Video of Prince William and Katherine's wedding vows!

I did not have a chance to watch the live streaming of the Royal wedding of Prince William and Kate a while ago, so good thing I saw this video.





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

Starbucks Happy Hour on May 2 to 8, 2011

If you want a nice blend coffee, where do you usually go? I know most of you will say STARBUCKS of course!

So, to all coffee lovers out there,  you will be very happy to hear this.

Starbucks will offer 50% discount on all their Frappucino items starting May 2 from 12 noon until 2PM this will last until May 8, 2011. It's called STARBUCKS HAPPY HOUR.

So, mark this in your calendar and go to the nearest Starbucks coffee shop near you.

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

This PR4 blog is looking for contest sponsors!

I brag about my PR because I need to catch your attention and I want to take advantage of it while it last.

Last year, I had my first fabulous contest (check it out HERE). I gave away more than $200 cash and prizes thanks to my sponsors.

this is the badge on my previous contest!

The Grand winner back then was Mommy Rubz of Pinay Mommy Online with her post about the medical condition of her daughter Bella, which answered the question on my contest "What will you do if you will win $100?" (read her entry HERE)

Bella got lots of support, which made the judges of the contest woe for her story.  I thank God that this young girl now has a new life after the said operation thanks to all who donated also.



I am telling you this because I want to have another fabulous contest.  I am still thinking of a very easy mechanics so that everyone can join.


Now, I need contest sponsors to increase the PRIZE money that I am giving away.

If you want to know what awaits the sponsor? Check it out:

For Major Sponsors $15 - 1 month adspace in this PR4 blog and a blog review with 2 backlinks plus unlimited links from all the contestants.
For $10 Sponsor- 1 month adspace in this PR4 blog and unlimited links from all the contestants.
For $ 5 Sponsor- unlimited link from all the contestants.

I am open to any suggestions so if you have one, just email me about it here: levy(dot)martinez8(at)gmail(dot)com

If you want to be part of this upcoming contest just fill up the form below

THANK YOU!!! 



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

Our Visita Iglesia 2011

Noel and I started doing the Visita Iglesia 6 years ago when we are already married. When it just the two of us, we just walked and visited 7 or more churches nearby. But when my brother and sister in law invited us, we usually do the Visita Iglesia riding in their car. Now, since they took a long vacation, we did the Visita Iglesia by walking again and it's my son's Ren first time to come along with us.

Visita Iglesia is done every Maundy Thursday starting 6PM onwards. Since Ren is still asleep around 6PM, we started visiting at around 7PM.

We visited the following churches:

1. St. Peter the Apostle in Paco, Manila

Since this is a Chinese Catholic Church, the designed of the Holy Eucharist looks like a Chinese Temple.

2. Sta. Maria Goretti Parish

This is one of the church we always visit too. Before, some patrons were giving away bread to some of the visitors. Now, I don't know where they are, I missed it!

3. St. Vincent de Paul Parish

I missed going here. I remember when I was in college (Sta.Isabel College), we usually do our Apostolate (a Sunday charity event) here. We help the Church feed street children and some adult. We also talked to them about God's message to poor people.

Since, the weather is hot, even though it's evening, we decided to have ice cream to cool us down.

4. Ermita Church

Since we are already at UN Ave. we decided to go here instead than going to Quiapo Church.


Ermita Church is quite far from Malate Church, but since Roxas Boulevard has lots of colorful street lights, we didn't got bored walking.

When we arrived at Malate Church, Ren is already cranky so we decided to eat at the nearest Rstaurant - Max's Restaurant.  We ordered Chicken Burger with Chips for Ren.

5. Malate Church

6. San Fernando de Dilao Church Paco, Manila

Last year, we started here but now we decided to end our trail here.

We were not able to go to 7 churches this year. It's okay I think since compared last year where in we have a vehicle this time we really walked and we are with a 3 years old kid so I think God will understand it.

We arrived home around 11PM and we were happy we did the Visita Iglesia.


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

Forgiving someone = inner peace!

Forgiving someone who badly hurt us is really difficult.  I know this because I myself experienced how to be bullied. What makes a circumstances even hard to forget is when the other person is related to you or someone who is really close to you.

Whenever we go to church we usually sing the "Our Father" song, and one line of the song is that "forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sins against us". Letting go of the bad memories that happened and forgiving someone is really a big challenge in one's life.

I once have a hater in the neighborhood, but I am proud to say that we are okay now. If I say okay that means we greet each other whenever our paths crossed and we casually talk when we need to. Of course we can't get back the closeness and friendship that we had before, but I am still happy since the burden I felt for many months is slowly disappearing.

It is not necessary that someone needs to ask forgiveness before you can forgive them.  Sometimes, even without this you will learn it just by being compassionate to the other person.

I am not an expert and I am still on the process of trying to be holy and good.  But I learned to forgive people and here are some pointers on how I did it.

• I think of all God's blessings to me and my family and by doing this I appreciate the beauty of life even more and thus, letting go of bad vibes is quite easier.
• I  put myself on the other person's shoes, this way I will have an idea why is the other person is angry to me.  I reflect on what I did rather than what she/he did to me.  When you are at the other person's shoes it is easier to forgive him/her since you are looking at yourself.
• As I said, be more compassionate to the other person.  We have no right to wish them bad luck but thinking of what you have that they don't have can make forgiveness easier.
• Look at yourself in the mirror, if you see fine lines and wrinkles because of the stress and grievances you felt then maybe it's about time to change how you live your life.  Letting go of the anger and pain will give you inner peace and it will surely reflect in your aura afterwards.  If you want to have a youthful feeling then learn to forgive and let it go NOW!

These are just few tips, of course, I know it's easier for me to say because I don't know your life stories but my greatest weapon on how I battle anger is that I keep on thinking that Life is too short and that we don't know when will the world will end.  

When you put in your mind that everyday might be your last day, then for sure you will make the most out of it and of course you will do everything to meet St. Peter and Jesus Christ in heaven right? 

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

Kenny Rogers Bloggers Night!

If you are a passionate blogger and is available tomorrow night around 7 to 9PM then why don't you join Phil and James Younghusband for a great dinner date at Kenny Rogers Katipunan.

Just email kristinaandreapapera@roasters.com.ph.

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

Charice appears on Glee once again!

Once again, Charice will come back as Sunshine Corazon at the next season of Glee entitled "Night Of Neglect". Based on the video, I think there would be a coming face off between Mercedes and Charice. I can't wait to see that, and I am really excited.

I just noticed that Charice, just like any other singer (maybe) have a manerism. I usually see her moving her hands or that she always frowns like she is fighting with someone. There is no doubt Charice is really a good singer, but she still needs to work more with her acting. But overall, Charice always makes every Filipino proud.

Way to go girl!!!

Check out the preview of her next appearance at Glee here:




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

Lara Quigaman fashion failed at Binibining Pilipinas 2011 award night

I did not saw the entire Binibining Pilipinas 2011 awards night last day, but I heard that all the winning contestants were beautiful and bright. I was just surprised while browsing the net that there were some fashion critics, who found Lara Quigaman's dress inappropriate and doesn't look good.

I am not a fashionista so I am not an expert in this field. But I appreciate what is pleasing to the eyes and what is not. So, with all honesty, I can say that Lara's dress really does not look good. Even though other girls who usually wore sexy clothes wears it, I think this red dress will still not look good on them.

What about you, do you think that the dress is nice?


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

I save P35 in drinking water by using this product!

We've been constantly finding ways to save ever since the year started. I will share with you our discoveries on how to save money, electricity and time on my next post, now what I will share to you is how we save almost P300 on our drinking water monthly.

Last time I went to the hardware, I saw this water purifier that is on sale. I already saw this device at our office, and my boss said that she is experimenting if it will save the company's supply of drinking water. I thought that it's kinda expensive so getting one for the house does not even entered my mind. But when I checked it out, this water purifier is a lot cheaper than buying 2 gallons of water every week. The sales man explained to me why it's wiser to have this item. He said that at water stations, customers cannot check if the stations water filter is still clean or not. With this device, you will know when to replace the water filter which cost about P60.00 that he said last for almost 6 months. He also computed my total savings within a year if I will used this device.

Of course, I know he is a salesman and that he was trained to talk well to the customers but I think he has a point.

It is so easy to install by the way. When we first used it, we let the water purifier run for 30 minutes to clean it up. At first, the water smells like soap but after the 30 minutes period, it was gone. Also, at first, the water tasted bad, but after 2-3 hours of using it, the water became taste less which for me is good.

This kind of water purifier cost P2,195 at Ace Hardware

This water filtration system device not only saves us a few bucks but also it also saves some space in our kitchen since we don't use the big blue plastic gallons now. If more people will use this I think mother earth will be happy since usage of plastic bottles will be lessened.

There are lots of brand out in the market now, you can choose whatever you think fits your budget. So, why don't you try one now!


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

Finally I met Kcat!

Kcat or Maria Kathrina Lopez Yarza is a young woman who is suffering from a rare disease known as Neurofibromatosis Type2 since year 2004. She was found to have brain tumors, and because of that, her left body was paralyzed. But even though she is encountering the most difficult situation a human being could ever face, (being deaf, not able to swallow well and having blurred vision) she can still see the positive things in life.

Despite of her situation she managed to blog, write for a newspaper and even design her own t-shirt that she sells in order to have additional funds for her operation and medication. She said that she doesn't want to beg for money which is why she is doing what she can and that is by using what God gave her- her creativity and talent to raise fund by selling items. What I adore most about her is that she believes in the saying "Nasa Dyos ang awa nasa Tao ang gawa".  She has a goal to be able to hear again, so she is willing to do everything she can and let God do the rest after.

Her story is really an inspiration, what amazed me more is how she and her family managed this trial. While chatting with her mom Tita Madge and dad Tito Egay, I can say that they take the situation lightly since they even tease each other often.

Kcat, me, Tita Madge and Tito Egay... (happy family isn't it???)

I never knew that Kcat is so funny! She told me that she is just pretending to be sick and that everything is just for a drama series and that she is the actress.  She also said that she will just stand by in ICU tomorrow after the operation and will go home as soon as the Doctors permit her.

When her Neurosurgeon doctor came- Doctor Willy Lopez, she explained to us how the operation will be for tomorrow. He said that he will open half of Kcat's face (the left part with the eye swollen) and that there will be some drilling and internal bleeding and so on... I can't understand it, and I don't want to listen because it looks scary and very delicate.

Dr. Willy Lopez explaining the operation on Kcat's brain

Tita Madge jokingly said that she knows Kcat can do it because she is a very strong person but she said that it looks like she will be the one who can't take it. I know what she feel, as a mom, we don't want to see our child to suffer too much pain. But I told her that she already passed many years of battling this disease and I believe they are more ready now and are more prepared for whatever that will come their way.

Meeting Kcat is like an eye opener for me. I felt that I don't have the right to complain of whatever is happening in this world or in my life. Her mom told me that "everything that happened to Kcat has a reason and that life must always go on". Kcat and her family has seen the light and looks at the positive side of life even how small it is on their darkest days. I believe that God will not let them down, and that He will shower them all the blessings they need. They inspired and touched a lot of families and individuals and I know God is always with them.

Tomorrow, April 11 will be Kcat's surgery. Join me in praying for a successful operation. I want to meet Kcat again after the operation.

If you want to help, you can buy her shirts just by clicking HERE or you can also donate any amount. 

I'm not really asking for money, buying from me is much better.. But you can donate if you want to.. There's no big or small in helping, it's the HELP that matters.. -KCAT


Banco De Oro (BDO)
Account Name: MARIA KATHRINA L. YARZA
Savings Acct Number: 02 809 824 88
Banco De Oro SM Megamall Branch, Mandaluyong City
 
I will post more about our chit chat in my other blog LEVYousa tomorrow, so watch out for it.

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

Join and Win Underarm Laser Hair Removal Voucher (valued at P2,000)

My other blog LEVYousa.com is reaching out to all the people of the blogosphere and online world. It is my new blog which is why to increase the number of people in it's Google Friend Connect and LIKERs in its Facebook site, I will be giving away 2 vouchers for Underarm Laser Hair Removal at Le Californian Beau & Californian Beau Medical Spa. 1 voucher of this Underarm Laser Hair Removal procedure is valued at P2,000 so this means you have a chance to undergo this procedure and save P4,000 from your budget.

To give you an overview of what to expect at this medical center check this out:

• Le Californian Beau & Californian Beau is a LASER, SLIMMING and MEDICAL SPA with aesthetically pleasing, relaxing and new facilities and equipment.
• Their machine is the latest in laser hair removal technology.
• The most in-demand aesthetic procedure today.
• Treat more patients in less time
• Treat even minimally-pigmented hair colors.
• Customized to give the best and minimal to pain free laser hair removal experience.
• Medically trained and experienced laser specialist.
• Full effect after 6-8 sessions.
• Done in an aesthetically pleasing spa environment.

Le Californian Beau & Californian Beau Medical Spa have to 2 locations, you can avail this procedure anywhere here:

Le Californian Beau
(Malate Manila) :
633 Remedios St. Malate Manila

For reservations, please contact
Tel Nos: +632 9854364/ 0905-3516016

Californian Beau Medical Spa
(Quezon City) :
295 E. Rodriguez Quezon City 2nd Floor MTVN Building

For reservations, please contact
Tel No: 24108424
californian.beau@yahoo.com.ph

You can also visit their website here: http://www.lecalifornianbeau.com/

So, what will you need to do to get this voucher from me? Well, just follow the simple steps below:

REQUIRED:

1. Follow LEVYousa through Google Friend Connect.

2. LIKE LEVYousa in Facebook (just click HERE)

Do ANY of this:

1. Share this give away contest in your FB wall (just copy this statement- “Have a chance to win 2 vouchers for Underarm Laser Hair Removal worth P4,000 at @LEVYousa“). Don’t forget to tag LEVYousa okay!
2. BLOG about this give away with a link here.

This give-away will last until April 30, 2011.

NOTE: The voucher is valid until JUNE 21, 2011 ONLY!!!

Leave  your BLOG post URL and FB link at LEVYousa.com site (Just click HERE)


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

Why it's hard to be humble?

In this changing more challenging world, with people being always on the go and most are at the top of their careers, sometimes staying on the ground and being humble is hard to accomplish.

I don't know if I am humble myself, which is why this lenten season, I want to reflect about this and it's a good thing that I saw this article to be my guide. 

The Seventeen Evidences of a Lack of Humility
By St. Josemaria Escrivá

1. To think that what one says or does is better than what others say or do
2. To always to want to get your own way
3. To argue with stubbornness and bad manners whether you are right or wrong
4. To give your opinion when it has not been requested or when charity does not demand it
5. To look down on another’s point of view
6. Not to look on your gifts and abilities as lent
7. Not to recognize that you are unworthy of all honors and esteem, not even of the earth you walk on and things you possess
8. To use yourself as an example in conversations
9. To speak badly of yourself so that others will think well of you or contradict you
10. To excuse yourself when you are corrected
11. To hide humiliating faults from your spiritual director, so that they will not change the impression they have of you
12. To take pleasure in praise and compliments
13. To be saddened because others are held in higher esteem
14. To refuse to perform inferior tasks
15. To seek to stand out
16. To refer in conversation to your honesty, genius, dexterity, or professional prestige
17. To be ashamed because you lack certain goods

After reading this, I can say that I am guilty of some of it.  Now, I realized that sometimes when you want to say something that will affect another persons life, career and total well being then it's better to tell it to her/him directly and secretly.  Don't announce it to the whole world for hear or see. Some people may look down to this person and will never again redeem his/her career.  If you think he/she is not humble enough then spreading it to the whole world will make you boastful yourself even though you claim that you are not.

This lenten season, let us all reflect and check our inner self.  Let us all try to be humble and holy even though it's hard.

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

Review: Celeteque Facial Wash and Moisturizer plus a great deal!

I saw a Buy1 Take1 signage which features all Celeteque items at SM Department Stores and Watsons a while ago. I can't resist the promo since I've been using Celeteque facial wash since January this year and I am loving the effect of this product on my face. I also bought their facial moisturizer because of this promo. 

What I like about it is that, it's mild, it's oil free, non-comedogenic, it's hypoallergenic which is good for sensitive skin, it's fragrance free and non sticky. You can use it everyday, day and night.

Facial Moisturizer P129.75 / Facial Wash P79.75

My face was dry, flaky and sometimes oily before, in other words YUCKY! But after taking care of my face more since last year through monthly facial if it fits my tight budget and since I am using Celeteque that is good and affordable I can say that my YUCKY face is now OKAY!

So, if you want to grab this Buy1 Take1 deal go to the nearest SM malls or Watsons stores near you.


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

It's time to separate my 2 blog!

I've been thinking for a while on what I can do to differ my 2 blog, (this blog and my new blog-levyousa.com). They are both mixed bag, which makes them twins. Sometimes, if I am making a post, I can't decide where to post it, here or my other blog. Which is why now, I decided that I will post more personal matters in levyousa.com and here, I will post about my views about life and other things of interest so that the article will be more related to it's title right?

This blog has went through many things through the years, and I am so proud of it.

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

Pinay Mommies Community (aka:PMC) Grand Eyeball

The PMC Grand Eyeball was planned a month ago (as of what I remembered). I was really excited about it, I even looked for tokens to give away, made a blog card and even checked out early ahead the blogs of some mommies who are coming in order to know them more. Unfortunately, a day before the event, I felt really sick with a terrible headache. But I really don't want to miss the grand eye ball which is why I tried my best to still go. It's all worth it because I had met a lot of mommies, but I am really sad since I didn't have the chance to talk to all of them and I really haven't showed my "makulit" side since I am really feeling dizzy. I just stayed on my chair and just looked at each one of them.

I even planned to eat a lot since the venue is an "eat all you can" restaurant. But sadly, I am really not in the mood. As much as I want to stay until noon, my body is already giving up. So, I have no choice but to go home early which I didn't planned to do.

I was disappointed with myself because I was born talkative, but I did not have the chance to mingle with other moms beside those near my chair. I hope that another get together will be planned again and I am hoping that time I will not be hit by any sickness (sigh...)

To all the mommies who attended the PMC event, it's my pleasure to meet all of you. Thank you so much for all the tokens you gave me and I hope you like my token too. See you again in the next event.

photo via: pinayads.com

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