10001 BLOGS..

Farewell.. Temporarily..

2009-03-10T02:30:00.000-07:00

The news was so bad. So bad that all of us were blown away.

We had a brief meeting with our Deputy Resident Engineer awhile ago. He announced this morning that we will be having a meeting after lunchbreak. All of us were guessing what would be the agenda of the meeting. Our bosses were used to conduct meetings without telling us what we will discussing about in advance.

1300H. I immediately submitted to my immediate boss all the papers that I have to submit so I don't have to worry about those papers during the meeting. When I went back to my desk, the meeting was about to start. We were still cracking jokes because one of us went to the toilet so we ca not start the meeting. After about five minutes, the meeting started.

The first topic : "THE INTERNET CONNECTION WILL BE DISCONNECTED TEMPORARILY.". All of us were sad of the announcement. The only way that we can connect to the outside world was being cut. For heaven's sake, we are in very a very remote area and the nearest city with internet connection was about 2-hour drive. We argued about the disconnection thing, but still the decision of the boss prevailed.

I will purchase a new laptop, the first thing that came to my mind. But the problem is, Muscat, the nearest city to buy is a very tiring 6-hour drive. And our employer will not permit us to go on a regular day.

BUT I WILL RETURN TO THE BLOGGING WORLD.. IN DUE TIME.. I WILL MISS THE BLOG WORLD, TREMENDOUSLY..

The Wonder called "AlphaInventions.com"

2009-03-09T00:48:00.001-07:00

"AlphaInventions.com will hlep your site get tremendous traffic, and its for real."

I was stumbling through my own blog one Friday afternoon looking for a way to get traffic to my site. I just signed up a week earlier to one referral system but I was just too lazy to do those site reviews just to get a view for a day. What made me gave up that site was the "crab mentality" of some of the members. They will try to put you down by making those silly reviews and giving you a rate of 1 out of 10. Anyways, those silly thoughts and experience are long gone.

And then came AlphaInventions to the rescue. Actually, I tried this site because I saw it on one of the links that Adsense posted on my blog. I never thought the results would be that tremendous. After just a minute entering my URL into the the box and clicking the notification button, I immediately got 5 visitors. I was really amazed. Because I was at the office that time, I went back to my work first and during my break I went back to my blogging session and tried AI again. The results was more amazing. In just a couple of hours, my once gloomy blog got more than 50 visitors. And I was still doing that in a 30 minute interval notifying bloggers patronizing AI. From then on, I am getting a minimum of 250 visitors a day. Just still a little traffic compared to what others are getting.

Convinced of the rsults, I applied for a credit card just to purchase an AIID. I never applied for a credit card my whole life. But just to keep AI alive, I will get one.

I am still observant though of the way things are going at AI. As of now, I got nothing to lose. All I know is that the ranking of my blog is climbing up in its category and starting to have value.

Just to share some of the comments that AI users posted on the site, here are some for you to help convince yourself and be one of AI subcribers:

"I am new to Alphainventions.com. I will be giving sometime to see how well it works. I have heard nothing but excellent feedback" - Jennifer Jones

Hi Cheru....thanks for your efforts on this!! I have been getting amazing results and readership. I hope to grow with your help. You are the best!!" - dailyrefresh.wordpress.com

"I would like to thank http://alphainventions.com/ for promoting my site so well." - Boyofbow

"Alpha Inventions helped me rack up over 10,000 hits in two days. Thanks AI!!" - Mel Ancholy

"Thanks for making it easy to get internet traffic Cheru!"- DJ Kold

"Alpha inventions is a wonder product of the net working.Thanks" - stockresearch52

"Alpha inventions is the best way to connect with other bloggers." - Catherine

"AlphaInventions is a bloggers best friend.Thanks for adding wristband4festivals.wordpress.com to your site! " - lyndsey.green.freelance

"This is a fantastic site and has opened new vistas for our site. Thank you .... Thank you... thank you..." - hopeworks

"Alphainventions is genius! What a great connecting tool. Thanks, Cheru. -The Domesticated Bachelor." - jonathanatos

"Brilliant idea Cheru. My blog is making its way to the top of my category. Thanks." - Gani

"Simply fantastic, i went from 10 views a day to 2,000!! thats alpha inventions for giving me a fanbase." - Alex H

"Alpha Inventions is my top referrer - by miles." - Jeannine

"You're wonderfull! you bring blog's closer to everyone..." - johan.bockstaele

"I am always at Alpha Inventions Bro... watching you as you grow and your detractors overthrow. may health wealth peace and prosperityyour life overflowadding to your karmic glowman you are one hell of a promay you make a lot of dough." - photographerno1

"Because of AI, I have increased my on-AI hits by about 40%. " - jwatts

"Wristband4festivals.wordpress.com is really taking off thanks to AlphaInventions!" - lyndsey.green.freelance

Try this one guys. AI will never fail you. And congratulations Cheru. You really are a genius. Keep up the good work, buddy.

Stages of Life

2009-02-25T01:21:00.000-08:00

What a way to summarize the stages of life.. Without saying a word.

My First US$ 0.01 as a Blogger

2009-02-10T23:55:00.000-08:00

US$0.01? Does it matter? What can this negligible amount can do? For me, it made me so happy the past days.

I checked my Adsense account last 31st January 2009. I was so happy with what I saw. After 6 days after creating this blog, together with my Adsense and Google accounts, I finally got to see the first fruit of "having fun" of making this blog instead of trying hard just to have a blog.

Of course, it is still almost zero but the motivation that I got from this is tremendous. Enough to make me think of ways to further improve this blog. Inspiration to help me produce more interesting posts.

I am also starting to learn to edit the HTML script of this blog. I started from the simplest of the layouts from Blogger and slowly I develop the script day by day. And my blog is now running from my own script. Though I only work on this blog after work, I am still trying my very best to somehow be a good blogger.

Most of all, now I am beginning to met new friends from all over the world. Though, at first, I only target Philippine web surfers, I already have a bunch of friends from the globe over. A lifetime reward that blogging brought me about.

What did US$0.01 did to me? Well, of course it motivated me to improve this blog further and it will continue to inspire me to give life to this blog longer.

Everything is created twice -- first mentally, then physically.

SONG OF THE YEAR - Viva La Vida

2009-02-09T19:34:00.000-08:00

Download the song here.

Viva La Vida won the Song of the Year award at the recently concluded 51st Grammy Awards. Loved this masterpiece from Coldplay but Fix You is still my favorite from the Chris Martin group's bunch of hit songs.

Visit their website.

Check out also the complete list of this year's Grammy winners.

"Real loss only occurs when you lose something that you love more than yourself."

"Sometimes.. Love's Like That.."

2009-02-09T03:56:00.000-08:00

Patrick and Alice will be celebrating their first anniversary in five weeks. It will be almost a year ago, on Valentine’s Day, when they made their vows that their love would be forever. He showered her in gifts, hugs, kisses... anything romantic. She was completely happy with his love.

Everyday seems like he never wanted to let go. "Babe you're every part of me". "Like the soothing sounds of music, your love gives me harmony". So she let out a smile and thought "this is all that I've wanted". "A real prince who'd sweep me away, not a false acts but honest".

He walked her home One day after school, he walked her home. "Should I or not? "Some news he had to tell her but the feeling kept his throat in knots. She knew something felt out of place and had to know what’s up."I'll tell you later tonight..." he said, kissed and said "I love you".

When evening comes, he calls her up. "So what’s going on?""I do have something to tell you..." Silence, the only sound being heard was the sound of their love song. His parents broke it down by sending him off to boarding school. Silence, but we all know long distance relations ain't all for fools."I'll come back the day of our anniversary.." now she smiled."Can you come see me before you leave?" “Yeah” he said, in awhile.

The day came that he has to depart, she cried but he wiped her tears."Don't worry I'll be back... the special day of our one year". They hugged but he slipped a note into her pocket before noticing. The plane leaves and she says... "I wish you were here holding me".

So time flies, the note, she still didn't know about it. The night before he called; "Babe I can't wait to see you again". "Me neither...” she giggles "Us, together is always a perfect ten".”I'll be on plane 2-40". She says ok and wakes up today full of joys he thinks.

"I can't believe after a long time I get to see my boy.”Dresses and gets ready but then there's a knock at her door. She springs to go get it; instead there was box left on the floor. With a dozen roses on top she then quickly opened the box. Her eyes shined as she stared down a diamond gold heart lock. Then she rushes for her jacket but then some breaking news. "We're here to sadly inform that flight 2-40 crashed..." In disbelief reaches for her pocket for the keys and found a note.

"Babe, in a few weeks will be our one year together, I knew it would last but there's something I need to say... And know I'm not holding back if anything should happen to me. I hope you enjoy my last gifts, roses that say how much I care and a locket that's holding a picture of us.. The first date we had together... I'm sorry for ever leaving, it was hard... my heart cried out for you and the words kept bleeding whether I'm there with you or not... I want you to always remember the reason I've said you're a part of me. It is because you're my forever. I love you, and no matter what life would bring , I'm not saying goodbye because in spirit I never want you to leave”.

Sometime you just have to hold your head up high, blink away the tears and say good-bye.

Want to Start a Blog?

2009-02-08T04:46:00.000-08:00

Wanting to put your thoughts in your own blog, why not? It is really a piece of cake to start one, even if you’ve got no previous experience or knowledge of how to work it. First known as a weblog, a blog which is a more casual journal-style writing showcase that you can use for various things. Because a blog is more like a conversation and less formal, people are more interested in reading blogs than they might be in reading newspapers or magazine articles. Reading a blog on the new gadgets that are available, for example, might be much more exciting than reading a technical journal that only lists specifications and technical lingo.

To initiate your own blog, you need to settle on what you’re going to write about. Find something that you’re passionate about. It doesn’t have to sell anything or promote anything. Making money out of your blog comes after. You can even just write about your life, your favorite music, movie or video, fiction, or opinions and insight that you have to offer. Then you’ll need to find a site to host your blog. Friendster pages all come with blogs, but they’re more for journaling purposes and keeping friends updated. A great place to find a home for your blog is at Blogger. Blogger is a free blog publishing tool from Google for easily sharing your thoughts with the world. Blogger makes it simple to post text, photos and video.

On Blogger, you can even have multiple pages, multiple blogs, and do anything that you want with your blog. All you do is sign up and start typing. In no time, you’ll have a blog of your own. As a responsible blog owner, though, it’s essential that you take the time to watch for comments and update your blog regularly, to keep your readers coming back. Blogger is the simplest blogging software online. You can also try WordPress, which you may find is too complicated or try other options, check out LiveJournal. For more blog options try these sites.

Once you have chosen a destination for your blog, you can establish your profile, give yourself a name and a presence, and begin blogging. What should you write about? Whatever inspires you, whatever you want, and whatever you’re passionate about. If you want to write a blog about your life, go ahead. If you want to start a gaming blog, you can do that, too. The options are nearly endless when it comes to blogging topics. All you have to do is choose what moves you and type away.

Katharine McPhee

2009-02-07T06:13:00.000-08:00

Click here for more photos.

I first saw this gorgeous American Idol runner-up performing Somewhere Over the Rainbow during the Final 15 of AI Season 5. I was really enchanted by her looks and the way she sang the piece, which proved to be her best performance during the said talent competition. Since then, I was a loyal fan of hers.

Check out her website.

Pleasure of love lasts but a moment, Pain of love lasts a lifetime.

BAYANI FERNANDO - THE CHAIRMAN

2009-02-07T02:34:00.000-08:00

"I want to be remembered not as a builder of roads, schoolrooms and other infrastructure facilities. I want to be remembered as a builder of character. "

A man of principle and character. Against the odds, he showed a superb qualities of a leader being the Chairman of the Metro Manila Development Authority. Though being negatively criticized by his political rivals, he stood by his beliefs, to bring development to the Philippines.

Biography

He was born in San Juan, Metro Manila. He ran for public office in 1992, becoming mayor of Marikina City. His administration as mayor is credited with several cleanliness and beautification projects, and his term saw the transformation of Marikina from a 4th class municipality to a model Philippine city. He was re-elected mayor twice, and served as mayor until 2001. In 2002, he was appointed chairman of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Family Life

His wife, Ma. Lourdes C. Fernando, is the current mayor of Marikina City

Hot Issues

As MMDA Chairman, he courageously faced the challenges of his political rivals including some city heads of Metro Manila.

Celebrity Charisma

Fernando on November 8, 2008, was named the GMA-7’s 2008 “Celebrity Duets” 2nd season grand champion. He sang impressive duets with popular local celebrities.

Presidential Bid

On January 4, 2008, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chair Bayani Fernando officially announced (at the Lani Misalucha concert at his office) that he is running for the presidency in 2010. Fernando formally confirmed and launched on August 26, 2008, his candidacy in the Philippine general election, 2010 (to become the next "no-nonsense president of the country"). With or without the support of the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats, he stated: "Even if the party doesn't pick me, I will continue with the campaign because I have a lot friends who will help me. They're just floating their names. And I'm the only one of the presidential hopefuls who has declared my intention to run this early.

If you want to share some more details regarding Chairman Bayani Fernando, please send them to us and we will be very much willing to integrate those details into this post.

"I want to be remembered not as a builder of roads, schoolrooms and other infrastructure facilities. I want to be remembered as a builder of character." - BAYANI FERNANDO

PHILIPPINE PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES

2009-02-07T02:11:00.000-08:00

I will be posting articles featuring some of the top Republic of the Philippines Presidential hopefuls for the 2010 National Elections. Please participate also on the survey on this blog.

"Thriller"

2009-02-06T20:01:00.000-08:00

Watched this video last year when I was still in Qatar. I was amazed how they were able to come up with this kind of video.I'm mad that they all were pretty much on beat. Our jails need to do this, LoL.

I you want to listen to the "Thriller" music while watching this video, you will need to pause the blog music box (imeem)at the right bottom part.

I love you, not for what you are, but for what I am when I am with you.

Top 10 Valentine Gifts For HER

2009-02-05T04:13:00.000-08:00

Searching for a Valentines gift for the woman in your life?

Valentines Day is Love Day. You can feel the love everywhere during this day. And we thought about finding the right present for our love ones, especially for her. Finding the right Valentine gifts for her requires more thought and care than birthdays and other special occasions, as Valentine's Day is considered to be the most romantic day of the year. You can also be sure she'll compare those gift with her girlfriends and female relatives to assess any hidden or likely significance in your selection.

From the opinion of several friends, men and women alike, the following list is published as a guide and has been prepared to help you in avoiding the snags and successfully find Valentine presents for her that will be praiseworthy rather than cringeworthy. Now take your pick from the ten of the best:

10. 14k Yellow Gold Lab Created Ruby Heart Devil Pendant w/ Diamond Accent, 18"A cheeky pendant in the shape of a gold heart with devil's horns and a diamond-tipped tail. The centerpiece of the heart is a stunning red ruby with a faceted cut. The curved devil's horns and tail make a bold statement. The pendant hangs from a yellow gold rope chain that has a spring ring clasp.

9. Sterling Silver Amethyst Butterfly Pendant, 18" colorful purple amethysts form lovely butterfly wings as the centerpiece of this delightful sterling silver pendant and the detail is from polished bead accents. The pendant slides along an 18-inch sterling silver chain that fastens at the back. Amethyst has long been prized by royalty for its regal color.

8.Lovely by Sarah Jessica Parker for Women. Set - edt Spray 3.4-Ounce bottle, Soft Body Lotion 2.5-Ounces, Gentle Bath and Shower Gel 2.5-Ounces & Milk Bath 4-OuncesA make-up set from Sarah Jessica Parker, it follows the flare of the 'Sex and the City' star. The signature fragrance is a blend of musk, orchid, apple, lavender and amber. It is especially suitable for casual wear.

7. Givenchy PhenomenEyes Mascara. A patented new mascara that curls and separates lashes, starting at the roots. It is adaptable to all eye shapes. It is applied with a high-tech round sphere that creates a fanned out, panoramic effect while holding the curve of the lashes.

6. 10k White Gold Ring of Round Brilliant Diamonds and Pink Sapphire Stones. The pink sapphire stones beautifully set off this professionally crafted 10-Karat white gold ladies ring. The sapphires are contrasted with a surround of genuine diamonds and created gems. Ring size can be selected. Has to be seen to be truly appreciated.

5. XOXO Hot To Trot Large Shoulder Bag. With its feminine design, this handbag offers casual elegance. Hot to Trot shoulder bag by XOXO is a stylish and functional way to complete your favorite outfit. Large hobo bag boasts fun and fashionable exterior print, zipper top handbag features front metal accents with XOXO signature plate, interior zipper pocket, fully lined, available in black color option, 100-percent polyester, 15-inches wide x 10.5-inches high x 2-inches deep .Naturally spacious.

4. Beautiful By Estee Lauder - Perfume. Women love a beautiful fragrance and EAU DE PARFUM SPRAY 2.5 OZ, which was launched by Estee Lauder, will entice her with its magnificent floral and fruity fragrance. Floral bouquets are a safe buy because of their broad appeal and this one is reminiscent of freshly cut roses, jasmine and carnations. A fruity touch has been added of peaches, plum, melons, and fresh citrus. It especially suits casual wear.

3. Harajuku Lovers G - Fragrance. G is more than a novelty in her white corseted top and blue miniskirt. This is an exciting scent that is exotic and oriental, with a blend of Jasmine and Cotton Woods, Magnolia, Coconut Cream, Mandarin, Apple Skin, and Sandalwood. The style is distinctively outdoors, tropical, and sunny.

2. Philosophy Hope In A Jar - Moisturizer. Many celebrities, dermatologists plastic surgeons and customers have endorsed this renowned moisturizer. It is packed with antioxidants in a creamy texture and helps to reduce the appearance of skin discoloration, wrinkles, dehydration and rough skin. Hope In A Jar adds a glow to the skin and has a gentle exfoliate action. This reveals a smoother appearance that looks so much healthier and younger.

1. One Dozen Long Stemmed Premium Red Roses. A long time favorite for romantic occasions. A bouquet of South American red roses with long stems and large flowers is bound to please. Make sure that the roses are picked fresh and can be delivered quickly - preferably direct from the grower - so that they last longer. You want them to remain fresh for a minimum of 7 days after delivery.

But in choosing the gifts for your loved ones, please always remember that its always the thought that counts. In this time of global recession, your loved one will understand if you will give her the most simple and less expensive of the gifts you can give her. Cupid will always be there to guide lovers around the world.

The The hardest thing to do is watch the one you love, love someone else.

"Lovapalooza Frost Fest" 2008

2009-02-03T20:18:00.000-08:00

Breaking the Record

In 2004, the Philippines broke the previous mass-kissing record of 4,445couples in Chile. A total of 5,347 pairs crowded Baywalk, Roxas Boulevard in Manila on the eve of Valentine's Day. A year after the world record breaking event, the second Lovapalooza was held. The event persuaded wider participation of the four major cities including Manila, Angeles, Cebu, and Davao. However, it was also during this year when Hungary took the record of 5,875 couples kissing at the Elisabeth Bridge in Budapest on June 25, 2005.

The 11th of February 2006 marked another simultaneous kissfest, dubbed “Lovapalooza 3”. Aside from the traditional midnight kisses, the event was also highlighted with several performances of popular Philippine bands and celebrities, plus the 16 real couples who professed their love to their respective partners on national television. Parties held at Roxas Boulevard Baywalk in Manila, Bayanihan Park Mac Arthur Highway in Angeles, FGU Business Park Ayala in Cebu, and Matina Town Square in Davao was covered simultaneously by ABS-CBN. Unfortunately, the number of attendees still fell short of breaking the previous record of Hungary.

In 2007, the simultaneous 10-second kissing of 6,124 couples in the north open lot of SM Mall of Asia in Pasay reclaimed the Guiness Book of World Record title for the Philippines.

The 2008 kissfest, dubbed “Lovapalooza Frost Fest”, offered to give away diamond-studded Crystal Frost necklaces to 100 winning couples. Aside from this, the couples would be able to attend the exclusive CloseUP Lovapalooza Frost Fest party.

Catholic bishop frowns on simultaneous kissing
By Nikko Dizon
Inquirer
First Posted 10:23pm (Mla time) 02/12/2007

MANILA, Philippines -- The Philippines could have set yet another world record for the most number of kissing couples over the weekend.

But at least one Catholic bishop is not so happy about the simultaneous, 10-second, public smooching of 6,124 couples as part of the event called "Lovapalooza."

Former Novaliches Bishop Teodoro Bacani said in an interview on Monday over the Catholic Church-run Radio Veritas that the Valentine event did nothing for true love.

"There are things you do to show intimate love and you do it quietly or privately between the two of you. That Lovapalooza should not be encouraged," Bacani said in Filipino.

Through events like Lovapalooza, Bacani said that showing one's love for a partner had become trivialized simply because there was a world record to beat or the couple wanted to be seen on television.

Lovapalooza has become an awaited annual pre-Valentine event where thousands of couples join to be part of setting a world record.

On Saturday, organizers said that the Philippines had broken the world record, currently held by Hungrary with 5,875 couples kissing at an event.

But the Lovapalooza number still has to be verified by an independent auditor and approved by Guinness World Record officials.

Bacani, who weathered accusations of sexual harassment nearly four years ago, added that many people were misled into thinking that "to like is to love."

"But when you like something, you use it for yourself. When you love someone, you use yourself for the person you love," Bacani said.

When love is not madness, it is not love.

A Bloody Treat..

2009-02-03T02:02:00.000-08:00

LoL..! , It's already Heart's Month! I will be posting a series of stories and what nots related this very special ocassion in celebration of love. Watch out for it!!

I LOVE YOU, MY ANGEL..

Love.. we can make it so much better if we try..

What I Do for Living?

2009-02-02T23:23:00.000-08:00

I have been in the construction industry, oftentimes assigned as a Quantity Surveyor, for more than thirteen years now. The profession is very much challenging and ,most of the times, the salary is very rewarding.Yet up to now, not even my mother, knows what I really am doing as a Quantity Surveyor. Here's an article that will somewhat enlighten you about my job.

A Quantity Surveyor (QS) is a professional person working within the construction industry. The role of the QS is, in general terms, to manage and control costs within construction projects and may involve the use of a range of management procedures and technical tools to achieve this goal.

The profession developed during the 19th century from the earlier "Measurer", a specialist tradesman (often a guild member), who prepared standardised schedules for a building project in which all of the construction materials, labour activities and the like were quantified and against which competing builders could submit priced tenders. Because the tenders were each based on the same schedule of information, they would be easily compared to find the most suitable candidate.

The professional institution with which most English-speaking Quantity Surveyors are affiliated is the UK based Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and Institution of Civil Engineering surveyors (ICES).

Although all QSs will have followed a similar course of education and training (for those entering the profession today, this is usually to degree level), there are many areas of specialisation in which a QS may concentrate. The main distinction amongst QSs is between:

1. Those who carry out work on behalf of a client organisation: often known as a "Professional Quantity Surveyor", "Professional QS" or "PQS".

2. Those who work for construction companies: often known as a "Contractor's Quantity Surveyor".

As I grow to understand life less and less,
I learn to love it more and more.

The Other Six Wonders of Nature - A TRIBUTE

2009-02-01T01:51:00.000-08:00

After the New7Wonders of Nature panel of experts trimmed down all the national and multinational nominees to 261, our 6 other entries were left behind the shadow of Puerto Princesa Subterranean River. I have been following this contest for a year or so. I witnessed the ups and downs of the Philippine national nominees. Even Puerto Princesa have fallen to low ranking of 27, before making it to the top at the end of the first phase of the competition.

Though Filipinos were united in making all our 7 entries to the top, only one entry per country is allowed to get into the next level. A regulation which was not disclosed at the start of the contest. The rule was announced during the last quarter of 2008.

The contest brought about to the Philippines not only a tangible revenue increase from the tourism sector, but also an unsurmountable rise in environmental awareness.

Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano, said, “This sustained support from people the world over and has been evident in the present rankings of our country’s nominees. We are calling all Filipinos to make their mark and be part of this historic undertaking as we campaign for New7Wonders of Nature.”

On the other hand, Undersecretary for Tourism Planning and Promotions Eduardo Jarque, Jr., said “Puerto Princesa River is one of the leading adventure tourism sites in the country today; Tubbattaha Reef continues to captivate divers from all over the world, and the Chocolate Hills has always been a favorite must-see spot. Our country’s natural marvels are all sure winners in this respect.”

He added, “However, we should let the Filipino people decide who would represent the country in this global campaign.”

And the Philippines decided!! Puerto Princesa Subterranean River was left in the limelight. Bringing also the Philippines to the top of the first round of the contest.

But the other six Philippine entries which were not able to make it to the next level of voting deserves a salute. They were not able to make it to the top but they made a good fight, not only for themselves but for the entire Filipino people.

Here are the six nominees which were eliminated. They too deserve to be known and admired. Behold! These entries, together with Puerto Princesa, made up the Philippines Seven Wonders of Nature.

Tubbataha Reefs. During the first phase of voting, this entry even landed on the top spot. It eventually landed 3rd overall.

Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park is home to some of the most beautiful coral reefs in the world. Rising from the volcanic depths of the Sulu Sea in the western Philippines, these magnificent atolls encompass an astonishing diversity of marine life. The park is an underwater sanctuary where nature can thrive. Tubbataha is the Philippines' only marine natural Park and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a place of global importance, being preserved for generations to come. From majestic whale sharks to elusive seahorses - Tubbataha supports an unparalleled variety of marine creatures. Colorful reef fish crowd corals growing in the shallows while sharks and manta rays haunt the steep drop offs to the open sea. A team of rangers are stationed on the reef year-round and, from March until June, divers visit Tubbataha to experience the wonders of this unique underwater world.

Chocolate Hills. As far as I can remember, this entry debuted on the rankings at No. 3. It also at one time stayed on top. There was one time that it disappeared from the ranking for unknown reasons.

The Chocolate HILLS is an unusual geological formation in Bohol, Philippines. It is composed of around 1,268 perfectly cone-shaped hills of about the same size, spread over an area of more than 50 square kilometers (20 sq mi). They are covered in green grass that turns brown during the dry season, hence the name.The Chocolate Hills is a famous tourist attraction of Bohol. It is featured in the provincial flag and seal to symbolize the abundance of natural attraction in the province. It is in the Philippine Tourism Authority's list of tourist destinations in the Philippines; it has been declared the country's 3rd National Geological Monument and proposed for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Mayon Volcano. This nominee appeared late on the rankings but still managed to climb up the rankings to as high as No. 8.

Mayon Volcano is the main landmark of Albay Province, Philippines. It is ten kilometers (6 mi) from the Gulf of Albay, in the municipalities of Legazpi City, Daraga, Camilig, Guinobatan, Ligao City, Tabaco City, Malilipot, and Santo Domingo (clockwise from Legazpi). It rises 2462 m (8,077 ft) above the gulf. It is the Philippines' most active volcano and is considered to be the world's most perfectly formed volcano for its symmetrical cone. It is a basaltic-andesitic volcano.The upper slopes of the volcano are steep averaging 35-40 degrees and are capped by a small summit crater. Its sides are layers of lava and other volcanic material.

100 Islands. A wonderful entry that ranked 22nd at the end of the first phase of elimination.

Sparkling like diamonds, the waters glisten as the sun’s golden rays touch the pristine sea. Delightful in one’s eyes is the powdery blue sky casting a bright gleam beneath. The spread of white sand shimmers against the stream that changes hue—from emerald green to turquoise and azure—as the briny deep goes unfathomable. A stroll along the beach ends up with a dip into the soothing warm waters. Colorful tropical fish glide in somewhat orchestrated manner among a many coral gardens. Out of the water, discovery envelopes that it is not only one isle but a throng of numerous islands ambling along each other. The count, even greater (actually 124 at low tide and 123 at high tide), sums up the grouping of isles scattered incidentally along Lingayen Gulf, many of which are still unexplored. Covering an area of 1,844 hectares, the islands are believed to be some two million years old. According to certain folklore, the islands were tears of a primeval giant who lost his ladylove. Others tell of tall-tale of mermaids that once inhabited its seas.

Mount Pinatubo. Another exploding entry which landed 25th at the conlusion of the first stage of voting.

Pinatubo is part of a chain of volcanoes which lie along the western edge of the island of Luzon. They are subduction volcanoes, formed by the Philippine Plate sliding under the Eurasian Plate along the Manila Trench to the west. Mount Pinatubo lies on a destructive plate boundary. The word 'Pinatubo' means 'to have made grow' in Tagalog and Sambal, which may suggest a knowledge of its previous eruption in about AD 1500, although there is no oral tradition among local people of earlier large eruptions. Pinatubo might instead mean a fertile place where crops can be made to grow.

Taal Volcano. Though a very late entry, Taal Volcano fought to finally land 28th after the finalists were announced.

Taal Volcano is a stratovolcano on the island of Luzon in the Philippines. It is situated between the towns of Talisay and San Nicolas in Batangas. It consists of an island in Lake Taal, which is situated within a caldera formed by an earlier, very powerful eruption. It is located about 50 km (31 Miles) from the capital, Manila. It is one of the active volcanoes in the Philippines, all part of the Pacific ring of fire. The volcano has erupted violently several times, causing loss of life in the populated areas surrounding the lake, the current death toll standing at around 5,000 - 6,000. Because of its proximity to populated areas and eruptive history, the volcano has been designated a Decade Volcano worthy of close study to prevent future natural disasters. It was thought to be named as "a volcano inside a volcano" because many believed that the lake that circles the volcano was once a crater or mouth of a volcano.

The destiny of these six entries was the decision of the Filipinos. It is once more a great chance to prove to the whole world that Filipinos can be united for a good cause.

Click here to vote for Puerto Prinncesa Subterranean River.

One way to get the most out of life isto look upon it as an adventure.

A Great Safari Adventure (Part 1)

2009-01-31T03:50:00.000-08:00

"Things do happen, in the right place and at the right time, with the right reason."

The Plan

I was told one late afternoon (21st January 2009) by my office buddy, Jeff (Jeffrey Gutierrez), that our boss (the great Jeon Deok Joon a.k.a. D.J.) had a plan of taking us out to a sand dune area. The name of the place was at first undisclosed. Hearing the "sand dunes" alone made me very excited for I really wanted to see by myself real one for years. I worked for two years in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and more than three years in Qatar, both are in the Gulf area with sand dunes, but I never experienced going to such place. I really wanted to, but the time is oftentimes tight because of my job.

And the chances of going to such a place is really slim because nobody in the company of my previous employers are as willing as me to see the enchanting natural beauty of the sand dunes. By the way, the plan caused a misunderstanding between our co-employees as some thought that all of us are going. I was earlier informed by Jeff (Mr. DJ disclosed all the details of the plan to him) that only Mr. D.J., Jeff, Rene (Lamera, our electrical engineer), Mr. Ham Kwang Hun (a.k.a. Mr. Ham, immediate boss of Rene) and me are going. But then, it was settled before we head off to our destination. It was then disclosed that we were actually going out for a "team-building".

Way to Go

We left Duqm site office past two in the afternoon (22nd January 2009). We were in two separate cars. Me and Jeff left with Mr. D.J. while Rene took off with Mr. Ham. I was still thinking that the place was just an hour or two drive. During our travel I found out that it will actually take us almost five hours to reach the place at a zooming speed range of 140 to 180 kilometers per hour.

During the first part of the journey, I was feeling sleepy as I never took my usual after lunch fifteen minutes nap. Mr. D.J. told us to take our respective naps while traveling. I tried to stay awake by trying to appreciate the scenery from the car window.

The scenery was at first amazing but as the journey went on, the mountains of weathered stones and the plants dwarfed by the desert climate turned to be a bore. Just imagine you are traveling for couple of hours with the same panorama. Mr. Ham and Rene are usually trailing because among of us, only Mr. D.J. knows the place. How he found out the place? No, no tourist guide nor a local Badu told him where the place was. He went there all by himself. How he got there? I had an idea but I am not really sure so I better keep it for myself. That left me with me an impression of how adventurous my boss was. One of his assets that left me amazed, aside of course from being an outstanding singer (that I am going tell in the following days).

Though I tried my best to stay awake to maximize the joy of the adventure, my eyes failed me. I fall asleep so many times at the backseat.It was already past six in the evening when we reach the nearest city (the name i still have to be sure!)We stopped by to refill the gasoline tank of the cars, buy some stuff to be used for the night (expenses courtesy of Mr. D.J.)and head on later for the great sand dunes adventure.

(To be continued.. go to Part 2)

If you would create something,you must be something.

New 7 Wonders of Nature Update (As of 26 January 2009)

2009-01-26T23:47:00.000-08:00

The Top 261 results of the wordlwide search for the New 7 Wonders of Nature was released last 07 January 2009. I observed that there are irregularities on multinational nominees. Just like in the case of Sundarbans Forest and Ganges River. Both nominees were shared by India and Bangladesh. The search committee were very strict in implementing the "one-country one nominee" regulation. What they forgot to implement was to limit one mutinational nominee shared by two common countries. India and Bangladesh also has separate national nominees. Though I know the search committe will not listen to my opinion, I still wrote them regarding this irregularity just after the results were released. On 26 January 2009, they released the live ranking of the remaining nominees. Unlike during the first phase of the search where all nominees are not categorized, the search committee grouped the last 261 nominees into seven (7). Here are the new grouping of national and multi-national nominees with the top nominees of each category. Philippines very own Puerto Princesa Subterranean River, which bested all other entries during the first phase of eliminations, is on the top of its category, Group E .

Group A – Landscapes, Ice Formations

Kalahari Desert

Group B - Islands

Galapagos Islands

Group C - Mountains, Volcanoes

Mt. Everest

Group D - Caves, Rock Formations, Valleys

Grand Canyon

Group E - Forests, National Parks, Natures Reserves

Puerto Pricesa Subterranean River

Group F - Lakes, Rivers, Waterfalls

Niagara Falls

Group G - Seascapes

Great Barrier Reef

Coral Triangle is a nominee shared by the Philippines, with Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Timor Leste. It currently ranks 4th in Group G.

Click here to view the complete ranking of nominees, register and vote.

Take always the road that seems best, however rough it may be.

The Chinese New Year Story

2009-01-26T05:00:00.000-08:00

Long ago, the world was not a safe place; monsters dominated the world. There was one horrifying monster that came out on the same day each year to eat people. This monster was named Nian, and the people marked the end of a year by his visits to the human civilization. That is where the Chinese word for year came from.
This monster was the most feared by the people because every time it came out, whole villages would be destroyed at a time. So, every time the monster came, people would huddle together in their homes and stay up all night, wanting not to be eaten. This happened for many years until a wise man thought up a plan to scare the monster away.

This man proposed that the people should light bamboo. The bamboo would crack and make a lot of noise, possibly scaring the monster away. The villagers thought this was a very good idea and started to light the bamboo. The noise was tremendous. The monster was scared by the loud noise and ran back to its cave without not eating any people.
The next morning, everyone was present. They were all elated. The people congratulated each other for executing the plan effectively. So, from then on, people stayed up late, lit firecrackers (to simulate the lighting of the bamboo), and congratulated each other when the new year came.

Kung Hei Fat Choy Everyone!!!

Kenny Rogers - Crazy

2009-01-20T09:17:00.000-08:00

My all time favorite.. hehehe.. deserves to be the background music of the blog (?) I've been looking for the link of this song for soooo long.. hayyzzz.. i found some but doesn't work well on any of my online profiles that i have to upload it myself at imeem.com. Anyways, here's the lyrics of the song.

Download MP3 here

Girl, there are no words to say
what I feel in my heart
you, you're on my mind night and day
and it hurts me when we're apart
when you're not here by my side
there is nothing in this world for me.

I guess I'm crazy
crazy for you can't you see
although you may think it's crazy
here it's where I want to be
I will always need your love.

Well now, I can see every dream
when I look in your eyes
and though, things never are what they seem
there is one thing that I realize
that there's no doubt in my mind
we can make this love go on forever.

I guess I'm crazy
crazy for you can't you see
although you may think it's crazy
here it's where I'll always be
and I need you with me

Cos you are the dream
that finally came true in me
in all my life there'll be noone else
if I looked all my life
there could be noone else
and for the rest of my life
all I need is you.

Fall seven times, stand up eight.

Ten things men hate about women

2009-01-20T07:52:00.000-08:00

Here's an article e-mailed to me by my friend and adviser Lorraine Izon (lorraine_8505@ymail.com). She wrote: "I just want to share this article. Some people might have already read this. Just as a reminder to women like me what to do and what to avoid when it comes to the men of our lives".

No doubts that men heartily love women. However, numerous opinion polls reveal that there are ten basic factors with females that strongly irritate men.

1. Men do not like women pretending they are chaste. Men believe that women should stay themselves and give up every attempt to seem better. Indeed, women these days are not restricted in entertaining themselves and can enjoy life to the utmost, just exactly the way that men do.

2. Men hate it when their women criticize other females. This is a proven fact that women often treat other women as rivals. But remember that a woman will gain no popularity with men if she continuously criticizes other women’s dresses, shoes and handbags and also their compatibility with each other. Men actually do not care very much if their women wear fashionable dresses or not, have stylish coiffure or not.

3. Women’s jealousy exasperates men. This is absolute nonsense that jealousy revives relationship. The jealousy lifestyle can break even the strongest relationship. Jealousy appears when someone in a couple does not trust his partner. Remember that trust is the basis of your relationship.

4. Men also do not like to be treated as an emotional support. They get irritated when women always demand caresses and hugs, when women ask to call them special. Men do not like diffident women; they say it is even worse than self-confident and independent women.

5. It is no good for women to employ the speech code in relations with men. When women employ the ‘What are you thinking about?’ speech code they thus hope to pump real feelings and emotions out of men. When a woman asks a man this sort of vague questions she expects to catch his unawares and learn what his real feelings toward her are.

6. Some women want all the spare time of their men to be devoted to them only. This is some sort of interference with men’s private life. At the worst, women start asking relatives and close friends what their men did or are doing at this particular moment. They also ransack men’s pockets and desk drawers in search of some evidence. Women must not behave like proprietresses.

7. This is incredible but women’s emotionality makes men absolutely mad. Unlike women, men are sure that broken nails or touching films are not a trouble at all. Males do not love their female partners burst into tears or fly into a rage on every trifle occasion.

8. It is universally known that men hate women’s never-ending shopping. Men generally believe that twenty four hours in a day are not enough for women to enjoy shopping, to have an opportunity to touch and try on everything they find. Men find it the most terrible ordeal when women insist that men must accompany them during shopping.

9. Women’s talkativeness is also irritating, men say. Women’s brain easily conceives every minute detail while men do not like to listen to nonessential details.

10. Women have a sure leverage to demonstrate their superiority over men. This is sex which is the most powerful weapon in the war between males and females. Women deprive their men of sex in an attempt to punish them. But the measure may in some cases have lamentable consequences for women.

When we consider the above bad habits of women closer, we can see they are not so terrible. Nobody is perfect, and partners should learn to compromise and be patient toward each other.

Let thy words be few.

Husbands for Sale!

2009-01-20T05:57:00.000-08:00

This article was e-mailed to me by John Argulles, a good friend and a great fan(?).. so he says.. LoL.. The pictures were somewhat not related to the post, just an extra to add more spice..

A store that sells husbands has just opened in New York City , where a woman may go to choose a husband. Among the instructions at the entrance is a description of how the store operates.

You may visit the store ONLY ONCE!

There are six floors and the attributes of the men increase as the shopper ascends the flights. There is, however, a catch . ... You may choose any man from a particular floor, or you may choose to go up a floor, but you cannot go back down except to exit the building!

So, a woman goes to the Husband Store to find a husband.

On the first floor the sign on the door reads:

Floor 1 - These men have jobs and love the Lord.

The second floor sign reads:

Floor 2 - These men have jobs, love the Lord, and love kids.

The third floor sign reads:

Floor 3 - These men have jobs, love the Lord, love kids, and are extremely good looking.

'Wow,' she thinks, but feels compelled to keep going.

She goes to the fourth floor and sign reads:

Floor 4 - These men have jobs, love the Lord, love kids, are drop- dead good looking and help with the housework.

'Oh, mercy me!' she exclaims, 'I can hardly stand it!'
Still, she goes to the fifth floor and sign reads:

Floor 5 - These men have jobs, love the Lord, love kids, are drop- dead gorgeous, help with the housework, and have a strong romantic streak.

She is so tempted to stay, but she goes to the sixth floor and the sign reads:

Floor 6 - You are visitor 4,363,012 to this floor. There are no men on this floor. This floor exists solely as proof that
women are impossible to please.

Thank you for shopping at the Husband Store.

Watch your step as you exit the building, and have a nice day!

Please tell this story to all men for a good laugh and to all the women who can handle the truth!

Happy are those who dream dreams and are ready to pay the price to make them come true.

I Witness

2009-01-19T23:24:00.000-08:00

My late father (the great Marcial "Entoy" A. Ty) use to tell me this story when we're on our way to Manila way back in 1991. I will undergo thru a physical examination at the V. Luna Hospital in Quezon City after passing the written examinations for an entry to the Philippine Military Academy. The result is another story. By the way, the article and the comics are different posts for you to laugh on..

A small town prosecuting attorney called his first witness to the stand in a trial-a grandmotherly, elderly woman. He approached her and asked, "Mrs. Cruz, do you know me?"

She responded, "Yes, I do know you Mr. Santos. I've known you since you were a young boy. And frankly, you've been a big disappointment to me. You lie, you cheat on your wife, you manipulate people and talk about them behind their backs.

You think you're a rising big shot when you haven't the brains to realize you never will amount to anything more than a two-bit paper pusher. Yes, I know you."

The lawyer was stunned. Not knowing what else to do he pointed across the room and asked, "Mrs. Cruz, do you know the defense attorney?"

She again replied, "Why, yes I do. I've known Mr. Lopez since he was a youngster, too. I used to baby-sit him for his parents. And he, too, has been a real disappointment to me. He's lazy, bigoted, he has a drinking problem. The man can't build a normal relationship with anyone and his law practice is one of the shoddiest in the entire state. Yes, I know him."

At this point, the judge rapped the courtroom to silence and called both counselors to the bench. In a very quiet voice, he said with menace, "If either of you asks her if she knows me, you'll be in jail within 3 minutes!"

Every artist was first an amateur.

On Choosing Friends..

2009-01-19T04:44:00.000-08:00

Don't spend major time with minor people. If there are people in your life who continually disappoint you, break promises, stomp on your dreams, are too judgmental, have different values and don't have your back during difficult times...that is not friendship.

To have a friend, be a friend.Sometimes in life as you grow, your friends will either grow or go. Surround yourself with people who reflect values, goals interests and lifestyles.

When I think of any of my successes, I am thankful to God from whom all blessings flow, and to my family and friends who enrich my life.

Over the years my phone book has changed because I changed, for the better.At first, you think you're going to be alone, but after awhile, new people show up in your life that make it so much sweeter and easier to endure.

Remember what your elders used to say,
"Birds of a feather flock together.If you're an eagle, don't hang around chickens:
Chickens can't fly!"

The unexamined life is not worth living.

Live Simply.. Give More.. Expect Less..

2009-01-19T02:47:00.000-08:00

The 92-year-old, petite, well-poised and proud lady, who is fully dressed each morning by eight o'clock, with her hair fashionably coifed and makeup perfectly applied, even though she is legally blind, moved to a nursing home today.

Her husband of 70 years recently passed away, making the move necessary.

After many hours of waiting patiently in the lobby of the nursing home, she smiled sweetly when told her room was ready.

As she maneuvered her walker to the elevator, I provided a visual description of her tiny room, including the eyelet sheets that had been hung on her window. "I love it," she stated with the enthusiasm of an eight-year-old having just been presented with a new puppy.

"Mrs. Jones, you haven't seen the room .... just wait."

"That doesn't have anything to do with it," she replied. "Happiness is something you decide on ahead of time. Whether I like my room or not doesn't depend on how the furniture is arranged, it's how I arrange my mind. I already decided to love it. It's a decision I make every morning when I wake up. I have a choice; I can spend the day in bed recounting the difficulty I have with the parts of my body that no longer work, or get out of bed and be thankful for the ones that do. Each day is a gift, and as long as my eyes open I'll focus on the new day and all the happy memories I've stored away, just for this time in my life."

She went on to explain, "Old age is like a bank account, you withdraw from what you've put in. So, my advice to you would be to deposit a lot of happiness in the bank account of memories Thank you for your part in filling my Memory bank. I am still depositing."

And with a smile, she said:
"Remember the five simple rules to be happy:

1. Free your heart from hatred.

2. Free your mind from worries.

3. Live simply.

4. Give more.

5. Expect less.

The best way to prepare for life is to begin to live.