Category Archives: Raves
What To Do in Bangkok
It’s only ten days before our little family vacation for the year. The three of us, husband, toddler, and I are going to Bangkok, Thailand to visit my mom, sister, and her family. I went on a quick trip to Bangkok last May for her baby shower. We weren’t planning on going out of the country this year but Tiger Airlines had a promo. And of course, I cannot wait to see the new baby! I can’t wait for January so we’ll fly earlier next week plus it’s gonna by my boys’ birthday week too.
It will be my sixth time to go to Bangkok but I always get excited each time. Every trip is special. This time, I’d have my little family with me for the second time. The last time all three of us went there was in 2010 together with my side of family: daddy, mommy, Josh, Noah, my brother Enoch, and his girlfriend Rachel. The next year, Noah and I stayed with them for a week while Josh went to Las Vegas for a conference.
So I’ve been going each year since The Visca’s (Ate, Kuya Chad, and Nav) moved there. Thank God for budget airfares. For our upcoming trip, I only want to spend more time with the little girl Ava. I will still be working though. I’m also excited for Noah and Nav to meet again and finally have a “real play”. Although I have a feeling Nav would get exhausted and give up easily on Noah. Hahaha! He already said he’d pretend. Hihi. My little nephew is growing up. Sigh.
I’m excited to see my mommy too! It’s been four months she left and I miss her so much. I had the hardest time letting her go because she meant a lot to me, Joshua, and Noah. She’s my best friend. Even Joshua misses her. Everybody misses her. I know I would cry so hard when I finally see her again. (Drama!)
We’ll stay at home most of the time but of course, I won’t let this trip pass without going to the malls. No “touristy” spots in our itinerary for now because my niece is still small.
I told Ate we’d only check out the new mall Mega Bangna. I’ve been there already during its opening weekend but I like to bring Joshua and Noah. I want to go to Ikea again and buy a new lamp and fabric this time. Fabric because I plan to start a new project.

Maybe I’ll go ice skating with Nav again. We did the last time I was there. I went on ice again after eight years! Scary! Funny! Embarrassing! :p

I also plan on spending more time at the pool. I know my soon-to-be 3 year old will enjoy and have a grand time at the pool. Daddy Josh will be on leave so he’ll be relaxed too. As for me, I just want to play with the baby girl. And yeah, eat Chubby Chef’s Pad Thai, go to that chicken place along their road at Ekkamai, get a massage (authentic!), go to the new Central World and check out Cath Kidston. Yey! Finally, a real Cath Kidston retail store. I only buy Cath Kidston stuff online but next week, I’d finally go inside a real store.
I’m super excited! 😀
“A happy family is but an earlier heaven.” – George Bernard Shaw
MANDA CENTRALE: Mercato Centrale comes to EDSA Central!

Mayflower St., EDSA Central, Mandaluyong City
I’m supposed to say ‘Mandaluyong’ but EDSA Central rhymes. Haha. And besides, the area has always been known as EDSA Central to me and my community. So there.
Nobody asked me to promote this but…waaaaah! I’m so excited! This one is so close to my home church! Awesome! Awesome! Awesome! I’ve always wanted to go to Mercato Centrale in Bonifacio Global City in Taguig but haven’t had the chance yet. But now that it’s closer to home–home being Mandaluyong and my home church, International Charismatic Service, I might just be a regular.
I only found out about this one today and what do you know, it’s opening TODAY! Mamaya! Later! As in 3 hours from now. I cannot describe how elated I am because of so many reasons. GREATER THINGS HAVE YET TO COME. That’s what I thought when I learned of this MANDA CENTRALE opening right in front of our church! No kidding, but I think I might just cry. Hihi. OA ba? Basta. Continue reading MANDA CENTRALE: Mercato Centrale comes to EDSA Central!
Mumford & Sons
I’m currently digging Mumford & Sons. I discovered this band via Relevant Magazine and I immediately downloaded their latest album entitled Babel. I’m not a music critic and I know I cannot so this isn’t a review. It’s one of those mornings when I can’t sleep so I search the web for new music.
I love their music. My husband doesn’t always agree with my taste in music but I know he will like this one. Mumford & Sons reminds me of Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros. Yes?

There is no way either that this can be a sponsored post. When I like and believe in something, I am more than happy to share them with you. Continue reading Mumford & Sons
Official Iron Man 3 Trailer

Marvel just released the official trailer of the Iron Man 3 movie.
Iron Man is my favorite superhero! I never read the comics but the movies (the first two plus The Avengers) were enough to get me interested. I like him because he’s “human”. He can be arrogant but just right. I couldn’t think of anyone better for the role other than Robert Downey, Jr. 😀
My husband and I, we don’t often watch movies in movie houses. We categorize movies into two: “watchable” and “downloadable”. Hehe. The last movie we saw was The Avengers and I had one of the best sleeps ever. Lol! I’m becoming so much like my mom who snoozes every time her head touches the chair. But Iron Man 3, I can say pwede kaming gumastos ng 300 pesos. Haha!
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Yabang Pinoy Launches PHmade

PRESS RELEASE:
Yabang Pinoy intensifies its consumer revolution campaign through the PHmade movement. The pioneering Filipino pride movement, through PHmade, yet again encourages Filipinos to support Filipino ideas, business concepts, products, and services. The campaign aims to educate Filipinos, through videos, print materials and events, on the availability and viability of Filipino brands, and on the positive impact that going local contributes to the economy.
PHmade’s tagline “It’s Worth Buying For” encourages each Filipino to think twice before spending: is it really worth buying for? Yabang Pinoy believes that small things, when done together, can create a big difference. If each Filipino became conscious of where he spends one peso, he will understand how each choice affects himself, fellow Filipinos, and the country. PHmade also aspires to influence Filipino entrepreneurs into supporting local natural and human resources. Continue reading Yabang Pinoy Launches PHmade
Meralco Virtual Engine Mobile App | Meralco MOVE APP
Because I live and breathe the Internet, I expect most companies, both international and local, to be accessible all the time. Websites are the most common form of marketing but unfortunately, local companies or those based in the Philippines do not update theirs regularly. Facebook or Twitter accounts are more often updated than corporate websites.
One company website though that is always accessible and reliable is Meralco. Even before we receive a hard copy of a particular month’s electric bill, I already know how much because I receive it on my e-mail. Actually, even before Meralco sends a notification e-mail, I could already check by logging in to my Meralco E-bill. I could even check the electric bill of my parents’ and our previous’ residences so I know how much have been generated and who haven’t been paying for months.
Just recently, Meralco launched its very own mobile app. Officially called as the Meralco Virtual Engine or MOVE, this is a free app especially designed for Filipinos. The app suite includes six apps that can be accessed from any iOS, Android, or BlackBerry device–smartphone or tablet–your choice.

Like any iPhone user, I immediately downloaded the Meralco MOVE App from the AppStore. I love the fact that Meralco wanted to offer assistance to customers who are often online. For a techie like me, I really appreciate and support such apps. (iPhone apps!) Continue reading Meralco Virtual Engine Mobile App | Meralco MOVE APP
Why I’m Blogging Again

Going AOL for almost a year made me miss a lot of things. I haven’t really left the blogosphere because I do that for a living but it’s different when you do it for yourself. I went back to blogging only last month and I’m amazed at how the Philippine blogosphere has changed. I must say, I’m quite scared. There are just too many bloggers out there! Unfortunately, most of the bloggers I see now are obviously blogging for money. Nothing wrong with that but I know when a blog was made just for the heck of making money online. I am still for websites and blogs founded with a sole purpose of helping, educating, and entertaining.
Sometimes wish I didn’t leave and took this one seriously. I could be making a lot of money right now like so and so. But then it’s still not my main reason for blogging.
Right now, I only have Nuffnang ads on my sidebar. No Google Adsense or any other money-making platforms because I’m afraid ads would overwhelm my posts. Sponsors and invitations are welcome but it depends on the product, cause, and objectives.
I was privileged to work before with The Macalua, Mr. SEO Philippines himself. I started and learned SEO from him. A few of my colleagues made it big in the industry. Surprisingly, a lot of people I know before from high school and college are also part of the industry. (Hello Mr. Search Opt Media !) And recently, my sis-in-law got hired by a company that sells AdSense placements. The latter is something I never imagined would happen but I guess Internet Marketing is now a global industry.
I’m no longer doing SEO professionally but I use what I know every single day. (Hindi ba obvious na keyword laden at puro links ang mga posts ko? Haha!) I have no idea about who’s who or what’s what in the industry now. I’m just thankful that I know the industry.
Has it really been 8 years since I was introduced to SEO? My, the Internet has gone a long way. I’ve gone a long way too. From a very “talkative” blogger, ranter, sometimes a cyber bully, I’d like to think I’ve changed. I only wish to share positivity here. Ika nga ng Team Manila, “Ambassador of Positive Vibes“. Yes, I want to be one.
I’ve hurt a lot of people with my words and posts here, on Multiply, Facebook, and Twitter. I know I could never take my words back but I’d like to make a difference now by sharing what I love, what I know, what I believe in, and what I support. Nothing wrong with all-positive posts right? The blogosphere– the world has enough of negativity already –I hope people would visit this site, read, and leave smiling. Maybe with a tear or two–because they’ve been touched. I know a few may raise their eyebrows for some reasons.
All I know– I long to share more about my faith, my God, and the love that I receive from my family, my husband and son. I hope to give honor, glory, and praise to my God in everything that I do– through this website.
Yeah, I’m blogging for LOVE. So help me God.
If anyone speaks, they should do so as one
who speaks the very words of God.
If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides,
so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ.
To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.
1 Peter 4:11 (NIV)
Who is Felix Baumgartner?

high above the earth last October 14, 2012
By now most of you know who Felix Baumgartner is. But of course, not everyone is interested in things related to space, skydiving, and record-breaking stunts. So for the benefit of those who don’t know, Felix Baumgartner is a 43-year old Austrian daredevil sky diver who set the world record for making the highest jump ever from approximately 39 kilometers high above the earth at a speed of 834 mph. Felix did the “space jump” from a helium balloon last Sunday, October 14, 2012.
He was part of a skydiving project called the Red Bull Stratos (yes, as in the Red Bull drink). Felix flew over New Mexico in the United States riding a helium balloon. Wearing a pressure suit, he jumped from 24 miles above, free falling, and then parachuting back to Earth within ten minutes. Wow! Ten minutes of free falling must be crazy and terrifying! But then Mr. Baumgartner here (who reminds me of David Beckham) managed to finish the mission. He even broke the speed of sound without any vehicular assistance. I’m not gonna bore you with details as Wiki has everything but he broke a record previously set in 1960 by USAF Colonel Joseph Kittinger.
The October 14 space jump was actually the third launch attempt. The first launch scheduled on October 9 was delayed because of the weather and eventually aborted and rescheduled for October 11 which was postponed again for some reason.
He’s no astronaut. He’s a skydiver who was brave enough to jump. He may appear to be brave but I’m sure like any ordinary human being, he’s a bit scared of what could go wrong. But he did, he jumped!
(Watch video from his point of view)
“Sometimes you have to go up really high
to understand how small you are.”
– Felix Baumgartner
This was Felix’s last statement before he made the historic jump. Felix jumped into the unknown. He jumped not knowing if he would succeed or would come back to earth. He was also quoted saying,
“Trust me, when you stand up there on top of the world,
you become so humble. It’s not about breaking records any more.
It’s not about getting scientific data. It’s all about coming home.”
Home could have meant “Earth” or it could have also meant “Heaven”. I have no idea if Felix is a Christian or not but for me, his jump was a perfect illustration of the phrase “leap of faith”. Oftentimes, Christians need to be reminded what having faith means and that it should be exercised. Watching the Baumgartner’s jump gave me goosebumps and all but it caused me to praise and thank God for his courage and for the beauty of His creation.
Felix Baumgartne’s jump has taught me to be courageous and to have more confidence in myself, and have more faith in my God. More COURAGE to do things God is telling me to do. More CONFIDENCE that I can accomplish my mission for the Lord is my confidence. And more FAITH in God because He is One who never changes and never fails.
Oftentimes, we may doubt people and ourselves but you know God, He is still the same yesterday, today, and forevermore.
Courage. Be on your guard, stand firm in the faith, be men of courage, be strong. 1 Corinthians 16:13 (NIV)
Confidence. For the Lord will be your confidence And will keep your foot from being caught. Proverbs 3:26 (NASB)
Faith. Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. HebreWs 11:1 (NIV 1984)
I don’t dream to be an astronaut but sometimes I wish Noah would be one. That seems impossible but I hope, at least, I be like Felix by being brave.
I have so many fears: fears of what could go wrong, the future, and a few people I know. However, I know God will help me overcome. He has given me a spirit of power, not timidity, of love and of self-discipline (2 Timothy 1:7).
I have fears. You have your fears but like Felix Baumgartner, we need to face and conquer them. That is, with the help of God. His Grace is sufficient for you and me to say, “Yes, I can do a Felix jump“.
__________
I had no idea about Felix before but his good looks skydiving stunts got me interested. Even Philip deFranco agrees that he is good looking. Hehehe.

Felix Baumgartner’s Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/FelixBaumgartner
Fearless Foodie’s Field Guide to Kapitolyo’s Best Restaurants updated!
I didn’t expect more foodies would be drawn to the infographic on restaurants in Kapitolyo. Like me, a lot of people are now excited for the launch of this app. How I wish I could view the app even if it’s in beta. I would love to share my thoughts on the iPhone app being an Apple fan girl. Hihi.
Looloo has updated the foodie guide as requested:

More Kapitolyo restaurants have been added! Can you spot your favorite now?
The team behind looloo is giving a brandnew iPhone 4S as part of the launch. You can sign-up here to be notified of launch and updates. Continue reading Fearless Foodie’s Field Guide to Kapitolyo’s Best Restaurants updated!