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
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.
Friday, July 10, 2009
At Home in Bangkok, Thailand
I had second thoughts of visiting Bangkok, Thailand because of the political issues hounding the country. Last December thousands were stranded when the airport was blocked by protestors and another incident months later. I "facebooked" my Thai friend about visiting Bangkok, she said it's absolutely safe. I take her word for it, and it was just an hour before midnight, an hour before Philippine Airline's Real Deal was about to end. I was able to fly to Bangkok, Thailand for about P7,000. Regular fare usually average US$350.
This is my fourth visit to Bangkok, Thailand. This time, it's strictly no sightseeing. I'm going there simply to shop and to go on our own.
ARRIVING IN BANGKOK
Without airport transfer service which costs about 1,400 baht per way, we opted to take the airport cab, located at the farthest (left) end of the terminal. It's just outside baggage carousel 20+, just where our empty luggage are. Taxi from the airport to Bangkok City is about 360 baht inclusive of toll fees. If you're a solo traveller, you may take the airport bus for only 150 baht.
We arrived in Arnoma Hotel 45 minutes later.
STAYING IN BANGKOK
In my previous trip, I normally stay at Baiyoke Suite simply because it's cheap. Since tourism has gone down in Bangkok, hotel rates are low, so we got a good rate at Arnoma Hotel for only $220 good for 2nights, with daily buffet breakfast for 3 pax from asiarooms.com
Arnoma Hotel is located across Central World and walking distance to other major shopping centers. Noticeably, they have renovated their lobby. It's looks much cleaner and nicer than two years ago.
GOING AROUND IN BANGKOK
A sky train runs across Bangkok City. In my four visits to Bangkok, I've never took the train but some friends say it's very convenient.
Lazy to go up the stairs to the sky train, I opt to take the taxi. It costs about 60-80 baht to get from one shopping center to another. :) It's quite near, but traffic in Bangkok is bad. Traffic routes are confusing aside from it being right hand drive, it's mostly one way street. Taxi drivers can be rude, you have to insist on having the meter on and you have to decline if they offer to drop you off in a jewelry store for them to get free gas. If they don't agree, go find another. Taxi is abundant in Thailand. As my friend says, there are too much vacant taxi even on rush hour.
The tuktuk is an option, but most drivers asks for 100 baht when it is suppose to be just 40 baht. It might be worth a try, for photo op.
This is my fourth visit to Bangkok, Thailand. This time, it's strictly no sightseeing. I'm going there simply to shop and to go on our own.
ARRIVING IN BANGKOK
Without airport transfer service which costs about 1,400 baht per way, we opted to take the airport cab, located at the farthest (left) end of the terminal. It's just outside baggage carousel 20+, just where our empty luggage are. Taxi from the airport to Bangkok City is about 360 baht inclusive of toll fees. If you're a solo traveller, you may take the airport bus for only 150 baht.
We arrived in Arnoma Hotel 45 minutes later.
STAYING IN BANGKOK
In my previous trip, I normally stay at Baiyoke Suite simply because it's cheap. Since tourism has gone down in Bangkok, hotel rates are low, so we got a good rate at Arnoma Hotel for only $220 good for 2nights, with daily buffet breakfast for 3 pax from asiarooms.com
Arnoma Hotel is located across Central World and walking distance to other major shopping centers. Noticeably, they have renovated their lobby. It's looks much cleaner and nicer than two years ago.
GOING AROUND IN BANGKOK
A sky train runs across Bangkok City. In my four visits to Bangkok, I've never took the train but some friends say it's very convenient.
Lazy to go up the stairs to the sky train, I opt to take the taxi. It costs about 60-80 baht to get from one shopping center to another. :) It's quite near, but traffic in Bangkok is bad. Traffic routes are confusing aside from it being right hand drive, it's mostly one way street. Taxi drivers can be rude, you have to insist on having the meter on and you have to decline if they offer to drop you off in a jewelry store for them to get free gas. If they don't agree, go find another. Taxi is abundant in Thailand. As my friend says, there are too much vacant taxi even on rush hour.
The tuktuk is an option, but most drivers asks for 100 baht when it is suppose to be just 40 baht. It might be worth a try, for photo op.
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