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I’ve been in hibernation for so long I could not remember how to write again. My schedule in my work plus other work-related things have prevented me to update this blog. However, I could not let the chance just pass by without saying anything about this wonderful event. Well, we are proud to say that we passed the mark of 36 months of being together last May 9 and we celebrated this special day out of town on a well-kept beach resort, named Coco Beach in Puerto Galera.

To start off the story on how we spent that weekend, I somehow managed to hide my plans from her because she haven’t gone yet to Puerto Galera and I wanted to surprise her. I checked their website and I got a good deal on our accommodation and got a room on top of the hill overlooking the ocean and the sunset view is strikingly beautiful. I particularly chose this area to see it first hand and we are not disappointed. The room is detached and we got the feeling of isolation and privacy. The room is clean and spacious enough for two even if there is no air-conditioning. The feeling is really soothing. This is what we are looking for…a place to relax and recharge and look back on how we started.

What I really liked in this is it is isolated from the rest of the other resorts. The beachfront is short but still the sand is fine and powdery white. The entire resort is well planned and the overall design of the resort is fantastic. The staffs are accommodating and it has several restaurants to choose from. It also has a wide range of menu and different activities to do. We like the pools very much and spend most of the time taking pictures of ourselves there much more than in the beach itself.

The only downside is our dinner. I forgot to reserve the dinner by the beach or on the revolving restaurant. Yes, you see it right! There is a revolving restaurant where the entire floor area of the round restaurant tower revolves slowly to give the guests a 360 view of the resort. We are at awe on how this was done. We only managed to dine in the main restaurant. They are understaffed at that time and it is frustrating to see that the waiters are prioritizing the foreigners instead of native guests. Well, it is really sickening in this country to see your fellowmen discriminating instead of the other way around. Fortunately, it is only on that evening and overall we were served well.

The next day, we took the complimentary breakfast buffet, which is really filling and then toured the entire resort. After that, we board on the free boat ride to a different beach and haggle with the boatman to take us to an underwater cave, which astonish us and then went to a mangrove location wherein there are lots of fishes and went snorkeling. Joanne hesitated because she doesn’t know how to swim and was very anxious, but thank God, she agreed to swim as long as I assisted her. The underwater view was fantastic and nothing can beat the environment here!

If only we have more time, I would spend more days in this wonderful resort. It is really invigorating and spending a special occasion with your special someone is truly a blessing.

I know I’ve been talking more about the resort instead of us and looked like more of an endorser of the resort but what I wanted to let everyone know how wonderful we spent that day wherein we saved beautiful photographs enjoying ourselves. I just wanted to spend quality time and be isolated from the rest of our known worlds and just be carefree for once and focus on her and on our relationship.

It is a really great feeling to know that we managed to stay happily in love in spite of what we went through. Several times that we almost broke up, but we handled everything and accepted our faults whenever we have an argument. We never grew tired of each other and tried to spice our relationship whenever we felt that we are going into circles. In short, we are blissfully in love and fully trusted each other. And that is it!

To see the pictures, just click this links:

http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/album.php?aid=171306&id=691877087

http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/album.php?aid=171309&id=691877087

November 14, 2009 is a momentous day for us Filipinos as the world watched how our very own Manny Pacquiao made history as the only boxer to be victorious in 7 world titles in his professional boxing career.

Manny “the Pacman” Pacquiao is now the new WBO Welterweight champion after he overpowered Miguel Cotto in the 12^th round by technical knockout in the MGM Grand’s Garden Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada USA.

Cotto is now added to the list of elite boxers that succumbed to the might of Pacquiao together with Marco Antonio Barrera, Erik Morales, Juan Manuel Marquez, Ricky Hatton and Oscar De La Hoya.

The Welterweight title was now added to six titles he had already gained: Flyweight, Super Bantamweight, Featherweight, Super Featherweight, Lightweight, and Light Welterweight.

It is clearly seen that Pacquiao dominated the entire game and he demonstrated again his prowess through pure strength and agility inside the ring.

Cotto could not anticipate the lightning punches that our very own threw out against him.

The Puerto Rican trembled by two separate knockdowns. Pacquiao first floored him in the third round by a right hook and again landed a left uppercut in the fourth to send the ex-champion on his knees crawling. From then on, round by round the fight was dominated by Pacquiao.

Filipinos all over the world is ecstatic now about the recent fight. Crowds in cinemas, bars, restaurants, basketball courts and even in their very own homes gathered to see our hero hammered the hell out of the former champion. Thunderous cheers and applause was all you can hear after he landed those punches accurately in the Puerto Rican.

In the Philippines, the fight was scheduled on November 15, 2009, Sunday morning until early afternoon. Whenever Pacquiao is on a head-on for a major fight, public roads are definitely clear of traffic and the crime rate was almost none. It is as if the whole country was frozen on their daily tasks while sticking their eyes on the TV or listening to the radio.

Manny helped a lot in providing Filipinos the needed boost in confidence, inspiration, hope and a reason to celebrate after most of us still sulk over the disaster that recently hit the country.

No doubt he is indeed the greatest of all time and the pound-for-pound king. It is without saying his crowning glory and he deserves it!

It is a glorious day for us Filipinos and I’m really proud to say that!

Mabuhay ka Manny!

I woke up this morning and the TV was on and it was currently showing the live telecast of Miss Universe 2009 pageant, which was held in the Atlantis Paradise Island in Nassau, Bahamas.

I saw Miss Philippines Pamela Bianca Manalo from the background of the hosts and my heart suddenly jumped because I thought that she was one of the 5 finalists, but to my dismay she was not even placed in the top15 semifinalists.

I only managed to watch the last 5 finalists, and then Miss Universe 2008 Miss Venezuela Dayana Mendoza was called to walk, I don’t know the term when the last winner was called to walk and have her own prepared speech. Man, she was so damn hot beautiful!

1st runner-up was Miss Dominican Republic Ada de la Cruz and it made history when the crowned Miss Universe of 2009 was also from the same country of the outgoing Miss Universe!

The rest of the top five were from Australia, Puerto Rico, and Kosovo.

What’s with Venezuelans and the whole Latin Americans beauties that they never missed to smitten us with their gorgeousness!  Congratulations to Stefanía Fernández, Miss Venezuela and the current Miss Universe 2009!

Corazon “Cory” Cojuanco – Aquino, one of the most beloved presidents of the Philippines passed away last Saturday morning, August 1, 2009 due to cardio-respiratory arrest at the Makati Medical Center. She was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2008. She was 76.

She has accomplished her mission to direct the Filipino people from the oppressing grasp of the dictator, former president Ferdinand Marcos. She was one of the major proponents of Philippine democracy.

As we all know, she was the first female president in the Philippines and in Asia.

A two-day wake started in La Salle Greenhills and another two-day wake in Manila Cathedral in Intramuros, Manila.

There was also a funeral procession in Ayala Avenue, Makati City this day and people from all parts of the metro overwhelmed the very busy avenue. It was set in the corner of Ayala Avenue corner Paseo De Roxas, where the monument of his late husband former senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino was situated. After that, the cortege will depart to the Manila Cathedral for the two-day wake.

August 5, Wednesday was officially announced by Malacanang to be a special non-working holiday in commemoration of the late president.

She will be laid to rest in August 5, 2009 at the Manila Memorial Park together with his late husband, former senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino who inspired the People Power Revolution or the EDSA Revolution to many in 1986, which is renowned as a series of nonviolent protest to end the rule of the once authoritarian government.

We will be missing our most beloved icon of democracy, former president Corazon “Cory” Aquino.

Today, July 22, 2009, the whole world particularly Asia experienced the longest solar eclipse of the 21^st century.

Total eclipse began in India and it passed through almost 200 miles north of the heavily inhabited Mumbai, and brought darkness in Surat. The path of the shadow travelled east-northeast across India.

The eclipse continued to southern Nepal, northern Bangladesh, and majority of Bhutan. Then the eclipse swept across a large portion of China, along on the tip of Myanmar. Some of the big Chinese cities in the path of the eclipse are Shanghai, which is the most populous city in China; Hangzhou, Wuhan, Chengdu and Chongqing.

The total solar eclipse continued south of the Japanese mainland and curved southward. The eclipse passed over some of the Marshall Islands during its long stretch in the open water before ending at sunset in the South Pacific.

Those not in the line of full eclipse got a glimpse of partial solar eclipse. From the lower half of Russia to Sri Lanka, eastward to include Japan, North & South Korea, Malaysia, northern Indonesia, Thailand, Laos, Vietman, Cambodia, the Phillipines, Papua New Guinea, the far northern tip of Australia and the bulk of Pacific islands, including Hawaii, observers will see differing amount of a partial eclipse.

Solar eclipse was partially seen in different parts of the Philippines from 8:32 a.m. to 11:01 a.m. according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA); the eclipse will be fully visible at 9:43 a.m.

Partial eclipse was seen in different parts of the country particularly in Laoag City, with 61.4 percent of the sun was covered, about 59.2 percent in Vigan City, 55.4 percent in Baguio City, 45.4 percent in Sorsogon, 36.6 percent in Cebu and 27.7 percent in Davao.

As much as I would like to witness it earlier this morning but unfortunately I’m on shift until 8 a.m. It’s too hot outside for me to consider trying to set my eyes up in the sky and cannot even open it due to my night shift schedule. If given the chance, I would love to observe this momentous event of our universe again.

Today is July 4 and Americans celebrate their Independence Day. It is in commemoration of the signing of the Declaration of Independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain in July 14, 1776.

This is a Federal holiday, meaning all non-essential government offices are closed and customary celebration of this day took place in outdoors, where Americans go on picnic, watch fireworks display, some are visiting families and relatives. There are also some parades and concerts. This is really one big holiday for them because as we all know; they are very nationalistic and very proud of their independence.

Well, actually this is one holiday that I would like to witness in the U.S. Of course, we have our own Independence Day and we celebrate it because for the obvious reason, but Americans are more zealous when it comes to this holiday. Memorial Day is like our very own All Saint’s Day, so I am well aware how to celebrate this holiday. Thanksgiving is one holiday that I would like to observe also.

I’m a little bit guilty because I was able to write something for the Untied States Independence Day but I haven’t written any on our very own Independence Day. I’m so swamped during that day that I didn’t noticed that the day has passed. Even if that’s the case, I’m still 100% patriotic and proud of my nationality.

Sprits are high during this day. Americans are really patriotic and proud of their heritage. Ever wonder we call the Untied States as the Land of the Free?

I am not really a fan of American Idol, and to tell you all the truth I don’t even watch it whenever my brothers and sister watch it because I’m really not a big fan of reality singing competition, may it be in the U.S. or in the Philippines.

Actually I’ve just commissioned my brother to write a simple article to ride the hype of the American Idol finale hahaha!

*in case you want to know, which I really doubt to think so because who would rather read a blog post than see it on your screens…

-the Kara DIoGuardi and Katrina number (oh c’mon who didn’t gawked when Kara ended with a strip-shebang-boom-boom-pow) …

-Jason Mraz with Alexis Grace and Anoop Desai…

-Lionel Ritchie and Danny Gokey…

- the Queens with the final two

-Adam and KISS

-Fergie wow…I can’t think of a time when she had been that sexy. no sir I think I haven’t seen her that of a bombshell then and Black Eyed Peas soon graced the show with the phenomenal - today’s  billboard’s #1 - yep Boom boom POW

-yeah and Tatiana Del Toro..(you bet she made my day lol)

*remind me what I forgot to take into account but I think these are the highlights of this season’s AI finale. Oh and Kris Allen’s momentous glory…I’m telling you I have seen it coming but ignored it all the way ’cause I’m rooting for the glam rocker of San Diego,CA, Adam Lambert.

*heartbreak* LOL It’s all good though. Well, at least it was Kris and not Danny..hahaha!!

*I have to say though, I’m not wowed as compared to last season’s finale, maybe it’s the bad coffee this morning, maybe it’s the outcome of the competition, still it falls short to the very very excruciatingly high anticipation I had when the bets are on the two Davids, oh well you judge…

Congratulations to today’s American Idol Mr. Kris Allen of Conway, Arkansas *still bitter* wahaha!

Congratulations to our very own Manny Pacquiao! We are very proud of you after winning the match between Ricky Hatton on May 2, 2009 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada USA!

It looked like a sparring session only for Manny Pacquiao as he bombarded Ricky Hatton with lightning speed punches that knockout him and ended the fight in the second round.

Pacquiao took the first round easily from Hatton as he put down the Englishman twice. Pacquiao accurately gave out his jabs, hooks and straights in a precise way that it always connected.

Hatton is ineffective in this fight and his speed and strength didn’t match his offensive with Pacquiao. He is constantly clinching with Pacquiao but this didn’t stop the Pacman from connecting his accurate blows. It is clear that Hatton is rushing things up but the Pacman’s counterpunches are very potent.

Hatton went down the first time in the first round through a right hook. He got up but before the first round ended, he went down again.

The vicious left hook of Pacquiao impedes the incoming Hatton and cemented the Englishman in the canvas in the second round. The referee didn’t even bother to count, as Hatton’s body lay stiff straight in the floor as doctors rushed to examined him.

Referee Kenny Bayless declared the fight was over at 2:59 of the second round as Hatton was continually gasping for short heap of breath.

This gave Pacquiao a shot in the junior welterweight division and will surely strike fear on his opponents.

Pacquiao’s coach Freddie Roach predicted that the fight will not last more than three rounds, and indeed the fight was over before the second round ended.

This will be a very bitter blow over the fans of Ricky “The Hitman” Hatton, who were really rooting about their champion.

Manny only weighted 138 pounds compared to 140 pounds for Ricky and Manny Pacquiao with a record of 49-3-2, 37 knockouts earned $12 million for this fight, while Ricky Hatton 45-2 was paid $8 million.

It was also announced the comeback of Floyd Mayweather Jr. and this will surely be a much awaited fight if the negotiation will materialize.

Manny Pacquiao is considered the pound for pound best fighter in the world.

You can really feel Christmas in the air now. The temperature is quite cold even in noontime. Many packed the malls these days to go about their annual Christmas shopping. You will also see different kinds of things being sold in the streets. Just try to check and you might find a really good deal with your money with a little haggling.

Just barely 9 days to go before the celebrated birth of Jesus Christ, the son of God in the Christian world. But of course, there is too much to be said for Christmas and I can fill my whole site on articles for Christmas but for now, I will only tackle famous Filipino traditions, and one of the famous is the Simbang Gabi or Misa de Gallo or midnight mass.

This tradition started in the Spanish colonization era in the Philippines. In Spanish speaking countries, Misa de Gallo is only celebrated at midnight on Christmas Eve, but in the Philippines, this custom starts at dawn on December 16 until December 24 at around 4 to 5 in the morning.

We can also never leave the fact that Simbang Gabi means treating yourself in traditional Filipino delicacies like puto bumbong (a purple colored rice pastry, seasoned with grated coconut and brown sugar) with salabat or ginger tea, bibingka (flour and egg cakes cooked on top and under) and hot cocoa drink being sold by vendors outside the church.

Together with this custom is the traditional “Parol” or Christmas lantern. According to Philippines history, the early farmers took lanterns on their way to the church to celebrate the midnight mass.

The usual shape of these lanterns is star and was inspired by the star on the Nativity of Jesus that guided the three kings or magi to the birthplace.

The usual parols are made of bamboo strips pasted with papel de japon or Japanese paper and illuminated by candle, but now, there are different variations and sometimes the shapes is not anymore like a star and electric Christmas lights illuminates it instead of the usual candle.

Christmas will never be Christmas in the Philippines without these traditions.

Sweet, very sweet indeed! Everyone in the Philippines are ecstatic now because of the fantastic win of Manny Pacquiao over Oscar De La Hoya.

The underdog became victorious at the MGM last Saturday, December 6, 2008 as Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao triumphed over Oscar “Golden Boy” De La Hoya.

The fight was stopped before the start of the ninth round as De La Hoya surrendered.

Actually, I already knew that I’m gonna be missing the fight because I’ll go with my girlfriend to accompany her to her dentist. I’m just lucky that there is a television in the dentist’s clinic and we came just in time when the fight’s gonna start.

It was really exciting watching our own “kababayan” fight with one of the world’s best; however, my excitement just blew away after the lady in the clinic just mentioned that Pacquiao won in the 8^th round according to the news in the radio earlier. The local channel is a bit late in showing the actual fight and if you wanted to watch the fight live, you should be willing to pay because this is a pay-per-view fight.

So, let’s get back to the actual fight. The first round was explosive! The two fighters are exchanging good blows, but it is clearly seen that Pacquiao is leading in punches that connected.

After the second round, we left the clinic, and I insisted that we ride the bus that has a television for us to continue watching the fight. Fortunately, my girlfriend doesn’t have any qualms on this because she too wanted to watch the fight.

As the rounds go by, you will see that this is a lopsided fight and even if you are not a judge and you are not a fan of Pacquiao, you can definitely tell that all of the rounds are his.

Pacquio’s training paid off in all the rounds and before the start of the ninth round, De La Hoya with the left eye nearly shut approached Manny to congratulate him and Referee Weeks stopped the fight.

The biggest fight of Pacquiao’s life is now over. His biggest dream of competing with De La Hoya, the 10-time world champion came to a sweet end in the ninth round. Everyone is saying that Pacquiao couldn’t win this fight and there is a mismatch between these two gladiators but he emerged as the true winner.