On Corruption and Pagnanakaw

Can we also get a comment from Gordon? lol

A Quick Halalan 101 Lesson

First time voters -- (and with this I mean ALL voters), we only have 41 days to go before the 2010 Halalan (Elections) kicks in.

All will be voting for the first time (literally) for the automated poll elections. If we think we already KNOW what we’re supposed to do, think again. We wouldn’t want to screw up just because we THOUGHT we knew.

This is why it is important to be as informed as we can to avoid any possibility of ruining our chances to vote -- remember, we can only do this once, so it’s better that we actually know what to expect come May 2010.

Aside from showing you a quick tutorial on voting, you may want to consider other channels in getting as much information as you can about the 2010 Philippine Elections. An excellent resource now is made available thanks to ABS-CBN, through their Halalan 101 website.

Sample Ballot

Aside from the information posted, you can “practice vote" on an online ballot.

The site also has a very elaborate FAQ section, and easy to understand video tutorials. Online users can also participate in both the “live chat” function and discussion forum, also on the site. 

How are your election preparations going so far? Please feel free to share.

Here I Am To Worship

For the next days, I might be posting songs for lent that are truly inspiring for me. Some of the songs will be coming from my favorite worship band, Hillsong.



Here I Am to Worship – Hillsongs United Music Code

Here I Am To Worship
Hillsong

Light of the World
You stepped down into darkness
Opened my eyes
Let me see
Beauty that made this heart adore You
Hope of life spent with You
Here I am to worship
Here I am to bow down
Here I am to say that You’re my God
You’re altogether lovely
Altogether worthy
Altogether wonderful to me
King of all days
Oh so highly exalted
Glorious in heaven above
Humbly You came to the earth You created
All for love’s sake became poor
I’ll never know how much it cost
To see my sin upon that cross.

“Call’
Call upon the name of The Lord and be saved

Earth Hour 2010 Tonight!

It's time.

In a few hours, our household will once again experience complete darkness not because of the infamous rotating brownouts in the country, but because it is our own little way of showing support. Still clueless? Well, tonight is Earth Hour night.

Now on its third year, the Earth will experience an hour of darkness in the hope of raising climate change awareness. As we know, the Philippines has been greatly affected by climate change as felt in the current El Niño phenomenon that destroyed billions of crops and ecosystems, resulting to deaths for thousands of cows, chickens and marine life.

But if you're in the mood to celebrate with a bunch of people, here's the info: 

Earth Hour actually started in Sydney, Australia when 2.2 million homes and businesses turned their lights off for one hour to make their stand against climate change. Only a year later, Earth Hour had become a global sustainability movement with more than 50 million people across 35 countries participating. Now, there are 122 territories participating the cause.

Earth hour takes place every 27th of March at 8:30pm (local time) where individuals and establishments participate by turning off lights for an hour as a form of supporting mother nature and against climate change. 

To show your support and for more information, clicky: 

Flying Alone Aboard Hong Kong Express

I was up at 3 or 4 am., but my baggage a WEEK prepared than I was. I had been packing for a week already so, chances of leaving anything behind was less likely to happen. All I needed to do that time was to fix myself, which I barely did! lol

Not only I was THAT excited to be flying again, but also anxious to be flying alone for the FIRST time. I wondered what it was like.

My flight was at 8am, so the driver had to pick me up at 5 to get to the airport at least 2 hours before my flight. EDSA was pretty friendly that Friday morning so I had no problem nor delays in getting there. When I got to the airport, ticket counters already had long queues, and the Hong Kong Express counter had a moderate handful of people. So I killed time by trying to connect to NAIA’s free wi-fi to the hope that I could give him a quick message before I leave.

The connection was a little rough, but I was able to manage a message D and a few friends before reaching my counter.

Past the immigration counters, I had to wait for another hour or so before the gates finally opened. While doing that, I filled out the frequent flyer program, which they called Fortune Wings Club. As if! But, who knows? I might fly frequently soon. I can dream, can’t I?

So the pilot later on announced that we’re bound for Hong Kong! All the thoughts of HKIA got me so excited!

On board, the remaining memories of Manila for departing tourists lie in the snacks that were served that morning -- corned beef pan de sal!

After that 2-hour flight and several sudoku puzzles later, I was in Hong Kong! I then had to go to the transfer desk in order to get my boarding pass to Okinawa. It’s kinda weird  riding the bus going to the main terminal, to get the boarding pass, and then ride again the same bus going near the same area where my gate should be. I almost got lost because I was asked by the counter person to go to gate 511 to get to 502. I asked myself “where the **** is gate 511 anyway?” after seeing signs going to gates lower than 100. But when I found the way for transfer passengers, I relaxed and enjoyed the scenery -- rushing passengers, duty free shops, tourist information kiosks, and others. Finally I got to the bus where we will be taken to gate 502. I know right, 511, then 502. 

What’s nice about HKIA was that I got to enjoy free internet access and was able to use my iTouch to send a quickie update on my Facebook page, as well as a message to D via YM. He was supposed to run errands for our trip so I knew he wouldn't be able to read my message anymore. I could try, could I?

I still had 2 more hours to be an ultimate tourista at HKIA, and pretty much of a time to kill! How I was wishing to be with him already since I was only hours away from Naha!

 Taking random photos for the kill!

I was already boarding the HKG-OKA flight and in 3 hours or less, I would be seeing him again!

Here’s what I had for lunch (HK-OKA flight):

Imagine my sheer boredom

I am happy for the hearty meal. Again, I got bored so I answered some sudoku puzzles installed in my iTouch. It was a great time killer!

I can tell that I was already in Japan! See below: 

What better way to first glimpse at Japan than to see a Pikachu plane! :)

I finally landed Okinawa at around 3 or 4PM (JST). I was sooo excited to see him! I knew he was already waiting for me, but I had to get past the IR scanners for AH1N1 screening. So much with excitement, I even forgot to fill out the embarkation card. After several tries in filling out the form, I finally got to the immigration counter where the Japanese officer asked me a series of questions regarding the Japan visa attached to my passport, my husband, my purpose of visit, etc. The immigration officer even asked for his work phone number. To my panic, I wasn’t able to immediately provide because I knew D‘s cellphone got busted. But then again since the lady was persistent, I gave the cell number, but explained that his phone was being fixed that time.

After I got my bags from the conveyor belt, I was so damn eager to get past customs, that I also forgot to fill out the Customs Declaration form. I wasn’t quite sure why Hong Kong Express was not able to give us some of these while on board. But anyway, I could be sleeping that time.

Just past customs was the door that had D waiting for quite sometime now. He even took a video of me when I arrived!


I know I looked less excited, I was too shy to show. Haha!

To see how bored I was on my flight:

Alma Mater Weekend

I haven’t been posting entries because I didn’t expect my weekends to be that hectic! Now, I’m having this headache for lacking sleep…you see, my body’s used to sleep real late and wake up at around 10am the following day -- but the past few days, I had to wake up early. This was actually my first time to visit both my former schools in one weekend, so this made it quite extraordinarily special.


Saturday: Crocs Mega Sale and CEU

In 2009, we lined up at 8am even if the tent would open at 10am. We were able to get 10 pairs for only 5,000! That was a real steal because a pair could be around 2,000 or up.

This year, we went to the same event and queued up at 9:30am because we figured that that 30 mins before opening should be okay since a lot of people are accommodated inside. the tent Once the gates opened, we were able to get in quickly because there was a separate line for Citi cardholders. 

I was planning to get Mary Jane either in lavender or sea foam, but I couldn’t find sizes lower than 10! Such a shame.

But instead, I was able to get these since I needed a more outdoorsy type of footwear.

Wraith light grey/pink

To sum up, we only bought 5 pairs this year as the choices weren’t that good, unlike last year’s.

After that, we went to CEU as mom had a dental appointment with one of her colleagues. I haven’t been back to the campus grounds for such a long time, and being there brought back a lot of wonderful thoughts during my college days, even the time I met D. (Haha! I even find my cheesiness quite amusing! At least for me).

Here are some pics:

DCT Lanai

Canteen at DCT: Now an open space going to the former lanai

You can really tell that there are a lot of changes right now at CEU. After all, it has been 6 years. But then again, there are some things that didn’t change. I still liked the same siomai and buko pandan I’ve been grubbing through my college days.

Anyway, I had to sit in front of the computer as I had to take charge of the souvenirs for Kyla’s Mafia Party. To our luck, we weren’t able to print out the gift tags from mom’s laser printer because of connectivity issues. So it sucked to be sitting idly when you know that you have a ton of work to do. No choice but to wait for home.

Sunday: SPCP High’s 27th Commencement Exercises

Yes, I was back to our dear old school after that homecoming. This time, I attended Kyla’s graduation which was held at the SPCP Convention Center (formerly Chauvet Gym/St. Paul Square). The construction was not yet completed at the time so the school had to improvise the stage and seating arrangement.

St. Paul Square?

I got to see high school personalities like Sr. Agana, Sr. Baricaua (aka Sr. TA and Sr. TB, respectively), Sir Velarde, Ms. Dela Paz, Ms. Pike and others.

Sisters and Faculty with Mom and Dad in the background (taken during offertory)

Mrs. Fetalvero (formerly Ms. Bandelaria) still led and conducted the graduates’ singing of graduation songs. I like how they did the Lupang Hinirang (yes, they did voices for that too!), with the march-y tempo it should have (in your face, NHI). There were new songs added in the Eucharistic celebration, but the students were probably lazy singing, which was why the blending in some songs didn’t seem to work. Oh well, students.

Mrs Fetalvero (formerly Bandelaria) still leads the graduates. 

Also shown are GIFT violin and guitar graduates

After which, the commencement exercises started, and I was busy doing some party favors for Kyla’s party until it was her turn to receive her diploma and her 19 awards!

Mom hanging sister's 8 of 11 medals

After the “festivities” we dined in at Cyma and simply loved the salad and the other greek-inspired food we had.

With this I ask, when in a million years will I ever go back to my Alma mater on the same weekend?

Presidential Credentials

As the song goes, "there's no business like show business", you may also say the same thing about Philippine politics.

With only less than 2 months to spare, we really should be creating our own list of candidates so that we wouldn't be confused on "shading" that ballot with a looooong list of names. Because if we make a mistake, then our vote would be totally wasted.

Other than making a list, we should consider the background of our presidential candidates. I have found a reference table (probably made by a Gordon fan.lol), that would supposedly help us know more about them aside from the things they overly sugarcoat on infomercials. I got the pic from Facebook, fyi. Just click on the image to enlarge.

Also, Mock Elections were held at the University of the Philippines (UP) campuses dubbed as "Boto ng Iskolar ng Bayan" spearheaded by the UP Alpha Sigma Fraternity. With 8,000+ respondents in 25 UP colleges, here were the results:

President:
(1) Manny Villar, 28.94%
(2) Noynoy Aquino, 19.02%
(3) Richard Gordon, 13.42%
(4) Gilbert Teodoro, 5.91%
(5) ABSTAIN, 1.74%
(6) Estrada 0.52%
(7) Madrigal 0.39%
(8) Delos Reyes 0.28%
(9) Villanueva 0.1063%
(10) Perlas 0.05%

Vice President:
(1) Mar Roxas, 30.11%
(2) Bayani Fernando, 11.71%
(3) Jejomar Binay, 8.74%
(4) ABSTAIN, 8.35%
(5) Loren Legarda, 6.35%
(6) Pefecto Yasay, 1.21%
(7) Jay Sonza, 0.77%
(8) Dominador Chipeco, 0.31%

Source: ABS-CBN

On Sunday (03.08.10), ABS-CBN will host another debate called "Harapan". This time, the President and Vice President aspirants will showcase their chemistry and teamwork, will convince the people why their match-up is better than the other, and why they deserved to be put in higher office. This can also be participated by a live audience, chatters, bloggers, texters and random people at random parts of the nation via audience response technology provided during the event.

So mark this Sunday's simulcast on Studio 23, ANC and TFC (10 PM Philippine Standard Time). You can also watch it live via streaming at: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/harapan. I'm sure it'll be as interesting as the previous forums.

Smile - Glee Cast

This was last night's song from the Glee reruns - a reminder on how I loved watching the series and how near April is for the new eps! So excited. A reason now to smile.





More Free Music at MP3-Codes.com

Smile - Glee cast cover

When you first left me
I was wanting more
But you were ***king that girl next door
What'cha do that for?
What'cha do that for?

When you first left me
I didnt know what to say
I've never been on my own that way
Just sat by myself all day

I was so lost back then
But with a little help from my friends
I found the light in the tunnel at the end

Now you're calling me up on the phone
So you can have a little whine and a moan
And it's only because you are feeling alone

At first when I see you cry
It makes me smile
Yeah it makes me smile

At worst I feel bad for a while
But then I just smile
I go ahead and smile

Whenever you see me
You say that you want me back
(Want me back)
And I tell you it don't mean jack
(It don't mean jack)
No it don't mean jack
(No it don't mean jack)

I couldn't stop laughing
No I just couldn't help myself
See you messed up my mental health
I was quite unwell

I was so lost back then
But with a little help from my friends
I found the light in the tunnel at the end

Now you're calling me up on the phone
So you can have a little whine and a moan
And it's only because you're feeling alone

At first when I see you cry
It makes me smile
Yeah it makes me smile

At worst I feel bad for a while
But then I just smile
I go ahead and smile
La la la

At first when I see you cry
(When I see you cry)
It makes me smile
(It makes me smile)
Yeah it makes me smile
(Yeah it makes me smile)

At worst I feel bad for a while
(I feel bad for a while)
But then I just smile
(But then I just smile)
I go ahead and smile
(I go ahead and smile)
La la la

At first when I see you cry
(When I see you cry)
It makes me smile
(It makes me smile)
Yeah it makes me smile
(It makes me smile)

At worst I feel bad for a while
(I feel bad for a while)
But then I just smile
(Then I just smile)
I go ahead and smile
(I go ahead and smile)

Facebook More Popular Than Google?

World abomination is coming indeed!

Well, as least for a Google, as Facebook overtook the search engine giant the past week. This was according to market research group Experian Hitwise. However, this is no reason for Google to panic as it would still gain a lot of revenues in terms of advertising, and the results were based on US hits from last week.

Not that I’m saying that there’s anything particularly wrong with using this social networking site, it only made Mark Zuckerberg the world’s youngest billionaire. Moreover, it made facebooking as a household term for someone logging in, updating status, uploading photos, playing games, etc, in Facebook. With over 400 million users, it is considered as the 5th most valuable US Internet company. 

People are actually more interested in wasting time now than ‘ye olde productive browsing and researching? I sure hope not!

Don't Stop The Music -- Jaime Cullum

I never thought I'd hear this song for another time.

I don't care what Jaime Cullum was thinking when he did this, but it certainly was refreshing to hear another take of this song. Enjoy!

Don't Stop The Music
Jaime Cullum

It's gettin late
I'm making my way over to my favorite place
I gotta get my body moving
shake the stress away
I wasn't looking for nobody when you looked my way
Possible candidate (yeah)

Who knew,
That you'd be up here looking like you do
You're making staying over here impossible
Baby I must say your aura is incredible
If you don't have to go, don't

Do you know what you started
I just came here to party
But now we're rockin on the dancefloor
Acting naughty
Your hands around my waist
Just let the music play
We're hand in hand
Chest to chest
And now we're face to face

I wanna take you away
lets escape into the music
Dj let it play
I just can't refuse it
Like the way you do this
Keep on rockin to it
Please don't stop the
Please don't stop the music

I wanna take you away
lets escape into the music
Dj let it play
Like the way you do this
Keep on rockin to it
Please don't stop the music
Please don't stop the
Please don't stop the
Please don't stop the music

Baby are you ready cause it's getting close
Don't you feel the passion ready to explode
What goes on between us no one has to know
This is a private show (oh)

Do you know what you started
I just came here to party
But now we're rockin on the dancefloor
Acting naughty
Your hands around my waist
Just let the music play
We're hand in hand
Chest to chest
And now we're face to face

I wanna take you away
lets escape into the music
Dj let it play
I just can't refuse it
Like the way you do this
Keep on rockin to it
Please don't stop the
Please don't stop the music

I wanna take you away
lets escape into the music
Dj let it play
Like the way you do this
Keep on rockin to it
Please don't stop the music
Please don't stop the
Please don't stop the
Please don't stop the music

(Please don't stop the music
Please don't stop the music
Please don't stop the music)

Okinawa: Getting There!

It has been a year since I was out of the islands, and was likewise my first time flying alone! Part of my travel wish list would be Japan. It was quite a pain getting there because of the difficulty of obtaining a Japan Visa. Now that I have the time and the resources (visa included), that dream was starting to materialize. 

Done with the visa, next would be my quest for the cheapest, easiest way of flying the friendly skies. Philippine Airlines (PAL) used to have direct flights from Manila (MNL) to Okinawa Naha Airport (OKA). I’m guessing that they discontinued the service due to poor demand,. Boo! Other than PAL, there were no other carriers that could fly directly to OKA.

So I first checked out Cebu Pacific since they may have promos for international flights. Bad news is, they only have flights to Osaka and I would still have to search for a connecting flight to OKA.

Cebu Pacific's Manila-Osaka Flight

PAL's Manila-Osaka Flight

When I checked domestic flights from Osaka to OKA, the range would be from $200-$400. Moreover, there were schedule conflicts too. Then again, I realize that I also need to check my luggage twice because I will be transferring to another airline. That would be very stressful then.

That’s when I decided to stick to an airline that could cater to both Manila and Okinawa at the same time.

I did more research on this until I stumbled upon a site that lists down all the airlines that fly to OKA. It showed that the biggest airlines flying to OKA are China Airlines, Asiana Airlines and Hong Kong Express.

D used to buy tickets at China Airlines because there are flights from Taiwan that connected the two countries. I almost resorted to that $800++ flight (I know right) when I found out about Hong Kong Express. They launched the Hong Kong-Okinawa flight just last 2008, and was so glad take advantage of this cheaper alternative. Besides, I get to spend a 2-hour stopover at the Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA), for a possible sight seeing and tour of the airport. Haha!

So to ease the burden of having to transfer from one carrier to another, I picked Hong Kong Express to try out their services.

By the way, if you are going to book flights online, they currently accept Visa cards only. Make sure to print out your e-ticket/itinerary to be presented to the ticket counter. When flying, it is important that you bring the very same credit card that you used in purchasing your e-ticket to validate your identity, or they‘ll refuse to take you in.

Take note as well of the guidelines for checked baggage:

All Flights
Business Class                                               30 kg (66 lb)
Economy Class                                              20 kg (44 lb)
Infant^(Economy & Business Classes)     10 kg (22 lb)

1. An excess baggage charge will be levied on any baggage that exceed the free checked baggage allowance at the airport. For excess baggage rates, please contact our Reservations Office.
2. Baby strollers and wheelchairs must be checked.
3. Oversized and overweight items will only be accepted subject to the available space on board on the day of departure.

      ^Infant refers to a passenger under 2 years old who does not occupy a seat.

To avoid delays, you must also be aware of the ICAO Guidelines for Liquids, Aerosols and gels. Various countries have implemented restrictions on the carriage of liquids, aerosols and gels in compliance with the new guidelines laid down by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) (http://www.icao.int/icao/en/nr/2006/pio200617_e.PDF)

For Japan:
http://www.mlit.go.jp/koku/03_information/13_motikomiseigen/gaiyou_e.pdf

By the time I secured my slot for Feb 12, I had nothing in mind but the memories I will be having with him by his side. Cheese much!

Chasing Pavements -- Adele

Chasing Pavements
Adele

I’ve made up my mind,
Don’t need to think it over,
If I’m wrong I am right,
Don’t need to look no further,
This ain’t lust,
I know this is love but,

If i tell the world,
I’ll never say enough,
Cause it was not said to you,
And thats exactly what i need to do,
If I’m in love with you,

Should I give up,
Or should I just keep chasing pavements?
Even if it leads nowhere,
Or would it be a waste?
Even If I knew my place should I leave it there?
Should I give up,
Or should I just keep chasing pavements?
Even if it leads nowhere

I’d build myself up,
And fly around in circles,
Wait then as my heart drops,
And my back begins to tingle
Finally could this be it

Should I give up,
Or should I just keep chasing pavements?
Even if it leads nowhere,
Or would it be a waste?
Even If I knew my place should I leave it there?
Should I give up,
Or should I just keep chasing pavements?
Even if it leads nowhere

Should I give up,
Or should I just keep chasing pavements?
Even if it leads nowhere,
Or would it be a waste?
Even If I knew my place should i leave it there?
Should I give up,
Or should I just keep chasing pavements?
Even if it leads nowhere




Chasing Pavements – Adele Music Code