

At about the same time, the Alexanders actively participated with the non-profit child placement agency HOPE for Children. “Richard and I were volunteers with no plans to adopt.” Three years after their disappointing loss, the couple decided to look into adoption. According to Alexander, the cost of adoption can be a financial strain, and explains that it costs anywhere from $15,000 to $20,000 to adopt a child.

In an effort to help alleviate some of that, the fashion-conscious Alexander decided to make handbags. The sales of her designs would help her and Richard earn enough money to complete the process. Alexander used her love of the fashion world and background in trend forecasting, merchandising and marketing to create Gina Alexander Inc.

Following a one-year intensive application process, and with her photo handbag business moving forward, the Alexanders flew to Atlanta for the birth of their newly adopted baby. Again, they would find themselves in an unexpected situation. The baby’s birth mother changed her mind and the adoption came to an abrupt halt.

Emotionally devastated and drained, the Alexanders were uncertain that they would ever become parents. Fortunately for them, someone else knew they would.

“About two months after our first attempt at adoption, we got a call from HOPE for Children,” recalls Alexander. “They said a birth mother wanted Richard and I after she saw our family reunion picture in Maui.”

The family picture was part of an album that the Alexanders put together for the child placement agency during their first adoption. Hopeful, the couple courageously began the process one more time. Their perseverance, strength and creativity would pay off. On Aug. 16, 2003, the couple became the proud parents of Katelyn Regina-Kealani Alexander.





Alexander’s love of family and people are apparent in her trademark bags and are traits she learned while growing up in Honolulu. She recalls her grandparents, “Mama and Papa,” who legally adopted her. She remembers their home on Nihi Street in Kalihi where she lived as a child. After their passing, Alexander went to live with her mom in Waimanalo. Although the 38-year-old business owner is now based in California, she maintains a very close relationship with her mom.

What started in the back room of a house six years ago has grown to become a hugely successful business with an ever-expanding warehouse, 25 employees, and generating more than $2 million in sales over the past 24 months. Alexander is the family-run company’s founder and chief executive officer. Richard is co-founder and chief financial officer, and cousin Alexander Aquino, also a co-founder, is president of the company.

“My sister Angie Nakamoto is head of our customer services department and all my family members are reps,” gushes Alexander.

In addition to her success in business, Alexander has launched a very lucrative phil-anthropic effort - she uses her handbags as a way to give back and help other couples that want to adopt a child.

“A portion of the sale of every handbag goes to HOPE for Children,” says Alexander. She and her handbags have already helped to complete the successful adoption of children from Ethiopia and Russia.

Alexander’s line of bags includes designs for women and men. Folks can choose from wallets, pocketbooks, journals, totes, wristlets and more.

Adoration for Alexander’s bags and humanitarian efforts are many, but it is the stories of everyday people that get Alexander teary-eyed.

There’s an order she filled for a soldier in Iraq who surprised his wife with a photo bag of himself dressed in his Army uniform.

Alexander talks about the grandmother in the Middle East whose grandson sent her a bag with a photo of the grandchildren on it.

“He says his grandmother doesn’t use the bag. Instead, she displays it on the mantle.”

And then there’s the bag with one of Gina’s own photos, the one of the family reunion on Maui that sealed the deal for her daughter Katelyn’s adoption.

“Katelyn has created the heart behind the product,” says Alexander.

To learn how you can create your own designer Gina Alexander handbag, visit http://www.ginaalexander.com/

Filipino in Hollywood - A book

Thursday, December 6, 2007 |

This book is authored by Carina Monica Montoya
This title will be released on February 18, 2008 by Arcadia Publishing on at any bookstore for $13.59

The memoirs of Filipinos in Hollywood span more than 80 years, dating back to the early 1920s when the first wave of immigrants, who were mostly males, arrived and settled in Los Angeles. Despite the obstacles and hardships of discrimination, these early Filipino settlers had high hopes and dreams for the future. Many sought employment in Hollywood, only to be marginalized into service-related fields, becoming waiters, busboys, dishwashers, cooks, houseboys, janitors, and chauffeurs. They worked at popular restaurants, homes of the rich and famous, movie and television studios, clubs, and diners. For decades, Filipinos were the least recognized and least documented Asians in Hollywood. But many emerged from the shadows to become highly recognized talents, some occupying positions in the entertainment industry that makes Hollywood what it is today—the world’s capital of entertainment and glamour.


For more info: For more info: http://www.filipinosinhollywood.com/index-1.html

Gabi Wilson - kid with lots of talent

Wednesday, December 5, 2007 |


Now 10 yrs. old, Gabriella "Gabi" Wilson has been singing since she was seven. Her father Kenny Wilson is a member of the Urban Bushmen, a local band that we refer to as "The Soul of Vallejo" here at Listen & Be Heard Poetry Café. "They used to practice in the house. I listened a lot. I would learn a song. and then start singing it with the band. The first song I learned was 'If I Ain't Got You'." She learned the song by ear, listening to Alicia Keys sing it. "I used to like to hum to Chaka Khan, Alicia Keys and Mariah Carey. Her mother Agnes Wilson a native Filipina I started taking voice lessons two weeks ago. My vocal teacher's name is Summer at the American Canyon School of Music. It's fun because she teaches me different exercises and to sing from the stomach. I'm taking piano lessons from Mary Ann at the same school. I started to learn to read music. It's really different because I have to look at it. It helps me because if I can read music then I can learn a song without even hearing it."



In the last year her parents have been taking her around to participate in some competitions. At the Sacramento State Fair she took first place in a talent competition. In Las Vegas she won a first place trophy in the singing category for her age group, and has placed in most of the other competitions she has participated in. While making appearances she has also made connections that have landed her some gigs. Opening for Tony Toni Tone at the Oakland Museum gave her an opportunity to meet Duane Wiggins who asked her to play at a birthday party for Keysha Cole.


But for children with starry eyes about singing and playing for the stars, it's not all glamour and VIP treatment. "Every day after school I do my homework, then practice scales on the piano. I practice new songs, listen to songs and see if I can learn them. If I have trouble sometimes my dad helps me. I play guitar too, because my Dad plays. I've been learning basic Blues on guitar, like James Brown. My dad taught me the James Brown chord from "I Feel Good."



We were first introduced to Gabriella at Listen & Be Heard Poetry Café by Alvon, when he invited her to play a few songs during his unplugged concert at the café on December 14. She held the audience entranced with her soulful singing. Her feet just barely reached the pedals of her keyboard, but she gave a rendition of Donny Hathaway's "A Song for You" that was anything but juvenile. It is fitting that she will be giving a concert at Listen & Be Heard Poetry Café not only because we are a family friendly place where parents can feel comfortable bringing their children, but also because she is a poet. “I've been writing poetry since I was six. I love to write a lot, so I decided to write something that rhymes, also fairy tales and mysteries. I wrote a book of poetry. Every day after school I could just go to my desk and start writing." The book is called "Anything on Earth Poems," Published by Life Vest Publishing Inc. she sells the books when she performs, and is currently working on another book with different categories. Agnes Williams, a secretary at Kaiser Vallejo ICU, is a very proud mom. "I'm thankful for who she is now, and how she is with her special talent. She's a very down-to-earth person. She hasn't changed a bit. We try to make sure she still enjoys her childhood even though she's a busy girl. It's time-consuming for me taking her here and there, but it pays off when she is up there performing. My advice to parents who have kids: they have to make sure that they support their kids regardless of what kind of talent they have or whatever they want to do. Just make sure that they help their kids to encourage them to do positive things. If they keep their kids busy doing positive things that will keep them from getting sidetracked."



Gabi's concert will be half solo and half with the Urban Bushmen backing her up, making for a very special night indeed.

Vanessa Minnillo - MTV reporter

Tuesday, December 4, 2007 |


Vanessa Joy Minnillo (born November 9, 1980) is an American television personality. A former Miss Teen USA, she is mostly known for hosting Total Request Live on MTV from 2003–2007 as well her past reporting as a New York-based correspondent for Entertainment Tonight.

Her father, Vince, is an American of Italian and Irish descent. Her mother, Helen Berecero, is a Filipina from the province of Pampanga and Leyte, that Vince met while based in the Philippines, though Minnillo referred to her mother as Polynesian on at least one occasion. Vanessa has a two years older, adopted brother, Vincent.

As a child, Minnillo's family moved numerous times due to her father's work in the United States Air Force, including living in Washington, California, Nevada, Florida, Germany and Japan and placing Minnillo in eight different schools within nine years.[4] Minnillo's parents separated in 1983, divorced in 1986.[5]

Subsequent to Helen's remarriage to a United States Air Force serviceman, Minnillo and her brother moved to Turkey with their mother and stepfather. By 1990, as a result of Desert Shield, Minnillo and her brother returned to their father's home, eventually settling in Charleston, South Carolina where she attended Bishop England High School and was a cheerleader.[6]

Minnillo is fluent in English and has passing knowledge of two languages spoken in the Philippines: Kapampangan and Tagalog. She has a close relationship with her stepmother Donna Minnillo and brother Vincent, but is estranged from her mother.

Minnillo entered the public eye as Miss South Carolina Teen USA 1998, and went on to be crowned as the winner of the 1998 Miss Teen USA pageant. She was the first delegate from South Carolina to capture the title and the first winner of the pageant to be chosen as Miss Congeniality.

She later co-hosted the Miss Teen USA 2004 pageant with Tony Potts and Miss Universe 2007 with Mario López.

Hosting
She is best known for hosting MTV's Total Request Live (TRL), 2003–2007.

Minnillo was a finalist in E!'s competition to find a replacement for Brooke Burke as host for the show Wild On[citation needed], though the job went to Cindy Taylor.

Advertising
Since exiting MTV and Entertainment Tonight, she has been featured in a print and web-based advertising campaign for BONGO Jeans' Spring/Summer 2007 collection[8] as well as becoming the spokesperson of Flirt! Cosmetics, a line she helped create that debuted in August 2007 in Kohl's department stores.

In May 2006, Maxim magazine listed Minnillo as #15 in its Hot 100 issue.[10] She has also graced both covers for Maxim's October issues in 2006 and 2007.

Minnillo was also featured on covers for Shape in March 2007 and Lucky magazine in July 2007.

Website:
Official MYSPACE
http://www.blogger.com/www.vanessaminnillo.com
News and Photos

Emmy Branzuela - check her out

Monday, December 3, 2007 |



This is Emmy Branzuela. From searching on youtube this young lady got my ears and eyes because of her beautiful voice.

Check her out here:
YOUTUBE
FRIENDSTER

Katrina Manongdo

Sunday, December 2, 2007 |




Currently Living:Honululu,Hawaii
Music her life and singing her passion.
She wants to be a professional singer
Shes the youngest of 3 girls.
Inspired by family and friends.
Senior at St. Francis High School.
Also Inspired by his teacher William Daquioag, a member of the Society of Seven Las Vegas, music educator (Jasmine Trias' vocal coach) and producer.

Label Type: Independent
Country: United States
YOUTUBE

Ryan Conferido - So you think you can dance (2005)!

Saturday, December 1, 2007 |



Ryan Conferido (Born June 13, 1983 (age 24)Downey, Ca) is a Filipino American bboy, best known for being a contestant on the first season of the United States dance competition television series, So You Think You Can Dance (2005).

Conferido was raised in a strict religious household where dance was discouraged. He picked up bboying on his own in high school. In 2005, though he had no formal training, he decided to audition for the first season of the Fox dance competition So You Think You Can Dance. His impressive self-taught breakdancing style earned him rave comments from the judges and was eventually picked as one of the top 20 finalists for the show. On the premiere episode, his ability to pick up what seems to be a technically difficult Latin dance routine brought him a standing ovation. He proceeded through multiple rounds of eliminations, and was one of the last 16 dancers eliminated.

Prior to his fame in the Fox show, Conferido has also appeared in numerous movies as an extra, and had a prominent role as a breakdancer in You Got Served where he displayed his signature head-hopping and elbow-utilizing moves.
Conferido was also seen in some of the audition episodes during the 2006 season accompanying some of his dancing associates who were trying out during the new auditions in Los Angeles. He and his "Sickstep" dance troupe were invited to be featured performers on the June 21, 2006 episode.
Following news that he and other members have officially left the dance crew Sickstep, Conferido started his own crew Quest together with Hokuto Konishi, Steve Terada, Victor Kim, Nick Teti, Brian Hirano & Aris Paracuelles. Conferido is also a core member of the b-boy crew "The City Drifters". He has been in music videos for Papa Roach, the live action adaptation of Fat Albert, the Bboy DVD Unsigned Undadog, and "Based on a True Story, volume 2". He also appeared for both an interview and performance on Live with Regis and Kelly.

website:
Myspace of Ryan C.
Youtube of Ryan C.

Ken Paves - an hairstylist

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Stylist to the stars Ken Paves is the man responsible for giving members of the Hollywood elite their trademark tresses, including Jessica Simpson, Eva Longoria and Jennifer Lopez. Through his best-selling line of hair extensions, he's given women around the world a chance to look like stars, too. Nate talks with Ken about his inspiration and how he defines beauty.

Growing up in Detroit, Michigan, Ken says his mother—a 4'1" woman of Portuguese/Filipino descent—was a great role model to him because she embraced her own unique beauty. With beautiful dark skin, a full nose and round face, Ken's mother "was not at all the homogeny of beauty that the industry represents," he says. "My mom was a great role model for that—for always loving herself."

As a stylist, Ken says his goal is to highlight each woman's unique beauty. He says he always instructs clients to focus on their best features, rather than any perceived flaws. The result he hopes to achieve is a woman who radiates confidence in her own skin. "It's amazing what happens to a woman when she really takes a moment and looks in the mirror and identifies with an element of 'self,'" Ken says.
Born the youngest of three children to Helen and Gary Paves in New Baltimore, a suburb outside of Detroit, Michigan, Ken (sometimes referred to as Kenney) credits his mother Helen for his entry into the world of hair and fashion. He was born female, but eventually made the transition to male at the age of 18. He also came out of the closet to his parents before going to school.[citation needed] He graduated in 1994 from a cosmetology school in St. Clair Shores.

Shrek 1,2,3

Friday, November 30, 2007 |


Shrek 1,2,3 is what everybody is crazy about because of this original green character from Dreamworks, they have a new found superhero.
Just like my 2 daugthers they love love shrek from 1 to 3. I bought 3 original DVD movie of Shrek and they really enjoy watching it.


They even imitating all the characters including the princess from Disney, that is
Cinderella, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty and Rapunzel.
I also enjoy watching all of the movies cause almost all of the characters of cartoon like Peter Pan, 3 blind mice, ginger, wolf, pinocchio, 3 little pig and lot lot more. I like all the characters.
I like shrek 3 because of the 3 cute ogre babies.
The story is very original. I really like this cause my inner kid of me..ahihihi.
Now shrek is every where.

A Balut (Trứng vịt lộn or Hột vịt lộn in Vietnamese, Pong tea khon in Cambodian) is a fertilized duck (or chicken) egg with a nearly-developed embryo inside that is boiled alive and eaten in the shell. They are considered delicacies of Asia and especially the Philippines. Popularly believed to be an aphrodisiac and considered a high-protein, hearty snack, balut are mostly sold by street vendors at night in the regions where they are available. They are often served with beer. The Filipino and Malay word balut (balot) roughly translates to mean "wrapped".

Preparation
Balut are most often eaten with a pinch of salt, though some balut-eaters prefer chili and vinegar to complement their egg. The eggs are savored for their balance of textures and flavors; the broth surrounding the embryo is sipped from the egg before the shell is peeled and the yolk and young chick inside can be eaten. All of the contents of the egg are consumed. In the Philippines, balut have recently entered higher cuisine by being served as appetizers in restaurants: cooked adobo style, fried in omelettes or even used as filling in baked pastries.

Balut-making is not native to the Philippines. A similar preparation is known in China as maodan (Chinese: 毛蛋; pinyin: máodàn; literally "furry egg"), and Chinese traders and migrants are said to have brought the idea of eating fertilized duck eggs to the Philippines. However, the knowledge and craft of balut-making has been localized by the balut-makers (mangbabalut). Today, balut production has not been mechanized in favor of the traditional production by hand. Although balut are produced throughout the Philippines, balut-makers in Pateros are renowned for their careful selection and incubation of the eggs.

Fertilized duck eggs are kept warm in the sun and stored in baskets to retain warmth. After nine days, the eggs are held to a light to reveal the embryo inside. Approximately eight days later the balut are ready to be cooked, sold, and eaten. Vendors sell cooked balut out of buckets of sand, used to retain warmth, and are accompanied by small packets of salt. Uncooked balut are rarely sold in Southeast Asia. In the United States, many Asian markets occasionally carry uncooked balut eggs, though their demand in North America is not very great. The cooking process is identical to that of hard-boiled chicken eggs, and baluts are enjoyed while still warm.

Duck eggs that are not properly developed after nine to twelve days are sold as penoy, which look, smell and taste similar to a regular hard-boiled egg. In Filipino cuisine, these are occasionally beaten and fried, similar to scrambled eggs, and served with a vinegar dip.

The age of the egg before it can be cooked is a matter of local preference. In the Philippines, the perfect balut is 17 days old, at which point it is said to be balut sa puti ("wrapped in white"). The chick inside is not old enough to show its beak, feathers or claws and the bones are undeveloped. The Vietnamese prefer their balut matured from 19 days up to 21 days, when the chick is old enough to be recognizable as a baby duck and has bones that will be firm but tender when cooked. In Cambodia, most people prefer to eat it while it is still warm in its shell. Served with nothing more than a little garnish, it is widely popular. Usually, it is accompanied by a mixture of lime juice and ground pepper.

In popular media
Balut has been the "shocking" topic of some television shows because of its taboo nature in some Western cultures. In two episodes of Survivor: Palau and one episode of Survivor: China, the contestants were made to eat this Asian delicacy. Similarly, balut is frequently featured on Fear Factor. Recently, contestants of The Amazing Race Asia 2 had to eat 8 baluts as a team before receiving their next clue. Balut was also featured on the show Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern, where the host pronounced 18-day-old balut to be one the strangest foods he'd ever eaten in his life, but far better tasting than he had expected. The members of the rock band Switchfoot ate balut on stage at their concert in the Philippines. Video footage of this occurrence can be seen on the Switchfoot Podcast, episode 28.


Video of eating balut:

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Technorati Profile

Video tapes scandals still on rise!

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Ooohh.....my....godness! lots of video clips are coming out all over the net. There is a blogs about "pinay s** scandal". Starring are famous celebrities and even ordinary people is in the scene of this videos. Now the blog owner is very proud having that site cause its on the number 1 list if you try searching "pinoy scandals".
Most of this are spy camera's (peeping toms) while they making their intimate scene, some are they're homemade clips not knowing that its all around the net now. They even have videos about some ladies in the public fitting room, thats the thing made me alarm.I dont want that to happen to me . Lots of women think its safe to change there dress while in the public fitting room but some are cautious now now in this things.
I also saw ladies using public toilets and the hidden camera is under the toilet or in the trash can. I feel sorry for this women never knowing that they are been video by who ever he is and now all over the net and one in the scandals.
I think this things will never stop cause lot of people always looking for some interesting thing when browsing on the net. Its like an aprodhisiac for some people.

Affordable cosmetic surgery in the Philippines

Saturday, November 24, 2007 |


Many countries are actively promoting medical tourism and more and more patients are considering going abroad for their medical procedures such as cosmetic plastic surgery. Patients often wonder which country to choose. What are some of the advantages of choosing the philippines?

The primary advantage in medical tourism is cost. You can save a lot of money when you choose to have cosmetic surgery done in the philippines. Because of the favorable exchange rate (as of november 2007, it is $1= p42), both local and foreign patients who otherwise couldn't afford cosmetic surgery can benefit from the lower overhead costs and professional fees. Procedures can be performed at a fraction of the amount you would spend on the same procedure in the us or europe. For example, the average price for liposuction (3 areas) in the u.S. Is something like $5,500- $7,000 and in the philippines, a qualified surgeon will charge only $1,800. For breast augmentation, the average price in the u.S. Is $5,000 - $8,000. In the philippines, it ranges from $2,500 to $4,500, depending on the implant (more prices at edit).

Cost is not the only advantage. The philippines has several advantages over that of other countries — in the philippines, there are many well-trained and highly skilled plastic surgeons who have studied in some of asia's best medical schools. Philippine medical and nursing curricula are tougher than many in southeast asia. Many filipino doctors go to the us and other developed countries for additional postgraduate training and experience. The philippines has been exporting doctors and nurses to the u.S. For 50 years now and many u.S. And european hospitals are staffed by filipino nurses and doctors. Besides competence, filipino doctors and nurses are also known for being caring and compassionate. Another important advantage is that most filipino doctors speak english fluently, ensuring the good communication between surgeon and patient that is essential during consultation.

The filipinos are well known for their hospitality and friendliness and even the local population can communicate in english with foreigners. The philippines is a beautiful country and there are a variety of places to visit while on vacation - beautiful beaches, cultural sites, and great shopping areas.

Wherever you choose to have your cosmetic surgery done, choosing the right surgeon is the most important decision you will make. For more about evaluating cosmetic surgeon credentials, visit edit

Chris Cendana

Friday, November 23, 2007 |


About Chris Cendana
At the age of 5, Chris started to play piano, making his own renditions of songs he had heard his family members play and started to pick up music theory from observation.

When he turned 10, percussion became his passion and he began to play a role more and more in high school drumlines until he was 20 years old.

At the age of 13, Chris learned the art of turntablism from his brother. People also refer to Chris as DJ Cendana in the Huntington area, known for his unique scratching style and blend.

Finally, at 20, he began to play guitar in his spare time, learning chords with his friends, but was greatly influenced by Play's lead guitarist, Rocky Savilla.

Chris now resides in Morgantown, WV. He has played in many different venues -- Black Bear (Morgantown, WV), Bocktown (Pittsburgh, PA), Blue Violet (Beaver, PA), 123 Pleasant Street (Morgantown, WV), Big Sandy Arena (Huntington, WV), Borders (Huntington, WV), Java Joint (Huntington, WV), Empire Books (Huntington, WV), Icon (Huntington, WV), Red Iguana (Huntington, WV), Holderby's Landing (Huntington, WV), Lola's (Charleston, WV), Sound Factory (Charleston, WV), and more. Feel free to add as a friend, comment/rate, and of course, check him out on YouTube.

Hip-hop/Top40 DJ that picked up a guitar. Mainly plays guitar/sings, but also has skills in percussion, piano, and turntablism. Likes food, shelter, and anything J-Crew.


Record Label
: N/A
Label Type: ---
Influences: John Mayer Musiq Soulchild Jason Mraz Brian McKnight Jack Johnson Stevie Wonder Carter Beauford Tito Puente QBert and Mixmaster Mike Luther Vandross Boyz II Men Timbaland
Sounds Like: You make the call. :)
City: Morgantown
Hometown: South San Francisco, CA
Country: United States

Website URL:
http://myspace.com/chriscendana
http://youtube.com/ccendana

Gabe Bondoc....yes his a pinoy!

Monday, November 19, 2007 |



Gabe Bondoc of San Mateo, California. Age 21. He sings, play guitar and write music. Influences him are John Mayer, David Ryan Harris, Maroon 5, Stevie Wonder, Babyface, Nsync, and more. His Favorite spot is a quite places that he can get his thoughts together to write music. Equipment he use is acoustic guitar.

Joven Can really sing!

Friday, November 16, 2007 |



Oh my, A lot of Filipino is very talented and here we go again another talented singer from Manila, Philippines is here to show that we Pinoy's is one of the best when come to singing and here it is to prove it.



He is Joven but lot of his friends call him "Jovs". He plays acoustic guitar and sing. His 30 but he doesnt look like for me. His a very good friend of mine and a big hearted person. His inspiration is his family. He likes Brian McKnight, Usher and Jay-R (Filipino singer). His favorite spot is his bedroom and sometimes while he chat (yahoo messenger)with his friends.

I think Jov's will hit it big cause GOD bless him with this talent. Keep up the good work my friend.

Pinoys abroad can renew RP driver's liscence

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The Land Transportaion Office has allowed overseas Filipinos to renew their local driver's liscenses if they are abroad.

Administrative Order No.RIB-2007-011, Series of 2007,signed by LTO chief Reynaldo Berroya, and approved by Undersecretary for Road Transport Annelli Lontoc, allows any Filipino who is a holder of aunthentic Philippine driver's liscense at the time of departure and who is presently staying abroad.

It amends a previous detective that granted such a privilege only to Overseas Filipino Workers. That limitation gave rise to inconveniences encountered by other Filipinos who had been forced to return to the Philippines to renew their driver's liscenses personally.

Records officer III Jossie Borja furnished members of the Filipino communities overseas with certified copies of the new administrative.

The authorized representative is required to present on behalf of the licensee the following documents to the LTO processing officer: Original driver's license/one photocopy a photocopy of the Philippine passport 5with visa of liscensee to the LTO requesting the renewal and authorizing a representative to the renew the license on his/her behalf.

Where Have All the Nurses Gone?

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The Filipino Guardian

OFFICIAL governament data show that 164,239 out of 332,206 registered Filipino nurses as 2003 have left the Philippines to look for work abroad.
According to the Philippine Professional Regulatory Commission the total supply of registered nurses totaled 332,206 as of 2003. Of these, it is estimated that 58% or 193,223 were employed either here in the country or abroad. About 15% were employed in the country, of which 10% work in government health facilities, four percent in the private sector and the remaining one percent in the nursing academe.
Eighty-five percent were likely to be employed outside of the country.
The data also show that seven of the government physician doctores are leaving after completing the nursing course and licensed nurse medics.

"Po" and "Opo"

Thursday, November 15, 2007 |

This is the most treasure Filipino values that we have. Do you teach your kids to say "po" and "opo"? Or these all forgotten?

As kids growing up here in United States and even some abroad they never taught saying "po" or "opo".It's never really emphasized.I am aware they not been introduced to this very polite way of treating the elders. They never even call their older brother as "Kuya" or older sister as "Ate", they called by their first name and this is not good to hear that one of Filipino values is fading. I think that we're trying to adopt what culture of what place where living or to be too Westernize.

Me as a parent, i always thought them to say it, even somtetimes they forgot and answer a "yes". Like my older daugther, she's now going at preschool and of course they are speaking english but it doesnt mean you have to stop teaching them saying the "po" and "opo". It's like reflecting what a good parent you are. I do feel that Filipino kids ought to be taught by their parents this form of respect.

Cassie - Singer and a Model

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Cassie (born Cassandra Ventura on August 26, 1986) is an American hip hop, R&B and pop singer, model, and occasional actress. She is best known for her 2005 single "Me & U", which became a hit in 2006.

Cassie was born in New London, Connecticut to a Filipino, father and a mother of Mexican,and Afro-West Indian descent. [2][3] While attending The Williams School, a preparatory school on the Connecticut College campus, Ventura began her career as a model at the age of fourteen, appearing in ads for Delia's, Adidas, Abercrombie & Fitch, and Seventeen. When she completed high school in 2004, she announced that she was going to pursue her career in modeling and music, foregoing college.

Through Cassie's hard work and dedication, she was introduced to Sean "Diddy" Combs' make-up artist for one of her modeling assignments.

Big Christmas Trees All over the Malls

Wednesday, November 14, 2007 |

Big shining christmas trees are everywhere in all the malls of philippines. Its a tradition there to have those giant trees when christmas is coming. Oh how i miss going to all the malls there at Manila.

Parols (Christmas Ornaments)are also everynow. Even here in Daly City, lots of Filipinos hanging there lighting parol. Parols are traditionally made out of bamboo and paper although plastics are sometimes preferred and elaborate ones are made from capiz shells. They are traditionally star-shaped, and is thought of to symbolize the star of Bethlehem. They are usually hung outdoors on doors, patios, windows and other. They are the equivalent of Christmas wreaths in the western world.


It’s either Marquez or Diaz for Manny

By ABAC CORDERO

The Philippine Star

The choice is being narrowed down to between Juan Manuel Marquez and David Diaz.

According to Manny Pacquiao’s adviser, Wakee Salud, the Filipino superstar should feel safe and sound choosing between Marquez and Diaz as his next opponent.

Salud said Pacquiao will be assured of a huge purse fighting for the WBC super-featherweight (130 lbs) title held by Marquez and the lightweight (135 lbs) crown worn by Diaz.

"I’m willing to fight anyone depending on the negotiations," said Pacquiao, adding that in the case of Marquez, it’s neither the weight nor the date, that’s been holding off a deal for a rematch.

"I can fight him at 130 or 135 anywhere. But he is asking too much. That’s the problem. If we can only agree, we can always fight. We can fight tomorrow," Pacquiao told The STAR.

Salud said Pacquiao should be happy with a $5 million guaranteed purse to face Marquez at 130 lbs. And this may not include his earnings in TV rights, pay-per-view shares and merchandise.

"But it must be for the 130 pound title. Manny should not fight Marquez if there’s no title at stake. If Marquez and Golden Boy can agree to a $3 million purse for themselves, then it’s good," said Salud.

Marquez is under Golden Boy while Diaz, like Pacquiao, is under Top Rank, making the fight against the latter quite easier since there will only be one promoter involved.

And that’s Bob Arum.

The legendary Top Rank president is leaning on a fight against David Diaz, and not the other Diaz, Juan, who holds the WBA, WBO and IBF lightweight crowns.

Arum had said that Juan Diaz is a fighter Pacquiao should face "later and not now." Another possible opponent, he said, is the winner in the coming fight between Humberto Soto and Joan Guzman.

But the choice is Pacquiao’s.

"Manny deserves a lot of options. It’s his decision. Whatever he decides. It’s not up to us, not up to Top Rank, not up to Marquez. It’s up to Manny," said Golden Boy vice president Eric Gomez.

The GBP representative said Pacquiao has earned the right to decide whom he wants to fight, but said the one against Marquez is "the fight that everybody wants."

"When you have a fight like this it takes time to make it but the chances are very good," he said, confirming that negotiations between GBP and Top Rank for a Pacquiao-Marquez rematch are on.

In Manila, A bomb exploded at the Philippine House of Representatives yesterday killing 2 people including a congressman with links to an extremist group, official said.
Ten people were also injured in the blast which hit the south lobby of the sprawling complex in the capital Manila shortly after most congressman ad left for the evening, official said.
President Gloria Arroyo threw all the troops to high alert. And also to national police.
Lawmaker Wahab Akbar was killed along with the driver for congresswoman Luz Ilagan who suffered minor injuries.The bomb was planted on one of the motorcycle parked near Akbar's car.

Ray Charles & Stevie Wonder version of Philippines

Monday, November 12, 2007 |



He is Ronald Amador Gonzales,age 29, lives in Philippines. As you can see he is blind but he have a talent to use a simple keyboard of him.

He is performing a Beauty And Madness Song. I wish I could play keyboards like him.

Nicole Scherzinger

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Nicole Prescovia Elikolani Valiente Scherzinger (also known as Nicole Kea) (born June 29, 1978) is an American singer, songwriter, dancer, and occasional actress best known for her work as the lead vocalist for the Pussycat Dolls.

NICOLE SCHERZINGER - BABY LOVE


Nicole Prescovia Elikolani Valiente Scherzinger (Russian: Николь Шерзингер) (also known as Nicole Kea) (born June 29, 1978) is an American singer, songwriter, dancer, and occasional actress best known for her work as the lead vocalist for the Pussycat Dolls.
Scherzinger was born in Honolulu, Hawaii to a Filipino father and a Hawaiian/Russian mother.

website:
MYSPACE

12 yr old kid kill herself

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A 12 yr old kid kill herslef because of poverty in Philippines after leaving her diary. She wrote all on her diary of what her life is. "I suspect she did it because of our situation,'' the girl's father, Isabelo Amper, was quoted in the Philippine Daily Inquirer as saying.

She only wish on simple things like a bicycle,shoes, new bags and of course she always thinking about family. she wish for her parents to have a job and finish her elementary schooling.

Passion of SF - "True"

Thursday, November 8, 2007 |



Its TRUE that his talented! Another song of Mr.Passion

Passion of SF- "Mrs. Intuition"

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Composed by Passion!

Passion of SF - "Well Done"

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A song dedicated for his grandma.

Passion of SF - "I will be here"

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Jeremy Manongdo, musically known as Passion, is a Filipino singer-songwriter born and raised in San Francisco, CA. He first gained notable acclaim with his covers of Ne-Yo's "So Sick," Usher's "My Boo," and his original composition "Lemonade."

The name Passion was chosen by Jeremy for "the passion I had for music and the passion and love I had for my Lord and Savior Jesus. Without Him, I am nothing, and I'm forever thankful for His love and His blessings." His influences, as referred to on his Soundclick site, include: Jesus, Christina Aguilera, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Craig David, Boyz II Men, Brian McKnight, Dru Hill, 112, Justin Timberlake, my uncle Robert, Kenoly Brothers, Dawkings and Dawkins, John Legend, and church.

Messy every single day

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Haaayyy! this is what kids do every single day! You can't blame them for doing this, this is their only past time when at home. Not like in the Philippines, i remember i don't have many toys like my kids have. My playmates call me and my brother to go outside and play some games like jumping ropes or step no,step yes and a lot more! Not like here in the United States almost all the people here is inside their houses because its freezing cold outside just like now (fall season). In the Philippines, it's so freaking hot there almost everyday its 90 to 100 degrees (ouch) and not all of the people there have their aircomditioner , so little kids there want to play outside not inside of there house.
So here i am and i have to face it that everyday i must clean all their stuff hanging on the floor. But of course as parent i must teach them to clean it up.We sing the "Clean up" song for them to encourage to put all their toys on the shelves and they do it and they enjoy it. They must learn it too not only the messy thing. But if they dont like to do it, dont force them. Just let them watch while you are cleaning and they will think that what you are doing is interesting and next time you now it they wanna do it by there self.

Here at Daly City, CA

Wednesday, November 7, 2007 |





Again its foggy and i feel very cold today! it's taken from the backyard of our house and as you can see its foggy again here at Daly City, California where most of filipino's here at Bay Area (Northern California) lived.

It's November and fall season so the low temperature from the ocean is now coming here at Daly City and some parts here like San Francisco, Pacifica, Half Moon Bay and other more cities near the wide deep Pacific Ocean.
We can't go outside to take some walk to the park cause its cold and i dont want my little princesses to get some flu or colds just going there. All we can do now is go to the mall or some other place by driving.
Haaayyy, i wish i can move to San Mateo (30 mins. drive from here) where my parents lived too and the weather there is so much better than here. Daly City is a very high place so the clouds are always here to hang out. It's always white here!




Should you spank your kids or not?

Tuesday, November 6, 2007 |



Spank or not?
Filipino tradition is most likely to do this to their children to be disciplined, to learn that they did something wrong. In Philippines they called it "palo" in tagalog. But some parents do it in a wrong way or they overdo it. They punish they're child if they dont follow what parents told them. Filipinos in Philippines been doin' this in so many years and they won't regret changing what they believe.
When i was a little girl i experience it too but after the spanking thing we sit down on the sofa while i'm still sobbing then my mom or my dad explain it to me why they did it and after that they give me a kiss and a hug saying "I'm sorry honey, we did that so u can learn that what you did is not right. Stop it now, mommy and daddy love you so much!". I grow with respect to my parents cause if they didnt do it to me i shouldnt be in a right path (On my opinion).
Here in United States, some parents dont agree child must be spank. And now in Ontario, Canada, they uphold spanking as punishment. Theres a lot of reason why this spanking still exist in parenthood. I dont want to do it to my kids too, what i do is put them to time out and like what my parents did after that, i explain to them everything whats going on.
Toddlers is like a sponge, they absorb everything easily, they are smart. So before they think the way you did is wrong for them, explain it and teach them the right way.
It's the parents responsibility for a their little child to be a good citizen someday.
Parents is their first teacher. Spend a little time everyday for them and i'm really sure they appreciate it and treasure it, even they do or dont remember that when they grow up. You gonna notice it!

Almost all little girls likes princess costume

Monday, November 5, 2007 |



Are you familiar with this princesses? Of course, their known as Cinderella and Snow White of Disney. This is what almost little kids here wants to be their costume in Halloween and this is what my little girls wore last week for halloween.


Last year my 4 yrs. old daughter (from the right)was wearing this Snow White costume, so after a year its her little sister (from the left) turn to wear it. Im pretty sure that my 2 1/2 yrs. old daughter gonna wear the Cinderella costume next Halloween.

Thats the way it is if you have daugthers like mine or even if you have boys. They share their clothes after the other one dont fit the clothes anymore.

My daughters enjoy the Halloween. My 4 yr old is a little bit scared with this scary things like witches, skulls and some scary stuff but at the end she and her little sister is very happy and very excited about all the candy they've got. As a mom i have to watch them not to eat to much of those candy, its not good for them. And most important thing after having some candy remind them that they have to brush their teeth so Mr. Cavity will not celebrate in your teeth, so mom and dad you know your part!


Every year all boys and girls enjoy their trick or treating but mom and dad must always watch out to their little girls and boys. Always bring a flash light for them to see the path way to the door of the house they we're goin'.


And then my daughter is now excited for another Halloween!

My Babies, My Life

Friday, November 2, 2007 |



"Oh my what a cute little person came out from me!". Thats the first word i said when i first saw them and the tears on my eyes begin to pour out, they called it "tears of joy", joy that i have this moment that i will never forget with my whole life.
I have two of them, twice happiness everyday. There are times when they are crying and dont know what to do to stop it but at the very moment they close their eyes and very contented on what they have the smile on my face cannot be measure while im looking at them. I'm very lucky to be a women, I appreciate them so much, they are my life, my whole system is connected to them. My world will crush if they take them away from me. My whole family likes them so much, my parents visit them often and play with them. They always buy some stuff for them but i dont tolerate it to much cause i want them to grow up with full of love and fear to GOD. I know someday they gonna go to school, have some friends, find some jobs and of course have their own family and money will be involve in everyday life but i want them to learn if there no love, no good life will come. As many people said, "money can't buy happiness" even though some people dont believe on this sayings.
They gonna feel what i felt when i gave birth to them..remember they are girls, gonna be a lady and gonna turn to be a "MOM" and one of the biggest responsibility thats gonna happen to them. And I wish if that will happen i'm still there to share that moment to them. I LOVE THEM SO MUCH!