Single folks out there! How are you going to celebrate Valentine’s Day? I mean, who says only those in a relationship can celebrate this special day? It is for all of us, you don’t have to complain that you don’t have special someone to celebrate it with –ouch here!

I know there are a bunch of singles out there, so what are your plans on Valentine’s Day? We may be less fortunate with love but hello! We can still enjoy this day.

Here’s how:

You can do these things with your friends and family.

♥ Instead of thinking who could be the man or the woman you can have a date with, why not invite your family for a dinner? There are lots of restaurants here in Batangas where you can enjoy this day or you can just cook for them.

♥ Go to theme parks or pool/beach resorts with your pals and get your pictures taken everywhere — just don’t mind lovers around. Haha.

♥ Single ladies, bring your BFFs along for a “pamper yourselves day” in spas or salons and be beautiful while sharing the best times with your closest girlfriends. It’s time for a “sparty”!

♥ Movie marathon on V-Day. Watch movies, romantic or whatever kind of film you want with your chosen companions.

♥ Bar hopping. It could be fun with your friends and who knows you might meet someone who’s been looking out for someone like you.

♥ Watch concerts. There may be available concerts on that day so just enjoy.

There you have it, the list for things that singles can do to enjoy Valentine’s Day. You may add any of your idea regarding this topic, just post it on the comment section below.

But admit it, Valentine’s Day is in fact extra special when you have someone to celebrate it with. Haha.

Advance Happy Valentine’s Day.

Image from examiner.com

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This article isn’t about pick-up lines. We’re counting down to Valentine’s Day though.

Monthly bills, tuition fees, groceries, emergency blunders — these are constant concerns that we deal with everyday or every month. Making ends meet for most of us is quite a struggle especially with ruthless price increases.

If you have a regular 8-5 day job or you’re a student trying to save money for field trips or conventions, for expensive school projects, or even for weekend gimiks with your friends, we understand that we all need some extra cash to pull out when the need arises.

Why not consider these sidelines for you to earn extra income? I’m sure you’ve heard a lot about these money-making ideas so let me just remind you of them.

Goodies and Foodies

Investment: P1,500 will do for pastries and small goodies; passion for cooking; set of cooking appliances

Our family cooks the best cordon bleue in town. I posted this on my Facebook timeline last Friday and my friends could attest to that. Do you cook pasta? Do you make to-die-for brownies? Accept orders and share your good cooking to your future customers.

Tutorials

Investment: time and a lot of patience; personal gadgets and instruments

What subjects do you have most knowledge of? If you have patience in teaching kids, accept tutees. You can do this after your day job or on weekends.

Are you adept in playing the guitar or the piano? Or have you mastered a skill in photography? You can start your own tutorial lessons for kids and amateurs who are willing to pay to learn your skills.

Graphic Arts and Desktop Publishing

Investment: time and a good dependable computer

Not all of us have superb skills in creating professionally-looking marketing collateral such as brochures, flyers, posters, tarpaulin layout, etc. So if you have expertise in things that concern putting texts and images together in one creative output, announce on your social network accounts that you can do these for a reasonable rate.

Events Planning

Investment: time; a decent planner; a few efforts on looking good (for events emcees)

Gerlie and I have been sidelining on events planning and emceeing for almost three years now. Most of the time we do weddings. What I like about being an events planner/coordinator/organizer, however you may want to call it, is that we’d get to meet different people, go to various places, polish our management skills, and the best of all, earn extra income.

Do you think you have the potential to be an events coordinator in Batangas? Then get up and start looking for future clients.

There are a lot of ways to earn extra income at home or out of your workplace. Turn your passion into a profit and start earning for your personal financial stability.

We all need a little work to do. Just think of what you might achieve a few months after. Winks.

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The best thing about waking up on the right side of the bed and getting inflicted with good vibes is being able to spread the positive mood to everyone. Admit it guys, we all have mood swings. So don’t complain if your girlfriend/sister/mom’s mood gets you crazy at times. You too, have your own share of bad days as well.

Happiness is at its best state when shared. So let’s pass on the happy vibe. Who knows how many of your friends or co-workers need it, right?

Pardon me if I may sound like a preacher-wannabe or some twenty-something lady speaking from a self-help book. And to be able NOT to do that, let these random songs, images, quotes, and videos lift up your mood, make you happy, get you some goooood vibes.

A Filipino translation: Wag mong problemahin ang problema mo kung ayaw mong mamroblema.

Feed your mind with motivational notes.

Think of what you have that others may lack of. Or may not even have. That way, you’d know how blessed you are.

Pray. The most effective way to beat bad vibes.

Just asking, you’re life should have started since when? Listen to music that will get you singing and motivated the whole day.

Life’s a beach! Now go ahead and swim. Good vibes everyone.

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There are ways on how to be rich. Or rather, there are aspects in your life where you can be one. Being rich is not just about having millions in your bank account. Being rich is not just about owning a properties here, there, and everywhere.

Okay, the meaning of the word rich is “having abundance in material possessions”, thanks to ardicttionary.com. So if you still don’t have the abundance in terms of money or properties, don’t just die in vain. Sometimes, being rich is just a state of mind.

1. Assess what you have. If you don’t have anything to assess, jump to the next item.

2. Start something new to gain something better. Business? Since we’re just on our way to start the new year, why don’t you come up with a business idea and find the means, the right people to help you out, and the right attitude that would back up your brilliant idea.

3. Create a list. When things go wrong or things get scrambled along the way, grab a pen and a paper and list down the things you have, the things you don’t have, and the things you want to have.

4. Take good care of the important people in your life. When you take care of the relationships you have now, you are not just rich, you are blessed.

5. Learn something new. When you gain new knowledge, you gain new experience. Exploring the best of this world takes you to a rich journey to life. And on the places you go to, through the people you meet along the way, opportunities may show their way to you.

6. Attract good vibes. If you often sulk on failures and frustrations, you are attracting the negative vibe. It’s normal that we get sad and we feel down at times. It’s in those low moments that we get to appreciate the good things. So get up and enjoy the ride!

7. Dress well and look good. Seriously. No, it’s not the fashion enthusiast in me that’s trying to lure you to be fashionistas. Whatever makes you comfortable makes you beautiful on the outside. Looking good doesn’t mean you have to be in a Louboutin or a Gucci. Looking good means you highlight your best features, you look clean and mabango, and you don’t look broke. Kung hindi ka mayaman, mas lalong wag kang magmukhang mahirap.

8. Be a goal-getter. In this life, you have to be bold in taking risks. You have to be brave enough to get to your goals but don’t ever do this at the expense of other people. If you want to be rich, you have to work hard. You have to be strong in all aspects. Lahat ng mayaman ngayon, maliban sa may yamang minana, nagsimula sa matinding pagsisikap. Lahat sila may sakripisyong ginawa, nakaka-inspire na mga kwento, at Diyos na pinananaligan.

We may not be rich in things we want to have abundance of, but you must feel blessed. When you think you don’t have enough, think of the people who don’t even have what you have.

Have a blessed 2012! Be a blessing to other people.

Image Source: howtoberichandhappy.nl

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We’re on to the last day of shopping spree!

I attended several Christmas parties showered with a lot of gifts. Big and small, round or squared, everything spells Christmas gift-giving.

However, some people were not blessed with an artsy hand and a careful mind to think how a present should be presented. The worst, after few more people look and touch the gift, the wrappers are broken.

Yes, a gift is enough to make the receiver smile but presenting it in the nicest way adds to that person’s delight. So, wrapping a gift should not imbibe the “sisirain naman din e!” attitude. Aside from it being an important part of presenting gifts, it somehow reflects your personality.

Allow me to enumerate Batangueño items and give you ideas on how to present them in a neat and creative way, worthy enough to make your recipient truly happy.

ITEM #1: Wow Batangas Shirts / Ala Eh! Shirts

KEY PIECE(S) FOR WRAPPING: box, gift wrapper and ribbon

Shirts are among the most common gifts for Christmas. Because it is readily available everywhere and some you can buy with discounts. Having one will never give you a hard time thinking of what should you
give.

Shirts are as complicated as glasses when it comes to presentation. It should be kept in a box first before you wrap it up. Aside from not giving out a clue of what’s inside, a box keeps the shirt neat and prevent it from creases.

ITEM #2: Bagoong Balayan / Calaca Atchara / San Juan Lambanog

KEY PIECE(S) FOR WRAPPING: Cloth and/or native bag and ribbon

Fragile — this is what we always want to instill when giving away such item that comes in a bottle. Items like these are best to be wrapped with a thick cloth or inside a native bag. Aside from saving time wrapping your gift, it gives your item a chance to look good with its presentation. You just have to place your gift in the middle of the cloth and meet every ends of the cloth to the middle. Secure it with a ribbon and voila! You’ve got another fascinating gift!

ITEM #3: Cuenca’s Delicious Macaroons

KEY PIECE(S) FOR WRAPPING: Transparent plastic container and ribbon

Entice your monito with a gift of sumptuous goodies. Having been said that, these should ‘tease’ your recipient’s palate so you can already reveal what’s inside the packaging. And it’s best when we put such goodies in a transparent container. Seal the container with a decorative ribbon to make it look better and persuade your monito to taste the delectable treat right away.

ITEM #4: Talisay Plant Seeds and Garden Tools

KEY PIECE(S) FOR WRAPPING: Ribbon and garden pot

Filling up your garden this Christmas is also a great idea. Add another piece to your friend’s garden. This gift idea hits two bird with one stone – you were able to give gift to a friend and you actually contributed to helping save earth! Place the garden tools and packaged plant seeds inside the huge pot, go for a green ribbon and your package are ready.

ITEM #5: Kapeng Barako (Beans or ground coffee)

KEY PIECE(S) FOR WRAPPING: small coffee sac, mug and abaca string

Your Christmas chills are best dealt with a hot, brewed coffee. So give your friend this wonderful item for this long season of chilling. Coffee beans are best to be presented with a coffee sac placed inside a good coffee mug. Wrap up the sac with a durable abaca string for that native vibe.

I hope that these wrapping ideas fit the one you wanted to give. Remember that the gift-wrapping tips I gave you are also tips for you to give a good impression to your recipient (may he/she be a relative, a friend, a workmate, or your significant other). Small or big gift, it doesn’t really matter. What matters most is that you made your recipient feel your sincerity in sharing with him/her the spirit of Christmas.

Happy Holidays!

Photo credit: countryliving.com

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I honestly believe that bonuses should be for the one who worked for it. But since Christmas Day’s coming, it’s hard to think of giving yourself an overdo and left your inaanak crying.

Before time let your 13th month pay splurge, like going to Batangas beach resorts or something, do a Christmas wish list and a list of people you would love to share your 13th month with. Gift itself is the essence of Christmas.

Say with me some pledges that I have learned when having bonuses.

I pledge to create a wish list not for Santa but for myself. This will help you from being disoriented with your money. Percent everything. From your dad down to your pet. Give them ample percent in your 13th month pay and DO NOT FORGET YOU ALSO NEED A GIFT! Or else, you’ll end up crying on Christmas.

I pledge to stick with my plans. Gimmicks out of nowhere are no-no. What you have listed, should stick with it. If you have created percentage, do not be so “ala’y sige na nga” on gimmicks. Remember, “Kung ikaw ga’y may isinuksok, ay di may dudukutin.”

I pledge to trust with my tastes. Sometimes your friends will tell you the greatest finds when it comes to your cheapest gift buys but eventually you’ll be disappointed on what you’ve found because it doesn’t fit your taste. Save enough money. If you have enough money, then don’t look for cheap but ugly things. It’s good to hear opinions but if you think it does not fit your taste, then don’t go with it.

I pledge to keep every list out of sight from my loved ones. There’s a feeling that spoils you whenever someone knew your secret already. So for you not to have another shopping list that might cause you to have an extra budget, memorize everything in your mind. That will save you money and will save you from “Huli ka!” moments.

I pledge to use my time wisely. The best finds are to be seen early. December is coming our way, and have your list completed at least by the 1st day of December so that you will not kill anyone just to have the item on last minute Christmas shopping.

I hope these simple things will help you find a gift item that’s worth your bonus this Christmas. It’s not important how cheap or expensive your gift. However, do not risk the quality, it’s important that one will truly appreciate the gift you gave for them.

Be thrifty, be disciplined and feel the happiness of Christmas and let it reflect on your gifts.

Photo Credit: pinoygroundzero.com

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What else can you do thing long Halloween weekend?

1. Attend Halloween parties. I don’t know where in particular but there are bars and restaurants who have their Halloween gimmicks to make an otherwise boring night a fun-tastic one.

2. Have a horror flicks marathon. Invite your friends or bond with your cousins. Prepare some pica-pica and your lungs and throats as well for screaming on all the heart-pounding scenes of your chosen movies.

3. Get rid of spider cobwebs. This is equivalent to ‘clean your house’. Spend this Saturday for general cleaning. I saw a spider cobweb in my room but that was only after it stuck on my face. Halloween na Halloween na ang dating ng kwarto ko. Pak!

4. Go out of town. Since it’s a long weekend, expect that people would avail this chance to go on a short vacation. If you want to go to the beach or anywhere else you want to visit for the long weekend, better if you would book reservations today to ensure your accommodation.

5. Get back to fitness. Four days. If you start working out this long weekend, you’d get motivated to continue slashing off some pounds, firming your loose skin, and toning your muscles. C’mon, there’s always a time for being fit and healthy.

These are just some tips. Make the most out of the long Halloween weekend we have. Be safe and don’t forget to say prayers for loved ones who were gone too soon.

Happy Halloween!

Photo Credit: lapatty809.wordpress.com

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How’s your week so far?

At work, at home, or in any other matters of life, there are times when things just don’t happen the way we want them to. One day you’re too happy, the next day things just screw up without your full understanding. It’s like forces conspire and things just don’t work out right.

All we need? Little things like a simple pat on the back, a warm and genuine smile from people around, words of encouragement from those who believe in you when you yourself find it hard to, or a hug.

We sometimes overlook these things when in fact they are free. People have different ways on dealing with situations, we have different take on what could possibly be the perfect solution. We all are different, but we are never alone. Now how good is that?

How to turn a seemingly bad day into a good one?

Seriously, it’s sooooo hard, right? But why don’t we try? Here are some points I want to share.

You are still one of the luckiest persons on earth.

Think of the millions of people who don’t eat thrice a day. Think of those battling in the bed of sickness and those who are born with an impairment. Think of those who live in fear because of social unrest in their homeland.

Turn to your favorite playlist when foreseeing a bad day.

My cousin Leigh posted this on her Tumblr account last night — when in doubt, make list. I say when in shaky mood, create a playlist.

Let the music heal your soul. Remember that 90′s all-star song? Let music ease your emotions, refresh your mind, and drive the negativity away. Sound trip may vary depending on your mood, depending on your music preference.

Smile (though your heart is aching).

Even if things are really getting out of hand, there are still reasons to smile. Take a break, watch a funny video clip on YouTube. Turn to your best pal who always make you laugh hard. Think of that one person who means so much to you. Then smile.

Think of Patrick Star.

Sabi ni Patrick Star (kung totoo nga na sya ang source ng quote na ito): “Everything will be okay in the end. If it’s not yet okay, then it’s not yet the end”. Makes sense, right?

Stay positive.

Gasgas na ang linya pero totoo naman kasi. If good things come to end, bad things will also reach the finish line. Minsan, ang pagiging positibo ang isa sa pinakamabisa mong sandata kapag andun ka sa sitwasyon na parang pakiramdam mo wala nang lusot palabas.

Keep right.

When things go wrong, keep right. Do what’s right and you can never go wrong. Tunog magulo pero malalim ang ibig sabihin.

Close your eyes and ask Him to take charge.

Bad days come but they’re not here to stay. As in any other matters of life, a silent prayer does the work. It only takes a few minutes to talk to God. At kahit gaano ka pa kakulit, hindi ka Niya pagtatakpan ng tenga.

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There are a quite a number of reasons to be excited about for the -BER months. Aside from the Christmas season, are you also looking forward to these things on our list?

The Revolutionary iPhone 5

September? October? November 21st? There had been a lot of rumors buzzing around as to when this much-awaited release of the newest Apple baby would be.

What will make you want an iPhone 5 in exchange of your iPhone 4? These are just some damn good reasons:

> looonger battery life (14 hourse of talk time on 3G and 7 hours on 4G)
> stronger signal strength
> Face Recognition which will prevent thieves from using your iPhone 5 if ever it got stolen
> built-in GPS
> iOS 5
> lowest model will have 32G storage space and 64G memory

The BlackBerry Playbook

I think it was released here in the Philippines last month, I haven’t checked it out though. This is the first ever tablet computer from the makers of BB. BlackBerry Playbook can be a good alternative if you can’t push your parents to buy an iPad for you. The lowest memory, 16GB is available at P23,990.

Three words for the BB Playbook: my birthday wish.

The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn (Part I)

Twilighters behold. Mark November 18, 2011 in your calendar as an important date for us because the first part of the last Twilight installment will finally be shown on the big screen!

Oh sige na, halatang excited ako, haha.

The Pacquiao-Marquez Bout (Again and Again and Again)

Jessica Soho asked Pacman in an interview last night in the former’s TV program if the pound-for-pound king is still excited to fight Marquez. The Congressman and world-famous boxing champ said it’s just okay but because Marquez still can’t admit that Pacman defeated him, it draws excitement to our Pinoy Pride.

The Pacquiao-Marquez III will be on November 12 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Will the Mexicutioner (one of Pacquiao’s many titles) dominate the Dinamita?

Do you have other things to look forward to for the remaining months of 2011? Share with us by leaving a comment below. Have a happy Friday!

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SM City Lipa’s 3-Day Sale

The madness on rummaging over racks and shops begins today, Aug. 19 until Sunday, Aug. 21. It’s too early to do shopping for Christmas (as they may have pre-holiday season sale) but if you’re needing new items like shoes, clothes, or home supplies, don’t miss this sale.

70% discount on selected items, now how good is that?

Good movies to see

Extended flicks from last week’s line-up are Rise of the Planet of the Apes, Cowboys and Aliens, and The Smurfs in 3D.

If you’re an avid fan of Mara Clara, see their first movie together – Way Back Home – a family drama under Star Cinema. Or if you’re out with your barkada, watch Conan the Barbarian starring Jason Momoa and Rachel Nichols.

Robinsons Place Lipa’s Red Hot Sale

For sure you’d see lots of red shopping bags this weekend. Robinsons Place Lipa offers up to 70% off on selected items from Aug. 12 to 31.

You can also catch ’90s band, True Faith in their mall show in the afternoon of Aug. 20.

But if you don’t feel like spending too much money or squeezing into an expected rush of shoppers, then opt for these cheap but fun alternatives.

Gather your friends for a weekend food trip

Who says weekend picnics are baduy? Call your BFFs now and organize a Saturday picnic! Do potluck so you can have variety of meals to bring. Head to the nearest park and enjoy the day with good food and great company.

Bike around town

For once, try roaming around town on a bike. I miss doing this. You can invite a family member, a friend, or your special someone to join you. Do this every weekend mornings and you’re sure to enjoy the benefits soon.

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