Surviving Caramoan

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September 16, 2012 is the day of the event in Mall Of Asia entitled "Surviving Caramoan" of Jack TV. It's like a Survivor kind of event, that would hype up the audience to the upcoming Survivor series that will happen in one of the islands here in the country :)

What is this Surviving Caramoan?

>> Well, It's quite similar to Survivor Series. However, this event would only last for one whole day ( as far as I know). The contestants would be filmed within the duration of the event. 

After 5 tasks of simple yet tiring + not so fun eating challenge. I was very happy to succeed in this Elimination. I'm just sad, my brother wasn't able to pass through the 4th challenge ( well, it's really hard) :(

So i'll share you my experience :)

My Story....

Ok, I really love joining amazing races and reality type of contests :) So when I was in Bacolod, I saw this Ad in Jack TV and started to research about it. When we were back here in Manila, I started filling out the registration forms and waivers then BOOM! without realizing.... It's already September 16!

We arrived in MOA at around 3pm. GAAHhhhh! The traffic because of the rain + 3 Day Mega-Gigantic-Galactica Sale of MOA + Cosplay Convention + Last day of International Book Fair + UAAP! Wow, I knoowww, the traffic drove us crazy. :)

So there, We submitted our application and waited for our turn. Oh boy! the line is not that long but you have to wait for the person to finish the first task before the next person can do the task. So there are basically 5 tasks : Puzzle, Carrying Crates, Ten-Wheeler-Truck Tire Lifting, 3 ball Balancing and Fear Factor ish type of eating challenge.

1. Puzzle

>> All we have to do here is finish the puzzle. I finished this task at around 3 mins and 30 + secs. yeah.... I'm quite slow because I'm a bit pressured.. People are watching from above... hehe

Maximum Time before being cut: 5 mins.

Oh it's blurry ;) haha but the Puzzle is just on top that table.

2. Carrying Crate

>> Well this one is interesting.. :) I really thought that each crate wouldn't be that heavy. Other people carry two crates at a time. Well, I'm not really the weight lifting type of person so I preferred to carry one at a time. While waiting in our line, I computed for the maximum time for a crate to travel from Point A to Point B and return to Point A. It should be around 6 seconds. 

Nerd? No, I'm just bored and anxious not to pass that task.Woohooo! Ended up finishing the task in 51 secs :D Oh boy! that's 10 crates :>

Maximum Time: 1 min

3. Ten-wheeler-truck Tire Lifting

>> According to the Bouncer, he said, "Mga 20 Kgs lang yan." So when it's My turn to lift this stuff. Well, It's a bit heavy lifting it from the ground, but then you grab it already, it would be easier. We have to carry this tire for about 30 secs. :) Yehey Good thing the task is like this, not the one that has the longest time. :)

4. Balancing Ball

>> This one is the hardest task, I believed! You have to balance all 3 balls in a 12-15 inches circular wood for about 1 min. The facilitator instructed me to put those 3 balls all at once, then the time started ticking. Every second feels like a year. The facilitator is counting down, so I'm quite annoyed. Sorry I have this pressure in my heart, that the closest I'm to my goal I started to panic or feel uneasy. So when my time is close to 30 secs, I'm like telling the girl to shhh.... and then BOOOM! The ball starts to move, and one ball is half an inch away from falling... Huhuhuhu. ( More focuss!!! ) and yeah! I succeed that thing!

Oh by the way, this is the task that my brother failed. :( His hand is shaking letting the ball fall. 

5. Fear Factor Eating Challenge.

>> I really hate this part. I was actually hoping that the foods being served are random and I can pick the not so yucky type of food. OK! I was wrong! when the facilitator here open the cover, Here are my food to eat: 2 Pork brains, 2 Pork eyes and 3 Worms. 

Wohooo! In my life, I do not eat Balut, Isaw, or even lengua. But this one...... :((((((((( I have to force myself to eat such thing! :(((( Anyway. The time limit is 1 min. When the time starts, I ate the worms first, since i think that's the easiest one to eat. OH goodness! I cant swallow it......... i have to force myself to swallow it. The next food i eat, was the Pork Brain... It's so slimy, so cold, so...... yeah I ate it. it tastes like rotten egg...  I could compare the texture of this to a tofu? HAHAHA! Ok. the last one would be the Pork eyes. I still have 20 secs here. so i tried to chew. then try to swallow but it's really hard..... It's like chicken but in my mind. it's PORK EYES!!!!! so in the last 10 secs. NO CHOICE! i have to push it. i used my fingers pushed the food into my throat then BOOM! :D I'm done! HAHAHAH

The adventures that my brother and I had today was memorable. This would add to our list of races and adventures together. Prior to that, We were like joking around! We'll have a great shot in this contest you know! :D They'll have a sibling rivalry type of scenes :) Well, Maybe next time.   

I really hope to be part of the Top 10 contenders that will compete in Caramoan! #fingerscrossed!

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33rd Manila International Book Fair

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The 33rd Manila International Book Fair or MIBF is here again to serve the filipino minds with several books that will enrich our learning. The MIBF would run from September 12 to 16,2012 from 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM at SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City.

BOOKS ARE FOR SALE ! :)

There are also several programs in this event like book signing, quizbee, seminar, forums and the likes. 

Well, this was my second year to attend the Manila International Book Fair and, it was really fun attending those events. I spent my dismissal time to go to this event and look for books that would interest me. I always bring my atm card, especially during these kinds of events, so that I can purchase books that I like.

What to Expect in Manila International Book Fair?

1. SALE

>> There would be 20% off for all books in Fully Booked, National Bookstore, and other Book publisher booth. One booth actually, offers pastry book for a price of 50 pesos, and also coloring and story books for 10 to 50 pesos.

2. Book Signing

>> Oh Yes! Our local authors and some international Authors will be here for book signing! :D 

For National Book Store:

September 14

10 AM to 11 AM - Pera Mo, Palaguin mo ( Francisco Colayco)

4 PM to 5 PM - Kuya na si Bunso ( Maricel Laxa- Pangilinan)

5 PM to 6 PM - It Only Hurts When I Pee ( RJ Ledesma)

September 15

1 PM to 2 PM - This is a Crazy Planets ( Lourd de Veyra)

3 PM to 4 PM - Rizal's Teeth, Bonifacio's Bones - Ambeth Ocampo

4 PM to 5 PM - Fashion + Food ( Jenni Epperson)

4 PM to 5 PM - Face to Face ( Bianca Valerio)

5 PM to 6 PM - Imported Love ( Margarita Holmes)

September 16

2 PM to 3 PM - Trese ( Budjette Tan & Kajo Baldisimo)

2 PM to 3 PM - Skyworld ( Mervin Ignacio & Ian Sta. Maria)

3 PM to 4 PM - Elmer ( Gerry Alanguilan)

3 PM to 4 PM - Pugad Baboy ( Pol Medina)

3 PM to 4 PM - The Jinri Experience ( Jinri Park)

4 PM to 5 PM - Alex Gilvarry & Jennifer Hillier

5 PM to 6 PM - Linamnam ( Claude & Mary Ann Tayag)

For PSICOM

September 14

2 PM - Sarron R. Navera 

4 PM - Jayson Benedicto

September 15

1 PM - Tado Jimenez

2 PM - Stanley Chi

3 PM - Ramon Bautista

September 16

1 PM - Rey Atalia

2 PM - William Rodriguez II/ Francis Ansing

3 PM - Bianca Salindong/ Don Vittorio C. Villasin

4 PM - Kilig Republic Writers

5 PM - Arnel Alexis Aquitania/ Julius Villanueva

In the Philippine Christian Book Store or PCBS ( Chinkee Tan ) Signed Some of the books on Sale. He went to MIBF last September 12 

3. Freebies and Raffle

>> Some of the booths gives prizes and freebies to those who'll buy books from them. Some are giving candies. In A-Z Marketing, they are giving Flip Flops or Bag when you subscribe for 1 year to their magazine. 

In PCBS, they have games to their booth. It can be Bring me, or the first person to do a task. They also have raffle draw to win a book.

For National Book Store and Fully Booked, You have a chance to win IPAD in their raffle draw or a chance to go to Bohol :)

My Favorite would be in the Scholastic Section. Yes yes, this books are usually for kids :). They give free books!! :D  All I have to do is, to check my Lexile Score and BOOM! I got my free book! :D 

What is a Lexile Score?

>> As far as I understand, it is the readers' ability to read and comprehend the book he/she is reading. By determining a person's Lexile score, he/she would be able to look for books that are appropriate for his ability. They can enchance their score by continuously reading books everyday. 

And my score is......1074. Oh yes! haha that's actually for Grade 10 or 4th year High school. I'm 4th year college. haha! The person from Scholastic, told me to read at least 20 minutes everyday to enhance my reading skills.

For those who want to know their Lexile Score, you could either:

1. Go to the MIBF Scholastic Booth.

2. Visit www.lexile.com

Remember:

Ticket Prices:
Adults - Php 20.00
Students/ Faculty/ Librarians/ Senior Citizens/ Children Below 4ft. - 
Php 15.00

ENJOY the BOOK FAIR!!! :D It's Really worth it!: D

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Ecobags in the Philippines

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With the new rules from the government, No more plastics in Quezon City. I'm not pertaining to those people who pretends to be your friend, but rather, the literal meaning of plastics ;) 

As an environment advocate, I'm really happy with such an announcement! A friend of mine told me, that those plastics that have "biodegradable" signs..... Those are Fake! There's still no plastic that are biodegradable. Well, I believed in what she said since they are recycling plastics and such.


What's new about this?
>> You now have to pay the establishment, if you want your stuffs to be plastic. The cost of per plastic is around Php 2.00.

Who would want to buy a 2 pesos plastic? I wont buy one! I would rather spend my money in an Ecobag that i would use for a longer period of time :D 

My story :)

Ok, we were shopping last Sunday at Trinoma Mall. We purchased shoes, rugs, bed sheet, medicine container, long sleeves and the likes. I never thought that Malls are also part of the rule :) While at the counter, I saw the bagger of other counter wrapping the customer's purchased. So I asked the cashier, "Ate, anu mangyayari if hindi kami bumili ng ecobag and plastic?" She said, "Bibitbitin nyo po yung binili nyo ng nakabalot ng papel." I was like, Seriously?? That's so awkward...

I told my mom, "Ma! Let's just buy the Eco Bag.", then the Bagger said, "May free Eco Bag, if you purchased 5000 and up." And I was like, "Yehey!"

So in the end, we were able to put all of our stuff inside the Eco bag! :D
2 Large Eco bags! :D  and 1 small EcoBag ( My mom won in the lucky dice game :) she got 2 4's so that's a small eco bag)

So that's the Eco Bags that we now have from Landmark.
As for the Price of Trinoma Landmark Ecobags:

• Small : Php 25.00
• Large: Php 30.00

I do recommend you to just purchase Eco Bags :) Look at the long term benefit :) You'll not only save the country with all those trashes! you'll also save money til' your next shopping :)

Oh by the way! Even if you're going to a wet market, you have to bring your own "Bayong" or Eco Bag :)

Less Plastic. More Fun in the Philippines 

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Phantom of the Opera Manila Tour

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The Phantom of the Opera is one of the most awaited event in the Philippines. They have performed from various part of the world, and luckily they'll be performing for us.

The show would run until October 14, 2012. 

It was my first time to watch an Opera and my first time at CCP. It was really a great experience for me to see such a wonderful performance! We were lucky enough to watch the show at the same day of the Gala Night.

What is Gala Night?

Oh! It's actually jam packed with known celebrities, personalities and respectable people that our country has. We were fortunate to see Mrs. Imelda Marcos, and other stars.

Most of the guest are wearing coat and tie for men and cocktail dress to evening dress for women.

There are drinks, wine, finger foods and the like. Reporters are everywhere, and there's a grand red carpet entrance for the VIPs.

In my case, I was happy not be so under dressed. I'm wearing long sleeves + slacks + leather shoes + backpack = me.  Okay... :) I was planning to wear coat, but having a backpack ( since I'll be coming from school) while wearing a coat is AWKWARD. :) Oh! by the way, I just commute to school :) 

My Phantom of the Opera experience...

An announcement from Ticketworld... Student discount for Balcony 1 and Balcony 2 Seats from August 26 to August 30, 2012! O yeah! I started asking my friends, who can join me to watch this opera, and luckily, 4 of my friends would accompany me :) 

So the next day, a friend of mine bought our ticket from a ticketworld branch! Yey! :) It's official! we have a ticket for August 30 show and it's BALCONY 1! :)   #excited

One or two days before the show, a friend saw that Aug 30 would be the Gala night. So we started searching for what to expect during Gala night. There are very few articles about it, that we should wear coat and tie and the likes.

I also downloaded a film version of Phantom of Opera and watched it. It actually made me excited for the event. 

At the day of the event, I borrowed the binoculars of my friend because one blog(sorry i forgot which blog it is) said that if you are seating at balcony 1, having binoculars would be helpful. I also bought another binoculars because the one i borrowed is so hard to use for a person with eyeglasses. 

Well the show is really amazing! The setting is really fabulous, the cast are awesome and funny! :D 
I wont spoil it to you anymore :) My favorite part would be the transition of the auction to the scene where Christine would take the lead role :) and the ending part :) !!  Oh! The chandelier is a WOW! :)

after the show

At the end of the show, there were roses everywhere. OK I don't know where to get one, but these roses are gorgeous! I was just hoping it was black ribbon instead of white one.... 

Overall, If someone would give me a free ticket. I would be glad to accompany him/her to the show again! I'm just sad, i don't have a picture with the stars :(


Things to bring
1. Ticket
>> Well Duh, :) No ticket- No Entry ;) Before leaving your house, check if you have your ticket with you :)

2. Binoculars
>> If you are after seeing the action and music, You don't need the binoculars anymore. On the other hand, if you want to see the emotions and facial expression of the cast, binoculars would really come handy :)

3. Camera Phone
>> For CCP, they do not allow you to bring camera inside CCP. So better bring a camera phone so that, you can take a picture with the posters and the like. Of course, don't take pictures during the show as a you might disturb other watchers.

4. Money
>> Oh! the memorabilia that they are selling are really good :) too bad there's no phantom of the opera mask . Nevertheless, they have shirts, keychains, necklaces, CDs, and the Program souvenir.

Things to Remember
1. Be on time
>>  Don't be late. Some shows or Most of the shows don't admit late people. They are usually allowed to enter during the break. Of yours, you wouldn't want to miss parts of the show right? so be early! :D Leave your house 2-3 hours before the show, especially if you're far from CCP. You can't anticipate the traffic here in Manila!

2. Eat your dinner early 
>> Yes, you wouldn't want to starve during the show. Also, you cannot eat inside the theater. People might be disturbed hearing you chew your crackers, popcorn or what. And btw, I haven't seen any food shops in CCP. Eat early! :D

3. Buy souvenirs
>> You should bring money with you. There are several stuffs you can buy :) Buy something you like, so that you wont feel sorry. For me, I bought a key chain because I do collect key chains every time I travel, and something memorable is happening to me.

4. Choose a seat that would make you feel comfortable 
>> I have pictures of different Seat views from the Balcony 1 area.

Upper Box #10 or right most seat of A

B 107

D 107 

Aisle view of Balcony 1 Center

Balcony 1 Center - Row C

There! Phantom of the Opera is really a blast! :) Can't take the songs out of my head!!! I want to watch agaiiinn!! :D 

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Airline Promo Tips

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It's already a habit for Filipinos to wait for the Airlines to Sale their seat, before they're going to purchase.
To be honest, even if PAL do their sale, It is still quite expensive :(


Here's a tip on how to be updated with current airline sales! :)

There's a feature/function in facebook, where you could sort all airline and travel pages all in one part. You wouldn't have any problem checking their site one by one. :)

I'll show you how I did mine.
First, it is better to like all possible airlines( airlines you want) pages here in the Philippines.

Philippine Airlines

Cebu Pacific

Tiger Airways

Zest Air 

Second, Put this in your address bar: www.facebook.com/addthis

Remember to Log in your account first :)

Third, click the "Create List"

then a small page window will pop up :)

All you have to do, is to 

• Type the page name.
• Select your desired page
• Hit "Next"

In case you want to select multiple page, you just have to 

• Type another page name.
• Select your desired page
• Check the "selected" portion ( the number would increase)
• Hit "Next"

Forth, You have to name your interest and choose its privacy setting :)

then click Done

Lastly, Facebook will direct you to the interest page, you have created.

In this page, you can do several things like,

• Adding more Interest Page. 
• Viewing the Pages that's on this list
• Add Pages through the List of Suggestions 

There you have it! :)

So remember, every time you go online, you can check the interest page you created on the left most part of your screen. It is usually below the APPS part ;)

Enjoy and Happy Airline Sale! :)

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Things to bring in Boracay

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Hi there! I have this post in my other account. Well i'm just inspired to share to you all, the things i bring in Boracay that maximized my vacation there! :D


Boracay is known for their white sand beaches, awesome sunsets and different water sports adventure.
You must know what are the things that you should pack in your Backpack :)

So whenever you are going out of town/country, Create a checklist.


  What's on my checklist?
  The usual stuff:
1. Set of clothes
2. Toiletries
3. Medicine
4. Plastic Bags ( for used clothes)
5. Towel
6. Flashlight ( during teambuildings only)
7. Whistle ( if like Hiking or what)

To fully maximize your beach experience, here are my suggested list of materials that you should bring with you :)

1. Sunscreen/ Sunblock 

Why do you need this? 

• It can decrease the chances that you'll get sunburn :)
• You can prevent Skin cancer cause by UV rays.  #creepy 

About SPF: 

The SPF number that you can see, doesn't imply the effectiveness of a Sunblock from blocking the UV rays. Some people may say, that the higher the SPF number, the effective it is. 

The SPF( Sun Protection Factor) - is actually a multiplier stuff, say your skin can take 10 minutes before it gets red from direct sunlight, then you have a sunblock that has 30 SPF, so 10mins x 30 = 300mins. That's the number of minutes that your sunblock will remain effective :)

Trivia told to me by my friend: 
After being exposed to direct sunlight, when your skin gets red ----> It's hard for you to get dark
Else, if your skin gets dark right away, then It's easier for you to get dark. 

Please buy one before going to beach, coz they are quite overpriced, when it comes to sunblocks :)
I saw there that their BANANA BOAT 80 SPF is 495 pesos.


2. Sunglasses

Why do you need this?

• It will protect your eyes from UV rays
• Comfortable to the eyes ( doesn't let your eyes see too much brightness)
• It's fashionable :)

Does your sunglasses perfect for the shape of your face?
Oval shaped Faces - Most style will work for you
Rounder Faces - Avoid Round Frames, but rather straight or angular shapes
Square Faces - Slightly rounded frames will do
Triangular Faces( Broad forehead, narrow chin) - Try a thin rimmed sunglasses :)



3. Waterproof Bag

Why do you need this? 

• It will not let your things get wet, while having fun in the beach :)
• It's light

I didn't bring one, when we went to Boracay. On the day of our Island hopping, I am forced to buy one from a store near our hotel. The salesman said, the bag costs around Php 100.00. I tried to haggle it for like 50-80 pesos, but he didn't lower the price. 

I bought this thing, because i remembered in one bazaar that, something similar to this, costs around 120/pc. 

Given that fact, plus the Boracay being imprinted in that bag, made me decide to buy 1. :)

4. Waterproof Camera

Why do you need this? 

• You can have underwater shots
• You can bring it with you in the beach, pool, etc. 
• You would capture all your fun moments ;)
• These kind of cameras have dust proof, shock proof, Freeze proof also 

I have a Sony TX-10, after reading several blogs and posts about which camera to choose. I picked this one. :) actually, I used a site recommended to me by one of my favorite blogsite for gadgets :) 

Try this link, they would compare cameras you choose. 

Visit Snapsort.

We actually bought this camera for our Boracay trip, and yeah! It is worth it! :D

What made me decide to buy this camera? 

• Cheap compare to other waterproof camera.
• Easy to use
• They have this feature where it's easy to change settings (Gourmet, Beach, Fireworks, Snow, etc. )
• They also have this panorama shooting, 3D and burst shot ( up to 10 pics)
• It can also record an HD video 
• My favorite: YOU CAN EDIT THE IMAGE RIGHT AWAY ( Crop, Paint , etc. )

I seriously, LOVE USING THE CAMERA! :D

5. Body Bag

Why do you need this?

• So you can still carry you valuable items with you, even if you are wearing a Board shorts (w/o pockets)
• You can bring a lot of stuff with you( wallet, camera, cellphone, Itouch, etc.)
• Light and Handy

This is the bag that I used in our Borcay trip. 

Inside my bag, I have these following items with me :

• Cellphone
• Itouch
• Wallet
• Monopod
• Ice Breaker Candy ( Try This!) 
• Waterproof Camera

There! I have those things near to me, so that if i need to take a pic on something, call someone, Listen to my favorite song, buy something. 

You may say, that it might be heavy? 
-> you can pack light! :) On my 2nd day, I removed the following items, wallet, Monopod, Candy and Itouch :) Instead of using a wallet, i just got my cash instead :)

6. Monopod

For me, a monopod is something you must have in order for all of you to be in the picture :)

Why do you need this?

• Everyone can join the picture
• It's lighter compared to Tripod
• Smaller - easy to carry
• You can rotate it, up to 180 degrees

We'll I ordered my monopod a day before our trip, I got it for Php 850.00 from sulit :)

I was actually choosing between an 850 pesos worth of Monopod, or the 1300 pesos worth of Monopod w/ accessories ( it can stand alone). 

What made me decide to buy the 850 pesos one:

• It's cheaper
• Stainless over Aluminum (aluminum metal corrode faster)
• Meeting place is near my area, the other one is in Makati/Ortigas ( i forgot)

Where to Buy?

• Travel Club ( 400, 600 and 1300 worth of Monopod)
• Online Stores 

**photos are taken from my other blog :>

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