Customer Service or Customer No Service - Part 3

Pyrolympics Glimpse

Me and B went to Mall of Asia last Saturday to catch the Pyrolympics. I really wanted to go as I missed it last year. It was a blessing that B was given two tickets worth Php 150 by his boss. The entrance of MOA Esplanade was closed as viewers are required to pay but I think everyone call still see the show even by afar.

Anyway, I as not able to appreciate Canada’s display that much because of heavy rain that day. We thought the show time would be delayed because of the downpour but it still pushed through at the scheduled time. It must have been really scheduled and programmed. The large crowd and the rain made it quite uncomfortable but thank god the rain finally stopped before the next fireworks display at 9.

And all I can say was it was spectacular. I loved seeing the sky light up with bright colors and I guess everyone there enjoyed it. At the end, I can say that the trip was worth the slight hassle. Here are some of the pics from France’s fireworks display.

I was also able to record a video…but for some reason can't upload it..will try again next time :-)

Goodbye Summer of 2008

It happens every year. I cringe when the summer season start because I dread the long hot, sticky days. I guess I am one of those people who seem to be afraid of the sun…well who wouldn’t be with the threat of global warming, wrinkles and skin cancer. The moment I realized that the long nights, short days, and temperate weather of the Christmas season is about to be over, I sighed and said…time to stock up on my summer defense...sunscreen, umbrella, shades, and a vow to avoid the sun as much as possible.

But still, summer wouldn’t pass without me spending almost an entire day outdoors. The summer season is not that short enough to accommodate all that out of town trips, swimming gimiks, and the like. At the end of the day, I enjoyed being exposed to the sun so much to realize that after all, a little sun wouldn’t hurt so bad.

Anyway, it’s ironic because as much as I dread the start of summer, I find myself so sad when the first rain of May comes. Somehow, it represents the passing of the season.

Anyway, summer is still not technically over so I guess I will just make the most of it…

PowerBooks Oprah Book Club Promo

This promo runs from April 15 – May 31, 2008 at the Powerbooks Greenbelt, Megamall, Shangri-la, Alabang Town Center and Trinoma.

Talk show queen Oprah recommends various health, diet and fiction books which you can now find in Powerbooks stores! Purchase any Oprah recommended book with the branded sticker and get a premium Hallmark Channel silver bookmark and an Oprah poster. Catch all-new episodes of Oprah on the Hallmark Channel. Primetime Specials: Every Sunday at 8pm, Primetime: Monday-Friday at 8pm, Daytime: Monday-Sunday at 1pm.

Where Bloggers Make Money

I am really amazed at how the internet can make earning money seems so simple…sometimes I perceived them to be too good to be true. But not this time. I am so glad to discover this site which pays their commentators. The earnings are unlike other paid to post sites which will pay you I guess about 1 dollar for 100 posts. At www.centrinads.com, I easily earned over 1 dollar after making 12 short comments. Isn’t that great? And an added bonus is that the blog is also very informative. Check it out guys

The 3rd World Pyro Olympics 2008

The World Pyro Olympics that offers world-class firework displays is now on its 3rd year. Professional pyrotechnic companies will light up the skies for four weekends of May at the Esplanade across SM Mall of Asia. The schedule is as follows:

China and Germany (May 3)
Canada and France (May 10)
Italy and Venezuela (May 17)
Australia and Korea (May 24)


Visit http://www.WorldPyroOlympics.com.

Haircuts

Break Up and Learn

I completed this survey at http://www.dneero.com and earn $2.29 by posting my answers here!. Find it totally cool!

Get Your Free Olay Sample!

I love freebies:-) I just found one today and i wanna share it with you guys.

To get a free Olay 7 anti-ageing treatments for free, just visit http://olay.ph and register.

Here's how to avail of the free Olay Total Effects 8g sample.
1. Please fill out the registration form.
2. Choose your preferred branch from among the participating Watsons branches where you can claim your free sample.
3. An SMS message will be sent to the mobile phone number you have provided.
4. Just present this SMS message to the Olay Beauty Consultant to claim your sample.
5. You are also entitled to a P 100 voucher that you can use to get a discount on your next purchase of any Olay Total Effects Cream (Normal, Gentle UV/Non-UV, Blemish Prone, Serum) from any Watsons branch.
6. Failure to redeem the sample within the given time frame will result in a revoked claim.

One consumer is entitled to one sample and voucher.100,000 samples will be given away nationwide.

My Blog's Reading Level!

Wow readers of this blog...you are certified geniuses!

TV Reviews

Starbucks Coffee is supporting Earth Day 2008!

On April 22, 2008, Earth Day, Starbucks will be treating you to a Php 40 discount if you USE YOUR OWN TUMBLER/MUG in purchasing any of your favorite beverage at any Starbucks store in the Philippines.

We recommend customers participating in this campaign to bring tumblers that have the proper insulation for either warm or cold drinks.

Bottled water and pre-packed juices are not included in this campaign.

Transactions with Senior Citizen, VAT Exempt and Handicapped discounts are not qualified for this promotion. However other marketing promotions (ex. coffee passport), complimentary vouchers and other discounts (ex. Rustan’s discounts and partner discounts) are disqualified to join this promotion.

Big Bucks - Easy Job - For Smart Brains!

Europe's No. 1 English Training Service Provider is hiring English teachers for this quarter.

Competitive benefits and great career opportunities.

Starting salary: Php 25-35k plus bonuses on top of basic salary.

DEADLINE OF APPLICATIONS: APRIL 28

E-mail your resume at lvilla@oneb- mail.com. GOOD LUCK! :-)

iBlog4: The 4th Philippine Blogging Summit

The 4th Philippine Blogging Summit will be held at Malcolm Theater, College of Law, in UP Diliman, Quezon City this April 26, 2008. This event is organized by the University of the Philippines - Internet Society Program. iBlog 4 is FREE!
Register here

The program is as follows:
9:00 - 9:20 Flag Ceremony, Welcome Remarks, Keynote
9:20 - 9:45 How to Blog (from a non-problogger point-of-view) - Charo Nuguid
9:45 - 10:00 Sponsor Talk
10:00 - 10:30 Break
10:30 - 11:00 From Student Blogger to ProBlogger - Juan Karlo Licudine11:00 - 11: 30 Photoblogging - Juned Sonido11:30 - 12:00 Blog to Print - Jonas Diego12:00 - 1:00 Lunch
1:00 - 1:40 Vlog and Podcasting Prospects in the Philippines - Aileen Apolo and Coy Caballes
1:45 - 2;45 Blogging and 2010 Elections Panel- Manuel L. Quezon III, Luz Rimban, Janette Toral
2:40 - 3:10 Legal Challenges in Blogging - Atty. JJ Disini
3:10 - 3:30 Break
3:30 - 3:50 Blogging for Advocacy - Noemi Lardizabal Dado
3:50 - 4:30 Blogging from the Countryside- The Mindanao Blogging Experience Ria Jose
4:30 - 5:00 Closing Remarks / Group Picture / Raffle

Credit Cards Galore

I used to be wary of credit cards. I hate getting loans and I am never comfortable with borrowing money from others. My belief is that I have to make do with what I have and I don’t want to spend on things that I don’t really need.

So it’s quite surprising that today I have 3 credit cards…HSBC, Citibank, and Banco de Oro Credit cards. Security Bank offered to give me a free credit card and I have signed up for another Citibank card so I will probably have four or five credit cards this month…whew that’s really more than I need.

I can shop and dine and get cash advance as much as I want. Besides they make very nice wallet decorations. Well of the three credit cards, I still prefer Citibank. Their customer support is always helpful and available.

With HSBC, i love their points but don’t like their customer service. Besides I have a right to claim 2 vouchers for a mango watch but until now still haven’t received it… seems like they don’t want to give it

Well credit cards is not for everybody especially those who are compulsive buyers. As for me, I guess I am disciplined enough to use my cards wisely. I decline all offers for cash advance because I don’t really need it and I hate paying interests. And I always pay the total amount and on time.

The Secret Visualization Tools

The Secret by Rhoda Brynes has gained so much popularity. The Secret claims to have the power to give you everything you want, no matter how impossible it may seem. Happiness, wealth, love, riches, just about anything you can think of and there’s no limit to the thing you can achieve. Man is a magnet that attracts all positive vibes if he creates optimistic images in his head. I believe in the theory because it mostly deals with the power of positive thinking. Here’s an excellent video:

I am a Classic Fashionista!!!

Very True Indeed :-)

Your Fashion Style is Classic

You like what's stood the test of time... Simple, well styled clothes that don't scream trendy You stay updated and modern, but your clothes stay in style for a while You wouldn't be caught in animal prints, fake fur, or super bright colors

What Kind of Fashionable Woman Are You?

Nice Quote

We must not settle for a lukewarm lover and mild happiness. For deep down we know that lukewarm will turn cold, and mild happiness will become a nameless sadness.

- Richard Bach in The Bridge Across Forever

My Shamrock Personality

What Your Shamrock Says About You

You are brilliant, analytical, and somewhat of a perfectionist. You are ultra competent and knowledgeable. At times, people find you intimidating. You can be a bit sarcastic and harsh. You don't really consider yourself a lucky person. In your view, people create their own luck. You are creative, innovative, and complicated. You definitely have a unique spin on the world.

The Shamrock Personality Test

Amazing Video Clips

The following video clips from PostSecret and Toons amused me today. The one from Postsecret is a valentine-video and I know it’s really late for that now but it’s a very interesting clip just so I gotta share this. I’m not jaded by the way…but sometimes I love anti-love art 

Rain is a short film with good music and animation and the tagline ending there got me thinking...It rains because the universe weeps. Quite a good piece before the holy week vacation starts.

Valentine Video


Rain

I am a Frappacino!

You Are a Frappacino

At your best, you are: fun loving, sweet, and modern At your worst, you are: childish and over indulgent You drink coffee when: you're craving something sweet Your caffeine addiction level: low

What'>http://www.blogthings.com/whatkindofcoffeeareyouquiz/">What Kind of Coffee Are You?

Milk Bath

I love taking milk baths because they make my whole body feel baby-smooth and creamy. But . Try this more economical alternative!

You will need:
2 c powdered milk1 c cornstarch or baking soda
5-10 drops of your favorite scent of essential oils (optional but heavenly—e.g. are lavender, rosemary, sandalwood, rose)
Jar with lid

Mix the ingredients together and put into a lidded jar. When it’s time for your bath, put half a cup of this mixture straight into the bath and hop in, then melt away into creamy dreams.

I am a Violet

Quite true!!! My astrological flower is really violet

I am a Violet What Flower Are You?

Yummy Facial Mask

When it comes to beauty products, I am a sucker for all things natural and since B is going to a company outing this weekend, I plan to relax and pamper myself a little this weekend. Aside from having a manicure and pedicure, I will try this beauty recipe that promise to cleanse the pores and clear the face of pimples and blackheads.

Instant Milk and Honey Mask

Ingredients:
1 egg white (the yolk is easily removed)
1 tbsp honey
2 tbsp papaya
2 tsp of yoghurt or powdered milk

Mix up the ingredients and apply it to your face (avoid the eye area).
Leave it 15 minutes, while you talk rest, listen to music, and then just rinse it off.

Your skin will feel toned and silky smooth! The papaya is a gentle cleanser that removes dead skin cells. This mask is also great for dry skin, as both yoghurt and honey are replenishing and moisturizing.

I am Ready to Be a Wife!

I am really having fun with these online quizzes. Great stress reliever and cute blog entry :-)

You Are Ready to Get Married

You've done more than dream about the dress and the honeymoon In fact, you spend a good deal of your time thinking about what makes a relationship work And from your answers, it looks like you have the skills to say "I Do" and mean it You've dated enough, learned your fair share, and you're ready to settle down.

Are'>http://www.blogthings.com/areyoureadytobeawifequiz/">Are You Ready To Be A Wife?

I am a Great Girlfriend!

This is a great result. Made me smile today!

You are a Great Girlfriend

When it comes to your guy, you're very thoughtful But you also haven't stopped thinking of yourself You're the perfect blend of independent and caring You're a total catch - make sure your guy knows it too!

Are You a Good Girlfriend?

I am a Crossword Puzzle

You Are a Crossword Puzzle

You are well read, and you have a good head for remembering facts. You are a wordsmith. You have a way with words, and you're very literate. You are a mysterious person who enjoys dropping little clues every now and then.

What Kind of Puzzle Are You?

Who Am I According to Art

A period of writer’s block that I can’t ignore, boredom at work, lack of sleep and the irritating thought that I was affected by the transport strike today led me to this website: Took this Visual DNA test and got interesting results. It says that I am an Easy Rider and a bit of a romantic with a taste for the exotic. Uhmm…true to some extent.

Read my VisualDNA™ Get your own VisualDNA™

Perfect Wedding Song

I am listing nice wedding songs and I've only listed a few when I remember a very nice wedding song I have once heard and that is the song sung by Ms. Lea Salonga as part of her wedding vow.

The song's title was Two Words although at first I thought the title was I Do. I researched it on the net and for the second time watched it on YouTube. I was able to watched Lea's wedding on TV and her wedding is simply the best celebrity wedding I have seen so far. Simple, elegant, intimate, and so filed with love. The latter was probably what makes it so memorable and endearing. It is a wedding of no pretensions and overflowing with pure happiness.

I have seen many celebrity weddings which are both over publicized and laden with too much effort to make it appear perfect...most probably to please the audience and the press rather than themselves. There is nothing wrong with that except that somehow the wedding ends up more like a circus

I am not yet done with the wedding songs and I have to find the artists and add more songs… but the song Two Words will definitely be on the list. Here’s a copy of the lyrics and the video!


In a while, in a word,
Every moment now returns.
For a while, seen or heard,
How each memory softly burns.
Facing you who brings me new tomorrows,
I thank God for yesterdays,
How they led me to this very hour,
How they led me to this place...

Every touch, every smile,
You have given me in care.
Keep in heart, always I'll,
Now be treasuring everywhere.
And if life should come to just one question,
Do I hold this moment true?
No trace of sadness,
Always with gladness...
'I DO...'

(instrumental)

Now a song that speaks of now and ever,
Beckons me to someone new,
Unexpected, unexplored, unseen,
Filled with promise coming through.
In a while, in a word,
You and I forever change,
Love so clear, never blurred,
Has me feeling wondrous, strange,
And if life should come to just one question,
Do I face each moment true?
No trace of sadness, always with gladness,
'I DO...'

Never with sadness...
Always with gladness...

'I...DO....'

Lea Salonga Two Words lyrics

Tempus Fugit (Time Flies)

It’s a slow Tuesday afternoon considering the fact that I have a deadline to beat for this month: a number of original nursing articles. That is relatively easy if not for the fact that I still have to manage various websites. Well, I am definitely not complaining. I am working for a company with a very relaxed atmosphere.

Can’t help but notice that I am always relaxed now even if there is a deadline to beat. It’s both a good and bad thing. Good because I save myself from stress and anxiety but bad because I end up with loads of unfinished work to do. 

Anyway, I am browsing through various websites while trying to finish an article and at the same time looking for links for free Korean movies when I looked at the clock and God, it’s already 5 in the afternoon. I am stunned at how fast the time flies. I almost didn’t notice it go by.

Imagine It’s already the 4th day of March. We’ve entered the last month of the first quarter of 2008! I have quite a lot of plans for this year and I just hope that I will be able to accomplish all. Well it made me list these things:

What’s keeping me busy these days?

Work (writing and rewriting and editing article after article)
Managing websites
Promoting websites and blogs
Writing gigs (just finished one and looking for more)
Spending time with B
Playing with my nieces

Well not much huh (laughs) but those are quality time really. Also ould like to learn to learn to cook a dish or two, write a short story, and make money online, etc.etc.

Catch the Pain

I am currently reading Hearts in Atlantis and I am really enjoying the book. I am a huge Stephen King fan as his book triggered lots of emotion. As a child reading is my favorite hobby and I think I first discovered the wonders of immersing yourself inside a novel through Stephen King. I am writing this down because I thought I had outgrown Stephen King but after picking one of his novels again, I discovered he still had the power to mesmerize me.

Anyway a phrase from the book caught my attention, Catch the pain. Pain travels from the source to the brain, according to Ted Brautigan a character in Hearts in Atlantis. Ted said this to Carol an 11-year old girl who had a bad injury in her shoulder after 3 boys attacked her in a park. Ted said he can fix her shoulder but had instructed the girl to bite the belt he gave her when he said so. This will allow her to catch the pain before it goes to her brain. Doing so will prevent her from experiencing the pain.

I was amazed with the concept. Whenever we feel hurt, maybe the remedy to ease the bad feelings is as simple as that. Maybe we can really catch the pain…

The Eve of My 30th Birthday!

I wrote this last Friday but only had the time and the guts to post this now. This entry is one week late!

30 long years! God…it’s quite scary when I think about it, more so as I type it and even more is the thought of its impending and inevitable reality. I’ll be 30 in a few hours and even as I struggle to inject in my mind that it’s just another birthday there is something about the number that feels like I am starting over a new phase, leaving something behind…moving to a next level…leaving my comfort zone. It is time to face the real world.

You turned 1 with a bang but you are clueless. You’re not even aware that your parents will bring you to a portrait studio to have your picture taken. Even so, you managed to look nice in your one-year picture. You turned 7 and you are just grateful for the gifts and the celebration. Then you turned 12, very excited and impatient to be 13…when high school and the fun start. Then you turn 16, life’s a breeze and everything’s easy. Age 21 comes and you are quite sad that your teenage years are physically over but in your mind are wondering why you still feel 15. You dread age 25 but when it comes, you still feel like 15. Suddenly you are about to turn 30 and you can’t think of anything but the thought that you have probably spent half of your lifetime.

Can’t remember when I stopped getting excited for my birthday. I mean time comes when you don’t really count the years because it suddenly amazed you that you have been here too long and you hardly noticed it. All those years have come and gone so fast… you long for a rewind...a repeat performance. But one can never return and can even pretend that it never existed.

Anyway, I can say that before I turn 30, I have a few accomplishments to boast, learned a lesson or two, and have seen and experienced quite a bit of what this world has to offer. My life is far from perfect and I have not really followed the so-called right path. But at least I will turn 30 carrying my wonderful plans and dreams for the many years to come in my life.
I think being 30 sort of scared me because in a lot of ways it seems that the years just roll but I remain the same. It is funny because I am certain that after 10 years when I turn 40, I will start wishing I am 30. Oh we make life so complicated!

Happy V-Day!

It’s Valentine’s Day!!!  Well even if this day is dreadful for single people (I am not one of them this year) and in many ways is nothing but another opportunity for entrepreneurs to sell their stuff and services…we should still be grateful that we have a V-day. For one, it reminds people to be nice and appreciate their loved ones even once a year. And everyone can be mushy without feeling a little corny or perhaps guilty hehe (for letting our emotions rules our actions).

A Beautiful Quote

Somebody emailed this to me. Wanna share with you this wonderful quote:

"As we grow up, we learn that even the one person that wasn't supposed to ever let you down probably will. You will have your heart broken probably more than once and it's harder every time. You'll break hearts too, so remember how it felt when yours was broken. You'll fight with your best friend. You'll blame a new love for things an old one did. You'll cry because time is passing too fast, and you'll eventually lose someone you love. So take too many pictures, laugh too much, and love like you've never been hurt because every sixty seconds you spend upset is a minute of happiness you'll never get back. Don't be afraid that your life will end, be afraid that it will never begin."

Lovely Chinese New Year Poem

Kung Hei Fat Choy! I have a Chinese-Filipino friend based in Hong Kong who sent me a Chinese New Year greeting via email. I was touched with the gesture because I get to know him and his family only through the internet. He is a regular reader and contributor in one website I managed. At the age of 60 plus, he and his wife are both amazingly strong and alert (both physically and mentally). His wife can cook excellent dishes and he can still come up with interesting articles. Not to mention he is well-updated with the latest technology as he seems to use email ad internet often. They are based in Hong Kong but visits their families in Australia and Boston

Well, they are someone I looked up to as they seem to be leading a happy and fulfilling life. I feel like he is one person I can trust and I am grateful with the wisdom he imparts on me through the articles he submits and through our exchange of emails. Friendship can really develop via internet hehe  Well here’s the poem I want to share with you!
Year of the Fat Rat

In this year of the robust Rat
May your "choy" be always "fat!"

In Our Father's house, we store our Wealth
His kind blessings, we ask for our Health

For our family, we ask for Peace
Love and Joy, our Lord we plead

Kung hei, kung hei from
Mary and Dick Liong

Note:Fat (growing or sprouting - fa in pinyin) Choy (wealth – cai or sprotuig of fantastic wealth!)

15 Things About Me

I am a professional writer.
I have been published in magazines.
I have been on national television.
Studied at the Philippine’s premier state university.
My name appears on search engines (I am quite visible online.)
I am very simple.
People said I look young for my age (that’s a compliment)
I love pasta dishes.
I wish I am a great cook
I am in love with my B.
I am the youngest in the family.
I have written a 150-page guidebook.
I have written all the content of one particular website.
I am a delinquent student in college.
I am not afraid of the dark.

Starting the Week Right

Monday is here and surprisingly I am glad to be back at work. I spent the weekend with B and though there is barely enough time to rest, I don’t feel really tired at all. In fact, I reported early for work today J

Last Saturday, we went on a tripping at Bulacan with my mom then visit my Kuya’s house. We went home quite late. Yesterday, we attended a mass at Edsa shrine, had lunch at Shakeys and then went to Megamall to make a deposit in our joint BDO account. It was sale at National Book Store Shangri-La so I dig their bargain books area. I purchased two novels only for 60 pesos (nice find!)

Anyway the week promised to be special and not just because it’s my birthday week. I think it’s going to be a hectic and fulfilling one as there are so many things to happen.

It’s Ash Wednesday this Feb 6 and the Chinese New Year is on Thursday (February 7). Then I will have dinner with two of my girlfriends this Friday as a pre-celebration of my birthday. Then on Saturday, my real birthday…I plan to have a simple celebration at home and invite friends and close relatives.

Happy MondayJ

2007 Achievements

I know this is really late for a New Year reflection piece but since my birthday is coming up, I though of posting this. I was really blessed last year and I am proud of my accomplishments for year 2007

Here are some of the things that I have accomplished last year:

v Met B
v Get out of a bad relationship
v Passed the Licensure Examination for Teachers (with flying colors)
v Earned from writing gigs
v Granted a Philippine passport
v Traveled out of the country
v Opened a time deposit
v Acquired my first Credit Card
v Bought my first digital camera
v Offered numerous jobs (including the one at ABS-CBN) but declined it all. Chose to stay in my current job and I have no regrets
v Earned from writing gigs
v Started a blog (http://mnemosynetwin.wordpress.com/)
v Published in GMANewsTV
v Attended a writing seminar

I am hoping for a much much better 2008!

February Fever

How time flies. The first month of year 2008 has come and gone in a flash. Anyway it was a well-spent month. I spent lots of time with B and I guess did pretty well in my job. I was happy most of the time J

Anyway, to celebrate the first day of February, I decided to start an online journal. February is a special month for me because it is my birthday month and one of the gifts that I would like t give myself is a blog.

I think it is a fruitful endeavor. For one, it will improve and exercise my writing skills. Also it is a great way to record memorable moments.

Anyway here are a few trivia about the month of hearts that I gathered on the net:
· Febuary begins on the same day of the week as March and November in a common year, and on the same day of the week as August in a leap year.
· Sweden had a February 30 in 1712.
· February in the Northern Hemisphere is the seasonal equivalent to August in the Southern Hemisphere and vice versa.
· Febuary's birthstone is amethyst.
· Febuary's birth flower is the violet or primrose.
· The Chinese floral emblem of Febuary is the peach blossom.