BOHOL Birthday Trip

1st Contract Meeting

I am just so happy to do another year for Hong Kong, joining the new parade that it has to offer.

Watch out for Tinkerbell as she spreads magic all over HK Disney.

10 PLACES I MISS IN THE PHILIPPINES

1. SM Malls
2. Araneta Coliseum
3. Cafe Breton, Quezon City
4. UST
5. Santo Domingo Church
6. Parang, Bagac, Bataan
7. Tito Olan's Mansion
8. Robinson's Galleria
9. GREENBELT
10. Odiongan, Romblon

Modern Family

The series title says it all.

"Modern Family" is a well-written comedy series

that tackles real-life issues as it presents the complexities

of living in the modern era. Each of the families are

unique and special and being connected altogether,

they form the happiest and craziest family bunch....

PHOTOGRAPHY

For a long time, I have been admiring a lot of peoples' works, expressing their thoughts, passion and opinion with their own camera as the only tool. Their vision intrigues me that I eventually joined the world of PHOTOGRAPHY.... Here are some of my works though I started with portraits first...

Hong Kong Disneyland 5th year Anniversary!

It's been a prestige to me that I am a part of this wonderful family of HK Disneyland.

I would like to extend my respect and appreciation to the Opening Team.

My contribution to everyday happiness here had changed my life into

aiming for optimum wellness for people, most especially the kids.

More often than not, I find myself waking up in the morning

having a lot of questions and thoughts in my mind as to

how I would get thru another day of work.

In general, people have their own lives but come to one purpose,

that's what makes us all stand as one.

Here in Hong Kong, we aim to give out joy and laughter to

every guest that comes to visit. That's why, there's a lot to see

in this 5th year celebration. I wouldn't want to spoil the surprise now

so, get hold of what's coming up soon.

Personally, I have gained a lot friends here in Hong Kong.

And I've lost some too...

It's a fact that life here consists of people coming and going.

It was hard to get over the idea of saying goodbye at least every 6 months, (sometimes earlier)

but I managed to outgrow what we often hear in the end of a fairytale,

"AND THEY LIVED HAPPILY EVER AFTER".

But that's what makes friendships made here substantial that no matter

where they are, we still get to keep in touch.

Thanks to Facebook.

Besides, the team this past 5 years of HK Disney, I would like to thank

the fans-turned-friends for their undying support to us, rain or shine.

Each of you gives us strength that you don't have an idea on how you extend our lives

during the show. The moment we see you, we get thrived of giving out another breath

because you ignite in us the desire of bringing you enchantment in every show.

Because of you, we are alive everyday at work.

To HK Disney,

more power and more magic.

Coco and Nina

EURASIA

Thanks for coming!

Books I've been glued to this month....

This made me cry over thoughts about my sisters.

I read it for only 3 days. It was worth reading during a long day.

Finished it at the break room every 20 minutes of waiting.

Reading this is like watching a chick flick. Fair enough, I loved the last sentence.

"Love is the sum of our choices, the strength of our commitments

and the ties that bind us together..."

This book talks about my greatest fear...
"to lose everything".

It talks about Alzheimer's.
And I had to put it down a bit every other chapter
because it's quite heavy as time goes by.

(I had difficulty figuring out if the story teller of this book is a 1st or 3rd person.

Whoever can give me an idea, realization and/or proof, you're free to comment.)

One of the many first experiences...

A musical that was all about going tripping to Hong Kong.

The sights, the sounds, what makes it all special.

Featuring different mtr stations...

Airport Station, Disney MTR, Kowloon, Mong KOK, TST and Central.

It was indeed a great experience for me. It was my first time to do a full musical show. (I know, it took me awhile to immerse myself to the true cravings of my soul. Quite old but wouldn't want to give up.) Together with professional artists, we rehearsed for a month. The first two weeks felt like we were just playing but as it progressed, it made sense to me. It's totally different with what I used to do back with the Cosmogirls, my sing and dance group way back in the Philippines.

Of course like any musical, there are stressful moments along the way. People have gone sick in between rehearsals and show dates. However, that's the beauty of working with professionals. Their focus and our common purpose speaks more than anything else. Beyond work, having the time, dedication and passion for pushing myself to the limits had truly paid off. I gained a new refreshing experience, renewed bonds with workmates and made a new reputation.

To Hogan, the greatest supporter I got, I thank you for all the zestiest dinners you've prepared for me every after rehearsal at home. It's either you prepare food or wait for me to finish. I know you were patient with me and that I know you love me that's why you always stay for me. I stand tall because you see my efforts and you know who I am under stress. You love me at my best and at my worst. I truly am so greatful to be taken care by you.

To RM, I thank you for the huge break. Thanks for trusting and being patient. With all your efforts and talent, you have inspired more people to go for their passion without fear. You are the brain of this all and I would like to congratulate you for a job well done. You don't get paid doing this but you didn't mind. Keep it up!

To Kristian Lei, ate, you are my greatest believer. Thanks for teaching me and thank you for encouraging me to stand up for what I am good at. And most of all, thank you for making me understand the importance of humility and confidence. I will surely miss you if you go home to Hawaii. Everytime I would sing, I will remember you saying, "When you sing for the Lord, there's a different sound to what comes out from you." All my sincerest thanks to you. You made me sing your part. That was a huge responsibility. I belong to the bottom line of the food chain of professional singers but God is enough reason to be on top. And you've always pushed me there. You are my angel.

And to the rest that I've worked with in this great show, I thank you. My family, the genes speak! Should I say more? Ha! And to the rest of you who could read this, there's no need for drugs. Because where I am right now, just walking tall, being thankful of how God uses me is enough to feel so high....

FIFA World Cup 2010

Every 4 years, the FIFA World Cup happens and this year, 2010.... the opening was held in Johannesburg, South Africa. The country welcomed the new season with colors, jet plane exhibitions and fabulous intermission numbers. The performers danced around the calabash cooking pot which inspired the design of the Soccer City Stadium and there was also a number wherein the performers danced after a giant mock up of a beetle. Several Africans wooed their own team as the Mexicans were scheduled to play agains South Africa after the opening ceremony.

And this inspired a very wonderful night at a good friend's humble abode. Tumelo Tokgwi cooked curry chicken and curry potato salad, had set a huge Jack Daniel bottle beside the TV (ready for shots for each of us once South Africa comes up for a goal) and South African uniforms (jackets, jerseys and jogging pants) for us to wear for the entire game for showing support as we slumped together on the living room carpet of his apartment. Together with Londiwe Ngubeni, Nombuso Gcabashe and Beula Makhetha, the amazing South African singers made a statement by showing us how their culture goes when it comes to FIFA WOrld Cup! Lots of dancing, screaming and jumping just to invisibly help South Africa to get the ball in the goal! Hahahaha!!!!!

MALL WORLD

ONE LIFE TO LIVE

A challenging Monday had yet to come not 'til Evi, a friend of mine asked me what I learn in going to the Bible study. I was surprised with myself finding it difficult to answer. Not because I had learned none, but because what I've learned is so complex that I know it'd be hard for him to understand or maybe I was afraid that no matter what I answer him, it'd be just a big "BLAH!" since in the first place, he ain't into those stuff... or not just him as a matter of fact. Let's admit it, for almost every person, anything about God is such a bore.

So as I was on my way now to a rehearsal, I would like to contemplate on what I truly learned. There are so many things that I've learned that I find it hard to begin.

I guess it's best to start based on my first hand experiences with God. One thought that umbrellas my ideas goes like this... "God works in mysterious ways." Most of the time in my life, struggles were there. The only difference is, whether they were big or small. Nevertheless, they're still struggles.

There were times I felt worthless since my family didn't get the chance to show me they were proud of me. From finishing up school with good marks, graduating as a nurse, winning a lot of titles and awards, to landing a job overseas as a performer, I find it still not meeting their expectations of me. I struggle in living my life independently. "On my own"..... let me reiterate that. Even the things that I know a lot of single people are compelled to like living on their own with a satisfactory job (more promising and stable than the ones in the Philippines), is a matter of fact, hard and an understatement for me now that I'm actually living it. Sometimes, it gets too overwhelming that the least that you need is somebody who'd make you feel worse with their own accomplishments and achievements. More of than not, I'm surprised that I don't feel happy about myself even though I'm more than capable to survive.

With all these challenges, rejections, and pressure come the needs. And the most common wish that people would come up with is happiness, either thru contentment, success or simply, peace.
It's hard to attain all of these when you're alone.

Now, this is where my answer to Evi comes in. What I have learn so much of the Bible study are two things that most of us tend to neglect. HOPE AND FAITH. That everything happens for a reason, the the Almighty is using me to liven up His will, and that He never fails to give me an opportunity to choose the right attitude that goes with every situation. That no matter how hard life could be, there's always hope and you always have to keep the faith. Because if not for the truth in the words of God, I know I'll be the biggest screw-up ever. His question made me realize that my life ain't bad after all. I will continue to do my best at everything and maybe all of these things that I'm not satisfied with are just but temporary. In the long run, perhaps it'll serve me not to take anything for granted --- the friends that I've gained, growth that I've gone thru and the journey that I experienced. I wouldn't trade it for anything else.

UNITED STATES OF TARA

I wonder who amongst all of us share something

in common with TARA.

We often are different at every point in our lives.

We are different when we're with FRIENDS, WORKMATES,

FAMILY and most especially, nobody knows

how we are truly when we spend some alone time on our own.

This series just continuously intrigues me as far as knowledge and love

are concerned. Try to watch it and experience Tara's multiple personalities.

What triggers it, what caused it and what to do about it.

Now that's one hell of a challenge!

BRIDA

I understood the message of this book as something that

talked about experiencing the "hurt" first before learning to

appreciate the right thing for you.

Oftentimes, it gets blurred for us to see that we are actually in the moment where we are supposed to be in. Whether you admit it or not, you still have those times when you want something else above what has been given to you. You don't know though if it would do you any good or what. But FATE, so to speak, had been written out to us whichever choice we make. Life is the game plan. It means, we allow ourself to get wronged, to learn and to grow up "accordingly". Not all things may happen according to how we want them to happen but not knowing what could have been is the greatest thing for me. You only get to appreciate when you see the bigger picture. Like how I learned it from a friend of mine... "You will only have a good life once you stop asking for a better one."

MY LATEST CRAZE

I see people come and go with the kind of work I have. ENTERTAINMENT. People just go with the flow, jumping from one place to another, catching you unaware. It's hard to establish genuine FRIENDSHIPS. Nevertheless, there are still some that I consider worth remembering.

A good lady named Mollie Seigle thought of giving away a lot of stuff she didn't need after her contract. She gave me a laptop and a guitar since it was also passed on to her when she came here in Hong Kong to work. I was so astounded when she really just gave it to me. She thought it would be terrible if she's to get profit from things that were given to her as well so, she just decided to bless me with it. She sings very well so I promised her I'd play for her one day if we cross paths again. I was excited as well with the laptop since I own a VAIO which has a smaller screen than the TOSHIBA one which I decided to give to Hogan, still, I can finally see my favorite series on line in a wider screen and the Spanish guitar was in beaming BLACK.

Reality is, I've never played but I've always wanted to. The moment I got hold of the guitar which I got to share with Hogan, I went on line right away to impress him with my playing the moment he arrived from his vacation. (I got it while he was away.) And so, I started with "One of Us" by Joan Osborne, taught of "Fallen" - Alicia Keys & "Every Little Thing" - MYMP by Aaron Jan Mercado and learned to play a lot more through GuitarTutee.com. At first, you really would have painful calluses forming at the tips of your fingers. (In my case, that I'm right-handed, my left finger tips suffered big time.) When I came across Gavin, a Hawaiian grown man, he was sharing to me that when he was starting too, the marker of his keyboard for placement of fingers (so that you wouldn't have to look at the your keyboard all the time while typing)? He said, he couldn't feel those anymore. That's how numb his fingertips had become. That didn't stop me though ladies and gentlemen, my passion for Music just grew more when I hear myself playing. The authentic Spanish sounds the guitar had been producing had me so addicted that the pain ain't a biggie anymore.

My simple rule is, with this new hobby, I would like to play songs that I can sing. It's hard to go to the next one if I can't sing them. That makes me go slow but, worth it still. MUSIC - the one that touches my soul and makes my heart start beating "good". I can't deny that I like hearing different genres, I see to it that I don't stick on something in particular. That's difficult to do. However, I would like to give honor to ALICIA KEYS who always captures my heart with the way she writes her songs. She's just "REAL".

OFW's, please read!!!!

"Sa may asawa, kapatid, anak, kaibigan, at kamag-anak na OFW.
At lalo na sa mga gustong mangibang-bansa. ..
Nais ko rin ibahagi sa inyo, ang natanggap kong email na ito.
Maaaring makatulong ito upang lalong maintindihan ng bawa't isa ang tunay na ibig sabihin ng pagiging isang OFW. Tiyak na may mapupulot tayong aral dito."

Hindi mayaman ang OFW!

We have this notion na 'pag OFW o nasa abroad ay mayaman na. Hindi totoo yun. A regular OFW might earn from P20K-P30K per month depende sa lokasyon. Yung mga taga-Saudi or US siguro ay mas malaki ang sweldo, but to say that they're rich is a fallacy (amen!).
Malaki ang pangangailangan kaya karamihan ay nag-a-abroad. Maraming bunganga ang kailangang pakainin kaya umaalis ang mga pipol sa Philippines. Madalas, 3/4 o kalahati ng sweldo ay napupunta sa tuition ng anak at gastusin ng pamilya.





Mahirap maging OFW.

Kailangan magtipid hangga't kaya. Oo, masarap ang pagkain sa abroad pero madalas na paksiw o adobo at itlog lang tinitira para makaipon. Pagdating ng kinsenas o katapusan, ang unang tinitingnan eh ang conversion ng peso sa dollar o rial o euro. Mas okay na magtiis sa konti kaysa gutumin ang pamilya.

Kapag umuuwi, kailangan may baon kahit konti kasi maraming kamag-anak ang sumusundo sa airport o naghihintay sa probinsya. Alam mo naman 'pag Pinoy, yung tsismis na OFW ka eh surely attracts a lot of kin. Kapag hindi mo nabigyan ng pasalubong eh magtatampo na yun at sisiraan ka na.
Well, hindi naman lahat pero I'm sure sa mga OFW dito eh may mga pangyayaring ganun. Magtatrabaho ka sa bansang iba ang tingin sa mga Pinoy. Malamang marami ang naka-experience ng gulang o discrimination to their various workplaces. Sige lang, tiis lang, iniiyak na lang kasi kawawa naman pamilya 'pag umuwi.

Besides, wala ka naman talagang maasahang trabaho sa Philippines ngayon. Mahal ang bigas, ang gatas, ang sardinas, ang upa sa apartment. Tiis lang kahit maraming kupal sa trabaho, kahit may sakit at walang nag-aalaga, kahit hindi masarap ang tsibog, kahit pangit ang working conditions, kahit delikado, kahit mahirap. Kapag nakapadala ka na, okay na, tawag lang, "hello! kumusta na kayo?".

Hindi bato ang OFW

Tao rin ang OFW, hindi money o cash machine. Napapagod rin, nalulungkot (madalas), nagkakasakit, nag-iisip at nagugutom. Kailangan din ang suporta, kundi man physically, emotionally o spiritually man lang.

Tumatanda rin ang OFW

Sa mga nakausap at nakita ko, marami ang panot at kalbo na. Most of them have signs and symptoms of hypertension, coronary artery disease and arthritis. Yet, they continue to work thinking about the family they left behind.

Marami ang nasa abroad, 20-30 years na, pero wala pa ring ipon. Kahit anong pakahirap, sablay pa rin. Masakit pa kung olats rin ang sinusuportahang pamilya - ang anak adik o nabuntis; ang asawa may kinakasama na rin. Naalala ko tuloy ang sikat na kanta dati, "NAPAKASAKIT KUYA EDDIE!"

Bayani ang OFW

Totoo yun! Ngayon ko lang na na-realize na bayani ang OFW sa maraming bagay. Hindi bayani na tulad ni Nora Aunor o Flor Contemplacion. Bayani in the truest sense of the word. Hindi katulad ni Rizal o Bonifacio na kalayaan ang ipinaglaban. Mas higit pa dun, mas maraming giyera at gulo ang pinapasok ng OFW para lang mabuhay.

Mas maraming pulitika ang kailangang suungin para lang tumagal sa trabaho lalo na't kupal ang mga kasama sa trabaho. Mas mahaba ang pasensya kaysa sa mga ordinaryong kongresista o senador sa Philippines dahil sa takot na mawalan ng sweldo.

Matindi ang OFW

Matindi ang pinoy. Matindi pa sa daga, o cockroaches which survived the cataclysmic evolution.
Maraming sakripisyo pero walang makitang tangible solutions or consequences.

Malas ng OFW, swerte ng pulitiko

Hindi umuupo ang OFW para magbigay ng autograph o interbyuhin ng media (unless nakidnap!). Madalas nasa sidelines lang ang OFW. Kapag umaalis, malungkot and on the verge of tears.
Kapag dumadating, swerte 'pag may sundo( madalas meron).
Kapag naubos na ang ipon, wala ng kamag-anak. Sana sikat ang OFW para may boses sa Kamara.

Ang swerte ng mga politiko nakaupo sila at ginagastusan ng pera ng Filipino. Hindi nga sila naiinitan o napapaso ng langis, o napagagalitan ng amo, o kumakain ng paksiw para makatipid, o nakatira sa compound with conditions less than favorable, o nakikisama sa ibang lahi para mabuhay. Ang swerte, sobrang swerte nila.

Matatag ang OFW

Matatag ang OFW, mas matatag pa sa sundalo o kung ano pang grupo na alam nyo. Magaling sa reverse psychology, negotiations at counter-attacks.

Tatagal ba ang OFW?
Tatagal pa kasi hindi pa natin alam kailan magbabago ang Philippines , kailan nga kaya?
o may tsansa pa ba?

Masarap isipin na kasama mo ang pamilya mo araw-araw.
Nakikita mo mga anak mong lumalaki at naaalagaan ng maayos. Masarap kumain ng sitaw, ng bagoong, lechon, inihaw na isda, taba ng talangka. Masarap manood ng pelikulang Pinoy, luma man o bago. Iba pa rin ang pakiramdam kung kilala mo ang kapitbahay mo. Iba pa rin sa Philippines , iba pa rin kapag Pinoy ang kasama mo except ('pag kupal at utak-talangka) , iba pa rin 'pagnagkukwento ka at naiintindihan ng iba ang sinasabi mo. Iba pa rin ang tunog ng "mahal kita!", "day, ginahigugma tika." "Mingaw na ko nimo ba, kalagot!", " Inday, diin ka na subong haw? ganahan guid ko simo ba".

Iba pa rin talaga.
Sige lang, tiis lang, saan ba't darating din ang pag-asa.
Kung OFW ka at binabasa mo ito, mabuhay ka dahil ikaw ang tunay na BAYANI ng lahing PILIPINO!!!

source:
http://www.pinoytambaygroup.com/index.php/topic,88061.0.html
Visit pinoyUAE Reborn at: http://pinoyuae2009.ning.com/?xg_source=msg_mes_network

Magic of Shoes

SHOES
- the cherry on top of the ice cream
- the most sought after when you dress up
- the one thing that keeps you grounded
- my collection

When I was young, my mom had always found my sense of style in choosing shoes incomprehensible yet amzing. I've always put up comfort first than style. When I invest on shoes, I make it a point that I invest on the best ones. It doesn't necessarily mean I go for the most expensive ones. Labels are an understatement. It is a good basis for finding the right one. However, timing is a substantial factor to consider as well.

Time
- an essence...

You've got to pattern your shoe shopping to the events you're going to use them in respectively. Let's start with the my most need, a good running shoes and dancing shoes.

Being a dancer for almost 10 years now, it's always good to provide yourself with the most reliable pair. For jazz classes, CAPEZIO offers a very comfortable pair of goreboot. As they sell it on line, you'd find this escription of its offer: "Capezio's gore boot features an elastic gore inset on the sides glove-soft leat uper tha molds to your foot. The split rubber EVA sole patch and heel absorb shock and protects the joints allowing the dancer traction and full freedom of motion." Dance sneakerss' split ole bottom enhances your foot's arch. You can look up for SANSHA and CAPEZIO for i aswell. With tap shoes, I got mine from the same company, CAPEZIO but the one dancin pair you should be able to find at its finest are your ballroom shoes. It got to have style, comfort and funkiness all in one. A gold shimmering one never failed to make me bounce on a show or on any simple dne floor. It's always good to choose a color that matches most of your party dresses. The heels are supposed to be wide enough on the base so that your balance is well kept as you get tossed around and lifted up to snag that cutie's attention. When it's time to go for keeping your weight down and keeping yourself toned up, as you do track and field, running and just plainly playing a sport, MIZUNO, ADIDAS and NIKE are the best!

Time with heels? It could be dinner time, salsa time and date time.

If you know that you're going to sit most of the time, then it's safe to wear those expensive Manolo's. My NINE WEST and GUESS shoe pairs are not to be used in any of Lan Kwai Fong's up and down adventure. Having a car is beneficial but here in Hong Kong, it's all better to walk and gaze at what's around you. However, it's surrounded by a lot of up and away adventure, craziness here and there and a lot of bar hoppers that you yourself would get tempted to go with for the experience. So brace yourself with a lot of "oohs!" and "aahs!" as you go about it. My black Gladiator pair are the best one I've ever got and the one Mary Jane pair that guards my ankle enough as I strut the night away. Choose black as it goes with that freakum' dress you have on.

TIME ... translation = WEATHER!
UGG boots are the warmest pair I've ever got. One fluffy pair from Taiwan boosts up my self esteem. A black heeled boots are an essential as well. Cowboy ones... makes you edgy. White knee-high boots, I use itm ost of the time for dress-up/costume parties. It's a pair that shows "me" despite the role playing. At home, a cozy textile pair from H&M enables me to avoid numbness in my room.

Roman sandals for SUMMER gives nough "UMPH!" to a usual tank top and shorts. HAVAIANAS are flat but is made up of rubber suitable for any weight avoiding any knee injury. Though honestly speaking, whenever it's my first day to wear a newly bought pair, they give me blisters. I love the BRAZIL model. It's just so hot! Roman jellies are in. I would like to have a feel of that.

With the seasons in between SUMMER and WINTER, cage heels, typical peep toe pumps and spadrils, ankle boots, high cut rubber/sports shoes , rain boots, GLENBROOKS and utilitarian shoes are to be considered.

SUEDE, LEATHER, FURR, CANVAS, RUBBER and SANDALS, don't they just complete your whole vocabulary of shoes. In line with this are ways of taking care of them. Later on, I will feature ways of taking care your shoes. But for now, go and find the best pair you'd really want to invest on.

The most important TIME elemet you should consider is "AVOID BEING ON A HURRY" in looking for your match. Consider the occasions in the future, consider the color and consider the size. Even small difference in size can build you discomfort inside. You don't want to miss anything in a party, would you? Plus, choose the shoes when your feet are all swollen from a days work since that is ultimate size your feet could ever get into. After a days work when you've walked enough for blood to rush to your feet, making it a little bit loaded that from its size when you get up from bed, that' is its ultimate size.

Before leaving you with all these assignments, here are some reliable names to begin with. Check out the style and if you think there's a cheaper way to get them (not considering immitations of course - I strongly say "NO" to that!), then go on your own in getting it or having it made.
1. GUCCI
2. CHANEL
3. PRADA
4. Steve Madden
5. MANOLO
6. GUESS
7. HOGAN
8. CELINE
9. NINE WEST
10. UGG
11. SALVATORE FERRAGAMO
12. LOUBOUTIN
13. SERGIO ROSSI
14. D & G
15. CALVIN KLEIN
16. RALPH LAUREN
17. KENNETH COLE
18. RAMPAGE
19. CHINESE LAUNDRY
20. LADIES' MARKET, I.T., FOREVER 21, PARISIAN, any local style

Other posts that you might be interested to read:
1. SHOESHOPPING  =  http://kytedalino.blogspot.hk/2013/10/shoeshopping.html

Little Britain

Here you are folks! The latest craze

my boyfriend and I are into nowadays.

They're hilarious,

(you won't get it if you don't have common sense and sense of humor),

they're amazing and most of all,

they're unbelievable!!!!

Diabolo For Life

Hey y'all!!!! My friend just entered a contest in youtube called, Calljuggler.com Contest Edition.
Nicolas Pires, a French diabolo master had been traveling and sharing this talent since 2007 to 2010. It would really help out if you could watch by clicking on the title to see his tricks. You're free to comment to and you can help out by passing the information to friends and colleagues!

BEST PICTURES for 2009

A lot of people have recently gone obsessed with their cameras, photoshoots and MAC editing features. Due to this, I had a critical time choosing my best photos for 2009 because it's so hard to choose already. Photos have gone thru a certain depth in terms of quality and expression. However, here it is and I hope you'll take time relating to how I view them all. Sharing to me your comment would be of a help to understand them more. Please feel free. However, if you're going to criticize it, make sure you properly spelled your words. Thank you!

"JANUARY"

In the Philippines, they celebrate and welcome the new year

by jumping as high as they could so that you'd be taller.

Now that I'm mature enough to understand, I'd say I'd jump

for more heights in career, love and health.

Thus, I chose this picture for the month of January.

I will continue to dream,

I will continue to survive,

I will not stop learning to understand how life goes.

"FEBRUARY"

A photo by Chuen Yuen Chueng.

I always admire his works for this one

was really taken right on time.

Hogan Toomalatai, a fire-knife dancer,

has very fast moves that the only one with

the good eye could capture his amazing stunts.

Chuen also captures the moment using the raw light of the fire.

"MARCH"

Winter here in Hong Kong leaves all the people thirsty for the rays of the sun.

That's why, once it's out, (usually it starts every March), people

couldn't wait to go on boat trips such as this. This was taken by

Kitz Kwok, a budding artist/photographer who loves colors,

variety, passionate subjects and their fluidity.

"APRIL"

Gil owns a magic in mixing up technology with his shots.

He is able to make his works crisp and alive.

He took this when he went to Malaysia and I chose this because of

the irony that plays between the structured towers, and the softness

of the clouds. This could be expressed as the balance that we all need

in our lives. And the tiny bridge... I see it as the very thin line of our ability

to struggle and ability to sustain this balance.

"MAY"

Aaah!!!! The kids... always my favorite subject.

I call this picture "Go for it!"

RUGBY, a famous sport amongst Polynesian people.

This Samoan kid strives to go for the goal and don't we all want

to be as focused, determined and inspired as him.

Competition is everywhere. You've got to be able to win it everytime.

"JUNE"

This is the month of weddings.

Men - always expected to be the provider.

Women - is expected to respect and support her husband.

This is what the picture tells me.

My good friends Ria and Denny. Their bodies are magically relaxed,

intertwined and speaks of a language only them understands

but is universal all at the same time.

"JULY"
Nico Pires from France had a picture with
Filipino kids during his visit to the islands last year.

Kids' laughter is just the most genuine feedback you could ever get.
They're pure, innocent and TRUE.

This picture for me is priceless.

"AUGUST"
This is a work by Gil once again.
It's alive. It talks about somebody who is waiting,
or maybe thinking or is in despair.

He saw a very nice effect in his subject and
it could mean a lot because of the unfinished butt.
It just makes me curious of the mystery

behind it...

"SEPTEMBER"
Ms. Julie Alagde Carretas conveying her dedication
to her art and talent by gracing us with her muscles, all tight and formed.

Now performing in Cirque de Soleil, I feel lucky to have known her
and that anybody could achieve great heights once you're really
doing it for a greater purpose.

She always keeps me inspired.

"OCTOBER"
Gargoyles. An interpretation of the sculptor's needs.
If it is for security, to guard what he knows he possesses greatly
or if it is something that he can't release... another persona,
maybe something that he craved to be for a long time.
There are a lot of meanings that could go with it.

However, Edmond took a great picture of it and I'd say
it's a very interesting subject to consider because he made it
clear and concise though naturally, it is so morbid to look at
since it's the only element you see in the photo.

No effects were done, no editing, just as is.

"NOVEMBER"
This yoga guru, Wendell Frando who has a vast imagination
for art, appreciation and practice shares something for us to remember.
I want to feature this photo that speaks of his ability to
breathe despite the complexities of these poses.
Let's find our inner peace and we can also do it as easy as he does it.
"Learn to let go and appreciate the flow from your mind to your body
and you will get renewed."
I will miss you teacher. Love you.

"DECEMBER"
POKER chips and dice...
This photo, in the name of gambling was nicely done
for the reflection it creates.
"What you do in life echoes thru eternity."
Makes you realize that when you do gamble, most of the time,
you just get back what you've bet. It just is a matter of time
for it to happen....
or to lose 'em all! It's your choice.

Congratulations Aima and Egay!

1st Corinthians 13:4-7

COUVADE SYNDROME

Dads, have you ever noticed that you were gaining weight along with your partner's pregnancy? Do you find yourself feel queasy at certain times of the day?

Have you experienced appetite changes?

Then you may be experiencing Couvade Syndrome.

Couvade comes from the french word couvee meaning "to hatch".

It has come to mean a man having a "sympathetic pregnancy."

Yes, ladies, this means that your partner could start to vomit, gain weight, and have many of the "joys" associated with pregnancy.
Generally, couvade syndrome begins in the end of the first trimester and increases in severity until the third trimester.

The only known cure for couvade is -- birth.

Some people have doubted the reality of couvade syndrome.

These doubters say that the weight gain that the father may experience is caused by

the eating habits of the mother, nerves, or other changes that pregnancy makes in one's life.

The vomiting? Of course, that is blamed on nerves, too.

What do the dads have to say about this?

They don't know what to think about vomiting, weight gain, and changes in sexual appetite.

How can you tell everyone at work that you need to lie down because you have morning sickness?!? And, of course, they would stop vomiting if they could.
This is something that has been researched and found to be quite real. Some men are more susceptible to couvade than others.

For instance if you and your partner have experienced infertility or if you were adopted,

you could be more likely to experience couvade syndrome.
So, guys, know that you are not alone, and that you have the medical community backing you up.

Eat some crackers, get out of bed slowly, drink some ginger tea and

try to get a bit of rest and know that birth is right around the corner.
And don't shove her out of the way of the toilet!

Happy Year of the Tiger

In 2010 year of the white Tiger natives of the zodiac sign Scorpio will be busy making money. This 2010 year you may await additional material values, extra money and new ways to earn it. The income will be on its maximum rise from February to November. But Saturn does not favor Scorpios-businessmen - the more they earn, the more they risk losing. Scorpios, who belong to artistic professions such as writers, artists, and musicians, in conformity with horoscope for the 2010 year of the white metal Tiger, will be luckier this 2010 year. In the middle of the Tigers year planet Saturn in Scorpios 2010 horoscope promises bright success to those born under your zodiac sign. Don't underestimate the communication with your relatives, this 2010 year they may render considerable help, especially in the beginning and middle of 2010 year of Tiger. It will be better to avoid fortune-tellers, healers, sorcerers and different sects during the 2010 year; otherwise Scorpios may easily fall under their influence and make several irretrievable mistakes. In 2010 year of the metal Tiger the Scorpios career is marked by a slow yet constant decline. You will devote a lot of time to obtaining an additional education, making business trips. Many routine affairs will come out. This year of the Tiger in Scorpios 2010 horoscope May and June are the only favorable months for your career. In this time you will strike a bargain, which will bring excellent results in early 2011. In autumn 2010 you should be more cautious with money. And mind your promises! December 2010 will bring you affairs connected with ideology, religion, different cultures, and foreign languages. You will establish contacts with foreigners. Your outstanding and emotional private life in 2010 year of the Tiger will make up for all the difficulties in your business! Spring and summer 2010 will be packed with bright impressions and new romantic acquaintances. In your horoscope 2010 Venus and Mercury will patron easy relationships - just what single tired Scorpios needed. Married or attached Scorpios throughout 2010 year of the Tiger will enjoy the warmth of family hearth.

Worldwide Mr. Gay Oslo 2010

Please do vote for Hong Kong representative:

RICK DEAN TWOMBLEY

before February 13 with this description

of this Philanthropic organization in mind...

"The primary purpose of Worldwide Mr. Gay (WMG) is to identify leaders who will take responsibility of being a spokesperson not only in his own community but on a global stage speaking out for equal and human rights. WMG is a positive role model and will work on humanizing being gay in the media both queer and mainstream."

Go, go, go Rick!!!!!!!

We're all proud of you!

What gadgets are to look at this 2010 and some people's opinion about it that's worth knowing before purchasing it...

Every January, a combination of rolled-over digits on the calendar year and the massive Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas get techie brains spinning about what’s to come in the months ahead. In 2008, smartphones were the talk of the town. In 2009, ultra-thin TVs with LED backlighting stole the show. This time around for technology enthusiasts, it’s, well, any number of hot up and coming trends. From the much-talked-about 3D TV to long-awaited rise of the streaming media box, here are the trends that many believe will define 2010, along with a healthy dose of reality that could cut many of them down to size.

4G WiMax
What it is: Broadband on the go. Fourth-generation cell phone technology (hence the 4G) will allow your phone and other devices to move data at many times existing 3G speeds. Right now, only a handful of cities in the United States offer 4G service, mostly through Clear and Sprint. But the market will continue to expand as consumer appetites for data increase; Sprint claims it will blanket more than 120 million people with WiMax coverage by the end of 2010.

Our take: We got up close and personal with WiMax technology when Clear launched service here in Portland, and the speeds are promising. But right now, it’s only really useful for computers: both companies currently sell USB modems, routers, and mobile hotspots that turn 4G signal into Wi-Fi for surrounding PCs to use. That means an additional bill on top of your cell’s phone existing data plan. Ouch. We think 4G will really take off when cell phones – which consume the majority of data bandwidth on cell networks – start to make use of it.

3D Television
What it is: Television that leaps out of the screen. Using extremely high refresh rates and active shutter glasses that strategically block off each eye over 100 times a second, 3D televisions create the illusion of depth within a TV. At this year’s Consumer Electronics show, all the major TV manufacturers, including Panasonic, Sony, Samsung, LG and Toshiba all announced televisions that will handle 3D content when they launch later this year.

Our take: Gimmick or not, you’re eventually going to buy it. Since most manufacturers have incorporated 3D technology into their flagship sets, even consumers who just want the very best 2D image quality will end up buying sets that also happen to do 3D. And if you just dropped $3,000 on a TV, we’re betting you’ll begrudgingly lay down another $300 for a Blu-ray player that will let you watch Avatar’s half-naked Na’vi running around in 3D. Since all these technologies eventually migrate down to cheaper sets, eventually even midrange buyers won’t have much of a choice at the retailer.

eReaders and eBook Players
What they are: Digital books. Using e-Ink technology, e-readers are able to create a crisp, paper-like image that strains the eyes less than a computer monitor and doesn’t require electricity to retain, giving the devices extremely long battery life. Since many of them come with built-in 3G modems and lifetime service, owners can download books from online stores like Amazon and Barnes & Noble from virtually anywhere. The incredibly small size of e-books gives even a modest e-reader the ability to hold over a thousand titles.

Our take: It looks like 2010 will bring a slate of larger, more capable e-readers, but nobody has tackled the biggest factor holding back adoption yet: cost. Even the cheapest e-readers cost over $200, and some of the best we saw at CES, like Plastic Logic’s Que, will cost $800. Even worse, none of the major e-book stores offer much of a price incentive to purchase digital copies, despite the drastically reduced distribution cost and consumer restrictions (like the inability to loan or sell them).

Netbooks
What they are: Cheap, tiny notebook computers. Despite using inexpensive Atom processors, minimal RAM, integrated graphics and tiny hard drives, they can typically run Windows 7, making them great portable computers for e-mail, Web surfing, and word processing. However, the line between what counts as a netbook and what isn’t continues to get blurrier. Many in the latest generation have grown to use 12-inch screens and even include discrete Nvidia Ion graphics, putting them more on par with real notebooks.

Our take: In a market still starving for jobs and cash flow, inexpensive netbooks should remain white hot in 2010, especially considering how many new options have arrived since the very first models. Intel introduced its new Pinetrail Atom processor for CES 2010, and AMD’s Neo processor has also started to make an appearance in some models. Nvidia’s Ion, which first appeared in 2009, should also start cropping up in a lot more places. When it comes to build quality, manufacturers have also started to outgrow their cheap roots of netbooks with high-quality models like HP’s Mini 5102 and Lenovo’s X100e. Sales have already proven this technology has legs, now we just get to see it mature.

Tablet PCs
What they are: Portable, slate-like PCs with touchscreens. Like a lot of technologies picking up steam in 2010, they’ve been kicking around for years, but recent innovations have just started to make them more practical and affordable. Specifically, the launch of Windows 7 in October 2009 brought a host of native touch capabilities that made it easier for developers to design and build tablet PCs.

Our take: Some of the first Windows 7 tablets, like the Archos 9, have proven novel. But if manufacturers hope to bring their tablets out of the sideshow and into the main ring, they’ll have to focus more on software that makes the tablet form factor more interesting and useful. Perhaps that’s why much of the current buzz on tablet PCs focuses on Apple’s yet-to-be-announced tablet. IPAD is it? Fantastic! You can get it for only 7k with all these irresistable features! Whew! Given the company's reputation for clever software, it might be one of the first devices to more fully exploit the tablet form factor by doing more than merely dumping a standard desktop on a touchscreen.

Streaming Media Devices and Extenders
What they are: The 21st century replacement for your cable box, DVD player, and CD player. Streaming media set-top boxes like Netgear’s EVA8000 or D-Link’s new Boxee Box play video, music and photos from around your home network, but also reach out onto the Web to services like YouTube, Hulu and Netflix for content that streams instantly to your TV, from the latest episodes of The Office to Black Hawk Down.

Our take: Having snipped our own cable connection in favor of Internet content, we’re clearly convinced of a future here. But manufacturers have flirted with the premise of downloadable and streaming content in the living room for years, so what will be different in 2010? It seems to us that set-top boxes are finally reaching the ease of use and breadth of content they’ve been missing for years. For instance, the Boxee Box makes it a breeze to tap into everything from Hulu to Netflix and Last.fm, and even adds social features that make it possible to see what your friends are watching and recommend your own favorites. Watch out, Apple TV.

MARRIAGE

When I got home that night as my wife served dinner, I held her hand and said, I've got something to tell you. She sat down and ate quietly. Again I observed the hurt in her eyes.Suddenly I didn't know how to open my mouth. But I had to let her know what I was thinking. I want a divorce.. I raised the topic calmly.She didn't seem to be annoyed by my words, instead she asked me softly, why?I avoided her question. This made her angry. She threw away the chopsticks and shouted at me, you are not a man! That night, we didn't talk to each other. She was weeping. I knew she wanted to find out what had happened to our marriage. But I could hardly give her a satisfactory answer; she had lost my heart to Dew. I didn't love her anymore. I just pitied her!

With a deep sense of guilt, I drafted a divorce agreement which stated that she could own our house, our car, and 30% stake of my company.She glanced at it and then tore it into pieces. The woman who had spent ten years of her life with me had become a stranger. I felt sorry for her wasted time, resources and energy but I could not take back what I had said for I loved Dew so dearly. Finally she cried loudly in front of me, which was what I had expected to see. To me her cry was actually a kind of release. The idea of divorce which had obsessed me for several weeks seemed to be firmer and clearer now.

The next day, I came back home very late and found her writing something at the table. I didn't have supper but went straight to sleep and fell asleep very fast because I was tired after an eventful day with Dew.When I woke up, she was still there at the table writing. I just did not care so I turned over and was asleep again.In the morning she presented her divorce conditions: she didn't want anything from me, but needed a month's notice before the divorce.She requested that in that one month we both struggle to live as normal a life as possible. Her reasons were simple: our son had his exams in a month's time and she didn't want to disrupt him with our broken marriage.This was agreeable to me. But she had something more, she asked me to recall how I had carried her into out bridal room on our wedding day.She requested that everyday for the month's duration I carry her out of our bedroom to the front door ever morning.. I thought she was going crazy. Just to make our last days together bearable I accepted her odd request.I told Dew about my wife's divorce conditions.. . She laughed loudly and thought it was absurd. No matter what tricks she applies, she has to face the divorce, she said scornfully..

My wife and I hadn't had any body contact since my divorce intention was explicitly expressed. So when I carried her out on the first day, we both appeared clumsy. Our son clapped behind us, daddy is holding mummy in his arms. His words brought me a sense of pain. From the bedroom to the sitting room, then to the door, I walked over ten meters with her in my arms. She closed her eyes and said softly; don't tell our son about the divorce. I nodded, feeling somewhat upset. I put her down outside the door. She went to wait for the bus to work. I drove alone to the office.

On the second day, both of us acted much more easily. She leaned on my chest. I could smell the fragrance of her blouse. I realized that I hadn't looked at this woman carefully for a long time.. I realized she was not young any more. There were fine wrinkles on her face, her hair was graying! Our marriage had taken its toll on her. For a minute I wondered what I had done to her.

On the fourth day, when I lifted her up, I felt a sense of intimacy returning. This was the woman who had given ten years of her life to me.On the fifth and sixth day, I realized that our sense of intimacy was growing again. I didn't tell Dew about this. It became easier to carry her as the month slipped by. Perhaps the everyday workout made me stronger.

She was choosing what to wear one morning. She tried on quite a few dresses but could not find a suitable one. Then she sighed, all my dresses have grown bigger. I suddenly realized that she had grown so thin, that was the reason why I could carry her more easily.Suddenly it hit me... she had buried so much pain and bitterness in her heart. Subconsciously I reached out and touched her head.Our son came in at the moment and said, Dad, it's time to carry mum out. To him, seeing his father carrying his mother out had become an essential part of his life. My wife gestured to our son to come closer and hugged him tightly. I turned my face away because I was afraid I might change my mind at this last minute. I then held her in my arms, walking from the bedroom, through the sitting room, to the hallway. Her hand surrounded my neck softly and naturally. I held her body tightly; it was just like our wedding day.

But her much lighter weight made me sad. On the last day, when I held her in my arms I could hardly move a step. Our son had gone to school. I held her tightly and said, I hadn't noticed that our life lacked intimacy.

I drove to office.... jumped out of the car swiftly without locking the door. I was afraid any delay would make me change my mind...I walked upstairs. Dew opened the door and I said to her, Sorry, Dew, I do not want the divorce anymore.She looked at me, astonished, and then touched my forehead.. Do you have a fever? She said. I moved her hand off my head. Sorry, Dew, I said, I won't divorce. My marriage life was boring probably because she and I didn't value the details of our lives, not because we didn't love each other any more. Now I realize that since I carried her into my home on our wedding day I am supposed to hold her until death do us apart.Dew seemed to suddenly wake up. She gave me a loud slap and then slammed the door and burst into tears. I walked downstairs and drove away.At the floral shop on the way, I ordered a bouquet of flowers for my wife. The salesgirl asked me what to write on the card. I smiled and wrote, I'll carry you out every morning until death do us apart.

That evening I arrived home, flowers in my hands, a smile on my face, I run up stairs, only to find my wife in the bed - dead.The small details of your lives are what really matter in a relationship. It is not the mansion, the car, property, the money in the bank. These create an environment conducive for happiness but cannot give happiness in themselves. So find time to be your spouse's friend and do those little things for each other that build intimacy. Do have a real happy marriage!

Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up..

A CHRIST-CENTERED MARRIAGE IS

A MARRIAGE THAT IS SURE TO LAST A LIFETIME.

"Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh.

What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder."

Matthew 19:6

THIS IS A REPOST AND IS NOT MY PERSONAL WORK.

Yet, I choose to share it.