Time for those Christmas jokes!!!

Introducing: Juana Change- Cha Cha

I saw this really cool video posted on Reyna Elena's site.
It's a video from Juana Change's youtube site.
cha-cha-cha!!!

Fun with Friends

Top Entrecard Droppers for November

Thanks for dropping by and leaving comments!!!


Turnip of Power | Social Networking
Technically Easy
On The Bricks
Toltec Insights with Dr. Susan Gregg
Angels On Your Shoulder
Pinoy Web Surfer
Prove Me Wrong
Techiecardia
Blog Tipz
Entrecard Tips

Are you renewing your Philippine Passport?

Then read on. I just got home from the DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs) office in Pasay City, Philippines to renew my passport. Before I went there, I've heard how tedious and time consuming a passport renewal would be from a friend who went to the DFA office as early as 6am to fall in line and meet the cut off for the passport renewal because only a certain number of applicants can be entertained in a day. It took her four hours just to accomplish a seemingly daunting task. WTF?!!! There's no way I'm gonna wake up early just to fall in line for a passport renewal. So I thought of googling my way out of this burden... and I did. Passport applicants can now enjoy a convenient way of getting their new passports through Pilipinas Teleserv. I was glad to know that the service includes document pick up. A representative from their courier went to my home last Wednesday to pick up all my requirements- old passport, 3 passport pictures, photocopies of my passport and the 1,300 Php fee. Then they scheduled me for a DFA appointment this morning. I arrived at 10:30am and I saw a representative on the Evangelista gate of the DFA with a Teleserv signage and approached him. I didnt even have to fall in line at the main gate. The representative, whose name skipped my mind, told me to go directly to their booth inside. When I got there, I was escorted to one of their special window where I signed the application form, which they have filled up for me, and affixed my thumb mark and was told the process was over and I should just wait for the passport to be delivered. It took me less than 10minutes. Whew!!! Regular processing would take about 8 working days to get their new passport, with Teleserv it takes 10 working days and it will be delivered to your home. It's a few days longer but it saves me the burden of going back to the DFA office. I was so pleased with their service and their representatives were very courteous. I just hope the passport would be delivered on schedule.

Life Lessons

I received this email from my aunt. I thought it was a good read so I want to share it. Enjoy.

I dreamed I had an interview with God.

“Come in,” God said. “So, you would like to interview me?”

“If you have the time,” I said.

God smiled and said: “My time is eternity and is enough to do everything; what questions do you have in mind to ask me?”

“What surprises you most about mankind?”

God answered:
“That they get bored of being children, are in a rush to grow up, and then long to be children again. That they lose their health to make money and then lose their money to restore their health. That by thinking anxiously about the future, they forget the present, such that they live neither for the present nor for the future. That they live as if they will never die, and they die as if they have never lived…”

God’s hand took mine and we were silent for a while and then I asked… “ As a parent, what are some of life’s lessons you want your children to learn?”

God replied with a smile:
“To learn that they cannot make anyone love them. What they can do is to let themselves be loved. To learn that what is most valuable is not what they have in their lives, but who they have in their lives. To learn that it is not good to compare themselves to others. All will be judged individually to their own merits, not as a group on a comparison basis. To learn that a rich person is not the one who has the most, but is one who needs the least. To learn that it only takes a few seconds to open profound wounds in persons we love, and that it takes many years to heal them. To learn to forgive by practicing forgiveness. To learn that there are persons that love them dearly, but simply do not know how to express or show their feelings. To learn that money can buy everything but happiness. To learn that two people can look at the same thing and see it totally different. To learn that a true is someone who knows everything about them… and likes them anyway. To learn that it is not always enough that they be forgiven by others, but they have to forgive themselves.”

I sat there for a while enjoying the moment, I thanked Him for His time and for all that He has done for me and my family, and He replied, “Anytime. I’m here 24 hours a day. All you have to do is ask for Me, and I’ll answer.”

People will forget what you said. People will forget what you did. But people will never forget how you made them feel.

Ordinary People by John Legend (LSS)

I'm too old for that!!!

I never thought I would be saying this but I think I'm getting old.., ouch!!! I've always thought that age is just a number, and the best age to be in is always what my age is.., hehehe. But what scared me was when a friend invited me out to go clubbing. I politely declined and answered "I'm too old for that." WTF?!!! I cant believe it myself.

Yes I'm getting old, I'm not saying it with disgust, but with surreal acceptance.

waaaaaahhhhh!!!!

Going gaga over Survivor Philippines

I've always been a fan of reality game shows but never have i been so engrossed in it until now. Survivor Philippines has been part of my nightly rituals since it started airing back in September. I try not to miss it, and if i do, thanks to youtube I can catch up on the episodes. Last night's episode was particularly interesting because we see an alliance being torn as Cris and Kaye suddenly felt abandoned by their former tribe mates from Jarakay. I guess Marlon's plan of destroying the jarakay's alliance is working. I cant help but feel disturbed for him. People seem to hate Marlon because of his manipulation. Good thing it's only a game. Hope he's not the same guy outside Survivor. The only thing I find weird about the show is that it was shot in Koh Tarutao National Park, Thailand. It's a great place but the Philippines has a lot of beaches they could have shot the show. Tonight's episode will show them in an immunity challenge. Who will win immunity? Who will be voted out? It just gets better every episode.

Healthy Juices

Apple + Cucumber + Kiwi
To improve skin complexion.

Banana + Pineapple + Milk
Rich in vitamin with nutritious and prevent constipation.

Carrot + Apple + Pear + Mango
Clear body heat, counteracts toxicity, decreased blood pressure and fight oxidization

Papaya + Pineapple + Milk
Rich in vitamin C, E, Iron. Improve skin complexion and metabolism.

Honeydew + Grape + Watermelon + Milk
Rich in vitamin C + Vitamin B2 that increase cell activity and strengthen body immunity.

Bitter gourd + Apple + Milk
Avoid bad breath and reduce internal body heat.

Orange + Ginger + Cucumber
Improve Skin texture and moisture and reduce body heat.

Pineapple + Apple + Watermelon
To dispel excess salts, nourishes the bladder and kidney.

Pear & Banana
regulates sugar content.

Carrot + Ginger + Apple
Boost and cleanse our system.

Apple + Cucumber + Celery
Prevent cancer, reduce cholesterol, and improve stomach upset and headache.

Tomato + Carrot + Apple
Improve skin complexion and bad breath.

Thanks for dropping by

I haven't been actively doing my rounds with Entrecard lately
but I'm glad people are still dropping by.
Thanks guys!!!
Here are my top ten droppers for September..,

turnip of power
technically easy
the esoterical journey
on the bricks
c'est la vie
my two cents worth
subjective soup
kool kustoms
angels on your shoulder
Toltec Insights with Dr. Susan Gregg

Film making Techniques

Saw this really cool video from Alfred Brown John about film making.

Enjoy!!!

Windy Alternative

what happens now?

There's something about the rain that makes me gloomy.., it evokes a reflective mood. Here I am alone in my room watching as the rain falls down.., daydreaming.., wishing.., contemplating. What happens now? What's next for me..?

They say midlife crisis is experienced by middle aged adults who go through major life events that can cause a period of psychological stress or depression.., hmmm.., is this what's this melancholy's about? OMG!!! no way!!! I'm not that old (ahem!!!)

They say the average life expectancy for a Filipino guy is around 55 y/o. If that's so, fifty five divided by two is twenty seven and a half. WTF?!!! I'm way past midlife crisis!!!

The rain still pours down.., and me.., I'll just shrug the rain off. What's there to be disheartened of? We all go through some storm and bumps along the way. I know things will be better. There's thrill in the journey to the unknown. A new adventure awaits me.., and there's no holding back now!!!

Charice and Celine Dion Duet

Happy 7th Birthday Iya!!!

It was a rainy Sunday afternoon but everyone stormed to Shakey's El Pueblo. We were all excited to celebrate my niece's, Romina Alliana Marin, 7th birthday. Everyone enjoyed the food and they didn't mind the rain outside. The big highlight of the event was the magic show that the people from Shakeys prepared for the party. All the kids, including the young once, were so entertained and amazed by the show. I particularly enjoyed the magic trick where they pulled a duck, (yes a duck!!!) out of the sheets they have. Where did that duck come from?!!!

Here's a picture slide I made for our little princess.

Manila.., Queen of the Pacific (Film from 1938)

Click here for more video archive from different countries.

Thanks for dropping by..,

I have to admit that Entrecard has helped me a lot in producing traffic to my site. It's overwhelming to know that people actually visit my blogs, not just to drop cards, but to browse around and leave comments. I enjoy blog-hopping and and visiting other sites as well. It keeps me abreast with what's happening around the blogosphere. It's also a nice way to meet other bloggers who share the same passion. Special shout out to my top 1o droppers from entrecard. Thanks guys!!!

worldwide travel blog 30
on the bricks 30
aakaash ganga 26
conquer the universe 26
turnip of power 25
marriage and beyond 24
humane blogging tips 23
puzzled me 22
a girl for all status 22
flip 22

Nine Waves

Last hurray before the summer officially ends. The Lucas-Esguerra clan annual summer reunion was held last June 2, 2008 at the Nine Waves pool in San Mateo Rizal. We all had a great time!!! Here's a short video I made of our summer escapade.

A message from God

I received an email from a friend to check out this audio/video. This is Logan, a 13 year-old boy who lives on a ranch in a small town in Nebraska. He listens to Christian Radio station 89.3FM KSBJ. Logan called the radio station distraught because he had to take down a calf. His words have wisdom beyond his years. I was so touched when I heard this audio/video and I though I'd share it with you guys. Have a great day!!!

Charice Pempengco live on Oprah!!!

Happy Mother's Day!!!

Happy Mother's Day Nanay!!!
I love you and I miss you!!! You're always in our hearts.
'til we meet again..,

Adorita De Guzman Esguerra

My first birthday

Graduation day

I remember when the Philippines hosted the Miss Universe pageant back in 1994, the final question to the candidates was, what is the essence of being a woman? Sushmita Sen of India answered that the essence of a woman is having a child. I beg to disagree. There are women who don't give birth but they epitomize motherhood. They are women who lived a life of single blessedness but still showed immense love and care for other people. Since my mom passed away, my aunts have been our mother. They are a big part of our lives. We wouldn't be where we are now if not for their unselfish love for me and my siblings. This day is for you too! Happy Mother's Day Tita Ensang and Tita Hiling!!! We love you!!!

Tita Hiling

Tita Ensang with Cale and Iya

A Road Less Travelled

Today marks a new episode in my life.., I have officially graduated from my training and I'm about to start my job as a banker.., (yes I'm a bum no more) WOW!!! Such a long leap for a Physical Therapy graduate huh? It's funny how I got into the financial industry. I've always had odd jobs, I mean, jobs that has nothing to do with my college degree. I first worked as a medical representative for a local pharmaceutical company. I enjoyed the job and all the perks that came with it. I was in the pharmaceutical sales business for four years. But I felt exhausted doing the job and it came to a point that I would have to drag myself out of bed just to report for work. Enough was enough! It was time for a change. So I decided to take another leap, this time to the booming call center industry. A very enticing career change because of the promise of a bigger and better career opportunity, not to mention a far more superior compensation package. But the fascination faded, it failed to enticed me to stay in the business for long. Now I am in another dilemma. After doing odd jobs, I suddenly miss working in the hospital. I miss all the actions and toxic surroundings of the Rehabilitation ward (that's another name we call a PT clinic.., it's not a drug rehab center) Dont get me wrong, I love my job right now (because I just got started.., hehehe) I was actually inspired by my trainer, Louie, to get out of the box. She worked in our company for more than four years until she decided to resign and pursue a career in teaching for the academe. Some were surprised, but I could actually understand how she felt. She suddenly realized her purpose and she didn't think twice. She pursued a road less travelled. Wow!!! How many of us can actually do that? Can I do that? Do I have the guts to run after my dream? But what do I really want?

Dneero Social Surveys

Out with friends

Pottom29

Batchmates from JP Morgan Chase Bank with teacher Louie.., lol

Party time at Pier1 Ortigas..,

mga bebe ko.., Terry, Shan, Sharmaine and Shy

Eat and drink all you can!!!

Before I went to the party, tsika tsika muna with good friends Karla and Liz at the Megamall

catching up with Jovi and Sondi and Carlo below..,

It was one hot hot hot night!!!

iblog4 Philippine Blogging Summit

I woke up at 8am yesterday, April 26, 2008, and I just got to hurry up because I dont want to miss the iblog4- Philippine Blogging Summit held at the Malcolm Theater of the UP College of Law in Diliman. I arrived half past 9am, too bad I missed the first part of the event which was about starting a blog by Charo Nuguid. I was very timid upon entering the Malcolm theater because I didnt want to draw the participant's attention to my late arrival. Good thing Brian Gorell's video was playing on the screen and everyone was listening attentively. For everyone who doesnt know who Brian is, I suggest you start catching up on his blogs. He talked about how to create/maintain a blog, amidst a creek in his farm (darn mosquitos!). Juan Carlo Licudine, a student, gave his insights on professional blogging. Currently, problogging is not really recognized as a profession because it's a relatively new career that people pursue. It's one of the issues that has been bothering me. I know a few people who actually earn a decent amount in blogging, for a new blogger, like me, the idea of earning money in the comfort of your home is really enticing but like any business venture, nothing is certain. Personally, what really matters is that you enjoy what you do and everything else follows, right? One of the most interesting part of the event for me was the photo blogging talk by Juned Sonido. Photography has always intrigued me. I want to take up a photo class soon when I have the time (and the money) Photography's expensive so for now I'll just practice with my sony point and shoot cam.., hehehe. Hopefully I'll be able to put up my own photo blog in the future, just like Ambo, whom I got the chance to meet in the event together with Fitz and Gabriel. The event also showcased how Jonas Diego has benefited from blogging by presenting his comics on the web. Perhaps my favorite part of the blogging summit was Coy Caballes and Aileen Apolo's talk on vlogging and podcasting. I thought it was very creative and unique of them to present their lecture in a video blog. I have been frequenting Coy's blogs since he did that interview of Happyslip with Gibbs Cadiz. Vlogging, particularly the video editing part, is now a big interest for me and I would want to learn more about it. I've always thought of blogging about things, events, places or people that interest me. That's why I thought I would stay away from politics..., hehehe. But after hearing the opinions of Manuel L. Quezon III, Luz Rimban and Janette Toral about vigilance in the 2010 elections, I feel that as a Filipino, I have a responsibility to my country and become a force that could help reshape the country's political system. I'll definitely check out their blogs often so I could help in my own small way. I know I dont need to be a lawyer like Atty. JJ Disini to do my part. Same thing that Noemi Lardizabal Dado and Ria Jose did with their advocacies. They have started their own cause and now they are reaping the sweet success of their advocacies. Great Job Guys! I salute you!!! Congratulations to the organizers of iblog4!!! Hope to see you again on iblog5. Thanks guys!

Tamang Senti

Please bear with me.., I'm not my usual self today. I just love this song by Christoper Cross..,

tamang senti..,

Breakup and learn

Britain's Got Talent (Filipino Style)

I was so excited to see this video and I felt that this should be shared to everyone. Madonna Decena, 32 years old, a club singer from the Philippines, auditioning for Britain's Got Talent. What touched me most was her immense love for her children that I felt when she sang Whitney Houston's I will always love you. A very typical OFW (overseas Filipino worker) story. Finding job in a foreign land to provide their family, back in the Philippines, the best opportunities in life. I actually felt her heart while she was singing (goosebumps!!!). The judges, which includes Simon of American Idol, loved her performance. I admire people like Madonna Decena. A truly distinguished mother whose unconditional love for her children has led her to pursue a career away from her family. To Madonna Decena and to all the mothers out there who share the same story, I salute you!!!

Good luck!!!

TV Shows Are Back!!!

1st I-Witness Docufest Seminar

I-witness Docufest participants
with Howie Severino, Sandra Aguinaldo, Jay Taruc and Kara David


Here's a short video I made on the event.

Let's get it started!

Have you ever felt fed up with work? Does everything you do feel like a routine? I dont know about you guys but I do feel my life has been pretty dull and boring. Dont you just wanna get out of the box? I mean, dont you think it's about time we get out of our comfort zone and try something different? I think this sentiment comes with age (ouch!!!) I'm 31 and I suddenly have this urge to be diverse. I know I'm not getting any younger and now's the perfect time to do something I really enjoy. So I made a list of the things I did that I enjoyed the most and a list of the things that I haven't done yet, but would definitely be adamant in accomplishing. Here goes..,


1. Travel- oh yeah!!! I've been to Iloilo, Boracay, Baguio, Hongkong. Yikes! That"s a short list. I should travel more. I want to go to Cebu, Bohol, Palawan, Bicol, Ilocos, Pagudpod. It would also be nice to travel abroad again and learn from other cultures. I wanna go to Japan, India, Egypt, Mexico, USA, France, Italy.., and the list goes on...



2. Do extreme sports/activities- hmmm.., can we consider jet skiing an extreme sport? I just realized that's the most extreme sport I've tried (hehe..,) Oh, Ive done indoor wall climbing.., that's about it. I want to try bungee jumping, surfing (not just the net), sky and sea diving. All for the adrenalin rush.



3. Blog- I find great fascination in blogging. It's fun to be able to speak your mind and share it with people I know and with strangers who find my blog interesting. Wow! I cant believe people actually read my blogs and post comments. Thanks guys! Hope you enjoy reading my blogs as much as I enjoy making them. Comments are very much appreciated.



4. Video blogging or vlogging (shooting/editing)- I just attended a seminar on documentary making, video shoot and editing and script writing. I-witness sponsored a seminar last April 5, 2008 at the Megatrade Hall. Only 80 participants were chosen and I'm honored to be included in the list. They chose the participants via the essay that we submitted about our favorite I-witness episode. You can read the essay I submitted here. I know not everyone can work on TV but everyone can be a family documentarist.., and I appoint myself the position (hehehe..,) You can view my youtube account here. I know I still have a lot of things to learn in videography and that's something I'l definitely carry out.

Now I'm off to my adventure!!! Dont worry I'l keep you guys posted :-)