Back Again!

Sorry for the long absence. We've been quite busy since we got back from Japan. We are finally moving out from our apartment and been packing for 3 weeks. I'm sooooooooo tired! Hopefully we'll finish everything (organizing and stuffs...) before my birthday.


Ok that's it for now. I'm off to bed. Gute Nacht!


Image: Unknown source

Off to Japan!

We are off to Japan tomorrow and hopefully, I'll be able to continue blogging once there. I will try to catch up on my posts and upload some photos from the trip.


Until then...

Packing for Japan

It's packing time! Although I've made a packing list 6 months ago (yeah i know, I'm one of those people...) I still can't find the time to finish everything. I can't decide which things should go in the luggage, which one is much more important, which things we really need...


If only I could fit all of our things in one luggage...


Anyway, I managed to convince my hubby to leave some of his electronic gadgets at home. I mean we're going to Japan right? There he can practically get everything.

Now that means more space for my shoes and clothes hehehe...



Images: Unknown source

Going Away

My hubby and I will go on our yearly summer trip to Japan. He's doing research there every summer and of course as his wife, I always come along. So it's work for him and vacation for me (YEY lucky! hehehe...). We will be away for 2 months. I hope I can still update my Blog while we're there.



Image: Unknown source

My Family in Germany

My family visited me and my hubby 2 weeks ago and of course I was so excited seeing my mother, my sister and my cutest nephew again. Too bad they weren't able to stay here longer because they're still going to visit my other sister who lives in London.

At home with my mother, my sister and my nephew

It was quite short but i truly enjoyed their visit. I hope that they'll come back soon again.

The Michael Jackson Memorial

Just wanna share some photos and video from the Michael Jackson Memorial at the Staples Center in LA.

Paris Katherine Jackson: "I just wanted to say... ever since I was born, daddy has been the best father you could ever imagine, and I just wanted to say... I love him... so much."

Gone Too Soon by Usher

Harry Potter Star Recovering From Swine Flu

Oh poor Rupert Grint. I hope he's doing ok...


US Magazine - Harry Potter actor Rupert Grint has contracted swine flu, but is expected to be well enough to attend the London premiere of the new Potter installment on Tuesday, his publicist confirms. Grint 20, who stars in the franchise as kid wizard Ron Weasley, called in sick to the set of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - currently filming in London set for a 2010 release - but has since recovered. "It has just been confirmed that Rupert Grint has taken a few days out of filming due to a mild bout of swine flu," his publicist said in a statement Saturday.


"He has now recovered and is looking forward to joining his fellow cast members at the junket and premiere this week and will then return to filming directly afterwards," she reports, adding that filming was able to continue as scheduled in Grint's absence.


Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince opens in theaters in July.



Via OMG Yahoo

It's That Time of the Year

Yes folks, it only happens once a year: SUMMER SALE!


So what to do?...


YEY!!! Time to hit the streets shopaholics! But be sure not to shop-till-you-drop sondern (how do you say that in english?) buy things that you ONLY need. Just because it's cheap, doesn't mean you have to buy it right? So goodluck and enjoy!

The Real Man on the Mirror

A touching story about the King of Pop. I read this article from Chuvaness. It's about Manila Hotel's former PR Officer Gwen Carino's close encounter with hotel guest Michael Jackson in December 1996.


MANILA, Philippines - When I was a PR officer at Manila Hotel, I was assigned to head the annual Orphan's Christmas Party where 300 children from different orphanages around Metro Manila were treated to a day of fun and suprises. It was one of the biggest projects on my plate and it was such a challenge to focus on work the day before the big event, knowing Michael Jackson was billeted in the hotel.

Two nights before, I had been fortunate to be part of his welcoming line at the hotel lobby together with the rest of the PR and sales staff but was content enough to see him walk by.

The day before, a guy claiming to be Michael Jackson's aide from Mamarao Productions came to the office. I couldn't recall his name but he looked for the "Person in charge" and said his boss had read the announcement about the event in the Dear Guest flyers we had circulated to all the rooms a week before. Michael wanted to know how he could help. His aide went up to the Penthouse and down to the PR office several times after we gave our suggestions.

Michael offered to fill up the 300 loot bags with goodies and toys, candies and chocolates. But after getting close to 50 sponsors, it was actually a problem for us to dispose of everything. So I thought hard... how can the King of Pop meaningfully join the affair? I couldn't possibly have him be with the kids in the palayok game or the pabitin as he might end up being mobbed! And since the annual event was really all about giving, I mustered all my courage and told the Mamarao guy that the best thing I could think of was for Michael to literally be present to help distribute the loot bags, sign autographs and pose with the children for photos. "Wow, that may not be easy. You're talking about handling goodie bags to 300 children and I can just imagine the chaos. We'll see, Ms. Jacinto. I'll get back to you." he said.

Lunch break came and it was the most hurried one I ever took in my entire life. It wasn't until after 5 p.m that Michael's aide came back and said, "Michael is more than happy to do whatever you suggest. How do we go about it tomorrow?"... I wanted to scream. I had to calm myself and regain composure as the Lizzie Maguire in me said, "Get real, get back into focus."

We agreed that Michael would join after the games, musical program and snacks, and at the last part to give out the loot bags. My colleague Annette Africano and boss Dulce Agnir requested for additional security around the gardena and the stage area as this was where we decided to distribute the gifts. We made sure the children would form an orderly line.

Then the moment arrived. It was at the Champagne Gardens on Dec. 7, 1996. I was suprised to see him walking towards us, guided by his aide. Michael came up to me as I had to brief him.

"Hi, how are you? Thanks so much for letting me in, I know I'm early coz I didn't want to miss the program." I said, "Are you kidding? Thanks so much for volunteering! Here's what Michael, why don't you just sit here and watch the musical numbers before we get into the gift giving. I will have to tweak the program a bit." He replied, "Sure, anything you say... (pausing to look at my name tag) Gwen!" I was stunned at how incredibly sweet and modest he was. And in my mind it was, "Oh my God, this is really happening!"

Amazing how he patiently sat through the whole program. Carol Banawa, then an Ang TV mainstay couldn't believe MJ was watching her perform. She had her red blouse signed by him right after her number. Then followed Stefano Mori's dance number. Later, his back up dancers came up on stage followed by select kids from different orphanages who danced to the beat of Billie Jean. Oh, the smile on Michael's face was just amazing.


Then we announced that Michael will be distributing gifts onstage. I explained that there's a loot bag for the younger kids and another for the older ones and he nodded. The thrill and excitement he gave those children was incredibly touching. It was in between the gift bag distribution that I caught a glimpse of MJ, not as a performer but as a person.

It was one in the afternoon. Santa Claus (David Endriga, a friend of fellow PR officer Francis Capistrano) was with us. The heat was scourging and I was worried that Michael felt so hot with his black long-sleeved signature attire and hat.

"Are you alright Michael? We can let you take a break," I asked. He said, "I'm cool Gwen. Just imagine how Santa feels inside his velvet suit and beard. We'll be fine." I never heard him complain or say a word about how hot it was or how long the line was. He had the most beautiful manners. he didn't even ask for a drink or a towel to wipe his sweat but one of our banquet staff made sure he got a glass of fresh orange juice.

An hour passed and we were halfway through gift-giving when we noticed that the garden was getting filed up. Suddenly, there were people from media, politicians, officials and hotel guests including thise in a wedding reception at the nearby Champagne Room who deserted the newly-weds just to get a glimpse of the King of Pop.

"Oh oh, this isn't supposed to be, I'm so sorry." I said. "It's alright we'll get through it." Michael said smiling. As we finished giving out the last loot bag to an 11 year old orphan, a new line of more kids and adults formed. Michael's bodyguard, Wayne said, "We can leave now."

Michael replied camly, "We can't leave when there are still people in line. It's Christmas, dude." I felt my heart beat faster and the hair on my arms and the back of my neck stood up. He wasn't just the most electrifying performer, but the most generous person.

One of the most memorable moments was when a lady came up to him for an autograph. Laughing and holding his tummy, he said "Hey Gwen, you've gotta check this out." He whispered, "It's a blank check.The lady is making me sign on a blank check." We laughed and little did we know that it wasn't even half of the comedy.

He later showed me and Wayne other stuff people would use or pick up on the ground when they couldn't find paper for him to sign on. One lady made him sign at the back of her elegant, designer Filipiniana gown. One teenage came up to him holding a dead leaf and another one, a popped balloon. Imagine how our laughter ballooned as well.

It was amazing, genuine experience. At one point he asked if I was going to catch his History concert and I said "tomorrow night," "Oh, you'll have a blast!", Michael told me.

At this point he became concerned about the stage as adults outnumbered the kids. His face had nervousness written all over it but he still didn't complain. He tapped the wooden floor with his foot several time making sure it was sturdy enough not to fall apart. "I've experience the stage collapse and I just want to make sure we're all safe here," he explained.

Half of me wanted to line to finish because we were literally melting and worried about our safety, but half of me didn't, knowing that once the line ended, Michael will leave. At some point it did end. I manage to get an autograph for my sisters and me before our general manager, Clem Pablo, requested him to sing Give Love on Christmas Day.

Cesar Sarino, one of the hotel's officials, addressed his thank you note to the King of Pop. Then I saw his guards and aides whisking Michael off stage. I said in my mind, "Oh man, I didn't even have the chance to say goodbye." Suddenly, I saw Michael return on stage and say, "Thanks so much to you and your team, Gwen. This really means a lot." Then he held me beside him and said, "I'll see you at the concert."

As Michael Jackson is laid to rest and returned to pristine condition in the afterlife, there two incredible acts of the King of Pop - volunteering for charity and unselfishly spending time with the less fortunate, will forever be the was I will remember this man.


Via: Philippine Star

More Than Just A Pretty Face

Do you know who is the girl in the picture?

Well here's a clue: Winnie Cooper.

If you still don't get it, you are probably still in your late teens or early twenties because for the quarter-lifers and above, "The Wonder Years" was our version of Gossip Girl.

Danica Mckellar played Kevin Arnold's girlfriend, Winnie Cooper in "The Wonder Years" and has since then racked up pretty impressive acting resume throughout the years. But more than her acting prowess, what's truly remarkable about this girl is that she published a book called "Math Doesn't Suck" which is aimed to help girls get over their math phobia.

Danica is an internationally-recognized mathematician and advocate for math education. A summa cum laude graduate of UCLA with a degree in Mathematics. She has been honored in Britain's esteemed Journal of Physics and the New York Times for her work in Mathematics, most notably for her role as co-author of a ground-breaking mathematical physics theorem which bears her name: The Chayes-McKellar-Winn Theorem.

Where was this book when I was struggling with mathematics back in highschool? I had severe math issues back then and planned my future profession around a life with as little math as possible. Maybe if that book had been around before I was in high school, I would probably be a math genius right now. Yeah right... *rolls eyeballs*

It's always great to see celebrities using their popularity for a good cause. Danica's aim to help girls feel confident with their math skills is very admirable.

Remember girls, being smart is sexy!


Image: Unknown source

New Look!

I've been doin some Blog surfing for a couple of days now and i've noticed that mine look a bit out of date. So I thought of spicing my Blog up to make it look more interesting and eye-catching. What do you think?...


Love it or hate it?...

Dear Doctor

Poor girl...


Hope you all had a nice weekend!

The King of Pop is dead

I grew up listening to Madonna and Michael Jackson's music. I still remember the time when my parents bought my older sister a cassette tape of Michael Jackson's Bad Album. My sister played it almost everyday and we danced to the tune of the song.

Then all of a sudden, in a blink of an eye, Micheal Jackson is dead. This news is so unreal to me. Is he really gone? or is it just a joke? ... It's like the world stood suddenly still.


For me, Michael Jackson will always remain one of the greatest entertainers that ever lived. His music will be remembered forever.

Goodbye Michael. May you rest in peace.


Image: Unknown source

Rollasole: Cheap Trendy Flats

I found this "fashionably" great article on my sister's blog:

Have you ever taken your stilletos off and walked barefoot after a party? A pair of ballet flats is what every clubber needs after a night of partying hard. But how can you fit a pair inside your bag? Well worry no more, because Rollasole is here to save your soles.

Matt Horan, founder of Rollasole says, "After getting tired of giving my girlfriend a piggybank home every Saturday night, I had a 'Eureka!' moment."

Rollasole is a vending machine which dispenses ultra light and fashionable flats. Their machines can now be found outside nightclubs all over the U.K.


Rollasole comes in 3 sizes (S,M,L) and 3 colors: Back to Black, Gold Digger and Silver Lining.


It's a steal at 5 pounds every pair is rolled up in a cute box and includes a matching bag.


This is how you do it:


Voila! Instant shoe!

Enjoy your comfy and fashionable Rollasole!


Images: via Rollasole

Rainy Sunday

"And when it rains on your parade, look up rather than down. Without rain, there would be no rainbow." - Gilbert K. Chesterton

Image: Unknown source

Lebenskunstmarkt in Remagen

Today it was Lebenskunstmarkt in Remagen *"Life's Art" in english*. Remagen is a small village across the river from our apartment. Since my hubby and I are in a "flea market mood", we decided to go over and take a look.

In order to go to Remagen, we used the ferry. This ferry goes over the river between Erpel and Remagen. The ride costed only 50 cents *one way*. Very cheap.

There were only a few people, when we got there. My hubby was very pleased because he doesn't really like crowds. So we were able to take our time and get a good look of the goods on the market.

still half-full...

a painter

a do-it-yourself t-shirt stand


shabby chic knick-knacks


colorful blouses, hats and berets

fresh herbs and plants

artistic things

a basket weaver

What's a german fest without the infamous Wurst stand? *sausage*


Although the weather was bad *it rained a lot*, the mood was still festive. They invited some musicians from France. I love the way they played the accordion and saxophone. Reminds me of Paris in summer. Thankfully there was no mime. *I hate mimes, they're so annoying, gusto ko silang patayin hahaha!*

Not too far from the main center, I saw this cute house, adorned with colorful metal birds. I don't know whether the owner made the birds himself or whether he's just showing off his "artistic side".

And this is me, going thru a bunch of hand-painted cards. *or how do you call it?*

Here's what I've got: 3 beautifully hand-painted cards.


The old lady who did it was so nice that I wanted to buy more. But then hubby asked me, "what are you going to do with it?"... I said, "Instead of using it as a card, i'm going to frame it and display it at home". Hubby again, "you can't do that, we have so many pictures hanging on the wall already". Then I thought ok ok, just 3 and then we left.

On the way back to the ferry, my hubby and I went by to our favorite turkish restaurant. We thought we could have some take-outs so that I don't have to cook at home anymore *great idea! hehehe...* Like always we bought our favorite turkish food "Kisartma" - a turkish version of Macaroni salad. And then 2 slices of spinach cake. What?! Spinach cake?! Yes you've read it right. Spinach cake. It's so healthy and delicious, I could eat it everyday. *wag naman*

Kizartma *dunno the english translation sorry*

Spinach cake *yummy!*

As soon as we got home, I made tea and served the cake. Nothing beats a bad weather than a delicious cake, right?...

Hope you all had a nice day!