Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Boston Celtics Accessories

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Despite the outcome of the NBA Finals 2010, I am still staying on the GREEN side. That is the Celtics Pride. Yes, it was devastating to lose on that Game 7. The Boston Celtics team almost got it. Almost, but not quite. I really cannot comprehend how in the world can the leading team give up 21FT while the trailing team give only 6FT. Can somebody explain it to me?

Okay, enough of sourgraping. I'm staying on the east side. I'm still proud of 'em. I badly want to have something Rajon Rondo. A shirt will do. But it was not yet available here in the Philippines (Adidas store). They've got Kevin Garnett though, but for men only. *sigh*

Gladly, at Toby's Sports they have these NBA accessories. I ♥.




And I just can't wait for the Ace Hardware Eco-Friendly Run to wear 'em.

It's upside down...

... because I just got Rondo'd.


Can't wait for the next season of NBA...

Monday, June 28, 2010

Just the Two of Us

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I don't know when the hype of running had pacified within our office. But that does not made me stop running. I made it a point to join two (2) races per month - with or without the Strathletes. With that, my angel and I had participated at the Ace Hardware Eco-Friendly Run 2010 at SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City yesterday - Just the Two of Us!

I thought we won't be late for the gun start is said to be at 5:50AM. It was around 5:30AM when my angel and I is on the cab from MRT-Taft Station and on our way to the starting line. I said to myself, I still got enough time for a little stretching. But the pack of 10K runners surprised us along the way. We've (our cab) got no choice but to wait for the last 10K runner to pass before we could finally proceed to the starting line. *sigh*

And just when we had delivered our baggage at the counter, the gun start for the 5K runners had been queued. I wonder what time did the 10K category started. All I knew is that we're late and we're trailing behind the 5K runners - and the 3K pack was about to start too.

Frustrated or disappointed, my angel and I continue to run - and vowed to stay with each other until the FINISH. We always remind ourselves that this is supposedly fun since it's a FUN RUN. I am glad that we had inched our way and had left a number of 5K runners. But it was energy-sucking when we would see 10K runners already on their second loop. If only the gun start had been triggered on time... If only...

After around 3.5K distance, my angel told me that he won't go for the second loop anymore. And I replied without a beat, "Same here!" And I believe we had made the best decision. The FINISH line is CROWDED. Literally and figuratively, hindi mahulugang karayom. Well, I was happy that a lot of runners joined the event; but the number was not handled well by the organizers. Thus, instead of waiting to a seem to be unmoving line; we diverted our way and proceed to the claiming of tote bags for the finishers, LOL!

A little queuing for the freebies and a little picture taking defined our experience of the run. And for the first time, we had our DNF (Did Not Finish) record in a race. We only run 5K for 0:33:18 with the littlest effort - so, I guess the distance is not that accurate too.

with JC Tiuseco

@ the Stage

@ the FINISH
Just the Two of Us

Rondo'd

@ the back - Celtics Pride


FREEBIES!

But despite what happened, I don't feel any regret or anything. Probably that really explains why I have been loving running - because it's a hobby where my angel and I shared precious moments together - Just the Two of Us!

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Race Name: Ace Hardware Eco-Friendly Run
Race Distance: 10K
Official Rank: DNF
Official Time: DNF
Unofficial Distance: 5K
Unofficial Time: 0:33:18
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Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Get a Clear Face with Proactiv, Forever!

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I guess I am one of the million ladies who wish that her skin is pearl-white and silky-smooth like that of the celebrities.

Rewind.

Well, I did got many pimples back around 5 years (?) ago. And I had it treated at a skin care center. I did have a clearer skin; but come the time I got lazy on visiting the center, my pimples just sprouts back. And I hate it.

My attitude.

I am the type who goes on buying new product lines and tests its effectiveness based on testimonials from real people. But somehow, I got disappointed at times for some is just not the right treatment for me.

The good news.

For now, I am into trying a product being used by Hollywood celebrities. Yes, I mean HOLLYWOOD. Don’t you wish your face is as angelic as Jennifer Love Hewitt or as sweet as Avril Lavigne’s? I do. And it was a great treat for us Filipinos for the product that these celebrities are using is already available to the online community of the Philippines. That much coveted product is the Proactiv, the world’s number 1 anti-acne solution.

The thing that interests me the most for this product is that it does not only treat pimples, it also prevents future breakouts. Well, I guess that would be the answer to my laziness of visiting skin care centers huh? Totally, you’ll going to have clear face with Proactiv forever.

I tried to learn more about Proactiv. It is formulated by Stanford-trained dermatologists Dr. Katy Rodan and Dr. Kathie Fields. And, as I’ve mentioned earlier, it is the choice of these Hollywood superstars! Let's here a testimonial from a co-Filipina:



So there, I created an account at http://my.proactiv.com.ph (make sure you inputted your valid address for it will be used for FREE delivery of the product). After the usual verification, here’s how you can place an order:

  1. Log in to your account
  2. Click ORDER NOW placed on the left sidebar
  3. Choose from the 30-Day and 60-Day Kit 3-Step Systems each valued at P2,495 and P3,995 respectively by clicking the ORDER NOW button
  4. Confirm your address
  5. Confirm your order
  6. Payment options available are via credit cards, bancnet, or COD

My treat.

And here’s my treat for you – get a discount if you order now until August 31 by using the following discount coupons:

  1. Get P150 discount from the 30-day kit. Code is PA311
  2. Get P300 discount from the 60-day kit. Code is PA611

Be generous enough to share the code to your girl friends Ü

Update:

Proactiv is just so generous. If you buy a Proactiv Kit online, you get a chance to win an iPad. For more details, click here.

Monday, June 21, 2010

Family Outing at Hundred Islands, Pangasinan

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I know this is a very late post. I don't know, I have been loaded with various thoughts lately. In fact, I haven't run for the longest time now. Needless to say, I just got Rondo'd!

I haven't spent any special celebration for my mother last Mother's Day. I'm at the office at that very moment rendering an overtime overnight. And I believe this one - our family outing at Hundred Islands - make up for it.

We left at around 1:30AM for we were expecting a 5-hour travel to Alaminos, Pangasinan. As always, we stop by the church of the town to ask for God's guidance. We arrived earlier; hence, we attended the first mass rather than the second at St. Joseph's Cathedral, Alaminos, Pangasinan.

St. Joseph's Cathedral

We then proceed to Hundred Isles' Room Rentals (formerly R&L Transient) where we would be staying for two (2) days and a night. The check-in is supposedly 2PM; thanks to Mr. Boyet Milles (owner) who allowed us to use their 'kubo' to eat breakfast and have the room occupied as early as 9AM.

After breakfast, while waiting for our room to be fixed.

And so the island hopping began with our tour guide Julius and JR. I am afraid of the water for I don't know how to swim. I am afraid as well for my family, no one knows how to swim, LOL! Thanks for the life vests!

Prepped up for island hopping

I won't do the talking now, I'd just let the photos have it done for me. :) Enjoy!

First stop: Century Cave
See how lovely that hole is?


Enjoying the beach(?) at Quezon Island
Would it be nice to say enjoying the Lingayen Gulf?

It is also where we had our lunch. We rented a cottage for P600 and have our food cooked at P1,050 (two bangus and eight pusit).

Before leaving the island

After Quezon Island, we enjoyed snorkeling nearby. Unfortunately, no one took a photo of us. Nonetheless, we conquered our fears, LOL!

At the Children's Island
Not so advisable. The water bed is SHARP!


Before calling it a day, we pass by the Cuenco Cave.

Before returning to our room, my angel and I took pictures here. Which photo is better?




At night, we wander at the Lucap Wharf (my angel and I with Stephanie).


Photo taken by Stephanie using my angel's Nikon DSLR D60

The following day, we were supposed to get up by 5AM so that we could have our day 2 island hopping as early as 6AM. Well, I can't blame anyone, it's soooo good to sleep, hee hee.

The Governor's Island
The best spot to see the hundred islands.


After climbing 123 steps, this is the reward.


The girls just can't wait to swim.
After going down, we took a quick swim right beside the PBB House.


The PBB House @ P10K per night

The Bat Island
The smell just stinks!


Marcos Island
The best place to swim

Imelda's Cave
I am really proud that I was able to have my mother swim into this cave and have a little snorkeling. I wanted her to experience such pleasures. I love her.


We could have stayed a li'l longer if we had woke up early. Too bad. We only enjoyed the island for an hour.

Cathedral Cave
See that Mother and Child?

We took a very quick lunch before leaving Alaminos, Pangasinan. We stop by at Tacsiyapo, Tarlac for early dinner and was not satisfied, raising my stress level 10 steps higher. Don't wanna come back to that place again.

Anyhow, our Hundred Islands adventure is a blast; next destination: Camarines Sur!

Saturday, June 19, 2010

Beating the Odds: A Must Read

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A couple of weeks from now, President-Elect Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino will be taking his oath and promise the nation to live with what he promised during the campaign period. But it won’t be a one man-team, really. We, the Filipinos, should also take part and join hands with our new President.

I admit that I am not that know-all when it comes to politics. I oftentimes shrug my shoulders off and chose not to give myself a headache with all the problems our country faces. But, I know it would be great to discover how our leaders’ minds function in terms of decision-making when it comes to these gigantic problems that seem to be unsolvable.

As a concerned citizen, wouldn’t it feel better to have at least an idea of how it goes? That made me curious about the book “Beating the Odds” by Velasco and Saludo. It was an analytical approach of how outgoing President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo literally and figuratively beat the odds. Indeed, even if she had been a controversial president, we cannot eliminate the fact that she, in one way or another, had contributed something for the benefit of our beloved country, the Philippines.


With the nine (?) years of administration, the book will discuss the policymaking, decision-making, and action-taking performed by PGMA. Now, I guess the incoming president have to read this book. It center around six issues which includes terrorism, the Mindanao Peace Process, the drug threat, the global emergence of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), an attempted coup d’etat against the government, and a hounding budget deficit. Anyone who’ll get to comprehend this book must, of course, pick out the best and leave what’s not.

The book is not solely applicable to the president of the land. It will surely be a great guide to any leader of any organization – big or small. I guess many would be looking into how the budget deficit had been taken care of. We all know all the issues that has to do with money. As for me, I wanted to grab a copy of it. I just wanted to know how PGMA deal with decision making, considering all the consequences, and still standing strong with a decision despite of the odds.

Friday, June 18, 2010

Pinoy Big Brother Teen Clash 2010: Who's Your Bet?

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After the Pilipinas Got Talent Grand Finals where Jovit Baldivino from Rosario, Batangas won, what show were you after? I guess it would be the Pinoy Big Brother Teen Clash 2010. Have you decided already who to vote? Or you’re still making up your mind? Let me help you clear your mind.


Ivan Dorschner or Ivan Dorsner (as some refers to him) is a half-Filipino half-American housemate who hasn’t uttered the word “I Love You” unless he already found the one. Now, that’s sweet right? Though he grew up in US, he frequents the Philippines and stays in as much as two long weeks. It feels great that he still embraces his being a Filipino.

Look at one of his videos here.



Have I cleared your cloudy mind? Vote for Ivan Dorschner now.

To vote for Ivan Dorschner, go to PBB Teen Clash 2010 website and key in your TFC Now account. You may also buy vote pins from LoadCentral and Digital Martian if you prefer to. Another way to vote is via SMS voting. To know the details, visit http://teens3.pinoybigbrother.com/Vote/MobileVoting.aspx.

Cast your vote now. The PBB Teen Clash 2010 will be over soon.

You might also want to visit Ivan Dorschner’s Facebook page to keep yourself updated.

Thursday, June 10, 2010

Why Do I Love Basketball?

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My relationship with basketball had been a roller-coaster ride. There were just dull moments that I am totally off that sports. But what does it take to make me love basketball? It is all because of the MEN in my life.

The first time that I watch basketball (NBA in particular) was back in the Chicago Bulls vs Utah Jazz era (late years of my high school life). That was NBA finals then. My father is rooting for Michael Jordan (who wouldn't?). I've got no choice but to cheer for Karl Malone and John Stockton.

Michael Jordan vs Karl Malone
Photo Credits: NBA.com

I lost. It's obvious. But that made me like basketball. My addiction continue with PBA. I am rooting for Alaska Milkmen then, particularly Johnny Abarrientos.

Johnny A with my MVP

They had a grandslam. And the year when Abarrientos got the MVP award, I cease watching basketball. Most probably I got busy with college life (and my father is no longer around).

But not so soon enough, I got addicted once more to PBA (2008 to be more specific). This time, I had been influenced by the love of my life - my angel. He's cheering for the Purefoods TJ Giants (PF). To make watching basketball more hype, I root for another team (like I did before). And so, I go for the Barangay Ginebra Kings (but I got to admit, I love PF).

While I am on the side of BGK, I admired Chris Pacana. They were hailed as 2008 Fiesta Cup Champions then.

CP#22

But, when Pacana had been traded, I go back rooting for the first PBA player that caught my eye as I enter the Big Dome - Kerby Raymundo.

KR#5

Well, we all know that they are the reigning 2010 All Filipino Cup Finals.

And then the love of PBA had been elevated to the love of NBA during the NBA Finals 2008 between the Boston Celtics and the LA Lakers. I am lucky that I had watched Game 6 (because I'm on sick leave); and I just fell in love with Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, and Rajon Rondo of Celtics. In game 6, where Ray Allen chipped at total of 7 three-pointers, they ended the series against the Lakers. The following year, I had also watched the NBA Finals 2009. No Boston Celtics since Garnett had been injured. I am on both sides. Derrick Fisher of LA Lakers was great then. And now, in NBA Finals 2010, Celtics is up again against the Lakers. Obviously, I am on the green side. And while I still like Garnett and Allen, I just can't get enough of Rondo.

Photo by Elsa/Getty Images

So, if I am losing my sanity over PBA and NBA, blame it to my father and my angel, LOL!

P.S.
GO CELTICS! Beat LA!
Let the green leaves cover the lake.
C'mon river beat the lake!

Monday, June 7, 2010

Insider Secrets to Google AdWords in the Philippines

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I can still recall how unlucky I am when after reaching the $100 payout of the Google Adsense, I got banned! With that, I got no choice but to bid goodbye to earning extra money online via these ads. Nonetheless, I still am aware of how fortunate most of my blogger friends on their increasing Google Adsense earnings. Well, I believe in my Power50 group has these bloggers who were like earning regular profits.

Now, it is not like you create a blog then you sleep while earning. These bloggers and site owners invests time and effort (if not money) for certain strategies (SEOs) to get the most out of these clickable ads.

I also happen to pass by the term Google AdWords; but I really don’t have any idea what it is all about. Yes, I am naïve on these. How about you? Do you have the sufficient brains to understand how Google categorize websites? Or you are as naïve as me? Hmmm, see this video first – an event entitled “Insider Secrets to Google AdWords”.



From my research, Google AdWord is basically one of Google's many ways in helping businesses in promoting their products and/or services. Have you seen the 'Sponsored Links' section at the side of your Google search page? That is the Google AdWord which appears based on the keyword inputted on the search text box. And the thing that interests me here (that is of big help to business promotion) is that you only pay Google once your ad is clicked. So I guess the bottomline here is what keyword should be related on your business.

And Google is here to help. This is your chance to know the “Insider Secrets to a Google-friendly Website” right here in the Philippines. So, make your reservation now and mark your calendars: June 24-25, 2010 at 8:30 am – 5:30 pm on Crown Plaza Galleria Manila. For inquiries call LENI at 470-1055 or SMS at 0905-3364486.

Rain or Shine, I Walk the World Against Hunger

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Yesterday, despite the not so pleasant weather, I Walk the World against hunger at the Bonifacio High Street (BHS), Taguig City together with thousands of runners and walkers.

I almost not able to wake up at 2:30AM if not for my cousins who woke me up. I drink hot chocolate and ate Nature Valley granola bar before I prep for my 5K run. On our way to the venue, the rain pours heavily; with our thinking, we should have just slept soundly back home and not attend the event. But, I don't know, maybe the heavens would really want us to be there.

The assembly time was 5AM, but the gun start was not indicated. Good thing it started at around 6:10AM, we're not late. The ceremony was spearheaded by the lovely couple Mr. and Mrs. Vince Hizon.

I'm in front of the pack, but I am sidelined as my legs begin to feel a sudden pain. Maybe it wanted to remind me of my very intention of joining the race - to end hunger. With my aching legs, my angel and I run side by side until we reach the finish line. At least we run with a sub-40 (Unofficial Time: 39min).

We lined up to support the 1 Billion Hungry Movement and get our free sun visors.

I'M MADZ, LOL!



I also got the chance to have a picture with the couple who loves basketball (like my angel and I do).

With Ms. Patricia Bermudez-Hizon and Mr. Vince 'The Prince' Hizon

Right when we were already having our breakfast at Contis, the heavy rain poured.

Breakfast at Contis

Really, God wanted us to participate in this event and is making such things happen. I come home (a bit injured), but I am glad and my heart is touched that "Rain or Shine, I Walk the World Against Hunger" together with thousands of runners.

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Race Name: Walk the World
Race Distance: 5K
Official Rank: 435/1,178
Official Time: 00:39:01
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