2nd proof of payment from Google Adsense

Weeeeee...

After almost a year, I have received my Google ads payment again (check out my 1st payment last Oct. 2009 here). This morning, when my hubby woke up he immediately told me to log-in to our Google Adsense account to check the MTCN (money transfer number) which was needed to claim our payment at any Western Union branch nearby.

Here is the proof of payment:

what ever happens in life we should always remember to live life to the fullest

PNR station at Tutuban!

Have you seen the PNR station at Tutuban?

My sister, Ren and I went to Divisoria last Monday, and we took the Philippine National Railways (PNR) as a means of transportation since it is faster and cheaper.  (read my 1st time experience riding at the new PNR trains here).

Ren was thrilled seeing real trains since as of now his favorite toy is Thomas the train. I have never tried going to Divisoria using the train so I am ecstatic too. My sister was also excited to see her old school at Sta. Mesa (PUP), and she also has never been at the Tutuban station.

When we arrived at Tutuban (the last station, as of now) we saw new trains that were being parked at the railways. My sister checked out the new trains and told me that it looks like the trains from Harry Potter with rooms complete with curtains that are good for six people.

The Tutuban station shows different photos of old PNR trains. We took photos but unfortunately we were only using cameras of our cellphones so the quality of the pictures are not so good.

Take a peak here:

and here are the actual old train at the Tutuban station

and here is the front view of Tutuban station.

my sister and my son Ren

Ohh I love riding the PNR trains especially during holidays because we can have a sit.

How I wish they will add more trains so that commuters will not push and rub each other everyday particularly during office hours. 

what ever happens in life we should always remember to live life to the fullest

36th MMFF 2010 Winners!

Here are the winners of the 2010 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) that was held yesterday Dec. 26, 2010 at the Meralco Theater.

MAJOR AWARDS

Best Actress: Ai-Ai delas Alas of “Ang Tanging Ina: Last Na ‘To”
Best Actor: Dolphy of “Father Jejemon”

Best Supporting Actress: Eugene Domingo of “Ang Tanging Ina: Last Na ‘To”
Best Supporting Actor: Dolphy of “Rosario”

*** It's amazing that Dolphy both got the Best actor and Best Supporting Actor at the same time.  Ms. Ai-Ai delas Alas, wish did came true when she was proclaimed as Best Actress. 

Best Picture: “Ang Tanging Ina: Last Na ‘To”
Most Gender Sensitive Film: “Ang Tanging Ina: Last Na ‘To”
Best Director: Wenn Deramas of “Ang Tanging Ina: Last Na ‘To”
Best Child Performer: Xyriel Manabat of “Ang Tanging Ina: Last Na ‘To”)
Best Screenplay: Mel Del Rosario of “Ang Tanging Ina: Last Na ‘To” 
Best Original Story: Mel Del Rosario of “Ang Tanging Ina: Last Na ‘To”
Best Musical Score: Jesse Lazatin of “Ang Tanging Ina: Last Na ‘To”

2nd Best Picture: “Rosario”
Gatpuno Antonio J. Villegas Cultural Award: “Rosario”
Best Production Design: Joey Luna of “Rosario”
Best Cinematography: Carlo Mendoza of “Rosario”
Best Editing: John Wong of “Rosario”
Best Float: “Rosario”
 

3rd Best Picture: “RPG Metanoia”
Quezon City’s Special Citation for the Gender-Sensitive Film: “RPG Metanoia”
Best Original Theme Song: “Kaya Mo” performed by Protein Shake feat. Ney and Kean
Cipriano of “RPG Metanoia”)
Best Sound Recording (tie): Ambient Media of “RPG Metanoia” and Ditoy Aguila of
“Super Inday and the Golden Bibe”

Best Visual Effects: Rico Gutierrez of “Si Agimat at Si Enteng Kabisote”
Best Make-up: Nestor Dayao, etc. of “Si Agimat at Si Enteng Kabisote”


Best Independent Film: “Presa”

Special Awards

Male Face of the Night: Sen. Ramon ‘Bong’ Revilla Jr
Female Face of the Night: Sam Pinto
Best-Dressed Male Celebrity: Dennis Trillo
Best-Dressed Male Celebrity: Jennylyn Mercado


what ever happens in life we should always remember to live life to the fullest

Merry Christmas!

what ever happens in life we should always remember to live life to the fullest

Our food for Noche Buena!

Last year, I was blessed with lots of Gift Certificates that I was able to use to buy for our Noche Buena feast which was why we saved a lot of moolah. This time we don't have any GC's  that's why we need to prepare our own food and we must also consider our family's budget. I know that the Noche Buena need not be extravagant since the most important thing during this season is that the family is all dining together celebrating the birth of our Lord.

I admit that I am not a good cook, but some people commend my cooking of sinigang, pinakbet and spaghetti as delicious (my number one fan is my hubby!) and yet I am still not a fan of cooking.

Which is why I am thinking of buying ready to eat foods for our Noche Buena.

The foods in my list are:

Pancit Palabok from Pancit ng Malabon

photo via: Shoot first, Eat later


Lumpiang Shanghai (c/o my mom-it's her specialty)

White Forest Cake from Red Ribbon (P595)

photo via: Nomnom Club

or Almond Java Mouse from Goldilocks (New Item)

How about you what are the foods that you are planning to prepare or just like me ORDER this Noche Buena?
what ever happens in life we should always remember to live life to the fullest

Yey! I won 3rd prize from Red's Contest!

I was surprised when I checked my email today and saw a message from paypal that I have received money from Red. It was my prize from Red's 1st Blogversary Contest (read my entry here).  There was a total of 30 blog entries and praise God my post was one of the winner. 

Here are the prizes for the blog post winners:

• 1^st prize
• $50 cash thru paypal
• One month Adgitize coupon worth $14
• one month ad space

• 2^nd prize
• $20 cash thru paypal
• Make up goodies

• 3^rd prize
• $10 cash thru paypal
• one month ad space

• 4th and 5th prize
• $10 cash thru paypal

and here are the winners:

Georyl  - 1st prize

Lisa - 2nd prize

Levy - 3rd prize

Zoan - 4th prize

Pehpot - 5th prize

what ever happens in life we should always remember to live life to the fullest

Point & Shoot Cam below 5 thousand pesos!

Yesterday was Ren's School Christmas Party, it's the First Christmas Party that he has attended and stupid me, I forgot to bring our camera. I was so upset when I arrived at the event and all the parents were there taking pictures of their son or daughter while posing with the Jollibee mascot.

I am not used in bringing our one and only DSLR camera since it's too big and hard to carry on the neck. We only bring it for out of town get aways or when Noel is there with us to carry it. That's why I realized that we need a small easy to carry point and shoot camera that we can bring anywhere.

That's why I searched the net for an affordable point and shoot camera which is below 5 thousand pesos but still has good quality and great features.

These are some cameras that passed my budget.

Canon Powershot A490 (P4,200)

 Canon Powershot A495 (P4,200)

Nikon L21 (P4,725)

Samsung ES28 (P3,990)

Samsung ES15 (P4,200)

Sony DSC S2100 (P4,725)

prices from: buyonline

I am not a techie so I find it hard to understand some of the features. I prefer reviews from other people based on their personal experiences with the product.

If it happened that you own any of the cameras mentioned above can you recommend it to me and why? Or can you recommend a point and shoot camera that is not on the list.

Thank you so much!


what ever happens in life we should always remember to live life to the fullest

Is it true that wishes can come true by completing the Simbang Gabi?

I was attending Simbang Gabi  (Mass at Dawn) or 9 days novena mass even before I got married.  I usually can't complete it back then since the church in our area is quite far.  What I am looking forward for every simbang gabi at that time was the homily of the priest.  He is very cool and funny which helped us not to get asleep while listening to what he has to say.  Of course, I also want to have some sacrifice as a gift to baby Jesus for his coming on the 25th of December.

I have already attended a lot of Simbang Gabi when someone told me that if you will be able to complete attending all the 9 days of mass your wish may come true if it's God's will.  


I told this to my husband when we reached our 2 year of marriage and yet we still didn't have a child of our own.  Our family and friends always teased us of being slow, and that they already want to see a little Noel or a tiny Levy already.  We had some health issues at that time and that is why I am really not expecting to have a child. We even planned to adopt a baby if we really can't have a child on our own.  But we decided to complete the Simbang Gabi, and to pray hard to have a child already.


After completing the Simbang Gabi, I was surprised that God granted our wish so fast. When January came, my monthly period was delayed and when I checked if I am pregnant using a pregnancy kit, I was teary eyed when I saw two distinct red lines appeared.  It's a POSITIVE!


Me and my husband was both born on the month of January so we are really grateful to have a very priceless gift from God.  That is why I believe in the power of Simbang Gabi if you are really sincere in your prayers, and we are planning to complete it again this year 2010.


How about you dear readers, have you tried completing the Simbang Gabi? Did your wishes came true?

I kept all the Misalets last year 2007 as proof that I completed it and to remind us that in doing so our wish have been granted.

what ever happens in life we should always remember to live life to the fullest

Our Manila Ocean Park weekend adventure!

As I've said in my recent post, we went to Manila Ocean Park last Sunday. We were there around 1 o'clock in the afternoon. What I did first when we arrived there was to get the ticket of the Musical Fountain Show that I purchased online using my credit card for only P99.00/head (original price is P300.00/head for weekends and P250.00/head for weekdays). We saved P603.00.

This promo runs from December 1, 2010 to January 16, 2011 only.

If you purchased the ticket online, you will receive a confirmation email from Manila Ocean Park's website and it is required for you to print and bring it to the reservation booth at Manila Ocean Park for exchange of the actual tickets.  The confirmation can also be sent through SMS and you need to show the SMS to the reservation booth. 

The P99.00 deal is valid only for the Musical Fountain Show and the show only runs twice (for December only I think). The 1st show starts at 5:30 then the next show is at 6:30 PM.

It's good to know that Manila Ocean Park offers different packages to every attraction you want to try and will save you lots of money.

Since I already purchased a ticket for the Musical Fountain Show separately, we choose the Marine Life Encounter package for only P500.00/head.  Ren is already charged full because he is above 2ft. height.

We first checked out the attraction called "Jellies Dancing Sea Fairies". 

Ren was so thrilled when we entered the dark room filled with different kinds of Jellies.  Funny me, I am expecting that these Jellies were being trained to dance because of the name of this attraction, but instead they are just doing their thing (swimming) and its just that the room was equipped with relaxing sounds and the tank where the jellies are in has light effect that help to make them look like they are dancing.  If you will not get the package you can try this experience for P150/head

Ren was fascinated with the dancing Jellies

Our second destination was the famous Oceanarium.  The entrance fee when you will not avail of the package is P400.00/head for adult and P350.00 for children 2ft and above (children 2ft and below is FREE OF CHARGE).  Those who are residents of Manila is entitled for 10% discount if you can show proofs of identification that shows your Manila address. 

We saw lots of different marine life creatures there.  I was surprised to see a really BIG fish (bigger than me I think when I lie down).  I also saw 2 crocodiles, 2 turtles and LOTS of fishes. We walked through the "Asia's largest underwater viewing tunnel, stretching 25 meters long and curved at 220 degrees" (per their website).  

Unfortunately there are lots of students who are taking their pictures at the area that are having their field trip (take note it's Sunday and they are having a field trip... argggh! ) that's why we didn't enjoy the Oceanarium by ourselves that much. 

photo via: Manila Ocean Park website

When taking pictures, flashes from cameras should be turned off since it can harm the fishes.  This is the reason why some of our pictures are blurred, so it is advisable to bring a tripod and additional batteries for your camera (which we didn't do) if you want to take lots and good pictures.

When you exit the Oceanarium you will see the Fish Spa which I wanted to try but as what I've said there are lots of students at the area that are having their field trip so the line at the Fish Spa was very long. 

After the oceanarium, we went straight to the Marine Life Habitat attraction (P150.00/head).  There you will see the the South American Sea Lions.  It feels that we were in the movie "50 First Dates" with Adam Sandler.  It's just that the area is smaller compared to the one in the movie. 

photos of sea lion via: Manila Ocean Park websites

It's almost 4:30 when we lined up for the Marine Life Show (P200/head).  I was so excited to see the sea lions do some tricks.  It is advisable to fall in line early before the show since the seat is based on a first come first serve basis. 

The Marine Life Show for me is the best attraction in Manila Ocean Park.

Before we went to the last part of our tour which was the Musical Fountain Show, we ate first at Pancake House inside the lobby of Manila Ocean Park.  After eating, we lined up for the Musical Fountain Show, good thing we got a nice seat thanks to me... sometimes being small has some advantages (hehehe!)

Musical Fountain Show photo via: MOP website

To conclude our trip a beautiful (and quite expensive) 3D souvenir was made.  The 3D picture frame and bag tag costs us P500.00, it's a package and we save P100.00 for these stuff.

what ever happens in life we should always remember to live life to the fullest

Our Wedding Anniversary get -away!

Last Sunday, Noel and I celebrated our 6th Wedding Anniversary and the 10th year of being Boyfriend/Girlfriend.

I originally planned to celebrate it in Tagaytay.  I already made a research about the places we haven't been whenever we were in Tagaytay.  In all the years of my life, the only tourist destinations in Tagaytay that I know of is the Palace in the sky and the Picnic Grove.  I was surprised that there are LOTS of beautiful places and must try restaurants and food there. 

So, I planned our itinerary for the weekends, we want to check-out Sonya's Garden, want to stay in MC Mountain, have dinner at Josephine's Place and also try the famous Mushroom Burger. Unfortunately my son had a Gastrointestinal problem last Thursday morning and that the Doctor said we need to observe his conditions for the next few  days that's why we didn't pursue the original family getaway plan.  Hubby and I decided to visit Manila Ocean Park instead which is very near in our place and also because we haven't been there before. 

Since I also heard a lot of nice feedback about the place and I am also curious to know the feeling to be under the water and to see the beautiful creatures in it, I excitedly researched for what to expect on the net.

Thank you for the power of the internet I was able to find out great deals and I was also able to check early if our budget is enough for our trip. 

It's also great that I was able to purchase the Musical Fountain Show online for only P99.00/head (original price for weekends is P300.00/head)

(check out full story on our Manila Ocean Park adventure here)

Overall, although we were not able to go to Tagaytay to celebrate our wedding Anniversary, hubby and I were still happy to spend it in Manila Ocean Park instead.  The lesson here is that we can still be happy and jolly wherever we are as long as were together and that we love each other. 

I am looking forward for more joyful years with Noel.
Happy Anniversary Bhe... (naks sweet!)

what ever happens in life we should always remember to live life to the fullest

Charice at the 2010 Rockefeller NBC Christmas

i just finished watching this on youtube and I'm still having goosebumps as I write this. This video features our very own Charice with David Foster at Piano at NBC Christmas Special singing Jingle Bell Rock.

All I can say is "wow!"



what ever happens in life we should always remember to live life to the fullest

Brown Coffee: What do you prefer Kopiko or Nescafe?

Hubby and I are both coffee drinkers.
Before, we love to drink Nescafe Original 3 in 1, until we decided to switch to Kopiko Brown Coffee after we have tasted it. Kopiko Brown Coffee for me tastes better than Nescafe Original 3 in 1, since it's creamier and has richer taste and aroma. Last week, I went to the nearest supermarket to replenished our stocks, I plan to buy Kopiko Brown Coffee but to my surprise the shelves is empty.

photo via: female network

Is Kopiko Brown Coffee really preferred by most coffee drinkers nowadays just like me?  But, just yesterday, I saw at the sari-sari store that Nescafe already has their version of brown coffee. I bought one and tried it, well I can't find any difference from Kopikos's Brown Coffee!

 photo via: Better Filipino

 Did anyone here already tried the new Nescafe Brown Coffee?
What do you prefer Kopiko or Nescafe?




what ever happens in life we should always remember to live life to the fullest