Typhoon Pedring hits the Philippines

Typhoon Pedring (international name: Nesat) slightly weakened as it crossed northern Luzon this morning. As per GMA News, the weather disturbance was last spotted 100 kilometers east of Baguio City, packing maximum strong winds of 120 kilometers per hour and gustiness of up to 150 kilometers, according to the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) weather bulletin released at 11 a.m.  earlier. The typhoon is moving west-northwest at 19 kilometers and is expected to leave the country by Wednesday afternoon.

The wind is so strong and I also broke my umbrella so we decided not to use it and we end up soaking wet. The good thing was it’s my rest day from work so I don’t have to worry how to get there. Classes were suspended today because of the typhoon but there were news earlier that classes will resume by tomorrow as they’re expecting that the weather will be good by then. I pity those people who were outside during the typhoon. Also those who were directly affected by it by flood etc. People were just getting back into their lives after Typhoon Ondoy devastated the Philippines last year and yet here’s another typhoon. It saddened me to know that a number of people died already from this bad weather condition.

This is the Manila Bay from Roxas Boulevard. It’s like there’s a Tsunami.

This is the entry way into the US Embassy Manila.

The floating Embassy

Here’s Malate. The street became raging rivers because of the flooding on the higher Roxas Blvd.

Umbrellas did not stand a chance.

The flooded streets are no joke.

Mall of Asia. It’s situated along Roxas Blvd and winds destroyed part of it.

Because of the strong winds that was experienced prior today, PAGASA raised signal number 2 in Metro Manila. In Valenzuela City, four people—including three children—were reported killed after a wall collapsed over a residential area. National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said that the agency is still gathering confirmed casualty counts from its regional offices. Despite this, PAGASA said that only 121.4 millimeters of rainfall were recorded in Quezon City since Tuesday morning. This figure is not even half of the 341 millimeters dumped by Tropical Storm Ondoy over Metro Manila in 2009 during its first six hours.

Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) customer assistance coordinator Len Nazario, meanwhile, said that 44 percent of its service area, including portions of Makati and Manila, are currently experiencing power outages after some of the power lines were toppled by strong winds brought by Pedring.

It was also reported that Marikina River already rose by 17 meters, prompting local officials to raise third alarm and evacuate residents near the body of water.

It’s really scary since people doesn’t want to experience the same situation like what was experienced with Typhoon Ondoy so we are praying that the number of casualties wont add up anymore and all the people will be safe from anything.

Here’s a video of the raging waves in Manila Bay at Roxas Blvd.

Disclaimer: Photos are not mine..

Milk Tea for a Healthy Me

I always wanted to be health conscious but situations doesn’t permit me to or I’m just making up excuses for this. Haha! Well, I know that eating vegetables is not mainly the thing to be considered healthy. Honestly, I rarely eat vegetables. I don’t exercise but I consider walking from Megamall up to Hanston building at Emerald Avenue for work an everyday exercise though and I eat a lot of fatty food. I also barely sleep because of the dilemma of sleeping during the day while everybody’s awake is a struggle.  So in short, I’m not really living a healthy life for that matter.

My friend Aldrin from the previous company I have worked for introduced me with this whole new drink, MineShine Milk Tea. It’s a drink that’s imported from Taiwan and you can only buy this at  711 stores which I’m not exactly sure why. It’s an alternative for my usual soda and it tastes really good specially when chilled. Perfect for those hot summer days. It’s healthy since it’s tea with the addition of a small amount of milk. Vitamin B2 in tea helps form blood cells. This vitamin can regulate the break down of fats and amino acids. It also play an important role in energy production. This vitamin can also help maintaining healthy and young-looking skin and it increases the antibodies to fight off diseases. One of the most important benefits are that it reduces headache and it helps to concentrate. While milk has Vitamin A that is required for good vision, immune health and for normal growth and development of body tissues. See, healthy drink for real. I find it addictive. Haha! Hey, it’s just Php40 per bottle. An affordable way to be healthy 🙂

Shoes.. Shoes..

I’m so excited about this since after a long loooong time, I have bought new shoes again and mind you, I bought them for a very affordable price. Talking about Divisoria! I love that place though there’s seriously a lot of people everywhere. People may say that it’s one of the scariest place to go to in Manila. Not for having ghosts and monsters at least. Haha!

Initially, I planned in buying some thongs slippers because for some reasons I’m much comfortable wearing those compare to slip ons, wedges, heels, rubber shoes etc. Maybe because I’m always on the go so I prefer them light and hassle free. Apparently, Barbie shoes and fancy flats were everywhere and this specific stall that sells my preferred thongs slippers was nowhere to be found. I wonder why.. Hmm.. Anyway, I think I’ve bought such cute pairs 🙂

The Safari Flats

Pleasssssee.. Don’t mind my crappy feet! 🙂 I really think that this is sooo fine. It’s light weight, plus the zebra print is somehow “shala”. Haha! You can wear it for smart casual outfits and for those relax days to wear jeans and shorts. I think that you can also wear this if you want to party all night since you can pair this with a nice skirt and a girly top.

The Stripes Sensation

Again, don’t just look at my scary feet. Haha! This one is my personal favorite. Knowing me as laid back and free-spirited (as I’ve mention), I’ve always wanted those pieces that will not give me that uncomfortable feeling that I’ll decide to just stay home instead of wandering outside. This pair is very comfortable. I think this would fit more for dress down days but this can also be paired with cute summer dresses as well. Perfect for picnics and out-of-town trips too. I love how the colors on it blend the stripes well 🙂

There.. my new pairs of obsession! Haha! I used to buy footwear often, I’ve already minimized it since I felt that it’s becoming an addiction. Haha! I don’t care if my clothes were reruns or something as long as my footwear are always new. Haha! And when I say OFTEN, I mean everyday. Haha! I usually buy 2 to 3 pairs. My Husband even tagged me as Little Emelda, patterned to the former First Lady who collects shoes herself 🙂

Our Chic-Boy Experience!

Bonding day with Hubby 🙂 From work, we went to Divisoria for a little exploring and some adventure. Initially, we planned to go to Manila Ocean Park but for some financial matters, changed of plans. Everything was cool though 🙂

It’s a bit raining when were on our way to Divisoria so traffic is inevitable. Since I came all the way from work, I can’t contained my eyes from shutting down on his own. You know, traffic is always boring. Divisoria looked so different from the way I remembered it the last time I’ve been there. The shaggy stalls from sidewalks were no longer there (well, aside from the main road though). They were renovated and turned into malls. I find the mall’s names odd since they’re like some lucky numbers like the famous 168 Mall. I’ve seen a new one called 11/88 Mall and so on. Most of them are selling varieties of merchandises. I wanted to take photos but I didn’t for the fact that my phone can be snatched by some stranger there. Anyway, while wandering through the malls, we came across a billboard that says Chic-Boy was already open from a place called Cityplace Square and I was like “Where the hell is that?” For a hungry tummy and the idea that we have always wanted to dine in Chic-boy, we tried looking for the place that was indicated on the billboard. I saw one branch of the fast food at Shaw Boulevard, the place was always crowded so it made me so curious to try their food too. Then we came across this mall that has this “shala” look. Haha! Viola! Cityplace Square! We rode the escalator up to the 3rd floor as per the ad where Chic-Boy is located.

The mall just opened so we managed to choose the best sit 🙂 The ambiance is so nice. It was like I’m eating on a restaurant far from the city. The fast food’s name was derived from two words : Chicken and Baboy (Pig). Two of the main products that they cater to customers. For the fact that Filipinos love to eat and at almost all the time, chicken and pork are always on the menu.

I had a hard time on what to choose on their menu. It’s like everything is to die for 🙂 I heard their Cebu Lechon Liempo is very good, it’s affordable for something so tasty and it’s Rice All You Can baby. Plus it’s bottomless Iced Tea for just an additional of Php 25 🙂 These are being served with a bowl of soup and condiments already.

Waiting.. Hmmm.. The aroma of something that was being roast while we were waiting excites me more 🙂

I find them cute. Aren’t they? 🙂

Cebu Lechon Liempo

Cebu Lechon Manok

Hubby tried their Cebu Lechon Liempo while I tried Cebu Lechon Manok then I let him try mine and vice versa. The Liempo was a bit dry but still it’s tasty, it could have been better if it’s kinda juicy so it will not be rough to eat. The chicken on the other hand was tender but a little bland or maybe because I love it salty. It’s well roasted since I really doesn’t want my chicken to be half-cooked. The rice that was wrapped in a leaf  tasted good as well, it has this fresh taste.

Hubby enjoyed it so much because of Rice All You Can. Haha! He ate I think 5 cups of rice for the record and I only had 2 🙂 We were so full that we spent a couple of more minutes before we took off.

.. and here’s for dessert

DONUTS!

All in all, the experience was quite good and fun. We enjoyed the food a lot. Haha! You can visit Chic-Boy’s website if you want to know the nearest branch in your location (I should have a free meal for advertisement. Haha!)

Here’s their official website:

Chic-Boy (Chicken at Baboy)

Goodbye.. FriendFinder.

A year and a half ago, I was a “Palaboy”. Confused and had nowhere to go. I was stressed out by the thought of working on a company that’s mainly about numbers which I displeased so I came up with the idea to just wait for payday and then off I go. That happened. So there. Bum. Then a friend from a previous company I’ve worked for contacted me. She’s recruiting me to apply on a new company that she’s working with. Not affording to stay bum that long plus she told me that we could have a referral bonus if I passed and stayed on the company for 3 months. Well, I did. Gathered self-confidence and off to TRG I went.

We started like strangers. Sitting next to each other, having different thoughts and lives but bonded with the same goal.. Pass TRG’s recruitment.

Waiting time took ages so eventually we had a lot of time to talk bout anything and anyone. Sharing things that one can’t imagine sharing with a total stranger. At that very moment, we knew that we met for a reason.. Be friends!

Patience really reap good things. We passed the recruitment process and was scheduled for training. I met new friends. Gay friends for that note. Training was just a playground for everyone. We have enjoyed it a lot.

My BFFs since Training days. Gerald + Chris + Jacqui + Am + Jigs + Kris

Jacqui + Me + Gerald + Chris = Haha! Baby pa kami sa TRG nian 🙂

Sadly after Training Graduation, we have to say goodbye to Jigs and Kris *sigh* Looking into the bright side of the situation, we have met a lot of new friends when we were introduced on the production floor. It’s raining Beckies baby 🙂 I love gays 🙂

Gerald + Louie + Jade + Am + Iris = Those 3 were added to my BFF list 🙂

After several months, our little group became a huge family of loving friends. Since then, we were inseparable. Doing things together. Making fun of those who gets into our nerves. Laughed, ate, drunk, went home and bullied freaks together! Haha 🙂

Boss Yoi + Chris + Me + Ady

After all the fun, complications started meeting us down the road. One by one, most of my friends started resigning from work. Each broke my heart, every time, but as they say, moving on is not looking backwards. As much as I wanted them to stay, I know I can’t keep them forever since they have their own lives to live. Selfish of me, I know.

Me + Chris + Jacqui = Lucky for me that I still have my original BFFs 🙂

Moving on, we continued to met new friends since they were in ramp regarding hiring people in replacement of the resigned employees. A lot of new faces and personalities but still we were able to adapt with each other and the fun continues when I met the Chichimons 🙂

Ate Mae + Peter +Yves

Raymond + Me

The Up Training for CS

Denden ❤ Chris : FriendFinder’s Loveteam 🙂

Daddy Rodolfo + Trainer Joy + Chris

My Chichiloves. Lhee + Iris

Then came this day that faith decided to cheat on us. That we need to have a total adjustment because we can no longer play in one team. It’s just so unfair that it’s so sudden. We were unable to prepare for what was coming..

It was announced that FriendFinder’s client doesn’t want to renew the campaign and we will only have until the end of September for the account. Everyone was shocked since we were so clueless about it. Mixed emotions. Specially when they confirmed it and we were told that we will be profiled for another campaign. The catch is.. they still don’t know what it is and when it will take place. Vague right? Everything was like grayed out. Nobody knows what will happen after September and all I wanna do is sing “Wake me up when September ends”.

I’m really worried about a lot of things for the next couple of days, specially that Christmas is fast approaching. We can’t afford to have nothing on Christmas Day *who would want to anyway?* There were rumors that we will be transferred to a sales account which was the least that I wanted *sigh*

Aside from that dilemma, the thought of being on a new world without my friends scares me. Though I know for myself that I can easily adapt to a new environment, I still want to be with my FriendFinder friends. I’m pretty sure that I will miss them so much specially the Chichimons. It really saddened me to know that we wont be seeing each other that much like we used to. I’ll surely miss those moments with them but one thing would remain intact..

It’s the friendship that was made to be real. Too real to end just there..

Staying in the company for a year and a half taught me a lot to become a better person. That respect is earn and not being bought. That friends weigh more than a position..

Goodbye, FriendFinder 😦

Welcome to the Christian World!

What: Angelo Takuya Watanabe’s Christening

When: September 18, 2011

Where: Dasmariñas, Cavite

We attended my godson’s christening earlier but unfortunately, we weren’t able to made it at the church for the ceremony since we were caught in traffic. We headed directly to the reception where the food was served in buffet *loveit 🙂

Angelo + Mommy Jaren

During the ceremony

At the reception

Baby Gelo’s so tired after the church ceremony so there.. sleeping like an angel 🙂

Jeyar + Me + Mint

These pictures were like those of “Spot the Difference”. Haha! See Spongebob Squarepants? I took him home with Patrick Star of course then I asked Mint to take them home for me, he was like “Are you expecting me to hold those balloons on my way home. Seriously?” Hahahaha! Well, I won. He did. 🙂

Jaren + Jeyar + Me + Mint

Gelo’s souvenirs. They’re so cute specially the mini feeding bottle. According to Jaren, Gelo’s Mom, the rosary that’s inside it was already blessed at the church. The other souvenir was a bear key chain with a miniature puzzle.

There’s me.. Checking the souvenirs while those two were messing up with the others 🙂

The Buffet table. What Mint loved about the occasion.

The party was done by 2pm so we still need time to passed by Tita Cel’s house since we’re in the vicinity. We stayed there until 7 in the evening then I headed back to work. I was so sleepy ’cause I woke up at 3 in the morning and haven’t slept since then. Well, that’s okay ’cause it’s gonna be my rest days for Monday and Tuesday 🙂

The Lamp on the 2nd floor..

The clock striked 01:15 in the morning which was my most awaited time since it’s lunch already (lunch for call center agents like me since we work on the graveyard shift). Niña, my friend and I decided to fill our hungry tummy at the nearest fast food on our location, along Emerald Avenue in Ortigas so that’s at the Raffles Building across.

We headed to the 2nd floor since there were no places to sit outside. We sat at the table across an empty table beside the glass wall. The usual, talking about silly stuff like we used to while eating our lunch.

Knowing me to be so vain, I glanced at the glass wall to check how I look when I noticed that it was raining hard outside. I told Niña that it was raining cats and dogs, then she started to worry about us being late if we will be waiting for the rain to stop. While she was talking, I noticed that the hanging lamp from the empty table across us just swayed. I stared at it since it was impossible for it to sway for the fast food was in an air-conditioned and enclosed place. I checked with the other hanging lamps on the place but that lamp was the only one that’s moving. I asked Niña to look at the lamp as well just to make sure that I’m not the only whose seeing it and she confirmed that it was really moving. It began to swing fast and we started to freak out. Before I can say a word again, we’re out of that place.

It was really scary. We can’t get over it like we were still talking about it when we reached the office. I’m really scared and I’d swear that I wont be eating on that place anymore specially the 2nd floor part.

Miss Universe 2011

Maybe not all but most girls dream is to become a beauty queen so when I found out that the Miss Universe pageant day was my rest day from work, I was like so happy that I’ll be able to watched it. I stayed up so late last night but I was able to stay awake waiting for the pageant to start earlier. The 60th anniversary of the Miss Universe pageant, was held at the Credicard Hall in São Paulo, Brazil

Contestants from 89 countries and territories participated in this year’s pageant, surpassing the previous record of 86 contestants in 2006. The 89 Contestants for the title of Miss Universe posed with Miss Universe Organization President Paula Shugart, Mayor Gilberto Kassab, and Miss Universe 2010 Ximena Navarrete, on August 26, 2011 at the Mayors Office in Såo Paulo, Brazil.

Here’s a video of the pre pageant :

At the end of the show, the Miss Universe organization awarded two special awards: Miss Montenegro Nikolina Loncar bagged the Miss Congeniality award while Miss Sweden Ronnia Fornstedt is Miss Photogenic Universe 2011.

Here’s a video of the candidates on their National Costumes :

I was a little disappointed that the much awaited “Walk in their National Costumes” was not held on the pageant night, it was included at the Pre Pageant. It could have been better if it was on the pageant night itself though.

Miss Philippines Shamcey Supsup shines like a queen in this National Costume by Filipino Designer Rajo Laurel. She is so beautiful, not to mention that she is so intelligent. She is a licensed architect and topped the Architecture Licensure Examination in July 2010 in the Philippines. I’m not saying this because I’m a Filipina. Anybody could attest that she is indeed a total package. Beauty and brains, I may say.

The Top 16 Quarter Finalists : Ms. Colombia (Catalina Robayo), Ms. Kosovo (Aferdita Dreshaj), Ms. Netherlands (Kelly Weekers), Ms. Puerto Rico (Viviana Ortiz), Ms. Puerto Rico (Viviana Ortiz), Ms. USA (Alyssa Campanella), Ms. Venezuela (Vanessa Goncalves), Ms. Philippines (Shamcey Supsup), Ms.Australia (Scherri-Lee Biggs), Ms. Costa Rica (Johanna Solano), Ms. France ( Laury Thilleman), Ms. Panama ( Sheldry Saez), Ms. Portugal (Laura Goncalvez), Ms. Angola (Leila Lopes), Ms. Ukraine (Olesia Stefanko), Ms. Brazil (Priscila Machado) and Ms. China (Zilin Luo)

Ms. Philippines was called on the 15th place which was a suspense since there would only be 2 places left. It’s really nerve-wracking specially for her supporters from the country.

Top 10 Semi-Finalists : Ms. Angola (Leila Lopes), Ms. Ukraine (Olesia Stefanko), Ms. Brazil (Priscila Machado) and Ms. China (Zilin Luo), Ms. Philippines (Shamcey Supsup), Ms.Australia (Scherri-Lee Biggs), Ms. Costa Rica (Johanna Solano), Ms. France ( Laury Thilleman), Ms. Panama ( Sheldry Saez) and Ms. Portugal (Laura Goncalvez)

It’s like everybody was wondering why in the hell was Ms. Venezuela (Vanessa Goncalves) not included into this. She was number 1 on fans voting on the Swimwear Walk, not to mention that she’s absolutely stunning. I really wonder why..

Down to the last 5 : Ms. Angola (Leila Lopes), Ms. Ukraine (Olesia Stefanko), Ms. Brazil (Priscila Machado) and Ms. China (Zilin Luo) and Ms. Philippines (Shamcey Supsup)

Another thing to think over, Ms. Brazil (Priscila Machado) was still included. Yeah, she’s beautiful and all witty but there were candidates, in my own personal opinion, who deserves more to be on her shoes that moment. I don’t wanna imply that just because it was held on her country, it was like a thingy for her to be included on the Final 5 but hey let’s face it, Ms. Venezuela or Ms. Malaysia perhaps should be there.

Philippines – Shamcey Supsup
53.15% of the total votes

Miss Philipppines topped the voting poll and she was hailed as the Miss Universe 2011 Poll  Winner. I’m really thankful for everyone who supported her. Here are the rest of the results : Ukraine (Olesia Stefanko) – 13.84% of the total votes, Kosovo (Aferdita Dreshaj) – 9.26% of the total votes, Puerto Rico (Viviana Ortiz) – 7.75% of the total votes andRomania (Larisa Popa) – 6.03% of the total votes.

This was the photo taken when they first called Ms. China (Zilin Luo) as 4th Runner up, Ms. Philippines (Shamcey Supsup) as 3rd Runner up and Ms. Brazil (Priscila Machado) as 2nd Runner up. It was down to Ms. Angola (Leila Lopes) and Ms. Ukraine (Olesia Stefanko) to be chosen as the Miss Universe 2011..

Well, there as photos shown.. It’s Ms. Angola (Leila Lopes) who was hailed the Miss Universe 2011. I’m happy about the outcome of the pageant aside for my sentiments about Ms. Brazil being included and the fact that all of them has interpreters during the Q & A, unlike our very own Shamcey who answered the question right away. We were expecting that she will have a title higher than what was given since the question given to her was difficult. Given in having an interpreter, a candidate can think about her answers while the interpreter is doing his job. Not unless if that candidate provided an answer promptly but as I have seen, the interpreters were cutting them in the middle of their answers, in other term, room for thinking. Maybe, I’m a little disappointed like most of my countrymen. You can call it bitterness too. Haha! Well, on the brighter side, we are still proud to be Filipinos because of what had Shamcey has achieved. Congratulations to all of the winners! Specially for our very own, Ms. Shamcey Supsup for bringing home the Miss Universe 3rd Runner up award 🙂

For related videos :

Miss Universe 2011 Preliminary (Opening)

Miss Universe 2011 Preliminary (Swimsuit Part1) (Swimsuit Part2) (Swimsuit Part3) (Swimsuit Part4) (Swimsuit Part5) 

Miss Universe 2011 Evening Gown – Preliminary Competition

*Was not able to look for the actual coronation night yet. Sorry 😦

BFF Jacqui’s Birthday ♥

Parteyyy on my BFF Jacqui’s special day. Where? Vogue at Home depot 🙂

The Celebrant 🙂

Jacqui + Me in Pink 🙂 + Chris + Peter

Ms. Joy + Marvin + Yves

With ChiiChii Yves

With BFF Chris

Don + Jacqui

Peter is Ryan Bang’s look-a-like. Haha!

I’m like some girl in a shampoo commercial. Haha!

Me and my work friends had so much fun. Got home by 4 in the morning and was really drunk. Haha! Miss them already since most of them are in the morning shift while some already resigned. Too bad.. But everything’s cool 🙂

Lolong: Biggest Crocodile in the Philippines

After a 3 week hunt, this monster was caught alive at the Agusan March, 4th of September. Allegedly, the saltwater crocodile is 21-foot-long (6.4-meter-long) and 2,369-pound (1,075-kilogram). Huge isn’t he? He was named, Lolong and officials are still checking if he is indeed the biggest crocodile alive.  I learned that Guinness Book of World Records lists a 17.97-foot-long (5.48-meter-long), Australian-caught saltwater crocodile as the largest in captivity. Experts are in doubt if he is the biggest since according them, there’s never been a croc longer that approximately 18 feet.

Imagine how huge is that croc? I just can’t imagine how a croc like that ever existed. Villagers from the place where it was caught celebrated when he was captured but still there’s a rumor that another one of its kind and a much larger croc is still out in the open. It’s mainly being suspected of being a man-eater.

See how they had him tied, I wonder how strong his jaws are.  I heard from the news that a lot of villagers from that area were gone missing and their bodies were nowhere to be found. It’s actually that talk of the town that there’s a pack of crocodiles lurking the march and they’re the reason behind those missing people. They haven’t confirmed it yet since they need to kill it to check his stomach if there were body parts inside it. Lolong was suspected of attacking a local fisherman who disappeared in July.

This was taken before the capture, September 3rd. Since there were rumors that another one of its kind is still out there, an international show offered the Philippine government to let them organize a team that would search for the remaining beast. I’m not exactly sure if there were truth about that though.

The captured saltwater crocodile swims in its enclosure on September 6. Placed in a fenced cage, the town plans to build an ecotourism park built around the crocodile, for species found in a vast marshland in Agusan.

I want to see it but not that close though. Haha 🙂