The Power of Now..

printscreen source: Ms. Reyes' Instagram post

I know this is not the right time for me to update this blog.  Albeit the exit conference had just been concluded, humongous tasks are yet to be done, e.g., finish the annual audit report and organize working papers (agencies of both my regular and special assignments), among others.

It is just that, I could not resist featuring immediately in my blog of what I have been pondering on since I read it from the post of Christine Reyes in her Instagram account just yesterday.  What I was referring about was what I think to be an excerpt of The Power of Now book, quoted below:

"So many of us have acquired and taught of the notion that happiness is a destination that we must work and pay with our bodies hours of work to live and acquire unnecessary material desires that we must work hard for the future with our reward always just around the corner or just up the next step.  Everything was for tomorrow but never came.  Then we realize we never really lived at all.  We are all trained to be racing all the time.  Everything was for the future.  Why wait?  When we can be truly be at peace right now?  Why wait to be forgiven?  When we can forgive now?  Why wait then to be happy?  To be with each other?  And to be alive?  Right now is the best time to love, to forgive, to be with loved ones. To be alive.  Nobody in human history has ever in a death bed and requested to see their diplomas, cars, money or accomplishments one last time!  We always ask to see people for our last request.  Embrace.. Kiss them now.  Your true power is NOW."

Agree? ;)

My Samsung Galaxy Note 3!

Oopps! I did it again..

It's been almost three months had passed and I still could not believe that I, again, allowed myself to indulge in what I call as, "a taste of a lavish lifestyle".  And every time I take a look at my credit card bill, my heart still palpitates.. :(

Well, I just consoled my frugal me that I guess I deserve a treat once in a while.  And the best of it all is that I do not have any regrets with my decision.  In fact, I am enjoying my new phone! ;)

The sad part, however, was, I was not able to avail of the promo for the discounted S View Flip Cover.  Samsung's store outlet in SM Megamall did not have any stocks when I purchased my phone then.  I finally bought my S View Flip Cover at SM North just last month, only after I squeezed myself through Christmas traffic in going to SM MOA and found out that they were out of stocks. :(

But that's okay.  I just wish I had more extra time to explore my Samsung Galaxy Note 3.. 

Looking Forward to My Magical Christmas Treat!

It's been five years since I last watched a live magical show.  It was the Wanders of PAGCOR which up to this day, I could still recall how the child in me was so mesmerized with those amazing acrobatics being executed by the international and local performers alike.  If given the chance, I would want to watch it all over again.  But then, it is no longer possible.  Wanders had wandered off somewhere. :(

Well, here's the good news!  The internationally-acclaimed Circus Vargas troupe, one of the world's biggest travelling circuses, will be arriving in Manila!  This extravaganza of magical proportions will be held at the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay City and will run from December 25, 2013 to January 1, 2014.

What to expect?  Well, I was told that, Circus Vargas will be showcasing a gravity-defying flights, flashy costumes, fun dance routines, and other deliriously delightful antics, among others!  Also, charismatic illusionist Patrick Gable will be performing his mystifying illusions that are guaranteed to impress, astound, and make everyone in the whole family a believer of MagiKaria.  Who is Patrick Gable and what is MagiKaria all about?  There's only one way to find out, that is, to watch the show!

Are you excited as I am?  So, what are you waiting for?  Tickets are now available at SM Tickets, SM Cinema, and Snack Time outlets.  For inquiries, call Tropical Productions, Inc. at telephone no. 519-8984, or email info@tpiguam.com, or visit www.circusvargas.com.

My First #Blogapalooza Experience

It has been almost a month now since I attended my first ever #Blogapalooza experience at SM Aura Convention Center.  Until now, I seem to have not gotten over it, not to mention the fact that I have been haunted with loads of information and freebies that I took home that night.  In fact, I am so much looking forward to attending the succeeding Blogapalooza events, if given the chance..

my passport to the world of opportunities

I could still remember that I started my day on November 16, 2013 with getting myself ready for the event.  I was running late already and I decided not to avail of the GrabTaxi promo as I was just less than 10 minutes from the venue then.  Too bad, I would have been able to experience this innovative way of taking damsel-in-distress (especially!) out from those too long taxi queues in the metro.  Good thing, I have their app installed in my smartphone as I might find the need to use it sometime soon.

my soft gel nail polish

I believe I was one of the first few bloggers who arrived early at the event as I was the second lucky gal to get pampered of a soft gel nail polish treatment from Lulu Nails and Dry Bar.  I swear, my pussy red-color nail polish lasted for almost three weeks!  And I must say, while I was having my nails done, Mikey Bustos passed by and gave me his sweetest smile.  Donning an angel costume, he said he just had a fight with Satan. Hehehe!

Food and drinks were practically overflowing that day.  While I was still drinking a cup of coffee from the famous Figaro coffee shop, I was offered to taste the slimming Nice Day coffee.  I got to taste two different coffee varieties in a day!  What more, I took home with me a Brownbag fresh hand crafted coffee, which by the way, is so aromatic that I got used to smelling it every now and then.

i should have filled up this plate to the brim. lol!

And as if that was not enough, I gulped on a wheatgrass juice which, surprisingly, tasted yummy.  I later learned that I drank the honey flavor.  I also got to munch on delectable foodies from Plato Wraps, Chef's Noodles, Hungry Juan,  Gavino's Donuts, Chooks to Go, and of course, lunch courtesy of Flavours of China.

I was fortunate also to try a machine from N.Y. Theraspine which vibrating motion stimulates healthy body.  Accordingly, only two of said machines can be found in the country - one in St. Lukes Hospital and the other, in N.Y. Theraspine.

The Mind Museum at the event also offered trivia games.  Although I was not able to give the right answer, still I was happy enough.  I will be visiting The Mind Museum soon, courtesy of The Mind Museum! ;)

I'm also excited to use the discount coupons and membership card distributed by enjoy philippines.  I just  wished I had won their trip to boracay giveaway. :(

Megaworld, Gurkka, Fujidenzo, PRC, Inc., Slenda, Lazerxtreme, RichPrime Global, Inc., among others, gave also their share of freebies.  Many thanks to them!

Lastly, embarrassing at it may seem, I admit, I learned to use Twitter because of Blogapalooza.  Thanks to the organizer, wheninmanila.com, for giving me the opportunity to get encouraged (special mention to the speakers) in honing more of my blogging skills.  Congratulations on your successful endeavor and more power! :)

kudos and thanks to you, Vince!

Secrets of Mona Lisa

Source: The Mind Museum

Mona Lisa has been a significant part of my childhood memories not because it is a work of art but because, for me, it was a familiar song, which my father usually hummed - whether to put me and my siblings to sleep or just to entertain everybody at home.  I later learned that the song stemmed from the mystery behind the portrait created by Leonardo da Vinci - an Italian painter, sculptor, architect, musician, mathematician, engineer, inventor, anatomist, geologist, cartographer, botanist, and writer.

A number of scholars have been trying to uncover the controversy surrounding not just the famous smile of the subject but the entirety of the painting as well.  And that was enough to trigger my curiousity.  Since Mona Lisa was painted by a genius, could it be that there is a scientific explanation for every detail, e.g., for every brush stroke of that enigmatic piece of art?

If given the chance, I would have loved to visit the Louvre Museum in Paris and see the portrait myself.  But then, that would not be financially feasible at present.  Then I thought to myself, why would I just visit the Mind Museum in Taguig?  I was informed that there is an eye-opening, in-depth analysis of "The Secrets of Mona Lisa" that started its three-month run last September 1 and will end on November 30, 2013.

This is a mind-blowing experience that I will never miss for the world.  Wanna care to join me?  Then, perhaps we start our journey here.

And I'm Invited!!!

I could not believe it!  My blog was one of the first 150 blogs lucky enough to be invited to an exciting event!

Lots of surprises and entertainment await fellow bloggers and businesses who will be attending the Blogapalooza 2013 on November 16, 2013 at SMX Aura.  In fact, one of the early perks is that one can get a "cash back refund" on a cab ride to Blogapalooza just by properly following the step-by-step instructions provided.  Isn't that a treat?!

Blogapalooza is essentially a "B2B" - Business to Blogger networking event.  It's a link between big and small businesses who have something cool to share and the online community of people who love to share.

So, what are you waiting for?!  If interested, sign up on or before 5pm tomorrow, November 15, 2013.   For questions, tweet @Vince Golangco or email Vince@WhenInManila.com.

Source:  WhenInManila.com

Gear Up Your Note 3 Promo, a hoax?

I made a quick trip to SM North yesterday during lunch break and due to limited time, I proceeded directly to Samsung shop and immediately inquired on the Gear Up Your Note 3 promo which was posted on Facebook.

I was disappointed however when the salesgirl I talked to had no idea whatsoever on what I was inquiring about.  And when I checked Facebook post again this morning, there was one comment which also shared the same sentiment.  And going back to the mechanics of the promo quoted below:

2. This promo is available in all Samsung authorized stores nationwide.

something must have gone wrong somewhere, which prospective buyers like me are left confused and frustrated.I hope Samsung will do something to correct this inconsistency before October 28, 2013.

FYI, Samsung  is also offering free 6-month accidental phone damage coverage for those who are going to purchase the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 on or before October 28, 2013.  Thus, buyers who are interested to avail both promos should get their credit cards ready on or before such date.

And by the way, speaking of credit cards, BPI and BDO are offering their credit card holders a "buy now, pay next year" scheme.  That means, payment will be deferred next year yet.  Isn't that, great?

But then, Samsung must fix the Gear Up Your Note 3 promo first. :(