Today, I receive all God’s love for me. Today, I open myself to the unbounded, limitless, overflowing abundance of God’s Universe. Today, I open myself to your Blessings, healing and miracles.Today, I open myself to God’s Word so that I become more like Jesus Everyday. Today, I proclaim that I’m God’s Beloved, I’m God’s Servant, I’m God’s powerful champion, And because I am blessed, I will bless the world, In Jesus Name, Amen.

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The Great Wall of China in Mutianyu

The Great Wall of China is referred to in Mandarin as Wanli Changcheng   (10,000-Li Long Wall or simply very long wall) BEIJING, ...

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Miss Philippines 2010 Venus Raj Top 5 Question And Answer



We are still proud of you Venus in a major major way! Other Q's were about internet, fashion, death penalty and airport security. Personal yung tanong ni William Baldwin. Mahirap talaga sagutin.


Miss Phils Venus Raj's journey from the rice fields of Camarines Sur to Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas is a feat in itself. She made us proud!:-) Venus 4th runner up Miss Universe 2010 ◕‿◕
Maria Venus Raj obtained her Bachelor's Degree in Communications Arts, major in Journalism, at Bicol University in Albay, with Latin honors (Cum Laude). She graduated through the scholarship that she received from Francis Papica Foundation. She works as an Information Assistant for the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Region V. In addition to this, she also works as a part-time fashion model.




http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BRxrF-iSfjQ


Monday, August 9, 2010

This is a letter of Ninoy Aquino to his son, Noynoy, 36 years ago...


This letter was released by the Aquino family on 09-09-09 when Noynoy proclaimed his candidacy to run as President of the Philippines .

Noynoy's decision to accept the call for him to run for President is his reply to his father, 36 years after Ninoy wrote to him from his prison cell.

August 25, 1973
Fort Bonifacio
11:30pm

Mr. Benigno S.. Aquino III
P E R S O N A L

My dearest Son:

One of these days, when you have completed your studies I am sure you will have the opportunity to visit many countries. And in your travels you will witness a bullfight.

In Spanish bullfighting as you know, a man, the matador is pitted against an angry bull. The man goads the bull to extreme anger and madness. Then a moment comes when the bull, maddened, bleeding and covered with darts, feeling his last moment has come, stops rushing about and grimly turns his face on the man with the scarlet "muleta" and sword. The Spaniards call this "the moment of truth." This is the climax of the bullfight.

This afternoon, I have arrived at my own moment of truth. After a lengthy conference with my lawyers, Senators Jovito R. Salonga and Lorenzo M. Tanada I made a very crucial and vital decision that will surely affect all our lives: mommie's, your sisters', yours and all our loved ones as well as mine. I have decided not to participate in the proceedings of the Military Commission assigned to try the charges filed against me by the army prosecution staff. As you know, I've been charged with illegal possession of firearms, violation of RA 1700 otherwise known as the "Anti-Subversion Act" and murder.
You are still too young to grasp the full impact of my decision.

Briefly: by not participating in the proceedings, I will not be represented by counsel, the prosecution will present its witnesses without any cross examinations, I will not put up any defense, I will remain passive and quiet through the entire trial and I will merely await the verdict. Inasmuch as it will be a completely one-sided affair, I suppose it is reasonable to expect the maximum penalty will be given to me. I expect to be sentenced to imprisonment the rest of my natural life, or possibly be sent to stand before a firing squad. By adopting the course of action I decided upon this afternoon, I have literally decided to walk into the very jaws of death.

You may ask: why did you do it? Son, my decision is an act of conscience. It is an act of protest against the structures of injustice that have been imposed upon our hapless countrymen. Futile and puny, as it will surely appear to many, it is my last act of defiance against tyranny and dictatorship.

You are my only son. You carry my name and the name of my father. I have no material wealth to leave you. I never had time to make money while I was in the hire of our people. For this I am very sorry. I had hopes of building a little nest egg for you. I bought a ranch in Masbate in the hope that after ten or fifteen years, the coconut trees I planted there would be yielding enough to assure you a modest but comfortable existence.

Unfortunately, I had to sell all our properties as I fought battle after political battle as a beleaguered member of the opposition. And after the last battle, I had more obligations than assets.

The only valuable asset I can bequeath to you now is the name you carry. I have tried my best during my years of public service to keep that name untarnished and respected, unmarked by sorry compromises for expediency. I now pass it on to you, as good, I pray, as when my father, your grandfather passed it on to me.

I prepared a statement which I intend to read before the military commission on Monday at the opening of my trial. I hope the commission members will be understanding and kind enough to allow me to read my statement into the record. This may well be my first and only participation in the entire proceedings.

In this statement, I said: Some people suggested that I beg for mercy from the present powers that be. Son, this I cannot do in conscience. I would rather die on my feet with honor, than live on bended knees in shame.

Your great grandfather, Gen. Servilliano Aquino was twice condemned to death by both the Spaniards and the American colonizers. Fortunately, he survived both by a twist of fate.

Your grandfather, my father was also imprisoned by the Americans because he loved his people more than the Americans who colonized us. He was finally vindicated. Our ancestors have shared the pains, the sorrows and the anguish of Mother Filipinas when she was in bondage. It is a rare privilege for me to join the Motherland in the dark dungeon where she was led back by one of her own sons whom she lavished with love and glory.
I ended my statement thus: I have chosen to follow my conscience and accept the tyrant's revenge. It takes little effort to stop a tyrant. I have no doubt in the ultimate victory of right over wrong, of evil over good, in the awakening of the Filipino.

Forgive me for passing unto your young shoulders the great responsibility for our family. I trust you will love your mother and your sisters and lavish them with the care and protection I would have given them. I was barely fifteen years old when my father died. His death was my most traumatic experience. I loved and hero worshipped him so much; I wanted to join him in his grave when he passed away. But as in all sorrows, eventually they are washed away by the rains of time.

In the coming years, I hope you will study very hard so that you will have a solid foundation on which to build your future. I may no longer be around to give you my fatherly advice. I have asked many of your uncles to help you along should the need arise and I pray you will have the humility to drink from their fountain of experiences.

Look after your two younger sisters with understanding and affection. Viel and Krissy will need your umbrella of protection for a long time. Krissy is still very young and fate has been most unkind to both of us. Our parting came too soon. Please make up for me. Take care of her as I would have taken care of her with patience and warm affection. Finally, stand by your mother as she stood beside me through the buffeting winds of crisis and uncertainties firm and resolute and uncowed. I pray to God, you inherit her indomitable spirit and her rare brand of silent courage.

I had hopes of introducing you to my friends, showing you the world and guide you through the maze of survival. I am afraid; you will now have to go it alone without your guide.

The only advice I can give you: Live with honor and follow your conscience. There is no greater nation on earth than our Motherland. No greater people than our own. Serve them with all your heart, with all your might and with all your strength. Son, the ball is now in your hands.

Lovingly,

DAD


NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED I DO NOT OWN THIS CONTENT THIS BELONGS TO ITS RIGHTFUL OWNERS
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Monday, July 12, 2010

World Cup 'Psychic Paul the Octopus' Predicts Spanish Win


Paul the octopus successfully predicted Spain win over Germany. The "psychic" octopus, who has become a sensation in Germany for correctly predicting the results of all the country's World Cup games so far this year, picked Spain to win the semi-final game. Paul, who lives in a Sea Life aquarium in western Germany, made his prediction by choosing a mussel from a jar with a Spanish flag rather than one with a German flag, the BBC reports. Germany supporters can take comfort in the fact that one of Paul's predictions during the 2008 Euro cup proved wrong.



.

 

Viva España campeon del mundo!!


The two-year-old celebrity octopus, who has accurately picked the outcome of all six of Germany's World Cup matches so far, quickly tipped Spain to beat the Netherlands. It took him only three minutes to make up his mind.

"That was fast -- it looks like a clear-cut victory for Spain," said Tanja Munzig, spokeswoman for Sea Life in Oberhausen. She was surprised by his speed in picking Spain. For some matches it took Paul 70 minutes to decide.

The octopus, considered by some to be the most intelligent of all invertebrates, got the choice of picking food from two different transparent containers lowered into his tank -- one with a Dutch flag on it and one with Spain's flag.

Reaction in Spain was swift, with the country's biggest selling sports daily website Marca.com running the headline: "The octopus Paul makes us champions."

The container Paul opens first is regarded as his pick. On Friday he wasted no time in diving for the container on the right side with the Spanish flag on it.

Two German television networks interrupted their programming for live coverage of the two-year-old celebrity octopus's picks. Networks in Spain, the Netherlands and elsewhere in Europe also broadcast Paul's decision live.

Earlier on Friday, Germans heaved a sigh of relief when Paul tipped Germany to beat Uruguay in the World Cup match for third place. There were cheers in offices across Germany after crowds of viewers tuned in to watch Paul live.

Normally he only picks Germany matches. But for the final Sea Life made an exception.

The octopus in Oberhausen turned into a global celebrity for correctly picking the winners of all six of Germany's World Cup matches -- including their two defeats to Serbia and Spain.

On Friday Paul first settled on top of the Germany container but after a few minutes shifted to the Uruguay container. Then after about 15 minutes he went back to Germany container, quickly opened the lid and ate the morsel of food inside.

Not an ordinarily superstitious people, Germans have become believers in Paul's possible psychic powers. The country was shocked and distraught when he picked Spain to beat Germany after tipping German wins over Argentina, England, Ghana and Australia.

Paul's selections have become top news across Germany and around the world. Some commentators even wondered aloud whether his improbable winning streak might have begun to influence some of the more superstitious players.

But after Paul accurately picked Spain to beat Germany in the semi-final, some Germans called for a public roasting of the oracle octopus. Newspapers and websites were filled with suggestions on how to cook and eat him.

Officials at Sea Life in Oberhausen have installed extra security to protect their octopus.

"Paul is in safe hands with us," said Munzig.

Spain's Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero was quoted in Spanish media reports saying -- in jest -- he was concerned about Paul's safety.

"I am concerned for the octopus...I am thinking of sending him a protective team," Zapatero said.

Spain's Environment and Fisheries Minister Elena Espinosa also said: "On Monday I shall be at the European Council of Ministers and I shall be asking for a (fishing) ban on Paul the octopus so Germans do not eat him."

* NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED I DO NOT OWN THIS CONTENT THIS BELONGS TO ITS RIGHTFUL OWNERS


Thursday, July 8, 2010

New Season Sale! at Latitude


It's time to celebrate the end of summer and usher in a new season – a new era, new leadership, new hope and new treats for everyone in the Philippines.

Enjoy the new season offering of Traders Hotel Manila’s Latitude restaurant - a special patriotic price of only Php760 nett per person for buffet lunch. Enjoy a selection of delightful flavors and new dishes ranging from starters to steaks to desserts that the whole family or your friends and colleagues will love. Get a free round of drinks (chilled juices or iced tea) if you come in a group of six (6) persons or more!

This limited offer is valid from July 5 to 31 only. Book now for your New Season buffet lunch at Latitude. For reservations, call 523-7011 local 2402.


National Shrine of St. Therese of Lisseux ( St. Therese of the Child Jesus)


Today, I met an angel beside me on the plane, Tita Nina Manalo, a retired teacher from Rawis, Legazpi City, she's still very active & strong at the age of 77 years old! With no maintenance medicine besides Centrum Silver! I also met her daughter Arlene and good friend kuya Rudy who fetched us from the airport, they have a very good heart, they toured me to the National Shrine of St. Therese of Lisseux (or St. Therese of the Child Jesus). The shrine is huge.  It stands tall, all of 6,200 sq.m sitting by the Villamor Air Base, across NAIA 3. This was the cross-shaped edifice one sees across the new airport, when one’s plane makes a landing. It could be a landmark in future.

I was amazed. Envisioned to be the center of devotion to St. Therese of the Child Jesus in Asia, the Shrine is well-equipped with features and amenities that make a celebration of faith truly enriching. Consider this:
 
  • Center for St. Therese relics
  • Stained glass featuring highlights of St. Therese’s life (itself a museum)
  • Ecclesiastical museum
  • Adoration chapel
  • Family prayer room
  • Complete with video and audio capacities
  • Fully air conditioned
  • Sound-proof 
  • Seating capacity: 1,800 seats 
  • Souvenir shop and a cafe
Where can you find, at least in Asia, an ultramodern shrine, fully-air conditioned, 3 level, with 42″ plasma TV for the psalms and announcements? Only at National Shrine of St. Therese of Lisseux (or St. Therese of the Child Jesus).

The church area itself has a sitting capacity of 1,800 people. Gee, a bride who will walk down its aisle would need to walk 50 meters from the church door to the altar, to display the gown and all in her beaming radiance.

Atop the main entrance of the church (3rd level) is what is called the family, where mothers with young children could sit, separated by glass, without disturbing other church goers.

It is entirely sound proof, such that no matter how many airplanes or helicopters fly over the area, or perhaps, even a coup attack, the noise would not be heard inside the shrine.


DO-IT-YOURSELF Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia


DO-IT-YOURSELF Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Petronas Twin Towers (KLCC Towers)
On our way to the airport

We woke up @ 4 a.m. to be able to catch the air-conditioned Philtranco Bus bound for Clark International Airport @ the pick-up point at the back of Building A SM Megamall, in front of the mall's entrance near Surplus Shop ( think Toy Kingdom, The Soup Kitchen, Powerbooks near the entrance of SM Megamall A along Bank Drive/ St. Francis St.; it is also near St. Francis Square). 

The fare for a one-way ride then costs Php300. Travel time is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. We had a reservation through e-mail so we boarded ahead of those who don't have a reserved seat.

At Clark International Airport, there were only 2 ATMs. Both died down on us, somebody's card got stuck @ Landbank ATM. That's why nobody could use it. On the other hand, RCBC's ATM has nationwide maintenance break! Talk about convenience eh! Ha ha ha! I was literally penniless. OMG!

Thank God my brother brought some extra money. Naku, if nagkataon mamalimos ako sa kalsada sa Malaysia. (Oh, otherwise, I would be begging in the streets of Malaysia.)

Our flight went a breeze. Congratulations Air Asia for making me feel safe in all the flights I flew with you. 

Going to our hotel in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

After arrival @ airport terminal (LCCT) in KUALA LUMPUR MALAYSIA, we boarded the Air Asia Skybus, the passenger bus of Air Asia that goes to KL Sentral. We pre-booked our seats on this bus online.

We disembarked @ KL Sentral station and said our goodbye to our co-passengers Jonah & Michiko! They headed to McDonalds Restaurant whereas my brother and I had to look for a Rapid bus bound for Bukit Bintang area. 

Nobody understood us when we asked around at KL Sentral on how we can go to our hotel. Then an angel passed by.Hanna, a native of Sarawak, Malaysia. She helped us find our way to the Monorail train station where we can take a ride to Bukit Bintang. Taking the monorail train, she said, is better than taking the Rapid bus at that time in order to avoid traffic.   

Hanna is an avid fan of Claudine Barreto and Rico Yan. She watched the television series "MULA SA PUSO" over and over again and cried a bucket when she learned of the death of Rico Yan. She said she would love Rico Yan forever. She doesn't like Jericho Rosales (his teleserye was shown in Malaysia, too). She said no one else comes close to her idol RICO YAN!

I thought she gonna sing when she told me that she knows the theme song of MULA SA PUSO. He he he. Hi, Hanna! Oh, she's now added to my Facebook. I do agree with you, Hanna. Rico Yan is so handsome♥!

@ Bukit Bintang, we walked all the way from the Monorail train station and passed through Sungei Wang Mall and BB Plaza Mall and made our way to our hotel, RADIUS INTERNATIONAL HOTEL, just a few blocks away from KFC Restaurant in BUKIT BINTANG. 

Guess what? Our room was upgraded to a superior room at the hotel and we had a beautiful view of PETRONAS Twin Towers and other nearby buildings. Plus we get to swim @ its swimming pool and had a bubble bath @ the bath tub.

Since it's my brother's birthday, we looked for a Nando's Chicken outlet and ate its to die for Nando's Chicken Mild Peri peri and had bottomless Iced tea! It was a superb meal! You ought to try it too! I super love its iced tea. Ha ha ha! I had 5! Yehey! Bawi ang bayad! Ha ha ha!

PETRONAS Twin Towers (KLCC Towers)

In the following morning, we went to the 88-storey PETRONAS Twin Towers (also known as PETRONAS Towers) which the locals fondly call KLCC Towers. KLCC stands for Kuala Lumpur City Centre. At the base of these Twin Towers lies the Suria KLCC Mall.

If you tell your cab driver to bring you to Petronas, he will, most probably, bring you to the nearest Petronas gasoline station. Ha ha ha! 

Petronas, the national oil company, by the way, sells its petrol (gasoline) @ RM 1.2/ per liter times 14.1 = 16.92 / liter of gas. I am so jealous! Ha ha ha! And almost all of the cars in Malaysia are European cars and petite cars like KIA, TOYOTA AVANZA, SUZUKI PETITE. Tipid sa Gas!

I bought a Coca Cola in can from a dispenser and paid RM1. When I checked, the price of water per bottle (small one) is RM 2.70. My golly! Gas is cheaper@ 1.20! Remind me to drink gasoline instead of water next time around. Ha ha ha!

@ 1:30 p.m., I inquired at the KLCC Twin Towers concierge if we could get tour the Sky Bridge if some of those who had their tickets reserved earlier don't show up. The manager on duty told us to wait @ 1:45 p.m. and try again. Luckily, 10 people did not show up @ 1:45 p.m., so we got our ID pass/ tickets and we boarded the elevator to the 41st floor Sky Bridge connecting the twin towers in 40 seconds FLAT! Amazing elevator!

[NOTE: When we toured the Sky Bridge, ticket was FREE!!! Starting 2010, however, tickets are sold for the amounts stated beow. The difference is that the ticket now includes tour to the Sky Bridge (Level 41) AND Observation Deck (Level 86). By the way, Level 42 of the Sky Bridge can only be used by tenants of the Twin Towers.]  

PETRONAS Twin Towers are built on the spot of what was once Kuala Lumpur Race Course. In fact, the road behind the structures is still named Kuda (Horse) Road.

At the Sky Bridge

Once you get to the Sky Bridge, an in-house guide will give you a short briefing about your visit. You get to walk and take pictures on this sky bridge for about ten (10) minutes.

From the Sky Bridge, you will see some parts of the city center of KUALA LUMPUR in all their glory. 

In the 1999 movie "Entrapment," actors Sean Connery and Catherine Zeta-Jones escaped from the authorities on the eve of Millennium celebrations by walking ALONG THE TOP of this Sky Bridge!

By the way, the Sky Bridge is open to visitors from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Tuesday to Sunday. Some visitors line up early (some as early as 6:00 a.m.) to get ID passes/ tickets for the Sky Bridge. Sometimes by 9:30 a.m., all the tickets are sold out for the day.

Take note that the Sky Bridge is CLOSED to visitors on Mondays (and some public holidays) and from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Fridays.

Ticket counter is located at the Concourse Level, PETRONAS Twin Towers. This is at the lower ground floor level. Ticket counter is open from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Cost of ticket:            Adult                                          -  80 Malaysian Ringgit
                                   Adult (MyKad)                           -  25 Malaysian Ringgit  
                                   Child (12 years & below)         -  30 Malaysian Ringgit
                                   Child (MyKid)                            - 12 Malaysian Ringgit 

You can also try purchasing tickets on line at https://eticket.petronastwintowers.com.my/ if your intended visit is not within the next 24 hours. This means that you have to buy tickets at the Concourse Level if you intend to visit within the next 24 hours. 

For the time being, PETRONAS Twin Towers Visit Operations does not offer online ticketing for MyKad and MyKid holders. To enjoy MyKad and MyKid ticket prices, you can present your MyKad/MyKid when purchasing the ticket at the Ticketing Counter, Concourse Level, PETRONAS Twin Towers.

For more information, you can call +60 (3) 23318080.


[NOTE: When we toured the Sky Bridge, ticket was FREE!!! Starting 2010, however, tickets are sold for the amounts stated above. The difference is that the ticket now includes tour to the Sky Bridge (Level 41) AND Observation Deck (Level 86). By the way, Level 42 of the Sky Bridge can only be used by tenants of the Twin Towers.]  

Terms and conditions:

1. Admission of children aged 3 and below is FREE of charge.
2. Tickets sold are not refundable or transferable.
3. An adult MUST accompany children below 12 years of age.
4. All baggage and personal items MUST go through the Security Scanning Machine.
5. Eating, drinking, chewing gum and smoking are not allowed during the visit.
6. The Management reserves the right to reschedule or cancel visits without prior notice.
7. The Management reserves the right to refuse any entry to any visitor(s).
8. Visitor shall at all times, adhere to and obey:
a. The signs and notices displayed in, on and/or around the premises;
b. The rules and regulations of the PETRONAS Twin Towers Visit;
and
c. The instructions of the officers in the PETRONAS Twin Towers Visit operation.
9. The Management may remove any visitor who is behaving in an indecent, unruly or disruptive manner or pose any kind of danger or discomfort to other visitors.


Tickets are limited to about 800 people a day and issued on “First Come First Serve” basis. There is also a limit on the number of persons (20) in each time slot throughout the day. Once you got your tickets, you have to return 15 minutes before the scheduled time to reconfirm your ticket.


Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Cathay Pacific


I always fly Cathay Pacific whenever I went to Hongkong or China, I love their service and wide seats ( food is ok since we got lucky, we overslept & when we woke up, they run out of stock of the economy food and gave us business class food yehey! ) and whenever they are late they compensate by giving free bottled water and sandwiches, like last April 24, 2009 they are 20 minutes late so to pacify the passengers they let everyone have a free sandwich, sodas, and water yum yum! Cathay Pacific is really cool!


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