Monday, March 31, 2008

My Best Buy Today

It's a SHOE SHAPER!!!! Hahaha!


Those who know my criteria in the shoes I buy would understand... c",)

posted by ~GFA~ @ 3/31/2008 09:20:00 PM 0 comments

Saturday, March 29, 2008

Digital Photo Frame

Bought it yesterday at CD-R King. But somehow, I can't seem to fit the battery in its compartment. Thus, decide to return/replace the item today.


But first, pick-up my privilege card (finally!) at FPPF's office in Intramuros. This is for me to enjoy discounts which honor said card, particularly, YKL/Fuji photo labs.

Then, went to Glorietta to have my pictures developed and use my privilege card in the process. What else? For the photo lab at Makati, I was not able to use the privilege card as their store is offering special price for their photo developments (I would be saving more availing the special offer).

Next, proceeded to CD-R King at Park Square 1 to have my digital photo frame replaced. Then, went to Ace Hardware to buy some items, and checked Goldcrest to see if I can buy me a floppy hat (which I was able to find one in the only store there selling it).

Picked up my pictures, attended the anticipated Mass and had dinner at Italianni's.

Back home, chose the pictures I want to put in my digital photo frame, resizing them to 128x128 pixels. My 1MB digital photo frame can carry around 70 images.

posted by ~GFA~ @ 3/29/2008 11:23:00 PM 0 comments

Friday, March 28, 2008

Luxtech Air Purifier

It is true what they say that if you read medical books, the more you feel you have symptoms of all kinds of diseases... hehehe!


The result of the x-ray still stuck in my mind, went to our clinic's doctor for interpretation of the result, particularly about the lungs. At the same time, get another referral for the apicolordotic view of my right lung.

Not satisfied, on the way home, dropped by Ace Hardware to buy an ionizer. Chose Luxtech Air Purifier as this unit does not need a filter. One just have to be careful when cleaning the metal blades as not to scratch it.

posted by ~GFA~ @ 3/28/2008 09:16:00 PM 0 comments

Thursday, March 27, 2008

X-Ray Result

Picked-up our x-ray result from De Los Santos-STI MegaClinic. We are required to have an x-ray because of the Pasig City Government's requirement.


Lo! It says I have to take another view of my lungs because of suspicious densities found in my right lung. And I have a mild scoliosis... Sad....


Because of the result, dropped by Mercury Drug to buy me a Caltrate Plus as I don't feel like starting to drink milk... LOL

posted by ~GFA~ @ 3/27/2008 02:00:00 PM 0 comments

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Creative ZEN Stone Plus

My first MP3 no longer plays. Decided to buy a new one today. With half the price of my first MP3, it has 1GB capacity more! Plus, it comes with a freebie--a skin with clip. Actually, you have the option of the skin with clip or the Travelsound ZEN Stone. Already have my x-mini capsule speaker, thus, chose the skin with clip.


My Creative ZEN Stone Plus is even smaller than my portable speaker!

Preferred this over the iPod shuffle because it has FM radio and one can simply drag-and-drop to the player the music/tracks in the computer without a need for a driver.

Now, included in my wish list is a Creative ZEN Vision:M, Creative ZEN Vision, or Creative ZEN Vision W. Why? It can serve as a storage of my photos. When I am in a shoot and my memory card/s (compact flash, SD, etc.) becomes full, I can simply connect the memory card to the unit and the pictures can be transferred to it.

posted by ~GFA~ @ 3/26/2008 11:38:00 PM 0 comments

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

x-mini capsule speaker, USB power adapter

Saw it yesterday at Mobile1, Park Square 1. Then, surfed the internet to know more about it and for user feedback. This morning, since I'll be at our Makati office, dropped by at Mobile1, Paseo Center to buy x-mini capsule speaker.


It has its own lithium ion battery that could run for 8 hours! Charging is through a computer's USB port (for 4 hours) or through a USB power adapter (for 2 1/2 hours). Bought the USB power adapter at CD-R King after having our x-ray at Mega Clinic as a requirement by the Pasig government for workers in their area.

For its small size (same as or smaller than an egg), it gives an uncompromising sound quality. You'll just have to pay for its portability. But for me, its worth it! c",)

posted by ~GFA~ @ 3/25/2008 03:17:00 PM 0 comments

Monday, March 24, 2008

P50 Coupon

Bought some items at Megamall's SM Department Store. Since I used my SM Advantage Card, I won a P50 coupon. Now, that's P50 less for the items I bought.

If that isn't a good start for the week... LOL

posted by ~GFA~ @ 3/24/2008 02:35:00 PM 0 comments

Sunday, March 23, 2008

Easter at Cuyab

Woke up really early. By 4AM, Manong, the driver, and I were already on our way to The Aristocrat Restaurant to buy the food we would be bringing for our outing. On the way, we already passed by several procession for the "Salubong".


The Aristocrat was started in 1936. It is known for its chicken honey and chicken barbecue. Since it took sometime for us to get our "take home", was able to witness the start of the "Salubong" at Malate Church in Ermita, Manila. The church is a stone's throw away from the restaurant.

Then, went back home to pick up the rest. Stopped by at McDonald's along the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) for our breakfast and proceeded on our way to Cuyab Hot Spring Resort at Calamba, Laguna.

Upon arriving, picked a cottage and left them and our things so we can go to Los Banos, Laguna to buy buko pie from The Original Buko Pie Bakeshop. What's so special about The Original's buko pie? Their pie has a lot of buko in them and the crust is thin. The next best buko pie, for me, is Lety's.

Then, went back to Cuyab to enjoy the day. There were only a few people there (Cuyab II) which makes it more enjoyable for us. Cuyab started with one hot spring pool (Cuyab I). Then, it developed another pool + a children's pool which they called Cuyab II. And again, developed two pools + a children's pool which they called Cuyab III. You only have to pay one entrance fee and you can choose among Cuyab I (hot), Cuyab II (warm) and Cuyab III (cold), or try all three.

After lunch, took a few more dip and left the place. This is to avoid the traffic as a lot of people would be going back home after a very long weekend.

posted by ~GFA~ @ 3/23/2008 05:22:00 PM 0 comments

Saturday, March 22, 2008

Over Supah Papalicious Body

Last Wednesday, asked Glorietta's guard if they would be open on Saturday and he said yes. Thus, first thing I did today is checked the screening time of the movies being shown.

With a short calculation/ computation (LOL), two movies today would be a breeze.


The first movie is Supah Papalicious starring Vhong Navarro. It first started with a group of friends in an orphanage. They already consider themselves as a family. But one day, one of them (Ateng) was adopted and would live in Manila. The rest left the orphanage to find her. The movie is comedy, but somehow, did not catch myself laughing (although those seated near me in the theater do). I think that his (Vhong Navarro's) previous movies are much funnier than this.


Next is Over Her Dead Body. Now, this is funny. A comedy, romance movie about a man who lost his bride on the day of their wedding as she got crushed by an (iced) angel, literally. After a year, the man was still not able to get over her. Thus, his sister sought the help of a "psychic" so that his brother would move on. Now, that's where the fun begins.

After the movie, asked Glorietta's Customer Service if there would be an anticipated Mass that afternoon. Unfortunately, no. Thus, decided to go to The Landmark to buy chichiria for our swimming tomorrow, birthday gift for my nephew and some toys (water gun) which we can use tomorrow... hehe!

posted by ~GFA~ @ 3/22/2008 08:40:00 PM 0 comments

Friday, March 21, 2008

Senakulo

Most would have took advantage of the long weekend and went home to their province, beach, resort, etc. Decided to stay at home... and it is quiet as there are very, very few cars on the road and few people on the streets.


In front of our house, a senakulo passed by. It is Christ's passion play on the street. Given the heat, it is already a form of penance/ sacrifice by the actors/actresses involved.

posted by ~GFA~ @ 3/21/2008 11:25:00 AM 0 comments

Thursday, March 20, 2008

The One Minute Manager

Because of Who Moved My Cheese?, decided to re-read The One Minute Manager by Kenneth Blanchard, Ph.D. and Spencer Johnson, M.D..


The book teaches how to increase productivity, profits, job satisfaction, and personal prosperity by being a One Minute Manager. The book uses samples of how to set One Minute Goals, give One Minute Praisings and give One Minute Reprimands to put across how to become an effective (one minute) manager.

posted by ~GFA~ @ 3/20/2008 09:46:00 PM 0 comments

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Lenten Procession

Bought some more books at National Bookstore to enjoy the discount.


At home, suddenly heard people walking, praying and music playing on the street. It was a procession wherein life-size images reflected Jesus' passion--one of the Lenten practices being observed.

posted by ~GFA~ @ 3/19/2008 11:55:00 PM 0 comments

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Who Moved My Cheese?

The sale at National Bookstore would be until the end of the month. Colored stickers indicate how big the discount is.


While browsing through the shelves, caught sight of Who Moved My Cheese? by Dr. Spencer Johnson.

The treatment is engaging and light, making the lessons it want to impart more effective. The four (4) characters, Sniff, Scurry, Hem and Haw, represents parts of ourselves as we face the only thing constant--change.

posted by ~GFA~ @ 3/18/2008 11:12:00 PM 0 comments

Saturday, March 15, 2008

Friday's on a Saturday

Did not watch a movie today. I wanted to watch Superfighters. But it will only be shown starting 6PM. Thus, decided to go through my list, window shop and buy in the process (specially both Glorietta and SM is on sale).

First stop is PC Corner where I asked them to make me a 1-meter LAN cable and 5-meter LAN cable.

Second stop is at Octagon Computer Superstore where I bought a pocket cooler for my laptop.

Third stop is Canon D-Zone where I bought a replacement for my SLR's eyecup.

Fourth stop is at The Landmark Department Store where I checked what gift to buy for my nephew's birthday.

Fifth stop is at Mercury Drug store where I bought my vitamin.

Sixth stop... there's actually no sixth stop as I browsed through the stores that were on sale. Was able to buy a Spoof t-shirt which says "Diet Another Day". Also, bought a pair of shoes from Francesco to replace my walking/office shoes.


Attended the anticipated Mass. Since tomorrow is Palm Sunday, already brought a palaspas where it would be blessed after the (anticipated) Mass.

Then, we were treated by our friend at Friday's for her birthday. I wonder if the "infamous" DJ Montano would be there since it was said that it is his favorite haunt.

We had Jack Daniel's Sampler as appetizer, (the new) Shanghai Chicken Salad on Field Greens, (the new) Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta, and bottomless Dalandan. Oh! plus Mocha Mud Pie for dessert. (burp)

posted by ~GFA~ @ 3/15/2008 09:35:00 PM 0 comments

Friday, March 14, 2008

Pasalubong, D-Note, etc.

Received my friend's pasalubong to me. She was sent by her office to Singapore for a training. It is a keychain showing Singapore's Merlion. Unlike other keychain of Singapore I've seen, this one is cute, with its baby blue, yellow and white stars in baby pink background. Thanks!!!


Lunch time, strolled around SM Megamall after eating lunch and paying may PLDT WeRoam bill, caught sight of Lapazz Digital Note. What else? Bought one... hehehe!

posted by ~GFA~ @ 3/14/2008 02:35:00 PM 4 comments

Tuesday, March 11, 2008

Go Wireless!

The whole day, been toying with the idea of availing PLDT's myDSL Plan 1299 with the DSL and landline bundled. Researching on how to do it in our home network which already has a DSL connection, that is, two source/ISP for our network but setting it up that the rest of the workstations (except for mine) would be accessing the original ISP for it has a bigger bandwidth.


Result? Bought instead a wireless broadband router... hehehe!

As soon as I arrived home, went to work. Replaced the existing cable/DSL router with the wireless broadband router. Tested the possibility of just opening the DSL modem and the router, all the workstations can still access the internet without opening our PC server. Surfed the internet on how to secure our wireless network.

Now, those in our household who uses a laptop can do their "thing" without being tied-up to the LAN cable... c",)

posted by ~GFA~ @ 3/11/2008 11:20:00 PM 0 comments

Saturday, March 08, 2008

Uniden Walkie Talkie

Finally, would be able to pick-up the walkie-talkie I left at the service center. Only used my unit once (during the Canon Photo Marathon) and noticed something wrong. Well, there's actually a problem with one of the units. Thus, they replaced it... with a different color! LOL


Now my pair of walkie-talkies are colored white/black and all black. c",)

(While to and fro the service center, managed to take pictures of jeepneys, which is next month's theme for the photo contest.)

The new movies shown this week... uhmmm... not actually excites me. Thus, decided to do some window shopping... and shopping.

Looked for an eye-cup for my dSLR. Anyway, took the eye-cup of my film SLR and placed it on my dSLR. The defective eye-cup is nicely taped to the eyepiece extender of my film SLR. But still... have to buy a new eye-cup.

Bought some grocery and a steam brush. Now, that's one (1) e-raffle for SM Advantage's promo of winning P1M weekly. Hope I win...

Attended the anticipated Mass and had dinner at Italianni's.

posted by ~GFA~ @ 3/08/2008 09:53:00 PM 0 comments

Monday, March 03, 2008

My Big Love

Wouldn't pass it up. Thus, even on a weekday, decided to watch My Big Love.


The concept is similar to a Chinese movie I watched wherein it is the girl who is overweight and she wanted to be slim because of the love of her life... hehehe! With "My Big Love", it is the guy who is obese.

To get the girl of his dreams (Kristine Hermosa), an overweight chef (Sam Milby) hires a personal trainer (Toni Gonzaga) to help him lose weight. In the process, they feel a genuine affection for each other. The personal trainer has to go to Japan to earn money, the chef leaves for Ilocos to continue with his programme. Two years later, the personal trainer returns from working abroad while the chef is fit, have his dream girl as his girlfriend. Now, the chef has to make a choice: the girl of his dreams, or the girl who loved him from the start despite of his weight.

Both Toni and Sam has chemistry which makes the movie effective. Kristine sticks out like a sore thumb, which I think is apt for the character she is portraying, that is, someone who is perfect, unreachable, a dream... Of course, adding a Filipino "flavor" makes it different from the Chinese movie with the similar theme.

posted by ~GFA~ @ 3/03/2008 11:51:00 PM 0 comments

Sunday, March 02, 2008

Framed Shots: Lent, The Flock

Today's our monthly meeting for Framed Shots. The theme for the photo competition is Lent. Since the Holy Week this year is third week of March, we have to contend with our stock photos. Good thing I was able to take one, even if the image is taken using my mobile phone's camera...



We were able to finish early, thus, I decided to watch one of the two movies I planned to view this week. Proceeded to Glorietta to watch The Flock. (My engagements yesterday prevented me doing my usual weekend haunt... hehehe!)


Babbage (Richard Gere), a case worker, is forced to early retirement as he was accused of breaking the rules. Tasked to monitor sex offenders, he has to train his replacement (Claire Danes). When a seventeen year old girl was missing, Babbage believes that one of the paroled sex offenders is behind it. No one believes him until he proves them wrong.

Just when you thought Babbage is wrong, specially in the case of Viola, it slaps you in the face. Thus, it seems the movie is trying to put across that criminals don't change...

posted by ~GFA~ @ 3/02/2008 10:38:00 PM 0 comments

Saturday, March 01, 2008

Wedding Meet

Met my friend at SM Mall of Asia so we can go together to our company's annual officers meeting at SMX. There were already a lot of people at the venue that it took some time for us to find ourselves a seat.


Our company's performance for the past year was presented and there was a Q and A. During the Q & A, we are already having our coffee break. It is the signal for us to proceed to our next engagement--a wedding of our previous officemate.


They are to be wed at the Archdiocesan Shrine of Jesus, which is just a stone's throw away from SMX. The wedding is already ongoing when we arrived. The reception would be at the Coconut Palace.

At the reception, there was pica-pica for the guests as we wait for the newly-weds. If the cocktails would be the basis, our dinner would be delicious! And it was not a let-down. The place is decorated wonderfully, the food is overflowing and is tasty and delicious.

Definitely a good decision to skip the annual officers meet who is supposed to end until 9PM. Hehehe! Of course, aside from sharing with our friend's start to a new chapter in her life...

God must have smiled upon the newly-weds as rain did not mar the reception, not even a drizzle--as on the way to SMX and the church, the sky is a bit dark that it seems rain would fall any minute.

posted by ~GFA~ @ 3/01/2008 11:34:00 PM 0 comments