Videoke Time!

Filipinos really love karaoke, it is a form of interactive entertainment in which one sings along with recorded music using a microphone. Now there is the videoke microphones. These microphones have built in chips that contains the songs and lyrics. All you have to do is connect it to a television and viola, you can sing your favourite songs while drinking beer. The most known brand of these microphones were manufactured or distributed by Entertech, They call their product Magic Sing-along microphone and it cost around 300 USD with 2000 built in songs. Plus add another 75 to 100 bucks for the additional chips.

I do not sing well but I like to sing. So when I came back to the Philippines last July, I bought one for only 200 USD and it included a free chip. It is a really very good bargain. Today we had a chance to use it. My brother and sister in law are here for the holidays and after the trip to downtown Toronto we relaxed and sang. Thanks to the beer we had our singing sounded like professionals. I am not saying it improved our singing but I guess that’s what it does to your hearing when you are drunk. Ha ha ha.

Local Calls - A Nice Joke About The Philippines For a Change

The title of this joke is "Local Calls". This is I guesss one of a few nice jokes about the Philippines. It made me laugh so I decided to put it in my blog. I got it from a circulated e-mail and the author is unknown.

Here it goes...

A man in Kansas decided to write a book about churches around the world. He started by flying to San Francisco , going to a very large church, he began taking photographs and making notes.He spotted a golden telephone on the vestibule wall and was intrigued with a sign, which read "Calls: $100 a minute". Seeking out the pastor he asked about the phone and the sign. The pastor answered that this golden phone is, in fact, a direct line to heaven and if he pays the price he can talk directly to GOD. The man thanked the pastor and continued on his way. As he continued to visit churches in Paris , Vienna , Hong Kong , and other cities, he found more phones with the same sign and the same answer from each pastor. Finally, he arrived in Philippines . Upon entering a church in Manila , the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church, he saw the usual golden telephone.. But THIS time, the sign read "Calls: P10.00" Fascinated, he asked to talk to the priest, "Father, I have been in cities around world and in each church I have found this golden telephone and have been told it is a direct line to Heaven. But in the other churches the cost was $100 a minute. Your sign reads only P10 a call. Why?" I love this part..... The priest, smiling benignly, replied, "Son, you’re in the Philippines now. You’re in God’s country.. It’s a local call."

To God be the glory!

Tips For Driving Safe This Winter

This is taken from "Six tips from Ford of Canada for staying safe this winter " posted

November 22, 9:56 PM by Russell Purcell

The winter driving season is upon us and soon drivers will be faced with the additional perils of cold temperatures, icy roads and falling snow. Richard Neumann, a Technical Support Manager for Ford Canada , has compiled a list of six helpful tips that could help make your winter driving duties a little less stressful.

1. Vehicle maintenance: Vehicles that have been regularly maintained according to their manufacturers’ required maintenance schedule should be ready for winter weather. If not, a visit to the local dealership to “catch up” on your required maintenance will ensure the vehicle is ready for the season.

2. Read your owner's manual: All vehicles have different characteristics that will react to winter weather differently. This is a good time to check the manual for your particular vehicle's winter driving tips.

3. Monitor tire wear: There are three important aspects when it comes to tires: pressure, tread wear and age.

• Tire pressure: Cold weather causes tires to lose pressure and become underinflated; meaning your safety on the road is compromised. Check your tire pressure regularly, especially when the temperature changes.
• Tire tread depth: Proper tread depth can be key to slipping less and gripping the road better.
• Tire age: Old tires can be unsafe tires, especially in the winter. It is recommended that tires over six years old be replaced.
• All season and summer tires begin to lose their grip around 7 degrees Celsius. Consider switching to winter tires for better handling and braking performance.

4. Drive safely and be alert: Safe driving is always important. Remember to slow down and leave extra space between you and the vehicle in front of you. Also, avoid abrupt moves - don't stop, start, or change direction suddenly and you'll maintain better control of your vehicle in inclement conditions.

5. Goodbye cruise control: Never use the speed control in slippery conditions. If the weather suddenly becomes hazardous while cruise control is engaged, simply disengage it manually or lightly tap the brakes.

6. Get to know the safety feature alphabet: Become more familiar with vehicle safety features such as ABS, TC, ESC and RSC, to understand how they can help.

• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS): Vehicles equipped with an anti-lock braking system do not require the driver to pump the brakes in slippery conditions when hard braking is required. Apply firm, continuous pressure on the brake pedal and ABS may activate to help you maintain control of the vehicle.
• Traction Control (TC): This feature most often engages at low speeds. In the majority of winter driving conditions, it is best to keep the traction control feature ON. However, in extreme conditions – for instance, deep snow or sheer ice – it may be better to turn OFF your traction control to get moving.
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC): ESC helps prevent your vehicle from skidding out or sliding laterally in slippery conditions.
• Roll Stability Control™ (RSC®): AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control™ helps to avoid a rollover in a collision situation.

My third entry is our class picture in Kinder. I was told that I looked like my second child Kyle on this photo.

Paid2Youtube Website

Joined another paid to click site. I hope this is not a scam again. The difference of this site to others is that you just need to watch videos. I must admit some videos are interesting and educational.

Click here to join -> Paid2YouTube

Billboard Hot 100 Music Video Archive

When someone wants to relax, nothing beats listening to music. Some would like to hear classical music as they sit comfortably on their lazyboy chair or sofa. Others would like to hear jazz, reggae or contemporary music. I myself like to listen to music to chill out. I like listening to the music I grew up with. These are the music of the 80's specifically new wave and pop music by AHA, Michael Jackson, Spandau Ballet, Madonna, The Cure, The Police, Duran duran to name a few. Unfortunately, when we migrated to Canada, all of my original collection was left behind in my country of origin.

I am now trying to collect again. However CD's are not very cheap here. Especially the old and hard to find ones. Fortunately for me there are a lot of websites that are available on the world wide web or internet where you can purchase or buy any song. You purchase it online. After you pay using your credit card, you may download a copy of your favorite song. Sometimes you need to download and install a software that will help and guide you in doing the online purchase and store the downloaded songs as well as organize the songs.

There are also websites that help you find songs or even contain a very rich collection of songs old and new. One of the nice website that provides this service is Billboard Hot 100 Music Video Archive, the site contains a wide variety of music from as early as the mid 1940's to present. On the home page, the years are displayed as a link. one can view the top 100 songs from a particular era or year. When a year is clicked or selected it brings you to the list of songs that made it to the top one hundred for that year. And it goes even better. Each of the songs is a link to a page in either youtube, dailymotion or other websites that hosts music It shows and plays the song that on has selected. The nice thing about the link is that it also gives you the singer, the band or composer of the song. You are lucky if the video will also display the lyrics of the song so one can sing along.
Websites like Billboard Hot 100 Music Video Archive will be a hit for new and experienced internet users. The way it is organized and layed out is so simple that even a user that is very new to computers and web browsing will be able to use.

Watch Out Brothers, Here I Come!

When my wife and kids came to Canada last August, my sons Miggy and Kyle use to run around the house and leave our youngest son Lex behind. They would hide in the rooms and poor little Lex would crawl and look for them.

Early this month, Lex would stand by holding on table and chair legs. After he stands on his two feet, he would take two little steps and crawl. After 2 or more weeks of practice. He now can walk longer distances. He now can follow his brothers where ever they go. We better replace the furry shoes with soft and light walking shoes.

Ready to Party

My 7 year old son Miggy wanted to dress up this morning as they will have a class photo shoot. He specifically said he want to wear a coat and tie so that he would look handsome. I am very happy to know that he is not like me. I am very conservative when it comes to clothes. I guess he got it from his uncle Irvin who is very conscious in what ever he wear even when he was small.

Miggy is seen in this photo as if he is about to go a party or a junior-senior prom.

Eager to Attend School

Kyle is always tagging along when my wife takes Miggy to school. He is now showing some interest in attending school. He sometimes have a small knapsack and pretends he is going to school as well. He has started to write the ABC's and numbers 1 to 10. I hope he does not lose interest and instead get more enthusiastic.

Home and Family matters in Article Alley

As a parent, it’s a great help to see articles concerning the home and family matters. Reading these articles makes the information handy when you need them. Article Alley provides good quality articles which you can refer to in various aspects of home and family. From home remodellng, household tips, suggestions for Halloween costumes, family activities and many others, one can grab the different articles written by seasoned authors. The articles are categorized according to different home and family aspects. On the left side of the site is a list of the different categories and favorite authors. The latest articles are posted chronologically but you can also select the Most Popular in the Sort articles option. You can choose the articles based on these or you can use the search box for a particular topic.

The articles are free to use in your own website or blog provided you acknowledge the author and Article Alley. In your quest for home and family matters, Article Alley is a great source of articles worth looking into.

Friday Photo Flashback

My second entry is a photo with my younger brother Irvin. I was 7 and he was 3 at the time the photo was taken. I can't find the camera that my dad used. I however remember that it is a Kodak Instamatic Camera. I believe this kind of camera can now only be seen in museums Ha ha ha.

Judging from our haircut and my pose, I guess I am into Jackie Chan movies already, what do you think?

We loved taking photos of our family and capturing events that happen in our lives. The Friday Photo Flashback that my Wife joined is a good way of sharing old photos. I am joining the blog circle started by Alicia to share some of mine.

My initial entry will be my photo taken when I was about 2 years old in Cavinti, Laguna.

Healthy Juices

Here are some Healthy Juices one can prepare for better health

• Carrot + Ginger + Apple - Boost and cleanse our system.

• Apple + Cucumber + Celery - Prevent cancer, reduce cholesterol, and improve stomach upset and headache.

• Tomato + Carrot + Apple - Improve skin complexion and bad breath.

• Bitter gourd + Apple + Milk - Avoid bad breath and reduce internal body heat.

• Orange + Ginger + Cucumber - Improve Skin texture and moisture and reduce body heat.

• Pineapple + Apple + Watermelon - To dispel excess salts, nourishes the bladder and kidney.

• Apple + Cucumber + Kiwi - To improve skin complexion.
  

• Pear & Banana - regulates sugar content.

• Carrot + Apple + Pear + Mango - Clear body heat, counteracts toxicity, decreased blood pressure and fight oxidization .

• Honeydew + Grape + Watermelon + Milk - Rich in vitamin C + Vitamin B2 that increase cell activity and strengthen body immunity.

• Papaya + Pineapple + Milk - Rich in vitamin C, E, Iron. Improve skin complexion and metabolism.

• Banana + Pineapple + Milk - Rich in vitamin with nutritious and prevent constipation.

Happy Father's Day!

A happy father's day to all dads especially to those who are away from your families. We just have to hope and pray that we will all be with our family soon. Of course God willing.

However, in time that we are still alone and would never be able to celebrate fathers day with our family, just pamper or treat yourself. Buy something for yourself (not too much though, not too much!). I am sure that your wife and kids would understand. Right Irmee?

So today, after attending church, I went to Superstore to get a DVD home theater system. I believe it is not a first class or high-end equipment because of the price but it made me happy to own one.

I brought home an RCA Brand - Model RTD317


Happy Fathers Day! Yahoo!

Home Project - Finished Product Take Two

When my wife showed the finished product I posted last June 4, my kids were excited and even tried to argue who takes the top bunk. However, Miggy said, I would sleep there if there is a matress on it LOL. Finally after over two weeks of searching, I was able to buy two for 130 CAD. So the total cost I incurred including the brand new matresses (excluding the toys LOL) I would say is 180 CAD. Not bad eh!

Now aside from the matress, I also showed some toys so they would really get excited.

SOP's SOBRANG OJ PARE

This is another video that I saw tonight that made me laugh very hard. Although I have been away from my country of origin for more that a year, I still can relate to the persons that were mentioned in Ogie and Janno's gig.



Sobrang OJ - 2008 Recollection

Sobrang OJ - 2007 Highlights

Enjoy!

MoyMoy Palaboy Parodies

I am very happy to see some of the parodies of these two. Seeing them mimic some of the great and well-known singers makes me forget my home-sickness. The photo is courtesy of iGMA.tv



Here are some of their acts. Enjoy!

Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough
Living La Vida Loca
Its Raining Men
Dancing Queen
On Bended Knees

Home Project - Finished Product

I finally put the bunk bed together. I am glad that I was able to find all the necessary components needed to assemble it.



Mission accomplished.

#57 In Forbes Worlds Most Powerful Celebrity - Manny Pacquiao

Congratulations Idol! For being voted #57 in Forbes Worlds Most Powerful Celebrity

Photo/image courtesy of www.gmanews.tv/willtowin/aboutmanny

Below is an excerpt.

Widely regarded at the best pound-for-pound boxer in the world, Pacquiao had two blockbuster fights in the past year: He took on Oscar De La Hoya in December and Ricky Hatton in May. Pac-Man is a huge celebrity in his home of the Philippines and plans to run for political office there once his days in the ring are over. Counts Nike and beer maker San Miguel among his sponsors.

Government Assisting the Masses

I am delighted to read this article from Inquirer.net. It is nice to know that they are really concerned in the welfare of the people especially the low-income families. Let us forget about politics and strive to help the economy grow further.

The following is the entire article:

6,000 rode MRT in first overnight run

By Riza T. Olchondra

Philippine Daily Inquirer - June 2, 2009

MANILA, Philippines -- The Metro Rail Transit (MRT-3) on the Epifanio delos Santos Avenue (EDSA) served almost 6,000 passengers on its first overnight operation on Monday, officials said.
Official data as of Tuesday afternoon showed that 5,774 passengers were served by the MRT-3 from 11 p.m. to 4 a.m.

The Call Centers Association of the Philippines (CCAP) president Jojo Uligan said that the BPO or business process outsourcing industry appreciated the MRT-3's 24-hour operation.
Transportation assistant secretary and MRT-3 general manager Reynaldo Berroya said the extended hours were primarily aimed at serving call center agents and other workers in the BPO sector in support of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's promise to help the industry.
Metro Manila commuters who often get stranded during typhoons, including students, are also seen to benefit, Berroya said.

Surveys revealed that most call center agents would leave their offices at around midnight and at 4 a.m., Berroya said.

The MRT-3 used to open around 5 a.m. and close around 11 p.m.

I am hoping to read more stories like this in the future. Mabuhay!

Reinforcing Furnitures using Brackets

The following photos shows how I used brackets in lieu of missing bolts/nuts or screws to assemble a bunk bed. It made the bed sturdier. The only drawback is that it will be harder to dismantle.

Home Project - Assembly

I woke up early this morning and I am very eager to start on my home project. I screwed the posts together employing a heavy duty brackets made by Stanley. At the end of the day, I am almost halfway done. I stopped after 7 PM. I was worried occupants on the second floor might complain about the noise I was making.

The last photo is what the bunk bed looked like when I stopped working. I will get back to it next weekend. If I will not be lazy LOL.

Home Project - Preparation

Thanks Stephen for the bunk bed parts and for helping me transport it. Now I have something to do this weekend. A new project that makes me so excited.

After checking the parts, I found out I need to buy some stuff. Some of the parts are missing so I listed it and headed to a hardware store and bought it. The following are the things I got and the prices in CAD:

1. Wooden Planks - 22.65
2. Screws and Nails - 7.89
3. Brackets - 9.12

Total balance is 39.66 which is still better thank buying a brand new bunk bed which is easily 200 bucks. I also bought a saw, plier and tape measure but since it is reusable I did not include it in the project cost.

Home Project

Its been a while since I have done any home projects. I like to collect carpentry, electrical and electronic tools and do minor repairs to broken home appliances or furniture. Although sometimes the problem will get even worse LOL. But I am proud to say my success rate it around 85%.

I always love to watch the show The New Yankee Workshop featuring Norm Abram. He just have tools for everything. I dream of having a workshop of my own beside the garage or perhaps at the backyard when I get a house of my own.

When my colleague Stephen found out that I am looking for a bunk bed for my kids. He offered the one they bought at a garage sale. He said they were not able to assemble it and his sisters kids have outgrown them. He told me that it has no screws to connect the parts and of course the mattresses.

I said I am interested and we scheduled to pick it up next week.

Bukisa - Where You Can Share Your Knowledge and Earn Money

I discovered a new site called Bukisa. Anyone can join there for free. It is a site where you share your knowledge or expertise and get paid. The following are the ways you can get paid.

1. Getting paid for people reading, viewing or listening to your high quality published content.

2. Getting paid for the read, viewed & listened published content of your friends, friends' friends and their friends (up to 3 levels)



For more details see link below

Bukisa

Queen Victoria Day

It is going to be a long weekend. Monday is Queen Victoria day and it is a holiday in Canada. You could see me here wondering what to do tomorrow (Sunday) and Monday.



Any suggestions? LOL

A Zeller's Store is Relocating

One of my favourite stores Zellers is relocating from Eglinton and Victoria Park to somewhere I do not know. Every item they have in the store is less 35 percent. Nothing is excempted. Toys are discounted even higher. Less 40 on most of them. I looked around and found some good deals. I bought a towel rack for just 3 bucks and a hamper and table top ironing board for just 12 dollars. If I only have a car or a van that time, I would have bought a lot more. It is kind of disappointing that most of the good stuff are gone. It has either been sold or they moved it to the new location already.

I was looking for Thomas the Tank and Transformers and other things like PS3 and X-Box. The only thing left there is an old PS2 which I am reluctant to buy. Well maybe next time I should go there earlier.