HAPI Conference to Take Place in May

Do you have questions about whether you should homeschool, or how you can? Good News! The Homeschooling Association of the Philippine Islands (HAPI) recently made announcements that the country's 4th Homeschooling Conference has been scheduled to happen on May 19, 2012. Set to take place at St. Francis Square Ortigas Center in Mandaluyong, the event will gather parents, academe, and homeschooling experts in one venue to promote awareness of the program, as well as provide guests with access to homeschool-related tools and services.

Homeschooling is a practice that, over the years, has rapidly gained popularity in the Philippines. Providing children with a familiar and relaxed learning environment that allows parents to tailor-fit certain aspects of their education based on their needs, remote education shatters the long-standing concept that prime education happens only within the confines of the classroom, and is also proven to unlock certain hidden potentials of the student—presenting more room for growth and enhancement.

This year's Homeschooling Conference is themed “Laying a Strong Foundation.” It will feature lectures from esteemed homeschooling authorities both here and abroad including: noted inspirational speaker, best-selling author and homeschool parent, Bo Sanchez; and former high school and college educator and best-selling author of award-winning books like “Ultimate Guide to Homeschooling,” “Ultimate Guide to Homeschooling Teens,” and “Ultimate Planners for Moms, Teens and Students,” Debra Bell.

The event is supported by the 3,000-strong force of Filipino families, who are currently homeschooling by choice and discovering its priceless benefits.

About HAPI

The conference is organized by the Homeschooling Association of the Philippine Islands (HAPI), an organization that has dedicated itself as a catalyst for nation-building by advancing home education and unifying home educators in the country.

The Philippine Homeschool Conference is set to take place on May 19, 2012 5/F St. Francis Square, Julia Vargas Ave. cor Bank Drive, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City with the theme “Laying a Strong Foundation”. International speaker Debra Bell a homeschooling authority in the U.S. and best-selling author, and our own inspirational speaker and author Bo Sanchez are slated as keynote speakers. The event will be honored by the presence of Dep Ed officials like Atty Tonisito Umali, Asst. Secretary for Legal & Legislative Affairs.

To know more about the Homeschooling Association of the Philippine Islands (HAPI) or how to register for the Conference, visitwww.hapihomeschooler.com and/or email hapihomeschooler@gmail.com.

PAG-IBIG AND SSS OFFER BIGGER LOANS AT LOWER INTEREST.

Good news from Pag-IBIG fund and Social Security System (SSS): Pag-Ibig and SSS are offering members bigger loans at lower interest rates.

Pag-IBIG members earning minimum wage and with at least two years of monthly contributions can apply for housing loans.

Minimum Wage Earners can be offered up to P400,000

Members with higher salaries can loan up to P3 million

Interest rate is 4.5% a year (down from 6%)

Loan applications start on July 1, 2012

Depending on the applicant's capability, the interest rate would be reduced from 11 %

Visit http://www.pagibigfund.gov.ph/ for more information.
Loan interest rates drop from 13% to 5%

Members may apply for housing loans up to P2 million

For home packages, three members could tuck-in their privilege up to P6 million

Visit http://www.sss.gov.ph/ for more information.

Gastronomic Delights at Naci Comfort Food

We started our food adventure at Naci with an Appetizer Sample. Naci's best-selling appetizers consists of Beef Taco Spring Rolls which are crispy spring rolls filled with a Mexican beef taco filling and served with tomato salsa and sour cream, glazed Buffalo Chicken Wings, Cajun Mozzarella Balls and my all time favorite deep-fried Squid Rings and Onion Stacks. Hmmm, so yummy!

 

The appetizer was followed by a very refreshing Kani Mango Crunch which is a salad with layers of assorted greens, Kani, ripe mangoes, cucumber with crispy wonton that is very crunchy and vermicelli drizzled with wasabi mayo.  Vegetarians out there would really fall in love with this Japanese-inspired dish. I am not really into vegetables so I shared mine with my brother. My brother has his own review here.

 

If you're craving for pasta, try Nadine’s Adobo Cannelloni. It is my favorite on all the dishes served that night. Nadine’s Adobo Cannelloni is a classic flaked adobo rolled in pasta topped with Bechamel and covered in adobo sauce and mozzarella. You could taste its goodness in every bite. I couldn't help it, but its delicious taste is stuck in my mind. Geez!

This pie is called Steak & Mushroom Casserole. This is a flavorsome and unusual dish. The beef,mushrooms and gravy can be found underneath the mozzarella cheese. You had to slice it to find its secret. The beef is so tender it fell apart under my fork. This dish turned out so good, it was amazing! 

To my delight, Naci’s menu is blessed with a good selection of pizza! I like this Steak & Cheese Pizza so much I wanted a second serving. So yummy!

This is one of their best sellers according to Nadine the Peruvian Chicken Rice. Nadine told me that if you want to order this dish you have to give an allowance of 45 minutes because it takes time to cook this dish which consists of rice, chicken, sliced lemon with mayonnaise on top. Rice with chicken are very traditional and popular dish in Peru. Ingredients and cooking techniques are very similar to the Spanish paella. I asked Nadine if they substitute Kasubha instead of Saffron sometimes, she said they always use Saffron. So there ladies and gentlemen don't forget to try this flavorful dish.

 

Slow Roast Pork Belly. The meat is soft and melting while the skin crisps up which makes for a great contrast of texture and flavour. Crispy and crackling. Its tender meat and sweet apple sauce is Saturday perfection on a plate.

 

Nate’s Steak and Eggs, which is a stack of seared beef patty over parsley rice topped with eggs and onion rings served with chunky mushroom gravy, is certainly a dish for meat lovers out there. I don't know if it is just me, but this dish reminds me of Jollibee burger steak, lol.

Oven Baked Barbecue Chicken. This mouth-watering & hearty dish is so soft and yummy!

 

Satay Marinated Grilled Prawns

This is the first time that I had pizza for dessert this is a very innovative dish! Cream Cheese Pizza with Mango bits, honey and mint. I love it!

Two beautiful platters of very enticing mini cakes and cupcakes were served to us. Each one of these are worth ordering. The Black and White Premium Cupcake which had silky and cracking chocolate glaze-coated dark Belgian chocolate ganache atop a dense vanilla cupcake really stood out.

I saw this signage at Naci Comfort Food:We assure you no appetite will be left unsatisfied! And I have to agree with that.

Verdict: Two Thumbs up for Naci Comfort Food! I really love Nadine's adobo! The next time you find yourself craving for something that might give you that nice happy feeling in your tummy or for some downright good tasting food, NACI Comfort Food and Dessert Bar may have something for you.

You'll never miss Naci because they have multiple signage. I actually lost count of its exact number. And they're just on the same building with Bikram Yoga Greenhills 

Naci Signage are all over the place. Naci Comfort Food and Dessert Bar is a 7 month-old baby by Nadine Nocom. The restaurant was named after Nadine's father and restaurateur Nacy Nocom. All the items on the menu are originally inspired creations of renowned culinary experts Executive Chef Ed Quimson and Chef Booj Supe in collaboration with Nadine and her family.

The interiors which was personally chosen by Nadine and her family are just as comforting as the food, with a friendly and attentive staff to attend your every need. 

This Greenhills food haven offers a hearty combo of comfort food and desserts. It is as if I toured the world with the great variety of available cuisine.

Staying true to Naci's promise, every guest walking in to the restaurant can enjoy the cozy interiors and earth-toned colors of the 220-square foot dining destination. Naci have approximately 120 guests seating capacity . Naci exudes a homey ambiance, a wall of award-winning international wines, and an open patisserie.

Naci Comfort Food and Dessert Bar  

Located at the 2nd floor of Fox Square Building

#53 Connecticut Street, Greenhills, San Juan

Tel. No. 726-7266

Operation hour is from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. (Mondays to Thursdays); 

and 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. (Saturdays); 

11 a.m. to 10 p.m. (Sundays)

Naci's facebook

CALENDAR OF MAJOR FESTIVALS IN CENTRAL LUZON THIS MAY 2012

 

COME AND JOIN THE FUN!

CALENDAR OF MAJOR FESTIVALS IN CENTRAL LUZON THIS MAY 2012.

Araquio of Penaranda
Date and Venue: Month of May, Penaranda and other towns, Nueva Ecija
Held during the month of May in Penaranda, Nueva Ecija, the Araquio Festival is a traditional procession and dramatization of the finding of the Holy Cross by St. Helena and her son, the Emperor Constantine, where Jesus Christ was crucified. Similarly, the komedya or moro-moro carries on in some villages or barangays such as Poblacion, Las Pinas, Sto. Tomas, San Jose and Pinasahan. Dating back from the Spanish colonial period, the festival features vivacious beats of brass bands, spirited choreography and moving voices embraced with a daunting literary piece. Written in ancient Tagalog, the script tells about the feud of the Muslims and Christians that started over territories. It shows how Christians used the power of the cross symbolizing their faith in defeating the Muslims, who later retaliated by way of stealing the cross from them. Many battles preceded the retrieval of the cross, which in the end led to the Christening of the Muslims. Because the date of the feast varies from one town to another, Nueva Ecija can be considered an Araquio province in the month of May. This festival starts with a Eucharistic Mass celebration and ends with the ever-elaborate Flores de Mayo. Each performing group is given a day or two to perform in the town plaza, and thus it becomes a weeklong presentation when there are many groups lined-up. Contact Joseph Mabalay (Municipal Tourism Officer) Mobile 0906-331-9011 or contact Ms. Carolina Uy (Provincial Tourism Officer), Office of the Governor, Phone (63 44) 982-3041 (trunkline) Mobile 0910-888-8288 / 0908-888-4858 Email caroline088@yahoo.com

Luyang Dilaw Festival
Date and Venue: May 2, Marilao, Bulacan
The name Marilao originated from a plant (shrub) that abundantly thrived in swampy areas during Spanish era. The matured plant bears light yellow flower & the edible roots are colored dark yellow (dilaw). The yellow roots became famous and used for various purposes now we called "luya". The purpose of the festival aims to inculcate in the minds of residents and the youth, the love and appreciation for the town's origin. For further details, please contact Joseph “Sonny” Cristobal (Provincial Tourism Officer), Office of the Governor, Phone (63 44) 791-6604 / 2480 Mobile 0927-648-6916 / 0929-745-2566 Email sonnyjcristobal@yahoo.com / bulacan_tourism@yahoo.com or log on to www.bulacan.gov.ph

Gatas ng Kalabaw Festival
Date and Venue: May 12-15, Talavera, Nueva Ecija
Celebrated during Farmers’ Week, the festival aims to actively encourage, promote and enhance carabao’s milk as a nutrition and livelihood industry. Highlight of the festival is street dancing followed by float parade, parade of carabaos, carabao race, agri-trade fair, milk drinking contest, ice cream making competition, among others. For further details, contact Elman "Sonny" Maniquis (Municipal Tourism Officer) Phone (63 44) 411-1977 / 7950 / 0285 Mobile 0926-719-4815 / 0917-995-8126 Email elmaniquis@hotmail.com / mtio_talavera@yahoo.com or contact Carolina Uy (Provincial Tourism Officer), Office of the Governor, Phone (63 44) 982-3041 (trunkline) Mobile 0910-888-8288 / 0908-888-4858 Email caroline088@yahoo.com

Obando Fertility Dance
Date and Venue: May 17 – 19, Obando, Bulacan
Devotees from all over dance their way to find a lover or be rewarded with a child on the feast days of San Pascual Baylon, Sta. Clara de Asis and La Concepcion de Nuestra known as Virgen de Salambao every May 17 - 19. Be enthralled by rythmic dances of men and women accompanied by traditional brass bands - all garbed in Filipiniana attire. LEGEND OF THE FERTILITY DANCE: It is believed that the fertility dance originated from a miracle performed by Saint Pascual Baylon (San Pascual Baylon) who was a member of the Franciscan Order. He was very much blessed by the Holy Spirit, and to show his adoration and respect for God, he usually danced merrily and with great devotion. Many miracles were attributed to San Pascual Baylon. A story related that San Pascual Baylon sometimes visit villages in Obando and other neighboring towns disguised as a vinegar peddler. He then advised couples to go to the Obando Church to pray for a child. Many followed the advice and to their surprise, the image of San Pascual Baylon resembled that of Pascual, the vinegar peddler. Believing that what happened to them was a miracle, they danced with joy in front of the altar. And a few months later, many couples' faith was rewarded with a happy baby. The account of the miracle spread and was told and retold a thousand times, and soon devotees began flocking to Obando during the feast day of San Pascual Baylon on May 17 to perform the annual fertility dance. For further details, please contact Obando Tourism Council, Office of the Municipal Mayor, Phone (63 2) 294-7097 Email dhey27nikki@yahoo.com or contact Joseph “Sonny” Cristobal (Provincial Tourism Officer), Office of the Governor, Phone (63 44) 791-6604 / 2480 Mobile 0927-648-6916 / 0929-745-2566 Email sonnyjcristobal@yahoo.com / bulacan_tourism@yahoo.com or log on to www.bulacan.gov.ph

Pastillas Festival
Date and Venue: May 5-7, San Miguel, Bulacan
The festival is a tribute to one of the town's famous sweets - pastillas de leche (carabao milk candies). The town was formerly known as San Miguel de Mayumo, so called because it was renowned for the sweets made there. Among the events in the festival are demonstrations on pastillas cooking and the craft of making pabalat, the lacey pastillas wrappers made of rice paper. The art of making the pabalat or pastillas wrappers has transformed in recent years from being a local, folk tradition into a popular art. Besides adding flair to the sweet pastillas de leche made from fresh carabao’s milk, the pabalat has also become a compelling icon/symbol of the people’s creativity, not only of the town of San Miguel but the entire province of Bulacan. For further details, please contact, Municipal Planning and Development Office, Phone (63 44) 678-2452 Fax (63 44) 764-0154 or contact Joseph “Sonny” Cristobal (Provincial Tourism Officer), Office of the Governor, Phone (63 44) 791-6604 / 2480 Mobile 0927-648-6916 / 0929-745-2566 Email sonnyjcristobal@yahoo.com / bulacan_tourism@yahoo.com or log on to www.bulacan.gov.poh

Pastores Festival
Date and Venue: May 1, Gapan, Nueva Ecija
The Feast of Divina Pastora is celebrated every 1st day of May. Visitors come to the Shrine for prayer offering. They believe that the patron is miraculous.For further details, please contact Ms. Carolina Uy (Provincial Tourism Officer), Office of the Governor, Phone (63 44) 982-3041 (trunkline) Mobile 0910-888-8288 / 0908-888-4858 Email caroline088@yahoo.com

Paynauen 'Duyan' Festival
Date and Venue: April 25 - May 1, Iba, Zambales
Paynauen Festival in Iba, Zambales which commemorates the provincial capital's founding anniversary (founded in 1611) traces its origin from a Zambal word which means “rest” or “pahingahan” - the ancient name of Iba before the Spanish conquistadores founded the village on the shore of the Bancal River in 1611. The festival is the brainchild of Vice Mayor Benjamin Farin, Jr. It features photo competition and exhibit, sand sculpture competition, skate boarding, 2-cock derby, carabao race, beauty pageant, kite flying, banca race, boxing tournament, street dancing / Duyan Parade, among other activities. For further details, please contact Rufina Arcega (Municipal Tourism Officer), Office of the Mayor, Phone (63 47) 811-2910 / 2708 / 3583 Mobile 0917-803-7245 or log on to www.zambalesnow.com

Pulilan Carabao Festival
Date and Venue: May 14 – 15, Pulilan, Bulacan
An annual festival featuring hundreds of water buffaloes (carabao) parading along the streets of Pulilan followed by a throng of colorful floats and farming machines - all celebrating the feat of their patron saint, San Isidro de Labrador. The popular beasts of burden are cleaned and waxed to an ebony shine, their horns festooned with garlands of flowers, and and made to take a bow before the town church by performing the traditional genuflection - an incredible feat that never fails to mesmerize local and foreign visitors. One week before the feast day, a number of agri-related events are held in the town to primarily focus on and promote the economic development programs of the local government. Farmers hold contest such as carabao races, best crops competition and other folk children's games. Prizes are at stake for the best-looking carabao, the most skillful and the cleanest, the best themed-cart float, among other events. Contact Santos Santos (Municipal Tourism Officer), Phone (63 44) 676-1234 or contact Joseph “Sonny” Cristobal (Provincial Tourism Officer), Office of the Governor, Phone (63 44) 791-6604 / 2480 Mobile 0927-648-6916 / 0929-745-2566 Email sonnyjcristobal@yahoo.com / bulacan_tourism@yahoo.com or log on to www.bulacan.gov.ph

Flores the Mayo
Date and Venue: May 1 – 31, Nationwide
First introduced by the Spanish friars in 1854, and ten years after, blossomed in the various towns of Bulacan, Laguna, Batangas and Pampanga, the May devotion, also known as Flores de Mayo, is celebrated in the entire month of May when organizations like Daughters of Isabela, Knights of Columbus, Solidarity and Adoracion Nocturna, offer flowers to the Virgin Mary. The grand feast of the event is reserved for the last Sunday of the month when Mass is said and the image is led in a procession around town. Women who joined the procession wore blue saya and white veils made by local couturiers. The virgin is usually put under neoclassic arches, called kubol. Young men in barong Tagalog fetch and escort the girls in long gowns towards the church. Today, the celebration is combined with the traditional Santacruzan. Please contact your local tourism office.

Santacruzan
Date and Venue: May 1 - 31, Nationwide
Santacruzan (Holy Cross Festival) is considered the queen of Maytime festivals. It begins with a rosary novena in honor of the Holy Cross. Each night of the novena is assigned to a “hermana”, a member of the organizing committee, which is headed by the “hermana mayor.” The culminating event of the Santacruzan is a grand religio-historical procession commemorating Queen Helena's finding of the Cross. During the procession, young women in appropriate, lavish costumes personify Biblical characters and symbols of the Christian faith: Reyna Abanderada (Queen with the Standard), who carries the Philippine flag symbolizing the Christian Army, Reyna Justicia (Queen Justice), who is blindfolded, Divina Pastora (Divine Shepherdess), who carries a shepherdess' crook, Reyna de las Estrellas (Queen of Stars), who carries a wand topped by a star, Reyna de las Flores (Queen of Flowers), who walks with a canopy of flowers. There are also young girls dressed as angels. But the central figure in the procession is Reyna Elena (Queen Helena), accompanied by a little boy representing the young Constantine. Devotees walk with the procession with lighted candles singing the theme song "Dios Te Salve" (Hail Mary). According to legend, Queen Helena, mother of the Roman Emperor Constantine, took it upon herself to recover the original cross upon which Christ died. After many false leads, she came upon fragments of the true cross, which she brought back to Rome. Please contact your local tourism office. (Source: Fiesta! Fiesta! Festival Food of the Philippines book)

Jose Abad Santos Day
Date and Venue: May 7, City of San Fernando, Pampanga
The entire province of Pampanga remembers the patriotism of one of the City of San Fernando's illustrious sons, Chief Justice Jose B. Abad Santos, who was martyred by firing squad in Malabang, Lanao on May 7, 1942 by the Japanese for his refusal to pay allegiance to the Japanese flag. He is remembered for his famous words, "It is a rare opportunity to die for one's country. Not every Filipino is given this chance." For further details, please contact Ching Pangilinan (City Tourism Officer), Office of the City Mayor, Phones (63 45) 961-6640 loc. 106 / 209/ 961-5022 / 5684 / 3328 loc. 211 or lof on to www.cityofsanfernando.gov.ph

*Dates and other important details may change with or without prior notice. Please contact the local tourism office prior to visit. Always verify the exact date of festival or the highlight of the event (street dancing / parade, float parade, eucharistic celebration, showdown / competition etc.).

SHOWER YOUR MOM WITH LOVE ON MOTHER'S DAY AT MARRIOTT MANILA

I love my mother as the trees love water and sunshine - she helps me grow, prosper, and reach great heights.  ~Terri Guillemets

Mothers are the light of the family. They make sacrifices to put a smile on our face at any given moment.

In honor of their unconditional love, these Mother's Day let us remind all moms how much they are loved and appreciated.

…Because a Picture is Worth a Thousand Words, Give Mom a Caricature from Marriott Manila

If there’s one person that has a penchant for delicious, gourmet meal, that’s mom. For someone who cooks up a meticulous meal for the family, it’s no wonder why she has discerning taste buds. With this, there’s surely no other venue where she can indulge and celebrate her love for good food other than Marriott Café. Bring the whole family for Sunday Brunch, where it offers an upscale but a cozy venue to enjoy a promise of bigger, better, and heavier selections for brunch. And not to mention, everything gourmet!

With 17 stations including Cru Steakhouse and chocolate room for only P2, 500 net per head, Marriott Café got everything what a family would crave for from the healthiest greens, house-made pasta, savory steaks, to well-crafted cocktails.

 

To pay tribute to the woman that matters most, for every minimum of P12,000 net worth of receipt is entitled to an instant free caricature for mom! Since we believe that whatever hat she wears, mom is always at her most beautiful. On Mother’s Day, we’re adding a dose of cuteness with an exclusive souvenir caricature of her on Sunday Brunch.

 

And if the whole gang is in the mood to celebrate the day for dinner, Marriott Café offers Ocean Surf exclusively for this Sunday of mother’s day for only P1850 net per head. We know how most moms enjoy getting their hands dirty on rock lobster, crabs, oysters, clams, and shrimps.  That’s why our spread is stocked up only with the freshest and tastiest selections, whether it’s enjoyed as is or have our chefs make an exciting twist from it.

What’s lovely about this buffet is that, it’s not only about shells and seafood. The spread is pumped up with big slabs of beef and lamb slices from the carving station and other delicious options from the rotisserie.  Swing by at the Chinese Station for authentic dim sums, pork barbeque, marinated chicken, and Beijing style duck. The dessert station decks out as well large array of choices both for sweet toothed and weight watchers.

While for some who plans to go in an intimate, classy venue serving decadent dishes, Cru Steakhouse is the first in mind when making dining decisions. It’s also a venue of choice if you want to be settled in fine dining style of ambience with hands on service and pleasant staffs, who are very much adept on wine pairing too. For mother’s day, sous chef Rej Casanova whips up a surefire hit four course menu: Baby rocket salad with pan fried scallops, mushroom consome, grilled grain fed Australian ribeye with sautéed baby carrots & potato dauphinoise and creamy mushroom sauce or duo of baked mahi mahi and grilled jumbo tiger prawns, capped off with poached cranberries fresh apples vanilla bean ice cream—all these at P4, 000 net per head.

Sitting between your loved one while enjoying a perfectly composed and polished meal is always a great thing; but if it’s added with a weekend break in a snazzy hotel, whose mom wouldn’t love the idea? With this in mind, on offer is the special Mother’s Day room package. Spend a leisurely overnight stay in the deluxe room for only P9, 888++ single/double, inclusive of Marriott Café breakfast buffet for two with P1,000 worth of credits at Quan Spa and Jessie Mendez salon.

Discover Marriott Manila’s exciting take in celebrating Mother’s Day. From the world-renowned service, dining, and accommodation, it’s no wonder why it’s a favorite spot of every fun-loving family.

 

For inquiries or reservations, call 988-9999.

 

ABOUT MARRIOTT HOTEL MANILA:

An inviting beacon set in the world-class casino entertainment complex of Resorts World Manila, Marriott Hotel Manila is the place to work and play. Ideally located in Newport City across Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3, it is a convenient 15 minute drive from Makati Business District and Bonifacio Global City . Affording a splendid view of the adjoining 18-hole Villamor Golf Course, it boasts 342 exquisite guest accommodations that offers luxurious bedding, in-room safe, mini-bar, high-speed Internet, air conditioning, 40" full high definition LCDs with IPTV, videos on demand and jack pack plug-and-play system. The hotel features excellent dining options such as Marriott Cafe, Cru Steakhouse, Java+ and Lobby Lounge. Leisure facilities include Quan Spa, Health Club, Salon and Newport Mall. With a Grand Ballroom and several meeting rooms, Marriott Hotel Manila is also the ultimate destination for meetings and events, from weddings to gala dinner celebrations.

AIR ASIA PENALIZED PEOPLE WHO GETS SICK

I am a ruptured brain aneurysm survivor!

And I am not supposed to be mad or stressed out! But I am so fed up with AIR ASIA!

I don't know why Air Asia staff have biases against aneurysm survivors! Calling the attention of my fellow aneurysm survivors all over the world, please DON'T FLY WITH AIR ASIA!

WHY? Please put yourself on my shoes. Yes, I have had enough of AIR ASIA. They're inconsiderate %#)?. After what I've been through, trying to follow up my credit shell and for abusing the kindness of my Singaporean friend Guanhan just to call Air Asia Singapore so I'll have my credit shell. We were left with nothing. Only this errors!

Yes the airline had been ignoring my e-mails last year.  If not for my Singaporean friend's kindness and constant follow up to Air Asia Singapore I will not be given a credit shell. The credit shell was informed to me via a long distance call from Singapore only last January 15, 2012. One day short before my appeal for credit shell turned six months.

I tried using that f($&@)># Credit shell just before the expiration date and it says pending! Great!

Pending even before the expiry date! That's Bull#$?(!] All I encountered, out of so many tries are this buzz buzz, error messages etc,

This is after so many e-mails, trips to the doctors just to ask for the certificate, Doctor's professional ID, license, our birth certificate and other supporting documents.

Yes, Air Asia had asked for so many documents as if we were a part of a criminal group and not a survivor of a deadly condition.

To make things clearer, here is my health background. Last year I was operated on RUPTURED BRAIN ANEURYSM and SURVIVED! As expected, I cannot use my plane ticket until my neurosurgeon approve of it. So I had to cancel all my flights. Air Asia don't do rebooking. You will just be given a credit shell less Fifty Singaporean Dollars for processing and another Twenty four dollars for bank transaction fees.

I sent so many e-mails, tweeted many messages on Twitter, message them on FB and yes even called them on their so called hotline. Someone from Air Asia called me and said her name is Cherry. She called me tonight and announced she'll send the credit shell extension one moment then changed her mind the next.  Now, should I applaud your erratic behavior Air Asia? Is this how you show you are the airline that cares? Really now?

I am virtually left with nothing. It made me feel like,uhu! why I am being penalized for getting sick?

My poor Singaporean friend's effort and time went futile lah. I am so sorry friend. What can I do? Air Asia is inconsiderate bordering to barbaric. Is that how Air Asia care?

The original plan was for my brother and I to visit our Singaporean friend in Singapore and he will come with us in Bali, Indonesia. But that would not happen now my friend. Maybe I'll just try the Manila to Bali Indonesia being offered by our local airlines here in the Philippines. Or maybe you could come and visit us.

Dear readers, why make a fool of yourself ?  Imagine you have to shell out money to ride a taxi for two thousand pesos just to get to Clark Air Base? And if you think and believe that you're wa-is and decided to take a public transportation then you have to shell out money for your jeepney fare or bus fare to get to the terminal in Pasay and pay around Php 400 to get to Clark via a two hour bus ride?

We, yes you and I, can take our flights from Metro Manila. What with all the promos being offered by our local airlines you might be able to catch a ride for 0 fare! And save yourself  from getting left by the plane.  And shall I add from this kind of treatment?

I hope the politicians penalized these airlines for being so unfair to their passengers. We are a paying passengers for God's sake!  I hope the one sided transactions of airlines be known by everyone.

I patiently waited for so looooong. NO ONE, answered my e-mail except when I got through live chat after several failed attempts. But then again all I got is a cold answers from Cherry of AIR ASIA. They chose to ignored my case.

Greyson Chance Live!

Wanna meet @greysonchance? Simply buy Greyson Chance T-Shirt bundle at Odyssey Gateway and get a chance to be part of his Fans Day later at 4PM!

So what are you waiting for? Hurry before you miss your chance! 

This is not a paid post, I wrote this for Sophia who loves Greyson Chance so much! Sophia I hope you will be able to see this!

ANNE CURTIS AT AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL

OMG! I am so excited for Anne! Anne Curtis wears Francis Libiran for a shoot that will be featured on America’s Next Top Model. Everybody's sweetheart and very down to earth Anne Curtis gets to share this chance together with celebrity photographer Mark Nicdao.

America’s Next Top Model host/producer Tyra Banks chose Francis Libiran to create gowns specifically for a shoot that will be featured on America’s Next Top Model. Anne Curtis was hand-picked by Francis Libiran as his model because according for him, Anne “represents a perfect Filipina.”

“I’d do anything for him. Back then when I was just starting in the industry, he made all the beautiful dresses that I wore in special events in my life,” quips Anne.

According to America’s Next Top Model producer, fellow Filipino Michael Carandang, this will be the first time that the works of a Pinoy photographer will be exhibited in America’s Next Top Model. Carandang is very happy for the talents of Filipino designers. Before Francis, Filipino designers like Michael Cinco and Oliver Tolentino have penetrated America’s Next Top Model after their creations were featured in a number of episodes of the show last year.

Tyra Banks was also one of the Best-Dressed during the annual Blossom Ball in New York wore a gown made by Libiran.