Animo La Salle!

Why Paying For Dinner Is A BAD Thing

2009-10-29T09:44:00.001+08:00

This is a common dilemma that most men face... "To pay or not to pay, that is the question."

Here are some of the problems that "paying" creates:

1. It sets you up as the one who is "pursuing" the woman, which symbolically gives away your power to her.

2. It can be expensive.

3. It usually causes women to play even "harder to get".

4. It triggers all kinds of "courtship" behaviors. Like her making you prove yourself, waiting to have sex, etc.

5. The places you'll be going to "pay" are often not the best places to actually get to know another human being. Movies, fancy dinners, etc., aren't natural environments and they don't lead to people "being themselves".

So, what's the alternative?

Well, the FIRST thing you should do is CHANGE THE WAY YOU THINK ABOUT "DATING"... and "paying".

Most guys just naturally assume that if they're "taking a girl out" that they need to take her to a show or movie, a nice dinner, etc.

Read more. Click here.

World's Most Expensive Cruise Ship

2009-10-17T11:38:00.002+08:00

In December, travelers will be able to board a $1.4 billion ship five years in the making. (Evelyn Rusli)

After five years of planning and construction, Royal Caribbean is unveiling the Oasis of the Seas, a $1.4 billion ship that will be the largest and tallest cruise liner in the world when it takes its maiden voyage this December.

At 1,184 feet from stem to stern, it's nearly as long as the Empire State building is tall--while rivaling the amenities of any world-class Las Vegas resort. A crew of roughly 2,160 will man 18 decks and tend to 5,400 passengers (assuming two per room).

"It's in the DNA of our company, about every 10 years, to take more or less a fresh sheet of paper and create the greatest cruise ship in the world," says Adam Goldstein, CEO of Royal Caribbean International.

The laundry list of amenities is daunting: a central park the length of a football field with 12,000 plants and trees; a boardwalk with two rock-climbing walls; an aqua theater with dive performances; two FlowRiders for surfing; a full-service spa and a main theater where the Broadway musical Hairspray will be shown four times a week. As an avid runner and sports enthusiast, Goldstein's favorites include the 600-plus meter jogging track on deck 3 and the zipline across the boardwalk.

The average Oasis ticket is $1,000 per person for seven nights, making it significantly more expensive than Royal Caribbean's typical seven-night packages, many of which start at roughly $490. This could be a tough sell: Worldwide, tourism is expected to contract by 3.5% this year, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council. In the U.S., 2009 travel spending is forecast to fall 9% to $705 billion, according to the U.S. Travel Association.

Meet Royal Caribbean's Oasis, a retreat for executives and their families.

Still, Goldstein remains optimistic.

"Our customers want more choice, more options, more variety, they want to be in control of their vacation decision making," he says. It's a major gamble for the cruise operator, which has been discounting tickets during the recession to combat the pullback in consumer spending and H1N1 travel fatigue. In the second quarter, the company swung to a loss of 16 cents a share, with revenues down $1.3 billion. According to Goldstein, while occupancy rates are expected to be stable on a year-over-year basis (2009 vs. 2008) revenue yields will be down 13%--indicative of the steep discounting environment.

For now, the Oasis will feature two main routes. From December 2009 to April 2010, the ship will sail seven nights from Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., to St. Thomas, St. Maarten and the Bahamas. Then, beginning May 2010, it will sail from Ft. Lauderdale to Haiti, Jamaica and Mexico. Prices start at $729 for interior rooms, per person, based on double occupancy. For a steeper price, there are multi-level loft suites available with floor-to-ceiling windows.

(Video)

Talking Your Way To Better Service

2009-10-16T10:14:00.002+08:00

The 10 important words to say:
I apologize for our mistake. Let me make it right.

The 9 important words to say:
Thank you for your business. Please come back again.

The 8 important words to say:
I’m not sure, but I will find out.

The 7 important words to say:
What else can I do for you?

The 6 important words to say:
What is most convenient for you?

The 5 important words to say:
How may I serve you?

The 4 important words to say:
How did we do?

The 3 important words to say:
Glad you’re here!

The 2 important words to say:
Thank you.

The 1 important word to say:
Yes.

The Window

2009-08-25T16:56:00.002+08:00

Two men, both seriously ill, occupied the same hospital room. One man was allowed to sit up in his bed for an hour a day to drain the fluids from his lungs. His bed was next to the room's only window. The other man had to spend all his time flat on his back.

The men talked for hours on end. They spoke of their wives and families, their homes, their jobs, their involvement in the military service, where they had been on vacation. And every afternoon when the man in the bed next to the window could sit up, he would pass the time by describing to his roommate all the things he could see outside the window.

The man in the other bed would live for those one-hour periods where his world would be broadened and enlivened by all the activity and color of the outside world. The window overlooked a park with a lovely lake, the man had said. Ducks and swans played on the water while children sailed their model boats. Lovers walked arm in arm amid flowers of every color of the rainbow. Grand old trees graced the landscape, and a fine view of the city skyline could be seen in the distance. As the man by the window described all this in exquisite detail, the man on the other side of the room would close his eyes and imagine the picturesque scene.

One warm afternoon the man by the window described a parade passing by. Although the other man could not hear the band, he could see it in his mind's eye as the gentleman by the window portrayed it with descriptive words. Unexpectedly, an alien thought entered his head: Why should hehave all the pleasure of seeing everything while I never get to see anything? It didn't seem fair. As the thought fermented, the man felt ashamed at first. But as the days passed and he missed seeing more sights, his envy eroded into resentment and soon turned him sour. He began to brood and found himself unable to sleep. He should be by that window - and that thought now controlled his life.

Late one night, as he lay staring at the ceiling, the man by the window began to cough. He was choking on the fluid in his lungs. The other man watched in the dimly lit room as the struggling man by the window groped for the button to call for help. Listening from across the room, he never moved, never pushed his own button which would have brought the nurse running. In less than five minutes, the coughing and choking stopped, along with the sound of breathing. Now, there was only silence--deathly silence.

The following morning, the day nurse arrived to bring water for their baths. When she found the lifeless body of the man by the window, she was saddened and called the hospital attendant to take it away--no words, no fuss. As soon as it seemed appropriate, the man asked if he could be moved next to the window. The nurse was happy to make the switch and after making sure he was comfortable, she left him alone.

Slowly, painfully, he propped himself up on one elbow to take his first look. Finally, he would have the joy of seeing it all himself. He strained to slowly turn to look out the window beside the bed. It faced a blank wall.

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The pursuit of happiness is a matter of choice...it is a positive attitude we consciously choose to express. It is not a gift that gets delivered to our doorstep each morning, nor does it come through the window. And I am certain that our circumstances are just a small part of what makes us joyful. If we wait for them to get just right, we will never find lasting joy.

The pursuit of happiness is an inward journey. Our minds are like programs, awaiting the code that will determine behaviors; like bank vaults awaiting our deposits. If we regularly deposit positive, encouraging, and uplifting thoughts, if we continue to bite our lips just before we begin to grumble and complain, if we shoot down that seemingly harmless negative thought as it germinates, we will find that there is much to rejoice about.

We Are Proud Of You!

2009-07-29T18:45:00.001+08:00

Unhealthy Habits You Need To Ditch

2009-07-23T09:42:00.001+08:00

We are not getting younger and we need to stay healthy for ourselves, our families and loved ones. There are habits that are unhealthy that we need to put in the can!

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We all have them: Those less-than-healthy or downright dangerous habits that can subtract years from our lives. Most of these harmful tendencies--like smoking and eating poorly--are well-known thanks to the constant finger-wagging of physicians and public-health officials. Others, like taking chances with safety and skipping immunizations, are less obvious.

While circumstance, low motivation or even lack of support can derail our best attempts at being healthy, there is hope: According to a recent study published in the American Journal of Medicine, a sizable percentage of people can successfully adopt a range of healthy activities or habits in middle age.

Read more. Click here.
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Follow Me On Twitter!

2009-07-18T09:58:00.004+08:00

Twitter is a service for friends, family, and co–workers to communicate and stay connected through the exchange of quick, frequent answers to one simple question: What are you doing?

Click here.

It Is...

2009-07-07T16:10:00.001+08:00

It's nice to know that you're secured with that someone. That even if the rain is pouring hard and the sky is almost dark, he'll never leave you just so you won't feel alone. Even if his friends had left him (and even if he has to be somewhere else) he'd still stay by your side, just so you won't feel alone.

It's so good to know that you have someone who'll be willing to help you cope up in every frustrations you're having. Every depressing moments, every down moments, every self-worthless-realization moments, he'd be there, not because you want someone to be with you, but because he wants to be with you.

It's great to know when a person appreciates every little thing you do. Even a smile would mean a lot to him, just because you own that smile. And that even if no words are expressed as long as the eyes understand, you'd be able to communicate, just like that.

It's overwhelming when a person tells you that he loves you for who you are. He may not have an answer when you ask him why, but really, he doesn't have to have reasons for loving you.

It's more grateful to know that someone is grateful to have you. We don't choose the people who enter our lives, so it must be luck that you have that person, then you have to be thankful. It may just be coincidence or fate, but whatever the reason is, you have to be thankful in having him the same way he is thankful for having you.

It's a wonderful feeling when you're on the verge of giving up the things you've worked hard for, someone isn't just helping you carry the weight on your shoulders, but he carries it on his own because he'd also be in pain when you are in pain. And then you'll realize, trials would all be worth it as long as you have him, not because he would do things for you, but because you gather all the strength you need, in him and his love.

It's a superb feeling when one is willing to take the risks just so you'll be happy. Unselfishness rule in him just so happiness would take over you.

It's a nice feeling that when you're apart, and days seem to be long, that person misses you. Yes, you might feel bad about not being with each other, but knowing that you feel the same way would drive those blues away, thinking, you'd fight over that feeling because you're looking forward to seeing each other, and that's something to be happy about.

It's a great feeling when he wants to be with you because of the happiness you have when you're together. That even if corny jokes and senseless stories are told, it won't matter as long as you're together.

It's a lovely feeling when someone thinks about your future, with or without him. He cares and he cares enough to think of you and what you'll be someday. But of course, he also wants to be in it someday.

It's a nice feeling when you can be who you really are with that person. No pretentions, no lies, no hypocrisy, because he accepts you for who you are. You can be funny, you can be embarrased, but it won't matter coz it doesn't matter to him. Trust and faith in each other keeps you alive. And it will always do.

It's good to know that you have someone who'll not have the intentions of breaking your heart. Instead, he would be willing to mend it, picking up the broken pieces of your heart that your past love have scattered in the ground. He may not be able to put the pieces back to where they really belong, but you shouldn't mind, because he had repaired that heart of yours, and he fixed it in his own way. He loves you in his own way, not the way your past did. He fixed your heart in a different way, to keep you from feeling the pains of your past heartache and to make you feel, the love, that he's unselfishly giving.

It's a great feeling when that person has every effort to let you feel what he feels for you. Because of the distractions, you may not hear him shout it to the world, but as long as you feel it, his efforts has paid off, big time. And when you feel the same way too... He'd feel as if he's the luckiest person alive.

... when in fact, you're more blessed to have him.

Attitude … and “The Power of One"

2009-05-15T09:04:00.001+08:00

Getting the best from yourself and others all starts with one: one thought … one word … one action.

“One” is the first note in orchestrating the personal attitude that shapes and directs your life – and impacts the members of your team. Contrary to the lyrics from a classic rock song, one is not the loneliest number. It’s the most important one!

Your thoughts, words, and actions are like individual notes that work in concert to create the power of one person – YOU – to make a difference. You can harness your “power of one” if you simply:

• Catch one negative thought and turn it into a positive one;
• Think of one thing for which you are grateful at the beginning of each day;
• Say one “Fantastic!” when a friend or team member asks how you are doing;
• Assume the best in one upcoming situation;
• Keep on moving one more time when you experience adversity;
• Help one friend or colleague in a time of need – and take pride in it.

Many people used to feel that one vote in an election couldn’t really make a difference. Well, recent political elections that have been decided by razor thin margins have proven them wrong. A single act can make a difference … it can create a ripple effect felt many miles and people away.

So, ask yourself: What’s one thing I can do today that will make a positive difference in my attitude? Then DO IT!

Repeat that process every day and your life will improve – and so will the lives of the people you lead. Attitudes are truly powerful … and they’re contagious!

Pass it on (to more than ONE other person)!

For All Our Mothers (And To All Mothers)...

2009-05-12T09:12:00.003+08:00

"Why are you crying?" he asked his Mom.

"Because I'm a woman" she told him.

"I don't understand," he said.

His Mom just hugged him and said, "And you never will."...

Later the little boy asked his father, "Why does mother seem to cry for no reason sometimes?" "All women cry for no reason" was all his dad could say.

The little boy grew up and became a man, still wondering why women cry. Finally he put in a call to God; when God got on the phone, the man said, "God, why do women cry so easily?"

God said...

"When I made women she had to be special. I made her shoulders strong enough to carry the weight of the world; yet, gentle enough to give comfort...

I gave her an inner strength to endure childbirth and the rejection that many times comes from her children... I gave her a hardness that allows her to keep going when everyone else gives up without complaining... I gave her the sensitivity to love her children under any and all circumstances, even when her child has hurt them very badly.

This same sensitivity helps her to make a child's boo-boo feel better and shares in their teenagers anxieties and fears.

I gave her strength to carry her husband through his faults and fashioned her from his rib to protect his heart. I gave her wisdom to know that a good husband never hurts his wife, but sometimes tests her strengths and her resolve to stand beside him unfalteringly.

I gave her a tear to shed; it's hers exclusively to use whenever it is needed. It's her only weakness. It's a tear for mankind... "

** The beauty of a mother does not come from the way she dresses herself nor the way she combs her hair; but on how much LOVE she puts in everything she does for the service and care for her Family...

(Belated) Mother's Day...

Tips For Making Yourself More Valuable To Your Company

2009-04-24T15:39:00.001+08:00

by Lylah M. Alphonse
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1.) Designate one day per week when you will come in early. Get there before the boss does; if you can manage it, get there before everyone else does, too. It doesn't have to be the same day each week, and it doesn't have to be by much, but that little extra bit of facetime can go a long way toward keeping you on the office radar and reminding people that you are, indeed, dedicated to the company.

2.) Designate one day per week when you will stay late. Later than your boss, later than everyone else, if you can, for the same reason stated above. Facetime, facetime, facetime.

3.) Look busy. A New York Times article about looking busy struck a chord with me, not because I'm lacking in things to do around the office, but because I hadn't thought about it before. I work at a computer -- I'd have to try hard not to look busy -- but if you're not at a desk job, then make sure you look like you have plenty to do, even if that means refolding the shirt display eleventy billion times a week.

4.) Be busy. Take on extra work if you can. I've noticed that, over the past few months, my mindset has changed from "They don't pay me enough to deal with that" to "Well, they pay me." A friend of mine whose husband was just laid off explained it this way: We've gone from a sense of entitlement -- not "I deserve a bonus because I'm great" but "I've worked here for 15 years, I ought to be able to work part time if I need to" -- to having to buckle down and compete with everyone all over again. Your company is going to want to wring every last bit of effort out of you in exchange for that paycheck; it's a lot more palatable if you beat them to it.

5.) Expand your skill set. Think of it this way: If you were just entering the workforce, you'd consider an unpaid internship, right, just to get the experience? Try to choose something you haven't done often before and, when the project is complete, add it to your resume, and show your boss that you have skills above and beyond the ones they hired you for.

How To Handle A Bad Boss

2009-04-12T15:35:00.002+08:00

by Jeff Schmitt, BusinessWeek.com
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It happened again. Maybe the boss broke his or her word, bad-mouthed you, or torpedoed your promotion. You're not surprised. Your boss already ignores your ideas, talks down to you, and expects you to be a mind-reader. And that doesn't even count the eavesdropping. What's worse, your boss won't talk about it with you, telling you to "move on" as if nothing ever happened. O.K., you've been saddled with a bad boss.

Having to answer to a boss is a fact of working life. But what are your options when you're undermined by the person whose goodwill you need? Sure, you can lash out or call human resources. Unfortunately, companies are like Vegas casinos: The house always wins. Still, you have options. When the anger starts to boil, consider the following:

Don't Act Immediately
Initially, you'll want to fight back. You may fantasize about writing a blistering critique of your rotten boss and e-mailing it to the CEO. And those thoughts aren't necessarily harmful. But thoughts don't have to lead to action. Sure, your boss may be small-minded, two-faced, spineless, and technically inept. But would a dramatic gesture be worth the lost salary? Is it worth a hole in your resume, the one you'll be explaining for years to come? This isn't the economy to choose pride over practicality.

Play the Game
You were cheated or unfairly smeared. Welcome to the real world. But don't let it turn you sour or sloppy. And don't let your boss get to you, either. Nod and smile when he delivers another self-serving sermon. Maintain a can-do attitude, like you have your dream job. Respect and defer, even when trust is lost. You'll work with plenty of jerks over your career. You may as well start practicing now.

Prepare
Start collecting references and recommendation letters from clients, peers, industry pros, and local leaders. Keep a file of positive citations to your work too. Even more, focus on activities that position you to lead and produce measurable results. No one can take those experiences away from you. And they'll enhance your credibility when the next opportunity arises.

Forge Alliances
Identify the job you eventually want. Get to know the players in that department. Grab lunch with them. Help them out during downtime to prove yourself. Build a relationship with a mentor or your boss's own boss, too. They can provide direction, intelligence, and even a reference. Beyond that, get involved in corporate initiatives, such as community outreach or strategic planning. Your boss has the power and network to blackball you. Stay visible and broaden your circle to counter that.

Don't Jump to Conclusions
Sometimes, there is more going on than meets the eye. The higher-ups may veto your boss's efforts. Conditions change or extenuating circumstances emerge. Your boss probably has a full plate -- and you may not be his or her top priority. And your boss may simply be unaware of his or her behavior and its impact on you. Bottom line: Management is often grueling and thankless. We all need someone to blame, but give your boss a little empathy. Don't mistake the person for the perception. They're usually far more complex than your caricature.

Keep Your Boss in the Loop
Everyone likes to feel like an expert and give back. Your boss is no different. Maybe you need to reel your boss closer, rather than pushing him or her away. Ask what traits or skills you need to develop to reach the next level. Ask for specifics; look at establishing benchmarks to measure your growth. What's more, become a true partner with your boss. You know your boss's flaws: Train yourself to ask the right questions, clarify, and work through the details. This is perfect training for what's really important in business: anticipation, flexibility, relationship-building, collaboration, and execution (not to mention making your boss look good).

Focus on the Big Picture
Your boss will betray your trust, then tell you to stay positive. Your boss will chastise you for your behavior, then act the same way. Sure, you can quit, but have you gained anything besides an ulcer? Instead, make the most of your time. Focus on gaining the right experience, building your interpersonal skills, and policing your attitude. They are your ticket out. Absorb those daily humiliations, so you never become like your boss. Most important, don't write off the message because of the messenger. Your boss didn't reach this level by accident. Be open to criticisms and suggestions. You'll likely miss some valuable nuggets if you completely tune out your boss.

Wait
If your boss really is a jerk, chances are the clock is ticking on him or her. Charm, connections, and reputation only give bosses so much rope. They'll inevitably drop their guard and slip up with someone higher up -- and it won't be pretty. In the meantime, view your job as a means to an end and start laying the groundwork to get there. You have bigger things ahead of you.

Claire's Thanksgiving

2009-03-30T11:16:00.004+08:00

Rey, Rodelyn, Georgina, Claire, Mercedes

Georgina with husband | Claire with husband

March 29, 2009, Claire's Minglanilla Residence.

9 Reasons People Cheat

2009-03-21T09:37:00.001+08:00

by Rich Santos, Marie Claire
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Why do I find it so easy not to cheat?

Maybe I'm not very attractive, so my options are limited. Maybe I'm too jaded to go for the cheating opportunities. Maybe I still have some mental wounds lingering from when my dad temporarily moved out because he had met another woman. Maybe I'm too afraid that I've reached my sin quotient and one more big sin will keep me out of heaven.

Cheating is not a caught in the moment thing if you are really into your significant other, you miss them when you are not with them, you don't look for a way to hurt or deceive them.

I am just now patching up a friendship with someone I was seeing while they had a boyfriend (that may make me a cheater). At different points she told me that she had broken up with her boyfriend, that they were back together, and that he was boring and I was fun. It was total confusion.

I told her she wasn't being fair to herself, me, or him.

Finally, she said, "you just don't understand, there are things you don't know." Thing is she's been cheating on him for a couple of years with different guys, and he keeps taking her back.

So, are cheaters born cheaters, or do certain situations cause people to cheat? Probably a little bit of both. Here are some situations that make people cheat:

1. Bored
I'd say this is the most common reason that people cheat.It's tough to keep that edge throughout a relationship. Things start off grand and then level off and then you both realize that it's still real life. When you meet someone else, that inaugural excitement of a new relationship kicks back in.

2. Dependence
At first glance, cheating seems like independent behavior. It could be interpreted as doing what you want, when you want. But I would argue that cheating is a dependent behavior. A cheater is dependent because they are not strong enough to break up with their significant other in order to get with the new person.

3. Confusion
Sometimes life or a particular situation can get to you. When the perfect storm of confusion is going on in your head, you make mistakes.

4. Because They Let You
If any girl ever cheated on me, I'd break up with her immediately. Forgiving a cheater is putting up with it, and starts a vicious cycle. That person who cheated may lose respect for you and might continue to cheat-because they know they can get away with it, because you'll continue to take them back.

5. Nurturing
If someone is mistreating you, then your first instinct is to get away from him or her. But sometimes it's not that simple-maybe you are raising kids together. If you feel trapped in a bad relationship, it's only natural that you will run to the open arms of a person who treats you well.

6. Revenge
This is quite simple- an eye for an eye. Cheat on them if they cheat on you. If they continuously hurt you or abuse you in some way, you do it to get them back.

7. Confirmation of Attractiveness
Sometimes when you're in a long relationship, or if your significant other is taking you for granted, you begin to wonder if you're still attractive. Perhaps, because you were out on the dating circuit, you felt more attractive when you were single. If you have an affair, you've proven that a new person can be attracted to you.

8. The Thrill
Some people just enjoy the thrill of cheating: running around secretly, risking getting caught, andcreating thrilling moments with a forbidden romance.

9. They Don't Consider It Cheating, Even Though You Might
Relationships have that grey area, usually right before you become exclusive. He thinks date #4 is when you're "together," and you think date #2 is when you're "together." If you haven't talked about exclusivity, someone may think they are well within their rights to see other people, even though the other person in the relationship may not.

I don't understand why people don't break up as soon as they have an urge to cheat. Is it natural to have temptation, or is temptation a sign that the relationship is losing its fire? What reasons would you add to this list, and do you disagree with any? If you've ever cheated, why did you do it? Could you forgive a cheater? If you are single, but seeing a person who is in a committed relationship, does that make you a cheater?

Conspiracy Theory?

2009-03-18T12:30:00.001+08:00

I received this email from a friend. I don't know if it is really true but it is worth sharing.

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To All Filipino Overseas Workers (OFWs):

The Financial Analyst of World Bank would like to inform each and everyone of you that the present currency exchange rate of US Dollar to Peso is actually $1 = 52 pesos. Your government is manipulating the exchange rate for some years now. It is very much improbable and impossible that the Philippine Peso is appreciating compare to Euro, British Pound, Rials, and any other foreign currency. Even your ASEAN neighboring countries are suffering from the Global Crisis. Singapore , a developed country is affected by depreciation of their currency what more of your country?

We admire you for your hard work but we also pity you for having such a very corrupt government that is taking advantage of your hard earned money. The ARROYO ADMINISTRATION is blatantly milking each and every OFWs all over the world of billions of pesos for its own greedy, selfish ends. Investigations reveal that this milked money from OFWs will be spent to BRIBE not only PGMA's pet COCODILES in CONGRESS but some in the SENATE as well for her to PERPETUATE IN POWER BEYOND 2010.

The rest would be deposited to the family's SECRET ACCOUNT in Switzerland . Another money-making scheme is the LOTTERY DRAWS. Filipinos should be aware that all LOTTO DRAWS are orchestrated, and big money goes to the two sons of the lady president. Recent example is the SUPER LOTTO 6/49 draw, where supposedly two individuals from Luzon won. Do you know WHO these individuals are? It's Mikey and Datu, who else?

One might ask how could the draw be rigged when it is being televised in front of millions of viewers. The answer is simple. As you all know, all bet combinations are being entered into PCSO's main data base as it is on-line, therefore, it is easy to determine which combinations were NOT betted upon. If they want to raise big money, no winners will be declared until the JACKPOT reaches sky-high because they could dictate the outcome at will.

When it's "HARVEST TIME", voila, there would be "winner or winners" and the process repeats all over again. One might ask how this is being done. One insider told our investigators that actually the "DRAWN BALLS", six balls to be exact, are the only set which could fit into the transparent tube which sucks the balls up. All others are slightly bigger than the diameter of the tube which could not be distinguished by the viewers, therefore, there's no way they could be drawn!

You Filipinos are being skinned alive, fried in your own fat and lard by your own government. Do you ever wonder why president-elect BARACK OBAMA, avoids your president like a stinking leper?

-World Bank

Five Traits A Guy Should Have Before You Get Serious

2009-03-09T16:02:00.002+08:00

Definitive research sheds light on the qualities that really matter in a dude when you're thinking long-term love.By dating blogger Mina Azodi for Cosmopolitan
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For the Ladies...

You get butterflies when you see him, your heart pounds if he calls, and kissing him literally causes goose bumps. With chemistry this amazing, you'd figure you're destined to be together. Think again!

We often mistake a strong physical connection as a sign that two people are meant for each other. Yes, chemistry is key to a lasting bond, but it isn't the final word. Other factors should be considered too, and they take some sussing out. New findings describe the characteristics in a guy that actually predict relationship success, some of which you may be overlooking.

Dating Trait #1: He Knows What He Wants
Any guy you're serious about should be able to articulate his long-term goals and passions. He can't ally himself with you until he has a sense of how he envisions his life in the future... and how you fit in.

Dating Trait #2: He Has a Sunny Outlook
Women who had upbeat partners felt more satisfied in their relationships and -- this is huge -- that the man's level of optimism determined the relationship's staying power. Not only is it nice to have someone help you see the silver lining of a situation that totally sucks, but cheerful guys are good at keeping things in perspective, so they don't let little conflicts get to them and can go with the flow.

Dating Trait #3: He's Open to Changing for You
It's true you may not be able to change a man, but a guy should want to change for you.

Dating Trait #4: He's Still a Little Mysterious
The beginning of a relationship is always exciting because you're just getting to know each other. But even after the newness wears off, it's essential that a man keeps you guessing. If you can never quite pin down what makes him tick, that's actually a healthy thing. Although at first you might feel more bonded to a guy who shares tons of personal info with you, over time, you risk losing the intrigue that pulled you to him initially. You might start to see him as more of a friend than a romantic partner.

Dating Trait #5: He's Responsible with Money
Besides giving you a heads-up about money-related conflicts you might encounter in the future, how a guy handles cash reveals a lot about his character.

Read more, click here
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So Ladies, it's all up to you!

Francis Magalona

2009-03-07T18:32:00.003+08:00

October 4, 1964 - March 6, 2009

Known as FrancisM, Master Rapper, and The Man From Manila, was a prominent Filipino rapper, songwriter, producer, actor, director, and photographer. Often hailed as the "King of Pinoy Rap", he was considered a legend in the Philippine music community. With the success of his earliest albums, he was the first Filipino rapper in the Philippines cross over to the mainstream.

He is also credited for having pioneered the merging of rap with Pinoy rock, becoming a significant influence to artists in that genre as well. He was also a popular television host, notably on MTV Asia where he served as one of the channel's first Filipino VJs, and on noontime variety television show Eat Bulaga!.

Magalona died on March 6, 2009 at the age of 44 due to acute myelogenous leukemia.

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We mourn the loss of one of the country's finest artist.

'Every color and every hue
Is represented by me and you
Take a slide in the slope
Take a look in the kaleidoscope
Spinnin’ round, make it twirl
In this kaleidoscope world'
-----------Kaleidoscope World... FrancisM

Ninoy

2009-03-07T09:36:00.000+08:00

26 yrs on, Filipinos ask: who ordered hit on Aquino?

As the last soldiers convicted for their part in the assassination of opposition leader Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr. walked free this week, Filipinos asked: who ordered the hit that changed the face of Philippines politics?

Conspiracy theories have run rife for the past 26 years since Aquino was gunned down on the tarmac of Manila airport after returning home from exile in the United States.

Everyone from late dictator Ferdinand Marcos and his shoe-loving wife, Imelda, to the CIA have been implicated by conspiracy theorists.

Aquino's murder in 1983 led to widespread street protests that culminated three years later in Marcos' downfall. Aquino's widow, Corazon, was installed as president, restoring democracy and redrafting the constitution.

Fourteen military and airport security men were convicted and jailed for their part in the assassination but no one has ever been charged with ordering the killing.

Read more...

Passion

2009-03-04T09:15:00.001+08:00

Excerpted from The Nature of Excellence
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Happiness comes from following your passion. Excellence comes from work that you are passionate about. Knowing what to do is certainly important, but knowing why you do it fuels your motivation…your passion. A strong passion enables you to find a way to achieve your goals…any goal.

Passion turns your stumbling blocks into stepping stones. Not only does passion ignite your pursuit of excellence, passion also makes the journey more fun!

It’s not enough to be busy. The question is, what are we busy about?
~Henry David Thoreau

The more I want to get something done, the less I call it work.
~Richard Bach

There is no passion to be found in playing small – in settling
for a life that is less than what you are capable of living.
~Nelson Mandela

5 Strategies For A Happy Relationship

2009-02-28T08:53:00.002+08:00

by Joanna Goddard, Smitten, Glamour Magazine
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Relationships require focus, and the chaotic bustle of day-to-day life is distracting. What’s a girl to do? Start with these five relationship strategies.

Independence Keeps Things Interesting. Doing everything together may sound romantic, but the reality is, well, a bit boring.

Pick Your Battles. Do you find faults in each other… all the time? It’s time to take a step back for a better view of the big picture.

Forgive Each Other. It’s not a matter of who apologizes first. If you trust each other, you know that you generally have each other’s best interests at heart.

Laugh a Lot. Life happens, but, every now and then, dedicate some time to being silly and having fun.

Touch. From flirty hand-holding to steamy sex, humans crave contact. (and this is the best part!)

You think SEX-is-only-it? Nah! Think again. Read more. Click here.

Daddy, How Was I Born?

2009-02-26T14:56:00.003+08:00

A little boy goes to his father and asks 'Daddy, how was I born?'

The father answers, 'Well, son, I guess one day you will need to find out anyway!

Your Mom and I first got together in a chat room on Yahoo. Then I set up a date via e-mail with your Mom and we met at a cyber-cafe. We sneaked into a secluded room, where your mother agreed to a download from my hard drive.

As soon as I was ready to upload, we discovered that neither one of us had used a firewall, and since it was too late to hit the delete button, nine months later, a little Pop-Up appeared that said:

You've got MALE!

Pawala Sa Kapoy (O Kamingaw?)

2009-02-20T10:14:00.001+08:00

Bobo: Pare, hulaan mo ugali ko, nagsisimula sa letter A.
Pare: Approachable?
Bobo: Mali .
Pare: Amiable?
Bobo: Mali pa rin!
Pare: O sige, sirit na nga!
Bobo: Anest.

Policeman arresting a prostitute...
Prosti: Aba , I am not selling sex!
Police: Then what are you doing?
Prosti: I'm a saleswoman selling condoms with free demo.

Bush: What are the pollutants in your country?
Jingoy: We have lots of pollutants.. ..we have sisig, kilawin, chicharon, mani.
Erap: Anak, may nakalimutan ka-- Boy Bawang (cornik).

Tindero: Bili na po kayo gatas ng baka. Sampung piso lang isang baso.
Manong: Ang mahal naman! Wala bang tig-pipiso lang nyan?
Tindero: Meron po, pero kayo na po ang dedede sa baka....

Pasyente: Dok, bakit po ganito ang operasyon sa ulo ko? Halos kita na utak ko!
Doctor: Ok lang yan, yan ang tinatawag na open-minded.

A naked girl takes a taxi...
Naked Girl: 'Bakit ka nakatitig sa katawan ko, ngayon ka lang ba nakakita ng hubad?'
Driver: 'Hindi po miss, iniisip ko lang kung saan nakatago ang pamasahe mo!'

Beauty contest
Emcee: What's the big problem facing the country today?
Contestant: Drugs.
Emcee: Very good! Why do you say that?
Contestant: Ang mahal kasi eh!

Amo: Bakit ka umiiyak?
Katulong: Sabi po ni dok, tatanggalan daw po ako ng butlig!
Amo: Butlig lang eh iiyak ka na...
Katulong: Ok lang po sana kung right lig or left lig..... pero bakit naman butligs pa! hu hu hu....

Doc: Ano ang trabaho mo, iha?
Girl: Substitute po.
Doc: Hindi kaya prostitute?
Girl: Hindi po, mama ko po ang prostitute, at kung may sakit po siya, ako po yung substitute.. ..

Doc: For your health, take only a cup of rice, lean meat and a cup of kangkong, fruits for dessert and lots of juice....
Fat guy: Doc, shall I take them before or after meals?

Kodigo
Nahuling may kodigo ang estudyante.. .
Guro: Ano 'to?
Estudyante: Prayer ko po, ma'am!
Guro: At bakit answers ang nakasulat?
Estudyante: Naku! Sinagot na ang prayers ko!

Siopao
Kulas: Miss, isa ngang siopao... 'yung babae.
Waitress: Babaeng siopao po?
Kulas: Oo. 'Yung may papel na sapin. Kumbaga, napkin.
Waitress: Ahh, ganun po ba? Lalaki lang po ang nandito.
Kulas: Lalaki?
Waitress: Kasi po, may itlog sa loob.

A Chemistry teacher asked a sexy student, 'What are NITRATES?
The student replied shyly, 'Ma'am, sa motel po. NITRATES are higher than day rates!'

How To Make Better Decisions

2009-02-19T08:41:00.001+08:00

Ruiz Rebecca, Forbes.com 02/18/09 05:00:05 GMT
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Why do investors sell their most valuable stocks and hold onto those declining in value? How does an airline pilot decide the right course of action when trying to land a disabled plane?

Science writer Jonah Lehrer tries to tackle these questions--and more like them--in his newly released book How We Decide. Drawing on both recent and long-established findings in neuroscience, Lehrer portrays the brain as a highly complicated machine constantly working to solve daily puzzles and problems, often without the conscious consent of its owner.

Read more, click here.

Is Life Passing You By?

2009-02-18T23:46:00.001+08:00

At times I look back. At times I ponder. Is life so harsh on me or am I on it that it seems to pass me by like the wind? Have you ever had that feeling?

It’s been almost 35 years since I became human. It’s been almost 35 years that I have been breathing. Of the 35 years, 4 years were on being cradled, 7 years on being a kid and spending time in primary or elementary education, 4 years on puberty or in high school, 7 years in college and the rest of it, I say is history and history each day.

So swift. So quick. That’s how life seems to bestow on me. Each passing day is a story in itself, waiting to be unfold or waiting to be told. Like a thief in the night or death in its threshold, I realize that the more I keep on holding back, the more I miss the moments that each day brings.

As I move forward, I know the sins of my past will haunt me but I know I still have the chance to amend it. Could it be in this lifetime or the next? Or have I paid my sins in my previous appearance? Only time will tell.

They say destiny is told once it is open. I say you make your own destiny and open opportunities. Keep the faith!

Are You Wasting Money On Multivitamins?

2009-02-16T23:16:00.001+08:00

By Simeon Margolis, M.D., Ph.D. - Posted on Wed, Feb 11, 2009, 3:28 pm PST
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Advertisements with tantalizing promises of improved health, prevention of cancer and heart disease, and greater energy have lured millions of Americans to spend billions of dollars on the purchase of multivitamins.

An article in the February 9 issue of Archives of Internal Medicine reported that multivitamin use did not protect the 161,808 postmenopausal women enrolled in the Women's Health Initiative Study from common forms of cancer, heart attacks, or strokes. And the numbers of deaths during the 8 years of the study were the same in vitamin users as in non-users. Still, it is important to recognize that this was an observational study, not a more meaningful clinical trial. Although these findings apply only to women, other studies have failed to show benefits of multivitamins in older men.

Read more. Click here.