It's effectively simple. It uses strong imagery. And it features beautiful music. This De Beers "A diamond is forever" commercial from back in 1987 remains to this day one of my absolute favorite adverts that 24 years later I still remember it. I recall searching for this video before but not finding it. Thankfully someone made an effort to put it on youtube. Check it out.
video uploaded in youtube by user KnysnaHK2
De Beers did pretty memorable commercials back in the day. One of my first ever blog posts was about another De Beers commercial that featured music by Karl Jenkins. This video clearly made an impact on me because to this day, even before seeing it again, I actually still remember its evocative imagery and music. Note that this advert came out 24 years ago! (I also have to say that the hand of the woman is absolutely beautiful!) When I found this video, I started reading the comments and it's amazing to see how many people actually remember this commercial and that they, like me, have been searching for it for years. It's truly amazing how youtube and the internet can now easily make classic commercials like this available again to everyone in the world.
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Monday, March 25, 2013
What a weekend
The weekend started on Friday. My team had an event in Batangas and since we decided to carpool instead of getting a bus, I brought my car. It was a full morning of business and strategy updates and an afternoon filled with pretty cool games. We closed the event with a fun evening program that somehow ended up like a live karaoke party - a few of the musicians kept playing songs and people kept requesting them to play songs and then they would sing along with microphones. "Lowlight" - I bombed on the one song that I performed. I was requested to do Bruno Mars' "Locked out of heaven" which I practiced maybe a couple of times two days before. We even brought the key down half a step to make it easier to sing. I did quite well during rehearsal but maybe all the shouting during the games and the exhaustion of the day left me with pretty weak breath support and I flubbed on multiple notes, especially during the bridge. Probably my worst performance ever. Oh well. It was bound to happen, at one point or another. :)
I drove back early on Saturday and took a nap for a couple of hours at home but I woke up just in time to make it to my nephew CJ's graduation. Can't believe how quickly time flies! We had dinner in Ayala Triangle after the ceremony then we headed to Picasso Boutique Hotel to spend the night. I used the second of my two vouchers for a loft room in this hotel that I got from Deal Grocer. (I have to say that I really like this hotel and I hope they open up another deal for rooms here.) I also brought with me a dozen cupcakes from Sugar Lily Cupcakes and Pastries to help make the graduation celebration even better.
The next day, we all went our separate ways. My brother and CJ went home since CJ wanted to play computer games while I drove mom to Uncle Albert's house for his birthday celebration. I was supposed to join her but my other nephew Ciera said that he wanted to go to the Toonami Inception 13 event in Eastwood. I actually thought it was his friend's party since his friend had given him an invite to the event, but apparently that invite was only to encourage their friends to go. Ciera and I got there in the early afternoon and while it was tremendously hot, it also meant that a scant few people were there at the time so Ciera was able to try everything without having to wait in line too long (some of them twice). By the time we left, there was a pretty sizable crowd and the queues at the different booths were starting to get long.
My mom went to Eastwood just as we were finished then we passed by La Funeraria Paz to pay our respects to my aunt, Tita Ghie, who very sadly passed away late last week. Her children (my cousins) were all there and they shared with us how things happened, very quickly at that. It was kind of good though that Tita Ghie was able to talk to them and tell them how much she loved them before she passed away.
Before heading home, we passed by Fleur De Lys in Tomas Morato to get some Chocolate Florentines. We also passed by Kenny Roger's to get some take out. It was at this point that it started to rain extremely hard. Thankfully our long weekend was done and we were on our way home by then.
I am quite glad that it is Holy Week this week as I will have to work for only three days this week (one down, two to go) before I get four days of rest. I badly need some rest and relaxation time.
I drove back early on Saturday and took a nap for a couple of hours at home but I woke up just in time to make it to my nephew CJ's graduation. Can't believe how quickly time flies! We had dinner in Ayala Triangle after the ceremony then we headed to Picasso Boutique Hotel to spend the night. I used the second of my two vouchers for a loft room in this hotel that I got from Deal Grocer. (I have to say that I really like this hotel and I hope they open up another deal for rooms here.) I also brought with me a dozen cupcakes from Sugar Lily Cupcakes and Pastries to help make the graduation celebration even better.
The next day, we all went our separate ways. My brother and CJ went home since CJ wanted to play computer games while I drove mom to Uncle Albert's house for his birthday celebration. I was supposed to join her but my other nephew Ciera said that he wanted to go to the Toonami Inception 13 event in Eastwood. I actually thought it was his friend's party since his friend had given him an invite to the event, but apparently that invite was only to encourage their friends to go. Ciera and I got there in the early afternoon and while it was tremendously hot, it also meant that a scant few people were there at the time so Ciera was able to try everything without having to wait in line too long (some of them twice). By the time we left, there was a pretty sizable crowd and the queues at the different booths were starting to get long.
My mom went to Eastwood just as we were finished then we passed by La Funeraria Paz to pay our respects to my aunt, Tita Ghie, who very sadly passed away late last week. Her children (my cousins) were all there and they shared with us how things happened, very quickly at that. It was kind of good though that Tita Ghie was able to talk to them and tell them how much she loved them before she passed away.
Before heading home, we passed by Fleur De Lys in Tomas Morato to get some Chocolate Florentines. We also passed by Kenny Roger's to get some take out. It was at this point that it started to rain extremely hard. Thankfully our long weekend was done and we were on our way home by then.
I am quite glad that it is Holy Week this week as I will have to work for only three days this week (one down, two to go) before I get four days of rest. I badly need some rest and relaxation time.
Monday, March 18, 2013
Nadal: Three in a Row!
Rafa Nadal wins the BNP Paribas Masters at Indian Wells, beating Juan Martin Del Potro in three sets. This win was significant on many levels:
- This marks Nadal's third title in a row, after Brazil and Mexico. It's also his fourth final in a row. He is now riding a 14 match winning streak.
- He wins the first hardcourt tournament he plays after his 7 month tennis hiatus due to injury. It was the first time he played on a hardcourt in almost a year and he wins it. It is also his first hardcourt title since 2010.
- In 2009, he lost to Del Potro three straight times, all on hard courts.
- He beat Roger Federer en route to the title. He also defeated Ernests Gulbis who was enjoying a 13-match winning streak and an in-form Thomas Berdych.
- Rafa nudges ahead of Roger Federer, now becoming the lone record-holder for the most number of Masters 1000 titles with 22.
Sunday, March 17, 2013
"Lover of the Light" by Mumford & Sons
While I had heard about Mumford & Sons before, I only really discovered them a couple of days before the Grammys. I was driving that day and the radio station I was listening to at the time was featuring Grammy nominees. The DJ then introduced the next song, "I will wait" by Mumford & Sons. As I listened to it, I started really liking it. So much so that later that night, I started digging up their songs on youtube and I became hooked.
Probably my favorite song of theirs right now is "Lover of the Light". The video has gotten a lot of positive feedback because it is well-made, well-acted, and viewers aren't particularly sure what it means, making you think about it after you watch. Check it out here:
video uploaded in youtube by MumfordAndSonsVEVO
I've tried to dig up online what the video means, and not surprisingly there are many different interpretations. Even the band themselves have said that they only think that they understand it. :) But whatever it means, it's such a powerful video that matches an beautiful song. That bit where he starts running (and the way he runs!) is just saw intense and moving. I've now purchased their album "Babel" and I can understand why it won Best Album at the Grammys. I do want to get their first album as well, "Sigh no more", but I think that the local stores don't carry it yet. Maybe if lots of "Babel" CDs get sold, they'll make "Sigh no more" available here too. If not, I can always get it on Amazon.
Probably my favorite song of theirs right now is "Lover of the Light". The video has gotten a lot of positive feedback because it is well-made, well-acted, and viewers aren't particularly sure what it means, making you think about it after you watch. Check it out here:
video uploaded in youtube by MumfordAndSonsVEVO
I've tried to dig up online what the video means, and not surprisingly there are many different interpretations. Even the band themselves have said that they only think that they understand it. :) But whatever it means, it's such a powerful video that matches an beautiful song. That bit where he starts running (and the way he runs!) is just saw intense and moving. I've now purchased their album "Babel" and I can understand why it won Best Album at the Grammys. I do want to get their first album as well, "Sigh no more", but I think that the local stores don't carry it yet. Maybe if lots of "Babel" CDs get sold, they'll make "Sigh no more" available here too. If not, I can always get it on Amazon.
Friday, March 15, 2013
Viva Il Papa
Welcome to the new Pope Francis I!
Jorge Bergoglio, a Jesuit from Argentina, was elected a couple of days ago to become the new leader of the Catholic church. He is the first Jesuit pope and the first non-European pope in more than a thousand years. He is also the first pope to be named Francis and on a personal note, I'm happy that he chose his name in honor of St. Francis of Assisi because St. Francis is the patron saint of my alma mater.
You also have to admire his simplicity and humility as he turned down the red velvet cape when he was presented to the world and instead chose the simple white cassock of the papacy instead. He also actually picked up his own luggage at the Vatican hotel and paid for his own bill.
I pray for the best for our new Pope Francis I. Viva Il Papa!
photo courtesy of http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/
Jorge Bergoglio, a Jesuit from Argentina, was elected a couple of days ago to become the new leader of the Catholic church. He is the first Jesuit pope and the first non-European pope in more than a thousand years. He is also the first pope to be named Francis and on a personal note, I'm happy that he chose his name in honor of St. Francis of Assisi because St. Francis is the patron saint of my alma mater.
You also have to admire his simplicity and humility as he turned down the red velvet cape when he was presented to the world and instead chose the simple white cassock of the papacy instead. He also actually picked up his own luggage at the Vatican hotel and paid for his own bill.
I pray for the best for our new Pope Francis I. Viva Il Papa!
Sunday, March 10, 2013
Our dog is missing :(
We have two dogs at home. Since we don't have a lot of space inside our house, we normally let them out the gate every now. After some time of being outside, they return to the house, although one of them does tend to stay out longer and sometimes even camps outside our gate at night.
Unfortunately, after leaving our house early last week, one of our dogs hasn't been back. It's been about 4-5 days now so while I am still hoping for the best, chances are that something unfortunate has happened to him. There is also that probability that he may just have found some other free-roaming dogs in the neighborhood and decided to join their pack. I wish that if he never returns to us, then its the latter that has caused this and not the former.
My mom told me she asked the neighborhood security to help find our dog but he still hasn't been found. My family have also tried looking for him the last few days but I think they've given up now. I will make one last attempt to find him but I'm afraid these efforts may provide futile.
I also wonder how our other dog is dealing with this. Our dogs are brothers and they have been together now for about a year and a half. I guess we now need to take more care of him so he doesn't feel abandoned.
My brother told me that the dog of my grandparents once got out of their house and didn't return for a week. Maybe our dog will still come back after a few more days. I just pray though that if something bad happened to him, he didn't/doesn't suffer.
*****
ETA: I drove around our neighborhood a couple of times yesterday but unfortunately I didn't find our dog. I think I will make another attempt next weekend and see if maybe one of the neighbors took him in, assuming he was a stray. If I don't find him and someone else has him now, then I just hope that they take good care of him. We treated him very well and took great care of him when he was with us (maybe a bit too well because letting him out was meant to give him more freedom but apparently it backfired) so that if he is still alive and just with someone else now, then I wish he continues to have at least a decent life.
Unfortunately, after leaving our house early last week, one of our dogs hasn't been back. It's been about 4-5 days now so while I am still hoping for the best, chances are that something unfortunate has happened to him. There is also that probability that he may just have found some other free-roaming dogs in the neighborhood and decided to join their pack. I wish that if he never returns to us, then its the latter that has caused this and not the former.
My mom told me she asked the neighborhood security to help find our dog but he still hasn't been found. My family have also tried looking for him the last few days but I think they've given up now. I will make one last attempt to find him but I'm afraid these efforts may provide futile.
I also wonder how our other dog is dealing with this. Our dogs are brothers and they have been together now for about a year and a half. I guess we now need to take more care of him so he doesn't feel abandoned.
My brother told me that the dog of my grandparents once got out of their house and didn't return for a week. Maybe our dog will still come back after a few more days. I just pray though that if something bad happened to him, he didn't/doesn't suffer.
*****
ETA: I drove around our neighborhood a couple of times yesterday but unfortunately I didn't find our dog. I think I will make another attempt next weekend and see if maybe one of the neighbors took him in, assuming he was a stray. If I don't find him and someone else has him now, then I just hope that they take good care of him. We treated him very well and took great care of him when he was with us (maybe a bit too well because letting him out was meant to give him more freedom but apparently it backfired) so that if he is still alive and just with someone else now, then I wish he continues to have at least a decent life.
Wednesday, March 06, 2013
DLSU Lady Spikers Three-Peat
Congratulations to the DLSU Lady Spikers for winning their third championship title in a row, beating the ADMU Lady Eagles in the finals.
The De La Salle women's volleyball team lost their first game against UST but as it turned out, that was the only blemish on their record this season as they won every other game they played. This included two amazing come-from-behind wins against against Ateneo, once in the first round of eliminations and again in the first game of the finals. Both times, they were behind two sets to love, and both times they fought their way back. That showed amazing belief and incredible heart. Those qualities, along with their experience and all-around talent and consistency (and unparalleled blocking!) got them the championship.
This caps a truly amazing season of UAAP women's volleyball, where six of the eight teams were strong contenders for the final four. In the end, though, DLSU was just too good for everyone. Congratulations, Lady Spikers! Congratulations also to Abi Marano and Ara Galang for being hailed co-MVPs of the season and Michele Gumabao for being declared the finals MVP.
The De La Salle women's volleyball team lost their first game against UST but as it turned out, that was the only blemish on their record this season as they won every other game they played. This included two amazing come-from-behind wins against against Ateneo, once in the first round of eliminations and again in the first game of the finals. Both times, they were behind two sets to love, and both times they fought their way back. That showed amazing belief and incredible heart. Those qualities, along with their experience and all-around talent and consistency (and unparalleled blocking!) got them the championship.
This caps a truly amazing season of UAAP women's volleyball, where six of the eight teams were strong contenders for the final four. In the end, though, DLSU was just too good for everyone. Congratulations, Lady Spikers! Congratulations also to Abi Marano and Ara Galang for being hailed co-MVPs of the season and Michele Gumabao for being declared the finals MVP.
Monday, March 04, 2013
Harlem Shake Simpsons Edition
There are two versions of this out there. This one has the Baauer Harlem Shake song as background, which I prefer:
video uploaded in youtube by Starwarstcwseason
Fox also put together a different version, making adjustments to the lyrics of the song and having Homer sing it. You can check this Fox version out here.
video uploaded in youtube by Starwarstcwseason
Fox also put together a different version, making adjustments to the lyrics of the song and having Homer sing it. You can check this Fox version out here.
Sunday, March 03, 2013
Nadal wins again!
After being away from tennis for 7 months, Rafael Nadal decided to head to South America where he could find his form again on his best surface, clay. This turned out to be a fantastic move because, while he lost the final of the first tournament he played (in Chile), he won Brazil and just now, Mexico. Congrats, Rafa!
What was great about this latest win is that he ran into tough competition in the semis and the finals in the form of David Ferrer and Nicolas Almagro, who are ranked #5 and #12 respectively. What's more is that both these athletes play well on clay and they are also relatively in-form (Almagro got to the quarterfinals of the Australian Open where he lost to Ferrer who himself got to the semifinals). I was hoping that Nadal would put up a fight against both of them, but as it turned out, he beat them both. Almagro put up more of a fight, losing to Nadal in two tight sets (7-5 6-4). It was the result in the final that shocked me, though. Nadal completely routed David Ferrer 6-0 6-2.
So three clay-court tournaments, three finals, a couple of wins over top 20 players, and two titles. That's a good start to Nadal's comeback. I hope he finds his early 2012 form again so that Rafa can snag Roland Garros title #8.
photo from www.guardian.co.uk
What was great about this latest win is that he ran into tough competition in the semis and the finals in the form of David Ferrer and Nicolas Almagro, who are ranked #5 and #12 respectively. What's more is that both these athletes play well on clay and they are also relatively in-form (Almagro got to the quarterfinals of the Australian Open where he lost to Ferrer who himself got to the semifinals). I was hoping that Nadal would put up a fight against both of them, but as it turned out, he beat them both. Almagro put up more of a fight, losing to Nadal in two tight sets (7-5 6-4). It was the result in the final that shocked me, though. Nadal completely routed David Ferrer 6-0 6-2.
So three clay-court tournaments, three finals, a couple of wins over top 20 players, and two titles. That's a good start to Nadal's comeback. I hope he finds his early 2012 form again so that Rafa can snag Roland Garros title #8.
Saturday, March 02, 2013
Therapy
My back started hurting early in the year. I was told that bad posture, stress, and poor physical fitness is the main causes of back pain so I'm pretty sure the stress and the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season contributed greatly to it. But it wasn't until I drove 6 hours to Bolinao one day and then back again to Manila the day after that my back started hurting pretty badly. I thought it would go away after some (lots of?) rest but the pain kept flaring up every so often that I decided to see an orthopedist.
My orthopedist looked at my x-ray results and thankfully, there wasn't anything wrong with my spine. He did tell me that at my age (ahem), back pain is quite common and it is supposed to be the leading reason for people missing work. He suggested I start doing exercises for my back and he also recommended that I get therapy which was thankfully covered by my health card. So on six separate occasions over the last few weeks, I went to the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation of Makati Med for the following treatments: Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulator, Ultrasound, Host moist pack, and Lumbar traction.
I completed my sixth session earlier today although I did notice that after the 3rd session, my back pain started abating. I now just need to continue with my exercises to help strengthen my back and prevent or reduce further pain and I need to start exercising again. I do have to say that I pay a lot more attention to my posture now and I am trying to follow the recommended way to get out of bed when you have back pain. Gosh, I feel so old!
My orthopedist looked at my x-ray results and thankfully, there wasn't anything wrong with my spine. He did tell me that at my age (ahem), back pain is quite common and it is supposed to be the leading reason for people missing work. He suggested I start doing exercises for my back and he also recommended that I get therapy which was thankfully covered by my health card. So on six separate occasions over the last few weeks, I went to the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation of Makati Med for the following treatments: Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulator, Ultrasound, Host moist pack, and Lumbar traction.
I completed my sixth session earlier today although I did notice that after the 3rd session, my back pain started abating. I now just need to continue with my exercises to help strengthen my back and prevent or reduce further pain and I need to start exercising again. I do have to say that I pay a lot more attention to my posture now and I am trying to follow the recommended way to get out of bed when you have back pain. Gosh, I feel so old!
Thursday, February 28, 2013
World's Greatest Drag Race
My brother shared this video with me the other day. Eleven of the fastest driver's cars in the world assembled in one place for a drag race like no other. I have to say that I didn't expect the result. Of course, I know very little about cars so maybe automobile experts would have very easily predicted the outcome. Check it out:
video uploaded in youtube by MotorTrend
Oh and there's a part 2!
video uploaded in youtube by MotorTrend
Oh and there's a part 2!
Monday, February 25, 2013
And the Oscar goes to...
A lot of people we expected to win as well as a couple of surprises. Lots of love for Ben Affleck tonight as Argo lives up to its frontrunner status by claiming the Best Picture trophy. This despite the fact that Affleck himself wasn't nominated in the Best Director category. That award went to Ang Lee for his film The Life of Pi. He was a surprise winner over Steven Spielberg who was expected to win for his work on Lincoln.
That said, Lincoln did take home a couple of awards. There hasn't been anyone to upend Daniel Day-Lewis in the major award-giving bodies, and that continued tonight as Daniel becomes the only man to win three Best Actor trophies (Jack Nicholson has three but that includes a supporting actor trophy and Walter Brennan won for supporting actor three times; the overall acting record is of course held by Katharine Hepburn with four wins). Jennifer Lawrence and Anne Hathaway also continued their winning ways. The Supporting Actor category was the only acting category where all nominees had already won an Oscar in the past, but Christoph Waltz from Django Unchained who took home the Oscar.
The biggest surprise of the evening though even caught the presenter off-guard. As Mark Wahlberg opened the envelope to read the winner for Best Sound Editing, he announced that there was a tie between Zero Dark Thirty and Skyfall. There have been a few ties in the past, but the most memorable one so far was in 1969 when Barbra Streisand and Katharine Hepburn were both hailed Best Actress for their performances in Funny Girl and The Lion in Winter.
I'm really happy that Brave won Best Animated Film. I was actually okay with either Brave or Wreck-It-Ralph winning but there was some talk before the awards season that ParaNorman might be the one to beat. It's also cool that Adele won the Oscar for Best Song for Skyfall, which she co-wrote with Paul Epworth. Pretty cool that she's won 9 Grammys and now an Oscar as well. And while she wasn't nominated this year, it was great to see Meryl Streep hand the trophy for Best Actor to Daniel Day-Lewis.
Congratulations to all the artists who took home the Oscar and hope we get to see more amazing films and performances this year.
That said, Lincoln did take home a couple of awards. There hasn't been anyone to upend Daniel Day-Lewis in the major award-giving bodies, and that continued tonight as Daniel becomes the only man to win three Best Actor trophies (Jack Nicholson has three but that includes a supporting actor trophy and Walter Brennan won for supporting actor three times; the overall acting record is of course held by Katharine Hepburn with four wins). Jennifer Lawrence and Anne Hathaway also continued their winning ways. The Supporting Actor category was the only acting category where all nominees had already won an Oscar in the past, but Christoph Waltz from Django Unchained who took home the Oscar.
The biggest surprise of the evening though even caught the presenter off-guard. As Mark Wahlberg opened the envelope to read the winner for Best Sound Editing, he announced that there was a tie between Zero Dark Thirty and Skyfall. There have been a few ties in the past, but the most memorable one so far was in 1969 when Barbra Streisand and Katharine Hepburn were both hailed Best Actress for their performances in Funny Girl and The Lion in Winter.
I'm really happy that Brave won Best Animated Film. I was actually okay with either Brave or Wreck-It-Ralph winning but there was some talk before the awards season that ParaNorman might be the one to beat. It's also cool that Adele won the Oscar for Best Song for Skyfall, which she co-wrote with Paul Epworth. Pretty cool that she's won 9 Grammys and now an Oscar as well. And while she wasn't nominated this year, it was great to see Meryl Streep hand the trophy for Best Actor to Daniel Day-Lewis.
Congratulations to all the artists who took home the Oscar and hope we get to see more amazing films and performances this year.
Monday, February 18, 2013
Angela Miller on "American Idol"
This is my favorite performance on American Idol Season 12 so far, and one of my favorites in recent history. Angela Miller gets a well-deserved standing ovation from all four judges after she performs her original song "You set me free".
video uploaded in youtube by americanidol
I officially have my first goose bumps of the season. It's amazing how much soul and emotion she has when singing this song, especially considering she is still a "kid" at 18 years old. And this is probably one of the few originals performed on American Idol that I really love. I'd buy this song if it were being sold right now.
video uploaded in youtube by americanidol
I officially have my first goose bumps of the season. It's amazing how much soul and emotion she has when singing this song, especially considering she is still a "kid" at 18 years old. And this is probably one of the few originals performed on American Idol that I really love. I'd buy this song if it were being sold right now.
Saturday, February 16, 2013
Nadal is back. Sort of.
After being sidelined for 7 months, Rafa Nadal finally makes his comeback in the South American clay circuit. Last week, he got to the finals in Chile in both singles and doubles. Unfortunately, it is clear that he is nowhere near his best - which is expected given the length of his absence - as he lost both finals. Not spectacular, but still pretty solid considering the circumstances
This week, he's through to the semifinals in Brazil. He isn't playing a lot of top-ranked players which is the best approach to help him find his form again. Hopefully, he gets back to full form before April. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that Rafa can be back to his winning ways by the time the French Open comes along.
*****
ETA: Yes!! Rafa wins in Brazil! While he struggled in the semis, he seemed to be back in form against David Nalbandian, whom he routed in straight sets. This marks Nadal's 51st title. Way to go, Rafa!
This week, he's through to the semifinals in Brazil. He isn't playing a lot of top-ranked players which is the best approach to help him find his form again. Hopefully, he gets back to full form before April. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that Rafa can be back to his winning ways by the time the French Open comes along.
*****
ETA: Yes!! Rafa wins in Brazil! While he struggled in the semis, he seemed to be back in form against David Nalbandian, whom he routed in straight sets. This marks Nadal's 51st title. Way to go, Rafa!
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
The Pope steps down
It's Ash Wednesday today, a very important day for Catholics and many Christian denominations as it marks the beginning of Lent. So it's very interesting that arguably the biggest piece of news that hit the world this week has a significant impact to the Catholic Church. Pope Benedict XVI has resigned, citing advanced age. He will remain the Pope until the end of the month before stepping down, almost 8 years after he took on the role of Sovereign of the Vatican City and leader of the Catholic Church back in April 19, 2005.
This is the first time that the Pope has resigned since 1415, and it makes me wonder what happens to him after. Does he return to being a cardinal in the Vatican? Will he be part of the papal conclave that will elect the new Pope? Whatever happens, I admire Pope Benedict XVI for his tremendous courage in making such a huge decision and I wish him all the best in his post-Papal life.
photo courtesy of www.bbc.co.uk
This is the first time that the Pope has resigned since 1415, and it makes me wonder what happens to him after. Does he return to being a cardinal in the Vatican? Will he be part of the papal conclave that will elect the new Pope? Whatever happens, I admire Pope Benedict XVI for his tremendous courage in making such a huge decision and I wish him all the best in his post-Papal life.
Wednesday, February 06, 2013
10 bets you will always win
In theory, I shouldn't be sharing this since I won't be able to win these bets anymore if other people know about them LOL.
video uploaded in youtube by user Quirkology
Some of these are quite obvious or relatively well-known already and a couple are quite inane but I really love the bet about the standing egg and the one with the coin, card, tube of paper, and glass. I would also have never guessed the one about the pint glass circumference!
video uploaded in youtube by user Quirkology
Some of these are quite obvious or relatively well-known already and a couple are quite inane but I really love the bet about the standing egg and the one with the coin, card, tube of paper, and glass. I would also have never guessed the one about the pint glass circumference!
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Perfect Month!
I finally achieved a personal goal which is to put up one blog post everyday for an entire month! This January, I was successfully able to blog once a day every day for all 31 days of January. What a good way to start the new year. :)
The closest I got to a perfect month before was back in August 2010. It took me a while to make another attempt at a perfect month but I am now happy that I finally achieved it. I know, I know, it doesn't really mean anything at the end of the day. But hey, it was a personal goal and I finally got it done.
The closest I got to a perfect month before was back in August 2010. It took me a while to make another attempt at a perfect month but I am now happy that I finally achieved it. I know, I know, it doesn't really mean anything at the end of the day. But hey, it was a personal goal and I finally got it done.
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Dutch Bread Hauz
My friend Tricia told me over Christmas that she got to try this place called Dutch Bread Hauz and that I should try to visit if I love bread. Since I do, I decided to drop by to check what they have.
They have a lot of different breads on display but when I was there, I was leaning more towards pastry or dessert-type breads. They had a few of them in display in their see-through refrigerator and I unwisely got one of each. :) The Berliner Bol was kind of like a donut with a generous amount of pastry cream and topped with sugar. I felt the sugar made it a bit difficult to eat but otherwise it was not bad.
The Custard was kind of like a bread eclair. Or maybe even a pastry cream sandwich when you think about it. The soft bread bun is topped with powdered sugar then sliced in the middle and filled with a generous helping of pastry cream in the middle. I liked this one better than the Berliner Bol.
My favorite would be what they call the Fruit Pie. This is like the traditional Danish Pastry topped with an assortment of fruits. This was my favorite of the three I tried.
Note of course that I did not eat all three breads in one sitting. :) I think I prefer Bread Talk and Baker's Fresh to Dutch Bread Hauz from a selection and price standpoint, although when I do get that craving for European-style buns and I'm in the area, I wouldn't mind going back here. Tricia told me that the sandwich she tried was pretty good so maybe the next time I'm in the area, I'll try that.
Dutch Bread Hauz
www.dutchbreadhauz.ph
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dutch-Bread-Hauz/422168034501106
5417 Matilde Street Cor. General Luna
Poblacion Makati City
(02) 553 9598
They have a lot of different breads on display but when I was there, I was leaning more towards pastry or dessert-type breads. They had a few of them in display in their see-through refrigerator and I unwisely got one of each. :) The Berliner Bol was kind of like a donut with a generous amount of pastry cream and topped with sugar. I felt the sugar made it a bit difficult to eat but otherwise it was not bad.
Berliner Bol
The Custard was kind of like a bread eclair. Or maybe even a pastry cream sandwich when you think about it. The soft bread bun is topped with powdered sugar then sliced in the middle and filled with a generous helping of pastry cream in the middle. I liked this one better than the Berliner Bol.
Custard
My favorite would be what they call the Fruit Pie. This is like the traditional Danish Pastry topped with an assortment of fruits. This was my favorite of the three I tried.
Fruit Pie
Note of course that I did not eat all three breads in one sitting. :) I think I prefer Bread Talk and Baker's Fresh to Dutch Bread Hauz from a selection and price standpoint, although when I do get that craving for European-style buns and I'm in the area, I wouldn't mind going back here. Tricia told me that the sandwich she tried was pretty good so maybe the next time I'm in the area, I'll try that.
Dutch Bread Hauz
www.dutchbreadhauz.ph
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dutch-Bread-Hauz/422168034501106
5417 Matilde Street Cor. General Luna
Poblacion Makati City
(02) 553 9598
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Full auto detailing at Big Bert's
While the passenger seat of my car was being shampooed at Big Bert's Professional Detailers about a month ago after I spilled a cup of coffee into it, I started asking about some of the services they provide. It was then that I decided I wanted to check my car into Big Bert's at some point soon after that for full auto detailing. It would take a few days to complete which meant I would be without a car so I had to figure out the best time to do it.
I remembered that my mom and grandmother would be going to Roxas and Kalibo for a few days, which meant I wouldn't have any driver duties then so I thought it would be the perfect time to bring my car to Big Bert's. The full auto detail includes exterior detail, interior detail, engine detail, and full glass polish. It was quite expensive - my vehicle is large so it cost P7,500 - but we've had this car for almost five years now and I felt that having it meticulously cleaned would be worth it.
Somehow I missed writing my contact number on the form I signed so they couldn't call me to tell me that my car was ready. They had to wait for me to call them. When I finally got my car, I was happy with the results. It was really clean through and through. My car did belch a bit after I started driving it but that's because it hadn't really been driven for a few days. I should make it a habit to have my car undergo full auto detailing once a year or so.
Big Bert's has a couple of branches that you can check out here.
Big Bert's Professional Detailers
http://www.bigberts.com/
Pasig City Branch
Units 152-155, Ortigas Auto Depot
Julia Vargas Avenue, Pasig City, Philippines
Tel: +632-914-1075
I remembered that my mom and grandmother would be going to Roxas and Kalibo for a few days, which meant I wouldn't have any driver duties then so I thought it would be the perfect time to bring my car to Big Bert's. The full auto detail includes exterior detail, interior detail, engine detail, and full glass polish. It was quite expensive - my vehicle is large so it cost P7,500 - but we've had this car for almost five years now and I felt that having it meticulously cleaned would be worth it.
Somehow I missed writing my contact number on the form I signed so they couldn't call me to tell me that my car was ready. They had to wait for me to call them. When I finally got my car, I was happy with the results. It was really clean through and through. My car did belch a bit after I started driving it but that's because it hadn't really been driven for a few days. I should make it a habit to have my car undergo full auto detailing once a year or so.
Big Bert's has a couple of branches that you can check out here.
Big Bert's Professional Detailers
http://www.bigberts.com/
Pasig City Branch
Units 152-155, Ortigas Auto Depot
Julia Vargas Avenue, Pasig City, Philippines
Tel: +632-914-1075
Monday, January 28, 2013
Awesome cover of Rihanna's "Diamonds"
"Diamonds" by Rihanna is one of my favorite songs at the moment. I saw this cover version by Joel Brandenstein (on piano and vocals) and Jona Selle (on cello and vocals) and was intrigued by the fact that it was being performed by two guys backed up by just a cello, a piano, and a guitar. Who would have thought?
video uploaded in youtube by joelbrandenstein
I particularly love how the cello is being played from 3:03 to 3:34. I also think it's great how the Jona can actually sing while playing the cello. (Not that it's easy to sing while playing the piano but it's just less common to see cellists who sing while they play. :)) Great version and ingenious and compelling instrumentation.
video uploaded in youtube by joelbrandenstein
I particularly love how the cello is being played from 3:03 to 3:34. I also think it's great how the Jona can actually sing while playing the cello. (Not that it's easy to sing while playing the piano but it's just less common to see cellists who sing while they play. :)) Great version and ingenious and compelling instrumentation.
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