BUREAU OF IMMIGRATION: Extends Visa-Free Entry to 30 days.

BUREAU OF IMMIGRATION: Extends Visa-Free Entry to 30 days.

Good news peeps!

The Bureau of Immigration in the Republic of the Philippines extends visa-free entry privilege of aliens from 151 countries to 30 days!

VISA ENTRY FOR 30-DAYS STAY UNDER E.O. 408

Countries whose nationals may enter the Philippines without a visa for a stay not exceeding thirty (30) days under E.O. 408, provided these foreign nationals are holders of a passport valid at least six (6) months, beyond the period of stay in the Philippines and return or outward bound tickets to country of origin or next country of destination.

Who am I?

Who am I?

I am one of the many. A human who walks on the face of the earth. I am a ruptured brain aneurysm survivor. One of the lucky few who survived. And I want to create awareness that Brain Aneurysm do exists! And it is like a thief in the night that could take everything away in an instant. Unannounced.  

I've been criticized in the past for always sharing my story to everyone who cares to listen. Maybe, I was so desperate to save other people's lives. Forgive me. I only felt that by sharing to everyone my story, he or she might in turn share it with others and the cycle goes on and on. 

To all of you, my dear readers, if you have symptoms like, for example, a recurring headache. And you have the money, please o pretty please have a brain scan and show it to your neurologist for proper interpretation. If you have brain aneurysm, then by all means undergo surgery. If you don't, then praise God to high heavens. I know you would want to spend more time with your friends, family and love ones for a long long time. And it is one of your ardent wishes to be able to say goodbye to your love ones, then show your love for them by attending to your health, now na!

Here is my story. Please click here! Thank you!

I would like to give credits to the owner/s. Original Song by Casting Crowns. Cover: JMM Photo above: Lauren Melnick-Lamb And for those who might want to sing along, here is the lyrics of the song:

Who am I?
That the Lord of all the earth,
Would care to know my name,
Would care to feel my hurt.
Who am I?
That the bright and morning star,
Would choose to light the way,
For my ever wandering heart.

Bridge:
Not because of who I am,
But because of what you've done.
Not because of what I've done,
But because of who you are.

Chorus:
I am a flower quickly fading,
Here today and gone tomorrow,
A wave tossed in the ocean,
A vapor in the wind.
Still you hear me when I'm calling,
Lord, you catch me when I'm falling,
And you've told me who I am.
I am yours.
I am yours.

Who am I?
That the eyes that see my sin
Would look on me with love
And watch me rise again.
Who am I?
That the voice that calmed the sea,
Would call out through the rain,
And calm the storm in me.

PHILIPPINES: All Set to Conquer World Cosplay Summit (WCS) in Japan

PHILIPPINES: All Set to Conquer World Cosplay Summit (WCS) in Japan

WCS, which is dubbed as the "Olympics of Cosplay," is every cosplayer's ultimate dream. 

After three grueling years of applying for a spot at WCS, the Philippines made it this year as one of the "observers," along with representatives from Hong Kong and Taiwan.

Hero TV's Hero Face Off winners Erika Jean Garbin and John Vincent Estapon are the very first Filipino Cosplayers to represent the country in this year's World Cosplay Summit (WCS) in Nagoya, Japan on August 3 and 4, 2013.

Erika Jean Garbin, 23, from Cavite is one of the two cosplayers who will be sent by the anime channel Hero TV to the WCS. 

I was the first one to arrive during the press conference and I can't help but notice that Erika looks like international singing sensation Charice Pempengco. She looks like Charice before her transformation. I told her to join "It's Showtime" celebrity look-alike segment after she comes back from Japan. She then related to me an instance inside the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) train that while she was standing, holding to the railings, some people called her "Charice, Charice." When we asked her if she acknowledged them, she said she shyly answered only with a smile.

Erika Garbin said she already feels the pressure to step up her game because she and Estapon, who was not present during the media briefing, are set to make a first impression on the attendees in this year's WCS.

When asked how she feels about being one of the two cosplayers representing the Philippines, she said: "Excited na ninenerbyos po ako kasi first time, tapos as a cosplayer, it's been my dream to represent the Philippines in a world stage. Napakalaking honor po ng naibigay sa akin ng opportunity na ito and at the same time, malaking responsibility din, kasi ito ang unang impression nila sa mga cosplayers ng Pilipinas. (I am excited and nervous because it's my first time and, as a cosplayer, it's been my dream to represent the Philippines in a world stage. It's a great honor that I am given this opportunity and at the same time, it's also a big responsibility because this would be their first impression of the cosplayers in the Philippines.)

The two cosplayers do not get to participate in the competition this year, but their presence is considered a stepping stone to being one of the official contenders in 2014. If they do well, then there is a big possibility that the Philippines can compete next year. So guys, let's pray for them.

"Kahit hindi kami magko-compete, at least ma sho- showcase yung creativity and craftsmanship ng mga Filipino cosplayers," (Even if we will not compete, at least we could showcase the creativity and craftsmanship of Filipino cosplayers)  Erika quips.

I really like Erika's costume which she personally made. 

Erika Garbin shared some details about her winning costume.

"'Yung costume na ito, inspiration ko 'yung mismong character. Parang na-in love ako sa kanya. Maganda talaga 'yung costume and 'yung personality ng character is something I want to be. If I was given the chance to help other people, siguro ako 'yung character na ito,”  (About this costume, my inspiration is the character itself. As if I fell in love with it. The costume is really beautiful and the personality of the character is something I want to be. If I was given the chance to help other people, maybe I am this character.) she said of her Freya costume.

Erika Garbin said she normally creates costumes in less than a month. 

"Mahilig ako sa mga complicated na costumes. One week for painting and two weeks for crafting. Ayaw ko i-rush para maganda talaga siya kapag prinesent na," (I like complicated costumes. One week for painting and two weeks for crafting. I don't want to rush so that it will come out beautiful once presented.) she said. 

Erika also thanked her mom who does the emulsion on her costumes. And she also mentioned her brother, boyfriend and her fellow cosplayers for their unwavering love and support for her. She'll be bringing two (2) costumes to Japan. One for the parade and the other one for their skit. The organizers of WCS requested Erika and Vincent to do a skit in Japan. This is the first time that an observer will be performing on stage even though they are not competing. Way to go Team Philippines! Woooooot! 

The other Philippine representative to WCS John Vincent Estapon is still in his home province (Davao) during the press con.

Meanwhile enjoy his winning costumes which I grabbed from Vincent's FB. Credits to their owners.

Look at that costume! Vincent is fierce! 

Vincent Estapon (One of the 2 Mindanao Qualifiers) and Erika Garbin (One of the 7 Subic Qualifiers) won Hero TV's recently concluded Hero Face Off competition, where they cosplayed as Freya from "Zangeki no Reginleiv" and Haseo from the ".hack G.U. Trilogy," respectively.

Break a leg guys! Goodluck! Go for #WCS2014

Special thanks to Miggy Valentin for lending me his pictures. 

CHARICE PEMPENGCO AND AIZA SEGUERRA

CHARICE PEMPENGCO AND AIZA SEGUERRA

During the blog conference for Tambayan hits way back June 2013, I told the producer that she should get Charice Pempengco to join the concert because people were clamoring to see Charice in concert after she announced to the world her true sexual orientation.

The show producer even asked me who is Charice Pempengco's manager now. I told her that Charice Pempengco's manager is a Fil-Canadian guy from Calamba, Laguna who goes by the name Glenn (Aldueza). I told her to contact Glenn. She said she thought Charice Pempengco's manager is in the US. I told her no, I don't think so, because as far as I know Charice is now being managed by Glenn.

To my surprise they are now producing a concert for Charice and Aiza this coming August or September.

I am happy for Aiza and Charice. Go break a leg!

Photo by Arnold Almacen

NEW WORLD MAKATI HOTEL: Launches 2 Facebook Apps

NEW WORLD HOTEL MAKATI: Launches 2 Facebook Apps

New World Makati Hotel launched its latest social media apps over a delicious dinner at The Glass House located at the second level of New World Makati Hotel last week.

Invited bloggers had the first view of these milestones for New World Makati Hotel. It felt nice that world class hotels like New World Makati Hotel now embraces the most popular and effective social media platforms to actively communicate with the world. With over 8,000 likes to date, New World Makati Hotel’s Facebook Fan Page has become an avenue for sharing the hotel’s latest news, promotions and offerings.

This July, the hotel launches two Facebook apps geared towards providing more interactive and personal connections.

"The “In Touch” Facebook app gives everyone fast and easy access to the hotel’s front liners," quips Ms. Nini Icban, Director of Communications of New World Makati Hotel.

Eager to receive and respond to the messages are New World Makati Hotel’s General Manager Farid Shoucair, Resident Manager Eddy Sarton, Director of Sales & Marketing Jann Delgado, Director of Communications Nini Icban, Director of Rooms Joy Barleta, Director of Food & Beverage Paawan Engineer, Director of Human Resources Geuel Auste, and Club Epicure.

Everybody are invited to send messages, inquiries, and other concerns to significant representatives from various areas of the hotel. If you need to get IN TOUCH with New World Makati Hotel, you can check out its IN TOUCH FACEBOOK APPLICATION through this link: https://www.facebook.com/NewWorldMakatiHotel/app_647242451956015. They are looking forward to hearing from you!

New World Makati Hotel likewise sparks creativity with the #IHeartNewWorld Photo Sharing Contest on Instagram. 

So, it’s time to wander the streets of Makati and come up with the most unique photos while doing the “I Heart” pose and adding the hash tag #IHeartNewWorld. Entries with the most number of "likes" win prizes and giveaways from the hotel. To join, follow the registration details and mechanics posted on the hotel's Facebook Page.

In Touch and #IHeartNewWorld are now accessible to all online. Simply "like" New World Makati Hotel’s Facebook Fan Page and follow the hotel’s Twitter and Instagram accounts (@newworldmakati) for the latest news.

For more information, please call New World Makati Hotel at 811-6888.

CAFE 1771: A Breakfast Like No Other

CAFE 1771: A Breakfast Like No Other

Cafe 1771 reminds me of the fictional piano-playing character Schroeder of Peanuts Gang fame by the late cartoonist Charles M. Schulz because his character's address is 1770 James Street. It is easy for Schroeder to remember his address because 1770 is the birth year of his idol, the German composer and pianist Ludwig van Beethoven. 

It is as if we were transported to Europe when we stepped inside Cafe 1771 at El Pueblo Real de Manila, Dona Julia Vargas Ave. corner ADB Ave., Ugong, Pasig. We dined at the left side of the restaurant called The Lounge.

The wide French windows overlooking the parking lot make you imagine that you are somewhere in Europe. 

Arrays of books line up the walls, separating The Lounge from the Whimsy section of the cafe. It is a book lovers haven as you will feel like you are in a library. 

Half of The Lounge can be partitioned into a private room for twenty persons. 

It is ideal for business meetings, entertaining clients and foreign visitors or a casual feel-good lunch or dinner. Service is hushed and personalized. 

Breakfast is both quaint and modern Filipino.

Pancake with caramelized bananas and candied walnuts... oh, so yummy!

For more pictures and stories, please click HERE.

JUST GIVE ME A REASON:Pink Feat.Nate Ruess Cover

JUST GIVE ME A REASON:Pink Feat.Nate Ruess Cover

I stumbled upon Backtrack, a new a cappella (without instrumental accompaniment) group from New York City. Just Give Me a Reason is already the group's fourth single! I really like what I heard so I am sharing their music to you guys and gals! Enjoy!

You could SUBSCRIBE to their channel to stay informed of their new music!

Backtrack members are composed of the following:

Soprano: Kara Lewis

Alto: Carly Cantor
http://www.carlycantor.com

Baritone: Brett Parker

Bass: Andrew John Kim

Beatboxing: Spencer Polanco (Spencer Beatbox)
http://www.youtube.com/user/spencerbe...
http://twitter.com/spencerbeatbox

Additional Info:
Producer & Recording Engineer: Andrew John Kim
http://www.andrewjohnkim.com/recording

Video Editor: Brett Parker and Spencer Polanco

Mastering Engineer: Gabriel Gutiérrez at Zampol Productions Mastering Studios
http://www.ggamusic.com/
http://www.zampolproductions.com/

ON ITUNES: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/jus...
LIKE them on FACEBOOK:https://www.facebook.com/BacktrackVocals

WIN FREE VITAMINS: A Champs Giveaway!

WIN FREE VITAMINS: A Champs Giveaway!

It's rainy season again. This is also the season for colds and flu. In fact, I've already noticed a lot of people around coughing and sneezing.  If adults started getting sick because of the changing weather, how much more your children?  Your children are prone to coughs and flu, not only because of the changing weather but also because of viruses and germs brought by adults. So give your child an extra protection from these diseases. Anything to keep them healthy to avoid colds, flu or throat and ear infections that seem to plague almost every household during this season. 

Did you know that there's a fun way in making your children take their vitamins without having to chase them around the house and force-feeding them their yucky tasting vitamins?

It is a fact that many children ( even adults)  don’t like swallowing pills but most dietary supplements and vitamins are needed to be taken orally to pass straight through the digestive system. Good thing there's Champ chewable vitamins for your kids with fun shapes and flavors that your kids will surely love!

Champs vitamins are very affordable and equally effective. That means you, mommies out there, won't have to spend a fortune on your children's vitamins.

If you have never heard about Champs vitamins for kids, here is a little bit about them: Champs has a great line of kids vitamins and supplements that have only natural flavors added. Champs Chewable Vitamins come in optimum, convenient, exact dosing, great tasting and come in fun shapes

FAQ:

Q. My child just ate a handful of Champs Vitamins. Do I need to take her to the doctor?

A. No. Champs Vitamins are specially formulated with kids in mind. The excess vitamins will be naturally eliminated from their bodies. 

Mothers' Choice for Champions!

Now available in :

• Mercury Drug
• The Generics Pharmacy
• Generika Drugstores and other leading drugstores nationwide!

For my review, I was given samples of the Champs vitamins line.  I have to try a sample of them myself and they really have a good taste.

Kids would love the taste of these yummy vitamins. I recommend keeping these out of reach of kids though, especially if they are not yet old enough to know the difference between vitamins and candy but little ones might not be so discriminating. 

Disclaimer:  I received product samples in exchange for my honest review. I received no monetary compensation. All opinions expressed here are mine and mine alone.

What Makes Champs Vitamins Unique:

Champs Vitamins are chewable and have a candy-like taste.

The Giveaway: 

CCM Pharmaceuticals offered to give six (6) of my readers a gift pack containing Champs 5 variants. Yehey! Good Luck peeps!

Six (6) Lucky winners will win a Vitamin Gift Pack each that includes:

1. Champs C (vitamin C)
2. Champs C with Lysine
3. Champs M (9 essential vitamins)
4. Champs M with Lysine, and
5. Champs Omega 3 Plus  

MECHANICS:

• Giveaway begins on July 20, 2013 and ends on August 14, 2013 at 12:00 noon.
• This giveaway is only open to residents of Metro, Manila, Philippines who are 18 years of age or older. If you live outside of Metro Manila or outside the Philippines, you could still enter the contest as long as you are willing to shoulder the cost of shipping. 
• The winners must be able to pick up the package in Makati City, Philippines. Otherwise a new winner will be picked. Meaning you will need to pay for your own transportation and incidental expenses. 
• Prizes will be forfeited if not claimed on the designated time and date. 
• Please make sure your email address is in your profile or in your comment so I can find you.
• The winners will be randomly chosen and contacted via email. 
• The winners will have 48 hours to respond. Only one winner per household. Please make sure you check your junk mail folder.
• It is mandatory to do all the assigned tasks on the rafflecopter. Absence of one task will disqualify your entry. 
• Don't comment as anonymous please. Entries using anonymous identity will not be honored.
• Tweets and FB share must be set public.

Enter through the Rafflecopter widget below. If you don’t see it wait until the page loads completely. Log in with your email address or with your Facebook account. Click the +1 button, follow the instructions and click the green Enter button. Earn bonus entries for sharing. Good Luck! 

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