Real Leaf Paparazzi

Okay, what's the deal? I have to live like a Paparazzi and take a picture of someone drinking Real Leaf Green Tea. So, during our jogging at the academic oval of UP Diliman last night, I jog with my jacket on and the camera inside it. This is my chance to catch Real Leaf runners - my running mates.

There were only four of us (MinnieRunner, CaptainRunner, RunningAtom, and BanditRunner) tonight. While they were doing the stretches, I already perform my job of being a Paparazzi.


There, it was CaptainRunner fueling himself for our running training. We should be serious in this one for we would be running our first 10K on April.

After doing the stretches, we go on separate ways of different paces. For my training for the night, I will only be having a 23-minute run with two 5-minute medium jog in between easy jogs. As I completed my scheduled training, I walk towards the Oblation while re-hydrating myself; not knowing that CaptainRunner is doing his Paparazzi works on me too.


We walk hand-in-hand as we traverse for the 3^rd time the 2.2K academic oval. We jog counter-clockwise, while RunningAtom and BanditRunner go on clockwise. Hence, we spotted them. So, Paparazzi strikes again.

Here, BanditRunner stops to refuel himself with Real Leaf Green Tea;

while I am handing RunningAtom the Real Leaf Green Tea to quench his thirst while running in opposite directions.

I also covered my supposedly scheduled 15-minute easy run today (Saturday) that night for I still feel I got the energy to do so. After about more than an hour of running, we have our cool down exercise at the same spot where we started. Well, I am happy with my training. Unlike my other runs, this one's a pain-free training. We already had our carbo-loading earlier, so we simply re-hydrate ourselves with Real Leaf Green Tea. Re-hydration is very important for us runners.

RunningAtom and BanditRunner's cool down after traversing the academic oval with a total of 11K and 8.8K respectively

Cheesy, ha ha... I am practicing to be a photographer. I love the way the Oblation had been captured in between their heart-shaped hands.

So, it is time to part ways and lead our feet home. But before that, I am not yet finish with my Paparazzi work. Here's my greatest catch!

WOW! My shadow is also loving the Real Leaf Green Tea.

And what does Real Leaf Green Tea brought to my system? E-N-E-R-G-Y after a 6.6K run.

Enough proof eh?

Precious Jems

That is how we call our group back in high school, Precious Jems. I barely recall what each letter stands for. I believe letter M in 'Jems' stands for my name right? (Susie, correct me if I am wrong.) Anyhow, among the group, I could say that it is only Men and Susie that I really get to keep in touch with. Well, I also get in touch with other few, but unlikely with the former. The last time that we saw each other was September, on Men's Wedding.

Courtesy of Susie, we had a simple get together last night at Trinoma, and dined at Seafood Island. It is a sort of Susie's Birthday treat for us. (Her birthday was last January 18).

Susie and I

Men and Mae

Earlier, we accompany Susie to buy blush on. She was quite moved by the fact that she would be having a blind date this coming Saturday. We were there just wishing her luck and LOVE on her date.

The blush on really looked neat and perfect for her skin

Since it is Susie's treat, and her budget is around PhP1,500 we ordered (prices were exclusive of 10% service charge):

• Dapitan's Pride Boodle Feast @ PhP545 - Crispy coco gin shrimps, San Mig clams, grilled tilapia, grilled squid, laing, steamed crab, grilled liempo, kalkag rice, and atchara papaya
• Buko Shake @ PhP105
• Fresh Buko Juice @ PhP80
• Lipton Iced Tea @ PhP65
• Fried Ice Cream @ PhP105
  

Buko Juice and Buko Shake

Lipton Iced Tea

It took around 30 minutes before they were able to deliver our order. We were quite disappointed with that turn around time. Anyway, the restaurant is quite occupied, so we just let it pass by. We were hungry and we don't have the energy to argue with them too, LOL!

Dapitan's Pride Boodle Feast

After savoring this meal, we were able to say that it is worth the wait. I so love the clams. Squid is one of my favorites. I ate the crab with my bare hands and not let a single flesh be left in the shell. I ate the grilled liempo with their tasty atchara papaya. Only, I don't eat laing. (I know. I know. It is delicious and healthy. But just like strawberries, I don't eat it.)

One of the attractions of the restaurant was the live band (at nights only). The vocalists sang with a great voice. And we kept on teasing Susie with the guitarist, he he.


We also requsted one of Susie's favorite songs, I'll Be by Edwin McCain, for her birthday.

Our request, I'll Be by Edwin McCain

For the leave the fork part (dessert time), we had the Fried Ice Cream. We were just curious with this one. Only to find out that we were really just after the ice cream and left the coating in the plate.

Susie, thanks for the dinner, and for the company. I miss such 'togetherness'. We maybe having our own lives now, journeying our own paths, but you and Men will still remain as my true friends. Good luck on your date on Saturday! Hope to see you SOON!

Types of Essays

In my elementary and highschool years, I am acquainted to essay as a written examination with no incorrect answers. Everything you write on that part is acceptable and is correct in your own right. But now, I am acquainted with several other types of essays such as personal essays, narrative essays, informative essay, and many other. All of which have their own ways and formats of writing.

Century Bangus: Anytime, Anywhere! Blog Contest Winners' Lunch

I am really enjoying The Perks of Being a Blogger. I just find it amusing that I really have tons to share that I would normally got more than one update per day. Well, of course it is more fulfilling if my posts were read and reactions were provided. Nonetheless, I'll be religiously updating this blog, not primarily because of my online earnings, but because I wanted this to serve as my online journal. So, what blogging has to do with my Saturday activity? I simply attended the Century Bangus' treat to bloggers who joined their contest. Well, I am unfortunate to win the contest, but lucky to have the lunch treat courtesy of the advertiser.


I have the company of my officemate slash runningmate slash co-blogger in the person of RunningAtom. My Angel had important matters to attend to, so I got no other choice (peace Pedz!). We met at Shangri-La Plaza around 10:45AM and proceed to Westside Grill, Wack Wack Golf and Country Club, Mandaluyong City.

After registration, we were handed index cards and guided to a table with 13 unlabeled spices. We can smell or taste the spices and jot down at our cards the name of the spices. I don't know how many correct answers we got there, all I know was, the 3-in-1 coffee tastes good in its raw form, LOL! The winner of the spices guessing contest was (insert drum roll sound here)...

Congratulations Ryan of Wentot's Thoughts

Before the most awaited LUNCH began, the Iza Calzado look-a-like host announced another contest that will run for 15 minutes only. It was a salad-making contest among 5 teams (2 bloggers each team) where RunningAtom happened to be one of the contestants, teaming up with Lawrenz. And what can you expect form a boy-boy team up? Just kidding. Other contestants were just more artistic in presenting their salads.




Lunch followed the contest, and here's my plateful.



The Century Baked Bangus with Creamy Saffron Gratin is too creamy that I cannot finish a chop of it. The other food in the menu were great. But the thing that amazes us all (from our table) was the Century Bangus Tocino for it never tasted like milk fish.

After the burp, the awarding of winners follow. Oh, how I wish I was one of them. I'll make sure I'll do my best next time.

The iPhone Winners

One of the winners come straight from Ormoc; while the other one failed to attend the bloggers' lunch for he still has a mountain to climb (wink). Other attendees who tried but failed at grabbing the iPhones does not exit the vicinity empty-handed. We were given box of Century Bangus (6 Century Bangus) and a photo op in their Century Bangus back drop.

Everyone from the crowd is a stranger to me, except for Rey who is a 'blogger friend' and co-member of the P50.

ReyJr and MinnieRunner

It is just nice to meet in person the people whom you converse with online. And Rey, thanks for the ride.

Proper Research Paper Format

It is not enough that you know how to write and you brilliantly express your ideas. It is also a must that you know the proper research paper format in writing such documents. So, feel free to visit the sites that could show you the how-to's.

I'm a Certified Athlete

In my younger years, I prefer playing scrabble rather than having fun outdoors. Well, even now, I am more at ease being at home rather than going out (unless I'm with the love of my life). However, with that lifestyle, I know that would not be healthy for a food lover like me.

Back when I was in 2^nd year College, my PE is badminton. And I hate it. In fact, it is the lowest grade that I ever got in my entire College life - 2.0. Good thing there were written examinations.

In the first company where I render job to, the Provincial Government of Bulacan (PGB), I joined badminton tourneys, but would not appear in the games most of the time. Funny was, I landed 2^nd runner-up in the Womens Doubles eventhough my partner and I just played a game, and we lost it. I don't know how in the world could we ever win.

Year 2007, when I was in my 3^rd company, the Stradcom Corporation, I also joined badminton tourney. But it was something I don't wanna remember. We landed the 3^rd runner-up spot; and worse is I don't give my best. I knew I can catch the shuttle cock, I knew I can hit it, I knew I can; BUT, I'm afraid that I might fail. *sigh* I don't know what's in me then, but I just can't give out my 100%. The following year, 2008, I prefer not to join the tourney. I said to myself, "Badminton is not for me".

Another year has passed, and I am into 'running'. To have a sort of exercise, I joined the badminton tourney once more (for the last time). In the eliminations, I was the same old brand new me. I don't ran for the ball, I just walk towards the shuttle cock, and never tried hitting it. I'll just pick it up from the ground, giving a point to our opponent. I had a couple of missed games, allowing my partner to pick a sub from our team, the Green Team. With much fortune, we won a single game in the eliminations, enough to bring us forth to the semis.


Come semis, I repetitively told myself to do my best. Ran for the ball, hit as hard as I can, follow my partner in order to answer her missed shots (just in case), and never ever give up. I bet my confidence, perseverance, and prayer paid off. After our 2^nd game of the semis, we were already 'waiting' for the championship match. Our last game is a no bearing game which we still won with a big heart.

I so wanted to win, to bag the championship, but we fell short with the change of rules. It is a running point game that added more butterflies in my stomach. It was still a close fight, but the other team, the Blue Team, gained a greater advantage in the new set of rules. But eventhough we ended as 1^st runner up, I still stand up so proud, for I had given more than a 100% of my abilities, athletic abilities. Winning the tourney, even if we were just the second best, gave me the guts to affirm myself as a Certified Athlete.

The tourney happened a couple of months ago, but I fancy not to blog it until I got hold of my proof, my plaque of appreciation. Last December, we were handed our cash prize of PhP1,250 each. I bought a Giordano Blouse worth PhP1,899 to serve as my souvenir, and as a gift for myself too.

My Blouse, a souvenir from Badminton

Last Monday, I am handed this plaque of appreciation, testifying my statement, "I'm a Certified Athlete."


Well, I already proved myself in badminton; thus, I am now closing my doors for it. I'm more into RUNNING now, that I wanted to have an accomplishment. It could be setting slash beating my Personal Record (PR) in 5K, or running a sub-90 10K, or winning a 3K fun run. I am always in regret knowing that the winners for the 3K Female Category is just at par with my 3K PR (my very first 3K). But in my heart, my main goal is to run a full mary; hence, my running journey would still bring me to years of toil and hard work (and meeting Coach Rio, LOL!).

Help in Custom Essays UK Writing

I am not a bookworm. I am not fond of reading, most especially if the book is using UK language. I know it is harder to understand. So, if you need help writing one in UK, I suggest you read some books in such. In addition, you can find site that offers custom essays UK, the ProfEssays.com. Thus, if you’re having a hard time, try visiting the site. You might find the answer to have an excellent material.

First Step in Applying for a Housing Loan in PAGIBIG

We all know that PAGIBIG housing loan’s interest rate is remarkably the lowest compared to bank and in-house financing. In this regard, my Angel and I had plans of filing a loan to achieve our dream of having our own house before we finally get married.

Yesterday, I had an early out in the office to attend to the First Step in Applying for a Housing Loan in PAGIBIG – to attend a seminar regarding house counseling. At exactly 12nn, I take a walk to GMA-MRT station where I would be meeting my Angel together with his two other officemates. We alight the train at Buendia Station and hail a cab for a hundred pesos to bring us to the Atrium – the venue of the seminar.

Upon arriving at the venue (5th floor), we queued in the line while filling up a form handed to us by the guard. By the way, you need to have a photocopy of any of your valid IDs. At around 1:20PM, the seminar started. The very accommodating speaker informed everyone that we should be at the right seminar. She told us that the to-be-conducted seminar was about the individual members that would want to acquire a housing loan and not for Builders and Developers.

The seminar proceeded smoothly and each and every inquiry is answered clearly. We were also handed the requirements list to be accomplished. With my fingers crossed, and my faith in God, I am do hoping to have this first step bring us closer to our dream house.

The 10th Ultimate Wedding and Debut Fair

Last week, I received an SMS invitation from an unknown number to The 10^th Ultimate Wedding and Debut Fair as sponsored by the Island Exhibit Link. I immediately asked my Angel if he would want to go since registering would entitle us to a free admission. And he said, "Yes". So I registered ourselves from the site and printed an email confirmation for our free admission.

The event is a 2-day exhibit of all the wedding and debut essentials (January 23 - 24, 2010) at Megatrade Hall 3, 5^th flr. Mega B, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City. I had a bloggers meet on the 23^rd; while my Angel has a seminar to attend to. So, the only time we've got is after lunch of the 24^th.

After eating nilagang baka, lechong manok, fried chicken, kinilaw na talaba, chocolate cake, and watermelon we proceed to Megamall. We arrived at nearly 4PM, I guess. We immediately proceed to Megatrade Hall 3 and presented my printed registration. We were then given stickers labeled as "couples" and a sort of soon-to-wed bible.

Upon entering, we were handed PhP1,500 worth of services voucher from Slimmer's World. And in each and every booth that we pass by, they would hand us their contact information, brochures, and even encourages us to stay and hear what they have to say for a few minutes. We particularly got enchanted with the photo and video coverage service. All of them got inviting packages that normally includes: pre-nuptial coverage, guest book, wedding coverage, album, 2 mini-albums, and a blow-up picture. Some also offers free photo vendo or audio visual presentation at the reception. The lowest price that we had canvassed was PhP40,000 and they promised not to include additional charge for outside Manila venues. But of course, we need to book on site to avail of their worthy freebies.

I felt that my Angel is tempted to book onsite. Anyhow, we will only be paying PhP1,000. But, I hesitated a bit and began to ask my friends and even my brother about the matter. And the pacakge that they had availed on their wedding were relatively low as compared to PhP40,000. Thus, we just planned to jot down the prices of these photo and video services and compare them on the wedding fair next month.

Posing with the gowns behind me

A serenade

Free test of the Photo Vendo

As for the wedding gowns, I find none that suits my taste. I just fell in love with the kalesa of Pido. I don't know but I just found kalesa very Filipino to serve as my wedding ride. In addition, I find conversing with the owner of Written Moments very warmly. Their expertise is on wedding invitations. Nonetheless, we won't be planning everything anytime sooner for we need to have a home first. But for sure, we'll be checking on the wedding fare on February 12 - 14, 2010 at the same venue.

Outside the exhibit are a number of teens who were all dressed up in the CosPlay event. We take a photo of some of them and was really thrilled on how these youngsters put their all out effort just to look like their favorite anime.

Thanks for that pose red-haired sexy gal :)

Thrill of the Trail

I am not an athletic person before. During my elementary years, while my classmates join volleyball tournaments, I compete for scrabble. It also goes on during my high school years. They compete for outdoor games, while I prove myself on oration.

It is only now that I am developing my athletic abilities, if I really have one. I announced myself as an athlete by finishing 1st runner up in our company’s badminton tournament. I started running last August 30, 2009; and will continue to run until I can race a full marathon (hope so).

Now, there is another inviting field I am looking at; no, not the triathlon. I don’t even know how to swim. But yes, it is in the same field as running. It is trail running. I am keyed up in the thought of joining.



The event named as Thrill of the Trail to be held on Valentine’s Day at Nuvali, Laguna is another running event that is one of a kind. It is my first time to hear such event. But, it is already on its 3rd edition. Previous events were held at Nasugbu, Batangas and Cagayan de Oro, Mindanao. Next in line will be at Bohol, Visayas. At the same sense, this is a tune-up event for trail running enthusiast for the upcoming The North Face 100 Trail Running Ultra Marathon, the 1st and only trail running ultra marathon series in the Asia Pacific which currently spans 5 countries (Australia, China, Philippines, Japan and Taiwan).

I am encouraging my Angel to join this event for they had added a twist for the 11K category. They have the so-called 11K couples category which will require participants to cross the finish line together while holding hands. But in my mind, I will ask my Angel to hold my hand while traversing the whole 11K route, LOL!

Okay, enough of the juicy and cheesy part. I am thrilled by this event for I know the road won’t be that smooth. I am anticipating a walk on the creeks and rocks and beside trees. Isn’t it exciting? Come join me in discovering the adventures at the Thrill of the Trail Facebook fan page. I sure wanted to be kept posted. I still have until January 28, 2010 to decide whether to join or not. Or shall I say, to convince my Angel.

I'll Be Running My First 10K on April

Believe it or not, I'll be running my first 10K on April 11, 2010 at Mizuno Infinity Race. And that'll be my first. I had mixed emotions regarding this one. I am uberly excited to push myself to my limits and cross the FINISH line. At the same sense, I am afraid that I might get dehydrated or something (reading the 2008 Mizuno Infinity Run's failure).

So, here's my proof; it is for real. I'll Be Running My First 10K on April. Wish me luck and bid me God Bless! And if all else fails... I will curse you RunningAtom for encircling that 10K category, LOL!

Mizuno Infinity Race - 10K

As for my preparations, well, I already had my new running shoes - Nike LunarGlide⁺ - courtesy of My Angel which had already marked my newest PR for 5K (0:36:51). Also, we were planning to have our practice jogging every Fridays at UP Diliman Campus. In addition, I already had a couple of runs for February (Condura Run and Century Superbods Run) and three for March. Is that training already sufficient to survive my first ever 10K? I hope so. *fingers crossed*

My Piece of the Puzzle

September of this year, my Yahoo Account has been hacked. Fortunately, I was able to regain my account. I’m witty right?

For some odd reasons, none of my accounts that were linked to yahoo were affected or hacked, except for the one where I purchased my domain for My Puzzle Piece blog. Isn’t it weird? Anyhow, I already reported the hacker’s email address to the concerned and was able to have his account blocked. My problem now is, I can no longer regain my access to that web hosting provider (for I need to submit via fax – internationally – some documents); and, I have only 3 months and 4 weeks left until my account expires.

Well, as what others might decide, my option is to search for a new webhosting site. But that was not a breeze for me. I wanted to be more cautious this time. I know it is not my domain hosts fault. I just wanted to have another choice, another option. That’s why I am now looking at WebHostingGeeks site for they’ve got there reviews, rates, and customer feedback regarding almost the entire web hosting sites available. It is a sort of collection of webhosting sites in one portal. Moreover, they also got web hosting news for what’s hot and what’s new.

So, wish me luck in my search of my piece of the puzzle. *wink*

For the Love of Running...

Friday night, after our practice jogging at UP Diliman, I already felt that my hate day of the month is already near. I fervently prayed that it won't hit January 17, my first run of the year. Come Saturday, I never felt any menstrual cramps the whole day. I almost jumped for joy, I am thinking that the Sambong tea did worked miracles for me. And so I prepared my things for the 2010 Bull Run: Takbo Para sa Ekonomiya and lulled myself to sleep.

At exactly 12:30AM, I am awakened by my painful menstruation. I immediately sent My Angel and Irish a message on whether I should take medicine (Dolfenal 250mg) or just not attend the race. I already expected that My Angel won't answer the phone, he is soundly sleeping for sure. Good thing, Irish did replied, and she advised me to take medicine instead. So, I get up from my bed, drink hot chocolate, and take Dolfenal 250mg. Afterwards, I sent myself to sleep, hoping to at least have 30 minutes of good sleep.

At around 2:30AM, Carmina woke me up and told me that it's time to get up. Irish also gave me a call. Having relieved from the cramps, I get up and ate my breakfast - hamburger and hot chocolate. I also gave My Angel a call to wake him up and to tell him that I already took my medication. He told me that we could just not go to the race and simply have another practice jogging at UP Diliman. But, For the Love of Running I told him that I'm already fine. And so we go and meet up at GMA Mini Stop. I never bought any Gatorade or Powerade this time. I wanted My Angel to run without any baggage at hand (except for the camera).

We were early for there were no traffic at EDSA (specifically at Balintawak and Muñoz). When everyone's set to go, we headed on to Fort Bonifacio. We arrived quite early. And so, we positioned ourselves to our respective race categories. The entrance for each category is separate. Before the gun start (actually, there's no gun start, only a bell start, LOL), I told My Angel if we could just walk the whole 5K route for I might not be able to run - I had my dysmenorrhea (which is only suppressed by Dolfenal) and I also had colds and slight fever. He willingly agreed.

At the onset of the 5K race, I jogged lightly. My Angel was surprised and asked me why am I running. I told him that I can still manage to jog; that I'll stop if I can no longer continue. While I was watching my Timex watch, I was able to maintain my slow pace jogging after 10 minutes. And we stopped because we need to rehydrate ourselves. Too bad, it is only water at the booth. After resting my limbs for about 4 minutes, I jogged once more. I am feeling pain whenever I stop jogging (just like the Timex Run 2009). I jogged with the same slow pace until I tire my feet out or until we had to stop for hydration. It feels good that I can really continue jogging at that slow pace and feels like I could complete the race faster.

Running (Do I look sick?)

Walking (Look at my singlet, my Adidas Formotion logo reflects on it)

We reached a hydration booth that offered Gatorade, and so we piled up on the line and have our thirst quenched. Gatorade is really different from that of water. I feel energized after drinking. And so I jog a little more. My Angel asked me if I can still continue despite my condition, and I just answered yes, I can still give more. Seeing the Finish line and looking at the time I already elapsed, I contented myself to the fact that I won't be able to beat my best time. But, as we go nearer the Finish line, I saw that we can beat it. And so, I run as fast as I could in the remaining meters of the route. And happily, I beat my best time (which happens to be the first official run of my Nike LunarGlide⁺). I finished the race at 36 minutes and 51 seconds. (The race result had been released that fast. Kudos!) And I really felt that I can still finish the 5K faster, probably next race.

Out of 830 5k Runners

After crossing the finish line, I was showing my time to My Angel

Time for me to take a photo of the love of my life

Spotted a former office mate (Smart), Collie

MAIDRS Team

LunarGlide mates, LOL!

My Hate Day of the Month did not stop me from doing what I love best (as of the moment). I was able to conquer it, For the Love of Running...