Charlton - Of Love and Friendship

"Love is a language spoken by everyone but understood only by the heart." is an inspirational quote that I came across when browsing the internet during lazy Friday evening at the office.

At first I thought it was a simple words coined together to come up with a definitive definition of the most controversial word of all time called love. Well, I call it controversial because it has its own definition depending on the feeling and mere existence of LOVE in someone else hypothalamus.

I call it controversial because it is too powerful to define someone else's feeling or to bond different personalities as one. Worst it can be one great reason to subjugate two very strong relationship into two.

I still remember the first time when I felt this strange feeling. Strange that I myself can never explain. The inspiration it brings and the different sensation brought about by the different delightful sensation from within. It was a magical experience. There was magic in love that turns every dark sides into one magical moments of fountains and fireworks, it was a beautiful experience.

I had several of this moment where I consider it as the joyous moments of my life and every time I am in this situation I am always reminded by a Basil Valdez song. Love gives hope to give you the strength to carry on. Love pushes me up in every moment when I am about to give up.

You give me hope,

The strength, the will to keep on;

No one else can make me feel this way

And only you

Can bring out all the best I can do;

I believe you turn the tide

And make me feel real good inside.

You pushed me up

When I'm about to give up;

You're on my side when no one seems to listen

And if you go,

You know the tears can't help but show

You'll break this heart and tear it apart;

Then suddenly the madness starts...

But, what if the love you felt is not mutual. What if the person you cared can only offer friendship? What if he/she cant give the most of what you've been wishing for. Will you ever continue loving that person the same way you did when you are in that magical moment of infatuation. When you are in the moment with no rain but the sky is filled with rainbows and glittering magical clouds. When everything to you is magic. When you are in the moment of day dreaming.

Will it shatter every dreams, aspirations and hopes during those "you thought it can work" moments. When you are denying that it can never happen despite sweet noting messages.

Will it ever change the someone else's feelings and pursue that once upon a time bed time story when they'd exchange shoe. Will this one-sided love affair be eradicated and removed from everyone's vocabulary and option when a chance to exchange shoe has been done.

I came across David Slater's song entitled Exchange of Heart and made me wonder if this will ever happen, will it make a difference? if this happens to you (AN EXCHANGE OF HEART) will you really know why he or she had loved you in the first place and will it make a difference if he/she had known the reason for loving you.

If we had an exchange of hearts

Then you'd know why I fell apart

You'd feel the pain when the mem'ries start

If we had an exchange of hearts...

If there was no such thing as Exchange of Hearts then should you have wished that you were the one being loved and not the other person. How unfortunate it could get if by any chance the only man/woman you wanted to share this unconditional and magical thing called love happens to be the person you've treated as your best friend. 

Paano na kaya, 'di sinasadya
'Di kayang magtapat ang puso ko
Bakit sa dinami-rami ng kaibigan ko ikaw pa
Paano na kaya 'di sinasadya
Ba't nahihiya ang puso ko
Hirap nang umibig sa isang kaibigan
'Di masabi ang nararamdaman
Paano na kaya

Or what if you would know that your best friend whom you treated as a sibling is unfortunately looks at you differently. Will you reconsider what you feel and love him back more than best friend. It happens sometimes that from best friends but what if you love someone else should you just wished them that they could find the love their suppose to be getting?

Wish I could be the one 

The one who could give you love 

The kind of love you really need 

Wish I could say to you 

That I'll always stay with you 

But baby that's not me 

You need someone willing to give their heart and soul to you 

Promise you forever, baby that's something I can't do 

Oh I could say that I'll be all you need 

But that would be a lie 

I know I'd only hurt you 

I know I'd only make you cry 

I'm not the one you're needing 

I love you, goodbye 

The desire of someone else's hypothalamic emotional roller coaster between the differentiation of LOVE and FRIENDSHIP is simply too heart breaking, more so, if you are hoping something else should have happened but it simply did not materialized to a desirable outcome. When finally you've come to a point of not surrendering but of course to have that realization of letting go. The reconciliation of one heart shattered into pieces mending it together to be whole. Just give yourself that ONE LAST CRY to finally let go everything. You can only have that one last cry when you've finally learned that the chance is over. That the love youve been wishing for has finally come to an end. That moment when you are no longer hoping.

One last cry, before I leave it all behind

I've gotta put you outta my mind this time

Stop living a lie

I guess I'm down to my last cry

Cry......

I was here, you were there

Guess we never could agree

While the sun shines on you

I need some love to bring on me

Still I sit all alone, wishing all my feeling was gone

Gotta get over you, nothing for me to do

But have one last cry

-XOXO-

Online Store for Dummies

Over the past few months I had been thinking of selling stuffs online and in all fairness it was quite hard. I actually thought of just getting a product to sell and sell it online. Finally, an opportunity arrived and so I started to sell it online and I have to be honest I was amazed and dazzled as it needs a lot of work and effort. It is actually like setting up an actual store.

During the course of doing it online, a friend and colleague Fatima, told me that I should follow online re-sellers as well to learn their habits and tricks on how they do their advertisement and all those stuffs and so I did.

I followed at Instagram I was again dazzled by the number of followers she got. I took her number and add her in WECHAT.

To start your online business you must be geared with the technology that should come along with it. Just like having a physical store.

1. Social Media - Since you are doing your store online then at least you should have a medium where you could be contacted and of course a place where buyers could see your products. I would suggest you should have the following:

• Facebook Page - This is a perfect avenue for you to post your photos with description. It is also a place where you could give description of your product with unlimited characters. Also, please take note that aside from giving a full description of your product you must also take note to provide instruction as to how your buyers could pay you and how it gets delivered to them including the price of shipping fee.
• Instagram - It is really useful to gain followers and a perfect place for you to advertise your product and of course to interact with other fellow store owners and of course your buyers. Instagram or IG gives you an opportunity to flaunt your product with a brief description on it.
• WECHAT, VIBER, KAKAOTALK, WHATSAPP - a perfect and cheaper way to communicate to your buyers and it is advisable that you are always reachable through this.

2. Gadget - you should at least have a mobile which is data capable. If not at least a tablet that has internet capability. Having such gadget will help you sell whenever wherever.

3. Courier - Of course when you do online you should also have your own courier to deliver your own products. There are tons of courier out there and all you need to do is research on their reputation. Search the web for reviews, check on other re-sellers as to who they are using as their courier in this way you are sure your products are delivered on time and safely.

With my conversation with Isa over WECHAT, she generously gave some tips and tricks which I will be sharing it with you as well. (Isa can be followed in Instagram: @onlineshopaholic  or through her facebook page: Yana's Shrimp Paste Her business name Yana is the name of her lovely daughter. Go check it out and have the most delicious dip for your favorite dish)

1. Focus on a Product - Isa said it is always best that you focus on a product that you have plenty off. She means you'll need to have a product that will define you on the worldwide web. It is ok she said that you'll have plenty of products that comes along with your focus product but what is important is you have a single product that will distinguish you amongst other online businessmen/woman. She herself is labeled as the Bagoong Queen of Instagram. She is well known and well loved by the bagoong she makes and sells in IG. (Writing this makes me think of green manggo with her delicious bagoong makes my mouth watery.) One good thing is she dominates the IG World.

2. Customer Service - She said no matter what you sell always make it a point to have an above and beyond customer service and experience. (Remember that no matter how good and how flambouyant your product is, it will never sell if you have a bad reputation on customer service. Customer should always be the heart of everything. Give them what they deserve because they are spending on what you sell. Success will always come next when you a wonderful customer service and your customer will be your best advertiser.)

3. TRUST - She also adds that apart of her success is being trusted by her customer. "Dont be a bogus buyer/seller so people will trust you", she added.  (Trust is something you would earn and so to start building trust by not being a bogus seller or buyer. Remember that you are selling virtually. People dont see nor touch you so you should gain that confidence from online buyers so people will always comeback and buy your stuffs.)

4. Price - Isa said price plays a crucial role as well. The goods you sell should be competitive enough from other online businessmen/women. "Maganda ng maliit ang tubo basta madaming benta", she added (Its is better to gain a little as long as you sell more)

5. Never Give Up - this was her final word when I ask her. Just keep pushing and when you are already known then you should help others. If others are well known and well establish then it only means you can do it too. They started from scratch and so are you so just keep pushing and never give up. Joining SFS (Shout for Shout) is also a good way to advertise. SFS would mean you will advertise other IG users and they will shout out yours. It works both ways, you sell their product and they'll sell yours. SIMPLE!

I hope I have shared something that may help you start up your online business.

Check out my Online Shop too.

INSTAGRAM: @deziredshop

Facebook Page: DeziredStore

Better Way to Celebrate Third Birthday

Whatever age that may be we all have the excitement when our birthday's is fast approaching. We tend to plan and wish to have a birthday bash of our own version. We are excited because we celebrate our date of birth, what makes it even exciting is we tend to gather all friends for one day and celebrate it with laughter over food, wine or liquor and beer or we tend to spend it somewhere as a gift for a year of success stories.

Gearing up to Jollibee for Ayesha's 3rd Birthday

But what about if it is our child's birthday party that comes up.

I am sure we have a lot of ideas popping in our mind when we think of our child's 3rd birthday party. However, I would like to share a story from my inaanak's (godchild) third birthday party and why it was successful.

A 3 year old child definitely can already express their ideas and maybe have some idea on how a party would look like. They already have these excitement towards their birthday party.

Over Christmas celebration her Lolo Bernardo asked her where she wanted to have a party. Ayesha (my inaanak) answered smartly "JOLLIBEE" (a food chain) and so her wish is definitely granted. In her action alone, I know she already have an idea as to what fun is. She already have an idea as to what she wanted.

Here's the learning's I got from what happened:

• Engage your children in the planning of their party. In this way, you are also teaching them to make decision. As a parent, we are just there to guide our children. Let your children do the planning you will just guide them if they are going out of control. It is what they want at that certain point in time that they enjoy the most.
• You should also be explaining the budget to them and that they shouldn't be going over the budget. In this way, you are teaching your children at an early age the value of money.
• Allow your children to explore their creative side while having fun. At this early stage I strongly agree with the expert that these children at this stage wanted to play. Let them play around and ask for their suggestions like what kind of food they wanted to serve on their birthday or giveaways or even her dress.
• To guide them, ask them for choices and maybe a few reason why they choose what they chose over the other. In this way, you are developing good reasoning skills.

Spell EXCITEMENT! this children are pretty much excited with what is about to happen.

This shall are different happy faces showing it off with the camera.

Am sure seeing this cake makes the Lolo really proud.

I also noticed how a grandfather so excited to witness the happenings of his only grand daughter. We turned on our Skype for him to see at least the first part of the party at Jollibee. I think that is more than enough for him to be inspired while working abroad for his children and now grand children.

10 Things I am Thankful for 2013

Many of us may be listing down their New Years Resolution, for me, I will definitely not list My New Years Resolution but rather it is my personal tradition to list down reason why I am thankful about the past year. I feel good to take time and reflect back to what the year has brought me or what I have done for the past year. I know I can never undo the past year but I also know that it will always be part of my history worth looking back to learn from and to be feel good at.

Here's what I am thankful for:

First of I am very thankful because I have survived another year. I am thankful to the Lord Almighty for giving me life and extending it for another year. It is difficult to be very limited on things you could do because you are growing up and getting old with congenital heart problem. However, despite that, God has given me another year to at least be of help to my siblings and to my friends or to even strangers. Another year of working and another year of good laugh with good friends.

I am grateful as well to have another year of working life. Despite the roller coaster ride of 2013 when it comes to my professional career I am still thankful because I have this opportunity I was able to surpass all and still survive for another year. It has given me opportunity to help bring my sister to a good school and take the course she likes and not to be forced to take up something she doesn't want just because we don't have the capacity to give it to her.

The successful launch of Project Mountain Alphabet. It is one of biggest achievement for 2013 because I was able to help Colalo Elementary School collect good books for their library. The Project Mountain Alphabet is merely a personal project of me and my fellow volunteers/friends to reach out to those who doesnt have a library. We collect books, cash and school materials from donors and bring it to the school who needs the most. The said project is a lifetime commitment so if you wish to help please contact me at my email address at wsacharlton1@gmail.com so we could arrange on how we could pick up your donations.

2013 has also brought me a roller coaster life be it personal and professional life. I am thankful to everyone who has helped me go through it. They have inspired me to cling on to life and showed me that problems are simply a cream of the crops to be a better person. I hope that the learning's from 2013 will definitely transpire to the new challenges of 2014.

I have sailed on 2013 successfully because of those people who surrounds me. They have boost my ego, my personality and supports and pushes me to be a better person. This definitely is a living example for me that no matter what happen there'd be always God sends who will be supporting you and for you to be able to the task God has given you. Thank you everyone as things may be worse without all of you.

I am thankful for all the weekends of 2013 as it is an instrument God has given me to rejuvenate and to get ready for another week not before long I just realized that another has year has passed. Without each weekend, I may have crushed down and will not be able to make it through sanely (lol). The weekend is a weekly gift for me from our creator for me to go rest, watch movie, chat with friends, explore new food and places.

Adjective is also a big part of my 2013. It was used both negatively and positively. I was describe extravagantly way below the belt and extravagantly heart warming alike. Both of this description has given me another color in my rainbow to change my own perspective and notion about people I encounter in a day to day basis and somehow still learning strategies to deal with these people.

My dear readers who keeps coming back to read what I wrote in my blog. I am greatly thankful to all of you. I keep inspired because of you all because of you my writing capability grows from about to be forgotten and dies to slowly growing better. These all happens because of you all who reads what I wrote. May I continue to improve until I gain back what I thought is my expertise.

Another one that I am thankful for is the idea to open my own online store and that hopefully by the years to come I will come up with my own physical store with my own brand. I am thankful as well for the people who believes in me and lend me their resources so I could start it up right. I am equally thankful for all my friends who choose to support me despite consequence they may have. To my colleagues who fully supports my endeavor and cheers me up in the tidal waves of starting up a business. For all the buyers I am thankful to each and everyone of you. You have inspired me to do better in sales and marketing.

Above all, I am very thankful with God by making all these things possible and by giving me people that helps me become who I am each year.

My New Year Food Recipe - Macaroni Salad

Christmas and New Year celebration actually is my favorite ever time of the year since childhood days and every time this part of the year kicks in I am always wishing for a macaroni salad the Filipino way of cooking of course. I love it because it is cheesy and definitely sweet. I actually think way back my childhood days that Macaroni Salad is a very special desert that is only prepared during New Year Celebration. I also see it on my cousins birthday celebration. Basically, I only see them during special occasions and gatherings.

Now that I am working I would love to cook it the way I wanted it and when I say I will do it my way I usually break the norms that I have grown up with. So here's my own version of my Filipino Macaroni Salad:

Ingredients:

1 pc of 500 gram Baronia Farfalle (Ribbon Type)

1 pc of 500 gram Baronia Fusilli Tricolore (3 Color Spiral)
2 pcs of 300 ml Condensed Milk
3 pcs  of 250 ml All Purpose Cream
1 bottle of Nata De Coco
200 gram Marshmallow (small type)
1 can (big size) Fruit Cocktail
Raisin
Cheese diced

Procedures

Cook the pasta/noodles according to package instruction. Normally though in a pot of salted boiling water add the pasta and cook for about 8 to 9 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold running tap water and allow to cool completely then set aside.

Drain the red and green Kaong or nata de coco and Fruit Cocktail then set aside.

Combine thouroughly all ingredients.

Put them on a container seal it thoroughly then refrigerate overnight.

My New Year's Foodie - My Style of Filipino Graham Cake

One of the many sought after desserts during special occasion during my childhood days is the Graham Refrigerator Cake. It is also one of the easiest desserts to prepare as you only main equipment is the refrigerator.

You will need:

2 packs of Graham Biscuits 

3 250-gram packs of all-purpose cream 

2 150-ml condensed milk

1 medium can of fruit cocktail (drained)

All you have to do is:

Combine the all purpose cream and condensed milk in a bowl. Mix well or better yet blend them together with any excess of the fruits you intended to use as toppings to give a fruity taste on the all purpose cream.

Layer the graham biscuits and the cream and condensed milk mixture alternately in a flat and rectangular container. The topmost layer must be covered with the combined mixture thickly. (Take note: you should always have a powdered Graham Biscuits to fill in the gaps during layering of the graham biscuits and the other mixture.

Put fruit toppings on the topmost layer of the cake. Spread the fruit cocktail evenly on the top layer. You can also sprinkle some unsalted cashew nuts on top of the cake or sliced ripe mangoes instead of fruit cocktail as toppings. I also tiny marshmallows on top and in-between layers to add texture on the graham cake.

4. Chill in the refrigerator for two hours or more. It is preferred to put it on the freezer for 2 hours to harden the mixture and then transfer it on the fridge to ensure that your cake is not watery when served.

Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Review

Over the past years I always have problem with my phone and or the network I used to use when it comes to mobile signal and most of all the Mobile Data connection which I cared less because I simply use my phone to its most basic function and that is through call and sms.

However, last December I decided to have my own online business. This time around I have to have a phone that has reliable camera and of course a network that has more acceptable data connectivity. This time around I definitely reconsidered and finally moved to a different network provider.

Last December, I finally have my first ever SMART Telecommunications Plan. I decided to go with Samsung Note 3 because of many various reason.

Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Full Specifications:

DESIGN

Device type: Smart phone

OS: Android (4.3)

Dimensions: 5.95 x 3.12 x 0.33 inches (151.2 x 79.2 x 8.3 mm)

Weight: 5.93 oz (168 g) the average is 4.6 oz (132 g)

DISPLAY

Physical size: 5.7 inches

Resolution: 1080 x 1920 pixels

Pixel density: 386 ppi

Technology: Super AMOLED

Colors: 16 777 216

Touchscreen: Multi-touch

Features: Light sensor, Proximity sensor

CAMERA

Camera: 13 megapixels

Flash: LED

Aperture size: F2.2

Focal length (35mm equivalent): 31mm

Camera sensor size: 1/3.06"

Features: -illuminated sensor (BSI), CMOS image sensor, Auto focus, Touch to focus, Digital image stabilization, Face detection, Smile detection, Exposure compensation, ISO control, White balance presets, Burst mode, Digital zoom, Geo tagging, High Dynamic Range mode (HDR), Panorama, Scenes, Effects, Self-timer

Camcorder: 3840x2160 (4K) (30 fps), 1920x1080 (1080p HD) (60 fps), 1280x720 (720p HD) (120 fps)

Features: Digital image stabilization, Continuous autofocus, Video light

Front-facing camera: 2 megapixels

HARDWARE

System chip: Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 MSM8974

Processor: Quad core, 2300 MHz, Krait 400

Graphics processor: Adreno 330

System memory: 3072 MB RAM

Built-in storage: 32 GB

Storage expansion: microSD, microSDHC up to 64 GB

BATTERY

Talk time: 25.00 hours the average is 13 h (752 min)

Stand-by time: 22.0 days (528 hours) the average is 20 days (488 h)

Talk time (3G): 21.00 hours the average is 12 h (704 min)

Stand-by time (3G): 17.5 days (420 hours) the average is 19 days (454 h)

Stand-by time (4G): 15.8 days (380 hours) the average is 18 days (429 h)

Capacity: 3200 mAh

MULTIMEDIA

Music player:

Filter by: Album, Artist, Playlists

Features: Album art cover, Background playback, Preset equalizer

Speakers: Earpiece, Loudspeaker

YouTube player: Yes

INTERNET BROWSING

Built-in online services support: YouTube (upload), Picasa/Google+

TECHNOLOGY

GSM: 850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz

UMTS: 850, 900, 1900, 2100 MHz

FDD LTE: 700 (band 17), 800 (band 18), 850 (band 5), 900 (band 8), 1700/2100 (band 4), 1800 (band 3), 1900 (band 2) MHz

Data: LTE Cat4 Downlink 150 Mbit/s, LTE Cat3/4 Uplink 50 Mbit/s, HSDPA+ (4G) 42.2 Mbit/s, HSUPA 5.76 Mbit/s, UMTS, EDGE, GPRS

Micro SIM: Yes

Positioning: GPS, A-GPS, Glonass

Navigation: Turn-by-turn navigation

CONNECTIVITY

Bluetooth: 4.0

Wi-Fi: 802.11 a, b, g, n, n 5GHz, ac

Mobile hotspot: Yes

USB: USB 3.0

Connector: microUSB

Features: Mass storage device, USB Host, USB charging

HDMI: via microUSB

Other: NFC, DLNA, MHL, Tethering, Computer sync, OTA sync, Infrared

OTHER FEATURES

Notifications: Haptic feedback, Music ringtones (MP3), Polyphonic ringtones, Vibration, Flight mode, Silent mode, Speakerphone

Sensors: Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Compass, Thermometer, Gesture, Humidity, Barometer

Hearing aid compatibility: T3

Voice dialing, Voice commands, Voice recording, TTY/TDD

AVAILABILITY

Officially announced: 04 Sep 2013

My Personal Verdict

Giving the list specifications, I have no doubt that I would be loving the functionality of the phone. I totally recommend Samsung Note 3 and I consider it as a powerful andriod device. Giving the main reason that I will be using the device for my online store, the size of the phone is admirable pleasant to me. It allows me to do my thing and not being challenge by the size of its screen.

The phone and tablet capacity is one of the many reason why I decided to buy Samsung Galaxy Note 3. After spending sometime with the phone, what I like most is the camera. The camera is a perfect substitute to a point shoot camera given the proper lights. I also love the  Auto Focus, its 4X Digital Zoom, and most especially the Shot Mode [Beauty Face, Best Photo, Best Face, Sound & Shot, Drama Shot, Animated Photo, Golf Shot, Rich Tone (HDR), Eraser, Panorama Shot, Surround Shot, Sports Shot.

I also the total packaging of the Samsung Galaxy Note 3. I specifically like the Leather-Like removable back cover of the Samsung Galaxy Note 3. To top that, the corrugated side of the phone provides a better grip to the phone plus the less rounded edge also look better than the rounded edges of most Samsung phones. I also love the idea striking metallic side as it adds better premium to me.

The layout of the control buttons are located at the side the phone ( Volume control - Left side and on the right is the power button). Also, a removable battery for me is also an advantage versus their direct competitive.

In general, I am super satisfied with the functionality of the phone. It gives me the things that I need to operate my small time online business. It gives me a the tablet and phone features in one like bigger screen and access to social media.

The Metro Manila Film Festival - My Thoughts About It

Its this time of the year again when Filipino Film Makers, producers, actors, directors and the movie goers are all excited to watch the entries of the said star studded Festival in the country. Millions of movie goers line up in different malls to either watch their favorite actors and actresses or to watch all of the entry.

I wont be saying one movie is better than the other. This is not what the article is all about. I would be talking much more on what I thought in general about the movies presented for this years Metro Manila Film Festival 2013.

In general, today's Metro Manila Film Festival runs smoothly and definitely a success. Families spend a portion of their money to support the said festival. I like the idea that at least once a year they closed all cinemas across the archipelago to give way to all entries to be shown nationwide starting December 25 until somehow first week of January.

Photo Credit: Click here

For the opening day last December 25, My Little Bossing definitely rocked the ticket gross sales and topped the chart. Even before the opening I already think that My Little Bossing would be the highest grossing film for this years Metro Manila Film Festival. As I watched the movie, I think Ryza Mae "Aling Maliit" Dizon definitely is the sailor of the show. She definitely outshine her partner James "Bimby" Aquino (as expected, because this is Bimby's first appearance in movie). Bimby and Ryzza Mae will now hold the highest gross film for Day 1 outshining last years highest gross film Sisterakas.This proves that Kris Aquino (starrer of My Little Bossing) still is the Queen of All Media and Blockbuster Queen as I always say she can sell even the stone in Metro Manila and Vic Sotto still is the king of highest grossing films of Metro Manila as he never fails to be part of the TOP 3 Highest Grossing Film and don't underestimate Ryzza Mae "Aling Maliit" because she continues to prove that she can sell a movie and a talk show. My final verdict for the movie is definitely a comedy of good taste and class. Aling Maliit Ryzza Mae Dizon and Aiza Seguera is the flag bearer of the said  movie. The chemistry of all the actors and actresses of the movie in deed shines all throughout. I truly recommend this movie for children and or for the whole family.

Photo Credit: Click Here

Second highest grossing film for today's Metro Manila Film Festival is as I expect is Vice Ganda's Girl Boy Bakla Tomboy. Vice Ganda is fully supported by the grass roots because of the kind of joke he uses which is very visible in the movie. Maricel Soriano still proves that she is still on the limelight after she takes home the Best Actress Award. I truly recommend this movie to moviegoers above 18 years old because of the kind of joke it has transpired in the movie.

Photo Credit: Click Here

Horor movie still has some spot to Filipino movie goers as transpired by the Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla tandem in Pagpag: Siyam na Buhay as they still holds the number 3 spot in top grossing films. I watched the movie because I am very interested in Filipino culture. It is believe that after visiting a burial or wake one should go somewhere and "shake off"  and clean himself or herself to ward off the spirit of the the dead and will not follow him or her before heading home. I don't know why Horror movies are shown during Christmas season.

Photo Credit: Click Here

Again Eugene Dominggo paves her way with her comedy stint and amazed her audience and fans in her Metro Manila Film Festival Entry Kimmy Dora and Kiyemeng Prequel. Her comedy styles never fails her audience and proves that Kimmy Dora can still sell as she is part of the Top 4 highest grossing films.

Photo Credit: Click Here

No Doubt, Robin Padilla's 10,000 Hours definitely rocks the Festival as it bags almost all the awards. Robin Padilla then and again paves his way to the BEST ACTOR awards. It is a movie that will definitely revotionalize the action drama stints. I would say that this is so far the best of Robin Padilla's action-drama movie he ever starred into. One thing that turns me off is the idea that it is again based on a political figure. It could be used as again political advertisement to the politician they support. It doesn't wave product endorsement but it has shown a definite political advertisement which I am not fan of. The cinematography, acting, and directing is what I think that makes it really good.

So far, for most of the movies I've watched I believe that there are entries that is not supposed to be there but the winner definitely deserves their award (though Pedro Calungsod movie should have an award as well). Another thing that I have observed, most of the movies contains commercial product thus I call it a commercial movies or advertisement drama or product placement. It is evident to most movies that they always definitely made sure to add the products that they are endorsing at some point it became part of the movie attraction. I am not a big fan of such movie and I discourage such product endorsing on movies and should focus more on quality. Movie goers watch the movie because they wanted to be entertained and not watched the product the actors and actresses they endorsed.

Again, the Metro Manila Film Festival should showcase the best of the best Filipino Movies and not just a local flare. I am expecting that entries should way better or at par to their New Wave counterparts. The Metro Manila Film Festival should stands in their vision to promote the best of Filipino talents and not an avenue to promote political personalities, mobile applications, bath soap, pancit canton, laundry detergents among others. This should be an avenue of businessmen to flaunt their products and sell it to their audience. Films should be an avenue to entertain while ingesting values and characters and or very good story line, plot and acting.

Here is the complete list of winners for the 2013 MMFF:

FOR NEW WAVE CATEGORY:

New Wave Most Gender-Sensitive Film: Island Dreams Directed by Aloy Adlawan and Gino Santos
Animation Jury Prize: Ang Lalong Ni Kulakog
New Wave Special Jury Prize: Mga Anino ng Kahapon
New Wave Short Film Best Picture: Ang Paglisan
New Wave Best Picture: Dukit
Best New Wave Film: Dukit by Armando Lao
Best New Wave Film Director: Armando Lao for Dukit
New Wave Best Actress: Agot Isidro
New Wave Best Actors: Wilfredo Layug, Bor Ocampo, Bambalito Lacap for "Dukit"

Main Category

10,00 Hours

Best Festival Sound Recording: 10,000 Hours
Best Visual Effects: 10,000 Hours
Best Musical Score: 10,000 Hours
Best Production Design: 10,000 Hours
Best Editor: Maria Ignacio, 10,000 Hours
Best Cinematography: 10,000 Hours
Best Original Story: 10,000 Hours
Best Screenplay: 10,000 Hours
Best Director: Joyce Bernal (10,000 Hours)
Best Supporting Actor: Pen Medina, 10,000 Hours
Gat Puno Antonio Villegas Cultural Award: 10,000 Hours
1st Best Picture: 10,000 Hours
FPJ Memorial Award for Excellence winner: 10,000 Hours
Best Actor: Robin Padilla, 10,000 Hours

My Little Bossing

Best Child Performer: Ryzza Mae Dizon, My Little Bossings
Best Original Theme Song: My Little Bossings
Best Supporting Actress: Aiza Seguerra, My Little Bossings
3rd Best Picture: My Little Bossings

PAGPAG: Siyam na Buhay

Youth Choice Award: Pagpag
Male Star of the Night: Daniel Padilla
Best Make-up: Pagpag Siyam na Buhay

Girl Boy Bakla Tomboy

Best Actress: Maricel Soriano, Girl Boy Bakla Tomboy
2nd Best Picture: Girl, Boy, Bakla. Tomboy
Most Gender-Sensitive Film: Girl Boy Bakla Tomboy directed by Wenn Deramas

Kimmy Dora: Ang Kiyemeng Prequel

Female Star of the Night: Eugene Domingo

Boy Golden

Best Float Award: Boy Golden

Other Awards:

Special Recognition Award: Ronnie Ricketts, Optical Media Board Chairperson

List of Official Entries to Metro Manila Film Festival

10,000 Hours
Girl, Boy, Bakla, Tomboy
Kimmy Dora: Ang Kiyemeng Prequel
Pagpag: Siyam na Buhay
My Little Bossings
Kaleidoscope World
Pedro Calungsod: Batang Martir

Planning for Retirement will be My New Years Resolution

I am not financial expert nor a financial literate. However, over the past few days I have been thinking what happens to me when I retire. Then suddenly I came to realize that this would be my greatest failure. I should have been saving for my retirement the moment I started working.

There'd be so many ways and tips written about how to plan for your retirement. Financial experts will always have to say something about for to plan for a retirement. The thoughts actually that has been bugging me is AM I READY TO RETIRE when it is about time to RETIRE?

Planning for a retirement for sure is always the best way to go about it. Planning is definitely tedious and mind bugging. In my own idea, in order for you to plan for a retirement is you'd have to come up with a process on how you could achieve a successful and easy retirement. Part of which is definitely forecasting your future needs. Forecasting is the first step to a successful Retirement Plan.

Forecasting could be as simple as listing down all your possible expenses in a given point of your life. Of course FORECASTING is too technical to most of us including me. But, I am referring to the easier one which is the Qualitative Forecasting where it is really subjective and it is purely based on your own judgement. Though it is based on your judgement and subjective in nature you would have to put in mind that you would have to be most factual. In my case, I would forecast that the moment I will retire, I will be spending at least Php 3500 to Php 6500 per month on medicine and maintenance, Php 1500 on electricity and Php 500 on water bill. Since I am alone, I would be spending at least Php 1800 on food and beverage per week Php 4000 per month for phone, cable tv, and internet services and the list goes on. After making the list of the most possible expenses I would have to multiply it for 20 years granting that is if I will retire on the age of 55. Oh by the way if you plan of travelling after you retire, then you would have to add that on your forecast.

After forecasting, then we have to think of all our expenses. Of course, we don't just forecast our future expenses, we have also have to plan on how we could reach our goal.

So here's what I will be doing for me to achieve my Retirement Plan.

1. Its been said many times in many articles about retirement that the best way to fund your retirement is by cutting down your expenses to ramp up savings. I find it logically correct. Well though it is true that one of the many reason why we strive to look for a better job offering a higher compensation is because we wanted to live the life we dreamed to have. I am not saying that I wont be buying new clothes for the next 10 years or not going to a movie house for the rest of year. What I am trying to say here is I will be cutting my expenses on a so called extravaganza expenses.
2. Saving Saving Saving and more Saving. I am guilty on this part. At age 30, I still don't have financial savings. For me I am already at the verge of what I call financial suicide. I have a 30 year mortgage which means, I can only rest from paying off my mortgage at the age of 60. With the expenses I listed above I should now start saving a portion of my earnings. However, with the economic situation of the Philippines and the fluctuation of prices of common goods then it would mean that I would need to triple my effort in saving. Bottom line here is for me to save as much money as I can while I am working and while there are companies who would like to hire me.One goal is by the end of 2014 I should be able to secure a different Bank Account number as my retirement savings. It is always best that this should not be withdrawn by any chance. It is always a good idea as well to add more every time I have an achievement whether my personal, business, and or professional life.
3. Invest. I personally think that investing would be the perfect avenue for me to save more for my retirement. However, I think the best way to invest my money is through mutual funds. However, dont just invest on any mutual funds but rather it should be to a reputable and stable companies offering such investment terms. Here's a good read about mutual funds: Grow Your Money In Mutual Funds
4. NEVER RELY ON SOCIAL SECURITY SERVICES. I had been talking to most people in their 40's to 50's from taxi driver, construction worker, office workers and to some managers. One thing I found in common is most (but not all) are dependent on their SSS contribution as part of their retirement plan. For me, it is retirement suicide if we depend on SSS to cover for all our needs when we retire. Though we should be expecting that from the government, I think it will only cover a very minimal part of our expenses when we retire. I knew some people who receives Php 2500 every month from SSS as a retirement benefits and I think that will only cover either electric bill.
5. STAY AWAY FROM DEBTS. I think this would be the hardest on my par but I will try my best not to incur more debts. As they always say, I should learn more to stay within my means and not over spending.
6. Company Retirement Saving Plan. One of the many reason why I am staying with my current employer is because of the fact that they offer a company retirement saving plan. So I will urge everyone to ask your Human Relation Officer about a possible retirement saving plan sponsored by the company. Know their terms and condition and always make sure to get the highest percentage cut from your salary normally that's approximately 3% to 7% cut.

Gear up at Foton’s Big Show 2013′s Grand Launch

Car is definitely a need nowadays. It caters on the comfort of going places without the hassle and bustle of commuting. I knew there are tons of reason why we swap our car to a different car. This are the reason why I had been rooting in buying a car. I haven't made any move yet because I haven't seen a car company who can provide me with everything that  I am looking for in a car. In my list aside from comfort, I wanted a car that is reliable and durable and of course budget friendly. Man! Who doesn't want those features.

Seat belt reminder, adjustable lumbar support, adjustable headrest for driver's seat, leather seats, 3 point seat belts child safety lock, dual airbags, adjustable intensity of meter guage back light, automatic dimming rear view mirror, reverse sensor, remote control power windows, AM/FM Radio + CD player + Audio Input (AUX + USB), interior lights OFF delay and one touch-Electric Windows Control for driver. Here's the catch, its not the usual brand of truck but rather it is a THUNDER FOTON CAR! These can make me swap or buy a FOTON CAR. Swap or buy yours too.

This FOTON TRUCK definitely rocks the world perfect for family getaways, for business and definitely for outreach program! This Thunder Foton Car is definitely a car worth investing for and this is the car I want for my outreach programs.

Swap your car or buy a Foton Car at Foton’s Big Show 2013′s Grand Launch. 

Get to know FOTON Car Register and Join Foton’s Big Show 2013′s Grand Launch at the World Trade Center on October 25 and witness the launching of the new FOTON View, the 1st dancing wheel loader in the Philippines. Get a chance to trade-in your old vehicles from October 26 to 27 avail of BIG DISCOUNTS and BIG REWARDS when purchasing FOTON vehicles at the event. Receive amazing giveaways just for coming and you get even more when you test drive our passenger vehicles or attend our forums and trainings. No entrance fee!

So Facebook friends, readers, tweetpeeps family and friends click here to register: 

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

SEE YOU THERE!!!
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