HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

The Christmas Tree has always been one of the many symbols of the season.  A lot of us put so much effort into putting up one, by hanging a lot of ornaments, christmas lights, and the star at the top of the tree.  

I've learned that the Christmas Tree originated from Germany in the 16th Century, that the Americans adopted to the tree so late because they find it odd, and that not until in 1846 when Queen Victoria and Prince Albert were illustrated in some London newspaper standing with the Christmas Tree along with their kids that the Christmas Tree finally arrived.  All these, thanks to The History Channel! LOL

At home, Christmas is very evident with a lot of our Santa Claus decors, the Parol (Christmas Lantern), the lights, and of course our very own giant Christmas tree!  (It may not be as huge as the one in Araneta, but it sure is big for us...)  What makes it special, as in really really special, is the time our family shared putting it up, and the gifts under the tree! All of these were brought about with L.O.V.E. (Awwww, cheesy!)

Gifts for you!

While writing this, I find myself listening to this song, over and over and over! *c,*

Despite of, I still wish that everyone will still remember the true meaning of Christmas, and why Christmas is here.  Never forget that December 25th is Jesus Christ's Birthday, and not the Santa Claus' day.  Always think that it's the season of giving since Papa God gave Jesus to us on this day, and He is the best gift, all of us ever received.

Continue to be a blessing to others!

Remember too, that when we greet everyone a "Merry Christmas," we are reminding them of, "MARY CHRIST MASS!"

MERRY CHRISTMAS to you ALL! =) 

Your PISO Could Go A Long Way.

Tropical Storm Sendong (international name: Washi) ravaged Mindanao, slamming it with devastating rains and unleashing flash floods and landslides that have left a horrifying trail of destruction.

There are over 1,000 dead bodies and counting that have recovered, all drowned because they were asleep in the middle of the night when raging floodwaters pounded their homes from rivers and cascaded from mountain slopes following 12 straight hours of heavy rains.

This may seem to be the saddest Christmas to hit our nation, yet if WE will all contribute whatever we can, even just your ONE PESO COIN, this would really go a long way.  The Philippines has over 99 Million residents; if each donates atleast a peso, we'll have a total of ₱99,000,000!

CHRISTMAS is a season of giving, of sharing.  The day when Jesus Christ was born and was offered to us as a gift, by God, the Father.  So let this be our inspiration to SHARE whatever we can.  It may be monetary, or food and clothing, or even your time by doing a volunteer work.

If you want to share in cash, you may choose any of the following:

1.Visit http://www.redcross.org.ph/donatenow to donate online with a credit card via PayPal, PayDollar, or GreenPeso.

2.For Cheque Donations, go to PRC National Headquarters in Manila, and must be made payable to The Philippine Red Cross.

3.Cash are also accepted at any 7-Eleven store or Cebuana Lhuillier Pawnshop.

4.For Bank Donations, please take note of the following account numbers:

Banco De Oro

Peso: 00-453-0018647
Dollar: 10-453-0039482

Swift Code: BNORPHMM

Metrobank

Peso: 151-3-041631228
Dollar: 151-2-15100218-2

Swift Code: MBTCPHMM

Philippine National Bank

Peso: 3752 8350 0034
Dollar: 3752 8350 0042
Swift Code: PNBMPHMM

Unionbank of the Philippines

Peso: 1015 4000 0201
Dollar: 1315 4000 0090
Swift Code: UNPHPHMM

For your donations to be properly acknowledged, please fax the bank transaction slip at nos. +63.2.527.0575 or +63.2.404.0979 with your name, address and contact number.


5.For SMS and G-Cash Donations:

SMS
Text REDAMOUNT to 2899 (Globe) or 4143 (Smart)

G-Cash
Text DONATEAMOUNT4-digit M-PINREDCROSS to 2882

You can donate the following denominations:
Globe: 5, 25, 100, 300, 500 or 1000
Smart: 10, 25, 50, 100, 300, 500 or 1000


6.GMA KAPUSO FOUNDATION
Address: 2nd floor, Kapuso Center, GMA Network, Edsa Diliman, Quezon City
Telephone: 928.4299 and 928.9351

METROBANK

Peso Savings- Account Name: GMA Kapuso Foundation, Inc.
- Account Number: 3-098-51034-7
Dollar Savings- Account Name:GMA Kapuso Foundation, Inc.
- Account Number:2-098-00244-2
Code: MBTC PH MM

UNITED COCONUT PLANTERS BANK (UCPB)

Peso Savings- Account Name: GMA Kapuso Foundation, Inc.
- Account Number:115-184777-2 or 160-111277-7
Dollar Savings- Account Name: GMA Kapuso Foundation, Inc.
- Account Number: 01-115-301177-9 or 01-160-300427-6


7.ABS-CBN FOUNDATION INC.
Address: Mother Ignacia cor. Eugenio Lopez St, Diliman QC
Telephone: 411.4995 and 394.9272

http://www.redcross.org.ph/donatenow

http://www.theodora.com/wfbcurrent/philippines/philippines_people.html

http://www.gmanetwork.com/ 

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/ 

BAMBOO: Meet and Greet / CD Sigining Event

Bamboo Mañalac is back!  

He is definitely back, this time as a solo artist with a new album, "No Water, No Moon," titled after a Japanese Koan, and is released by Poly East Records, after nine months of as we say, break-up with his former bandmates.   Whether on a band or as a solo artist, I know Bamboo is one of a kind, and is not like any other.  His musical style and lyrical intelligence is way too extraordinary, that before one could get to the core of his narratives, one must come up with their own transfigurations of the song a thousand times. That may be a trait of most songwriters, but his is just simply unique.

One best thing I love about this man, is his innovation.  He never fails to surprise us - his listeners!  He would always have a different approach to each album or to each song he does, as he tries to reinvent the music we are so used to hear.    This new album, "No Water, No Moon,"  is a mixture of everything from rock to pop to ballad, blended together with a beautiful orchestral arrangements.  I find myself listening to the entire album as soon as I got them last Sunday, over and over again.  It's more like my personal nirvana now, after "Ultraelectromagneticpop" (Eraserheads) and "Waiting For My Rocket To Come" (Jason Mraz.)   All of which are my personal choices when I need to be at peace, want to be inspired, or just want to chill out.

I was saddened by the news of Bamboo (the band) calling it quits, and much anticipated for this day to come.  So, when I learned that Bamboo is having an album signing and meet and greet session with fans (this is a rare chance, as I knew that he rarely or have not yet done any fan signing event), I never hesitated and marked the event on my calendar!

The CD Signing / Meet and Greet event happened on December 4th, 2011, at Odyssey SM Megamall (4 p.m.) and at  Astroplus SM Mall of Asia (7 p.m.).  

I arrived at the Mall of Asia around 6PM and went straight to the venue thinking that people may have already lined up.  I bought two CDs and registered at the cashier, then I waited until 7PM.   I stood near the booth/table for about 10-15minutes because I wanted to be first in line, but because no one followed my lead (too bad, yeah I know)  I moved away and chose to wait until the organizers would ask us to fall in line, which I think didn't happen. LOL...  When a young girl  stood near the table, that was my hint, I followed her, and the others lined up after me. =)


No Water, No Moon Tarpaulin



The crew setting up for Bamboo's siging event. Thanks to the girl in white, who started the line. :]



Little girl to Bamboo: "What are we looking at the floor?"

The store lit up with enthusiasm when fans started screaming as soon as "the man" came in!   I can't stop staring at him all the time, even if I've seen him perform live many times, I still can't explain the feeling that finally, I could get a chance for a photo-op with Bamboo! =)

Before the signing event start, Bamboo gave out a short message to all his fans.

Random shots of the CD Signing event:

I think I'm gonna faint  *_*

I have to thank the "kuya" who was with Bamboo that night who took our photos...(kahit di kagandahan ang outcome.. heheh)

Looks like we were just goofing around! :) LOL

Wala na akong magandang picture! hehehe... pro oks lang, I'm still with Bamboo :)



My signed posters, albums, and free ballers.

The album signed just for me!

The front and back cover of the album.



Album Tracks:

• "Questions"
• “In Shadow”
• “Please”
• “Morning Rose”
• “Back on my Feet”
• “Spin”
• “In This Life”
• “Down the Line”
• “All Hail the Fool”
• “The Only Way”
• “Just Go” 
• “Ikot ng Mundo” - bonus track

Go grab the album now!  It's worth every penny! =)  Support OPM!

DREAM CUP 2011: PHL AZKALS vs. LA GALAXY

It all started with a dream.

The Philippine Football Team, Azkals dreamt of playing against the Professional Football titans, The Los Angeles Galaxy.

The Filipino kids, aspired to be like one of the Azkals.

And, I wished to see how hot David Beckham is (and of course, James Younghusband too!)

All these, happened in one magical night, of December 3rd, 2011, 7:30pm at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium!  Even if Mrs. Posh Spice's husband and I didn't personally meet, seeing him play in person with our very own Philippine Azkals was enough for me for now.  =)

I am an Azkals fan by heart, thanks to the Younghusband's brothers, especially to James.  Come 'on! You can never blame me for liking football without liking first these two guys, then Aly, Neil, and Anton.  Who doesn't?

Anyhow, when I learned that the former England Captain, and Manchester United Midfielder, and Posh Spice' hubby, David Beckham is coming to Manila with his new team, The LA Galaxy, I knew I have to grab my tickets just to see them play some ball!  The bad news is, the tickets are too pricey for ordinary person like me if you want the best seats in the stadium, (sob! sob! sob!),  but the good news is that, the 2-day event are all for a good cause.

LA GALAXY has jumped across the Pacific for a trio of friendlies. The first of these friendlies was last Wednesday, November 30th, when they take on the Indonesia Under-23 men's national team at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta; The score was 1-0, in favor of the LA Galaxy. 

Their second stop is in Manila for a 2-day event, until they head to Australia to conclude their three-game tour against Melbourne Victory of the Hyundai A-League in the Hyundai Melbourne Challenge, at Etihad Stadium on Tuesday, December 6th.


The Manila schedule: 

• December 2:  9am-12nn -  LA Galaxy Practice. 
• December 2:  2pm-5pm -  LA Galaxy Football Clinic. 
• December 3:  7:30pm-11pm -  PHL Azkals vs. LA Galaxy, Dream Cup 2011  

Donovan and Beckham's invitation for all Filipinos:

Dream Cup 2011 Ticket Prices:

• VVIP / Lower Grandstand, Center -  ₱15,500
• Lower Grandstand,  Left/Right -  ₱10,500 
• Upper Grandstand, Center -  ₱12,500
• Upper Grandstand,  Left/Right -  ₱9,000
• White Bleachers - ₱5,000 
• Blue/Green Bleachers -  ₱2,000

Just as I said, the Dream Cup 2011 tickets are too pricey for me, yet, due to my earnest desire to see Beckham live, I grabbed the lowest seats I could find, and the view are still great.  Maybe not excellent, no close-up encounters with the stars, but still awesome!

My ticket!

The teams practicing before the game

Azkals and Galaxy - practice

Even this little kid came in to see the game with her dad. 

Opening Ceremony

Let the games begin!