Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 Official Trailer

Will Friendster Really Close on May 31, 2011?

It's a Facebook world after all...in the social networking realm, at least. The news you've been hearing about Friendster shutting down is not true. Only Friendster’s social networking services will be discontinued, but the company will retain its name and will be launched again as a social entertainment site. If you have an existing Friendster account, your username and password will remain the same.

Information from Friendster's FAQ page:

QUESTION:

"What will happen to the current version of Friendster and my Friendster account?"

ANSWER:

"We are introducing a new and improved Friendster in the coming weeks that will be focused on entertainment and fun. There will be new features that will leverage on your online activities and will enable you to connect with friends or engage new friends with similar interests.

For example, if you are playing games or listening to music but none of your friends are, your social experience may be limited. Our improved site is designed to create new profiles that allow you to connect differently with people and do things differently than other networking sites. Basically, the new site will complement your existing online presence in other social networking sites.

Your Friendster account will not be deleted when these new features and changes take place. You may continue to login to Friendster using your existing login details. Your list of friends will be preserved, along with your basic profile information, wallet and games.

Stay tuned for the new Friendster's Beta version!"

For more information about the changes that will happen to Friendster, log in to your account, and click the 'Help' page.

The Easter Tradition

Being a Filipino, Easter for me symbolizes only the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. For other countries, the symbol of Easter Sunday is a bunny, and the reason behind that, I do not know. However, I noticed, just like Halloween, we Filipinos are slowly celebrating Easter Sunday the 'Western-World' way. There were Easter egg hunts everywhere, even at Church. I am not questioning why this is happening; forgive me if I seem to be going in that direction. What made me really curious was the history behind the association of Easter Sunday to bunnies, and egg hunting. To satisfy my curious mind, I did a research on the said topic.

As it turns out, Easter is actually a pagan festival, to honor Eastre, the ancient Saxon's goddess of springtime and offspring. When Christian missionaries encountered these Saxon tribes, they tried to convert them, as well as their pagan celebrations. Coincidentally, the festival of the goddess Eastre was celebrated the same time as the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. However, the said celebration was celebrated on different days of the week, and not Sunday, until Emperor Constantine decreed it to be so.

As for the rabbit being associated with Easter, its origin is also related to the pagan festival for the goddess Eastre, since the rabbit was her earthly symbol. Why a rabbit, you may ask? The explanation is quite simple - they were the known most fertile animals that time, a perfect symbol of the spring season. It became a symbol of the Easter celebration we know today, when German settlers (Pennsylvania Dutch) introduced it to America in the 18th century. Childhood’s greatest pleasures would not be complete without the arrival of the "Oster Hase" or the Easter Bunny, just like the visit of Christ-Kindel (Santa Claus) on Christmas Eve. If children hang socks for Santa, back then, they built nests in secluded areas in their homes, where the Oster Hase can lay bright-colored eggs in. It was in Germany, during the early 19^th century, where the first edible Easter Eggs were made, and they were made of pastry and sugar.

What's Wrong with Mommy Blogging?

OMG! I was just about to transform my blog, since I saw one mommy blog that seemed to have so many followers, when it's obvious she doesn't have much content in her blog. I wanted people to visit my blog, and hear what I have to say, just like what's happening on her blog. I thought maybe, since I'm a mommy, I should pattern my blog after hers. And then I came across this post, "Don't Cry for Mommy Bloggers", and I realized I was about to jump into the bandwagon of mommy blogging with the wrong reasons. I felt guilty while reading the blog post, because that was my intention, to get sponsors to send me their products for me to review and give my 2 cents about them. I am a writer, for crying out loud! If followers would follow me, I really want it to be because they like what they are reading. However, I don't like the fact that the said article generalized mommy bloggers as the only ones who blog for money's sake. Maybe he just came across a lot of mommy bloggers who are like that, but that doesn't mean all mommy bloggers just blog to earn cash, even if it meant sacrificing their integrity.

Is it really that bad, to want to earn money through your blog? I found a lot of articles about ways to earn cash online, and blogging is always in them. Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't a huge part of the people that these articles invite to seek ways on how to earn money through the internet stay at home moms? Now that moms are making waves online through blogging, some people now want to put them down. The writer of the blog post I mentioned is a man - I think that says it all. He has a point, though, when he mentioned that you have to have integrity as a blogger. He mentioned that mommy bloggers tend to make their product reviews always positive, so that they can get freebies, discounts, and even money - which shouldn't be so. It's important for us bloggers to share the truth; it's a way to make us credible. If we do need to review a product by a sponsor, we can write about what's good about it, as well as its downside. That way, we can help the company who made the product do some revisions, just because of the un-biased review we provided.

So, what's my conclusion? Mommy blogging is a cool thing, as long as boundaries are set. Blogs should have content, not just advertisements. When I search mommy blogs, I look for advices on parenting, fun things to do with the kids, and craft making, and I do find most of them have interesting and useful content (well, except for the blog I mentioned at the beginning of this article). We mommies should continue what we started, and give cyber world a piece of our mind (and our cookies, too! LOL).

ABS-CBN Summer 2011 Station ID

I have always been a fan of Kapamilya station IDs, and their summer station ID this year, entitled, "Bida Best sa Tag-Araw, is no exception. Here's a peek, in case you haven't seen it yet. I also included the 'Kapamilya' version, wherein submitted pictures from fans on the Bidabest Facebook page were included on the video. Enjoy!

BIDABEST ORIGINAL VIDEO



BIDABEST KAPAMILYA VERSION

Lindsay Lohan is Going Back to Jail

Lindsay Lohan is going back to jail, after being found in violation of probation, on Friday. She was sentenced to four months in jail. Her violation is with regard to her alleged stealing of a $2,500 necklace. According to reports, Lindsay was crying while the Judge (Judge Stephanie Sautner), scolded her for her behavior, including the nail polish she wore to court that says "FU". The Judges' harsh words to Lindsay are as follows -

"Would a person with any brains walk out with a necklace with [security] cameras on?" "Maybe it's brazenness, stupidity – I don't know what. Perhaps it was a desire to hide in plain sight."
"I see her intent [to steal] and I see a level of brazenness,"
"It was like, 'Let me see what I can get away with." (this was because of the fact that Lindsay returned the necklace only after she saw a search warrant for her house was coming.)
"She thumbs her nose at the court.""She walks into court with FU on her fingernails. I don't know what that's all about."

Lindsay's controversial nail polish

The actress is still lucky because the Judge reduced the charges from felony grand theft to a misdemeanor. She's been given another shot in straightening her life, which she should be smart enough to grab. Aside from the four months in jail sentence, Lindsay was also sentenced to 480 hours of community service that includes 360 hours spent at the Downtown Women's Center (to expose her to how needy women lives), and 120 hours at the L.A. County morgue (so that the actress can see the results of drunk driving).

I don't know what happened to this girl. She had a bright future ahead of her - she can act, she's beautiful and sexy. Where's the sweet Lindsay I first saw in the movie, 'Parent Trap'? I still wish that she will turn her life around, just like fellow child star Drew Barrymore.

For Real?

I'm pretty sure Twilight fans will be thrilled once they see this recent picture of Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart getting cozy and kissing inside a car (FYI - they were not shooting a scene from the next Twilight movie).

Photo courtesy of tmz.com

PNoy Declares Black Saturday a Non-Working Holiday

Great news for many employees in the Philippines, President Benigno Aquino III declared April 23, 2011, Black Saturday, a nationwide, special non-working holiday.

In his proclamation, PNoy specified that Black Saturday has always been observed by the whole country as a special non-working holiday. He was quoted saying -

“The observance of Holy Week is one of our people’s most cherished traditions. Our people must be given the full and uninterrupted opportunity to ponder on the significance of the Holy Week and to properly observe its traditions with religious fervor, without prejudice to public interest."

Aside from Black Saturday, the President decreed Maundy Thursday and Good Friday as regular holidays.

MALACAÑAN PALACE

MANILA

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE PHILIPPINES

PROCLAMATION NO. 150

DECLARING SATURDAY, APRIL 23, 2011, AS A SPECIAL (NON-WORKING) DAY THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY

WHEREAS, Saturday, April 23, 2011 falls between Good Friday and Easter Sunday;

WHEREAS, Black Saturday, falling between Good Friday and Easter Sunday, has been traditionally declared a special (non-working) day throughout the country;

WHEREAS, the observance of Holy Week is one of our people’s most cherished traditions;

WHEREAS, our people must be given the full and uninterrupted opportunity to ponder on the significance of the Holy Week and to properly observe its traditions with religious fervor, without prejudice to public interest.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BENIGNO S. AQUINO III, President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by law, do hereby declare Saturday, April 23, 2011, as a special (non-working) day throughout the country.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seas of the Republic of the Philippines.

Done in the City of Manila, this 18th day of April, in the year of Our Lord Two Thousand and Eleven.

(Sgd.) BENIGNO S. AQUINO III

By the President:

(Sgd.) PAQUITO N. OCHOA JR.

Executive Secretary

Limitless Accessed All Parts of my Brain

I just saw a movie today with my husband, and it was amazing. The movie was Limitless, starring Bradley Cooper and Robert De Niro. I am not an expert in giving movie reviews, but my gauge for telling whether a film is great or not is by asking myself these four questions:

Was it entertaining?

Were there boring parts?

Was the acting great?

Did the plot make sense?

I know not everyone who watched the film will agree with my saying that Limitless was a great movie, but I'm pretty sure all of them were at the edge of their seats all throughout the film. The opening scenes of the movie already made my toes tingle, like I was in a roller coaster ride or something. You have to see it to know what I'm talking about. Bradley Cooper was perfect for the role he played, Robert De Niro was his usual 'great-acting' self, but I must say that Abbie Cornish faired low when it comes to acting abilities. She looked great though. Don't you think that she looks like Nicole Kidman and Charlize Theron combined? Anyway, the movie is a must-see! My 2 cents.

Cast:

Bradley Cooper as Eddie Morra

Robert De Niro as Carl Van Loon

Abbie Cornish as Lindy

Anna Friel as Melissa

Plot (From http://movies.yahoo.com)

Aspiring author Eddie Morra is suffering from chronic writer's block, but his life changes instantly when an old friend introduces him to NZT, a revolutionary new pharmaceutical that allows him to tap his full potential. With every synapse crackling, Eddie can recall everything he has ever read, seen or heard, learn any language in a day, comprehend complex equations and beguile anyone he meets - as long as he keeps taking the untested drug. Soon Eddie takes Wall Street by storm, parlaying a small stake into millions. His accomplishments catch the eye of mega-mogul Carl Van Loon, who invites him to help broker the largest merger in corporate history. But they also bring Eddie to the attention of people willing to do anything to get their hands on his stash of NZT. With his life in jeopardy and the drug's brutal side effects taking their toll, Eddie dodges mysterious stalkers, a vicious gangster and an intense police investigation as he attempts to hang on to his dwindling supply long enough to outwit his enemies.

AJ Perez - Gone Too Soon

Actor and Star Magic talent, AJ Perez, or Antonello Joseph Sarte Perez in real life, has been killed in a vehicular accident yesterday, April 17, 2011. He was pronounced dead on arrival at a hospital in Tarlac, where the accident happened. His cause of death was "multiple head injuries". AJ was with his father, 2 road managers, a driver and an event marshal, when a Partas bus hit the van they were in, causing it to hit another vehicle, a truck, on the other side. The area hit by the bus was where AJ was sitting, and apparently, he was asleep when the accident took place. The group came from Dagupan where AJ performed in a show celebrating the Bangus Festival. The accident occured in Moncada, Tarlac, while the group were on their way to Manila.

AJ was a member of a group of young talented boys called "Gigger boys". Although I wasn't a fan, his cute smile and angelic face has caught my attention before. According to an article I read, he was often likened and compared to the late Rico Yan. Ironic coincidences between the two - they looked alike, especially with their smiles, they both died young, they were both handled by Star Magic, they both died during the Holy Week (Rico died on a Good Friday, while AJ died on a Palm Sunday).

AJ loved to tweet, and his second to the last tweet before he died was -

"On the way home already from Dagupan. Long drive ahead.. Thanks to everybody who watched, thanks to zui for the gifts.And hi again to jarred!"

He has indeed gone home to meet our Creator, I just feel sad that he's gone too soon. My condolences go out to his family, especially his parents. :(

McDonald's BFGF Commercial - What Message is it Sending to Children?

Recently, McDonald's stopped the airing of their BFGF commercial, featuring children discussing relationship as if they're adults. The CBCP or the Catholic Bishop Conference of the Philippines has something to do with this action by Mcdo, since they requested the said company to do just that. Because of what happened, the CBCP is being hit by criticisms left and right. People are saying they should mind their own business, and let MTRCB do their job in screening commercials and programs shown on TV. Here's my 2 cents - CBCP do sometimes tend to cross the line, but with regard to this issue, I think they have a point. These are children discussing something that only adults should talk about. Furthermore, it's a bit demeaning to women. Are we that "babaw?", that we're just worth an order of French fries? Some people keep saying, "they're just kids, let the commercial be!", but that's where the problem lies. Kids should not be allowed to portray adults, for advertisement's sake. If that would be the case, then McDonald’s should put adult products in their kiddie meals, and not toys. Let children be children, make commercials showing kids playing, singing, playing sports, and all things kids do. Let us not send out wrong messages to children, like what the BFGF commercial did.

Below is the controversial BF/GF commercial.

Fell In-Love with Nestle's Fruit Selection Strawberry Yogurt Ice Cream

The new packaging of Nestle ice cream has long fascinated me, not to mention the new different flavors they introduced to the market. Out of the blue, I mentioned to my hubby that I was curious about the taste of the new flavors, such as the Kit Kat flavored one. I didn't give in to my cravings, though, I just continued working on my articles.

Last night, while at the grocery store, my hubby picked up a Nestle Fruit Selection Strawberry Yogurt Ice Cream and showed it to me. He knew my favorite ice cream - I just couldn't resist the temptation. No regrets after I tasted it, it was low in fat, and it was soooo yummy! :) The container was really cool, there was a lock of some sort, once you remove it you can open the lid.

Just 'pop' open this lock to open the lid (coolness!)

It's yogurt ice cream, but it tastes like the traditional strawberry flavored ice cream I love.

It's low fat, made with real fruits, and packed with fiber (nature's broom) - what more can you ask for?

Nestle Fruit Selection Yogurt Strawberry Flavored Ice Cream is a must-buy! My 2 cents.

The New Superman is The Count of Monte Cristo's Son

When I read about the casting for the new Superman movie, entitled, Superman: Man of Steel, I was not too interested to get to know more about the actor who's slated to wear the cape and play the new Superman, Henry Cavill. This is probably because for me, nothing can really replace the great Christopher Reeve. See, the last Superman film starring Brandon Routh, wasn't a big success. I think that was largely because Brandon played the part to a "T", meaning, he copied how Christopher Reeve speaks and acts. Nothing replaces the original, right? 

When I did find a chance to get to know more about Henry Cavill, I discovered that I actually know who he is; I just wasn't familiar with his name. He was in The Tudors, Stardust, Tristan + Isolde, Red Riding Hood, and he played Jim Caviezel's son in The Count of Monte Cristo, Albert Mondego. Now that I have seen how charming he is, and that he can really act, I have high hopes for the new Superman film, what with Oscar nominee Amy Adams playing the part of Lois Lane. The film has a solid cast; Kevin Costner as Jonathan Kent, Diane Lane as Martha Kent, and Michael Shannon as General Zod.  They have yet to announce who will play Superman’s biological father. 

Different Ways to Earn Money Online

Internet is not just something used for browsing your social network sites, or researching. Right now, it’s a tool to earn extra cash, especially if you are a stay at home mom, who wants to make use of her free time, while waiting for her kids to come home from school. Even young teens could take advantage of this opportunity, instead of taking summer jobs at fast food restaurants and malls. I have gathered some of the many ways people can earn money through the web.

Paid Surveys – with paid surveys, you’ll get paid by expressing your opinion. Although there are a lot of legitimate paid survey websites you can sign up for free, watch out for fake ones, because they are numerous as well (a red flag would be a site asking for a registration fee). The only downside with paid surveys is that you have to reach a certain amount of money, before you get paid.

Blogging – you can earn money by blogging through blog advertisements and affiliate marketing. When you sign up for an affiliate program, such as Nuffnang, AdSense, AdBrite, they will use your website as a channel for advertisements. When visitors click at an advertisement, the network site records a hit on that particular URL, and send the visitor to the merchant site of that particular advertisement. More hits equals to more earnings.

Online Jobs – from the perspective of a virtual assistant ‘slash’ writer, this is the most effective way to earn money online, since it’s real work, not just a ‘sideline’. There are many websites to search for online jobs, but the most reputable is ODesk.com. You can find work like data encoder, web content writer, virtual assistant, customer service representative, and a lot more. I will write a separate article which will serve as a guide to those who want to sign up for ODesk soon.

Broaden your knowledge and at the same time make money by exploring the many uses of the internet. Once you learn the ropes, who knows, you might just end up making a career that will give you tons of money.

Japan Nuclear Crisis and the Philippines' BNPP

For those of you who are wondering what's going on with the nuclear crisis in Japan, sad to say, it's getting worst. They have a scale measurement of nuclear disasters, and from a 5, they raised it to level 7. That simply means that the nuclear problem is as big as the one that happened in Chernobyl in the Ukraine, back in 1986. The 7 rating of a nuclear accident means that radioactive release is really big, with widespread effect on public health and the environment.

Perhaps the worsening of the Fukushima Power Plant nuclear problem in Japan is a wake-up call to the government officials who are considering to re-open the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant. If Japan couldn't contain the nuclear leakage, even though they are highly advanced in technology, what more us, Filipinos? Let's just settle for what we have for now, even if it means putting the safety of the entire Philippines first. My 2 cents.

An Architect Wins Bb. Pilipinas-Universe 2011 (Shamcey Supsup)

Ms. Shamcey Supsup, an Architect who topped the Architecture board exam last year, and graduated Magna Cum Laude from University of the Philippines College of Architecture, won the highest title, Bb. Pilipinas-Universe, at the recently concluded Bb. Pilipinas 2011. The Full list of winners is listed below:

Ms. Shamcey Supsup - Bb. Pilipinas-Universe
Ms. Dianne Necio - Bb. Pilipinas-International
Ms. Isabella Manjon - Bb. Pilipinas-Tourism
Ms. Janine Tugonon - 1st runner-up
Ms. Mary Jean Lastimosa - 2nd runner-up

Movies Coming Out SOON

THOR



BEASTLY



SOURCE CODE



DIARY OF A WIMPY KID: RODRICK RULES (MY KIDS ARE SO LOOKING FORWARD TO THIS)

Movie Worthy Plots for Filipino Movies

I mentioned that I am a fan of movies. To tell you the truth (and I am quite ashamed to admit), that I’m more of a fan of Hollywood movies, than Filipino movies. I know you’d understand me when I tell you that we don’t have much of a variety when it comes to movie plots. It’s either a love story, or a long lost child found by his/her biological parents. The same goes for the ‘teleseryes’ or soap operas shown on TV. It’s a good thing that independent filmmakers are making waves in the industry now, making way for quality films to be made. The problem, though, is that indie films don’t appeal to the public that much, which makes them remain what they are, preventing them to be mainstream. Perhaps the problem really lies within the Filipino audience. Business is about supply and demand, right? If the audience demands love stories, those are what the movie producers will supply.

Whenever I watch period films set in WWII, or during the 19^th century, I would often imagine a well-made Filipino film set during the same period. Our history is rich in movie worthy stories that producers could take advantage of. There’s the hardship that Filipinos went through during the Spanish and Japanese occupation. What about a love story between a Filipina and an American soldier set during the Japanese occupation (ala Ms. Saigon)? Several films about our national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, have already been made, but what about another Filipino hero, Andres Bonifacio, the person who began the ‘himagsikan’ (revolution). The story surrounding his death is still mysterious to me. How can the leader of the Philippine revolution (against the Spaniards) be found guilty of treason? Isn’t he the one who’s supposed to be seated the first President of the Philippine Republic, instead of Emilio Aguinaldo? Anyway, there are a lot of movie plots that can be created, even current issues in our country. I still dream of the day when a film from the Philippines will be finally nominated in the Best Foreign Language Film category at the Oscars. Oh well….just my 2 cents.

Mad About ANTM

My close friends and family know how addicted I am to TV Shows and Movies. However, only a few know that I'm a fan of Tyra Bank's America's Next Top Model. I have watched all cycles, and currently watching episodes the latest one, Cycle 16. I watch it on youtube.com every week. Thank goodness for the kind person who posts episodes weekly. Unlike before, when Tyra encouraged girls, who were not the typical fashion model types, that they can succeed in the business, as long as they have the drive to become a top fashion model, the reality show is now focusing its eye on possible high fashion models. So far, eight have already been eliminated.

The drama never seems to leave the top model house each season. This time around, the girl that everybody hates is Alexandria. Honestly, I don't think she's a bad person at all, just someone who thinks she knows it all. Her attitude problem irritates her fellow competitors, especially whenever she wins challenges. Last episode was the worst, though, with the clash between Alex and Britanni (who I want to win). The challenge was to be photographed as warriors against breast cancer (with Ford Motors as sponsor). The girl who is referred to as 'fake', Alex, won, with Nigel photographing them, and choosing the winner. What aggravated the girl more was the thought that Alex is not a fit spokesperson since she's not true to herself. Oh, and did I mention the prizes she got for winning the challenge? She'll appear in a nationwide breast cancer awareness ad by Ford, and a brand new Ford Focus Car! That pissed the girls more. Anyway, during judging, Britanni broke down and expressed her true feelings. Her outburst just made Tyra angry, to the point that she voted for Britanni to leave. It's a good thing the other three judges wanted Britanni to stay, or else, she would have been eliminated based on her outburst, disregarding all the positive feedbacks she got with her photos. I still feel she's the best of bunch, in spite of what happened. At least she showed courage and honesty with what she did. Britanni for the win!

Willie Lashes Out - Smart move? NOT!

Personally, I have nothing against Mr. Willie Revillame. However, I really didn't like his reaction all the critiques he has been receiving from left and right, especially tweets from famous celebrities. He shouldn't have said the things he said, particularly his message to Ms. Agot Isidro. We all know that the actress is still childless to this day, not by choice I think. A gentleman wouldn't tell a lady, "mind your own business because you don't have a child of your own". I did think that people are over-reacting with the incident about JanJan, now added to that, I think Mr. Revillame over-reacted with the things he said on his show. He has proven that what most people are saying about him, that he is 'bastos' and all, are all true. As one famous saying goes, "How people treat you is their karma; how you react is yours." Willie shouldn't have said what he said, he should have apologized to the people who were offended with the Janjan incident...just my2cents.

Here's a video clip of Willie temporarily saying goodbye to his fans, and lashing out to his detractors.

A Throbbing Headache and a Coincidence

My husband and I went to the mall after we had lunch to buy our kids art stuffs. It was so hot outside; I knew a headache was brewing up. On the car ride home, I felt it, that throbbing pain that only the intense heat of the sun and starvation can trigger in me. After we arrived home, I grabbed my laptop, and attempted to work, but the pain was too much, I got up and took a pain killer (after I took some pictures of my husband teaching my kids how to paint – pictures will be posted soon!), and then I resumed work. Once in a while, I will lay my head on the pillow and close my eyes. I fell asleep for about 5 minutes, then got up and browsed my Facebook account. A cousin had a status about an earthquake in Japan, so I went to yahoo to check. It’s such a coincidence that I came across an article about ways to get rid of headaches. Some of the things mentioned, I was already aware of, but the thing that surprised me was that coffee has the ability to help eliminate headaches. That was something new. I knew coffee can trigger headaches (ever heard about caffeine headaches?); I didn’t know it can be used to relieve them. It has something to do with neurotransmitters and pressure. Anyway, coincidence or not, what I read helped me ease the pain I was feeling, particularly the cold compress application. I am now pain free and blogging about my experience, and my newfound knowledge.