MACAO: Inside Venetian Hotel

MACAO: Inside Venetian Hotel

Immediately upon entering the Venetian Hotel, you will be greeted by golden hues from floor to ceiling, signifying great opulence and grandeur.  

Those Renaissance-style paintings on the ceiling are really sights to behold.  

At the middle of the lobby lies a golden globe made of rings surrounded by four (4) naked women statues and guarded by four (4) lions at its base. The musician on my left played beautiful music on his accordion, making our stay more fun.

Venetian Macao is said to be a replica of the Venetian hotel in Las Vegas. This hotel boasts of an astounding 980,000-square meter-area thereby owning the title of being the largest single structure hotel building in Asia and the fifth-largest building in the world by area.

From the second floor of the Venetian® Macao-Resort-Hotel, you could take a peek of the casino area where those under 21 years of age (per Macao law), picture taking, cameras, laptops and luggage are not allowed. Cameras, laptops and luggage may be deposited at the cloakroom (a room where coats and other articles may be left temporarily) of the hotel. 

In an attempt to prevent young people from becoming pathological gamblers, the Legislative Assembly of Macao passed a law (No. 10/2012) increasing the age of those allowed to work or play in casinos from 18 to 21. This law took effect last November 1, 2012.

Those breaking the law shall be fined up to a maximum penalty of MOP10,000 and shall have their bets and payouts confiscated while the respective casino company shall be fined up to a maximum penalty of MOP500,000 for not complying with its supervisory duties.

Anyway, there is more to Macao than casinos. You can shop, savor various Macanese delicacies, take the Gondola ride at the Grand Canal, take the Sky Walk, Mast Climb or, if you are brave enough, the World's Biggest and Highest Bungee jump from the Macao Tower, visit World Heritage sites, gardens, museums, galleries, temples, churches and other historical sites or simply see shows for free such as Tree of Prosperity, Dragon of Fortune, Lights and Sound Shows and Performance Lake shows. 

 

This is a huge picture of a Rhinoceros which looks so real that I could practically grab its horn.

After roaming around for several hours, I became thirsty that I almost wanted to drink the water from the small fountain beside the wall of Venetian Hotel.

Freshen Your Breath with Swish® Alcohol-Free Mouthwash

Freshen Your Breath with Swish® Alcohol-Free Mouthwash

Comedian Vice Ganda often jokes about his dragon breath in Showtime, a noontime show at ABS-CBN TV network. But that's just it- a joke. In real life, no one would like to be labelled as the one with the garlic breath, halitosis or malodor, known as bad breath in simple terms.

As we all know, everybody has a nasty breath at some point, like when you wake up in the morning. Bad breath is often caused by a buildup of bacteria in your mouth that causes inflammation and gives off noxious odors or gases that smell like sulfur -- or worse. 

It can be embarrassing and tough to have bad breath. Most especially when you get close to your crush or even when you talk to your friends. The last thing you want your crush to catch is a whiff of your dragon breath. 

What Causes Bad Breath?

Studies show that about 80% of bad breath comes from an oral source. For instance, cavities or gum disease can lead to bad breath, as can tonsils that have trapped food particles; cracked fillings, and less-than-clean dentures.

Several internal medical conditions can also cause you bad breath. It includes the following:

1.  diabetes
2.  liver disease
3.  respiratory tract infections
4.  chronic bronchitis. 
5.  You may want to see your doctor to rule out things like acid reflux, postnasal drip, and other causes of chronic dry mouth (xerostomia).

How to Beat Bad Breath?

To ensure that your breath smells so fresh and clean do the following:

• Visit your dentist at least every six months.
• Don't smoke or use other tobacco products. 
• Cut back on alcohol. 
• Chew sugarless gum. 
• Avoid sugary breath mint
• Eat a healthy, balanced diet and regular meals.
• Drink a lot of water.
• Avoid breath busters such as garlic, onions, and some other spicy foods. Chronic garlic users cannot only have chronic bad breath, they also often have body odor.
• Don't drink too much coffee.
• Make it a habit to brush your teeth after every meal.
• Floss your teeth.
• Gargle with Mouthwash.

One of the mouthwash brands that I tried is Swish® Mouthwash. The manufacturer of the product is Unilab and it claims that it is ready to use- no need to add water plus Swish® is alcohol-free. It is safe to use, more enjoyable to gargle and most importantly it does not leave you with a dry mouth.

Swish® has Surefresh™ Technology, kills bad breath-causing bacteria, helps prevent the plaque build up and Gingivitis. Swish® is great for the whole family since it's alcohol-free so it can be used by children as young as six (6) years old and above, the elderly, diabetics, pregnant women, anyone taking certain prescription medication and even by Cancer patients.

Dental hygiene is essential to young and old alike. It is not enough that you take care of your pearly whites but neglect to clean your tongue and live with a dragon breath.

Experiment

I've tested a couple of mouthwash in the market just to see which one I would stick to the most. Some mouthwash stings like a bee because of its alcohol content. My favorite is a top of the line brand of mouthwash because it is much more effective in keeping the dreaded "morning breath" at bay plus it is alcohol-free so it is sting free. I am really happy with it.

With my trial and error experiment, I learned that not all mouthwash are created equal.  My preferred brand cost more than double than other brands. So, that's a big setback because I am on a tight budget! 

I almost give up using mouthwash because my preferred brand cost me an arm and leg. And it put a dent on my pocket. Finding myself on tight end, I tried to look for a lot less expensive alternative. I browse rows and rows of mouthwash at the supermarket shelf and stumbled upon Swish® Alcohol-Free Mouthwash!

Because I hate the sting of alcohol laden mouthwash. I prefer alcohol-free mouthwash. Unilab have some crazy flavors you wouldn't normally think possible. They have Mangosteen, Mint, Arctic Chill, Peppermint Fresh, and Cinnamon Blast.

Today,  I tried "Swishing" my mouth with cinnamon and mangosteen flavors. Guess what?  I like both the cinnamon and mangosteen flavor!  

It just felt a little weird, that though Unilab claimed that they formulated the Swish mouthwash to be alcohol-free I still feel a little sting. I don't know if it was just due to the fact that I've used the other brand for years. Based on my own personal experience the other brand has absolutely no sting.

Swish® Alcohol-Free Mouthwash has a fresh minty aftertaste which I love. Being on the more affordable side, this could easily fit on my budget. Alcohol-free could be a plus for people who have a rather low-tolerance to pain. 

Verdict: You ought to try it too. Who knows, you might like it for yourself just like me!

VIDEO: Charice Pempengco's Exclusive Admission at The Buzz

VIDEO: Charice Pempengco's Exclusive Admission at The Buzz

Charice Pempengco finally broke her silence about her sexual preference. 

In an exclusive interview with Boy Abunda on "The Buzz" that aired earlier this afternoon, Charice admitted that she is lesbian. "Opo, tomboy po ako" (Yes, I'm a lesbian), she said.

Charice also broke down as she apologized to her family and fans who are disappointed by her coming out, while thanking those who continue to support her.

Charice told Boy Abunda that she feels free about coming out. 

Watch Charice exclusive admission to her ninong Boy Abunda's show The Buzz below:



Source: Abs-cbn The Buzz

CHARICE PEMPENGCO: Admits She is a Tomboy (Lesbian)

CHARICE PEMPENGCO: Admits She is a Tomboy (Lesbian)

Charmaine Clarice Relucio Pempengco, born May 10, 1992 and better known as Charice Pempengco, the most talented girl in the world and the most controversial, after keeping her silence for so long, finally tells all in 'The Buzz' today, June 2, 2013. A tell-all interview, that's what she granted 'The Buzz.

Charice Pempengco admitted in a TV interview with The Buzz what most people speculated in the past.

Excerpt of Charice Pempengco's exclusive interview with Boy Abunda:

Boy Abunda: Are you a lesbian? Just answer yes or no.

Charice Pempengco: Opo, tomboy po ako. (Yes, I'm a lesbian.) 

x x x

Ngayon, gusto ko pong humingi ng patawad sa mga hindi po makakaintindi... sa mga hindi po makakaunawa... sa hindi po ako matatanggap, sorry po. Naiintindihan ko po kayo. (Now, I  would like to ask for forgiveness from those who would not comprehend...those who would not understand ... those who would not accept me, I'm sorry. I understand you.)

Pero sa lahat po na makakatanggap ... matatanggap po ako, maraming maraming salamat po. (But for those who would accept ... could accept me, thank you very much.)

Pero sa ginagawa kong ito gusto ko lang na sabihin sa inyo na ang gaan ng pakiramdam ko na makakalabas ako ng bahay na wala akong itatago. Wala akong masasagasaang tao dahil wala akong itinatago. (But in doing this, I would like to say to you that my feeling is so light now that I could go out of our house without me hiding anything. I won't cause any harm to anybody because I have nothing to hide.)

Sorry, Mommy, Carl. Pero ito ako. (Sorry, Mommy, Carl. But that's who I am.)

x x x

Sa mga fans ko na alam ko na madami sa inyo disappointed. Alam ko nga siguro ang iba sa inyo ay tatalikuran na ako. Sorry. Alam niyo na sincere akong tao. From the bottom of my heart, I'm so sorry. Naiintindihan ko. (To my fans who I know many of you may be disappointed. I know that maybe some of you  will turn your back at me. Sorry. You know that I am a sincere person. From the bottom of my heart, I'm so sorry. I understand.) 

Sa lahat po na makakatanggap nito at susuportahan pa rin rin ako, salamat. (For all those who could accept this and would still support me, thank you.)

x x x

Boy Abunda: Nagkaroon ka na ba ng relasyon sa kapwa mo babae? (Have you had any relationship with a woman?)


Boy Abunda: Sino si Alyssa Quijano? (Who is Alyssa Quijano?)

Charice Pempengco: She is an inspiration. She is a very special person.

Boy Abunda: Mahal mo si  Alyssa? (Do you love Alyssa?)

Charice Pempengco:  Malakas ang tibok. (The heart beat is strong.) 

Boy Abunda: May balak ka bang magpakasal? (Do you have a plan to marry?)

Binigyan ang sarili ng break. Para maging neutral lang ang lahat.

She is in Cabuyao, Laguna. Staying in a family na hindi niya ini expect na susugal. And would take the bullet for her. Thank you kay mommy, Glenn, etc.

Charice Pempengco: Life is too short to play a game.

Chasters eto ako. This is it. Welcome to my crazy life. Enjoy the ride!

To see the video of the interview of Charice Pempengco, click HERE.

BONIFACIO GLOBAL CITY (BGC)-BOUND BUS TERMINAL: Transferred

BONIFACIO GLOBAL CITY (BGC)-BOUND BUS TERMINAL: Transferred

Starting last May 16, 2013, the BGC-bound Bus Terminal was transferred to a temporary and safer location. It is now located at the Shell Station at the corner of EDSA and Mckinley Road. BGC-bound Buses are the cheapest and safest way to go to Bonifacio Global City from EDSA-Ayala area. Buses are available 24 hours a day but always make sure you allot enough time, between 30 minutes to an hour, because there are long lines especially during rush hour.

From the MRT Ayala station, you have to get down a plight of stairs and walk straight ahead across the MRT bridge in EDSA and cross the pedestrian lane towards the Shell station at the corner of EDSA and McKinley Road.  Don't worry, just follow the arrows on the tarpaulin which will lead you to the new BGC-bound Bus stop.

BGC Air-conditioned bus fare for both West and East Route is very cheap at only Php12.00 per passenger. Yes, regardless of whether you're going to alight at the first bus stop or at Market Market.

Take care. Be safe.

WATAMI JAPANESE CASUAL RESTAURANT: Yummy Dishes

WATAMI JAPANESE CASUAL RESTAURANT: Yummy Dishes

I was so giddy with excitement when I got an invitation to dine at Watami Japanese Casual Restaurant at the New Glorietta Mall in Makati. It is the top food & beverage brand in Japan with over 700 branches in the Asia Pacific region. With original dishes and signature beverages, Watami Group’s slogan is “to receive the most number of thank-you’s in the world”.

To see more pictures click the link HERE.

Levante Night Market: Delicious Food At Affordable Prices

Levante Night Market: Delicious Food At Affordable Prices

Thank God It's Friday! 

Foodies rejoice!  Quezon City and Pasig City residents have now a good reason to stay out late and indulge in good food without braving the Friday night traffic in the metropolis. They can now simply visit the Mercato of the East! 

LEVANTE EASTWOOD is a Night Food Market every Friday at City Walk Two in Eastwood. The fun begins from 6 p.m up to 3 a.m.

To read more please click on the link below.

http://yummy-tales.blogspot.com/2013/05/levante-every-friday-at-eastwood-city.html

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR PHILIPPINE PASSPORT APPLICATION OF MINOR CHILDREN IN CERTAIN CASES

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR PHILIPPINE PASSPORT APPLICATION OF MINOR CHILDREN IN CERTAIN CASES:

If minor is not traveling with either parent or is traveling alone

• Personal appearance of the mother is required if minor applicant is an illegitimate child.
• Affidavit of Support and Consent (ASC) executed by either parent indicating the name of the traveling companion and relationship to the minor. If minor will be traveling alone, ASC must be executed by either parent, stating that his/her child will be traveling alone. If minor is illegitimate, mother should execute the ASC.
• Original and photocopy of DSWD Clearance
  • There is no need to secure a DSWD Clearance if the minor traveling abroad has parents who are in the Foreign Service or living abroad or are immigrants, provided he / she is holding a valid pass such as a dependent’s visa / pass / identification card or permanent resident visa / pass / identification card which serves as proof that he / she is living with parents abroad.

If both parents are abroad:

• Affidavit of Support and Consent (ASC) executed by either parent indicating the name of the traveling companion (authenticated by the nearest Philippine Embassy or Consulate General). If minor is illegitimate, mother should execute the ASC.
• Special Power of Attorney (SPA) with an attached photocopy of either parent’s valid passport (authenticated by the nearest Philippine Embassy or Consulate General) authorizing a representative in assisting the child to apply for a passport. If minor is illegitimate, mother should execute the SPA.
• Original and photocopy of DSWD Clearance
  • There is no need to secure a DSWD Clearance if the minor traveling abroad has parents who are in the Foreign Service or living abroad or are immigrants, provided he / she is holding a valid pass such as a dependent’s visa / pass / identification card or permanent resident visa / pass / identification card which serves as proof that he / she is living with parents abroad.
• Proper ID of the duly authorized representative (Please refer to List of Acceptable IDs)

If minor is legitimated by subsequent marriage of parents:

• Authenticated Birth Certificate from NSO must include annotation regarding new status as legitimated and the full name of the child

If minor is illegitimate but acknowledged by father:

• Birth certificate from NSO reflecting surname of father with Affidavit of Acknowledgement and Consent to use the surname of father

Foundling:

• Certificate of foundling authenticated by NSO
• DSWD Clearance
• Passport of the person who found the applicant
• Letter of authority or endorsement from DSWD for the issuance of passport

Orphaned minor applicant:

• Authenticated Death Certificates of parents from NSO
• Court order awarding guardianship of the orphaned minor applicant or substitute parental authority under Article 214 & 216 of the Family Code
• DSWD Clearance

Abandoned minor applicant:

• Court order awarding guardianship of the abandoned minor applicant or substitute parental authority
• DSWD Travel Clearance

Legally adopted:

• Original and Certified True Copy (CTC) of NSO Birth Certificate before adoption
• Original and Certified True Copy (CTC) of the NSO amended Birth Certificate after adoption
• Certified True Copy (CTC) of the Court Decision or Order on Adoption and Certificate of Finality
• DSWD clearance for minor applicant, if traveling with the person other than the adopting parents
  
  In case the applicant is for adoption by foreign parents:

• Certified True Copy of the Court Decree of Abandonment of Child
• NSO Death Certificate of the child’s parents or the Deed of Voluntary Commitment executed after the birth of the child
• Endorsement of child to the Intercountry Adoption Board by the DSWD
• Authenticated Birth or Foundling Certificate

Minor applicant whose parents' marriage are annulled or whose parents are divorced:

• Court order awarding guardianship of the minor applicant or substitute parental authority
• DSWD Travel Clearance
• NSO Marriage Certificate with annotation on nullity or annulment decree

Minor applicant whose mother is likewise a minor:

• Personal appearance of mother and maternal grandparent/s
• NSO Birth Certificate of minor applicant and mother
• Affidavit of Support and Consent executed by the maternal grandparent/s indicating the name of the traveling companion
• DSWD Clearance if minor will be traveling with the person other than the maternal grandparent/s
• Proof of identity of mother and maternal grandparent/s (Please refer to List of Acceptable IDs)