POPCORN: Poppin’ Fun All The Time!

POPCORN: Poppin’ Fun All The Time!

Let’s face it, the best thing about watching a movie is the popcorn!  

All popcorn has big mushroom style popcorn flakes that is the same as what you pop at home. 

My brother and I tried different popcorn brands and one of our favorites is ___________popcorn. For me, it is the Best Pop Corn in the whole Metro. It even comes in various flavors such as:  

• caramel
• sweet n’ salty twister
• butterlicious
• chocolate. 

Caramel is my favorite flavor. It is not so sweet yet it has a burnt sugar flavor. Burnt sugar has a rich caramelized toffee aroma and flavor. So yummy!

But why spend hundreds of pesos to popcorn when you can do it yourself! Yes, folks! Just buy any brand of popcorn from your friendly grocery store then pop it on your microwave oven! Nakatipid ka na!

A Note by a Ruptured Brain Aneurysm Survivor

A Note by a Ruptured Brain Aneurysm Survivor

How time flies! Who would have thought that it's been almost two years since I wrote this note on my Facebook Notes. 

Please read on:

I find brain aneurysm almost unique in its ability to strike like lightning, without rhyme or reason, and too often without mercy.

When the cerebral artery bursts and causes brain hemorrhage, sudden death can result. The mortality rate following a rupture is about 40 percent, and another 25 percent die from complications.

For those whose precious lives are snuffed out in a brief moment, and whose loved ones' lives are dramatically altered forever by the same event, there seems to be no justice that I can comprehend. For those fortunate enough to survive the rupture, a battle begins for the amount and quality of life that can be recaptured.

Your doctors and nurses are only one part of your armor. The key to your victory, your healing, is your will not only to survive, but to conquer.

Mental positivity and, for some, spirituality, along with a focus on personal health and well being -not smoking, a nutritious diet, lots of sunlight, and a regular exercise program, and a strong social support network like relatives or friends in a social circle, are all critical.

Do not be burdened by statistics. Every battle is unique and, if fought well, won.

I am presently recuperating from my operation and I am glad about the progress I am making. My left eye still had no vision. I still could not walk. But my doctors assured me that I will be back to my normal self in 6 months to 1 year, not 100% though. But within that time, I will have my eyesight back and I can walk already.

The doctors said that I was very very lucky. I escaped death by a hairline. My aneurysm ruptured last January 18, 2011. I never knew that I had aneurysm until that fateful night, when I lost consciousness inside the toilet. My left eye hit the toilet sink. And I must have accidentally bumped into and spilled the pail of hot water that I was supposed to use, resulting to a huge 2nd degree burn on my left thigh.

When I regained consciousness I tried calling for help from our house boy downstairs, but he did not respond to my cry for help. Maybe you can call it a miracle. I was able to walk from the toilet towards my room and made it to my bed. I had the worst headache ever and I kept on vomiting.

I then texted my cousins since I don't have my parents with me anymore, they're both dead and I was living all alone. But my cousin said he couldn't contact his driver. So I was bought to the hospital only the following day by another cousin. Lucky me! According to statistics, 1/3 of those who had a ruptured aneurysm died within 3 hours.

A CT Scan was performed and a lot more medical procedures were done. Then I was brought via emergency ambulance to UST Hospital - a long eight (8) hour-drive from my province. If it is a regular bus, it would take us twelve(12) hours. Thanks to the ambulance drivers who took turn on the wheel and skillfully brought me just in time to UST Hospital. And to the doctor and nurse, my kuya Bernie and my alalay who accompanied me inside the ambulance- a hug and a thank you for never leaving my side.

A brain aneurysm coiling operation was performed by two (2) neuro-surgeons, assisted by one (1) cardiologist, one (1) anesthesiologist and several nurses, last January 22, 2011 at UST Hospital.

Since coming home to our townhouse in Manila on February 4, 2011, I kept on going back to my doctors for check up and I was not allowed to go back home to my home in the province just yet. I hope to be back home soon and lead a normal life.

Taking a bath is a bliss. Yes, the simple showers or tabo (dipper) bath that we all take for granted is heaven to me because I've been leading a life with bed baths for the last four months. I used bed pans to wewe (urinate) or popo (defecate). I miss how our toilet looks like.

So the next time you find yourself so discontented and sad on how you were leading your life-count your blessings and thank God for all the wonderful things you freely do. Not everybody could enjoy these simple things.

Sitting for an hour or so makes me cry. It is back breaking for me to be sitting for an hour. I need to lie down and rest. See, back then, I never thanked God for my capacity to sit. And I do that a lot before!

I wish for you to please keep on praying for my total and complete recovery. Some of you may not understand how hard it is for me, some even find my situation a so so case, and deleted me on their friend's list. Maybe they have their reasons, whatever it is, I would never know 'coz they did not bother to explain the reason why.

Yes, a lot of people are selfish, but I won't cry over them, after all I am a survivor. God gave me my consciousness back, so there is still a reason why I keep on breathing. I still have a purpose to fulfill. A life is still waiting for me.

No matter how hard I must struggle I know I can make it. After all the greatest being is there backing me up. He doesn't want to see me broken, he wants me to fight and live my life again.

GOD IS HEALING ME NOW IN THE OCEAN OF GRACE, LOVE AND MERCY! THANKS TO ALL OF YOU WHO KEEPS ON REMINDING ME THAT YOU WOULD BE ALWAYS MY FRIEND NO MATTER WHAT! GOD BLESS YOU!

THE MIND MUSEUM: Walking on the Footsteps of Giants

THE MIND MUSEUM: Walking on the Footsteps of Giants

For sustaining our lives, we all depend upon one Earth, one biosphere. We breathe the same air. We all inhabit one planet.

Planet Earth is 4.6-billion-year-old.  Many years ago the earth was ruled by dinosaurs. Rarrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr! Meet Stan the t-rex at Mind museum! Stan's feet are very bird-like in appearance.

In fact, scientists have noted the many similarities between living birds and the meat-eating dinosaurs, known as theropods, like the t. rex, suggesting that birds are the living descendants of dinosaurs! 

Stan the T. rex. is a Tyrannosaurus rex (T. rex) which means "tyrant lizard king." Stan lived in the Late Cretaceous Period, around 65-70 million years ago. The skeleton replica of Stan the Tyrannosaurus rex is on display at the Mind Museum. 

The teeth of Tyrannosaurus rex were specialised: they had tiny serrations to help them cut through flesh and are round in cross-section for breaking through bone. The crown of the tooth was covered with hard enamel. The long dentine roots were dissolved and re-used by new teeth as they grew. Eventually, the old tooth, worn from use and weakened at the root, would break-off while feeding (called a shed tooth), making room for the new germ tooth to grow into position. Unlike mammals, dinosaurs grew new teeth throughout their lifetimes.

 

The almost perfect replica of STAN's magnificent skeleton, skull, teeth and claws at Mind Museum with cast made from real fossils.

T.rex had a deadly bite and was able to bite through even the leg bone of another T.rex.

The Mind Museum
JY Campos Park, 
3rd Avenue Bonifacio Global City,
Taguig City, Luzon, Philippines

Hey, peeps! Avail of this promo o, Buy 5 plus 1 sila! This is so cool! 

THE MIND MUSEUM: Earth Day Celebration

THE MIND MUSEUM: Earth Day Celebration

Last April 21, 2013, we celebrated Earth Day at The Mind Museum. We attended the Dinosaur and Fossil workshop entitled "Earthly Imprints: Dinosaur and Fossils Workshop" at the second floor of Mind Museum Pod 2. 

Those with All Day Museum Pass + Workshop paid P750 and those who opted to buy the Workshop ticket only paid P150.00.                                                                                                      

At the workshop, Pecier Decierdo, a BS Physics graduate from UP Diliman and one of The Mind Museum’s mind movers walked us through time. It was a mind-bending journey from present-day Earth to the prehistoric era of dinosaurs and fossils. Together with excited kids, we learned about Archaelogy, Paleontology and Paleontologists and how they go about studying fossils to determine evolution.

After the fun, interactive and informative lecture about fossils and dinosaurs, they then instructed everyone, both kids and kids-at-heart, to create their own fossils using foil, clay, Plaster of Paris, water, coffee and stick.

Who would have thought that it was not only bones that could be fossilized? You could make a fossil out of anything!

Yes,even dung, geez, yucky! These are called "coprolites." Just Imagine the vast choices you have. You could apply the process to anything from dried leaves, flowers, shells, teeth, bones, skeletons and many others. 

We had so much fun at the workshop. The kids were so excited creating their very own “fossils”.

We had a good laugh when we saw the "made in China" seal at the back of the toy mold we made.

After the workshop, we attended the interactive storytelling about the Earth and giving importance to it by My Masterpiece Movement or MMM.

The group is composed of the husband-and-wife team of Teacher Anna and Teacher Rayyn plus sister Teacher Kara. Teacher Anna enthralled everyone and guided us to let loose and relax for an hour of yoga, visual art, music, shadow storytelling, and reflection. 

The live mural painting and shadow play were provided by teacher Kara, Teacher Anna for the yoga and dance and the music by Teacher Raynn.

 Everybody loosened up and stretched out during the yoga session.

There was also a screening of Pale Blue Dot the entire day. Pale Blue Dot, inspired by the photo and book of the same name, exposes Carl Sagan’s reflections and projections regarding our planet.

This last Photo is from Mind Museum FB page.

And last but not the least activity of Mind Museum for Earth Day was the live discussion  in Google+ Hangout with Blaise C. Kuo Tiong, a physicist doing research in Antartica called Cold Continent, Hot Science on neutrino detection in Antarctica! He discussed his research and how life goes in one of the coldest parts of the planet!

For more information about the Dinosaurs please click here!

SINGAPORE: The Singapore Flyer

The Singapore Flyer

One of the recommended top ten things to do in Singapore is to ride the Singapore Flyer. At the height of 165 meters (541 ft.), it is the world's highest observation wheel - the current world record holder so far. While aboard the gondola at or near the highest point of the Singapore Flyer, you will see parts of Indonesia and Malaysia. 

The Singapore Flyer

It topped the Star of Nanchang which stands at 160 meters (525 ft.) in Nanchang City, Southeastern China and the London Eye which stands at 135 meters (443 ft.) in London. 

One of the 28 capsules (gondolas) of the Singapore Flyer

However, Singapore Flyer's record as the highest observation wheel will not last long as three (3) other taller observation wheels are set to be constructed and completed. 

These are: 

(1) The High Roller in Las Vegas at 168 meters (550 ft.); 
(2) the New York Wheel at 190 meters (623 ft.); and 
(3) the Dubai Eye at 210 meters (689 ft.).

In comparison, the Philippines' tallest Ferris Wheel, the Sky Eye in Tagaytay City, stands only at 63 meters (207 ft.) or less than one-third (1/3) of the proposed height of the Dubai Eye at 210 meters (689 ft.).

Inside one of the capsules (gondolas) of the Singapore Flyer

The Singapore Flyer has 28 air-conditioned capsules with each capsule capable of holding 28 passengers.  

Each capsule has a very wide space, comfortable seats and individual earphones where you can hear the voice of an English speaking tour-guide. There's also a video presentation before you board the capsule. 

One rotation of the wheel takes about thirty (30) minutes.

View from the Singapore Flyer

The picture above shows the view of the mouth of the Singapore river from one of the capsules (gondolas) of the Singapore Flyer. Based on the number of ships scattered beyond the mouth of the Singapore river, Singapore harbor is indeed one of the busiest harbors in the world.

Another view from the Singapore Flyer

From the Singapore Flyer, you can see the Merlion statue in Merlion Park near (the left end of) the Esplanade Bridge. It is the white statue with water gushing from its mouth.

Nearer the Singapore Flyer is a floating soccer field known as The Float@Marina Bay (or  Marina Bay Floating Platform), the world's largest floating stage. It is a multipurpose mass spectator event facility. Major events like the annual Formula 1 night race, the Youth Olympics and the National Day Parade are held here.

Another view from the Singapore Flyer

At the end of the Esplanade Bridge on the right, you can see the Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay, the two (2) durian-like buildings.


http://www.travelonshoestring.com/2013/05/singapore-mermaid-and-merlions.html

http://www.travelonshoestring.com/2013/05/singapore-songs-of-sea.html

BUDDHA BAR:Sartorial Night

BUDDHA BAR:Sartorial Night 

Buddha-Bar Manila launched Sartorial Nights last Friday, May 3, 2013 which showcased the fantastic line-up of Frederick Peralta and was hosted by the beautiful Phoemela Barranda.

Every Friday night will be a night full of beautiful and fashionable people, all ready to dine, wine and party.

Everyone gets the chance to be awarded as the Sartorial Night man and women every Friday, with special prizes for the winners!

They are also giving away loads of prizes, including trips to Kuala Lumpur and Bali, Indonesia, a $600 South Sea pearl pendant cast in 18K gold from Jewelmer, and the grand prize at the end of the month, a French Iconic bag worth over P100,000!

To be able to join the raffle guests just need to pay P500 door fee for the night

The Professional Models Association of the Philippines (PMAP) struts the night away, showcasing the works of Frederick Peralta.

SINGAPORE: The Mermaid and the Merlions

SINGAPORE: The Mermaid and the Merlions

Your trip to Singapore may not be complete if you have not visited Merlion Park and posed near the statue of the Merlion, a mythical creature with the head of a lion and the body of a fish. 

The Merlion is used as a mascot and as a national personification of Singapore. The fish body represents Singapore's humble origin as a fishing village. The lion head represents Singapore's original name, Singapura, which means "lion city" in Sanskrit. Before the arrival of the British colonisers, however, Singapura was known as Temasek.

The Merlion is a male and, as you can see above, he likes to have his picture taken with a female - a Mermaid (me, he he he!).

Right behind the 8.6-meter-tall Merlion facing the river is a smaller version of the Merlion measuring about two (2) meters tall as shown in the picture above. This is commonly referred to as the "Merlion cub." Yes, there are Merlion statues other than the one along the river bank. 

In fact, these two (2) Merlion statues are among the only five (5) Merlions recognized by the Singapore Tourism Board (STB). The other one is a 37-meter-tall replica located in Sentosa Island as shown in the picture below where you will also see the Mermaid..... ha ha ha!

The Merlion statue in Sentosa is so huge that it has a Gallery Viewing Deck on its mouth and another viewing gallery on its head.

The other two (2) Merlion statues are: 

(1) the 3-meter-tall glazed polymarble (a type of plastic resin) statue at the Tourism Court near Grange Road (TRIVIA: this statue is made in the Philippines); and 

(2) the 3-meter-tall polymarble statue in Mount Faber's Faber Point.


Related Articles:

Songs of the Sea

Singapore Flyer

SINGAPORE: Songs of the Sea

SINGAPORE: Songs of the Sea

Princess Ami of the sleeping kingdom under the sea

Who would forget the Songs of the Sea in SINGAPORE?

Oscar the Tigerfish

Songs of the Sea is a multimedia show along the Siloso beach in Sentosa Island in Singapore characterized by a spectacular display of water jets, flame bursts, lasers and pyrotechnics, coupled with a live cast and enchanting music. 

This show replaced the Musical Fountain show which people can watch for free. Ow, who said that the best things in life are free?

With Oscar the Tigerfish mascot

Oscar, one of the main characters in the Songs of the Sea show, is a colorful Pterois miles (known as common lionfish or devil firefish), not really a Tigerfish (which is a completely different specie) like what he is called in the show. 

In Latin, pterois means winged and miles means soldier. Therefore, this fish is a winged soldier.

The picture below shows what a common lionfish really looks like. It has beautiful reddish or brown stripes and fins that spread like wings.

Common Lionfish in Manila Ocean Park

You can see a common lionfish in one of the aquariums in the Oceanarium of the Manila Ocean Park . . .  

Common Lionfish in Ocean Adventure Park

. . . and at Ocean Adventure Park in Subic, Zambales.

The awakened Princess Ami of the sleeping kingdom under the sea

The Songs of the Sea brings to mind the Musical Fountain Show in the Manila Ocean Park. The Musical Fountain Show, however, pales in comparison with the Songs of the Sea in Singapore as the latter has a much bigger budget and, of course, a costlier ticket for the show than the former. But for those who have seen the Songs of the Sea, or at least for me and my brother, the cost of the ticket is worth it.


The 25-minute show runs twice a night: one at 7:40 pm. and the other at 8:40 p.m. Ticket price is S$10 per person. 


Related Articles:

Singapore Flyer

Merlions