Desperateblogger is a Pinay Mom {Who} Blogs

I started this blog with this in mind: A blog on insights & anecdotes of my life, family, home, motherhood, parenting, lifestyle, health, home & fitness tips, entertainment, current issues and more...to vent my rants and rages. I had no intention of interacting with fellow bloggers. My main goal was to blog, blog and blog. It has been six months since my first post - and I do declare that I have come a long way (babeh!)

I started out as a blogspot. I was and am a desperateblogger - as the essence of my blog was a mom who was desperate to blog. After a couple of months I wanted my own domain. I really prefer the domain name desperateblogger but I also wanted a domain name that would identify me as a Filipina. Thus, pinaymomblogs it is.

I have changed my blog's template 4 times. I have learned the importance of back links and technorati authority. I have gotten to know bloggers from all around the world. I have read all about their lives ( at least the part that they want to make public) all graciously spread out in their blogs.I have been informed of pregnancies, births, weddings, baptisms, parties - birthday, graduation, farewell, etc. Like most bloggers or SAHM or WAHM, I too have become involved in monetizing my blog.

My posts have become a hodgepodge of articles - sometimes not even remotely connected to the genre of my original blog - all for the mighty moolah! However, I cannot possibly abandon my extra income source - oh no! not when this blog is PR 3! I just have to consistently incorporate my extra income ventures to my blog's genre. Note how I do not use the word p*id b*ogging - g*o*gle robots, you know.

Six months of blogging - 325 posts, PR 3, Alexa 188,042, Top Blog #37, Real Rank 544, Technorati Rank 12,810 and most of all a blog roll full of wonderful blogger friends like you! From the bottom of my heart, I thank each one of YOU for being part of my blogging life!

Cisco Certification

Computer technology has been around for the past 70 years or so. Early electronic computers were the size of large rooms consuming power close to several modern personal computers. Today personal computers, in various forms, are the icon of the Age of Information. In the wake of computer technology is information technology. Information technology is defined as the study, design, development, implementation, support or management of computer-based information systems, specifically software applications and computer hardware. IT deals with the use of electronic computers and computer software to convert, store, protect, process, transmit, and securely retrieve information.

There are a lot of young blood and the not so young who are taking up courses related to IT. IT schools have mushroomed and we just cannot say if indeed these schools are competent and accredited. A nephew of mine graduated with a degree in computer science. He mentioned that for him to boost his career he needs a credible IT certification. He chose a Cisco certification and so far that opened more doors of opportunities for him.

The internet has come a long way. All leading companies and industries are using the internet for their daily transactions. There is definitely an increase in IT infrastructure translating to an increase in demand for IT professionals. A wide range of companies are always on the lookout for IT jobs like network technicians, network securities, administrators, network design specialists and more. Get your Cisco certification online and pave your way to a better future.

Pinoy Signs

Pinoy Humor is an Art by itself. You have to be Filipino to fully comprehend and experience the nuances of a Pinoy joke or its humor. Here I post some Pinoy signs. It is not my intention to laugh at the Pinoy, rather, laugh at the humor that is Pinoy in all its essence.

LawMax Lawsuit Finance

A lawsuit is a civil or criminal action brought before a court where the plaintiff, the one commencing the action, seeks for a legal or equitable solution. A lawsuit or claim may take weeks, months or possibly years to settle. The summons for court appearances and litigations as your case drags on, might make it more difficult for you to meet your everyday needs.

A lawsuit finance company is what you need to avoid financial crisis at this point. LawMax can assist you avert such predicament. With LawMax, money is available for you now. Make no payments until you settle your case. If your claim does not happen, then you'll own the company nothing. Check it out.

Vicks Vaporub Therapy

Vicks Vaporub is a mentholated topical cream intended to assist with minor medical conditions that temporarily impair breathing, including the common cold. It is applied to the chest, often immediately before sleeping, or inhaled by melting it in very hot water - and that what was I have been doing for the longest time. Well, there's a new way to use the medicated ointment. I tried it myself and applied it to Ethan and to my son too.It worked!

To stop night-time coughing in a child or an adult, put Vicks Vaporub generously on the bottom of the feet at bedtime and then cover with socks. Even persistent, heavy, deep coughing will stop in about five minutes, and stay stopped for many, many hours of relief. I had cough and cold when I tried this and I was really relieved. This works 100 percent of the time and is more effective in children than even very strong prescription cough medicines. In addition,it is extremely soothing and comforting and they will sleep soundly.The Canada Research Council described these findings by their scientists when they were investigating the effectiveness and usage of prescription cough medicines in children as compared to alternative therapies like acupressure. It was found to be more effective than prescribed medicines for children at bedtime and in addition to have a soothing and calming effect on sick children who then went on sleep soundly.

C'elle is the Future

Stem cells are the beginnings of human life. They have the ability to develop into different cell types that continue to grow to repair and replenish our damaged or diseased cells. The extractions of adult stem cells were from bone marrow, adult peripheral blood and umbilical cord blood at birth. These methods proved to be quite limiting in some aspects. Another form of extraction is from 4-5 days old human embryos which is a highly controversial process.

Stem Cells have been found to help in the quest to cure degenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. Presently adult stem cells can be used to treat multiple sclerosis, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and neurological damage caused by stroke to name a few. A new technology to harvest adult stem cells was developed by C'elle. Research shows that menstrual fluid stem cells can be easily collected, processed then cryo-preserved for potential cellular therapies that may be viable in the future by using C'elle. To better comprehend About the Science of stem cells, I did a little research and I was truly amazed on the possibilities. To know more about C’elle visit the website and browse on C'elle Client Testimonial. There is a current promo called "Caring is Sharing" where you get one kit for free. Click the links to know more.

Dancing Queen's Birthday

My mother-in-law celebrated her 79th birthday on July 24. Her 4th son together with his 5 kids and wife, came home from Houston for the occasion. My late father-in-law and mother-in-law have 8 children, 27 grandchildren and 3 great grand children. Below is a picture of nanay with her grand and great grand children.

Before the stroke that left nanay partially paralyzed, she and I used to go ballroom dancing 2-3 times a week. She was really an avid dancer. She still is! To make nanay's party more fun, the grandkids thought of presenting a dance number for her. With 30 minutes to prepare, they put up this hilarious - for lack of a better adjective to use - dance presentation. Watch the video. You will hear in the background, cacophony of voices typical of Cavitenos.

Vote for my Pics!

Please vote for my jumping pics entries at bridgearoundthecorner. I'm entries # 9 and 10. One day left for voting. Come to think of it, I just submitted my pics yesterday!
Please click link and vote!

Jumping Jupiter !

My family is crazy about pictures... that is posing for one. There is nary an occasion where picture-taking is not involved. By the way, in case you're interested in destination photographers (weddings et al)I could recommend a nephew, Karl Emmanuel de Leon of Mimi and Karl. They shoot anywhere in the world and I'm not getting paid for this either.(big grin)

Anyway, the latest craze among my kins is jumping while having their picture taken. It does not matter what the occasion is- parties, weddings, gimmicks. You might remember a picture of me jumping too in one of my posts. Here are some best jumping pictures in my picture file.

This crazy one is daughter #4. She is the ultimate Jumping Queen.

More pictures.....

Daughters # 4 & 2 clowning

Daughter # 4 with her college friends

I think this was taken in Zambales for their school community surfing, errr... service

Daughter #4 (again) with two cousins, Sheena and Sasha

The three mismatched body types again....Sheena is 5'11"
daughter#4 is 5'6" and Sasha 5'7"... you should see the cousins (my hubby's side)
when they are all together....

big and small cousins

Jumping session at a wedding reception

Ethan with his buddies.

PR 3! Really?!

Whaddaaaa........???!!!! Is this blog really PR 3?!!!
I'll sleep on it. Let's see by morning....

Eat Your Way to Heath!

A friend sent this to me. It's been said that God first separated the salt water from the fresh, made dry land, planted a garden, made animals and fish... all before making a human. He made and provided what we'd need before we were born. These are best & more powerful when eaten raw. We're such slow learners...

God left us a great clue as to what foods help what part of our body! God's Pharmacy! Amazing!

A sliced Carrot looks like the human eye. The pupil, iris and radiating lines look just like the human eye... and YES, science now shows carrots greatly enhance blood flow to and function of the eyes.

A Tomato has four chambers and is red. The heart has four chambers and is red. All of the research shows tomatoes are loaded with lycopene and are indeed pure heart and blood food.

Grapes hang in a cluster that has the shape of the heart. Each grape looks like a blood cell and all of the research today shows grapes are also profound heart and blood vitalizing food.

A Walnut looks like a little brain, a left and right hemisphere, upper cerebrums and lower cerebellums. Even the wrinkles or folds on the nut are just like the neo-cortex. We now know walnuts help develop more than three (3) dozen neuron-transmitters for brain function.

Kidney Beans actually heal and help maintain kidney function and yes, they look exactly like the human kidneys.

Celery, Bok Choy, Rhubarb and many more look just like bones. These foods specifically target bone strength. Bones are 23% sodium and these foods are 23% sodium. If you don't have enough sodium in your diet, the body pulls it from the bones, thus making them weak. These foods replenish the skeletal needs of the body.

Avocados, Eggplant and Pears target the health and function of the womb and cervix of the female - they look just like these organs. Today's research shows that when a woman eats one avocado a week, it balances hormones, sheds unwanted birth weight, and prevents cervical cancers. And how profound is this? It takes exactly nine (9) months to grow an avocado from blossom to ripened fruit. There are over 14,000 photolytic chemical constituents of nutrition in each one of these foods (modern science has only studied and named about 141 of them).

Figs are full of seeds and hang in twos when they grow. Figs increase the mobility of male sperm and increase the numbers of Sperm as well to overcome male sterility.

Sweet Potatoes look like the pancreas and actually balance the glycemic index of diabetics.
Olives assist the health and function of the ovaries.

Oranges, Grapefruits, and other Citrus fruits look just like the mammary glands of the female and actually assist the health of the breasts and the movement of lymph in and out of the breasts.

Onions look like the body's cells. Today's research shows onions help clear waste materials from all of the body cells. They even produce tears which wash the epithelial layers of the eyes. A working companion, Garlic, also helps eliminate waste materials and dangerous free radicals from the body.

What are you waiting for? Eat your way to health!

Air Conditioned

Due to the escalating prices of gas and other basic utilities and commodities, my husband has declared that air conditioner units (ACU) will no longer be turned on as if we are the Lopezes (Manila Electric Company major stock holders). All my kids complained as they have gotten used to turning on the air-conditioner units the moment they arrive home. Of course, I am irritated too. Why? First, I too prefer cool rooms where I need not sweat. Second, because my kids are suffering from the heat! I hate it when my kids are uncomfortable. For moms out there, I know that you know what I mean.

There is now an ongoing cold war between my kids and their dad. In order to pacify everyone, I did not really (only slightly) say on whose side I am on. I explained that we just have to adjust to the ACUs being on only at bedtime. No one is happy with the set up. Ethan (the 24/7 ACU user) complained that he is melting. Daughter # 2 said her asthma has acted up. Daughter #3 and #4 had thought of paying for their own energy consumption. For the past week the two had logged in their ACU usage. The log is actually posted on their door where their dad can see it - which he cannot for he refuses to wear corrective lenses. My son is not greatly affected for he only comes home on weekends, likewise daughter #1.

So, now, after a week of suffering from heat, did my husband actually saved money? I think so for there was definitely a marked drop in the ACU usage. But wait! Did I actually saved money in this no-ACU-usage-till-bedtime ploy? I certainly did not! Ethan got sick with cough and cold. Electric fan induced air does not suit him. The intensity of the cough forced me to buy a new nebulizer- for the old one conked out- which cost me 3,000 Php plus another 1,000 Php for meds. I had to buy two new electric fans at 1,300 Php. I now have watery eyes and itchy throat. I am about to get sick, for like Ethan,I have very low tolerance to the air turbulence created by an electric fan.

Someone... please turn on the air conditioner.

GPS Insight

Global Positioning System (GPS) is a U.S. space-based navigation system made up of a network of 24 satellites that provides reliable positioning, navigation, and timing services to civilian users on an uninterrupted worldwide basis for free. GPS started as a military application but was made available to the public in 1983 at the wake of the accidental shooting of Korean Air Lines flight 007. Since then, GPS has been used to aid to navigation worldwide, a tool for map-making, land surveying, commerce, scientific uses, and even hobbies such as geocaching. GPS also provides a precise time reference used in many applications including scientific study of earthquakes, and synchronization of telecommunications networks. Anyone with a GPS receiver can have access to the system. The system provides precise location and time information for an indefinite number of people in all weather, anytime, anywhere in the world.

Just how does it work? The GPS is made up of three key elements: satellites orbiting the Earth; control and monitoring stations on Earth; and the GPS receivers owned by users. GPS satellites broadcast signals from space that are picked up and identified by GPS receivers. Each GPS receiver then provides three-dimensional location (latitude, longitude, and altitude) plus the time. Individuals may purchase GPS handsets that are readily available through commercial retailers. GPS users can correctly locate where they are and navigate to where they want to go in any mode of transportation. GPS has become a part of the modern man’s life. Everyone uses it: farmers, bankers, surveyors, geologists, pilots, lawyers, doctors, housewives…... everyone! The question now is who provides the best GPS tracking system this side of USA and Canada?

GPS Insight vehicle tracking system uses the latest in AT&T mobile technology for accurate vehicle locations every two minutes. It is a hardware and web software-based vehicle tracking product which is the technical leader in the GPS tracking field. Targeted for trucking and service companies, GPS Insight provides reports on: Speeding, Engine Diagnostic Fault codes/alerts, Begin/End of day report (compare to payroll), Off-Hours Reports/Alerts Landmark Reports (by landmark or by vehicle), Detailed and Summary activity reports, Miles Per Gallon / Fuel Consumption report to name a few. The system also guarantees efficiency and money-saving ways like:

• Real time map updates and 2 minute vehicle locations to help your dispatchers know exactly which vehicles are close to new orders - no more calling your drivers or relying on them to provide their location and trip status.

• 90 days of history, allowing you to go back and ensure that you have unquestionable proof of service when billing or service questions arise.

• Reports to identify reckless and wasteful speeding with 100% accurate speed readings from the engine's computer.

• Begin/End of day reports and detailed, 2 minute updates, which can help to identify fraudulent hours claimed by your drivers.

GPS Insight support wiki for customers is also available 24/7. Company Updates and customer comments can be found at the Blog for GPS vehicle tracking. Check it out.

10 Weird Things Tag

Got tagged by Jhelea.

So here are the rules and the 10 weird random things about myself.

Once you have been tagged, you have to write a blog with 10 weird, random things, facts, habits, or goals about yourself. At the end, choose 10 people to be tagged, listing their names and why you chose them. Don't forget to leave them a comment ("You're it") and ask them to read your blog. You can't tag the person who tagged you.

1. I like to eat mangoes dipped in vinegar.
2. I love sweet pickles.
3. I hate to take a bath when it's cold.
4. There are times when I just want to get my red ballpen and mark all the wrong grammar and running sentences on some blogs I read.
5. I tend to look snobbish... I am.
6. I can drive any car, truck, bus, motorcyle, tricycle, pedicab....
7. I so hate tinolang manok, pesang isda and lengua.
8. I have nicknames for each of my in-laws. (shhhhh.. quiet! they are not internet savvies!)
9. There are moments when I think of my eXes and wonder what life would have been if I were with any one of them.
10. I was an avid fan of Tom Jones.

I am tagging anyone who cares to be tagged!

Bling Gnome Pimped!

Generations X and Y. These are the two generations who grew up with video games, MTV and the phenomenal rise of communication: internet, cellular phone, MP3, Ipod and what have you! I am positively sure that these two generations are the ones playing online video games. Sure there might be some baby boomers playing online games for there a lot of boomers who are internet savvies .

There are different online games available in the net today. There are action games, fighting games, puzzle games, racing games, retro games, room escape games, shooting games, sports games, word games ...name it, it's probably available online. The latest to hit the the cyber world is an online game called Dungeon Runners. It is an online multiplayer action role-playing game that brings you to a thrilling world of magic, adventure, giant monsters, and icky things. As a dungeon runner, you are required to explore the perilous dungeon, fight against mutants and at the same time acquire skills and powers, artifacts and loots. A player can choose to be Fighter, Mage or Ranger. A Bling Gnome will be there as your basic side-kick! It may have a bit of an attitude problem but it will follow you around and save you time. The Bling Gnome will pick up all the gold dropped in the ground and even convert dropped trash into gold.

I told my gen Y son to download it for it's FREE. He did and he judged it the BEST! I dressed up Ethan, a gen Z, as a pimped Bling Gnome. Cool huh?!

Mirny Diamond Mine: Amazing Hole #5

Here is the fifth installment of my Amazing hole series.

5. Mirny Diamond Mine , Serbia

I'm pretty sure most people have seen this one.
It's an absolute beast and holds the title of largest
open diamond mines in the world. At 525 meters
deep, with a top diameter of 1200 meters, there's
even a no-fly zone above the hole due to a few

helicopters having been sucked in.

Alzheimer's Memory Walk

I love walking. It is a good exercise and a good way to unwind. You can walk just about anywhere, anytime, with someone or just by yourself. Walking might just be the best exercise since it’s free. If you are an avid walker, why don’t you try walking for a cause?

The Alzheimer's Memory Walk is an event sponsored by the The Alzheimer's Association Memory Walk®. It is a national event focusing on raising the nations awareness on Alzheimer’s disease. The event is also a fund raiser to help support researches that will hopefully cure if not totally eliminate the disease. A favorite aunt suffered from Alzheimer’s disease. Through the years I saw her condition gravitate to worse until one day, she was just a shadow of her former self. It came to a point where she has to be fed and bathe. It was so sad.




Walk with a purpose. Register for the Alzheimer's Memory Walk to help raise fund and awareness of the debilitating disease. There are over 600 communities participating in the 2-3 mile walk. Join today and help in the fight against Alzheimer's.

Benefits of Watermelon

Remember my post about the Japanese square watermelons? The Japanese found a way to store the bulky round watermelons. They made it square. Now, why would anyone be that compelled to go to such lengths just to effectively store and sell watermelons? There are three answers.

First, watermelon is full of lycopene. Lycopene is said to be a cancer-crushing element. Tomato and pineapple are said to be full of lycopene too but the watermelon, beats them in content. Second, watermelon is said to be beneficial to our skin. It is loaded with a key compound credited with helping skin's healing and regenerative processes. Lastly, watermelon is practically calorie-free. A cup of watermelon has about 50 calories. You can satisfy your sweet-tooth and not worry on calories.

It is better to leave your watermelon out of the fridge until you plan on eating it. Watermelon continues to ripen and produce antioxidants after it has been picked. Chilling it would stop the process.

Next time you're at the grocery's fruit section go pick your watermelon- round, oblong or square.

Research Paper Help Online

I love to write. I find writing as an expression of my thoughts, opinion, or merely an outlet for my rants and rages. I was never really keen on writing. I think I was pushed into in and finally honed my writing skills by the numerous essays and research works, then finally thesis writing that I went through to finish my degree. There was no help online or not, back in those days.

It really amazes me that there are actually online help for writing papers nowadays. Once such website is custom-essay.org. The site boosts of professional US and UK writers who can help you with just about anything regarding your school writing requirements. It offers help in professional essays, research and term papers not only in the form of writing template but also in editing and proof reading. Now every writer or student knows that the backbone of every term paper is the Research project proposal. If you are writing your Master thesis proposal, the site has some pointers on how to write your proposal. Custom-essay.org even has a manual for writers of term papers. The manual contains various tips and hints on how to construct and write an outstanding paper. If I were writing any term paper, I would surely check on this site.

Gas Price Hike and More

I was flabbergasted! outraged! then finally defeated when I saw the 3 peso-gas-price-hike last Saturday. There seems to be no break from this gas-hike madness! There are those who say that the continuously rising gas price will lessen traffic in the metropolis because more people will opt to commute. Wrong-O! The volume of cars has not lessen. There appear to be more people in the malls - watching movies, shopping, eating out, working out, night-out with friends... name it... more people are doing it. Why? How can they afford it?

I have been feeling out of sorts for the past week (s). A niece-in-law died at the very young age of 27. She has orphaned a girl of 6. A cousin is about to be operated on prostate cancer. My family is in the throes of problems- great and small. I feel that there are those who wish us ill. Sometimes, I just don't know how to cope. Often, I feel like crying out of helplessness and wish fervently that there is indeed a happy pill that I can buy and take.

I was 15 minutes early fetching Ethan in school today. I got off my car and went to sit in the waiting area. There were a couple of mommies, late 20's, early 30's talking with each other. I can't help but listen.

Mom1: Oh I ordered converse rubber shoes for my girl. I got it got it for $28 international shipping included.

Mom2: Oh that's a bargain. Where did you order? (referring to website). I got 2 pairs for my little boy and the package has arrived all the way from US!

Mom1: Oh that' nice! I also ordered a V-tech camera for my girl as she is just dying to have her own camera. She is just into it, photography. (note: the girl and boy being referred to are probably 3-3.5 years old)

Mom2: My boy too! I already ordered his and the seller said I'd receive the parcel tomorrow. Exciting! I think I'll just do my Christmas shopping online.

Mom1: Isn't online shopping wonderful? I just want to buy everything! I have this almost limitless visa card that my husband.......

At this point Ethan came out. Right on cue too for I was about to tear-out my hair out of frustration due to the boastful and insipid conversation the two mommies were having. Oh well. After listening to that conversation, I felt normal again.

A Father's Love

I knew that there was something special today, July 19. I knew that it was my father-in-law's birthday. He passed away some seven years ago but my in-laws insist on celebrating it anyway. As I was blog hopping this morning, I read Juliana's post about her tatang. Truly, what she said about her father touched me.

I went about my usual Saturday errands when it suddenly hit me. July 19 here is July 18 in the US. Juliana's tatang died on the exact same day as my papa. What a coincidence I said to myself, then I cried. I so miss my papa, imperfect as he was. But I cried more for other fathers out there whose children will have nothing to say or reminisce about when they leave the world.

I stumbled on this video. It is a story of a father's undying and unconditional love for his son. The son told his dad that he wants to join a 5 K run. So they did. Then the son and father gradually progressed to 10K, 26K, 42K then ultimately the nightmare of all triathletes, the Ironman Triathlon. No big deal you might say. Great father-son bonding. Please watch it and be touched.

Of Honor Awards and Designer Dresses

Daughter #4 did it again. She was on an overnight stay with her thesis #2 group mates when she sent me an SMS message.

Mom, are you free on August 2?

Most likely. Why?

I need you to attend a formal function. I am a recipient of the school's annual Honor's Award and I have two tickets for the occasion. Can you come?

Of course I'll be there! I know that was not an easy feat. She has been a consistent first honor awardee and the school will finally confer her an award.

I excitedly told the news to my three daughters and the first thing that came into their minds was.. what was I to wear. I have had my share of 5 high JS Proms and 5 high school Senior's Ball. You can just imagine the number of prom dresses my girls have in their wardrobe. Add to the list the numerous other long gowns and cocktail dresses that are akin to celebrity dresses they have used in 3 undergrad Grad balls, 2 doctorate Grad balls and 3 Oath taking ceremonies. I am not kidding when I say that these special occasion dresses cost me a fortune! Now, what will I wear for the occasion? I chose to wear something black in a classic cut - nothing obstructive. It's daughter #4's day anyway, not mine.

iPod Auction starts at $1

I need an iPod. Everyone who is anyone has an iPod. Even our friendly neighborhood postman has an iPod to listen to while he delivers the mail. My kids have iPods each. They say they download their favorite songs from the internet and save it in their iPods. I am into jogging now and most joggers have Ipods stuck to armbands while they jog listening to stimulating music to pep them up.

It is good that there's an iPod Auction online now. There are about 1000 units for auction and bidding starts at $1! Unbelievable! I checked out the site and found different styles of iPod open for bidding.

The Auction itself will be conducted by uBid.com There's a difference between services offered by Ubid.com and Ebay. Ubid.com is a business to consumer site while Ebay is consumer to consumer. To be more explicit, Ubid.com approaches companies who have excess products and help these companies or businesses dispose of their surplus. Most of these companies sell branded and high quality products. Ubid.com is 100% fraud free. Check it out.

Mamma Mia ! It's Streep and Brosnan !

Cast of Mamma Mia

Ethan had this wracking cough and cold that I let him stay home yesterday. By 1:30 pm he said he was bored. I was bored too. Then I remembered my girl friend’s text that I just have to watch the movie Mamma Mia. So Ethan played hooky (classes were eventually suspended yesterday) while we met with my other daughters at MOA for the movie.

I love the music of ABBA. For those who are not familiar with the quartet, this Swedish group was an international hit in the 70’s and 80’s. Chiquitita, Dancing Queen and Thank you for the Music were some of their greatest hits. An enterprising Brit, producer and fan Judy Cramer had the idea of using the Abba songs for a musical. Working with Abba song writers/performers Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus, Catherine Johnson, the writer, and director Phyllida Lloyd, Cramer staged "Mamma Mia!" in London's West End in 1999. The musical has been seen by over 30 million people and translated into 11 languages since then. The movie surpassed my expectations.

Every hit stage musical eventually turns into a movie. Mamma Mia is a celebration of a mother, a daughter and three possible dads. Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth, Stellan Skarsgård, Christine Baranski, Julie Walters, Amanda Seyfried and Dominic Cooper join Meryl Streep as the lead, Donna. Donna is an independent, single mother who owns a small hotel on an idyllic Greek island. She (Streep) is about to give away in marriage Sophie (Amanda Seyfried), the spirited daughter she's raised alone. For Sophie's wedding, Donna has invited her two lifelong best girlfriends--practical and no-nonsense-never been married- book author Rosie (Julie Walters) and wealthy-hot-sexy- multi-divorcee Tanya (Christine Baranski). The girl friends were from her one-time backing band, Donna and the Dynamos. Without Donna’s knowledge, Sophie has secretly invited three guests of her own. Sophie grew up without knowing who her father was and what better way to find out than bringing back three men from Donna's past to the Mediterranean paradise they visited 20 years earlier. The story folds and unfolds in over 24 chaotic, magical hours. New love will bloom and old romances will be rekindled on this paradise full of possibilities. The truly inspiring part was that the story and the performers gave justice to ABBA’s music. Oh did I mention, the movie was a musical? I had to bite my tongue and hold on to my seat to stop myself from bursting into a song and grooving to 70’s moves.

Meryl Streep was brilliant. She can act, sing, dance and even do the Russian! Pierce Brosnan – Bond, James Bond - was a revelation when he sang S.O.S and more! My gosh! The vocal blending and choreography of Streep, Walters and Baranski was unbelievable. The costumes were to die for (at least for me). Firth and Skarsgard did their bit well too although Firth was looking peculiar while doing the Travolta-staying-alive bit. Amanda Seyfried as Sophie fit the role to a T. Her voice was pure and simple. No frills and trills but in pitch.

Mamma Mia maybe the cheeriest, most positive movie I have seen for the longest time. It is a "feel good movie" best seen with your family and friends. The whole theater sang with Donna, Tanya and Rosie as they sang Dancing Queen. I clapped my hands after the movie to show my appreciation. Viewers took a while to get off their seats to go home. I waited a bit longer. I just had to do my solo bit first. I stood up and sang Thank you for the Music together with Sophie as the movie credits rolled on.

It's a see it again and again and again movie.

Spam Blog

I was about to post in my inspirational blog Manna from Heaven when I found this.



Yes. The Google Spam Robot decided that my inspirational blog is a spam blog- a linking farm- a blog that has no coherent posts. LOL! Whatever! Now I have to request for a review of site. Tsk!

My Victory Hair

My hair has always had a mind of its own. It does not follow my lead or my hairbrush. It has always been my constant battle to tame my wavy hair into some sort of style. I have always fancied myself to be that girl with the long-straight-shiny hair. Well I am not. If I wear my hair long, I tend to develop split ends then my hair turns real curly and fluffy. I am left with no option but to wear my hair short. Maybe it’s time to try a new hair product.






Maybe that would bring about a Victory Hair. What is a Victory Hair? It is actually that wonderful –flitting moment when you lock eyes with a stranger or a loved one and you just know that this is it! It is the magic that is brought about by one meaningful look that could in fact lead to deeper gazing then eventually… messed up hair! If it were up to me I could look at a man meaningfully, talk and listen intently to him, maybe flatter him a bit to lead to a Victory Hair.

Try your approach to a Victory Hair. Join the Ultimate Flirting Championship. Rehearse your flirting for practice makes perfect!

The DLSU AA Run

The dawn broke gray and murky. As usual I was way wide awake before my alarm rang. Time: 3:50 A.M.I stretched and yawned and tried to figure out why I am awake at this ungodly hour. Right! Today, July 13, is my 5 K run! I got up and checked on dentist. She was to run too. By 4:50 A.M. the dentist and I were traveling along Coastal Road. At 5:15 A.M. we were at The Fort. The race was due to start at 6:00 A.M. I was surprised by the number of people who were to run. There were thousands! – young, old, fit, fat, tall, short. The run was sponsored by De La Salle and you can just imagine the number of student runners (not real runners) all gearing up for the race. There were three categories: 3K, 5K and 16 K. Dentist and I chose the 5K race.

Jerome, Dentist, Jay, Moi, JP

By the time my race kicked off, it was drizzling. At the 2K mark, I was dripping wet with three kinds of liquid – sweat, rain and tears. The rain was no longer a drizzle, it was a soaker! Tears –metaphorically- more of tears of frustration-were onthe verge of falling. I was irritated by the seemingly grating demeanor of some runners. Others were hugging the left side of the street while they talk, walk and giggle their way to the finish line. Some were throwing empty mineral bottles on sidewalks. Still there were those who cut across corners in the hope of shortening their distance.

After crossing the finish line

I trudged on, scanning the sea of faces for the dentist. I can’t find her. At the 3 K mark (or so I thought) the 5 k runners pushed on straight ahead only to be told that we made a wrong turn. Great! The organizers were morons who forgot to mark the race’s route! The morons did not even have the basic knowledge to post their people at crucial turns. Later, I found out that the organizers were actually experienced runners who didn't have the brains to organize such events.

The last 2Kof the 5K run was uphill. My stride was nil until a certified grandma of about 65+ jogged passed me! Whadda!! The lola was overtaking me! Ego pricked, I was pushed jogging to prevent granny from overtaking me. My bad! The uphill jog was compensated by the downhill run. I reached the finish line and was surprised that there were no official timers at the finish line. Some guy just took a stub out of my number and that was it. I then saw the dentist, two nephews and a grand nephew waiting for me a few meters from the line. They finished way ahead of me. As we were talking they just realized that they actually did not run the whole race because they took the wrong route. Kudos to the organizers! Half of the 5 K runners made the wrong run and the organizers never found that out. The three top finishers were all from the wrong-short-route pack.

Jay and I discussing the mis-organized event


Dentist, Jay, Me and JP

Dentist was pissed that she did not actually run 5K. My two nephews – avid, experienced runners- were just laughing it off. I was elated. Unprepared that I was, I still finished the race. Now, I am priming for my next race in October. Ummmm…. 10K perhaps?

Drop Me a Hollywood Line

I am a romantic! I just love watching Hollywood Love flicks! I get giddy and excited when leading men or ladies say ardent and passionate lines. Here are a few of my favorites. In the film The Bridges of Madison County I cried when Clint Eastwood told Meryl Streep:I don't want to need you cause I can't have you. In Notting Hill, I swooned when Hugh Grant said: I live in Notting Hill, you live in Beverly Hills. Everybody knows who you are. To which Julia Roberts replied: I'm also just a girl, standing in front of a boy, asking him to love her.

Will these lines actually work in real life? Maybe. Maybe not. The thing is if these lines were uttered to me, I would definitely take notice of the boy! Why don't you try your lines in the Ultimate Flirting Championship? See if you can win a Victory Hair in your game. The Extreme Style by VO5 online game is proving to be quite a challenge. Play it yourself.

Amazing Hole #4: Great Blue Hole

Here is the fourth installment on the subject Amazing Holes....

4. Great Blue Hole , Belize



This hole frightens me in a way. Looking at it makes me think of an endless dark hole of no return!This incredible geographical phenomenon known as a
blue hole is situated 60 miles off the mainland of Belize .There are numerous blue holes around the world, but none as stunning (or frightening!) as this one.

Coffee Award

A Strong Cup of Coffee for Me! Sugarfree please......

Mommy Alleh gave me this award. I love coffee.
To those who love the brew, feel free to get the award.

LASIK for Perfect Vision

I have been blessed with a 20/20 vision... 20 years ago! I am an architect by profession and the many sleepless nights on the drawing board had taken its toll. Gradually, my eyesight started to fail me and I was left with no option but to wear glasses. There were so many times that I lost and changed eyeglasses. Why didn’t I settle for contact lenses? I can't! My ophthalmologist told me that my axis is only at 60 degrees making a fit for contacts difficult. Secondly, I am both nearsighted and farsighted. Surely no contacts can do that. My eyesight is progressively failing me- hindering me in some activities that I enjoy. I am definitely stuck with eyeglasses - and so I thought.

A niece told me of this wonderful LASIK surgery that she had. She was all excited because for the first time in 12 years, she was finally free of eyeglasses and contacts. She said the procedure was fast and painless. Her vision is now perfect. I know that LASIK surgery is not for everyone. About 25% are not eligible for the procedure and there is a 1% possibility of failure and serious complications. However, it is comforting to know that recent development now combines 3D mapping and customized treatment for the very first all-laser technology that the US Military and NASA have approved for use on their pilots and astronauts.

I will definitely consider LASIK. It is good to know that there are qualified doctors available to do the procedure. Be inquisitive and get LASIK information from your EENTs and Ophthalmologists.

Amazing Hole #3: Bingham Canyon

Hole number 3....

3. Bingham Canyon Mine, Utah



This is supposedly the largest man-made excavation on earth. Extraction began in 1863 and still continues today, the pit increasing in size constantly. In its current state the hole is ¾ miles deep and 2.5 miles wide.

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So you want to host a forum to boost your website or just for the heck of it. Free Forum Hosting can be found at Forumity.com. It provides 100% FREE phpBB Forums hosting service using fast servers and high bandwidth. Anyone can create his own Forum in just a few simple clicks. Oh and you can retain your own domain to access your Forum. Plus! you will have the full freedom as the forum's admin. Great! Click the link for more information.

Amazing Hole #2: Glory Hole

Here is the the second installment on the series Amazing Holes

2. Glory Hole - Monticello Dam, California

A glory hole is used when a dam is at full capacity and water needs to be drained from the reservoir. Now you may ask "where does the drain spill to?". I don't know!



This is the 'Glory Hole' at Monticello dam, and it's the largest in the world of this type of spillway, its size enabling it to consume 14,400 cubic feet of water every second.

Flirting 101

To flirt means to behave in a charming, appealing, charismatic, irresistible or beguiling way. Everyone flirts. Whoever says he or she never flirts is lying. A person, whether young or old, married or single has his own personal style of flirting.

A shy smile while looking at your target is one way of flirting. You don’t have to bat your eyes as that is too blatant. The key to a good flirt is it should not be too obvious. Another form of flirting that I find effective is touching the target’s oh so very lightly when you talk to him. That light feathery touch would surely be more felt and definitely remembered. Being attentive and a good listener is one way of fIirting. I don’t mean for you to hang on your target’s every word while salivating. Just look interested and you’ll definitely score points. I don’t flirt that much anymore and I’d like to find out if I still have what it takes to be a good flirt. Do I still have the Look?

Wouldn’t you know. There’s an Ultimate Flirting Championship in the offing to test one's flirting skills or lack of it. It is an online game where your goal is to score a Victory Hair. All you have to do is login and register then choose who you want to be then do the best Extreme Style by VO5. Click the links for more information.

Amazing Hole # 1: KImberly Big Hole

Over the next posts I will be featuring 7 amazing holes.8 Amazing Holes! These holes are not only amazing, but some of them are really terrifying! The sheer scale of these holes reminds you of just how tiny you are.


1. Kimberly Big Hole - South Africa

Apparently the largest ever hand-dug excavation in the world,
this 1097 meter deep mine yielded over 3 tons of diamonds
before being closed in 1914.

Glenn Beck Blogs

I am not keen on politics. However, political satire do interests me. Witty writers and commentators surely render an altogether different yet humorous side of a seemingly (and sometimes) hopeless real-life political scene. Glenn Beck is one such a person, an excellent comedian in this genre.

He now has a website where he blogs about issues and views on topics like Current Events & Politics, Family & Relationships, Faith & Inspirations and more. His style of blogging is so natural and no-nonsense. I actually enjoyed reading the articles.

He’s also doing a current summer political tour that will kick-off with a show in Dallas on July 17. The show will be broadcasted nationally to select movie theaters nationwide on that date. Watch the trailer on his website.

Jog 'Til You Drop !

I have been sleeping well these past few nights. The reason is because I have started to jog again. I jog about 3 kilometers everyday and the endorphin is just flowing!

I have gained more than 10 pound since I quit smoking about 8 months ago. The evil that is blogging also added to the weight problem. The many hours spent in front of the monitor - typing, reading, browsing, sitting - took its toll in the form of 10 unwanted pounds. What made me take up jogging again? First, as I do not have time to go to the gym, what better way to exercise? Jogging is free, fun, and time flexible. Second, I find it hard sleeping at night. Third, I entered a 5K race for tomorrow.

Yes. I, who have not jogged for so long, entered a 5K run. What made me do it? Daughter #4 texted me a week ago asking if I want to join their school-sponsored run. Knowing full well that I am not fit to join such event I said YES! Now, why did I? Well, I know I was getting heavier by the day and no amount of self-ridicule could make me lift my butt off my computer chair. Entering this run forced me to jog to at least loosen my flabby muscles.

Tomorrow’s run is set at 6:00 A.M. Registration is not later than 5:30 A.M. That means I have to be up and about and raring to run by 4:00 A.M. What?! Somebody, please wake me up!


photo courtesy:

You Know You're All Grown-Up......

High Speed Internet

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Microscopic Art

This is the Statue if Liberty - in the eye of a regular needle! The fantastic microscopic art work is done by Willard Wigen. Willard is a resident of Birmingham, England. The show is in Manchester .He has a learning disability (Dyslexia),but has talented hands. He makes the sculptures out of dust particles,sugar crystals, etc. Works only around midnight, and can only do some of the work between heartbeats.

More pictures....