My June Office Outfit

I can consider myself as the worst dresser, and I suppose it has something to do on how I see my life in different perspective. I am simply a t-shirt person and most of the time I dont have that much clothes to play with. However, this month I decided to do a little re-make on the way I wear clothes. I started it with my office attire.

Going to the office would definitely require me to wear clothes that is cool easy to wear and yet professional to look.

So this is my SMART CASUAL ATTIRE... I will be posting for more as we go forward. I hope that one day I can learn the art of FASHION.

My choice of Flores de Mayo Look

Santacruzan or otherwise known as Flores de Mayo was introduced by the Spaniards way back then and now became The Queen of all Festivals in the Philippines. I cannot agree more with this claim because of the fact that it is being celebrated from the subdivisions to the barangay and or municipal level all across the country during the month of May.

This May my sister was selected to join the parade and so we are only told that she will just be one amongst those who will be joining the parade. Well I guess we are all excited to prepare for the said occasion. Though we don't have the luxury of time we still made sure we have given the best we could.

So here's my sister's look for her First Santacruzan:

BEFORE AND AFTER LOOK:

My sister has chinita eyes so the make artist had a good way of making it wider and more enhance and to have a change of look.

The Before LOOK: as the make artist starts to work in painting my sister to enhance my sisters look for the night.

The Make Up Artist In Action:

THE ACCESORRIES

 The Final RESULT:

Guess who is her look a like?

Exploring Puerto Galera

My Puerto Galera Experience

Recently, I finally decided to take a break from work. Go somewhere to relax and unwind but I also don't want to go that far from Metro Manila. My Summer Vacation 2014 is quite a memory at the one of the most beautiful community beach in the Philippines. A place called Puerto Galera situated along the seashore of Mindoro. A piece of heaven of at the Southern part of Luzon not so far away from Metro Manila.

How to get there:

Going to Puerto Galera is amusingly easy. First of course is going to Batangas Port, either through a private car or through public transportation, then from there you can take a ferry boats from 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM.

For me, I took a public transportation.

By Public Transportation depending on your location:

Go to any of the following bus terminals in Metro Manila:

• Bus Terminals near the corner of Taft Avenue and Gil Puyat Avenue (formerly Buendia), Pasay City – nearest Ninoy Aquino International Airport and Domestic Airport.
• Bus Terminal near Ali Mall, Araneta Center, Cubao, Quezon City.
• Bus Terminal in EDSA corner Kamias Street, Quezon City.
• Bus Terminal in Alabang, Muntinlupa City.

TIP: In riding a bus most specially if you are a first timer you have to ask the conductor of the bus specifically if the bus is going to Batangas pier. Otherwise you'll have to look for another one who can. From Metro Manila to Batangas port this may take you at least 2 hours depending on traffic of course. Bus fare may cost you less than Php200.

From Batangas Port, walk straight to Terminal 3 and find the ticket booth going to Puerto Galera. The moment you step down to the bus, locals will definitely offer their service in guiding you to Terminal 3 where you could buy your Fairy Boat tickets (Php 250 per person) and environmental Fee. Note that there are 2 different windows where you could pay your environmental fee after buying your ticket. The fees you need to pay are Terminal Fee which will cost you Php 30 and Environmental Fee for only Php 50.00. I suggest you pay the round trip ticket. Though in any cases that you need to move the departure date you'll have to confirm 24 hrs in advance to avoid disruption of your travel.

The Accommodations:

Looking for accommodation at Puerto Galera is as easy as 1, 2, 3 because the moment you reach the white sands of Puerto Galera and after paying the fees local tourist guides will be there asking you if you already have reservations because they can take you to hotels and other means of accommodations within the area of the beach.

There'd be a lot of hotels and hostels who can offer you the best of their services. In my case when I visited the place for the first time Kubo sa Bakawan became my favorite as they offer free use of videoke and you can even go to the market and cook your own food. Also, Evelyn Manalo Mendoza, the owner of the Kubo Sa Bakawan was very accommodating to all their guests which is of course a plus in their complete customer satisfaction.

For reservations please call +639397962232 or (02) 861 1225 Please reference my blog.

Ice cold beer and a white sand and a dazzling beach, Puerto Galera is a haven for trekkers and party goers alike. Galera showcases different activities to all kinds of tourist be it a lone traveler who simply wants a serene and majestic view alone, a walk in a beach with your ever dearest, a barkada tour who simply loves adventures and clubbing to a family beach volleyball and sports activity.

Excitement is in the air the moment I stepped in the white sands of Puerto Galera. Here are some of the exciting activities I have enjoyed at Puerto Galera.

My first time to eat Sea Urchin. The sea creature that I wouldn't want to step on when I am at the beach. My Sea Urchin eating experience was definitely fantastic and

Eating Sea Urchin

Roughly around 10 kilometers away from Puerto Galera there lies the majestic and enchanting Tamaraw Falls. The cool fresh water from the rain forest glides down the rocky slope making it a picture perfect and relaxing view. I can literraly sit there for hours just watching the water glides the slope and listen to its splash as it hits the ground adorned with the sweet chirping sound of the birds from the forest.

When visiting Tamaraw Falls always and make sure to bring with you your swimming attire or you'll end up swimming with your underwear just like me. Swimming on a fresh water is always and will always be my favorite. So after picture taking, with the falls as my background I definitely need to caress and feel the coolness of its crystal clear water fresh from the lush forest of Puerto Galera.

I would advise that you leave Tamaraw Falls before the sunset. Along the way you'll definitely find your tons of beautiful spots where you could take some photos as a souvenir. I also advise you rent a motorcycle for an marvelous motorcycle adventure and it is the easiest way for you to roam around Puerto Galera. The thrill and excitement and you'll have a 360 degrees view of your surrounding. It is my first time to enjoy my motorcycle ride.

Island and Beach Hoping is definitely another activity that you look forward too. All you need is a fisherman's boat and am sure you can go around the nearby islands and beaches of Puerto Galera. So after swimming at the beach, you can divert some of your activity to the Island and Beach Hoping. I would advise that you take this along with the other activities such as Snorkeling. I would also advise to do it in the afternoon so when you go home you'll get to see the sunset while on the other beaches or when you are in your boat going back to the starting point.

Island and Beach Hopping

Part of the Island Hoping is of course the experience to play with the fish by feeding them and swimming with them with of course your snorkel.

Snorkeling

After that amazing experience with the fish and the corals its time to stretch those muscles on the underground river experience. Of course you can swim on the cool water while you take some pictures with your friends.

Underground River Experience at Puerto Galera

And to finalize your Island Hoping experience drop by in an island where you could have a view of the scenic sunset. It definitely captures a romantic view. Simply walking along the white sand beach or lying and chatting while taking some photographs with your special someone or with your family and friends. I still remember the thrill and the whole experience of it.

Sunset Viewing at Puerto Galera

And of course you've got to experience that crazy banana boat ride or that thrilling para-sailing and other water activities.

I wouldnt have gone to many places in Puerto Galera without the help of motorcycle where you can actually rent it via the tourist guide.

Buttered Garlic Shrimp

I wanted to share my own version of Buttered Garlic Shrimp and this is the easiest way to cook shrimp so far.

Here's what you need:

1/4 kilo of shrimp
5 table spoonful of Butter - I used Dairy Cream for my butter.
1 whole garlic (minced)
pepper (depends on you)
garlic powder
1 onion bulb (minced)
salt to taste

How to do it?

1. Heat the pan at a slow fire.
2. When the pan is already hot. Put the butter and let it melt. Once its melted add the shrimp until it turns orange.
3. Add the spices and stir until cooked.
4. SERVE WHILE HOT.

***You can practically do however you want to do it. Sometimes I melt the butter while adding the spices or sometimes I will have the shrimp first before it adding the butter. Either way would actually do.***

Your My Best Friend

Reynaldo was walking home from one cold night. It was dark, the wind is blowing softly brushing every strand of my hair. It was a cold eerie night. It was drizzling that time and you can hear the frogs croak adorned with the buzzing sounds of crickets. The dogs are barking to add to the beautiful noise of that one beautiful night.

That moment of your life when your alone walking in a silent cold night. That moment where the memories of the past flashes right into your very front. That moment in your life when you tried to reminisce the past so happy and filled with joy. Those are the moments where you'd suddenly wanted to go back and never wants to leave that memory. The moment where you are happily playing hide and seek or creating a pot made of soil by your very own urine. The time when you laugh really loud where no one seem to care. Those were the moments when you are free that no one seems to care if you have wiped your mucus flowing down your nose and no one seems to care.

In every childhood we always we have a best friend that we consider and even growing up we would always that special person standing and defending you as his best friend. The person who is always behind you supporting you and pushing you to become better of what you do just like Reynaldo. He also has friends where he can call them the best.

Reynaldo was in that deep thought imagining those happy days, when suddenly he hears scream from the people across the street. That is when h saw a strong flash of light passing through him. He felt that he went up in the air, he felt numbness despite the fact that he knew he flew like a bird. All those memories keep rushing before his very eyes his body felt like he was gliding over the clouds. He felt that he weigh less than a cotton flying in the air together with the birds humming my favorite song.

I am dreaming, I am watching my childhood days like an action packed movie. I am seeing a full length of video of my whole life. I am seeing how I cried when I am hurt sobbing secretly. I heard the mockery of people who had challenged me and the cause why I tried my best to be where I am right now. I hear the laughter, I felt the love, I felt everything.

Then, suddenly he heard a very familiar voice calling my name. He opened his eyes and saw his best friend whispering his name asking him to wake up.

"Hey what happened", Reynaldo asked his best friend.

"You had a road accident when you were jogging at night!" he replied. "I am happy you are awake", he continued.

They continued chatting and laughing and even reminiscing the past. They discussed about going somewhere to celebrate life and the friendship they had. Then later that night Reynaldo asked him to sleep beside me just like the old days. Which he did.

When his best friend is fast asleep. Reynaldo felt like he was rushing out of breath. He knew by then that it was the end of everything. He whispered his goodbye's to his best friend and peacefully closed his eyes.

The Mud Fish Story

Let me narrate to you a story of a little boy named Reynaldo.

The river runs quietly, the water flows so sweet. The flashing of the water at the river basin is music to a gentleman's heart. The humming of the birds is like a flute played in the sky adorned with the strumming of the water flowing by the river. Children's are busy playing. Their laughter's are sign's of joy and contentment.

"I still remember those memories of my childhood. Memories filled with joy and laughter. The memories that will never be forgotten. I still remember those days when my eyes twinkles and my heart pounds heavily with excitement that somehow a friend drops by. It means I am free again from the bondage of life cruelties and challenges of a young boy. It means I am able to join the chorus of children filling the air with their giggles and laughter."

"I remember the mud fish that i used to play given by my childhood best friend. I remember him handling it over to me one afternoon placed in a jar of water with a plant. I remember him handling it over to me for keepsake. I also remember that it will be the last after I will ever saw my best friend nor play hide and sick or tumbang preso."

Those are cherished moments of young Reynaldo's life. Growing up to be the weakest amongst its siblings. Growing up to be the weakest in class. Growing up to be the dark horse of life competition. However, this has made him a more stronger Reynaldo as he was criticized and mocked in his growing up years.

Year after year, Reynaldo is winning every battle Life has to offer him. Year after year he learns to be happy despite obstacles.

Life has thought young Reynaldo to be stronger. His heart hardened. His priorities are up for battle. He exudes strong personality. Everyone knows him stone hearted person. Life has thought him not cry or show weakness despite hardship. Life has thought him to hide the feelings he has towards anything else. He never cry in funerals despite all that no one has dared to see him in the inside. He has loved secretly. He had relationships that prosper.

His love has made him even stronger. It was the only thing that has been pushing him through. It was the kind of thing that has secretly made him a better person.

No matter how strong Reynaldo was, the time has come for him to face his biggest challenge... The time that life has been preparing him. It was his final moments, tears rolling down his cheek as he finally draws his last straws of breath. Until his final moments he is still wishing to see his best friend one last time.

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.