Nurse In Cyberspace

Hyperhidrosis and What You Can Do About It

2012-01-24T09:49:00.000+08:00

If you've been sweating excessively lately even when the temperature is cool, chances are, you have hyperhidrosis.

Hyperhidrosis is a fairly common medical condition affecting millions of men and women. Those who suffer from hyperhidrosis sweat 4 or 5 times what is normal often resulting in embarrassing and anxiety-causing situations.

One of the symptoms of hyperhidrosis is excessive sweating of the armpits. And although sweat itself is odorless, excessive sweating of the underarms is sometimes accompanied by another medical condition called bromhidrosis, causing sweat to smell really bad. Therefore, it is important to address excessive armpit sweating before the condition worsens.

There are a number of treatment options available for individuals suffering from hyperhidrosis, especially excessive armpit sweating. To know more about the treatment options as well as the causes and symptoms, refer to the infographic provided below.

Via: Bye Bye Excessive Armpit Sweat

Choosing the Right Nursing Specialty

2011-10-17T19:15:00.002+08:00

Nursing is a dynamic and very competitive profession.

Hundreds of thousands of nursing graduates pass the nurse licensure examination each year and all of them aspire to become globally competitive. And to be globally competitive, registered nurses must carefully think about their nursing careers the moment they pass the nurse licensure examination.

To be able to have a rewarding nursing career, a nurse must choose the right nursing specialty. And mind you, choosing the best nursing specialty is not an easy task. Salary and benefits like making loans are not the only considerations when choosing a nursing specialty. You must consider other factors such as opportunities for continuing education, free travel, and flexible work schedule and arrangements.

A very popular nursing specialty is travel nursing. More and more registered nurses opt to become travel nurses because of the competitive salary. However, there's more to travel nursing than just great pay. Other benefits of travel nursing include free travel, free housing, great work schedule, and opportunities for professional growth and advancement.

Travel nursing is certainly one of the more challenging nursing specialties. It's a great choice for nurses who want to embark on an exciting, financially rewarding nursing career.

Go Daddy April Offers, Go Daddy $1.99 Hosting

2011-04-14T18:39:00.003+08:00

Go Daddy is offering something exciting for new customers for the whole month of April. From April 1 to 30, newcustomers are entitled to New Customer 25% off Sale from GoDaddy.com!

Go Daddy also came up with the very affordable $1.99/month hosting plan for budget-conscious individuals and organizations who want to start working on their personal websites or medium-scale online stores.

Another Go Daddy offer you should not miss is their current offering on affordable domains. For only $7.49, you can have your own .com domain and start establishing a strong online presence for your blog or business.

PRC Releases December 2010 Nursing Board Exam Results in 42 Working Days

2011-02-19T21:10:00.002+08:00

PRC Update:

The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) announces that 29,711 out of 84,287 passed the December 2010 Nurse Licensure Examination.

The Professional Regulation Commission - Board of Nursing administered the nurse licensure examination for nurses in the cities of Manila, Baguio, Butuan, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Dagupan, Davao, Ilocos Sur, Iloilo, La Union, Legazpi, Lucena, Nueva Ecija, Pagadian, Pampanga, Tacloban, Tuguegaraoand Zamboanga on December 19 and 20, 2010 .

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE COMPLETE DECEMBER 2010 NURSING BOARD EXAM RESULTS

December 2010 Nursing Board Exam in 3 Days

2010-12-16T17:28:00.000+08:00

The December 2010 Nursing Board Exam is scheduled on December 19 and 20, 2010. For the convenience of those who will be taking the nurse licensure examination, the Professional Regulation Commission has released the PRC Room Assignments for the cities of Davao, Iloilo, Manila, Tuguegarao, Cebu, Pampanga, Baguio, Legazpi, La Union, Cabanatuan, Dagupan, and Vigan.

The December 2010 Nursing Board Exam will start promptly at 8:00 am so examinees are advised to be at their respective testing centers early on the exam dates. For those who failed to take note their official exam application number, the PRC advises that they verify their application numbers with the testing room watchers on December 19, 2010.

For more information on PRC Room Assignments and updates on December 2010 Nursing Board exam, visit Ward Class and Pinoy R.N.

49 Out of 99 Pass Sanitary Engineer Board Exam

2010-09-21T03:25:00.000+08:00

The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) has released the results of the September 2010 Sanitary Engineer Licensure Examination held in the city of Manila last September 15, 2010.

Out of the 99 hopefuls who took the exam administered by the Board of Sanitary Engineering, 49 examinees successfully hurdled the said examination. Allan Requillas Alzona of National University- Manila topped the September 2010 Board Exam for Sanitary Engineers with a rating of 82.28%.

The oathtaking ceremony of the passers of the September 2010 Sanitary Engineer Board Exam will be held before the Board of Sanitary Engineering on Friday, October 22, 2010 at 1:00 p.m. The oathtaking ceremony will be at Sulo Hotel, Matalino Road, Diliman, Quezon City.

To view the complete copy of the September 2010 Sanitary Engineer Board Exam Results, visit the Philippine Board Exam Results website.

Gadget Recommendation: Asus Eee PC 1005P Seashell

2010-08-30T03:43:00.004+08:00

Here’s the perfect gadget for you student nurse, nurses, medical technologists, and all those in the medical profession: the Asus Eee PC 1005P Seashell. It’s compact and lightweight with all the functionality you need for work and entertainment.

The 1005P runs on an Intel Atom N450 processor, with an ASUS Super Hybrid Engine technology and an Express Gate. That means you can multi-task: work on your reports and presentations while checking your social networks (*ehem*FACEBOOK*ehem*) and listening to music. You can do all these and more without even plugging in the unit for several hours. The 6 cell battery can last to as long as 11 hours.

And it has a 10.1″ LED display, an ergonomic keyboard, and a multi-touch touchpad. It weighs only 1.27 kilograms even with a 6 cell battery.

Here are the other specs:

• Operating System: Genuine Windows 7 Starter

• Display: 10.1″ LED Backlight WSVGA Screen (1024 x 600)

• CPU & Chipset: Intel Atom Pineview-M N450

• Memory: DDR2 SO-DIMM 1 GB (maximum to 2 GB)

• Wireless Data Network: WLAN 802.11 b/g/n @ 2.4 GHz*; Bluetooth 2.1 EDR* (*subject to availability)

• Camera: 0.3 Megapixel

• Audio: Hi-Definition Audio; CODEC Stereo Speaker; Digital microphone

• Input/Output: 1 VGA Connector; 3 USB 2.0; 1 LAN RH-45; 2 Audio Jack (Head Phone/Microphone In)

• Card Reader: MMC/SD (SDHC)

• Battery: 11 hours on 6 cells, 48 W/h*; 5 hours on 3 cells 23 W/h (subject to system configuration and usage)

• Dimensions: 262 x 178 x 25.9 ~ 36.5 mm

• Weight: 1.27 kg with a 6 cell battery; 1.1 kg with a 3 cell battery

• Color: Black, White, Blue, or Pink (In Mold Roller)

Best thing about this lightweight high performance netbook? It’s only PhP19,900 (with a Windows 7 Starter OS and a 250GB hard disk) and PhP18,500 (with no OS but with a 320 GB hard disk). So you won’t go broke buying this powerful gadget for your school, work and entertainment needs.

Plus Asus Ph has a promo until August 31, 2010. You get a free ODD, an Asus Slim External DVD-RW drive, when you buy an Asus Eee PC 1005P.

Written by: Ria Jose

July 2010 Nursing Board Exam Results Released

2010-08-28T01:36:00.001+08:00

The Professional Regulation Commission has released the July 2010 Nursing Board Exam Results.

A total of 37, 679 out of 91,008 examinees successfully hurdled the nurse licensure examination given by the Professional Regulation Commission- Board of Nursing (PRC-BON) last July 3 and 4,2010.

A graduate of Ateneo de Naga, Rayan Abogado Oliva, topped the July 2010 Nursing Board Exam with a rating of 86.80%.

The complete copy of the July 2010 Nursing Board Exam Results is available at Ward Class and Pinoy R.N. You can also view and download the July 2010 Nurse Licensure Examination Results from the Philippine Board Exam Results website.

July 2010 Nursing Board Exam Results to be Released this Week

2010-08-24T02:18:00.002+08:00

The July 2010 Nursing Board Exam Results will be released this week as announced by the Professional Regulation Commission- Board of Nursing (PRC-BON) through Resolution No. 2010-17.

More than 90,000 nursing hopefuls trooped to testing centers in the cities of Manila, Baguio, Butuan, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, La Union, Legazpi, Lucena, Pagadian, Pampanga, Sulu, Tacloban, Tuguegarao, and Zamboanga last July 3 and 4, 2010.

As a free service, Ward Class and Pinoy R.N. will be posting the complete July 2010 Nursing Board Exam Results as soon as it is available.

The July 2010 Nurse Licensure Examination Results will also be available at the Nursing Board Exam Results website.

Kadayawan 2010 Fiesta at The Apo View

2010-08-18T09:30:00.004+08:00

The Apo View, one of the Philippines' oldest hotels, will participate in the Kadayawan Festival with a weeklong celebration inside the hotel premises.

The Kadayawan Fiesta at the Apo View opened last Monday, August 16, with a press conference attended by media personalities from the Davao region. The Apo View's Kadayawan celebration will be from August 16-22 and here are the event highlights:

August 16 to 22- Floral and Fruit Exhibit, Main Lobby
August 16 to 22- Kadayawan Bazaaar, Main Lobby
August 16 to 22- Kadayawan Food Festival, Entree and Cafe Josefina
August 16 to 22- Parades of Mannequins in Ethnic Inspired Creations, Entree Hallway
August 16 to 22- Weaving of Dagmay Fabric by a true member of the Mandaya tribe, Main Lobby
August 16 to 22- Tropical Fruit Festival, Main Patio
August 18 to 21- An Hour of Cultural Presentation (Lunch and Dinner), Entree Hallway
August 18 to 21- Fire Dancing Presentation (Dinner, 7:00 pm), Garden Patio

Also showcased during the Kadayawan Fiesta at The Apo View is the Visual Arts Exhibit of Ronald Tamfalan, of Sarangani Province's T'boli tribe. Tamfalan's efforts in the creative arts has been recognized and showcased in exhibits all over the country.

Visual Artist Ronald Tamfalan works on a T'nalak painting

Also present during the Open Salvo of Kadayawan Fiesta at The Apo View are Olan Emboscado, Ms. Lisa Galdo (Front Desk Manager), Pablito Villanda (F & B Manager), Ms. Fely Gil (Housekeeping Manager) and Mr. Wolfgang Pfuner, Resident Manager.

Red Trellis Seafood Garden's Anniversary Seafood Buffet

2010-08-17T22:38:00.002+08:00

To highlight their first year of being in the restaurant business, Red Trellis Seafood Restaurant will be having their Grand Seafood All-You-Can-Eat on August 21, 2010. For only P350 per person, patrons can enjoy the best of Red Trellis' offerings during the restaurant's anniversary buffet.

I must say the residents of General Santos City are really lucky because they don't have to travel far in order to feast on Red Trellis' best-selling dishes. I dined at the restaurant once and oh boy, I must say their Crabs in Coconut Milk is heavenly. And to borrow what one of my companions said during that unforgettable dinner, "Sauce pa lang, ulam na!" And I most definitely agree because I haven't tasted anything like it before. Dining at Red Trellis is sheer pleasure!

As a way of thanking their very loyal clients, Red Trellis Seafood Garden will be raffling off 10 gift certificates worth P1,000.00 each. The raffle will be during the anniversary buffet on August 21, 2010 at 7pm.

For inquiries and reservations, visit Red Trellis Seafood Garden at Tiongson Ext. Corner Calina Street, Lagao, General Santos City. Or you may contact them through 083-302-CRAB (2722) or visit their page on Facebook.

Credit: Images used in this post by Red Trellis

World's Smallest Android Phones Unveiled in the Sony Ericsson Expo 2010

2010-08-17T05:12:00.007+08:00

Xperia X10 mini pro

Xperia X10 mini

The world's smallest android smartphones, the Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 mini and the X10 mini pro, have been unveiled in the Davao leg of the Sony Ericsson Expo 2010.

Just like its predecessor the Xperia X10, the X10 mini and the X10 mini pro promises to give consumers an enhanced entertainment and communication experience. And while X10 mini and X10 mini pro are approximately the size of a credit card, both phones are packed with lots of features and can be customized with downloadable applications from the Adroid Market.

Xperia X10 mini and X10 mini pro have identical 2.55-inch scratch resistant TFT touchscreens supporting 16 million colors and 5-megapixel cameras.The major difference between the two models is that the X10 mini pro is equipped with a slide-put QWERTY keyboard that makes typing easier. It's also slightly thicker and heavier compared to the X10 mini.

Since Sony Ericsson prides itself in being a communication entertainment brand, consumers can be optimistic that both the Xperia X10 mini and the X10 mini pro delivers the same mobile phone music experience popularized by the Sony Ericsson Walkman phones. And just like the Xperia X10, both the X10 mini and the X10 mini pro come with good quality hands-free kits.

Also showcased during the Sony Ericsson Expo 2010 Davao are the new Vivaz and Vivaz pro, the Spiro and Zylo Walkman phones, and the Sony Ericsson phones under the environmentally friendly GreenHeart line.

Visitors can experience the Xperia X10 mini and mini pro, the Vivaz and Vivaz Pro, the Spiro and Zylo Walkman phones, and the phones included in the GreenHeart line at the Sony Ericsson Expo 2010 Davao. The expo will be at the atrium area of Gaisano Mall- Davao from August 10 to August 22, 2010.

Credit: Images used from Sony Ericsson

July 2010 Nursing Board Exam Results to be Released this Month

2010-08-01T07:32:00.000+08:00

The July 2010 Nursing Board Exam Results will be released on the last week of August. The Professional Regulation Commission- Board of Nursing recently released Resolution No. 2010-17 stating the schedule of the release of the July 2010 Nursing Board Exam Results.

Furthermore, the December 2010 Nursing Board Exam is scheduled on December 19-20, 2010.

For more updates on the July 2010 Nursing Board Exam Results, visit Ward Class and Pinoy R.N.

Oathtaking Schedule for July 2010 Nurse Licensure Examination Passers

2010-07-30T04:49:00.000+08:00

The Professional Regulation Commission- Board of Nursing recently announced that the oathtaking schedule for July 2010 New Nurses from the National Capital Region will be on September 20-21, 2010. This implies that the July 2010 Nursing Board Exam Results will soon be released.

The July 2010 Nursing Board Exam Results is expected to be released on August or September this year. Complete nursing board exam results will be posted at Pinoy R.N. and Ward Class once it is made available by the PRC.

A New Eclipse Plurk Theme for Twilight Fans

2010-07-06T04:33:00.016+08:00

Just recently, I changed my You're Beautiful Plurk Theme to the newest Plurk theme at Plurk Designs.

The Eclipse Plurk theme was made available upon the request of friends from Plurk who are Twilight fans.

I haven't watched Eclipse yet (heard fairly good reviews about it, though) but I thought it would be cool if I used Plurk Design's Eclipse theme and have Edward and Jacob stare at me all day. The Eclipse theme is not Plurk Design's first Twilight-inspired Plurk theme. The site also has themes based on New Moon, my favorite being the one with the wolf pack.

Plurk Designs is a cool website offering free plurk themes to its users. Lyle, the owner, is a an avid Plurker and spends much of his time connecting with his friends at Plurk. He started to dabble with Plurk themes last year and released his first-ever Plurk theme in May 2009.

Plurk Design's first Plurk theme was based on the hit movie Star Trek and remains to be one of my favorite Plurk themes. Since then, Plurk Designs has added more free plurk themes to its collection, most of them inspired by movies and requests from friends.

So if you want an enhanced micro-blogging experience, check out the latest Plurk themes at Plurk Designs. You might find something that you like. And best of all, everything's free.

My Davao Jobs

2010-02-01T02:09:00.002+08:00

If you are looking for job openings in Davao City and the Davao region, you just might find what you're looking for at My Davao Jobs. Providing quality Davao-based job listings, My Davao Jobs is a free job directory dedicated to helping jobseekers find jobs and build better careers.

To search and browse the best jobs in Davao, visit My Davao Jobs. For advertising and other concerns, use the contact form or email the Marketing Officer at ria@avatar.ph.

My Davao Jobs is a project of Avatar Media.

November 2009 Nursing Board Exam Results Update: 37,527 New Nurses

2010-01-31T23:53:00.009+08:00

The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) released the November 2009 Nursing Board Exam Results and 37,527 out of the 94,462 examinees passed the said nurse licensure examination.

The November 2009 Nursing Board Examination was given by the Professional Regulation Commission in the cities of Manila, Baguio, Butuan, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, La Union, Legazpi, Lucena, Pagadian, Pampanga, Sulu, Tacloban, Tugegarao, and Zamboanga.

The topnotcher of the November 2009 Board Exam is Ms. Clarie Morales Bontol of Iligan Medical Center College, Inc. (87.80%) closely followed by Bryan Noel Cueto Asis of Lyceum of Batangas (87.60%).

The complete results of the November 2009 Nursing Board Exam is available at Ward Class and Pinoy R.N.

Skin Doctors Cosmeceuticals

2009-12-02T09:23:00.004+08:00

Skin Doctors Cosmeceuticals is a market leader in the skin care industry catering to men and women who prefer topical treatments over surgical procedures. The whole range of the Skin Doctors skin care line is a product of more than ten years of research and development in Australia and has proven to deliver visible results with continued use.

Now marketed globally, Skin Doctors Cosmeceuticals offer advanced treatments to common age-related skin problems like dull skin, frown lines, crow's feet, and melasma. They also have products that promise instant results like the Instant Facelift, Instant Eyelift, Perfect Pout, and Zit Zapper.

Skin Doctors gave free facial treatments at Chimes Specialty Store in Davao City from November 27 to November 29, 2009. Consultants and therapists were present to assist clients during the three-day event.

Fore more information on Skin Doctors Cosmeceuticals, visit www.skindoctors.com.au or email them at skindoctors@cytherea.com.ph.

Wireless Routers Woes

2009-11-29T05:09:00.004+08:00

I am currently using an inexpensive wireless router I bought over a year ago. I purchased the router when I decided to have broadband connection at home and although I do experience dropped connections from time to time, I haven't decided on purchasing a new one.

I am online more than 12 hours a day so experiencing very slow or dropped or connections can be quite irritating. I don't really know much about wireless router troubleshooting and stuff so when I encounter such problems, I just reset my router. I admit it is tiring but it works every time.

For those who plan on purchasing a wireless router for home use, it is essential to do some reading first. Aside from the price tag, there are other things to be considered like network system requirements and network security. If you are terribly non-techie like me and don't get much out of wireless router reviews you find online, it would also be a good idea to have someone knowledgeable explain things to you.

Cignal Digital TV Launched in Davao City

2009-11-16T00:49:00.005+08:00

Cignal Digital TV was recently launched in Davao City. Being the lone satellite pay TV company to offers its services nationwide, Cignal Digital TV brings to the city the gold standard in television viewing experience.

Solidly backed by front-runners in direct-pay TV solutions and satellite communications, Cignal Digital TV attracts more subscribers by providing high-quality content, enhanced viewing experience, and excellent after-sales service. Being a leader in HD television programming in the Philippines, only Cignal Digital TV offers the most HD channels with the best image and sound quality at very affordable subscription rates.

Behind Cignal Digital TV is Mediascape, a subsidiary of MediaQuest Holdings, Inc. MediaQuest Holdings is a multi-media company and a member of the PLDT Group of Companies.

For inquiries, visit www.cignal.tv. You may also call Comworks (franchise area partner for Davao City) at (082) 228-6006.

3rd Mindanao Bloggers Summit

2009-11-06T11:43:00.007+08:00

Cagayan de Oro City recently hosted the 3rd Mindanao Bloggers Summit, a gathering of bloggers from all over the island.

The annual event, now on its 3rd year, was attended by over 70 participants from Davao, General Santos, Zamboanga, Iligan, and a few other cities from Mindanao. Guests from Manila were also present.

The summit aimed to change the negative connotation that has long been associated with the place and to promote the island of Mindanao as an ideal tourist and business destination. Speakers included Cagayan de Oro Mayor Tinnex Jaraula, Governor Rodolfo Plaza, Atty. Adel Tamano, and U.S. Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Leslie Bassett. Other notable personalities also sent in video messages.

Being a bloggers' convention, the summit also tackled topics such as blogging for beginners; blog marketing; and blog monetization. Notable speakers included Aileen Apolo, Janette Toral, and Lyle Santos.

Representatives of blogging communities from cities around Mindanao also gave updates. Jaime Haw, Jr talked about the activities of the Davao Bloggers. Avel Manansala bared the future plans of the SOCKSARGEN Bloggers while Edu Segundo shared the latest on the affairs of the CDO Bloggers.

The 3rd Mindanao Bloggers Summit was organized by the CDO Bloggers, Inc and was made possible by the generousity of the following sponsors:

Nokia OVI - www.ovi.com
Smart Communication - smart.com.ph
Make Your Own Havaianas - spruce.ph
1st Rafting Adventures - www.raftingadventurephilippines.com
UltraCraft - ultracraftadvertising.com
Syntactics - syntacticsinc.com
Majesty Sales Center
Clara’s Shoppe - clarashoppe.multiply.com
MakatiAve.com - makatiave.com
Asterisk Event and Communications - asteriskeventsandcommunications.com
Loretos Bar and Grill

Jupiter Suites

2009-09-24T19:00:00.006+08:00

I was in Manila last week to help organize WordCamp Philippines 2009. And because Jupiter Suites was one of the sponsors for the event, they provided our small group of bloggers from Mindanao with free accommodations throughout the duration of our stay.

Jupiter Suites is an affordable hotel conveniently located right at the junction of Jupiter Street and Makati Avenue in Bel-air, Makati City. It is within walking distance from the area's finest restaurants, shopping centers, and various business establishments making it ideal for business and leisure travelers.

The spacious fully-airconditioned rooms at Jupiter Suites are well-equipped with amenities like free telephone and in-room internet service, hot & cold shower, cable television, and even a mini-refrigerator. Guests are also provided with daily complimentary breakfast and newspaper. The hotel staff at Jupiter Suites are also very efficient and went through great lengths to make our stay memorable.

Skydayawan: SkyCable Davao's coverage of the 24th Kadayawan Festival

2009-08-22T01:40:00.004+08:00

Davao is celebrating the 24th Kadayawan Festival and everyone's excited to participate in the festival's many events. Although the Kadayawan Festival officially started last August 17, the festival highlights are the much-awaited Indak Indak sa Kadalanan (Street Dancing Competition and Mindanao Festival Showcases) and Pamulak Kadayawan (Floral Float and Parade Competition) which will take place today (Aug. 22) and tomorrow (Aug. 23), respectively.

Some of my blogger friends will embark on a two-day photoshoot to cover Davao City's 24th Kadayawan Festival and while I want to watch the Indak Indak sa Kadalanan, I am still undecided whether to be downtown to watch the event or just stay home and watch SkyCable Davao's coverage of the Kadayawan Festival.

In a press conference I attended at Dencio's Hilltop last August 22, SkyCable launched "Skydayawan", SkyCable's program covering the Kadayawan Festival. In attendance during the media conference were the SkyCable staff and crew, members of the press, Davao bloggers, and Skydayawan hosts Jojie Alcantara, Skip O'Jack, and Bamboo Domingo. After the actual press con, the attendees were treated to a sumptuous lunch of Filipino dishes courtesy of Dencio's Dorelane Uy-Bosquit.

L to R: Lenny Gabucan, Jojie Alcantara, and Dorelane Uy-Bosquit

Skydayawan airs via channel 15 (6:00 pm to 6:30 pm) and channel 28 (9:30 pm to 10:00 pm) from August 17 to August 23, 2009. The Skydayawan coverage will be brought to us by hosts Jojie Alcantara, Skip O'Jack , and Bamboo Domingo.

Webhosting Guides, Ratings, and Reviews

2009-08-19T01:37:00.006+08:00

Choosing the right webhost is of prime importance to website owners. Webhosting providers offer different types of webhosting plans and services and choosing the best webhosting for a website can be overwhelming for many.

When choosing the right kind of web site hosting service, a lot of things have to be considered. Website owners need to consider the price, storage space, webhost reliablility, webhosting plan features, and the availability of online or telephone technical support. It is also important to take into account whether a webhosting service has been given favorable feedbacks by customers or users.

When looking for the right webhost for your website or blog, utilizing the services of websites offering honest reviews of webhosting providers and their corresponding webhosting plans will be of great help. The webhosting ratings, reviews and awards provided by sites like Web Hosting Geeks guide consumers in choosing the best webhosting provider for their hosting needs.

Furthermore, since finding the right webhost can seem complicated especially for newbies, it is important for website owners to learn the various aspects of webhosting. If you are still looking for the right webhosting service for your site or blog, here is a webhosting guide that will help you greatly in choosing the best webhost.

Sydney Hotel: A Home Away from Home

2009-08-06T20:18:00.010+08:00

Those who plan to travel to General Santos City this September for GTX 2009 (Gensan's Tuna Festival Experience) are in for a real treat! Sydney Hotel, one of General Santos City's premiere hotels, will be giving huge discounts for their standard rooms for the whole month of September.

I have had the opportunity to stay at Sydney Hotel last weekend and my stay at the hotel was more than satisfactory. The hotel is right at the heart of the city and very near the City Hall. The room I was given was clean, well-maintained, and spacious and what made my stay more enjoyable was that it has a very nice view of Gen. Santos Park. I also observed the hotel staff to be courteous, unobtrusive, and efficient.

The rooms at Sydney Hotel are affordable; room rates are inclusive of government taxes. Complimentary continental or Sydney breakfast is also served daily at the hotel's Wanchin Dimsum Restaurant (also a WiFi hotspot).

For more information on their promotional offers and facilities, visit Sydney Hotel's website. You may also call them at (083)552-5479 to 81 or email them at sydneyhotelgsc@yahoo.com.ph.

All images courtesy of Lyle Santos.

Icons On Screen: GenSan's Newest Sports-Themed Resto

2009-08-04T20:05:00.011+08:00

I spent the weekend at General Santos City and for dinner last Sunday, Avel Manansala of Gensantos.com brought Lyle, Marzz, and I to Icons On Screen, located within Mr. Bigshot total entertainment complex. I have never been to Mr. Bigshot or Icons On Screen so I had no idea that dinner that night would be fun, delicious, and adventurous.

As soon as we arrived at Mr. Bigshot, we were immediately ushered to an airconditioned, more private section of the establishment. Icons On Screen, as the restaurant is called, is a sports-themed family restaurant that showcases a sports library and various sports memorabilia.

As I entered Icons On Screen, I immediately noticed the decor. I am not a sports enthusiast but I really liked the sporty feel of the place. The owner, Mr. Bebot Haw, chooses the decorative pieces himself making sure that everything used in the restaurant adheres to the overall sports theme and that not a single piece is out of place.

The food at Icons On Screen is provided by Six'Blings and we were served an assortment of exotic ostrich and croco dishes like Galante Ostrich Burger, Deep-Fried Shanghai Crazy Torta, Crocodile Sisig, Ostrich Tips, and Ostrich Steak. There was also an appetizer called SayangDilikaGuapo ( a salad made of shrimps, anchovies, guava, and pomelo in vinaigrette) and a couple of other dishes that were just as delicious.

So if you want to watch your favorite games in style while indulging in exotic ostrich and croco dishes, drop by Icons On Screen. Icons On Screen is located within Mr. Bigshot Indoor Badminton Courts, NCCC Compound, National Highway, General Santos City. For reservations and inquiries, you may call them at (083)553-8808/(0917)715-2528.

All photos courtesy of Lyle Santos.

OLX: The Fastest Rising Free Classifieds Site

2009-07-28T22:16:00.005+08:00

OLX is in town!!!

For those who are regular users of free online classifieds sites like Craigslist, the fact that OLX is steadily gaining popularity in 87 countries including the Philippines is good news. OLX has more than 50 million unique visitors and close to 2 million ad listings monthly.

Established in 2006, OLX boasts of features that give other free online classifieds a run for their money. With OLX's functionality, a user can easily create an ad listing, enhance it with pictures and videos, and then integrate it with their Facebook, MySpace and other social networking accounts. And for those who are always on the go, users are still able to post and browse ad listings, read messages, reply to ads anytime via OLX mobile.

So, have you visited the fastest growing free classifieds site yet?

June 2009 Nursing Board Exam Results Out; Cebu Grad Tops the NLE

2009-07-25T22:17:00.002+08:00

Finally, the Professional Regulation Commission- Board of Nursing (PRC-BON) released the much-awaited June 2009 Nursing Board Exam Results.

Ms. Golda Manto Yap, a graduate of Felipe R. Verallo Memorial Foundation in Cebu City, topped the June 2009 Nurse Licensure Examination with a rating of 86.80 percent.

Visit Ward Class and Pinoy R.N. to view the complete June 2009 Nursing Board Exam Results.

Of Sports and Sports Merchandise

2009-07-16T07:49:00.006+08:00

It has been a long time since I played a sport of any kind. The last time I played volleyball was more six years ago and there are times when I miss the feel of a Mikasa volleyball in my hands. My mother bought me an inexpensive volleyball set when I was 12 and even though I was never really good at the sport, I can play a decent game, or so I think.

Aside from volleyball, another sport I can say I became interested in is soccer. I don't play soccer and don't quite understand the mechanics of the game but eversince I saw a music video of To Be Number One, official song of the 1990 FIFA World Cup, I say I was "hooked". Plus, I have been drooling over those fashionable soccer team merchandise like the ones sold by Diadora.

Aside from volleyball and soccer, I also enjoy watching cheerleading competitions. Watching an all-star cheerleading competiton via ESPN can be quite enjoyable. The routines are almost always spectacular with the lively choreography and numerous daredevil stunts.

June 2009 PRC Nursing Board Exam Results Update

2009-07-15T14:58:00.002+08:00

The June 2009 PRC Nursing Board Exam Results will be released soon. The Professional Regulation Commission- Board of Nursing (PRC- BON) already released the partial oathtaking schedule for areas like Manila, Baguio, Ilocos, and Pangasinan so it is understandable that the release of the much-awaited June 2009 PRC Nursing Board Exam Results is imminent.

Ward Class and Pinoy R.N. continues to publish nursing news and updates like the complete June 2009 Nursing Board Exam Results as soon as it is available. You may also visit Nursing Board Exam Results if you want to be the first to be updated on the June 2009 PRC Nursing Board Exam Results.

Best Web Hosting for Blogs

2009-06-14T20:15:00.005+08:00

Seeing the message "bandwidth exceeded" displayed on his or her blog is every blogger's nightmare. So from time to time, I hear people whine because their blogs exceeded the bandwidth quota for the month.

The "bandwidth exceeded" message usually displays when a blog or website receives a lot of traffic such that the bandwidth allocation given by the host has been used up. When this happens, the logical thing to do is to upgrade to a better web hosting package with more bandwidth allocation or if funds are scarce, simply wait for the counters to reset, which is usually on the first day of the next month.

To address this problem, bloggers need to look for a reliable web hosting that can cater to their hosting needs at an affordable cost. And a very informative site, Web Hosting Geeks, helps a lot by providing valuable information on reliable and affordable web hosts. Their web hosting awards point consumers to the best web hosting deals. For instance, for 2009, they have named Just Host as the best hosting for blogs and WebHosting Pad as the best budget hosting. Readers could also make use of their published articles on web hosting security, control panel customization, and search engine optimization.

Tierra Montana Hotel: Luxe Living in GenSan

2009-06-11T19:10:00.006+08:00

Located along National Highway, General Santos City, Tierra Montana Hotel is the newest addition to GenSan's growing number of hotels. Opening its doors to the public last April 15, Tierra Montana Hotel has 27 fully-airconditioned rooms, all tastefully done-- clean, spacious, functional, and stylish.

Each room at Tierra Montana Hotel is even made more comfortable by a whole range of modern amenities: modern lighting, a working area, a Samsung LCD TV, and WiFi connection. Tierra Montana Hotel also has banquet and conference facilities ideal for parties and corporate events. They also have a swimming pool, jacuzzi, and a KTV Bar.

Room rates at Tierra Montana Hotel are affordable. The standard rooms cost PhP 1,450/night while the suite room goes for PhP2,400/night. Hotel guests are also treated to a sumptuous complimentary breakfast during the length of their stay.

For reservations and inquiries, contact Tierra Montana Hotel at (083) 554-7733/553-8553.

Lo and Behold...The Twilight "New Moon" Official Movie Trailer (Video)

2009-06-01T13:20:00.004+08:00

It's out, Twilight Fans! The Official Movie Trailer of New Moon, sequel of Twilight, is here. Thanks to Twilight fans, Donna Mae and Sheng, I have been alerted that the official movie trailer of the second installment of the Twilight saga has been released. Not that I was not waiting for the New Moon trailer, but the two pretty damsels are so fast, they beat me to it. LOL.

After watching the official movie trailer of New Moon, I actually became more optimistic about the movie. The scenes look great and I'm beginning to really like Taylor Lautner as Jacob Black. Methinks he looks better with the short hair. I am a self-confessed Edward Cullen fan and I think Robert Pattinson is good-looking, but next to Taylor-- Rob looks really frail. I hope they made Edward Cullen more formidable and dangerous in New Moon, not just incredibly romantic and, err, chalky-white.

Oh well, I know we all can't wait for New Moon to be shown in theatres. New Moon is set to be shown in movietheatres worldwide on November 20, 2009. So in the meantime, let's just enjoy the New Moon video clip below.

Diversity Triumphs Over Susan Boyle in Britain's Got Talent 2009

2009-05-31T21:25:00.006+08:00

So, it's Diversity alright. I never thought that Diversity, a dance group which made its way to the finals of Britain's Got Talent, will lord over Susan Boyle.

I have always liked Susan Boyle, not only because she is exceptional but also due to the fact that she really went after her dream even if she is past her prime. And of course, she tends to bring out the best in Simon Cowell, whom I really like. LOL.

I know many fans have been rooting for Susan Boyle (and I did, too!) but after watching a video of Diversity's final performance, I gotta say the all male-dance group deserved to win. I like the choreography-- everything was so put-together. With members aged 12-25, Diversity really rocked Britain with their Transformers-inspired routine. Their pumped-up dance act earned the ten-member dance group a standing ovation from all three judges. Simon Cowell said that Diversity's winning performance was sheer and utter perfection while Amanda Holden said they nailed it.

But while she did not emerge as the winner of Britain's Got Talent 2009, I do not feel sorry for Susan Boyle. With her talent, she has a very bright future ahead of her.

New Moon Exclusive Trailer to be Released via MTV Awards and MySpace

2009-05-30T19:43:00.008+08:00

This is something big for Twilight fans. MTV announced that the New Moon trailer will premiere on May 31, Sunday, at 9:00 p.m. ET during the MTV Awards . New Moon lead stars Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart will be present during the ceremony to present the exclusive footage of New Moon, the sequel of the blockbuster movie Twilight.

At 10:45 p.m. the same day, the official New Moon trailer will be released online via MySpace's Trailer Park.

On a side note, Plurk Designs came up with Plurk templates for Twilight fans. Check out the images below for New Moon Plurk templates feauturing Bella Swan, Edward Cullen, Jason Black, and the Wolf Pack.

Click here to get New Moon Plurk Template
Click here to get New Moon Wolf Pack Plurk Template

Win a MacBook Pro

2009-05-28T00:39:00.007+08:00

EYP.ph is nothing but good news! They are giving away 9 laptops to EYP.ph registered users. By simply signing up and inviting a friend, you get a chance to win a brand-new laptop. The promo ends on July 20 so hurry and spread the word now. Click on image below to join the contest.

Affordable Web Hosting for Blogs

2009-04-13T11:01:00.006+08:00

I was updating my other blog when I realized that I really need to look for an affordable web host for my blogs. I am currently using a free webhosting service and while it is not ad-supported, the connection speed is really slow. Well, I wasn't really promised anything in terms of server speed but I didn't really expect things to be this slow. The simple act of refreshing a page takes two minutes to accomplish so I guess I can rightfully say that my experience with the web host I am currently using is not very satisfying.

Another problem with free web hosting services is that they offer very limited bandwidth and may actually experience frequent downtimes. It is very likely that you'll see those "bandwidth exceeded" messages while trying to access your blog or go through prolonged downtimes. Of course, there are reliable ones like Tripod and Geocities but both are ad-supported so unless you can tolerate forced ads on your blog, you should consider getting paid web hosting for your blog.

A helpful site, Web Hosting Geeks, has named the Top 10 Best Web Hosts for 2009. They have listed all the reputable web hosts for different categories and have named JustHost as the Best Blog Web Host for 2009. So if you are still scouting for a web host, you might want to read the reviews and articles available in the site.

For my blogs, an affordable web hosting account will do. I don't really need all those add-ons included in most web hosting packages as I just need a reliable and fast web hosting service offering an affordable payment plan, reasonable disk space and bandwidth allotment and of course, technical support.

Davao Eagle Ridge Resort

2009-04-03T21:54:00.010+08:00

This summer, nothing beats relaxing in a sprawling garden resort with a panoramic view of the majestic Mt. Apo.

Conveniently located in one of the most peaceful sections of Davao City, Davao Eagle Ridge is a resort that offers a unique vacation experience for those who want a break from the hustle and bustle of city life. During their stay, guests can enjoy a swim at the resort's majestic pool, enjoy outdoor meals, short nature walks, or even a nighttime barbecue.

The rooms and suites at Davao Eagle Ridge are elegantly designed and follow a color scheme that promotes rest and relaxation. All rooms are well-equipped only with the choicest furnishings and come with the most luxurious baths.

Davao Eagle Ridge also boasts of a function hall ideal for corporate events and indoor get-togethers. They also have an al fresco dining area that can hold romantic events like garden dinner parties or even a greek-themed wedding.

For those seeking privacy and seclusion, Davao Eagle Ridge is the perfect summer destination for you. For inquiries and reservations, you may visit Davao Eagle Ridge at Upper Ulas, Davao City or call (082) 226-2335.

All images courtesy of Lyle Santos.

High-Performance Mustang Parts

2009-04-01T08:41:00.004+08:00

I have to go run errands so I'll be making this short. If you happen to look for Ford Mustang Performance Parts, go to My Hot Mustang. They sell all kinds of high-performance Mustang parts, from brakes to turbo charger kits.

Furthermore, My Hot Mustang sells different types of Ford Mustang accessories and offer daily phone support for for their customers.

Color World Giacce BB Cream

2009-04-01T08:06:00.004+08:00

I bought a 60 ml tube of Giacce BB Cream since I needed something to replace the Maybelline mousse foundation I recently gave away. Color World Giacce BB Cream was on sale at this Korean store I frequent for PhP350 (approx. $7) and since it's being sold online for $25, I didn't hesitate in buying it.

While not exactly a foundation, Color World Giacce BB Cream provides minimal coverage like a lightweight foundation does. It gives a natural-looking finish which suits my skintone. The only drawback is that it takes patience to blend and because I can't read Korean- which reminds me to go back to studying the language- I can't tell if Giacce BB cream provides sun protection or not.

Like most BB Creams, Color World Giacce BB Cream promises to improve skin texture and remove blemishes with regular use. Well, I've been using Giacce BB Cream for less than a week so I can't say if it works.:)

Dining Room Essentials

2009-04-01T01:20:00.003+08:00

My sister is thinking of buying a new set of dining room furniture so I volunteered to scour the internet for modern dining room furniture designs. She is still in her thirties so she insisted on a contemporary furniture design even when I suggested that she purchase Victorian-inspired dining room furniture pieces.

Frankly, I prefer modern designs myself especially when each furniture pieces exude timeless elegance. I just thought that since my sister is a lot older than I am, it would be safe to assume that she would prefer Victorian-inspired furniture pieces.

A site called Discount Quality Furniture offers different types of home furniture in their online catalogue. They showcase splendid creations from different manufacturers and a very modern rectangular dining table by Lexington Furniture caught my attention. The table, which is part of Lexington's Central Park Collection, is made from different hardwoods and has a classy dark brown finish.

Dermal Essence Masks

2009-04-01T00:54:00.005+08:00

It has been awfully hot lately and I feel like putting on a facial essence mask to soothe and mositurize my facial skin. I buy Korean facial essence masks from La Core and since they ran out of my favorite grape essence masks when I went there a couple of days ago, I settled with 2 packets of Dermal Essence Mask: Rice Bran Collagen Essence Mask and Coenzyme Q10 Essence Mask.

Facial essence masks soothe, relax, and moisturize the skin especially during very hot or very cold weather conditions. For an added cooling effect, refrigerate facial essence masks for a few minutes before using.

New Chat Room

2009-03-31T14:47:00.004+08:00

A new website has been put up encouraging chat among members of the Jewish population. Users can join different Jewish Chat Rooms and communicate with others from as far as Israel and the United States. There may be many denominations of Judaism but they are rooted in the same religious principles and philosophy and communication among Jewish practicioners will help in preserving the different aspects of the Jewish identity.

I'm not so familiar with the principles of Judaism nor do I personally know somebody who practices the Jewish religion but it sure would be interesting to know more about the early beginnings of the Jewish faith.

This Week's To-Do List

2009-03-31T14:11:00.003+08:00

It's the 31st and I just remembered that I really need to do a handful of things by the end of the week. I don't want to start April procrastinating so I'm making another to-do list as a reminder. Here goes:

Renew license
Call FortuneCare regarding their program for Senior Citizens
Call GSIS regarding some claims
Work on my uncle's delayed registration of birth records
Publish another entry for Ward Class
Get back to using Declan and Rosetta Stone software
Pay Philhealth contributions
Have my room cleaned thoroughly
Check records for unpaid bills
Make an appointment with the dentist
Buy new curtains
Go to the sauna

I hope I'll have everything done by Friday. Wish me luck.

Vacation Getaways

2009-03-31T05:31:00.005+08:00

When it is time for grand vacations, the smart traveller knows that vacation rentals are always better than hotel rooms. Rentals are bigger in size and come with full amenities.

For those who plan to have a long vacation, rentals provide the much-needed break from the monotony of having to live in a cramped hotel room. Most vacation rentals come with luxurious baths, modern kitchens, spacious backyards, game rooms, and state-of-the-art entertainment systems that there's always something to do during days you and your family decide to stay indoors.

Vacation rentals are cheaper than most hotel rooms. Most hotel rooms are good only for double or triple sharing and hotels charge a hefty sum for an extra person or bed. And since there are no dining or cooking facilities in a standard room, occupants have to order room service or dine out, which is not very cost-effective.

So when going away on vacation, make the most out of your vacation by choosing from the vacation villas available at PricePickle.com. They have different types of vacation rentals available, depending on your needs. They have vacation rentals for small and large groups and some rentals are even large enough to accommodate multiple families!

PricePickle.com currently has specials on vacation rentals so get huge discounts by using their HomeAway Coupons.

Communication Among Christians

2009-03-29T03:17:00.003+08:00

Christianity encourages communication and fellowship among Christians. As a Christian, I would like to be given the opportunity to communicate with other Christians from different parts of the globe. Joining a website specially designed for Christian Chat is a great way to interact with other Christians. It is very convenient for those who want to exchange ideas and share their experiences in practicing the Christian way of life.

Weekend Indulgence

2009-03-29T02:25:00.003+08:00

I just got home from a get-together with some blogger friends and I say I really indulged this weekend. Here are some of the things I did:

had blueberry cheesecake and a cheesy chicken-and-rice dish at Lachi's
paid PhP185 to have my fringe trimmed
had coffee and sandwich for dinner at Kangaroo Coffee Company
laughed my ass off for close to five hours with Lyle, Ria, Chattee, and Andrew
had a post-midnight snack of chicken, rice, and fries at McDonald's

It was past 2:00 pm by the time I arrived home and I say I'm really tired. However, I must say, this weekend indulgence was a lot fun.

Learning Home Improvement

2009-03-28T06:45:00.004+08:00

With the skyrocketing costs of labor, every homeowner should at least learn the basics of home improvement and home maintenance. With the current economic crisis, most homeowners can't afford the services of a handyman so it is best that they know how to address minor repairs or underake do-it-yourself home improvement projects.

When there are home improvement or home maintenance tasks be completed, every homeowner should be very knowledgeable where to find the best pneumatic tools and other materials they might need like nailers and fasteners.

Construction tools like pneumatic Nailers and pnuematic screwdrivers are very handy when doing various home improvement and home maintenance projects. Not only are pneumatic tools lightweight compared to electricity-powered tools, they are also cheaper in comparison.

Appreciating Art

2009-03-28T01:46:00.007+08:00

I'm not an artistic person but I do appreciate an objet d'art when I see one. I like looking at paintings and other forms of artwork that depict life vividly, expecially those that capture the essence of places and people with clarity and depth.

Eversince I was introduced to the beauty of visual arts, I have admired the beautiful pieces produced by the pop art movement. This may sound naive but the commercial value of pop art appeals to me as I can relate with it as its themes revolve around popular mass culture.

Recently, I scoured the interntet for websites maintained by art galleries and the last site I visited, Paragon Fine Art, has a huge collection of very beautiful pieces of contemporary, traditional, and commercial art. Some of their featured artists include Pamela Sukhum, Dino Rosin, Vladimir Kush, Liudmila Kondakova, Carrie Graber, and Victoria Montesinos.

Criminal Minds

2009-03-27T23:29:00.008+08:00

I recently discovered the American crime drama series Criminal Minds and I was really entertained by the two episodes that I watched so far. The show is pretty much easy to follow, not too many twists and turns plus, I really dig the personalities of Criminal Minds' profilers and their many adventures as they travel around the U.S. to catch the most dangerous and the most baffling criminals.

Criminal Minds is in its fourth season but the only episodes I watched are Seven Seconds and Lucky of Season 3. Both episodes are good and kept me interested from beginnning to end. I wish I could do the same for Damages, although, I should start with the show's first season to get a full grasp of the drama.

I watch Criminal Minds every Friday on Star World and since it comes after the American Idol results show, it is very likely that I'll be able to follow the adventures of the FBI's BAU team of profilers regularly.

Chatting with Fellow Asians

2009-03-27T02:03:00.005+08:00

I am interested in Asian cultural exchange so I'm thinking of signing up with Asian Chat City so that I can engage in Asian Chat with fellow Asians. I want to learn more about the culture and language of different Asian countries and I believe a live chat with other Asians will enhance my learning experience greatly.

The Office: Golden Ticket and New Boss

2009-03-27T01:13:00.005+08:00

I watched two episodes of The Office with Lyle last night-- Golden Ticket and New Boss. In Golden Ticket, Michael Scott made me laugh so hard that I had an asthma attack. In New Boss, however, Michael Scott and employees of Dunder Mifflin were still there usual dysfunctional selves but the second part of the episode made me very sad.

There was nothing wrong with the scenes as everything was brilliantly executed like any other The Office episode. It's just that the ending of New Boss just quite left me uneasy and wary of upcoming developments in the series.

It will be another week-long wait for the next The Office marathon with Lyle and until I find out what happens to Michael Scott and his new boss, I'll remain uneasy.

Overcoming Computer Vision Syndrome

2009-03-26T02:52:00.009+08:00

I sit in front of a computer for more than ten hours a day and these past few months, I have been experiencing symptoms associated with computer vision syndrome (CVS). Symptoms like headache, eyestrain, dry eyes, and occasional nausea manifest when I use the computer for extended periods of time.

And because the symptoms associated with computer vision syndrome significantly affect my productivity, I did some online reading on how to manage the condition. In many websites I visited, measures like adjusting lighting within the work area and reducing the number of hours spent on computer use have been recommended to alleviate the symptoms of computer vision syndrome.

Another way of alleviating the effects of computer vision syndrome is to adjust the settings of the computer screen to minimize glare. Since dry eyes is also a major symptom of computer vision sydrome, artificial-tears solutions are often prescribed by qualified medical professionals.

One of the articles I read made mention of pinhole glasses in alleviating the symptoms of computer vision syndrome. Supposedly, these special glasses improve clarity and resolution by restricting the passage of unfocused light rays that enter through the cornea making pinhole glasses suitable for those who suffer from refractive eye disorders and computer vision syndrome. There were also testimonials from those who purchased pinhole eyeglasses on the durability and affordability of these special glasses in comparison to regular prescription lenses.

Since more and more people have jobs that entail working long hours in front of the computer, I would suppose computer vision syndrome has become prevalent over the years.

Other people may choose to rely on measures like adjusting work area lighting or computer screen settings but as for myself, I plan to consult my ophthalmologist because I want to make sure that the symptoms I'm experiencing are due to computer vision syndrome and not because of an underlying medical condition.

Tips for Pet Lovers

2009-03-25T06:10:00.006+08:00

I have a relative who has more than ten dogs and when I asked her how much she spends on her dogs monthly, she won't give me the exact figure but said it involves a hefty sum. I used to have a dog so I know how costly it can be considering the high cost of dog food, veterinarian fees, and dog flea treatment. Since her pets are all furry, I suggested that she read more on cheaper methods of dog flea control instead of relying on expensive flea treatments offerred by most dog spas. While severe infestations warrant the use of expensive flea control products, minor infestations can be controlled by inexpensive home remedies.

More on Blogging Backlogs

2009-03-25T05:34:00.006+08:00

In a blog entry I published yesterday morning, I said that I will be updating my blogs to make up for those days I stayed away from blogging. I started to work on some blog updates early this morning and I'm quite satisfied with my output as I have updated my nursing blog and my weight loss blog.

Today will have to be devoted to more blogging tasks. It can be tedious but since I learned to multitask (Plurk, watch movies, and blog simultaneously) over the past few months, things aren't so unbearable and have become quite enjoyable. I believe what's left for me to figure out is how to keep the creative juices flowing. Frankly, it has been more or less a year since I started blogging and still I get my fair share of the so-called writer's block (ahemmm!).

Auschwitz Tours

2009-03-24T05:58:00.005+08:00

My aunt, who is an avid traveler, told me that she thinks of travelling to Europe again since she was not able to make the most of her last trip there. Hers was an impromptu trip that time so she wasn't able to do some research on the European countries she went to and missed out on some of the top tourist destinations.

Since she plans to do some travelling sometime this year, I plan to suggest that Poland be included in her itinerary. Poland as a country is beautiful and has a very rich cultural heritage. She can enjoy the many monuments of Warsaw, dine at the restaurants of Krakow, and experience the beauty of Zakopane and interact with "highlanders". And of course, I will also suggest that she must join the popular Auschwitz tours, given by ESCAPE2POLAND LTD. The guided tours include visits to the Auschwitz and Birkenau concentration camps.

Blogging Backlog

2009-03-24T04:54:00.003+08:00

Since I dillydallied these past few days and did nothing but eat, sleep, bathe, yak on the phone, watch movies online, read ebooks, listen to audiobooks, I am experiencing a major blogging backlog. Oh, I enjoyed my self-imposed leave of absence from all things productive but since I really need to inject some normalcy into my life, I have decided to snap out from the trance-- albeit unwilingly.

Currently, I have the following tasks in my blogging to-do list (I also have non-blogging tasks to attend to, unfortunately):

update Ward Class, my nursing blog
update Han Mania, my Korean entertainment blog--> This, I really have to do within the day as it has been two weeks since my last blog entry. There are lots of things to blog about and considering I watched two Korean movies and a Korean drama recently, I might as well give myself some thrashing for neglecting my blog.
update my weight loss blog- It has been more than 10 days since my last food journal entry. Very bad of me, really. I am experiencing a major dieting setback so before I totally screw up my weight loss goal or what's left of it, I need to be right back on track pronto.

I do hope to get right back on track immediately before this unnecessary hiatus from blogging gets the better of me. But honestly, I did have the time of my life these past few days so I'm inclined to believe that being slothful isn't that bad, at least, not entirely.:)

BBW Chat, Anyone?

2009-03-24T03:58:00.004+08:00

BBW stands for Big Beautiful Women. So if you or your friends want to be acquainted with full-figured or rubenesque women, you might want to join BBW Chat Rooms. Membership at the chat rooms is free and sign-up is as hassle-free as you can imagine. You just accomplish a very simple form and you are set to chat with users from all over the globe and help in developing a positive image for plus-sized women.

More on Glamour Reel Moments

2009-03-24T03:01:00.003+08:00

I watched The Spleenectomy and The Monday Before Thanksgiving, two films included in the award-winning Glamour Reel Moments series of short films. Glamour Reel Moments, by the way, launched the directorial debuts of actresses Courteney Cox, Demi Moore, Jennifer Aniston, Kirsten Dunst, to name a few.

In a previous blog entry, I have written about the short film Streak, starring Brittany Snow and Rumer Willis and directed by Demi Moore. Below is my take on The Spleenectomy and The Monday Before Thanksgiving.

The Spleenectomy is starred by Anna Faris and directed by Kirsten Smith (10 Things I Hate About You, Ella Enchanted). It is about Judy (Anna Faris), a housewife who aspires to be an actress. The Spleenectomy has a couple of funny moments but the weirdest thing is that in the film, the lead actor pretends to be a surgeon for a chance to play her dream role and performs a spleenectomy. Since Glamour Reel Moments films are supposed to be inspired by true stories, I hope the spleenectomy thing didn't really happen.

I also watched The Monday Before Thanksgiving and liked it because I can sort of relate with the lead character's dilemma. Theresa (Laura Dern) is an art dealer who enjoys being single but has a hard time convincing friends and family that she is happy and contented in being so. The Monday Before Thanksgiving is refreshing and definitely worth watching.

I downloaded Streak, The Monday Before Thanksgiving, and The Spleenectomy free from the Itunes Store. To read more on Glamour Reel Moments, click here.

Choosing the Right Cutlery

2009-03-20T06:44:00.005+08:00

When buying a new set of cutlery for personal use or as a gift, you need to consider what specific kitchen and dining utensils you have in mind. The term cutlery can be a simple set of flatware or it can also mean a set of knives used in cutting and preparing food.

Supposing you have chosen to buy a set of flatware, you need to consider whether you want a contemporary design or an elegant design. If the cutlery is to be used for elegant table settings on special occasions, then cutlery of classic English design would be best. For everyday use, a set of flatware in a chic, contemporary design would be more appropriate.

Also, you need to decide whether you want your cutlery to be made of stainless steel or silver. Flatware in stainless steel are designed for everyday use while sterling silver cutlery is mostly used on special occasions and will make interesting conversational pieces.

While stainless steel kitchen and dining utensils have become popular, cutlery in sterling silver is what most people regard as high quality tableware. In most families, silverware is considered an heirloom and has been handed out from generation to generation as it retains its beauty and durability over time. Silverware will also make an excellent gift for friends and family during special occasions.

Handy Gift Buying Guides

2009-03-20T00:25:00.004+08:00

We mean well when giving gifts but there are times when we just don't know what to give a particular person for an important occasion that we end up buying impersonal, inappropriate gift items. I mean, no matter how we try to convince ourselves that it's the thought that counts, nobody really wants to be given a poster of a cute monkey as a birthday gift or be handed a traveler's sewing kit for an anniversary gift.

When buying gifts, we tend to focus on how much a particular item costs but frankly, most people aren't so particular with how pricey a gift item is but would appreciate it more if we spent time and effort on coming up with the perfect gift idea. We can always ask around for the preferences of our recipient but if after much thought and consideration we're still clueless, we can consult online gift buying guides.

For instance, for my sister who will be having her 38th birthday in two months, there are a number of gift suggestions from ShopWiki. For somebody like my big sister, a mobile device like a PDA will be great. Being the career woman that she is, it will help organize her daily activities.

Being successful at gift-giving entails time and effort on our part. We need to know the recipient more for hints as to what gift he or she would like to receive so that we can come up with the perfect gift for the perfect occasion.

All-Natural Acne Solutions

2009-03-11T13:45:00.004+08:00

For days now, two large zits on my forehead have been bugging me. I have been very careful in my skincare routine but the breakouts just won't go away. I have been using a lot of products like clarifying lotions and exfoliating creams to no avail.

I have noticed with most acne products available on the market, it is either they are too harsh or they don't have observable anti-inflammatory properties at all. Imagine my frustration when I notice a small pimple and then to just watch it grow into a large, red zit even if I spot-treat it with expensive acne creams and solutions.

Since I have acne-prone, combination skin, I believe that I have to follow a new approach when it comes to skincare. I think the right acne solution for me is an aloe-based Acne cleanser that works to lessen sebum production where needed and heals the skin without drying it. There are a lot of good products out there using all-natural ingredients, and my goal is to choose the best product suitable for my acne-prone skin.

Cosmetic Surgery By Experts

2009-03-10T13:44:00.005+08:00

With the latest advancements in cosmetic surgery, people are more open to having cosmetic surgery procedures like nose reshaping, chin implants, tummy tucks, and arm lifts and reductions. Often, clients travel all over Europe so that they can have cosmetic surgery procedures performed by experts from the most reputable medical institutions. Even for facial cosmetic procedures like derma fillers and eyelid surgery, they choose to travel to the United Kingdom and consult popular, duly-certified cosmetic surgeons to ensure a satisfactory outcome.

So if you are seriously considering cosmetic surgery anywhere in the body or the face, you should first consult a duly-certified professional at MYA so you'll know what options are available to you. For concerns or questions regarding the cosmetic procedures you have in mind, ask a Cosmetic Surgery Expert.

My First Chick Lit Read

2009-03-10T12:46:00.003+08:00

My first chick lit read is Getting Over It by Anna Maxted and all I can say is: Yikes. I just don't quite get her writing style. And I thought I'll find something humorous in the superficial.

I don't know what made me include a couple of chick lit ebooks in my Stanza library. Maybe this genre of fiction slightly appealed to me because I thought I can relate well with chick lit female protagonists. Not that I like to shop or be so overly concerned about my looks. But I am single and still somehow fit the age group (up to thirty-something). And of course, I liked the movie adaptation of The Devil Wears Prada. Plus, chick lit book covers are really colorful and I really like having pretty cover images in my Stanza library.

I am not keeping my doors closed on chick lit. But I don't want to waste my time on bad reads so I think I'm going to pick a couple of ebook titles from more popular chick lit authors.

Taking Care of Your Pets

2009-03-10T12:03:00.002+08:00

When my dog was infested with fleas, the veterninarian advised me to bring her to this dog spa for a flea spray treatment. Oh, the treatment was effective in controlling the flea infestation but at PhP600 (almost $13) per treatment, it was expensive.

So for those who have dogs at home, I have found an online source offering comprehensive information on flea treatment for dogs especially when you are looking for a home remedy or inexpensive brands of flea sprays and shampoos. They also have lots of articles on flea treatment for cats.

Teary Eyes and Red Lips

2009-03-07T04:17:00.019+08:00

Teary Eyes. Red Lips. Burnt Throat. A scalded tongue. Not to mention a nasal drip. All these you get when you insist on having Paldo Hwa Ramyun instant noodles even if you know it's hot and spicy for your Filipino tastebuds.

Don't get me wrong, I really like hot and spicy food. And I love Korean instant noodles but Paldo's Hwa Ramyun is really something. It was so hot that I drank 3 glasses of water before I consumed half of my bowl of ramen. I tried to finish everything but with much regret, I gave up because eventhough it was nothing short of delicious, my throat felt like I mistakenly used boiling water and red pepper as a remedy for sore throat. I knew that if I had more of the delicious broth and the chewy ramen, I'll definitely have a coughing fit at 4:00 am.

Still, Paldo Hwa Ramyun is one of the most flavorful Korean noodles I have tried. And if you like hot and spicy noodles, a pack of Paldo Hwa Ramyun costs less than PhP40 so try it and give your tastebuds a hot and spicy bath.

Good luck:)

Blowout Deals at Daily Steals

2009-03-07T00:03:00.004+08:00

I sometimes make online purchases and nothing beats the satisfaction of grabbing a good deal from online stores. I know there are thousands of online stores out there but I believe Daily Steals is a cut above the rest as this online bargain site sells high-quality products at ridiculously low prices.

For instance, the steal of the day is a brand-new Wii 15 in 1 The Total Starter Accessory Kit CTA. And the price tag? Just $12.99! And a couple of days ago, they sold iPod ihome2go Speaker Systems for $9.99. All items featured on the site are of good quality so if you and your friends are looking for total blowouts, you should shop at Daily Steals. However, they sell a limited number of pieces per item so if you want to buy electronics and like items for less, visit Daily Steals every day at exactly 11:59 pm Eastern time because that's when the site owner puts up the deal of the day.

American Idol Picks Top 13

2009-03-06T23:10:00.008+08:00

I watched American Idol tonight and it was fun. Tonight's Wild Card episode was eventful as 4 more contestants made it through the round and became part of the American Idol Top 13, instead of customary American Idol Top 12.

I can't include the names of those who got into the Top 13 here because I wasn't quite paying attention to the contestants' names. I don't have any favorites yet and of course, I have been following the show for the wrong reasons (Okay, I watch it because of Simon Cowell and Ryan Seacrest). But there are a few contestants whose names I do remember like Jorge, Scott, Kris, and Anoop. And oh, I do remember Megan, a cute girl with a raspy singing voice who makes a lot of weird movements while singing. Very, very odd.

American Idol really makes me turn on the TV set in my room again albeit I don't really like to watch TV a lot, not even for the news. The last TV show I followed was Pinoy Fear Factor and I didn't even have the stamina to watch it from start to finish. But I think American Idol will continue to be a 2-3 times a week TV habit for me. It's always a delight to listen to Simon Cowell and Ryan Seacrest bicker on the show.

Wallpaper Sharing

2009-03-06T07:19:00.007+08:00

Why use a limited number of desktop wallpapers when you can have thousands to choose from? ShareWallpapers has more than 80,000 wallpapers at your disposal. But more than downloading high-quality wallpapers, ShareWallpapers gives you the opportunity to share your existing collection for others to enjoy as well.

With more than 28 wallpaper categories in their website, ShareWallpapers has lots of high-quality stuff for everyone. My favorite wallpaper albums are Anime, TV Shows, Cartoons, Male Celebrities Wallpapers, and Movies. I have already downloaded my share of Marley & Me wallpapers. And later today, I'll be downloading really cool ones from movies Love Actually and License To Wed.

A Short Film Called Streak

2009-03-06T03:09:00.010+08:00

I watched Streak yesterday and I say Demi Moore really did well in her directorial debut. The short film- featuring Brittany Snow and Rumer Willis- is funny, refreshing, and relevant. At least, to those who are perenially on a diet. Ahem.

Brittany Snow plays the role of Baylin, one of the lead characters in the film. I'm not really familiar with the filmography of Brittany Snow but she is perfect for the role of Baylin. I find her charming and a fine young actor to boot.

The other lead star of Streak is Rumer Willis. Rumer, by the way, is the 20-year-old daughter of Demi Moore and Bruce Willis. I didn't make the connection at first but now that I know that Rumer is Demi's offspring, I think she got the top half of her face and her lips from her mother. Oh well, Rumer may not be as pretty as her mom but the girl, faux sho', can act. So don't bother guessing where Rumer got the bottom half of her face.

Streak is really short, about 16:05 minutes worth of pure entertainment so go ahead and download it free from the iTunes Store here. And oh, you might care to check out some screencaps of the short film below.

Baylin (Brittany Snow)

Drea (Rumer Willis)

No, this is not my battlecry...Hehe.

Some serious weight-watching

Mmmmm....

Tastes like ass, smells like fart?LOL.

I, Errand Girl

2009-03-05T15:15:00.003+08:00

I'll be errand girl this afternoon. In about 30 minutes, I'll be off to pay the bills and grab a bottle of salad dressing for my dad. I have been my father's errand girl since October 2007. And 5 years before that, I was Lyle's personal assistant. Actually, I still am. There are lots of stuff I do for him. Not that I'm complaining. This day job is not without perks.

Whenever I need to go run some errands, I try to multitask. And so for this trip downtown, aside from paying the bills and grabbing a bottle of salad dressing, I will:

shop for cute school supplies
take pictures of my latest Tony Moly loot
have coffee and coffee roll at Mr. Donuts- Victoria Plaza, and
doodle on my Stradmore notebook

My to-do list seems silly but really, I have been meaning to do all these for days now. For this generation's biggest procrastinator, even a feeble attempt at multitasking is considered a major feat. Ok then, gotta go. I'll be back later to blog, and then some.

Shopping for Cars Online

2009-03-05T04:47:00.004+08:00

We bought a pre-owned Isuzu pick-up truck about a month ago and it was quite tedious hopping from one showroom to another. I don't know if there are sites that offer information on used car sales and car buying tips here in the Philippines but for those who live in the United States, there's Smartcarguide.

Smartcarguide offers comprehensive information on new and used cars for sale. If you are looking for used cars, for example, you can easily perform a search by brand or by location. Each search result is comprehensive in itself. You'll find information on car features and model, selling price, location, and mileage. The site is very easy to use and you even have the option to refine search results.

Also offering information on auto insurance and financing, Smartcarguide is truly a one-stop resource for those who intend to shop for cars online.

Free iTunes Downloads: Boredom Zappers

2009-03-05T03:57:00.004+08:00

While updating some of my blogs, I checked out the iTunes Store again for free downloads. And I guess I was really lucky as I was able to download three : two short films and one TV show episode. I really love it when I download potential boredom zappers for free. I am so happy with my latest iTunes free downloads that you'd think I found the fountain of youth or inherited a gold mine.

Below are my latest boredom zappers. The first two are short films from the Glamour Reel Moments series of award-winning films so I am betting they're good. The last one is the first episode of How's Your News?, Season 1. The How's Your News? feature film won many awards so the TV show might be just as good. Or even better.

I'm thinking of watching one of the short films just before I sleep. My pick is ~~The Monday Before Thanksgiving~~ Streak and I sure hope it's worth my precious disk space.

Dreaming of a Home Office

2009-03-04T14:34:00.010+08:00

I want to have my own home office, complete with comfortable home office furniture. I prefer a comfortable, sturdy desk and a padded chair with ample arm and back rests. For people like me who spend hours blogging and surfing the internet, having a home office is always better than working in the bedroom or using dining room furniture.

I searched for information on home office furniture and found a site called Furniture From Home. The site offers information on home furniture, home office furniture, and even bedroom furniture pieces like the black armoire. They also have lots of pictures on different types of furniture in their gallery so those who are looking for information on furniture for the home and home office will find it quite useful.

Blogging and Sleeplessness

2009-03-04T05:07:00.009+08:00

March 3, 2009 (10:00 pm)

With much regret, I stopped reading the ebook I was about to finish and pushed the home button of my iPod Touch. I have also decided not to blog for the night and not to wait for the latest upload of Boys Before Flowers. I then called Lyle to tell him that I'm hitting the sack early. I had to be up early or else...

March 4, 2009 (1:45 am)

I woke up sweating. I must've been dreaming. I grabbed my phone to look at the time. Damn! It isn't even 2:00 am yet. Stupid body clock!

So I pulled myself out of bed, turned on the laptop, and decided to blog. And maybe plurk a little.

My room was, all of a sudden, suffocating. So I decided to work in the dining room. I picked up my laptop and unceremoniously placed it on top of the dining table. Fleetingly, I made a mental note to thank Lyle for my router and then went back to the room to grab a couple of reference books.

I decided to make an entry for my nursing blog, Ward Class. I haven't been giving the blog the attention it deserves. I knew what the blog entry will be about. The topic has been decided a couple of nights before. A simple look at the categories told me it has to be about Endocrine Disorders. Yeah, I told myself, e-n-d-o-c-r-i-n-e.

So I made a blog entry on Pheochromocytoma. More of struggled with a blog entry on Pheochromocytoma. And after hitting the publish post button, my phone rang. It was Lyle, telling me that the PRC-Board of Nursing released a memo recheduling the date of the June 2009 Nursing Board Exam.

Lyle also suggested that I blog about this new development and update a previously published post on the June 2009 Nursing Board Exam schedule. He already blogged about it at Pinoy R.N., his nursing blog. So typical of him, I thought.

After completing my blogging tasks, I thought of my progress for the past couple of hours. And I was like..whaaaat? Two blog posts at Ward Class in less than 2 hours? Remarkable. My nursing blog is by far the most difficult to maintain.

Hmmm...I kinda like this productive side of me. However forced. However unnatural. Admittedly, I can't do it on my own. I really need to be egged into being. And again, I made a mental note to thank Lyle.

Etude Coverfit Two Way Cake

2009-02-28T11:51:00.006+08:00

I had to replace my Maybelline compact so I went to this retailer of Korean cosmetics in one of the shopping malls here in Davao City. They didn't have a lot of compacts (just Laneige and Etude) so I settled with the Etude Coverfit Two Way Cake for two reasons: very cute packaging and still within my budget.

I got the Etude Coverfit Two Way Cake #21 since I thought it is nearer my skintone and paid PhP1000 (approx. $21) for the compact and two refills. It's priced more than brands I usually buy (L'oreal and Maybelline) but considering that my purchase included a very cute pink mirrored compact and full-sized refills, I made a go for it.

Etude Coverfit Two Way Cake #21 is a lightly fragranced powder foundation that provides very light coverage. The product is not a keeper for me because it leaves a grayish cast on my skin especially when applied over sunblock (I use L'oreal UV Perfect). So I decided to just give it to a friend whose skin tone is a perfect match for the Etude Coverfit Two way Cake.

Unique Christian Gift Items

2009-02-26T04:13:00.006+08:00

If you are looking for gift items for friends and family members, you might want to give them Unique Christian Gifts. I browsed through the online catalogue of a Christian gift store and I found a number of very beautiful Christian gift items like rosewood pens (see image above), laser-engraved bookmarks, wooden pillboxes, and even keychains. They also have pocket-sized mirrors, pocket knives, and even home and wall decor.

What makes the gift items so special is that all of them are carved and laser-engraved with Christian messages and symbols. More than just artfully crafted trinkets, the gift items are unique and will make inspirational gifts for your friends and loved-ones.

All About Hair: Tools and Products I Use

2009-02-26T01:03:00.011+08:00

I wasn't blessed with gorgeous hair so I went for a chemical treatment tonce or twice to tame my frizzy and wavy hair. Although I love having pin-straight locks, a rebond always leave me with with dull, limp hair and a fringe that's so flat that you'd think I was steampressed or something.

Since I cannot afford a regular salon treatment, I use inexpensive hairstyling tools and products to tame my usually frizzy and wavy hair and to add some texture or volume when needed. I do not use a lot of products on my hair and I never ever buy branded ones unless they are on sale. Below is a list of hairstyling tools and hair products I use.

Hair dryer- I just use an inexpensive Imarflex blowdryer which I bought for PhP350. I have been using this one for three years now and it is so old that it doesn't have the attached diffuser anymore. It is perfect for those days when I have to go out and have to use public transportation and do not have time to iar-dry my hair. Honestly, I hate it when I have to go out with my hair dripping wet and sticking out in different places.
Straightening iron- My big sister has a ceramic flat iron which costs around PhP3,000 (obviously, I can't afford it) so I just borrow hers when I am in the mood for sleek, straight hair.
Curling iron- I don't curl my hair a lot but when I am bored, I try to experiment with different hairstyles so I kind of like having one of these around. I bought mine for about PhP200 two to three years ago.
Brushes and combs- I have a round brush, a flat brush, and a wide-toothed comb. What I have are the cheap ones, not Denman or Goody. I use the brushes when I blowdry my hair and the wide-toothed comb for detangling damp hair.
Pins and coated elastic bands- I don't have a lot of hair accessories but I have a stash of pins and elastic bands in case I don't feel like wearing my hair down.
Regular shampoo and conditioner- I use Head and Shoulders because I can't stand the scent of other brands. For the conditioner, I use Palmolive but haven't been using conditioner lately. I just use Tony Moly Olive and Vinegar Hair Mist for less chemical build-up.
Hot Oil Treatment- Since I don't really go for expensive salon treatments, I use the pink variant of Biolink VCO Hotoil Treatment (PhP10/sachet). A sachet is good for 2 treatments and what I do is just slap it on for 5 minutes. Really, it works well everytime.
Hairstyling Products- I am now using a range of products by Shwarzkopf got2b. I bought the full-sized items at a discount store for Php99 each. I have a large bottle of got2b dazzling spray and I say it really gives lustre without weighing my hair down (unlike Vitress). I also use got2b styl-tini spray gel to add volume to my bangs. It works really great since it adds texture and definition without the greasy feel unlike the Gatsby Styling Wax I used before. For maximum hold, I use got2b kicked up hard jelly and just blast it with blowydryer to dry it out.
Hair Color- On rare occasions that I color my hair, I use Loreal or Garnier Nutrisse. Each box of hair coloring treatment costs around PhP400-PhP600, cheaper than going to a salon. I had a color treatment at a salon last Christmas and I paid around PhP1,300 and Iwasn't even satisfied with the putcome.

It has been five months since my last rebonding treatment and I don't think I will be getting one soon. The salon I went to increased their rates (had a full rebond for just PhP1,200 then) so I don't think I can afford it. With my medium-length hair, a rebonding treatment will cost me around PhP2,500-PhP4,000 and shelling out that much money will rip my wallet into pieces.

All things considered, I do want to have gorgeous hair because it is every woman's crowning glory BUT during dire times, I really need to practice austerity.

Getting a Short Haircut

2009-02-25T04:06:00.007+08:00

Recently, short haircuts for women are back in vogue so I am considering getting one which is slightly layered at the sides. Since I used to wear my hair really short I know that having a short haircut will be very easy to maintain. With the right kind of tools and hair products, I can easily vary my hairstyle to suit my mood and activities for the day. Most days, I can just blowdry it for a few minutes and I am ready to go. And if time permits, I can also use styling tools like a curling iron and use a small amount of texturizing wax for more definition.

With the current trends in hairstyling, having a short haircut is more suitable for modern women. A stylish short haircut is also perfect for those who have an active lifestyle as it is practical and convenient.

Latest Tony Moly Buys

2009-02-25T03:19:00.007+08:00

I bought yet another batch of Tony Moly products. This time, I bought a tube of Cocoa Foam Cleansing wash, Olive and Vinegar Hair Mist, and Vita Capsule Aqua Serum. I bought my latest finds at discounted prices so I paid just about $12 for everything.

I am currently using the Tony Moly Foam Cleansing wash (reviewed by Lotus Palace) and I love its mild chocolate-y scent. I also love the fact that it is non-drying and comes in a very cute packaging. It is also a steal since I bought the 150 ml tube on sale at approximately $3.

As for the Tony Moly Vita Capsule Aqua Serum, well, I say I have tried better and cheaper moisturizers. The 30 ml bottle costs $6 and I say I was disappointed that this gel-based moisturizer is quite sticky. I just use it from time to time as I don't think it works best for my oily skin.

And lastly, I am so happy with Tony Moly Olive and Vinegar Hair Mist I bought for $3. It comes in a very cute plastic spray bottle but more than that, it keeps my hair soft and moisturized. It is very light, non-greasy, and smells good, too.

Chatrooms for Catholics

2009-02-24T17:16:00.007+08:00

I have been a Catholic for more than 30 years now so I was quite surprised that sites like Catholic Chat City provide its users free access to Catholic chatrooms. The site offers those who practice the Roman Catholic faith a venue for exchanging ideas with fellow Catholics from all over the globe. Since Catholicism has a very rich history, the topics to be discussed seem endless.

Just like other chat city sites, registration for a free account at Catholic Chat City is very easy. Users only need to sign up using a simple form requiring important details (username, password, email address, age, and gender) and then engage in Catholic Chat immediately. The site's interface is very easy to use as well. Once a user joins a chatroom, broadcasting a webcam and viewing other people's webcam can be done immediately. Users can also receive private messages and have the option to block other users who are less than respectful.

The Philippines has an estimated Roman Catholic population of more than 71 million and knowing how Filipinos love to chat, free access to Catholic chatrooms will be more than welcome. Joining chatrooms in Catholic Chat City will be a refreshing change from what people are used to. In joining Catholic chatrooms, users can expect a more respectful, accommodating, and lively community.

Medium Season 5 Episode Free on iTunes

2009-02-24T16:48:00.006+08:00

I downloaded an episode of Medium from iTunes for free a couple of days ago, simultaneously with the Twilight Exclusive Movie Clip I blogged about. I didn't know a thing about Medium, except for the fact that it is starred by Patricia Arquette. Her, I remember vaguely from the movie Stigmata.

The free episode I downloaded, Soul Survivor, is about how Allison Dubois (Patricia Arquette) easily solves a crime that has been baffling the Phoenix police department for months (actually, I believe this is a constant per episode). Allison Dubois, by the way, is a psychic who works as a consultant for the D.A.'s office. Her dreams and visions fo dead people help her in solving horrifying crimes.

Anyway, Soul Survivor was just okay for me. I didn't really expect it to be outstanding or anything.Immediately after watching the episode, I removed it from my sync list to free some disk space. Enjoying it for 42:20 is enough.

Well, if you like Patricia Arquette and her TV series, download the free episode of Medium here.

New Mexico: Land of Enchantment

2009-02-24T00:15:00.008+08:00

A couple of nurses I know opted to seek employment in New Mexico. This is not surprising because aside from the fact that New Mexico is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact, there are a number of convincing reasons why they would choose New Mexico over other states.

One of the reasons why many Philippine nurses would choose to live in New Mexico is the Hispanic influence and very large Catholic population. Another reason would be that the state of New Mexico is a well-known hub for arts and culture. They have cultural events like the Contemporary Hispanic Market and Santa Fe Indian Market and judging from the New Mexico pictures I have seen,it has a rich and unique multi-cultural heritage. Really enchanting!

Santa Fe, the capital city of New Mexico, is also popular for its large community of artists. Santa Fe is known for an abundance of galleries and outdoor sculptures. It is also home to many world-class museums, including the world-renowned Georgia O'Keeffe museum.

Free Twilight Movie on iTunes

2009-02-23T02:56:00.009+08:00

I have enjoyed the Twilight Saga audiobooks and ebooks but I can't say that I am thrilled by the movie. Too many inconsistencies. Still, watching an exclusive movie clip of Twilight on an iPod Touch is like watching the movie in a different light. With the video's clarity, I can at least appreciate the special effects.

Of course, I think Robert Pattinson gave justice to Edward Cullen, well, physically. Same with the guys who did Emmett Cullen and Jasper Hale. Jasper Hale looked thirsty and always on the verge of losing control.

But some of the actors do not really fit their roles to a T, like those girls who did Rosalie Hale and Bella Swan. As for the actor who portrayed Jacob Black, well, I just don't get the premature fangs.

Oh well, If you were disappointed that what's available for free on iTunes isn't really the full-length Twilight movie after all, I am sorry but do consider the fact that you can have 2:58 minutes worth of a very vivid movie clip of Twilight. Just think Edward Cullen in all his sparkling glory! Moreover, the movie clip of Twilight is indeed categorized under Free Movies on iTunes. So I can't be accused of being a tad too mischievous here.

Anyway, the iTunes release of the full-length Twilight movie will be on March 21 so if you are a big Twilight fan, you can pre-order it for $14.99.

Choosing The Right Web Host

2009-02-23T01:30:00.006+08:00

I am always anxious each time I anticipate a surge in traffic in my blogs. I imagine an error which says "Bandwidth Exceeded" plastered all over it. I know that to save myself from unnecessary anxiety I need to seriously consider web hosting for my blogs.

However, choosing the right web host entails lots of research. There are things like disk space, rate of data transfer, technical support, and annual fees to consider. And so it is a good thing that a site like Web Hosting Choice provides a guide on choosing the right web host ( visit site). A free research guide to web hosting is what I need to help me finally decide which web host is right for me.

Blogging the November 2008 Nursing Board Exam Results

2009-02-23T00:21:00.005+08:00

The November 2008 Nursing Board Exam Results was released last February 20 and I say I had a blast blogging about it.

Lyle and I had been waiting for the results to be released since the first of February, growing impatient by the day, losing sleep, and always watchful like predators after a prey (sorry, I've had too much of Twilight lately). I don't remember ever being so conscientious at blogging about the results ever since I have started my nursing blog in April 2008. Maybe Lyle rubbed some of his stardust on me considering he has been maintaining Pinoy R.N. since December 2005. Frankly, I dunno.

The release of the November 2008 Nursing Board Exam Results was preceded and followed by the usual frenzy. But compared to the previous nursing board exams, I find it less dramatic. While the examinees exhibited impatience while waiting for the results for almost three months, they were composed to some extent.

Now that everybody has shifted their attention to the oathtaking and registration schedule for the passers of the said nursing board exam, I wonder if people took into consideration what the recent nursing board exam results are trying to tell us. Sure, exam results are statistics but the pattern is obvious.

We have been informed about the possibility that Nursing will be a 5-year course and on the most recent development that it has been decided that it will stay a four-year course in the meantime. Well, until when? Until somebody comes up with an impractical plan on how to improve the quality of nursing education in the Philippines?

The list of top performing schools and top ten examinees in the recent board exam has a lot to tell. Examining how Baguio Central University laid a claim on the first and third places of the November 2008 Nursing Board Exam and how universities like Xavier University, Silliman University, Central Philippine University, and St. Louis University consistently perform well in the nurse licensure examination could point us in the right direction. When it comes to improving the quality of nursing education here in the Philippines, that is.

I believe it is high time for the administrators of non-performing nursing schools to spend some time, perhaps a month, to observe how the likes of Xavier University and Silliman University educate and train their nursing students. And hopefully be taught how to put newfound knowledge to good use.

The Best in HD Programming

2009-02-21T23:52:00.005+08:00

For those who want the best in HD programming, a better alternative to broadcast and cable TV is DirecTV. Using an all-digital platform and state-of-the-art broadcast centers, DirecTV continues to attract more customers throughout continental U.S. Subscribers enjoy an enhanced TV and movie experience with www.DirectSatTV.com more than 130 high-definition channels.

Being a leader in HD television, DirecTV offers affordable www.DirectSatTV.com deals for as low as $29.99 per month. And for a limited time offer, subscribers may also avail the DirecTV specials and get three months free on HBO, Showtime, and Starz.

Beyond state-of-the-art HD programming, www.DirectSatTV.com is also committed to providing the best service to its customers. They always have customer service and sales representatives on standby to cater to their clients' needs.

Loving Michael Scott

2009-02-21T22:26:00.010+08:00

Every week, I hang out at Lyle's place to watch the newest episode of The Office. We have been avid followers of this mockumentary by NBC and have been watching it for years now. And since Lyle has been really conscientious at sourcing all the episodes of The Office per season, I say we never missed an episode of this very sharp and funny comdey series.

But of course, the central character in The Office is Michael Scott portrayed by Steve Carell. Michael Gary Scott is the regional manager of Dunder Mifflin- Scranton Branch who is often insensitive, a poor judge of character, and lacks self-awareness. And although he can be so mean at times that you want to tear him into bits and pieces, he is actually a very lonely person and my heart went out to him countless times.

A couple of days ago, we watched parts 1 & 2 of Lecture Circuit and I say Michael Scott almost made me cry. Sure, he was still insensitive and managed to say and do the most inappropriate things but seeing how distraught he was when he found out that ex-girlfriend Holly has moved on...well, you have to be either heartless or dead to be unsympathetic.

On March 5, there will be another episode of The Office for us. The next episode is called Blood Drive. And I am really excited. Because I don't think there's gonna be a lousy The Office episode.

Interracial Chat Rooms for Cultural Exchange

2009-02-21T20:25:00.004+08:00

I am interested in language learning and cultural exchage so I joined an Interracial Chat Room for an opportunity to chat with people from all over the globe. Registration is very easy and as soon as registered, new users can immediately join any of the chat rooms. To make the chat more lively, registered users also have the option to view other members' webcam and vice versa. They can also edit their profile pages and receive private messages from other users.

More Than Just A Notebook

2009-02-21T18:42:00.009+08:00

In June last year, I bought a thick Stradmore notebook which I like to call my life's notebook. It is not really a journal, because I just jot things down when I feel like it although my intention is to keep it a monthly affair. It keeps me remember thoughts and feelings- some sort of a date and time stamp. I am so forgetful that there is a constant need for me to write things down for easy reference.

I leafed through the pages of the notebook a while ago and I couldn't help but smile as I read some of the silly things I have written. For example, in my first entry, I wrote about my first Google Adsense payout and listed the things I bought with my earnings: a computer chair, my stradmore notebook, grocery items, and food.

In another entry dated November 2008, I wrote that I won't drink softdrinks anymore and although I didn't muster the courage until January this year, I'm happy that I finally did. I also wrote about a Desperate Diet Plan which is too embarassing to discuss in detail here. However, I believe it paved the way for me to take weight loss seriously despite the hits and misses along the way. I do have my weight loss blog now (seriously!) and I maintain a food journal. And I hope to finally lose the excess poundage. Tee-hee!

It has been a month since I have written in my Stradmore notebook. And maybe tomorrow, I'll write another entry. Just looking at it now makes me want to smile. The cover says: No I.D., No Entry. And has names like Sue Permann, Ella Fant, Jack Stone, and Xavier Breth written all over it. Very, very silly.

Fashionable Eyeglasses Need Not Be Expensive

2009-02-21T16:10:00.006+08:00

In her New York Times article, Lesley Alderman wrote that with the ongoing financial crisis, consumers need to be wiser when it comes to vision care. She says that when thinking of buying eyeglasses, people should consider Zenni Optical for inexpensive presciption eyewear, including stylish frames and photochromic lenses. So for those want big savings when buying prescription eyewear, they also have $8 eyeglasses suitable even for those who are on a very tight budget.

When I think of prescription eyeglasses, the mental picture that immediately comes to mind is that of a schoolmarm wearing those plain black-rimmed eyeglasses that look like they have been out of fashion for decades. So when I browsed the online catalogue of zennioptical.com, I was surprised to find that they have a wide range of stylish eyeglasses for men and women.

One item which caught my fancy is a fashionable pair of women's eyeglasses in Burgundy (see image above). The metal alloy full-rim frame is adorned with a crystal arc at the rim, has a spring hinge, and sells for $23.95. The frame is also available in Pink and looks adorable, too.

Zenni Optical also sells children's frames, prescription goggles, and bifocal/progressive frames. All their eyeglasses come with a stylish frame, thin and light lens with anti-scratch coating, a good quality hard case, and a microfiber lens cleaning cloth.

On Dentists and Dental Care

2009-02-21T03:21:00.003+08:00

My nephew needs to have dental surgery. He has severe problems with teeth alignment that more than he needs dental braces, I believe he must have some of his teeth extracted. This problem would have been fixed years ago if not for my nephew's fear of dental procedures. The moment we bring up the need for him to visit a dentist to have his teeth fixed, he turns white and changes the subject.

Most children fear visiting a dentist. While they somehow grasp the importance of regular dental check-ups as part of overall dental care, they simply try to avoid dentists like the plague as some dental procedures can be quite painful.

To ensure proper dental care for children, it is important to choose a dentist the child can be comfortable with. It would be best to choose a dentist who has extensive experience in dealing with children. If a first visit to the dentist is pleasant for a very young patient, chances are the child will agree to visiting the same dentist again.

For those who live near Natick, Massachussets, Dr. Aleid Family Dentistry offers dental services to children. They are experienced on providing a variety of dental services to children as young as two years old so you are assured of your child's dental health.

Aside from their expertise in providing quality dental care to children, Dr. Aleid Family Dentistry also offers a variety of services for adults and senior citizens. They are committed to practicing preventive dentistry and use only the least invasive dental procedures for overall dental health. Their staff members are well-trained and oriented to treating their clients with utmost respect and sincerity.

For more information on their dental services, you can visit their website. And while you are at it, do not forget to check out their specials. They currently have a special package for new patients and offer a 10% discount for senior citizens. Dr. Aleid Family Dentistry also partnered with Dental Care so patients can avail of affordable financing for major dental procedures not covered by dental insurance.

Jommy Teotico is Pinoy Fear Factor El Ultimo Participante

2009-02-20T23:08:00.009+08:00

Yes, the Pinoy Fear Factor El Ultimo Participante is Jommy Teotico. The 24-year old model from Manila won over Janna Dominguez in the Car Roll Over challenge.

Oh well, I didn't really want Jommy Teotico (I hated him!hehe) to win but I gotta say, he really deserves it. He was almost eliminated from the show three to four times but managed to hang on to win the grand prize. Jommy Teotico now has a house and lot and a car to his name and is richer by two million pesos.

I'm quite sad that this ends the first season of Pinoy Fear Factor. It is such a well-produced show (except for that extra long behind-the-scenes special) and the daredevil stunts did bring out the best of the 12 participantes. I can never imagine having one of those filthy cockroaches and hairy tarantulas inside my mouth!

And the hosting skills of Ryan Agoncillo is also commendable. He is in a league of his own as a host (I liked him a lot when he hosted Philippine Idol) and is actually the reason why I was so optimistic about Pinoy Fear Factor.

Pinoy Fear Factor El Utimo Participante

2009-02-20T22:55:00.004+08:00

So will it be Janna Dominguez or Jommy Teotico?

I am watching Pinoy Fear Factor right now and it will be Janna Dominguez' turn in the the Car Roll Over Stunt after the break. Jommy Teotico just completed the challenge and although he wasn't able to land the car on its roof, he did land the car quite far from the ramp.

While I want Janna Dominguez to win, Jommy Teotico has accomplished a lot in this competition, having displaced Manuel Chua and Marion dela Cruz out of Pinoy Fear Factor. Marion dela Cruz was sent home to the Philippines after he trailed behind Janna Dominguez and Jommy Teotico in the Spiders in the Mouth challenge.

November 2008 Nursing Board Exam Results Out

2009-02-20T15:46:00.005+08:00

Finally, the November 2008 Nursing Board Exam Results has been released. Out of the 88,649 examinees, forty-one percent or 39,455 passed the licensure exam for nurses.

During my time (2005), it took the Professional Regulation Commission 18 days to release the Nursing Board Exam Results. If the experience was excruciating for me then, I can just imagine how unbearable the ordeal must have been for the November 2008 Nursing Board Exam candidates. Oh well, I believe the expression better late than never has been abused for ages. So what do we expect now, patience is a virtue? LOL.

If you or somebody you know took the November 2008 Nursing Board Examination, check out the document below.

Nov 2008 Nursing Board Exam Results

Still Waiting for the November 2008 Nursing Board Exam Results

2009-02-20T04:21:00.007+08:00

It is past 4:oo a.m. already and the November 2008 Nursing Board Exam Results ain't out yet. Everybody's been waiting for nursing exam results for close to three months now and there have been reports that the results for the nursing board exam held last November 29 and 30 will be released today, February 20.

Oh well, I hope the long wait will be over so that the thousands examinees (approximately 88,750) who took the November 2008 Nursing Board Exam will finally have their much needed rest and sleep. Judging from the comments left in the chatboxes of Ward Class and Pinoy R.N., a helluva lot of them have been waiting for the nursing board exam results until the wee hours of the morning for weeks now.

We will be posting the November 2008 Nursing Board Exam Results at Ward Class and Pinoy R.N. as soon as it is available. I will wait for the exam results for a few hours more. But honestly, since it is waaay past my bedtime, my back is killing me!

Chat Rooms for Anime Fans

2009-02-20T03:16:00.006+08:00

If you enjoyed watching Bleach, Naruto, Full Metal Alchemist, and Trinity Blood, then you are a certified anime fan. Chances are, you spend hours watching your favorite anime series and know the dialogues and characteristics of your favorite characters by heart. And if that is not enough, you might have dressed up like your favorite anime characters at least one or twice to the surprise of your friends, colleagues, and family members.

For anime fans, having an online community where they can engage in Anime Chat will help bring millions of anime fans together. In a chat room devoted to all things anime, anime fans will have the chance to exchange ideas and discuss the most reviewed, most popular, top-rated, and longest-running anime series. Very creative anime fans may also give beginners tips and tricks on how to draw anime-style.

Signing up with anime chat rooms like Anime Chat City is very easy. You just have to fill up a registration form and then you can start chatting immediately. You can even even view other users' webcam and have them view your webcam in return. You can also receive private messages and upload images to your gallery.

Anime fans will find a new home in Anime Chat City as it is where true-blue fans converge and discuss their love and passion for anime.

Manuel Chua Out of Pinoy Fear Factor

2009-02-18T22:37:00.005+08:00

As promised, I watched Pinoy Fear Factor again to find out if either Manuel Chua or Janna Dominguez will be hailed the first El Ultimo Participante. Imagine my surprise when Pinoy Fear Factor host Ryan Agoncillo announced that Manuel Chua is eliminated from the show.

Manuel Chua is clearly the strongest participante in the show but sadly, his luck ran out during the Enterado Vivo (Buried Alive) challenge. It took Manuel Chua more than eight minutes to complete the challenge making him the next participante to be sent home to the Philippines.

And so, my bet goes to Janna Dominguez. The pretty sales agent/bar performer from Malabon will compete against Jommy Teotico and Marion dela Cruz in the succeeding stunts. Like I said in my previous post, Janna has been doing really well in the competition and her determination might just make her El Ultimo Participante.

I believe that with Manuel Chua out, the man to beat will be Marion dela Cruz. In tonight's stunt, Enterado Vivo, Marion dela Cruz broke a Fear Factor record.

Will Janna Win Pinoy Fear Factor?

2009-02-18T01:36:00.007+08:00

It has been more than a month since I last blogged about Pinoy Fear Factor. Frankly, I lost interest in the show when they did a special last Christmas. The show was fun to watch when the participantes were up to their necks trying to outsmart the competition but when the producers got into the behind-the-scenes drama, I had to drop the show like a hot potato.

A couple of hours ago, I sort of got curious as to who's in and out of the reality show so I checked out Pinoy Fear Factor through Wikipedia and was surprised to find out that RJ was out and that Janna is the lone surviving female participante in Argentina. Although I find her funny and cute, Janna Dominguez is not really one of my early Pinoy Fear Factor favorites (wanted Manuel Chua or LJ Moreno to win) as she didn't quite fit the profile of a Fear Factor winner. But I have to give the girl some credit, though. She is clearly one of the better performers as she almost always saved herself from competing in the last stunt of every elimination round. Janna Dominguez is so young (just 18) and yet so determined to be the El Ultimo Participante that watching her on the show is refreshing.

Now that Pinoy Fear Factor is in it's final elimination round (Ultimo Ronda de Eliminacion), I hope either Manuel Chua or Janna Dominguez wins. I have always rooted for Manuel because he is is so goal-oriented and has really accomplished a lot by breaking two Fear Factor records but shit happens so I can't be too sure that he'll bag the grand prize. As for Janna, well, the girl is giving the guys a run for their money and she truly is "Girl Power!" personified.

Hmmm...I have to remind myself to watch Pinoy Fear Factor tonight. Now that the behind-the-senes icky stuff is over, I can get back to watching the show. And with the stunts of the Final Elination Round, I know I'll enjoy it.

Going for Silver

2009-02-13T04:32:00.007+08:00

I am not really crazy about jewelry but whenever I have to buy a piece of jewelry, I always buy silver. Silver jewelry, in my opinion, is just as beautiful and versatile as white gold sans the expensive price tag. It can be fashioned into traditional or contemporay designs and can be worn by anyone regardless of skintone.

Silver jewelry are fast becoming indispensable fashion accessories. Jewelry pieces like cocktail rings, necklaces, and bracelets made of sterling silver adorn the young and old alike as they can be worn from day to night. Teens and young adults also prefer to wear silver jewelry because prices remain affordable without compromising elegance and style.