The Life of a Breadwinner

My Christmas 2009 Wish List

2009-12-09T08:46:00.006+08:00

In an awesome food land on cyberspace called Nomnom Club
a fabulous present awaits...
All is welcome to expect it as a gift,
but only one lucky blogger can receive it

What you just have to do is create,
a Christmas wish list with five items in it
Describe each item with indulgence and flair,
and you might just emerge the victor of the game

My eyes popped out in awe upon seeing the present...
a limited edition Starbucks USB in all its shining splendor,
and so I decided to give it a try
With this exact blog post I am going to vie!

My Christmas wish list is plain and ordinary,
five items that can make me feel extraordinary
five items than can warm my heart...
and bring joy to myself and to those that I love

First are gift certificates of any kind
as I love to try new services and places with fun in mind,
Second is a pair of boots
as the only pair I have suddenly went loose
I'm fond of strolling around the mall, you know
shopping or just eating out, usually with 'the boyfriend' in tow

Third is Christmas with my whole family
in our new Cavite home we are all in glee,
impossible as it may seem, with the miles that separate us
I still would like to wish like any longing daughter does

Fourth is a new gadget,
it could be a phone, a digicam, a subnote or a mobile wallet
I'm not a techie but I'm always online,
I'm usually preoccupied 'coz I hate wasting precious time

Last but not the least is the fifth item
I wish to accumulate winnings as most online contests I've joined 'em!
I'm assertive and quite desperate, yes
But in a good way and only for fun and happiness

There's no better way to end this
than to thank God for the coming Christmas
as it will surely be a time for sharing and giving and loving
All in celebration of the birth of Christ
whom God has given to mankind to save us from sins
even without our asking for it.

Advance Merry Christmas my friends...
and may all of our wishes come true! :)

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I am Well

2009-12-07T09:22:00.003+08:00

After having been down with a mild case of flu for three long days, the breadwinner is now well. I owe a lot to those people who went out of their way to take care of me. I am blessed for having such loving and caring people in my life. You know who you are. Thank you very much.

Definitely, my getting sick deprived me of a lot of things. One was work opportunities. Another was being online and connected with my family and friends. When my body temperature was a scorching 39 degrees, I thought of a lot of things. It even came to a point when I thought I was going to die. Shallow but true. Suddenly, during those "critical" moments, I got afraid to leave my family behind. As breadwinner, I couldn't help but think of those things. What will happen to them? How they will cope to my loss? But it's over now. None of my crazy thoughts materialized. And I was just happy. Thank God for the gift of healing and for the most precious gift of all, life. I am well and I am alive.

Now I'm ready to take on challenges again. I guess it's back to normal. :)

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On Luxury Cars

2009-12-02T08:56:00.002+08:00

Just this morning, Edwin and I talked about our old plan to buy a car. There was a car sale then and the down payment required was very low. However, we didn’t push thru with our plan. We thought of something else and put our money to better use. We forgot about the entire car agenda.

What’s with owning a car, by the way? In the Philippines, a car is a status symbol. But these days, fuel prices are spiraling. Owning a car could mean more losses, economically speaking. That makes it impractical to buy a car at this point. But if we’re talking about luxury cars, I think that’s another thing. Luxury cars are for those who can afford it. They are for those people who can shell out millions and yet can still live a comfortable life. They are for those people who can buy a car without accumulating debts.

For instance, I have this friend who has a wealthy, businessman friend that has just bought a Volvo XC60. For the uninitiated, Volvo is one of the luxury car brands in the market today. It is known for its well-trimmed interiors and good acceleration. Luxury cars are good investment because you can upgrade or re-sell it. There are lots of car enthusiasts out there waiting for the time to get their hands on a luxury car, especially if it’s as attractive and powerful as a Volvo.

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Fun Saturday: Beauty Workshop by Victor Ortega and Artistry and Luke's 6th Birthday Celeb

2009-12-02T08:45:00.000+08:00

Last Saturday, I got to attend two events in a row. First was the beauty workshop by Victor Ortega and Artistry which proven itself very informative especially for young women like me who would want to look their best during the holidays. Right after that, Edwin (who was waiting for me at Glorietta 4 while the workshop was ongoing) and I went straight to Mandaluyong to share in the fun of his god son's 6th birthday. It was held at the Jollibee Store fronting the City Hall.

Saturdays like this makes me a truly happy, wide-eyed girl. For a breadwinner like me who works harder than a lot of people, events like these two add color to my social life. Definitely another reason for me to love long weekends. :)

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Stainless Steel Items for Your Home

2009-11-30T16:15:00.004+08:00

I just got home from Naic, Cavite. There I entered our small house for the first time. It's been turned over to us recently and we can't be happier. I realized there are still lots of improvements that need to be done, from the ceiling down to the flooring. The house doesn't even have water and electrical connection yet.

Home improvement is such a costly project. I know I'm going to spend a lot, from the furniture and dividers to the kitchen essentials and stainless steel fixtures for the bathroom. Among all the parts of a house, I love decorating bathrooms the most.

For our house, I plan to get some blomus stainless steel accessories. I noticed that stainless steel is fast becoming a permanent fixture in most homes. I think I understand why. Stainless steel looks sleek and modern. It also gives a touch of elegance to a home yet it doesn't cost a lot. So yeah, I better save up for some stainless steel towel rail and soap dish, or maybe even a stainless steel round mirror for our tiny bathroom.

Ah, the joy and (pressure) pleasure of home improvement.

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Help the Breadwinner Win!

2009-11-29T18:48:00.004+08:00

Remember my Fit 'n Right post? It got included in the Top 10 of the Fit 'n Right Blogger Contest. Soon the winner will be announced. I am quite excited. Price is P10,000. The good thing is, I have the chance to win...through your help! You just have to leave a unique comment on my post as popularity makes up 30% of the criteria. Please help the breadwinner win...

Thank you so much! :)

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House Turn-Over...Finally!

2009-11-26T11:20:00.004+08:00

I slept soundly last night because I received a good news when I got home from the office. Finally, the time has arrived for our house in Cavite to be turned over to its owner. The turn-over notice provided all the details we would need. We can't be happier. God is really great.

As usual, mom was in high spirits when I shared the good news with her. I have until May 2010 to prepare the house for their transfer. It's gonna be a tiny but cozy home. It's her and Dad who will be the permanent residents of that humble abode. And I can't wait to be one of their weekend guests. Happiness! :)

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Reality Check: Is Being a Journalist Worth Dying for?

2009-11-25T09:40:00.007+08:00

Last Monday, November 23, a group of Muslim women escorted by a group of journalists were massacred in Maguindanao, reportedly the third poorest province in the Philippines. The Muslim women were supposed to go to a Comelec Office there to file the certificate of candidacy of Buluan Vice Mayor Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu who is running for a gubernatorial seat in the province. The alleged perpetrators of the heinous crime are the armed followers of the Ampatuans, the present ruling clan in Maguindanao. If the Ampatuans have something to do with the massacre or not, only God can tell.

Shocking as it is, I can't help but wonder on the implications of this horrendous act against press freedom in general and in the May 2010 Presidential Elections in particular. You see, journalists getting killed has been a common scenario in this country for the past five years or so. If this continues, what will happen to our democracy?

My youngest sister who is in her final year in high school, upon hearing about the Maguindanao Massacre, has decided not to take journalism/mass com in college anymore. She's now scared to become a journalist, a dream that used to be at the core of her being. I can't blame her, though. I believe she can still contribute to society through other means, through other professions.

This tale of a Maguindanao massacre survivor will give you a clear idea of how and why the tragic incident had transpired. It's saddening and empowering at the same time. I admire the courage of Filipino journalists. If not for them, we wouldn't be as well-informed and updated about current events and pressing issues as we are today. If not for them, ours would have been a chaotic and unjust society.

Here's hoping that justice will be served to Maguindanao massacre victims as swiftly as possible.

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Ninja Assasin Official Trailer, Synopsis and Photos

2009-11-25T09:16:00.005+08:00

Just read a blogger friend's review of Ninja Assassin starring Korean superstar Rain. I learned it was bloody and violent, just as one would expect from any ninja-themed films (except Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles). I saw Rain first on Full House (a hit Korean telenovela) and I wonder how he will deliver on this movie. So yeah, I might watch Ninja Assassin this weekend with the boyfriend. And if time permits me, I might as well write my own review. For now, here's the official trailer of Ninja Assassin directed by James McTeigue.

"In Berlin, Europol agent Mika Coretti (Naomie Harris) has stumbled upon a money trail linking several political murders to an underground network of untraceable assassins from the Far East. Defying the orders of her superior, Ryan Maslow (Ben Miles), Mika digs into top secret agency files to learn the truth behind the murders.

Her investigation makes her a target, and the Ozunu Clan sends a team of killers, led by the lethal Takeshi (Rick Yune), to silence her forever. Raizo saves Mika from her attackers, but he knows that the Clan will not rest until they are both eliminated. Now, entangled in a deadly game of cat and mouse through the streets of Europe, Raizo and Mika must trust one another if they hope to survive and finally bring down the elusive Ozunu Clan."

Have you watched Ninja Assassin already? Did you like it? :)

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Home Improvement Funds

2009-11-24T14:05:00.004+08:00

The fact that the construction of our house in Cavite has recently been completed makes me a bit worried. I know the next thing to prepare for is home improvement. I will need funds for it and it’s no small money. I better save up more money now or run the risk of accumulating unwanted debts.

Home improvement funds are something that a lot of people are taking for granted. Most often than not, they are under the impression that there are lots of home improvement loans ready to be availed of these days. Why bother saving up for it, then? But I beg to disagree. I believe home improvement should be prepared for in advance. It’s not something that we should rely on loans, as much as possible.

Aside from saving up more than what you usually do, you may opt to get part-time work to increase your income stream. As for me, I’ve been looking for more income opportunities online to increase our home improvement funds. I know I have to allot money for the essential home improvement of our house in Cavite, from outdoor lighting and window grills to indoor fixtures and home appliances. I’m glad I have my brother to count on now. He’s been working for two months already and I am certain he can now add a considerable amount to our home improvement funds.

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Johnson & Johnson's Baby Bedtime Discoveries: A Mother's Guide to Putting Her Baby to Sleep

2009-11-24T11:02:00.013+08:00

Babies are a blessing. Motherhood, on the other hand, is both a blessing and a lifetime responsibility. Mothers, especially those who are first-timers, undergo a series of adjustment in baby care. Their efforts to master the complicated but fulfilling world of baby care, from changing diapers to putting the baby to sleep, is indeed admirable.

Johnson & Johnson as a Partner in Baby Care

Good thing mommies have Johnson & Johnson as a dedicated partner in dealing with their bundles of joy. For over a decade, Johnson & Johnson has been supplying mothers with quality baby products that help them give their babies the optimum health and well-being they deserve. Its latest campaign, Baby Bedtime Discoveries, explores the science of sleep and teaches how the right products and the right routine can ensure better sleep for babies. As most of us know, a good sleep can do wonders to a baby's growth and general health.

Last Saturday, I got a special invite from Nuffnang to this event by Johnson & Johnson which was held at the Conservatory of Manila Peninsula Hotel in Makati. Upon entering the venue, I was awed by the cozy setup. Mom blogger and single lady attendees were given slippers and instructed to wear them inside the big room. It was an afternoon of casual yet very informative talk on baby care, particularly on the effects of sleep to a baby's growth. The program was hosted by bloomingly pregnant TV personality Cristine Bersola-Babao.

Dr. Luis Rivera, vice-president of the Philippine Society of Sleep Medicine, a short talk and discussed the science of sleep with us with clarity and profoundness. More than anything, he shared that sleep is essential for the baby's overall growth and development.

Product + Routine = Happy Baby

Dr. Rivera also emphasized in his talk thatJohnson & Johnson products plus a good bedtime routine makes for a happier and healthier baby. Three J&J midwives showed us the three steps composing the bedtime routine:

Bath – a warm bath or “punas” will signal your baby that he is on his way to bed. Warm water, coupled with the gentle lathering touch will soothe the baby.

Massage - the soothing, steady motion of the massage helps baby relax even more.

Some quiet time – spend some quiet, light activities with your baby (singing lullabies, reading stories, cuddle) will will drift her off to sleep.

Baby Bedtime Site

To provide a more holistic approach to its latest campaign, Johnson & Johnson has put up a sub site dedicated to it --- Baby Bedtime Discoveries. To all my mother and would-be mother friends out there, check out the site for the complete information on baby bedtime. There's also a section there where you could measure the progress or improvement of your baby's sleep. You can also visit the main site for more motherhood and baby care resources, including pregnancy topics.

Kudos to Nuffnang and Johnson & Johnson for this very interesting event that every mother and would-be mother can relate to. :)

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Late President Cory Aquino is Toblerone's First National Thank You Day Awardee

2009-11-24T08:56:00.001+08:00

Late President Corazon "Cory" C. Aquino was named recently as the First National Thank You Day Awardee. The award was accepted by her daughter Vel Aquino-Dee. The 2009 National Thank You Awards, which was held last Friday (November 20) at the Music Hall, Mall of Asia, was organized and presented by Kraft Foods through its brand Toblerone.

Other nominees for the awards were critically-acclaimed designer Monique Lhuillier, King of Comedy Dolphy, Miss Saigon Lea Salonga, Cannes Festival Best Director Brillante Mendoza, King of Rap Francis Magalona and CNN Hero Efren Peñaflorida. The National Thank You Day Award is given to Filipinos who have made a significant contribution to Philippine society.

The brief program at MOA's Music Hall also awarded the winners to Toblerone's Spread the Sweetness of Gratitude Photo Competition. It was followed by several live band performances opened to the public.

Thank you to Toblerone and GeiserMaclang for the special invite to this meaningful event. :)

PHOTOS TO FOLLOW SOON...

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Most Expensive Mobile Phone in the World

2009-11-22T23:00:00.007+08:00

Last Saturday while in Glorietta 4, Makati, I saw what could be one of the most expensive mobile phones in the world today. The brand is Vertu and it costs a whopping P383,000. That's more or less $ 8,326 USD. I couldn't believe my eyes.

This little discovery prompted me to research on Vertu. I learned it's a pioneering luxury mobile phone brand and it's a division of Nokia. According to reports, it currently monopolizes the global market for luxury mobile phones. Okay. Fine.

In fairness with the phone, it has sleek design and looks quite sophisticated. If I had money though, I still wouldn't buy it because I prefer function and quality over design and prestige when it comes to my mobile phones. :)

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Manual Scrapbooking Vs. Online Scrapbooking

2009-11-21T19:05:00.000+08:00

I was introduced to the wonderful hobby of scrapbooking by my former officemates in my previous work. They said they got hooked on it after having seen their work for the first time. Scrapbooking is indeed a very worthwhile activity. Not only are you flexing your creative muscles each time you do it, you are also making something with your bare hands which for me is a great source of fulfillment.

When online scrapbooking became popular, I was one of those who got a bit sad. While online scrapbooking is easier to do as it gives you more ideas and greater flexibility, I believe it defeats the purpose of using your bare hands. That’s why I still favor manual scrapbooking over the online one.

Speaking of scrapbooking, I just realized I have already forgotten my goal to improve on this art. I think it’s about time I replenish my supply of discount scrapbooking paper and start making colorful scrapbooks again. After all, my photos are starting to accumulate in my hard drive. Time to have them printed for use in my future scrapbook projects.

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Paypal Lets You Earn Some Dollars This Christmas

2009-11-21T10:35:00.005+08:00

In partnership with Facebook, the world's number one social networking site, Paypal's latest promo lets you earn up to $100 this Christmas. No stir. All you have to do is sign up through this link and create your own wish list. This entitles you to $1 already. Share this wish list with your friends at Facebook. Earn $1 dollar for each friend who makes their own wish list through your link. The cycle continues with them. Everybody earns. Easy, right?

Should you have questions regarding the link I gave above, lemme know and I'll help you the best I can.

Let's share wish lists and earn money together this Christmas! Spread the word! :)

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TV on Your Mobile Phone

2009-11-21T01:03:00.001+08:00

There’s this China-made mobile phone that became a fad last year in Manila because it had this integrated TV feature. It became quite popular among the public because aside from the fact that you can watch TV through it, it was way below the standard price.

However, the TV of such mobile phone was only capable of broadcasting local channels. If you’d been following a particular program from offshore, you’d be quite disappointed with it. Add to that the not so strong signal of the TV which made viewing a not so pleasant experience.

Along came cell phone television service that promises to change the way you look at mobile TV. It gives subscribers instant access to 30 or so channels. With this service, there’s no way you’ll miss out on your favorite news program, reality show or teen series. If TV watching is your favorite pastime, ask your network provider about this particular service now.

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Excited Over New Moon

2009-11-20T23:52:00.005+08:00

New Moon has officially been released in the Philippines today. Sadly, I was not among the first to see it. We had to go to Cavite for some important task. Tomorrow is the day. I've scheduled a date with Edwin in some mall in Makati to watch New Moon. Hay, the Twilight fan in me can't help but feel extremely excited.

The last movie I've watched was 2012. I enjoyed it and I hope to enjoy New Moon more. Good thing I don't have work tomorrow. My fellow tour guide at LCDTM asked a work-related favor from me and the soft-hearted breadwinner gave in to her wish.

Anyway, have you already watched New Moon? What's you're take on it? Did you like it? Share your story! :)

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BPOs and Call Center Jobs

2009-11-20T22:50:00.002+08:00

The Philippines is one of the very few countries in Asia that have been blessed with many business processing outsourcing (BPO) opportunities. Today, thousands of Filipino youth now work in call centers either as a customer service representative or as a call center agent. Indeed, call center jobs in the country continue to grow in number and this only goes to show that we have gained the trust and confidence of international BPO companies.

I, for one, have many friends who work in call centers. They say it’s a pretty rewarding job and is never boring. It’s actually very challenging and requires dedication and hard work. The only complaint they have is the irregular working schedule. The usual setup is that they sleep in the morning and work at night. But Filipinos easily adapt to any environment, and so it’s not so big a deal for them.

If you ‘re planning to apply for a call center job, make sure to prepare yourself first. This kind of work is quite different from other jobs out there. Also, choose a call center company that is technologically updated. Make sure it uses the most advance hosted automatic call distribution service. This way, you’re assured that the work you’re going to do is done efficiently and that you’ll get to learn new stuff from time to time.

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My Parents' House, Our Home: A Dream Come True

2009-11-20T18:07:00.005+08:00

For a Filipino family like ours, having a house is a must. It forms a big part of the family's goals. As much as possible, we don't want to rent a house for a long time. We work hard to be able to afford buying our own house which we can call our home.

Edwin and I just came from Naic to check the small house I bought there. It's under Pag-IBIG financing. I was surprised that the house is almost complete. Oh how time flies. I just realized I've been paying for it for two years already.

me with our li'l house, soon to be our li'l home
My mom was ecstatic when I shared the good news with her. She said it's a dream come true for her, and for our family in general. I'm glad I pushed with this one. I remember I was hesistant at first because then I didn't think I could afford the monthly amortization. It's just a small amount but as you know, I'm the breadwinner in the family and I have many expenses to deal with on a monthly basis.

But God is good. He gave me the willpower to just go for it. I entrusted everything to Him. And I'm just too happy He never let me down, financially speaking. :)

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Egypt Holidays, Anyone?

2009-11-19T15:34:00.002+08:00

I have always been amazed with man-made creations, particularly architecture. There’s something about structures and buildings that convey a message of hope, unity, devotion or utter glory. The Statue of Liberty in the US, the Taj Mahal in India and the Great Wall in China have their own underlying messages. Aside from their grandeur, they are proofs of man’s greatness.

Aside from food and shopping, architecture is one of the things I look forward to in a certain place. If I could afford to travel to another country, I’ll go to Egypt. Situated in the heart of Middle East, Egypt is a beautiful tourist destination. The weather may be hot all-year round, but its extensive desert, the Nile River and the famous Pyramid of Egypt can take your breath away.

Also, I have always wondered how the people of Egypt live. You see, their ancestors belonged to one of the first civilizations in the world. They must be a proud race with rich cultural heritage and traditions. But I can imagine traveling to Egypt will be more fun when you are with a group. If I had ample time and resources, I’ll surely spend my Egypt Holidays with family and friends. We will bask in the beauty of this country that used to be a paradise back in Biblical times.

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Tap Defense on iPhone 3GS

2009-11-19T11:51:00.009+08:00

Tap Defense is one of the best iPhone applications today. It's only been 48 hours since I started playing it (on Edwin's iPhone 3GS) but I can already say it's addicting. It's a strategy game that requires a lot of brain.

Tap Defense may look very simple to play. Initially, you are given credits to buy your fighting equipment such as arrow towers, bomb towers and water canons (the only ones available during the first few levels). You arrange them on the field strategically and when you're ready, you tap the icon "play." After that, the enemies enter and try to make their way towards the end of the road. You are given 20 lives, which means 20 enemies only are allowed to get past your guard. Otherwise, the game ends and you lose.

As you advance on the game, you gain more credits and more fighting equipment (e.g. ice, storm, earthquake, etc.) get unlocked. Unfortunately, the enemies also become stronger and harder to beat. They range from locusts and dogs to Gremlins and demons.

At that point, the real strategic thinking begins. You have to budget your credits and at the same time position your fighting equipment in such a way that they win against the enemies.

I plan to write a more comprehensive review of this great iPhone app in the coming days. For now, lemme just enjoy Tap Defense further. Or better yet, become a Tap Defense fan on Facebook. I just did. :)

Image Sources:
http://www.iphoneappratings.org
http://levoltz.com

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Compression Stockings for Pregnant Women

2009-11-19T09:21:00.005+08:00

Have you ever tried wearing medical stockings? What brand? Have you been comfortable using them? Medical or compression stockings are usually prescribed by doctors to people who are suffering from venous diseases. They are also highly recommended to be used by women who want to keep their legs healthy and protected during pregnancy.

Speaking of pregnancy, a friend of mine who is conceiving for the first time has been advised by the doctor to be on bed rest for two months due to her delicate condition. The last time I saw her was in May and I plan to see her soon. I am getting her some juzo to make sure her legs are protected and at the same comfortable. I suggest you give your pregnant friends a pair of juzo compression stockings. They are not only priced reasonably, their quality and therapeutic effectiveness are also guaranteed.

Gone are the days when compression stockings look boring and out of style, especially the ones for women. Today, compression stockings do not keep you off your chic lifestyle. Aside from freedom of movement, they now come in modern styles, colors, and sheerness that make dressing up as natural as a routine for you.

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Canon Philippines Photomarathon 2009: I was Part of History!

2009-11-18T19:48:00.009+08:00

That's right. I was one among the hundreds of participants who went up to Tagaytay one chilly Saturday morning for this event. A group of bloggers was invited by Agatep Associates (Canon Philippines' PR handler) to cover it and at the same time, enter the contest to experience how it is to join a photomarathon. Canon Photomarathon is an annual event held in several countries in Asia. I guess it is called photomarathon because of the number of themes given. During the Canon Philippines Photomarathon 2009 in Tagaytay, we had three.

I woke up late that day and good thing the group I was with didn't leave me. I was thankful they waited for me while I rushed to the meeting place (some Shell Station in EDSA). We got to the venue past 8:00 a.m. and immediately got our contest kits at the registration area. The program started five minutes after our arrival. We were just in time, thank goodness.

After the first theme was revealed, photographers of all genders, shapes and sizes hurriedly went out of Tagaytay International Convention Center (TICC) to start taking photos. Shuttles were provided to transport contestants to their places of interest (and inspiration). There were three categories: DSLR, Point and Shoot and Video (new!). Only Canon cameras were allowed. Mine was a Canon 1000D which I bought late last year.

with my fellow bloggers who participated in the photomarathon
For the uninitiated, everything is free at Canon Photomarathon Philippines. From the registration (which is done prior to the event at Canon Philippines website) to the food and transpo, no one shells out bucks. You just have to be there armed with your Canon camera(s) and you're good to go. A little creativity and some good photography skills and you might end up winning the contest. This year, the prizes at stake were trips for two to Japan and Canon DSLRs, among others. If you wouldn't be that lucky, find consolation in the lens and body cleaning services they give to the first 500 Canon users.

Canon technicians at work

with Superfriend Nice

venue for the dinner and closing ceremony

foooooood
Due to time constraints because of the overwhelming number of participants this year, Canon Philippines had decided to move the announcement of winners to this week to be able to judge all the entries well.

So, how was my Canon Photomarathon experience, you may ask. I think it was fun and everybody had a great time. Actually, it was my first time to join a photo contest of this caliber. I really enjoyed. Also, it was nice seeing Tagaytay again. Its enchanting Taal Lake continued to draw tourists and I thought it was a good thing. If my breadwinner schedule permits and my photography skills improve, I will still join Canon Philippines Photomarathon 2010.

Taal Lake in the afternoon

kids at Tagaytay Public Market

random people at Starbucks-Tagaytay

Many thanks to Dani Salasalan of Agatep Associates for taking good care of us blogger participants and to Canon Philippines for making this event possible. You guys rock! :)

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Movie Review: 2012, We Were Warned (2009 Sci-Fi Thriller Movie by Roland Emmerich)

2009-11-18T11:29:00.004+08:00

I caught 2012 in cinema last night with two boys (my boyfriend and my brother). The movie revolved around a global cataclysm predicted by the Mayans eons ago. For P152, I think it was a good watch. The special effects were amazing and John Cusack was still a looker. Haha.

Seriously, I think 2012 was more of a reminder/warning as to where the world is gradually leading to. Technical glitches, corny scenes and imperfect plot aside, I think what happened in the movie is possible to happen in the future, in our lifetime. Global warming and climate change are getting worse each day. Their effects are already being felt in and by the world. I wonder if we can still do something to reverse that. I'm not being pessimistic here, but really, there is an end to everything. We may be able to delay things but for how long? It's God who can only save us. If we don't get our acts together, then we are doomed. But that's another story.

Haaaay, thinking about the movie makes me a bit sad. But don't get me wrong, I liked 2012. It had some touching scenes that you could relate to. It also gave out some scenarios where a person's and a civilization's decision making skills were tested. Charles Darwin's Theory of Evolution (survival of the fittest) was also given emphasis in the movie. But this time around, the determining factor was wealth.

I'm sure if you'd like to be entertained (with mixed emotions!) for almost three hours, this movie is a good choice. It made me thought about the future of mankind when we were getting out of the cinema alright, but that's just about it. Oh well, life is short so why bother, huh? :)

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Online Translation Jobs

2009-11-18T08:20:00.005+08:00

Just a few days ago, I read a private plurk among bloggers about online translation. I didn't know it's a booming industry until that very moment. I also learned that there is a high demand for online translators today as more and more companies are having their work translated to major languages for greater efficiency and competitiveness.

If you're looking for online translation jobs, you can start by asking your network of friends for job leads. There are already a lot of companies offering this type of job. You can opt to join those that do name translation and get paid based on the number of words or sentences you can accomplish.

As I understand it, online translation jobs such as those that are into brand translation is easy if you have the necessary subject expertise. This could range from business and finance to electronics and information technology. But then, so long as you are highly-skilled, you can perform translation services at the comforts of your own home. Also, choose online translation companies that have world-class translation technology to ensure that you'll learn new things and have a great time working.

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