Nov 9 2011

The Libera Experience

I am a music lover; music has always been my retreat, my solace, my friend. However, during the past years and especially this 2011, music has been confined within the Justin Biebers, the Glee-like and look alikes, and the Lady Gagas. Because of these, the only music I would have enjoyed was my Sunday choir service.

So, when I saw a TV commercial that a choir from the UK was having a concert here in Manila and Cebu, I immediately felt relieved. Finally – real music!!! I then told my friend, our choirmaster, that we can watch the concert. Because I am an alto in a church choir myself,  I told him that I am game to go although I have not heard of them before. Besides, I had been exposed to the Philippine Madrigal Singers’ and the Three’s concerts here in the Philippines and have enjoyed each one so far. I think we bought our tickets on Oct 16th.

On October 23, after our choir service at Christ the King Seminary, me and 3 of my choir mates went to SM to window shop. To our delight, Libera was there for their “traditional” meet and greet! We bought 2 CDs and waited patiently to have our posters signed. I do not know any name from the group yet, but I was excited because they were cute, they were young, and they can sing! I even told myself – I want an English boy for a son! Hahaha.

 

 

Anyway, to make a long story short, Libera’s music is simply beautiful. With innocence and cuteness injected in each of their music videos, I was effortlessly smitten, especially after the Oct 25 concert. My favorite after was Ralph Skan. Too bad I did not know them yet during the poster signing 2 days before the concert, for I would have asked for a hug!!! I doubt the “bouncers” there would allow it though. They did not want us to hold the line. Eh? Meet and greet, right? When Libera comes back to Manila I will definitely watch again. This time I will get that hug I deserve!

Aug 2 2011

Hot Tub Hire: The Best Way to Relax at the Comfort of Your Home

Are you planning for a hot tub party to celebrate a birthday, a milestone, or simply give someone special a nice treat? The thought of relaxing in a hot tub is a wonderful way to loosen up and enjoy quality time with someone you love. Since hot water therapy is a great way to relieve stress, it can also be a healthy practice. Because hot tub hire is now available everywhere, a hot tub party is fun and can be easy on the budget!

Here are some information and tips before renting a Hot Tub Hire service:

  • Decide what type of tub you want and how big it should be. Hot tubs can take from four to six persons. Make sure that the hot tub hire has the item available for you. Do not forget to ask the minimum hire period.
  • Check available services of the hot tub hire to get the best worth for your money. Some hot tub hire offers additional services than others. Select one that would best fit what you need, before, within, and after the party.
  • Most hot tub hire recommends outdoor setting. A levelled area free of sharp objects of about 2 square meters is required. Most hot tubs are collapsible and can fit through doorways and alleyways thus the hot tubs can easily be installed anywhere.
  • Water pipe and ample water supply should be available within reach of the desired area. The tub can be filled within 1 or 2 hours depending on the water pressure in your area. Some hot tub hire already includes water as part of the package.
  • Hot tub water temperature would depend on user preference, usually between 34 to 40 degrees. Water is electronically controlled thus the water temperature is maintained. When not in use, the cover must be kept in place to maintain the water temperature. Make sure to check with the hot water hire about electrical safety.
  • The hot tub hire will provide chemicals and instructions to maintain water quality. This is to be read and understood correctly. Dipping strips are often provided so the water can be tested before use.

A great hot tub hire will take care of all aspects of your hot tub rental, including delivery, installation, water quality setup and safety, and removal of the tub at the end of the hire period. If you are looking for a unique party, contact a hot tub hire today.

Aug 1 2011

Selling a puppy can be heart breaking. Welcome home, Sam!

I just sold my 4-month old Shihtzu puppy Maple. She was a cutie. She was loving, tender, playful, fluffy, and I miss her. She plays with her eyes well  as if she is a little girl. It was hard. The moment I received a text message from the buyer that they are going to my house to pick her up, I almost told them the deal is off. But I had to. I cannot keep 5 dogs. *sigh*

Anyway my little Sam is back. He had a hernia operation 2 weeks ago. Hospital bill? Equivalent to the selling price of Maple. I am glad to have him back.

Jul 31 2011

And so my Sunday went…

It is raining yet again – a throbbing head after a long day at the mall with my mom and two nieces – makes writing difficult. Or, does it?

Saturday is my favorite day. It is usually the day when my 2 teenage nieces stay at my house until they have to go back to Mama’s place again. They go to school in Mama’s city. The elder one is in senior high, while the younger is in junior high. Then Sunday we all go to attend my church service. I sing in a choir. Alto. A-a-a-amen…

Today we talked about the elder’s upcoming entrance exam at the University of the Philippines. Reminded her to review, review, and most of all, review. Hmm. I am not a fan of reviews. History subject? Ugh! Give me Algebra instead.

My nieces were hoping (again) that classes are suspended tomorrow due to the continuous rains we are having right now. I remembered having to travel from my Mama’s house to my school and college riding jeepneys. I guess they picked that up from me. When I see nimbus clouds on a Sunday afternoon, I always hoped (and very hard at that) that classes would be suspended. Who would want to walk in a knee sometimes thigh-length flood? You leave the house as early as 6AM, travel 1 to 1 and a half hours going to school, holding your raincoat and umbrella hoping the winds don’t blow them (or you) away. Then, as you arrive the college gates, the guard tells you: the department of higher education suspended the classes today at 7 AM. Heh.

Ok, well it’s still early for me to worry about that for my nieces. Hopefully before they are in college, the system has already improved. You know, like, in the evening they already make a decision if classes are go or no go. At least will save some pesos from transportation, no? Best of all, my nieces get to stay 1 more night at my place.

Jul 28 2011

+Hangouts: The Best Feature of Google Plus So Far

The craze all over the internet on Google Plus is overwhelming. Online users ask for a Google Plus invite on blogs, forums, on Youtube, and even on Facebook. While the hype is fresh and loud for this latest Google innovation, Google +Hangouts already have gotten the nod of many users who have tried it.

Google +Hangouts is a video conferencing feature of Google Plus that allows users to video chat and conference with a maximum of 10 users at the same time. +Hangouts is actually perfect not just for distant friends and families but likewise for businesses. Just imagine its possibilities!

How +Hangouts Works:

  1. First, you need to receive a Google Plus invitation to get started.
  2. Install the Google Voice and Video Plugin which will let you use the video in +Hangouts. It takes a quick 30 seconds to install.
  3. Make sure everyone in your group has a Google+ account to be able to see your +Hangouts video chat invitation. Invite.
  4. When the chat is open, look at your Google+ stream. If you want to get a URL for your hangout, click the time stamp and share.
  5. Have fun video chatting! Make sure everyone gets a chance to talk. You can type message on the instant messenger chat function inside the hangout.

In the current corporate setting, remote team meetings requiring video conferencing has to seat all participants in one room and share one video feed from another office location with participants doing the same. Transform this to Google Plus Hangout: you invite your co-workers to “hang-out” for brainstorming, important meetings, or simply just to share updates. No one leaves the office – you simply login to Google Plus and video conference right at the comfort of your office! Even the chairman and CEO of Dell received a resounding “Yes” from his followers when he asked them if they were interested to use +Hangouts to connect to the Dell Sales team.

For friends and families living in different cities or countries, +Hangouts is a wonderful tool to keep connected. One of the coolest features is that you can watch videos together while “hanging out.” Cheer for your favourite football team like how you did when you were still living close to each other. It is very nice!

Google Plus Hangouts has an auto-muting and focus-shifting feature. Whoever speaks gets the focus, while the rest gets muted. No need to remind everyone to “please mute your phones when you are not speaking” in a typical conference call. Sounds familiar?

Bottom-line: Google +Hangouts looks great, is fun and easy to use. You can easily choose which Google Circle you want to hang out with. You can enjoy this new Google Plus feature using your favourite web browser. It is extremely user-friendly so anyone can easily start using this video chatting service. Voice and video quality are also great but naturally it would still depend on your internet speed. +Hangouts integration with YouTube makes it even very enjoyable to use.

Jul 28 2011

Payday Loans Guaranteed No Fax

Are you in immediate need of cash due to an emergency but are not able to find a creditor that can help you ASAP? If you are nodding your head and answering yes to this question, a no fax payday loan might be what you are looking for.

What is a Payday loan? Payday loans are short term loans available to employed individuals who are in need of quick cash. The loan is usually paid within two weeks or shorter depending on the borrower’s next payday, thus the term payday loan. The loan amount and corresponding interest is electronically withdrawn from the borrower’s checking account.

What does ‘no fax’ mean? Typical lending institutions require a lot of paperwork when applying for a cash loan. Agents require you to fax through bank statements, pay stubs, employment certificates and the like. This process is eliminated in this type of loan. The whole process is done online – absolutely no faxing of documents to apply.

How does one qualify? Qualifying for a no fax payday loans is pretty simple. All you need to be is a person who (1) has a stable job; (2) has a checking account; and (3) 18 years old and above. In addition, you do not need to worry about your credit rating to be eligible.

How fast is the cash released? Financial emergencies can require urgent attention. Fortunately, payday loans are available for these kinds of urgent situations. Because the process is very simple and processed immediately, your cash advance can be released within 24 hours upon submission of application. Creditors usually can grant a loan between $100 and $1500.

Applying for a no fax payday loan must be decided upon with extreme caution. One must first be aware that:

  • Lenders can charge $30 for every $100 borrowed. That is 130% interest in a span of only two weeks!
  • You are transmitting personal financial information over the internet. This exposes you to unknowingly share your checking accounts with hackers online.
  • If your financial situation is extremely tight, chances are, your loan will revolve and will incur more finance charges. It may then become a vicious cycle, leaving you in deep debt or worst, bankruptcy.

Financial emergencies are inevitable. If you are faced in this situation, try to find other options such as getting a pay advance on your pay check from your employer first. Otherwise, be careful and close that payday loan at once.