After four months of tennis elbow injury from too much wrist extension playing Farm Town and badminton, I finally decided to see my orthopedic surgeon. I wasn't upto having a surgery but rather, considering the idea of having Cortisone injection. My doctor wasn't really up to it yet since the specific tendon causing the pain cannot be identified. Cortisone injection is advisable only to be done on a swollen tendon, my doctor explained. It only treats the inflammation and injecting it on a normal tendon will cause more harm. If inappropriately done, it can cause the bone or tendon to brittle. Ergo, I'm not such a good candidate, we'll see after ten days of arcoxia.
I took the elevator from the hospital basement back to the lobby. As I walked in, I saw a very familiar face. Wearing his office uniform and holding a kid. I stared at him (while he was staring at me) deciding whether or not to strike a smile. Seconds later, I was battling with the thought - this person can't be the one I know. But he looks exactly like him, his built, his complexion, everything! Except that his company shirt was not where he was working but just the same, it's located in the same zone. I was tempted to ask him if he knows the person I know, but I was too scared to hear his reply. When the elevator door opened, I hurriedly walked out, then it dawned on me, the person I know who looks exactly like him is dead!
I've never been so scared, I felt like crying for a second, then felt goose bumps all over. I was at the wake, it was crazy of me to even think what if his death was a fake. I guess I've been watching too much telenovelas.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Secret Hotels
Thanks to internet (for the nth time), it does save a lot of money when making arrangements for travel. In my previous trip, the internet has become my saviour for countless ideas and tips from travellers, not to mention the forums that answers specific inquiries.
This time, I am busy googling for airfare and hotels. It's amazing how much savings it is to book flights online, I got like 50% off from what the travel agencies are quoting here.
Kayak.com did all the help. It can search for flights from different airlines and not only that. It can even search which site provides the best rate for the same flight. It is so easy to use, the buttons to specify flight hours, stop over, lay over times are just a slide away. Check it out and see what I mean.
From Kayak, I bumped across Gtahotels.com. They have this thing called "Discounts on Top Secret Hotels", as they put it:
After going through a lot of forums, little information is available. I've learned this site is maintained in Istanbul and it had its fair share of good and bad reviews. I tried it out, booked four nights with a secret hotel with a room called "Venezia Suite Twin Room". That was a give away, nowhere else in Las Vegas has a room with that name. After paying online, with a sigh of relief, I had a great bargain. I just booked with no less than the Venetian Las Vegas with one night free stay.
The hotel vouchers looks decent and it's already on my credit card bill. I am just so hopeful this isn't a hoax. If it is, I'll never hear the end of it from my mom and you'll never hear the end of it in my blog. haha I'm keeping my "fingers crossed". :D
This time, I am busy googling for airfare and hotels. It's amazing how much savings it is to book flights online, I got like 50% off from what the travel agencies are quoting here.
Kayak.com did all the help. It can search for flights from different airlines and not only that. It can even search which site provides the best rate for the same flight. It is so easy to use, the buttons to specify flight hours, stop over, lay over times are just a slide away. Check it out and see what I mean.
From Kayak, I bumped across Gtahotels.com. They have this thing called "Discounts on Top Secret Hotels", as they put it:
We call them secret hotels as we sell for so cheap that we cannot publish the hotel name. The name of the hotel will be secret till you complete your booking and see the amazing deal up to 70% off.
After going through a lot of forums, little information is available. I've learned this site is maintained in Istanbul and it had its fair share of good and bad reviews. I tried it out, booked four nights with a secret hotel with a room called "Venezia Suite Twin Room". That was a give away, nowhere else in Las Vegas has a room with that name. After paying online, with a sigh of relief, I had a great bargain. I just booked with no less than the Venetian Las Vegas with one night free stay.
The hotel vouchers looks decent and it's already on my credit card bill. I am just so hopeful this isn't a hoax. If it is, I'll never hear the end of it from my mom and you'll never hear the end of it in my blog. haha I'm keeping my "fingers crossed". :D
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Off The Beaten Path: What's New in Cebu? Parkmall, Edge Coaster, Imperial Palace Resort Waterpark
In my previous post, I highlighted the usual tourist spot in Cebu.
You must know by now, Cebu's two major malls just recently expanded, SM's new wing boast high end shops and Ayala's Terraces highlight's a range of Manila's best restaurants. But what else is new?
Located along Ouano Avenue, Mandaue City, (across Convention Center of Cebu - CICC), Parkmall's charming al fresco dining experience in zen garden offers a wide range of restaurants featuring Cebu and Manila's finest restaurants. Mooon Cafe, Chika-an, Pier One, Manila Foodshope, Joven's Grill, KFC, Out of Africa, You Bar, Tandoori, Da Vinci's Pizza, Shabu Way, Mang Inasal, Bo's Coffee, Postrio, Ice Castle, Fine Cuisine, Kk Fine Dining, Saigon Quan, Tsiboom and more.
Indoor, the kids village is Parkmall's pride. Playmaze Fun Hub is any child's dreamland.
My personal haven are the outlets and the micro-retail shops on the second floor, having the best bargain ever for clothes and accessories with exhibitors from Greenhills, St. Francis, export overruns and local entrepreneurs. I was also excited with the opening of Pixel Pro, (by Henry's Camera from Hidalgo, Quiapo), I shall get my new toy soon. Finally, Visayans now have access to good bargains.
For more info, check out
http://parkmallph.blogspot.com/ or http://parkmallph.com
Located right in the heart of uptown Cebu, view the city and conquer your fear of heights on the 38th floor, with a thrilling ride on the Edge Coaster or do the sky walk. Check their website for details.
It's located along the coast of Mactan, Cebu (right beside Hadsan Beach Resort). This is Korean owned and aimed to cater Korean tourists. Rack rate starts with a whooping $250, but it's best to contact them for promo rates. Currently, promo rates start at P8,000++/night, day use is pegged at P1,500 with lunch buffet valid until end of September. We spent a night and I had a blast and service was great! The photos speak for itself, isn't it so inviting?
For inquiries and reservations, contact:
http://www.imperialcebu.com/eng/main.htm
call: 63-32)494-5241 to 44
email: rsvn@ip-cebu.com
Now, you have even more reason to come visit and revisit Cebu! See ya around! :D
You must know by now, Cebu's two major malls just recently expanded, SM's new wing boast high end shops and Ayala's Terraces highlight's a range of Manila's best restaurants. But what else is new?
Experience something different in PARKMALL.
Located along Ouano Avenue, Mandaue City, (across Convention Center of Cebu - CICC), Parkmall's charming al fresco dining experience in zen garden offers a wide range of restaurants featuring Cebu and Manila's finest restaurants. Mooon Cafe, Chika-an, Pier One, Manila Foodshope, Joven's Grill, KFC, Out of Africa, You Bar, Tandoori, Da Vinci's Pizza, Shabu Way, Mang Inasal, Bo's Coffee, Postrio, Ice Castle, Fine Cuisine, Kk Fine Dining, Saigon Quan, Tsiboom and more.
Indoor, the kids village is Parkmall's pride. Playmaze Fun Hub is any child's dreamland.
My personal haven are the outlets and the micro-retail shops on the second floor, having the best bargain ever for clothes and accessories with exhibitors from Greenhills, St. Francis, export overruns and local entrepreneurs. I was also excited with the opening of Pixel Pro, (by Henry's Camera from Hidalgo, Quiapo), I shall get my new toy soon. Finally, Visayans now have access to good bargains.
For more info, check out
http://parkmallph.blogspot.com/ or http://parkmallph.com
Go over the edge with Sky Experience Adventure at Crown Regency Hotel.
Located right in the heart of uptown Cebu, view the city and conquer your fear of heights on the 38th floor, with a thrilling ride on the Edge Coaster or do the sky walk. Check their website for details.
Get wet and scream at the Imperial Palace Resort Waterpark & Spa.
It's located along the coast of Mactan, Cebu (right beside Hadsan Beach Resort). This is Korean owned and aimed to cater Korean tourists. Rack rate starts with a whooping $250, but it's best to contact them for promo rates. Currently, promo rates start at P8,000++/night, day use is pegged at P1,500 with lunch buffet valid until end of September. We spent a night and I had a blast and service was great! The photos speak for itself, isn't it so inviting?
For inquiries and reservations, contact:
http://www.imperialcebu.com/eng/main.htm
call: 63-32)494-5241 to 44
email: rsvn@ip-cebu.com
Now, you have even more reason to come visit and revisit Cebu! See ya around! :D
Friday, August 14, 2009
Haciendera
Three weeks ago, I became a certified haciendera after reaching level 34 of Farm Town, a virtual farming game over at Facebook. It's the last level, I suppose. Now, I don't only have one but two mansions, and I'm buying my third next week!
Ah, it is but a dream to live the life of the rich and famous, now it's a reality with my private beach with friends who came by for a swim!
Ooooh, what a life!!! Okay, back to reality and maybe I'll gain interest to blog again. :D
Ah, it is but a dream to live the life of the rich and famous, now it's a reality with my private beach with friends who came by for a swim!
Ooooh, what a life!!! Okay, back to reality and maybe I'll gain interest to blog again. :D
Philippine Holidays in 2010
The year just passed half way but the office of the President had already announced the holidays for 2010.
President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo signed Proclamation 1841, declaring regular holidays, special non-working holidays, and special school holidays for 2010. The proclamation is in line with Republic Act 9492, which provides that all non-religious holidays be moved to the nearest Monday.
Regular holidays covered by RA 9492 next year are:
January 1 – New Year’s Day
April 1 – Maundy Thursday
April 2 – Good Friday
April 9 – Araw ng Kagitingan
June 14 (Monday nearest June 12) – Independence Day
August 30 – National Heroes’ Day May 1 – Labor Day
November 29 (Monday nearest November 30) – Bonifacio Day
December 25 – Christmas Day
December 27 (Monday nearest December 30) – Rizal Day
Special non-working holidays include:
August 23 (Monday nearest August 21) – Ninoy Aquino Day
November 1 – All Saints’ Day
December 24 - Christmas Eve
December 31 – Last Day of the Year
Aside from these, the President also declared February 22 (Monday nearest February 25), EDSA Revolution anniversary next year as a special school holiday.
Meanwhile, the Palace said proclamations declaring national holidays for the observance of the end of Ramadan (Eid’l Fitr) and the Feast of the Sacrifice (Eid’l Adha) shall be issued after the approximate dates of the Islamic holidays have been determined in accordance with the Islamic calendar.
The second Monday of May should also be declared as National elections will be held sans any constitutional amendment.
So where are you off to? Ah, this is crazy, i need to save up! :D
President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo signed Proclamation 1841, declaring regular holidays, special non-working holidays, and special school holidays for 2010. The proclamation is in line with Republic Act 9492, which provides that all non-religious holidays be moved to the nearest Monday.
Regular holidays covered by RA 9492 next year are:
January 1 – New Year’s Day
April 1 – Maundy Thursday
April 2 – Good Friday
April 9 – Araw ng Kagitingan
June 14 (Monday nearest June 12) – Independence Day
August 30 – National Heroes’ Day May 1 – Labor Day
November 29 (Monday nearest November 30) – Bonifacio Day
December 25 – Christmas Day
December 27 (Monday nearest December 30) – Rizal Day
Special non-working holidays include:
August 23 (Monday nearest August 21) – Ninoy Aquino Day
November 1 – All Saints’ Day
December 24 - Christmas Eve
December 31 – Last Day of the Year
Aside from these, the President also declared February 22 (Monday nearest February 25), EDSA Revolution anniversary next year as a special school holiday.
Meanwhile, the Palace said proclamations declaring national holidays for the observance of the end of Ramadan (Eid’l Fitr) and the Feast of the Sacrifice (Eid’l Adha) shall be issued after the approximate dates of the Islamic holidays have been determined in accordance with the Islamic calendar.
The second Monday of May should also be declared as National elections will be held sans any constitutional amendment.
So where are you off to? Ah, this is crazy, i need to save up! :D
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Buying Cheap Yonex Racquet in Bangkok (Racket)
Buying an original yonex racquet is quite heavy on the pocket, but since I bought mine (or should I say since my dad bought it for me and didn't accept when I was going to reimburse for it *wide smile*), it was a good choice, I was content with just one. It has been about 5 years since I bought my Yonex armortec 800 OF and it's perfectly well but I just feel like getting a spare. After weeks of googling what's nice and new, a Yonex Arcsaber 9 was on my shopping list on my trip to Bangkok, Thailand.
In hot pink and white grip, the Yonex Arcsaber 9 is said to be designed for women; not only for it's color but for its lightness and manoeuverability. I felt the difference by the one and only time I got to use it. I will have to wait until my 3-month tennis elbow injury heals before I can use it again.
If there is anywhere in this world that sells the cheapest Yonex racquet, I'd say go to Bangkok, Thailand. Thailand has a knack of selling cheap stuff when it's made in Thailand.
WHERE TO BUY ORIGINAL YONEX IN BANGKOK:
Bangkok's department store sells about 30% lower compared to racquets sold in the Philippines. I particularly like the display in Siam Paragon and in Yonex shop in Central World.
If you think you've got a good deal, I've got a better one. Racquets that's about half the price compared to Philippine's mall can be purchased from the sport shops next to the National Stadium, they are wholesalers that sells retail at 20%+ cheaper than Bangkok's mall and Yonex Shop, strings, socks and other accessories are just about the same price as sold in the mall.
You can browse through badminton forums, they can attest that they are original and an email from yonex also confirms that they have authorized dealers in the area. You can visit:
FIRST SPORTS
847/5-6 Soi Chula 5 Rama 1 Rd, Wangmai Pathumwan Bangkok tel 2141616
SPORTS MARKETING
847/7 Rama 6 Rd. Pathumwam, Bangkok tel 2141390
DIRECTIONS:
from MBK (Mah Boon Krong - tokyo department store exit), take Rama 1 road and proceed towards the National Stadium. At the end of the block, turn left, straight ahead on the right side of the road, you'll find FBT store at the 1st intersection. Straight ahead, about 3 stores after FBT store you'll find First Sports and Sports Marketing. It's with small glass door and are just beside each other selling sports equipment like boxing gloves, shoes, racquets, strings etc.... This is about 15 minutes walk from MBK.
see this link for more directions .
NOTE: I had my racquet strung at the Yonex shop in Central World, when you buy string from them, labor cost to string is free.
UPDATE: as of march 2013
First Sports have already moved from Chula 5 to junction of Chula 12/Chula 5. Chula 12 is a few streets further down from its previous location. (Chula = Chulalongkorn)
Sports Marketing will move from Chula 5 to Thanon Banthat Thong next to Kasikorn Bank (or K Bank to the locals) shortly.
The new Sports Marketing shop is still under renovation as at time of posting. To go to the new shop, take a walk to the junction of Chula 8/Thanon Banthat Thong where Somfood Seafood is located. You should see K Bank and Sports Marketing.
for more details check out this link from badmintoncentral.com
In hot pink and white grip, the Yonex Arcsaber 9 is said to be designed for women; not only for it's color but for its lightness and manoeuverability. I felt the difference by the one and only time I got to use it. I will have to wait until my 3-month tennis elbow injury heals before I can use it again.
If there is anywhere in this world that sells the cheapest Yonex racquet, I'd say go to Bangkok, Thailand. Thailand has a knack of selling cheap stuff when it's made in Thailand.
WHERE TO BUY ORIGINAL YONEX IN BANGKOK:
Bangkok's department store sells about 30% lower compared to racquets sold in the Philippines. I particularly like the display in Siam Paragon and in Yonex shop in Central World.
If you think you've got a good deal, I've got a better one. Racquets that's about half the price compared to Philippine's mall can be purchased from the sport shops next to the National Stadium, they are wholesalers that sells retail at 20%+ cheaper than Bangkok's mall and Yonex Shop, strings, socks and other accessories are just about the same price as sold in the mall.
You can browse through badminton forums, they can attest that they are original and an email from yonex also confirms that they have authorized dealers in the area. You can visit:
FIRST SPORTS
847/5-6 Soi Chula 5 Rama 1 Rd, Wangmai Pathumwan Bangkok tel 2141616
SPORTS MARKETING
847/7 Rama 6 Rd. Pathumwam, Bangkok tel 2141390
DIRECTIONS:
from MBK (Mah Boon Krong - tokyo department store exit), take Rama 1 road and proceed towards the National Stadium. At the end of the block, turn left, straight ahead on the right side of the road, you'll find FBT store at the 1st intersection. Straight ahead, about 3 stores after FBT store you'll find First Sports and Sports Marketing. It's with small glass door and are just beside each other selling sports equipment like boxing gloves, shoes, racquets, strings etc.... This is about 15 minutes walk from MBK.
see this link for more directions .
NOTE: I had my racquet strung at the Yonex shop in Central World, when you buy string from them, labor cost to string is free.
UPDATE: as of march 2013
First Sports have already moved from Chula 5 to junction of Chula 12/Chula 5. Chula 12 is a few streets further down from its previous location. (Chula = Chulalongkorn)
Sports Marketing will move from Chula 5 to Thanon Banthat Thong next to Kasikorn Bank (or K Bank to the locals) shortly.
The new Sports Marketing shop is still under renovation as at time of posting. To go to the new shop, take a walk to the junction of Chula 8/Thanon Banthat Thong where Somfood Seafood is located. You should see K Bank and Sports Marketing.
for more details check out this link from badmintoncentral.com
Monday, August 3, 2009
A Country in Mourning
The Philippines is in mourning following the death of former President Corazon Aquino. It has been 23 years since she became the icon of democracy of our country and to the rest of the world. The prayer vigil all over the country during her battle of cancer was overwhelming... I am personally overwhelmed and surprised to realize that she is well loved by many. It is no doubt that in life and in death she continued to unite the people in prayer.
Yesterday, I woke up from an afternoon nap by Kris Aquino's (her youngest daughter) voice on television. Kris is known to be the prodigal daughter yet remained to be her mom's favorite. It was her first time to speak in public after her mother's death. A good host as she is, she clearly recounts the battle of the late president and her family. She shared to the public what her family has opted to keep in private the past month. As I watched her, I could not help but feel her pain... sobbing and crying a bucket of tears for nearly two hours, that left my eyes puffy when I had to attend a party that night. Her story was very heartfelt, showing that they are just as fragile as anyone else. Anyone who has lost a loved one or has fears to lose one will definitely relate and learn from that experience.
Senators are now pushing to pass a bill to declare January 25, her birthday as Cory Aquino Day. A 10 day national mourning has been declared and August 5, has been declared a special non working holiday by political foe and incumbent President Gloria Arroyo to observe the internment. What remains to be seen is if and when the President comes back from the USA, she is duty bound to pay her last respect, damn if she do, damn if she don't, hopefully they can manage to be apolitical.
If Ninoy spoke with dignity "You have a president who robs you, and a first lady who robs you more." With President Cory Aquino's death (and Cardinal Sin), who would be brave enough to standby, lead the people and say "You have a president who robs you, and a first gentleman who robs you more."?
Nothing personal, strictly politics.
Yesterday, I woke up from an afternoon nap by Kris Aquino's (her youngest daughter) voice on television. Kris is known to be the prodigal daughter yet remained to be her mom's favorite. It was her first time to speak in public after her mother's death. A good host as she is, she clearly recounts the battle of the late president and her family. She shared to the public what her family has opted to keep in private the past month. As I watched her, I could not help but feel her pain... sobbing and crying a bucket of tears for nearly two hours, that left my eyes puffy when I had to attend a party that night. Her story was very heartfelt, showing that they are just as fragile as anyone else. Anyone who has lost a loved one or has fears to lose one will definitely relate and learn from that experience.
Senators are now pushing to pass a bill to declare January 25, her birthday as Cory Aquino Day. A 10 day national mourning has been declared and August 5, has been declared a special non working holiday by political foe and incumbent President Gloria Arroyo to observe the internment. What remains to be seen is if and when the President comes back from the USA, she is duty bound to pay her last respect, damn if she do, damn if she don't, hopefully they can manage to be apolitical.
If Ninoy spoke with dignity "You have a president who robs you, and a first lady who robs you more." With President Cory Aquino's death (and Cardinal Sin), who would be brave enough to standby, lead the people and say "You have a president who robs you, and a first gentleman who robs you more."?
Nothing personal, strictly politics.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)