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The Great Wall of China in Mutianyu
The Great Wall of China is referred to in Mandarin as Wanli Changcheng (10,000-Li Long Wall or simply very long wall) BEIJING, CHINA- S...
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
PAGPAG: Stars Katniel
PAGPAG: Stars Katniel
Teen sensations Daniel Padilla and Kathryn Bernardo star in Pagpag, said to be the horror movie of the season.
Filipinos are known for their traditions and beliefs of the unknown. We all grew up with a hint of every belief there is. Pagpag: Siyam na Buhay (referred as Pagpag) is a Filipino horror and suspense flick starring young box office stars Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla together with Shaina Magdayao and Paulo Avelino. The film is a co-production of Star Cinema and Regal Films. It is one of the official entries for the 2013 Metro Manila Film Festival. The film was directed by Frasco Mortiz, and it will be released on Christmas Day.
Filipino has this superstitious belief that one should never go home directly after visiting a wake since it risks bringing evil spirits to one's home. One should first shake off (in Filipino, pagpag) whatever curse there may be to avoid being trailed by the soul of the dead. That's the reason why we usually eat at Jollibee after visiting a wake or drop by SM Malls or a church.
In the movie, Daniel Padilla plays Cedric, a spoiled brat teenager, who with his friends visits a wake and each of them unwittingly breaks one superstitious belief after the other including the dreaded "pagpag" as each of them went directly home after the wake. Unbeknownst to Cedric and his friends, they brought home a malevolent and vengeful spirit. Cedric was forced to team up with Leni (Kathryn Bernardo) in the hope of containing and abating the wrath of the vengeful spirit and eventually vanquishing it in the process. But as they struggle to succeed, more mishaps occur and they run out of options in saving their family and friends.
Sino yan kasama mo?
Filipino has this superstitious belief that one should never go home directly after visiting a wake since it risks bringing evil spirits to one's home. One should first shake off (in Filipino, pagpag) whatever curse there may be to avoid being trailed by the soul of the dead. That's the reason why we usually eat at Jollibee after visiting a wake or drop by SM Malls or a church.
Sino yan kasama mo?
MISS INTERNATIONAL 2013: Miss Philippines
MISS INTERNATIONAL 2013: Miss Philippines
Congratulations to Miss Philippines Bea Rose Santiago! We are so proud of you!
Miss Bea Rose Santiago has beauty, brains, wit and elegant composure, grace, poise, eloquence and vibrant personality.
Our #Uragon #Kababayan bagged the title when she was asked this question: What will you do if you win Miss International 2013? Watch the video below and feel her heartfelt answer!
Photo Credits: Bea Rose Santiago's FB Account an Miss International FB
Monday, December 16, 2013
COFFEE FARMING: Through the eyes of a city dweller
COFFEE FARMING: Through the eyes of a city dweller
For one who made Metro Manila his or her home for a long time, the mention of the word "farming" or "coffee farming" brings to mind the need of being under the scorching heat of the sun and, during rainy season, wading through muddy fields.
That should not always be the case.
There is more to coffee farming than meets the eye based on our recent trip this year to the Nestle Experimental and Demo Farm (NEDF) in Tagum, Davao Del Norte. It is so awe inspiring that I wish someday I will be able to have my own coffee farm.
Fun Facts about Coffee
For one who made Metro Manila his or her home for a long time, the mention of the word "farming" or "coffee farming" brings to mind the need of being under the scorching heat of the sun and, during rainy season, wading through muddy fields.
That should not always be the case.
There is more to coffee farming than meets the eye based on our recent trip this year to the Nestle Experimental and Demo Farm (NEDF) in Tagum, Davao Del Norte. It is so awe inspiring that I wish someday I will be able to have my own coffee farm.
After that experience, how I view coffee - and coffee farming - will never be the same again.
Fun Facts about Coffee
- Coffee is big business — it's one of the most heavily traded commodities in the world.
- Did you know that coffee has no calories? It is naturally a no calorie drink.
- 400 billion cups of coffee are consumed worldwide, making it the most popular beverage.
- 91% of coffee consumed is taken at breakfast.
- 79% of coffee consumed is served from the homes of coffee drinkers.
- The second place where coffee is most consumed is in the workplace.
- A coffee drinker averages 2-3 cups of coffee a day.
Sunday, December 15, 2013
Live Well Love Well
Live Well Love Well
Procter &Gamble Philippines partnered with Robinson's Supermarket and launched the very first ever P&G and Robinsons Supermarket's First Annual Live Well Love Well Mom-Me-Time Event. The event was hosted by the charming Dimples Romana. The other celebrity moms who graced the event are the following ( in no particular order):
- Camille Prats-Linsangan
- Maricel Laxa-Pangilinan
- Abbygale Arenas-de Leon
Being a mom, you should also celebrate the goodness and value of healthy living through the Live Well Love Well campaign.
Ten (10) lucky shoppers won a bagful of special items from P&G. Plus, one (1) lucky mom won the latest iPhone 5c smartphone. Congrats!
The Robinsons Supermarket Wellness Mania Campaign has five booths:
The shoppers were given free hair makeovers and make-up sessions in one of the booths. Another booth gives free facial and another booth gave free hand spa massage.The Delicious and Nutritious booth features a salad bar and ready to eat healthy food.
- Hair Makeover Booth
- Make-Up Booth
- Facial Massage Booth
- Hand Massage Booth
- Delicious and Nutritious Salad Bar
The shoppers were given free hair makeovers and make-up sessions in one of the booths. Another booth gives free facial and another booth gave free hand spa massage.The Delicious and Nutritious booth features a salad bar and ready to eat healthy food.
Saturday, December 14, 2013
TRESTON INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE:Christmas Bazaar for a Cause
TRESTON INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE:Christmas Bazaar for a Cause
Earlier today, we were invited to cover the last day of the two-day bazaar held at Treston International College entitled A Christmas to Remember: Christmas Bazaar for a Cause. The bazaar was held yesterday and today (December 13 and 14, 2013) at the Ground Floor of the school premises.
The proceeds from the school org’s bazaar will go to Treston’s outreach programs for the Typhoon Yolanda victims.
Treston gave their donations to the Philippine Red Cross. The active participation of the students made their event a fun and meaningful one.
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
AYUTTHAYA THAILAND: DIY By Train
AYUTTHAYA, THAILAND: DIY By Train
In the past, my brother and I usually celebrate New Year's Eve in Thailand because it is generally peaceful there during that time of the year. Also, almost everything is dirt cheap, from hotels, inns, food and pasalubong shopping. Yes, shirts, blouses, pants, bags and shoes are priced less than those in the Philippines. For us, however, Thailand is not only a shopping haven but also a place to immerse ourselves on the history and culture of the Thai people .
For such immersion, one of our favorite destinations in Thailand is its ancient city of Ayutthaya, which lies about 90 kilometers north of Bangkok and boasts of numerous historic ruins.
The cheapest and most scenic way to reach the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ayutthaya, Thailand from Bangkok is by train. The train regularly departs from Bangkok's Hua Lumpong Train Station and makes a stop at Ayutthaya Train Station before proceeding to its destination.
The trip usually takes about 1.5 to 2.5 hours depending on the type of train service. Second-class seats (A/C) cost 245 baht, third-class is just 15 baht (!) (there are no reservations and seats are not guaranteed). Trains from Bangkok to Ayutthaya leave from Hua Lumpong station every hour from 4:20 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Check timetable first. (Please note that fares listed on the Thai railways site are out of date and incorrect).
At the entrance of Hua Lumpong station, go past anyone who offers to help you and go to the ticket counter. Many of these very friendly people are up to something. Yes, even those who are at the tourist information counter near the entrance of the train station. They will try to offer you the services of the travel agencies at the second level of the station. If you ask for a copy of the map of Ayutthaya, those at the tourist information counter may tell you that they ran out of maps and will offer to accompany you to the travel agencies at the second level to ask for maps. Once you get inside the office of one of the travel agencies there, the staff will persuade you to avail of their services and to take other modes of transport. You can always refuse and get copy of the maps just the same. Note that you may also ask for copies of the map of Ayutthaya at the Ayutthaya train station.
So, beware of persons identifying themselves as persons working for the railway station. They, more often than not, mislead and persuade you to use other means of transport. They may also give false information. We had a first hand experience of this scheme when we asked if the train for Ayutthaya has left already. The one we asked was offering to help us get a cab instead. It turned out that the train was still at the station.
Although in the past, railway employees preferred not to sell 3rd-class tickets to foreigners, the employees, as of 2011, were explicitly offering 3rd-class seats to foreign tourists as a standard option. Also note that some train stations (for instance, Bang Khen) do not appear on the sites map, and that tickets may even be cheaper than those published in the internet. If you have local friends, they may have some good advice on how you can get cheap train tickets.
The railway station at Ayutthaya is across the river from the historic city proper. You can take a short ferry ride across this river. From the railway station, you walk across the main road and down the small street towards the river. Ferry boats across the river run every few minutes and cost 4 baht. This is much cheaper than taking a cab or tuktuk that passes over a bridge towards the city proper.
At the other side of the river, you can walk, rent a motorcycle or a bicycle to go around the historic sites.
Enjoy Ayutthaya!
In the past, my brother and I usually celebrate New Year's Eve in Thailand because it is generally peaceful there during that time of the year. Also, almost everything is dirt cheap, from hotels, inns, food and pasalubong shopping. Yes, shirts, blouses, pants, bags and shoes are priced less than those in the Philippines. For us, however, Thailand is not only a shopping haven but also a place to immerse ourselves on the history and culture of the Thai people .
For such immersion, one of our favorite destinations in Thailand is its ancient city of Ayutthaya, which lies about 90 kilometers north of Bangkok and boasts of numerous historic ruins.
The cheapest and most scenic way to reach the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ayutthaya, Thailand from Bangkok is by train. The train regularly departs from Bangkok's Hua Lumpong Train Station and makes a stop at Ayutthaya Train Station before proceeding to its destination.
At the entrance of Hua Lumpong station, go past anyone who offers to help you and go to the ticket counter. Many of these very friendly people are up to something. Yes, even those who are at the tourist information counter near the entrance of the train station. They will try to offer you the services of the travel agencies at the second level of the station. If you ask for a copy of the map of Ayutthaya, those at the tourist information counter may tell you that they ran out of maps and will offer to accompany you to the travel agencies at the second level to ask for maps. Once you get inside the office of one of the travel agencies there, the staff will persuade you to avail of their services and to take other modes of transport. You can always refuse and get copy of the maps just the same. Note that you may also ask for copies of the map of Ayutthaya at the Ayutthaya train station.
So, beware of persons identifying themselves as persons working for the railway station. They, more often than not, mislead and persuade you to use other means of transport. They may also give false information. We had a first hand experience of this scheme when we asked if the train for Ayutthaya has left already. The one we asked was offering to help us get a cab instead. It turned out that the train was still at the station.
Although in the past, railway employees preferred not to sell 3rd-class tickets to foreigners, the employees, as of 2011, were explicitly offering 3rd-class seats to foreign tourists as a standard option. Also note that some train stations (for instance, Bang Khen) do not appear on the sites map, and that tickets may even be cheaper than those published in the internet. If you have local friends, they may have some good advice on how you can get cheap train tickets.
The railway station at Ayutthaya is across the river from the historic city proper. You can take a short ferry ride across this river. From the railway station, you walk across the main road and down the small street towards the river. Ferry boats across the river run every few minutes and cost 4 baht. This is much cheaper than taking a cab or tuktuk that passes over a bridge towards the city proper.
Source: www.ayutthaya-trip.com |
Enjoy Ayutthaya!
Monday, December 9, 2013
FOG CITY CREAMERY and EMPERADOR DELUXE: Fruit and Nuts De Luxe ice cream
FOG CITY CREAMERY and EMPERADOR DELUXE: Fruit and Nuts De Luxe ice cream
Imagine yourself eating a luxurious decadent brandy ice cream with apricots, pistachios and almonds in the comforts of your home. Impossible? Of course not! Fog City Creamery's take on a deconstructed fruit cake is so perfect for the holidays!
You ought to try this new flavor guys! Fog City’s delicious all natural ice cream only uses the best quality ingredients from around the world. Their ice cream contains absolutely no preservatives or artificial stabilizers. Their commitment to freshness and quality means that you are always assured of good quality ice cream with only the freshest ingredients that are free of chemicals. It has organic ingredients that are good for our body.
You could order Fruit and Nuts De Luxe ice cream at Focaccia Restaurant located at the ground floor of A. Venue Mall in Makati with telephone number (+632) 729-9403 or cellphone number 0917-883-3344 or e-mail them at info@fogcitycreamery.com
You could also check them at Fog City
or you could also schedule to pick it up in Valle Verde 5, Pasig City.
Focacia Restaurant's wall decor.
Follow Emperador De Luxe on Facebook or visit www.emperadorbrandy.com
Fruit and Nuts De Luxe ice cream |
Miss Edylyn Gamboa-Liu (Fog City Creamery owner) and Mr. Carlos Vergara (Managing Director for International Spirits of Emperador Distillers, Inc.) |
Emperador Distillers, Inc. collaborated with Fog City Creamery to create a delightful flavor highlighting Emperador Deluxe Brandy specifically made for the holidays. We are so pleased to have been given a chance to taste the high quality artisan ice cream Fruit and Nuts Deluxe. Every scoop of Fruit and Nuts De Luxe ice cream oozes with dried apricots, pistachios (my favorite nuts), almonds and Emperador Deluxe flavor.
The new holiday flavor: Fruit and Nuts De Luxe ice cream is a runaway winner this holiday season. I so love it! All I can think about is my return trip to their pick-up points so I can buy more ice cream to share with my family and friends.
You ought to try this new flavor guys! Fog City’s delicious all natural ice cream only uses the best quality ingredients from around the world. Their ice cream contains absolutely no preservatives or artificial stabilizers. Their commitment to freshness and quality means that you are always assured of good quality ice cream with only the freshest ingredients that are free of chemicals. It has organic ingredients that are good for our body.
You could order Fruit and Nuts De Luxe ice cream at Focaccia Restaurant located at the ground floor of A. Venue Mall in Makati with telephone number (+632) 729-9403 or cellphone number 0917-883-3344 or e-mail them at info@fogcitycreamery.com
You could also check them at Fog City
or you could also schedule to pick it up in Valle Verde 5, Pasig City.
Follow Emperador De Luxe on Facebook or visit www.emperadorbrandy.com