Welcome, 2012!

If it didn’t bring you joy,

Just leave it behind.

Let’s ring in the New Year

With good things in mind.

Let every bad memory go

That brought heartache and pain.

photo courtesy of Sicha Pongjivanich

Holiday Greetings from Mudraesque

The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree is the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other. ~ Burton Hillis

photo courtesy of anankkml

Enjoy every minute of the holiday with your loved ones. A very Merry Christmas to all of you, my friends!

Wisely Managing Your 13th Month Pay and Christmas Bonus in 5 Ways

Yes, Andy Williams got it all right. It is without a doubt that Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year. Not only do we look forward to reunions with family and friends, but we also look forward in receiving our 13th month pay and for some, an additional Christmas bonus if the company has performed well during the year.

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year by Andy Williams

from YouTube

Calling for Support: Social Media Users' Day of Action Against Child Abuse

I blogged a few days ago how disgusted I was with obscene content posted by some Facebook users (read about it here). I was afraid SJ, who would just use FB to play some games, might be able to come across these trash. How I wish I could stop the widespread of such rubbish, but unfortunately the world wide web is too big for me to handle. Feeling Supergirl, eh?!

The sisterly stare down: SI vs. SJ

photo by Ate G

Online Shopping 101: Spot a Legitimate Seller

It is clear as daylight that the internet opened endless possibilities and opportunities. Some tasks were made obsolete because of this technology. Sending out letters through the post office, lining-up in a bank to pay bills, making overseas calls to loved-ones are just some of the things of the past. Now, these mundane tasks are easily accomplished by connecting to the internet. Not to mention, working as well as shopping can also be done remotely.

As a self-confessed internet junkie, a big chunk of my 24 hours is spent going online with trusty Google as my personal assistant. Not only do I surf the net for answers but I've also done some online shopping to purchase some of my guilty pleasures as well as stuff for my lovies, JF, SJ and SI. In the coming days, I'm sure I'd go virtual window shopping once more since the season of gift-giving is just around the corner.

Talk about fraudulent online sellers... read about it here

Photo from FashionPULIS.com

Pinoy Pride: Puerto Princesa Underground River

This weekend has been a victory weekend for the Philippines. Aside from Pacman's controversial win against Mexican boxer, Marquez, there's another reason for Pinoys to celebrate.

At the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park
with my girl friends

It was also announced this weekend that the Philippines' official entry to The 7 New Wonders of Nature, the Puerto Princesa Underground River, made it to the list. Alhough the final roster will be released by early 2012, the foundation's president, Bernard Weber already revealed that from the initial tally of votes, the Underground River is indeed included. It really amazes me how Pinoys exhibit the bayanihan spirit whenever online or sms voting is needed. :) Take a look at beauty pageants and it will be a big surprise if Miss Philippines won't win the online voting category.

Early Christmas Shopping: 6 Tips to Stretch Your Peso

It pays to be early. Time and time again, this famous line stands true. Whether you're early for your appointment or early to settle credit card obligations, you're sure to avoid unnecessary hassles. Now that it's only 48 days before Christmas, it won't hurt if we plan early for the holiday shopping. Below are some shopping tips in order to stretch out your peso and make it work to your advantage:

The tree says it all.

I need to do some Christmas gift shopping.

Affordable Comfort Food at Silver Crown Food Center

When you crave for authentic Chinese food, you might immediately think of going to Ongpin in Chinatown. It is just fortunate that for those living in the CaMaNaVa area, you don't need to take the LRT in Monumento in order to reach the Chinese food haven located in the City of Manila.

If you are coming from Sangandaan, Caloocan City going to Monumento, be on the lookout for a BPI Branch on the left.  Beside that branch stands a restaurant that will give any Ongpin restaurant a run for their money. 

Silver Crown Food Center is just like your typical Chinese restaurant in terms of interior set-up. If you would like a fine dining experience, this is not the restaurant for you. It's more like a cafeteria set-up with several tables arranged side-by-side. During weekends, you might find yourself waiting for a table since this is a frequent reception place for baptism. It would be better if you'll dine in earlier or you'll just order and take them home.

Halloween Event with the Kids at BHS

Weekends are especially great to bond with your kids. JF and I anticipated this Halloween weekend for so long. Aside from the fact that the government declared it as a 4-day long weekend, we look forward to dressing up the kiddos in their Halloween costumes.

We initially decided to go to Cirque du Rockwell with the kids. However, an officemate of my sis-in-law earlier called her up that tickets were all sold-out! Looking through all the trick-or-treat options, we then decided to go to Bonifacio High Street's event, Once upon a Halloween.

Halloween event poster from BHS facebook page

Halloween Festivities for Kids

JF and I, together with my brother and sis-in-law, went out for a quick Halloween costume shopping for the kids. I was asking them if they remember celebrating this festivity way back then. I really have no memory going out wearing a scary costume for trick-or-treat. The only Halloween celebration I remember was when I attended this Halloween Dance Party at school but nobody even wore an appropriate outfit for the occasion.

Halloween Kids Costumes at Toy Kingdom

It just fascinates me that this tradition is already adapted by Pinoys. I've seen the crowded aisles of Toy Kingdom where parents search for the best costumes they could ever find for their young ones. It is also surprising that the assortment of kids' costumes has grown. Before, stores would only carry simple ones but now, you'll be amazed by the elaborate stuff they have on sale. Not to mention, the wide collection of accessories such as wings, wigs, hats, etc. You can definitely transform your kid into a (cute) scary creature!