Zenni Optical Vision Mythbusters

Here's to clarify some of the most popular vision and eyewear-related myths.

Vision Mythbusters from Zenni Optical

Infographic: Shocking Facts & Statistics About the Cleanliness of Hospitals

"Aseptic technique is the effort taken to keep patients as free from hospital micro-organisms as possible. It is a method used to deter wounds and other susceptible sites from organisms that could cause infection."

Educate yourself, understand the danger, and know how to protect yourself and your loved ones in the future with this infographic.

Infographic: Evolution of Logos

To create your brand's identity, it's important to have the right logo. See the logo evolution of today's major corporations.

 
Source: GraphicDesignDegreeHub.com

My (Sorta) Yoga Diary

Last August, I mentioned I started doing yoga. I learned to love it, and decided to go further in my practice. Since Metrosports' schedule was only Tuesdays and Fridays, I enrolled last February at Love Yoga World, a yoga studio in IT Park for daily yoga sessions.

On forward bend

Say YES to the Wedding of your Dreams

Destination weddings are gaining so much popularity nowadays. Thanks to a new infographic by Couples Resorts, premiere destination wedding resorts in the Caribbean, we get to know the  key considerations before tying the knot someplace else.

Your Simple Guide to Wine

I never knew the difference of red and white wine besides its color. This infographic by Tiziano wine is really informative!

Ladies: Cool Ideas for your Closet

If I had my own room, and a space big enough for this kind of closet, I'd definitely my clothes and shoes this way. Check out this infographic by Lincoln Apartments.

THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE [Infographic] - The Anatomy Of Panem

When the first book came out, I really didn't care at all. I wasn't really into kids killing each other. But after watching the first movie, I realized it wasn't as bad as I thought!

This infographic is about the second movie. Can't wait to watch it!


Click here to buy tickets for The Hunger Games: Catching Fire before they're sold out!

Yoyi's Homemade Pastries Now in Cebu

Finally, Yoyi's is now in Cebu! Addicted to sweets? Here’s what Yoyi’s has in store for you:

Part 2: The Busy Businesswoman and the Sweet Treats

If you’ve read the previous post, you'd know one reason (four, actually) why I've been missing in the blogosphere lately. In addition to that, I’ve also spent time helping my friend Jane with her pastry business.

Why I’ve Gone Missing in the Blogosphere Part 1

I’m looking at the date of last post I’ve written. Ghad, has it been that long? Did anyone miss me? Hahaha...

So, what’s been keeping me MIA all those months?

Things I Find Romantic

1. fireworks
2. home-cooked breakfast
3. love letters
4. chocolate cheesecake
5. boat rides
6. poems
7. sunrises
8. stargazing
9. white-sand beaches
10. coffee-stained paper
11. acoustic concerts
12. piano pieces
13. slow dance
14. ice cream
15. sunsets
16. candlelit dinners
17. bus rides
18. love notes on my desk
19. pink skies
20. roses
21. spontaneous getaways
22. serenades
23. cheese
24. Jason Mraz
25. kisses

How about you? What do you find romantic?

Musings of a Not-so-newbie Sinulog Onlooker

For nine years in a row, I’ve been one of the millions of Sinulog onlookers hitting the streets, getting henna tattoos, and taking loads of pictures at every stop. Each year offers a varied - sometimes frantic -  yet beautiful experience for me; and this year’s celebration is no different.

Allow me to give you the lowdown of Sinulog 2013, as my mind perceives it.

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Solemn Procession of the Miraculous Image of Sto. Nino

I always join the procession, the one that happens on a Saturday before the grand parade. Joining has somewhat become a pledge I intend to continue for reasons more than one. Here are a few tips when joining:

1. Wear rubber shoes, if possible. - Flaunting your flashy toenail colors by wearing flip flops is not a very good idea. You’d get stepped on by a horde of devotees who, if you’re unlucky, are wearing thick-soled shoes or kinda-pointy heels.

2. Don’t walk behind the carroza (carriage). - Many people deem it better to walk behind the holy image for spiritual reasons. While the Navy guards held a rope that distanced the people from the flower-decked carroza, devotees pushed their way closer. The result? A lot of pushing and shouting... Where’s the “solemn” in that?

3. Don’t forget your rain gear. - If you were present in the wet Sinulog procession of 2011, you would know better than to come unprepared. Your raincoats, umbrellas, extra shirts will always come in handy on events such as these.

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Dressing

I noticed a lot of families wearing groups shirts last year, and saw a lot more people into it this year. Aside from families, I saw barkadas and couples dressed up in matching shirts. I think it’s a good idea - wearing similar shirts will make it easy for your group to spot each other. Some even cut and styled their shirts for a more festive vibe.

photo from philippinestreetfashion.com

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Grand parade

If you want to have a good time during the grand parade, you have three options:

1. Watch Sinulog inside the Cebu City Sports Complex - for those who want to watch the competition in an organized manner
2. Watch street dancers from bleachers stationed along Jones - for those who want to have a good look at the street dances and won’t mind the occasional prodding from fellow onlookers
3. Walk around the streets - for those who can’t stay in one place and are prepared to walk through crowds

If A, make sure you have packed your meals for breakfast, lunch, and snacks. You can’t leave your station once the program starts.

If B, leave home early for a perfect spot at the bleachers. If you arrive at 9am, most probably all the good seats are taken.

If C, put on sunblock, buy a hat, bring drinking water and make sure you’re ready for a lot of body-to-body action or a possible stampede!

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Fireworks

I just love fireworks! That’s why I got so frustrated when I wasn’t able to see the grand fireworks display at Abellana. Oh well, I think the ones from Crown Regency and SM were enough. Here's one from the SM fireworks competition:

I look forward for another enjoyable Sinulog celebration. Pit Señor!

Tarabooms Kii in 2012

Like a tender smile which is fleeting yet memorable, the year 2012 gave me a little bit of everything - from a hot and cold plunge, an unforgettable sting, a four-hour dance marathon to an adrenaline pumping night drive. In an attempt to capture its highlights (and cram them all together in a single post), I bring you Tarabooms Kii in 2012:

Travel policy unbroken. I am proud to say that in 2012, I never went outside Cebu province nor crossed the seas to Bantayan, Malapascua and Camotes. But...

Around Cebu province I went. Yes I did, and finally! From Daanbantayan to Santander and back, I conquered it! Even stopped by Catmon for a hot plunge at Esoy.

Ran barefoot in the sand. <3

Awesome international friendships. My close friends have left the Philippines for work and greener pastures. This year, I have friends in USA, NZ, Australia!

Blogging. After years of writing press releases and email campaigns, I’ve tried my hand at blogging. And I’m beginning to love it!

Office change. After three years and four months with Xlibris, I am now with Zylun, where I am given a chance to grow and develop into a better person, professionally and personally.

One Touch from Alcatel. My first smartphone ℅ mother. Thanks to my phone, I got to play around Instagram and Pixlr.

Mahogany. My first time to have my hair dyed. After rounds of hesitation and drama, I finally have my mahogany brown locks. :)

Sport: boxing! After swimming, jogging and four-hour dance marathons, boxing may be just the thing for me.

Kartzone, my first try. The exhilarating experience is one I want to try again. 

IT Park. This place has virtually become my third home (First, Toledo; second, Pelaez). On second thought, I spend more than ten hours a day here. IT park is home? O.o

Imax 3D: Rise of the Guardians. I do not regret choosing this movie as my first experience for IMAX in 3D. Snowflakes, sand, and the animation really seemed to pop out!

Happy 2013 everyone!

My Thanksgiving Weekend on Pixlr

 

  

My perfect pair for movietime!

The First Step

 

to healing broken hearts,

to mending old wounds,

to opening new doors,

to apologizing,

to forgiving,

...is usually the hardest.

Badian Bliss: Lambug

*Thanks Kai, for helping me find my haven. 

Where do I begin?

It all started one weekend: I didn't have enough money to afford a high end day trip or an overnight stay at a hotel but my feet were really itching to go someplace else. I remembered Kai tell me about this beach she and her mountain buddies go to: Lambug beach in the municipality of Badian.

Off we go...

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Forgive the slightly slanted angle, the bus ride was bumpy :p

Lambug

To go there, you could ride a bus from Southbus terminal until reaching Badian proper. Fare ranges from 120-150 pesos. I think there are also available v-hire rides to Badian from citilink, I just don't know how much it costs. Anyway, once there, you can ask local motorcycle drivers to take you to Lambug beach.

Lambug is a public beach. Since it's public, you don't need to pay for entrance. The moment I hopped off the habal-habal, I immediately fell in love with the place! The beach is just awesome, the water is crystal clear, the view of the horizon is just wonderful! And even if it's low tide, the sea water is still high. 

See how big my smile is?

The first store you would pass by has a videoke machine: 5 pesos for 2 songs. The selection was not ancient, mind you. I even sang my heart out with my usual Taylor Swift playlist!

Most stores by the shore have tire floater rentals for only 25 pesos per day. Isn't that just awesome?

You can spend the day swimming, staring up at the sky, or watching the waves. Whatever works for you.

If you plan to go for a day trip, that's fine. If you plan to stay overnight, better! You can get a cottage at the local resorts for as low as a little over 1,000 pesos. There are also small stores, like the one I go to, that offers tent rentals for only 200 pesos overnight. The store also offers comfort room usage, cooks breakfast, charges your cellphone (for those wondering, SUN signal is quite strong here) at very low rates. You won't regret it!

Got any questions?

Comfort Me In Ways You Know How

I’m pissed.

In fact, I have never felt so betrayed!

And because it’s something I don’t want to divulge online (sneaky bitch!), I’m posting a picture of how angry I am... with the hope of making me smile a little bit.

See what I mean?

a pensive thought on friends

Each friend represents a world in our life. They become routine, like stirring coffee before taking a sip. You get used to seeing them every week, sometimes every day, because you need to try a new restaurant or because you need to tell them how you bumped into your crush, or because she needs a shopping buddy who’ll tell her if the dress she chose made her look fat. Or maybe because you just need someone to talk to about your dreams and plans over a hot cup of chocolate.

Then one day they tell you they’re leaving.

Leave physically though, not emotionally. You’ve been expecting them to tell you this, but the truth still stuns you. You know in your mind that despite the distance, they’re still there for you. That you should be happy because they are finally reaching their stars. That you should be rejoicing too because they are now off to a greener pasture. But somehow, in your heart, you also know that your routine gets disrupted. The usual cycle somehow stops. No more stirring the coffee. It becomes tasteless. No more spontaneous meetups. And it’s quite heartbreaking.

Or maybe I’m still hanging on the edge - still trying to accept the idea that I’m going to be left behind by some of my closest friends. Which is all happening so fast. You know me, I’m selfish and stubborn.

I know I’ll get over this but as of now, I want you to know that I’ll be missing you so much.

My prayer for you my dear friends will be one of strength, courage and good health. May you find what you’re looking for and keep it. May you have joy and peace, and may you be happy in what you do. Always know that I’ll be around (waiting for you to send me tickets to our next destination). Till we meet again!

And before anyone else sees teardrops on the keyboard, I’ll end this post with Kahlil Gibran’s take on friendship.

On Friendship

Kahlil Gibran

Your friend is your needs answered.

He is your field which you sow with love and reap with thanksgiving.

And he is your board and your fireside.

For you come to him with your hunger, and you seek him for peace.

When your friend speaks his mind you fear not the "nay" in your own mind,

nor do you withhold the "ay."

And when he is silent your heart ceases not to listen to his heart;

For without words, in friendship, all thoughts, all desires, all expectations are born and shared,

with joy that is unacclaimed.

When you part from your friend, you grieve not;

For that which you love most in him may be clearer in his absence,

as the mountain to the climber is clearer from the plain.

And let there be no purpose in friendship save the deepening of the spirit.

For love that seeks aught but the disclosure of its own mystery is not love but a net cast forth:

and only the unprofitable is caught.

And let your best be for your friend.

If he must know the ebb of your tide, let him know its flood also.

For what is your friend that you should seek him with hours to kill?

Seek him always with hours to live.

For it is his to fill your need, but not your emptiness.

And in the sweetness of friendship let there be laughter, and sharing of pleasures.

For in the dew of little things the heart finds its morning and is refreshed.