Rainbow Blackberry

*Drools*.
I saw these gorgeous little things in one of the blogs which according to them is now available in Kuwait for 250 KWD.
A girl can dream right?! Laetots wadja think?!

Now !! In kuwait blackberry javelin 8900 colored, it is available only in Rainbowberry.

You can get it now, just call or sms us at this number 99520544 .

If you want to ask questions do not hesitate to contact us .

I've been wanting a Blackberry since, well, since I gave up my old unit to sisterblister.

Carrefours' offer of 130 KWD per unit has long been sold out, Al Ghanim's price is way too high and I don't have the faintest idea how to get to Electrozan despite their e-brochure.

Where is that fairy godmother of mine when I need her the most?! Pfffft.

Biyaheng Norte - Road trip to Vigan!

Vigan City boasts of amazing Spanish structure of old houses.

Seing the city for the first time, one can imagine those Spaniards and Filipinos in their Maria Clara and Barong Tagalog during walking on those cobbled path ways and living in those houses.

The houses are so beautiful although some are run down, most were preserved to their initial glory.
The Vigan Plaza Hotel is the best preserved example of their architectural style. Just by looking at it, I'd swear it will transport you into the past.

The cobbled streets are laden with stores selling antiques and what nots.
Catholics will have a splendid time buying hand carved saints and other effigies.

I swear I did not made him stand there. LOL
Book lovers like me, will have a wonderful time with these old and quaint books for sale.
I was amused to see a lot of Korean tourists on the streets, riding the Kalesa to tour them around the city.

I love this Kalesa wheels inspired wooden gate!

We toured the famous landmarks in Vigan along Crisologo Street for under 2 hours only. That did not include shopping for "pasalubongs" and their delicacies such as the "empanada's" and "tubong".

Next stop, face to face with Ferdinand Marcos!

Biyaheng Norte - Road Trip to Baluarte, Vigan

After endless "we're only 10 minutes away from Vigan" answer from our designated driver, we finally arrived in Vigan, Ilocos Sur.

Vigan is famous for its Spanish colonial sites. Where one can see precious remnants of old Spanish architectures throughout the center of the city. It was declared as the UNESCO World Heritage, that's why we were amused but not shocked by the influx of Korean tourists. LOL.

Our first authentic local Vigan experience is waiting for their equally famous ethnic food - "Papaitan".

Papaitan is the soul food from the North
In essence, it is a soupy dish made with animal offal (intestines, tripe, liver; possibly bits of heart, kidney, and pancreas) and flavored with onions, garlic, some vinegar, and a bit of the animal’s bile. It is the bile that gives this dish its characteristic bitterness (pait in Filipino), yet it also imparts a rather sweetish aftertaste.

After the burping, our good friend Belle - turned benefactor turned local guide, told us that our first stop won't be the colonies of humans but of the animals in their own Baluarte.

Baluarte is a Spanish term loosely translated as bastion. Chavit Singson (famous for the Erap plunder case) made that word synonymous to a zoo.

Baluarte Zoo is one of a kind in the whole country as it is not only a zoo but a wildlife sanctuary with modern facilites that allows human and animal interactions.

The Siberian Bengal Tigers will greet you from the entrance.
Except for these two, most of them are free to roam in their designated areas.
They are beautiful and fierce beings but no matter how amazing they are I would not dare go near them. Thank you very much.

Next are the birds. The Philippines is very reach with aviafauna (yes I googled!) and I reached into that conclusion when most of the resorts that I visited boasts of Avian Zoo.



Although the birds above are enchanting, what I found most curious and put a smile into my face are them
don't they just make you go aawwwww? Beware though, cute as they may seem, they will chase and peck the heck out of you if you bother them. LOL!

Below are some of the animals I'm not fond of.
Yikes!
I kept a good distance away from the interaction show especially when they want us to hold thisalthough I wouldn't mind petting him.Baluarte Zoo have a gorgeous butterfly garden which I so love and had fun chasing and taking photos of those gorgeous things.
The Butterfly Garden.
A zoo won't be complete without a dinosaur and Baluarte have that too.
Baluarte offers a lot more than what I featured here. I was ill equipped with my Sony Ericsson phone cam and too pre occupied wishing that I could ride in thisthat blog worthy photos was not exaclty in my mind that day.

Other animals that freely roam the place.
Deers aplenty.
I don't know what breed but it's a brother of this one below.
They also have ostriches and camels (not in photo).
We left Baluarte with that childish euphoria of contentment and tourist shirts from the flea market just outside the zoo

Next stop, the Spanish Colony of Vigan!

Biyaheng Norte - Road Trip From Davao To Manila To Vigan

I love traveling, especially if shared with friends.

On my last Philippine vacation, friends from Manila planned an escape for all of us up to the northern point of the country.

Itinerary was a 12 hour road trip from the Metro to Vigan, Ilocos Norte and another 6 hour ride to the calming blue waters of Pagudpod.

This is the only trip that I was not involved in the planning and all I have to do is sit back, relax and enjoy the ride. Which I did, immensely.

First leg of the journey is me braving out Cebu Pacific flight from Davao City to Manila. I'm sorry but I don't like caging metal taking me up to 25 thousand feet but since Cebu Pacific Airlines is like Al Jazeera Airlines with their crazy ticket sales, I just grit my teeth and pray like crazy.

We landed in the spanking new NAIA 3 airport. Compared to the Centennial Airport where Philippine Airlines land, this one looked like a ghost town. The grey walls and slanted structure are not helping with the disquiet that surrounds it.

NAIA 3 is a nice change to the chaos and old grime of NAIA 1

Since I arrived at almost midnight, we had to wait until 10 P.M the next night to start our road trip to avoid traffic in North Luzon Expressway (NCLEX) which by the way is very sleek compared to the never ending road works in South Luzon Expressway (SLEX).

Unfortunately, I can't take a good photo from our jam packed van as the darkness was very stark and the laughter inside was very shrill that I even developed an ear ache after 20 minutes of the ride. LOL. That's how fun it was.

45 minutes on the road later, our car broke down along Mexico, Pampanga highway. Haha! A car full of women and no mechanical skills whatsoever, we had to wait for the highway patrol to save us.

The highway patrol saving our asses from our helplessness when it comes to car problem.

After thanking the esteemed patrolers and a quick loo break behind the bushes, we were off on our way to Vigan.

The night trip was filled with laughters, singing, gossip, games, horror stories and of course pit stop from literally almost all gasoline stations buying and eating everything that we could get our hands on.

Next stop, Baluarte!

Facebook 1808

Haha! Lahvet!

Daylight Come and Me Wanna Go Home

Rarely do I say that with such fervor.

Question is, where is home?

Un lang bow. Makata no? LOL!

Wala lang.

Kuwait At Night

I always love this view of Kuwait.
Al Kout Mall before midnight after watching Angels and Demons in the cinema with the sister and the brother.

Diet Anyone?

Majority of my visitors here came from another blogs where they linked my site featuring diet pills from China. LOL.

Admittedly I have been privy to yo-yo diets and had swallowed my fair share of diet pills and fat burners. Most of them worked but none of them lasted.

The most effective weight losing method I found is through sweating it out in the gym. I've tried literally most of the gyms here, from Hilton Hotel to Marina Hotel and once my mother even got me a personal trainer but only when I enrolled early last year in Crowne Plaza fitness gym, I lost 10 kilos, although I have to credit it to lack of daily job and depression which gave me the ample time to go to the gym litereally everyday.

Another weight losing I found very effective for those rice lovers out there is – LOSE THE RICE! What I do is that I substitute my beloved rice with leafy veggies particularly lettuce that can be eaten with normal viand.

Last year, I acquired my summer ready body but after Pinas (unlimited rice, beer, sisig etc) and bouts of depression I got back the hated waist size.

Now I’m back to square one. The target this time is losing 10 kilos until September before I fly out to Dubai and get a tan in Wild Wadi and desert safaris. Hopefully, I can keep those kilos off forever.

Dragging my butt to the gym every morning and evening is something I have to work really hard on as I love my tv series and the comfort of the couch or my bed.

With the time span of less than 3 months I need all the get I could get so I turn to my favorite blogista, fashionista and entrepreneur Cecil Van Straten of Chuvaness where she posted about losing 10 pound in 3 days. I’ve done this diet couple of years ago. It worked for some time but for those 3 days I am miserable whenever I have to dine with the family wherein they can have all the delicious food and all I’m allowed is green beans and carrots.

I have to stick with the plan for 3 days every week and the rest of the week I can eat whatever I want albeit moderately which means – NO RICE! The diet can be used until one acquires his or her target weight.

DAY 1

Breakfast

Black coffee or tea (with 1-2 packets of Sweet & Low or Equal)
1/2 grapefruit or juice
1 toast with 1 tablespoon peanut butter

Lunch

1/2 cup of tuna
1 toast
Black coffee or tea (with 1-2 packets of Sweet & Low or Equal)

Dinner

3 ounces any lean meat or chicken
1 cup green beans
1 cup carrots
1 apple
1 cup regular vanilla ice cream

DAY 2

Breakfast

Black coffee or tea (with 1-2 packets of Sweet & Low or Equal)
1 egg
1/2 banana
1 toast

Lunch

1 cup cottage cheese or tuna
8 regular saltine crackers

Dinner

2 beef franks
1 cup broccoli or cabbage
1/2 cup carrots
1/2 banana
1/2 cup regular vanilla ice cream

DAY 3

Breakfast

Black coffee or tea (with 1-2 packets of Sweet & Low or Equal)
5 regular saltine crackers
1 ounce cheddar cheese
1 apple

Lunch

1 boiled egg
1 toast
Black coffee or tea (with 1-2 packets of Sweet & Low or Equal)

Dinner

1 cup tuna
1 cup carrots
1 cup cauliflower
1 cup melon
1/2 cup regular vanilla ice cream

Being the serial note taker and a dork, I did an excel sheet computation that monitors my target weight loss weekly until September.

Good luck to me!

Have You Registered Kabayan?

If not, according to the Philippine Embassy of Kuwait website it's still on going until August of this year.

Overseas Absentee Voting Registration
comelec

Republic of the Philippines
COMMISSION ON ELECTIONS
Manila

NOTICE OF REGISTRATION AND ELECTION
TO ALL FILIPINO CITIZENS

The Embassy of the Republic of the Philippine in the State of Kuwait announces that the application for registration as Absentee Voter for the National Elections of 2010 is now going on at the Embassy.

Filipino nationals not otherwise disqualified by law, at least 18 years old on the day of election, who wish to vote for President, Vice President, Senators and Party List Representatives must file application for registration as Overseas Absentee Voter, Sunday to Thursday from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm and every Friday from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm until 31 August 2009.

Filipino Nationals are encouraged to apply now to avoid congestion during the last hours of registration. Please bring copy of your valid passport. Those who have applied before but failed to vote during the 2004 and 2007 Elections are advised to reapply as their names were dropped from the National Registry of Overseas Absentee voters.

For more details, you may access the following websites, www.dfa.gov.ph and www.comelec.gov.ph.

I registered couple of months ago and encouraged my sister and my brother to do the same as they are already on legal age.

The whole process is painless. All you have to do is bring a copy of your passport, fill up some forms and get your picture taken by the booth in front of SSS and Pag-Ibig office. Look for the very smart and pretty Miss CJ.

After 7 years since coming of age, I finally decided to register to vote for 2 very honest reasons: That voter's ID is really important in processing almost everything in the Philippines and secondly I want to have the right to talk about Philippine politics because I cast my vote. I believe that if you have not voted, then you don't have the right to trash talk the current government as you did not participate in any way to create that governing body .

After registering, you wil be given a stub with a number on it in which you can use to claim for your ID come December of this year.

What are you waiting for? Register na.

Shirt For The Volunteers

While in the shower this morning, LOL, the dimming bulb in my brain suddenly light up.

I'm going to order a specially made shirts for the volunteers who helped in the Pay It Forward GenSan 2008 - feeding probram.

It's my way of saying thank you as I haven't really gotten the chance to personally say that to them.

Perfect timing because my brother Don has perfected the art of t-shirt making, which we are going to sell here in Kuwait pretty soon (plugging!).

So if you have volunteered last December 25, please email or text me your shirt size. If I don't hear from you but your name is on the list, we'll just estimate your size. Hehe.

Expect the shirt before summer ends plus the pay it forward bracelet from Charley Johson of Pay It Forward dot Org.

Hhhmmm, now on the design......

Reposted From Amiel's Secret Blog

Victorina out to End Hunger

Hunger is a horrible thing. But even with over 800 million suffering from this terrible affliction around the globe, with many of our own countrymen having to struggle every day to scrape together a decent meal, world hunger still somehow escapes the attention of far too many. Here is a chance for the more fortunate of us to nourish the minds, bodies and souls of children in need.

In a recent press conference held at R.O.X. at Fort Bonifacio High Street, media and celebrity supporters convened to launch a humanitarian effort to help feed destitute children in Mindanao as well as those around the globe. Leading the campaign is KC Concepcion, who has been designated as the program’s local ambassador. The open forum was facilitated by Trixie Angeles, the Managing Editor of the Victorina Blog and advocate for humanitarian causes.

The conference formally announced how the whole world will be marching together to help out in the fight to eradicate world hunger on June 7, 2009. Aptly called the “End Hunger: Walk the World”, this global effort is expected to be the biggest ever platform for the anti-hunger movement, with millions of people from all over the world set to take a stand against this very real shared threat. “It is our hope that we can count on your support on June 7, 2009 at 6:00 am at Roxas Blvd, in the City of Manila to End Hunger, Walk the World 2009,” implored Stephen Anderson, Country Manager for the UN World Food Programme. “The world will join together in a global walk to raise awareness and funds to feed children in schools.”

According to Doy Roque, managing director of M2.0 Communications whose agency is leading the event, “End Hunger: Walk the World” is a noble initiative directed by the United Nations’ World Food Programme which is the world's frontline organization in the fight against global hunger. This initiative which began in 2003 is an annual global awareness and fundraising event occurring simultaneously in 24 time zones within 24 hours in 77 countries in a bid to end child hunger. In this part of the world, this endeavor is extra special as it is aimed at feeding Filipino school children in conflict affected areas in Mindanao.

We have a unique chance for all of us to do our part in a very worthwhile cause.”

The walk is expected to attract a slew of celebrities, government officials, United Nations agencies, and WFP corporate partners, all with the purpose of raising awareness and funds to feed starving children in the Philippines. Proceeds from the “End Hunger: Walk the World” global match are donated to the WFP's Global School Feeding Programme, which provides tasty and nutritious foods as incentives to get children go to school and keep them there.

Before leading those present in a pledge to do their part to help end world hunger, KC sang her song “Isang Hakbang” which captured the main message and theme of the campaign. The anthem was conceptualized by ActivAsia events management and WFP, composed by Harold Clavite, arranged by Ian Umali of Digitrax and produced by Datu Gallaga of Just Add Water.

Committing their support to “End Hunger: Walk the World” include: Unilever, TNT, DSWD, National Youth Commission, FOCAP, The Local Government of the City of Manila, Primer Group of Companies, R.O.X, Philips, Magic 89.9, 99.5 RT, Harisson Communications, Active Asia, Digitrax, M2.0 Communications, and many more.

With an expected turnout of over 10,000, this year’s march promises to be as well-attended as it has ever been. In addition to the actual walk, the event will also include a live video stream from all four different assembly zones, from each of the participating partners. There will also be a Pledge to End Hunger Ceremony, wherein a number of important persons will imprint their footprints on cement tablets as a symbol of their commitment to support the impoverished children of Mindanao.

“End Hunger: Walk the World” will help make more of us aware of the shared problem of world hunger and of the role each of us has in the fight to end it. To learn more about how you can register and join in this global effort, logon to www.isanghakbang.com.

Speaking of Comfort Food

I am thinking of PRETZELS!

Specifically, Auntie Anne's pretzels.

The first time I had my first ever pretzels was couple of years ago on a date in Alabang Town Center.

I've never forgotten how good it tasted and was extra glad when I found Auntie Anne's pretzels here in Kuwait.

I'd go to Al Kout just for their pretzels and recently I found one in the Avenues.
Sarap.

Kasagingan in Metro Davao

Quiet days like now makes me crave for comfort food from home.

During my long vacation in the Philippines where I stayed mostly in Davao City, I discover a new hang out for yuppies near Ateneo De Davao, a stones throw away from our apartment.

Kasaginan, in english errrrrrr Banana place.

All through high school in General Santos City, my gal pals would go to the plaza and sit on wooden benches where we devour 2 PHP banana q's/ stick.

That rustic tradition has now evolved into this.

The long lines and waiting under the heat of the sun is gone and replaced with airconditioned, cafe like environment where WIFI is aplenty much to the joy of the laptop hugging students.Instead of soda in plastic star and clear cellophane, hot drinks are served in a mug and cold ones are in stylish containers. Waters are served bottled.

The best touch I like most in Kasaginan is how they made their bananas! LOL

With crepes, choclate dips, etc in different variations. I salivate just looking at these photos.

I had to coerce my brothers to buy me some before they go home from school everyday. They would complain as the prices aren't exactly student allowance friendly but oh boy aren't they worth it.

Drools.

"Reason Why"

by: Rachael Yamagata

I think about how it might have been
We'd spend out days travelin'
It's not that I don't understand you
It's not that I don't want to be with you
But you only wanted me
The way you wanted me

So, I will head out alone and hope for the best
And we can hang out heads down
As we skip the goodbyes
And you can tell the world what you want them to hear
I've got nothing left to lose, my dear
So, I'm up for the little white lies
But you and I know the reason why
I'm gone, and you're still there
I'm gone, and you're still there
I'm gone, and you're still there

I'll buy a magazine searching for your face
From coast to coast, or whatever I find my place
I'll track you on the radios, and
I'll sign your list in a different name
But as close as I come to you
It's not the same

So, I will head out alone and hope for the best
We can pat ourselves on the back
As say that we tried
And if one of us makes it big
We can spill our regrets
And talk about how the love never dies
But you and I know the reason why
I'm gone, and you're still there
I'm gone, and you're still there
I'm gone, and you're still there

So, steal the show, and do your best
To cover the tracks that I have left
I wish you well and hope you find
Whatever you're looking for
The way I might've changed my mind,
But you only showed my the door

So, I will head out alone and hope for the best
We can pat ourselves on the back
And say that we tried
And if one of us makes it big
We can spill our regrets
And talk about how the love never dies
But you and I, you and I know the reason why

I believe that good friends are never in large enough supply and we can't afford to lose them. That is why even when I never thought I'd be writing about this again, but the need to explain myself in a space that is totally mine is great without anyone nagging about my ME syndrome.

In every relationship, I try my bestest to give it all that I got so if ever it ends (it always does) I come away with no regrets.

I had faith, though -for the most part, anyway. However, there were certainly a number of days when my faith was overshadowed by the heavy hand of reality.

That was in the beginning.

Then, of course, there’s now.

My positivism in this area of oddity is ingrating to my usual depressive state. I can't help it as in my mind it's plain and simple.

The past has passed and we must move forward.

If we are still comfortable -bordering to happy- talking to each other even when we throw innuendos of what might have beens, we should be friends. I don't see any problem or maybe I am just blinded by that eternal ray of sunshine.

What to do yani.

This is DRIVING me CRAZY

Kuwait ranked in top 5 for deaths caused by traffic in the whole world. For a 120 accidents on a daily basis, that's enough to scare the shit out of me.

But that is not the main reason.

I basically don't like driving. I had lessons from friends, family and even professional teachers but the drive bug never did bit me.

Call me lazy but the hassle of maintenance, registrations and all that blah stuff just isn't appealing not to mention the stupid people that seems to manifest on the road.

For almost 5 years here in Kuwait, I was lucky for having the resources (thanks old people) so I won't have to drive. My dislike for driving is so big that there were times my whole salary would just go to taxi fare and we all know how expensive taxi's are.

Anyway, that idle moment is about to end. By this time next week, I'll finally be getting my Kuwait drivers license and well that would eventually lead to getting a car.

Why? Necessity of course. My company has now implemented an automated fingerprint scan to monitor the attendance of their employees which means I have to be there from 8 a.m to 5 p.m. or else.

So what's my problem since i've been working there for quite sometime? Well, I hitch a ride or the Old People would take me to work and I would arrive there at like 9 a.m and if they need to be somewhere else I have to go at around 3 p.m. Not good for someone who works in Human Resources. LOL.

It's a fact that I need to drive. It's also a fact that I'm not looking forward to it.

Hhhmmm, maybe I should hire a driver. LOL. Kidding. Sheeesssssh.

The Reason Why I Don't Drive

Sandstorm!

Yesterday, after getting off early from work at about 3 p.m., this suddenly descended on us.
Strong winds and dust.

Loads of dust. I checked the weater report couple of days ago because we were planning to have the Big Guy's birthday party on the beach and it said CLOUDY not DUSTY!
Question, why does everyone gets extra crazy and stupid on the road during sand storms and rain? I say extra because well, we all know that Kuwait got the stupidest and craziest drivers in the whole world.
This is on 7th ring road and we can barely see the cars in front of us. This shoot is taken on zoom.
It was so bad, the old person asked me to call his other old person half and ask if it's as bad wherever she is.
She said no

and we wondered until we saw thisThe strong wind and dust is still on the way.
Almost looks like it's chasing us on 120 KPH.
This shot is taken couple of minutes later and it's still behind us.
Front of the car shot.
See how clear it is compared to what's behind us?
It was this clear in front of us until we got home but the dust is really fast approaching.
We took the birthday party indoors and had loads of fun.