A Woman's Prayer II

Heavenly Father,

I feel like I'm the brink of my sanity. Often I could feel loneliness and heartache. I'm asking You, Oh Lord, to give me more strength for my son. He is the only one that I could think of today worth living for and I  really need Your grace for me to get through all this. I'm not asking for anything else but Your forgiveness on me so I could hand the same mercy You've always given me. I might still think of the temptation of escaping this problem in the most easiest way but I beg You to please hold on to me tighter and please give me peace. I ask this through the name of Your begotten Son, Jesus. Amen.

A Woman's Prayer

Heavenly Father,

With  your mercy and eternal grace, I beg you to lift this load that caved in upon me. I tried my best to be the person that my son could look up to but it's like everything is out of my control. I know that You have a  plan, today and tomorrow, but I'm just asking that all masks could go away and total turn  will take place. I acknowledge that You are looking after us right now and helping me through all this, I am grateful that I still have the courage though I'm still alone at this, facing all this, but I can still feel You are protecting me. Lord, I don't know until I could hold on but give me some more strength and faith. I ask this through the name of Your begotten son, Jesus Christ, Amen.

Why A Woman Cry

A little boy asked his mother, "Why are you crying?" "Because I'm... a woman," she told him.

"I don't understand," he said. His Mom just hugged him and said, "And you never will."

Later the little boy asked his father, "Why does mother seem to cry for no reason?"

"All women cry for no reason," was all his dad could say.

The little boy grew up and became a man, still wondering why women cry.

Finally he put in a call to God. When God got on the phone, he asked, "God, why do women cry so easily?"

God said, "When I made the woman she had to be special.

I made her shoulders strong enough to carry the weight of the world,

yet gentle enough to give comfort.

I gave her an inner strength to endure childbirth and the rejection that many times comes from her children.

I gave her a hardness that allows her to keep going when everyone else gives up, and take care of her family through sickness and fatigue without complaining.

I gave her the sensitivity to love her children under any and all circumstances, even when her child has hurt her very badly.

I gave her strength to carry her husband through his faults and fashioned her from his rib to protect his heart.

I gave her wisdom to know that a good husband never hurts his wife, but sometimes tests her strengths and her resolve to stand beside him unfalteringly.

And finally, I gave her a tear to shed. This is hers exclusively to use whenever it is needed."

"You see my son," said God, "the beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair.

The beauty of a woman must be seen in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart - the place where love resides."

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Author: Unknown

By: Suzie's Daily Quotes

Special thanks to Jenny Rago-Lanit

Teleserv's Fast Five Night Out

Teleserv, the teleservice provider for NSO, DFA and POEA, held a screening of the movie FastFive starring Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Dwayne Johnson and others last night May 4 at the Gateway's Cinema 4. The place was filled with bloggers from different groups and was like everyone knew basically everyone.

The night started with Teleserv's Director for Marketing, Raffy David, saying some words of reception followed by the screening of Teleserv's Citizen Service, existing TV commercials, and a website walk-through was explained in detail by a Teleserv representative. After some prizes were given away, finally, the main even commenced.

I admit that watching the other sequels of “Fast & Furious” disappointed me in one way or another,and the “Fast 5” came back as its avenging franchise of this action flick. It smartly gathered some of the “Fast & Furious” stars from part 1 to 4. They made a big group to pull the ultimate heist, and the main man in their way is the new addition to the franchise, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.

With lots of new expensive cars and APCs (Armored Personnel Carrier) exploded, crushed and targeted by Brazilian bullets… and a train to add to that, you’ll expect a larger than life, action pact car chases and stunts. Don’t expect much of the script, the muscles and cars were the highlight of the film. In short, it’s really a no brainer film.

Overall, the event was as fun and as fully packed as the FastFive movie.

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Teleserv

Your Total Teleservices Solutions Partner

http://www.teleserv.ph/index.php

For your NSO needs:

For your POEA Balik-Manggagawa OEC:

For your DFA Passport Appointment:

Bohol Getaway

For quite sometime, my husband and I were planning to have an out-of-town vacation, when I meant by out-of-town, I meant airplane-riding, going beyond Luzon island vacation. An amazing thing happened after my spouse won a "raffle" from the coupon he filled-up during the Pacquiao vs. Margarito fight at the Metrobar (Pacquiao ticket courtesy from his office). A week after the said Pacquiao-Margarito event, A Customer Service Representative from Astoria Club called my husband and informed him that he was lucky to win a 3D/2N (3 days, 2 nights) stay at any Astoria Club affiliated hotels nationwide. Skeptical at first, because of the negative statements and testimonials of other people from the web about Astoria’s marketing "strategy", my husband contacted the affiliated hotels indicated at the Gift Certificate inquiring about the legitimacy of the said gift certificate. It turned out, it was a genuine thing – no strings attached, no hidden charges except for a Php 5,000.00 worth of cash deposit which is completely reimbursable after the tour. So after some paperworks, hotel and flight bookings, and 3 months waiting, my family and I found ourselves getting ready for our Bohol vacation.

It was quite a while since I flew domestic and was pleased to see the improvements with the airport facilities. Already, they have a prayer room, net zone (for those who have net gadgets – it’s for free!), feeding room for babies and toddlers, and my son’s fave – the clean, childproof, air conditioned play room. Because of that heavenly place and Ahgi’s new found friends, our two hours wait for our flight was a breeze. Contrast to the negative reviews on Zest Air’s punctuality and service, our on-board experience was quite peaceful and satisfying. We arrived at Bohol right on time, the attendants were courteous and a bit strict when it comes to plane’s rules, and my son managed to doze-off 15 minutes before we touched-down.

Our contacted ride/guide was waiting for us, on the dot, outside the airport and right there and then, our Day 1 at Bohol commenced.

Day 1:

We gave our itinerary to Kuya Eric (our designated driver/guide) and he candidly gave suggestions to where we should be headed first and the chronology of the rest of our agenda to maximize our time. From the airport we went straight to the municipality of Corella, where the Philippine Tarsier Foundation, Inc. is located. The Tarsier sanctuary, 134 hectares of forested land, serves as a protected habitat for Philippine tarsiers, considered to be the world’s smallest primate and is endemic to the country. We were not allowed to cuddle, make loud noises nor feed them because still, they are considered wild and free. With an experienced and educated guide from the center, we learned a lot of things about the small creature that is now endangered.

After that educational tour, we headed to the old town of Loboc, the cradle of the Boholano soul. The town is known for its floating restaurants and river cruise along the scenic and winding Loay-Loboc River. Aside from the river, people also come here to see the tarsier. Unfortunately, the tarsiers here are kept in an inadequate cage, and better be observed in the Tarsier Sanctuary back in Corella. We decided to have our lunch here since it’s already noon time. With their array of dishes offered at their buffet table, for 400Php, it’s already a reasonable prize. As soon as all the passengers were done with their lunch, our raft started to depart from the dock and began the cruise. A 30-40 minutes tour of forested river banks, great hillside view, small waterfalls, swimming foreigners and dancing/singing children of a cultural group, where Ahgi attempted to dance with, it was a relaxing and enjoyable way of exploring a river.

The next site in our itinerary was the famous Chocolate Hills of Carmen. But before getting there, we passed-by this great man-made forest of Mahogany in Bilar. By the time we got to the location of the Chocolate Hills, I was told that we still have to climb a total of 214 steps leading to the observation deck to fully appreciate the beauty of 1,247 hills excluding the 2 hills developed as resorts and deck for tourism. With experiencing an extreme stomach spasm, it will be quite a feat to reach the top. My husband volunteered to find a shop to buy a pill to relieve my pain, while Aizen and I, started to climb bit by bit, one step at a time using the ramps not the stairs. Slowly but surely, we arrived at the deck and there, my husband (used the stairs) was already waiting for us. He managed to get an anti-hyperacidity tablet for free from the clinic. They were not lying when they said the view will be spectacular. It was breath-taking when I saw the sight despite of what I’m feeling at that time. My husband and kiddo got crazy with the camera and in my amazement; no tantrums came from my son though I knew he was already tired. It was time to climb down and by now, my ache started to feel like a heart burn. Again, we visited the site’s clinic and asked for mefenamic acid and cheerfully, the nurse gave it me. We rested for a while in the resto and ate some ice cream. One thing I’ve noticed at some of Bohol’s tourist destinations. They provide computers with computer access for free for anyone to use.

Finished buying some of Aizen’s souvenirs, we continued our tour back to Bilar for the Simply Butterfly Conservation Center, the first butterfly livelihood breeding and conservation program in Bohol. They have an open landscaped garden planted with flowering plants that attract the butterflies to feed on them. It’s amazing to see that the place is full of butterflies. Also, seats were provided where I was able to relax and watch the lovely creatures as they flutter about. Pathways were also available around the garden, where some cabanas are and with hammocks where Alfred and Ahgi playfully lied down to.

I’m always terrified of hanging bridge and when I learned that we will be going to Sevilla to cross the two bridges (one, going to the other side, and the other for going back). The famous bamboo hanging bridge can be found crossing the Sipatan River. This hanging bridge has become a tourist attraction in Bohol because crossing it is quite different from crossing a concrete or wooden bridge. While crossing the bridge, I felt that the bridge was swaying and bouncing a lot on every step that hyphened my phobia. Meanwhile, the tandem father and son, also our driver (who, I must say, was also hesitant to cross) were all behind me. My husband, carrying our crying son just for them to be able to cross, was really tired after that workout. We bought fresh coconut with a man opening it up for us. I managed to ask the vendor if I could change my shirt inside her home, and she gleefully lead me inside.

Clothes changed, tummy full, we continued our journey back to Loboc town. We briefly stopped at the Church of San Pedro also widely known as the Loboc Church. The second oldest church in Bohol, it was originally built in 1602. The bell tower of Loboc is about 100 meters from the church and across the highway with the unfinished fly-over bridge. Attached to the building is a three storey convent, which today houses the Museo de Loboc on the second and third floor. We were quite scared and careful on stepping to some floor slabs because of its age and some are already damaged. Inside the church, we were able to admire some remarkable native paintings on the ceiling dating back to 1890’s depicting the way of the cross and imagery of the Holy Family.

Seen the Baclayon Church’s façade, we headed to another famous site, the Sandugo Blood Compact site at Tagbilaran City. Aside from the brass statues, it offers a nice view over the Bohol Sea, with Panglao Island to the right and Pamilacan Island a bit farther away to the left. Unfortunately, it was a weekend and hence, a lot of tourists were eager to get a pic of themselves with the Spaniards and the Datu. It’s already sunset and time for dinner. We ate at this local grill house, Inato Ati-Atihan, which offers chicken inato and other seafoods. The place was cozy and airy (though the weather in Bohol is was quite humid and warm). We ate some Tinola, Halang-Halang (fish with coconut milk) , Inato and grilled tuna. We were full again and it was already dark. It’s time to cross the bridge to Panglao Island.

Kuya asked us if we want to visit the house of our transportation provider, Ate Andrea, which was on the way going to our hotel. We said sure. There, we were greeted by Ate Andrea herself and her family. They were kind, friendly, and warm people with a cozy house but great design details – architectural and interior. On their big wooden sofa, Ahgi sat on top of it and played a laptop with their daughter, Paula. After some discussion on the next day’s agenda, we said our good byes and good nights but the kiddo was very reluctant to bid his farewell to his new found friend (even was willing to be left behind and stay for the night).

The Bohol Beach Club

Alas! We are headed to the Bohol Beach Club Resort and were really tired and really longing for a cold shower after our long day of touring. Once we reached the guard house, I thought the reception area will be just around the corner. But to my dismay, it will be quite a few hundred meters of long, dark, winding, rough road before we reach the resort proper. Though arriving at the resort lobby, we were greeted by pleasant looking receptionists and a room boy was ready to hand our luggage and lead us to our room. As soon as we received our room key, we walked around the receiving area and through the stone pathways leading to a complex of two-storey buildings with gorgeous garden fronts and large swimming pool. Room 538 was given to us and as soon as we got in and settled our baggage, I finally got my shower and to my astonishment, Ahgi still got some energy to watch some cartoons. And Alfred…..well, he was already snoring at that time.

Day 2:

When I woke up, my husband was already gone for his early beach jog. With Ahgi still asleep, I managed to have a bath and sorted our used clothes. When I finished organizing our things, I woke Aizen up to give him a bath and prepare him for our half-day tour of Panglao Island. By the time my husband arrived, we got to take a few shots of our room balcony and view had our breakfast at the Agotata Restaurant beach front.

By 9:00 am, our ride for the tour arrived with Ate Andrea herself as our guide. As we passed-by some resorts, she told us which were the best and just so-so. We visited the Alona Kew which was quite famous to other tourists because of its Boracay feel to it – mini restos along the beach and air-conditioned cottages provided for over-nighters. As we continued, we stopped at the Panglao Church or the Church of St. Augustine. In addition to the massive stone church which is clearly of Spanish-time vintage, one can see across the spacious plaza other landmarks of Spain’s occupation: the watch tower, said to be the tallest of its kind in the Philippines though it’s already close because of its hazardous state and the seaside which were covered by mangroves.

Next on our tour was the Hinagdanan Cave in Dauis. The cave is lit by sunlight which filters through holes in the ceiling. The underground lake is a popular swimming spot, but it has been known to test for high levels of various pollutants, since it is fed by ground runoff. The tour guide that we got was really funny and candid. He knew well the history and mastered every corner of the cave…and even our own camera! (even teaching my husband on the settings that should be used inside the cave). Aizen seemed enjoying the view inside more than me. As we emerged from the cave, we were all sweaty and I noticed, I itched a lot. We bought a shirt and Ahgi and I changed our clothes before we catch any pneumonia - BTW, the souvenirs here are more affordable than any souvenir shops around Bohol because manufacturers are near this site.

Going to Central Vizayas won’t be complete without buying danggit or any kind of salted dried fish. Ate knew where exactly to buy such products and with a great discount and freshly made. At the Tagbilaran Central Market, you will find Grace dried fish stall. Everything you’ve purchased will be sealed with heat-sealer.

We went back to Dauis at Panglao Island to visit the Dauis Church or the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption. A waterwell, known for its water’s healing power, lies at the foot of the main altar. Local history tells that this well originated from the Spanish era. Pirates often attacked Christian settlements and it was during one such attack that the people took refuge behind locked doors of the church. Besieged by the enemy for days, the people run out of food and water. The well miraculously sprang up and since then has become the source of drinking water for the populace nearby, especially during droughts. The water tastes truly fresh, despite the well’s closeness to the seashore. Each of us had a bottle of the miracle water in exchange of donation in any amount. Short walk from the church, there’s the Café Lawis and the Handumanan Shop with a picturesque view of the rectory courtyard and the humongous, old Acacia tree.

Done with a lot of photo ops, we headed back to Panglao where we decided to have our lunch at the Bohol Bee Farm. Discreetly located and nestled in lush greens and quiet paths, the farm is a haven of fresh and organic produce of fruits, vegetables, flowers and honey. We were delighted with their interesting smorgasbord of organic delight especially their pesto cream which my son gobbled hungrily. We had their hot fish sinigang then Aizen and I had spaghetti in red sauce. Ate Andrea urged us to taste their salad with flowers-Blue wild rose, bouganvilla and yellow cosmos. It tasted fantastic especially with their honey-mustard dressing on top of it. The farm also offers a souvenir shop with their entire organic products available and some crafts made in Bohol. My son was having a blast with all the tarsier magnets, headbands and grippers while their honey was exquisitely fresh and pure.

Our Bohol tour experience ended there. As we were dropped at our hotel, we bid our farewell to our guide and thanked for her warm welcome to us and for her patiently touring us around their wonderful place. Honestly, I missed her J

Immediately as we entered our room, I took a shower and I found out some of the rashes all over my body mostly in my face. I thought the rashes in my face were caused by an allergic reaction when we entered the cave earlier but it turned out I caught the Chicken Pox virus from my brother. Great! I have a virus in the midst of my vacation. What the heck! I’m here, better yet to have a blast despite of my condition. We went to the beach and were in awe to find it very beautiful - fine white sand like powder, hammocks and chairs were all over the beach for the hotel guests. Ahgi at first, not used to sands and dirt in his shoes, was irritated as sands get into his soles and slip-ons. But as soon he got his hands on the sands, he refused to walk back to our side of the beach and continued to play. Alfred went back to our room to fetch Ahgi’s sand castle kit and then gave them to Aizen which he started to dig around our area. It was low tide and a lot of sea urchins were scattered around the sea and shoreline but that didn’t hindered us to have a great time. The sun was starting to hide when I said quits. We all went out of the beach but I went straight to room while Aizen and Alfred continued their fun at the pool.

I felt weak, my temp started to rise and I had some dry cough as I finished my bath. My husband suggested calling the hotel’s medical assistance and when I did, I was very pleased that they were fast and sincere in helping me. Fortunately, I have all my medicines with me, even my nebules. They lend me their nebulizer and promised to check on me before we check-out the next day. Because I can’t go out of our room, my husband ordered a room service of their tinola and salted egg enselada.

Day 3:

Time to go home. We woke up quite late and again my husband woke up early to have his morning swim and with Ahgi, they experienced a glass-bottom boat ride. I spent my morning packing all our things and planning to which bag some items should in be. Finished with everything, Aizen and I already took our bath and was just watching the television, the phone rang and it was the hotel’s nurse, checking on me and I confessed that I might have the pox virus. Quite nervous that the plane might not let me ride, I asked for suggestion what actions should we take. They suggested some steps but it might take us some precious time so my husband just took a chance. The hotel booked us a ride from the hotel to the airport, we took our lunch to the nearby restaurant and waited a couple more hours for our flight with me wearing a bandana and eye shades like a Muslim woman. It worked and hours later we are already here at manila.

We had our moments at Bohol. Some are fun and some, for me, frustrating. But there’s one thing that stayed with me until now, even it's already been weeks. It’s not the chocolate hills, nor our hotel. But the people we have the pleasure of meeting there. Not one person ever gave us an impression of arrogance or smug. They were all warm, sincere and hospitable and that’s also the same thing that gave me an idea that I will be back in Bohol someday.

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Manila Reservations, Sales and Marketing Office
Rm. 1401 Victoria Building, United Nations Avenue, Ermita, Manila 1000

Telephone Number: (02) 522-2301 to 04; (02) 522-4162
Facsimile Number: (02) 522-2301/04
E-mail Address: salesdirector@tambuli.com

Bohol Beach Club
Bo. Bolod, Panglao Island, 6340

Telephone Number: (038) 502-9222 / 9212 to 14; (038) 411-5222 to 23
Facsimile Number: (038) 411-5226
Toll Free Number: 1-800-1888-2227
E-mail Address: bbclub@mozcom.com

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For Tours and Transportation
(van or sedan with driver)
Look for Ms. Andrea Toribio
Mobile Number: (+63) 905-243-3833

Running on Empty by Marshall Ulrich

 My husband is an avid fan of running, an addict I may say of fun runs, marathons and blogging events about fun runs and marathons. As a non-runner, non-athletic person, I chortled at my husband whenever I have to wake him up because he’s running even in his sleep. In some days, I yearned that he will just rest for a while from running to be with us in attending our church’s Sunday service. But I guess, as agile as he is, he’s like a dog that should be consent to let loose, stretch those legs and scuttle.

            The night before our Bohol vacation, he handed me a book entitled “Running on Empty” by a certain Marshall Ulrich, an ultramarathoner, adventure runner, and mountaineer and was dubbed as the “EnduranceKing”. Finished all six hundred-mile races in one season, four-time champion of Badwater 146, only person to do Pikes Peak Quad twice, ran across Colorado thrice, done Leadville Trail 100 and Pikes Peak Marathon in one weekend, done all nine Eco-Challenges, first to do Badwater Quad, climbed Mt. Everest and ran across America.

After all the introductions to the author, my husband asked me if I could find time to read the book and produce a review for him. Maybe because I have nothing to do or perhaps he thought that it might encourage me to run. With much hesitation because of the word “running” on the title, I still said sure but after we have our vacation that I will start to read it.

Having read the foreword, it didn’t really give me much interest about the Marshall Ulrich or the book itself. It just left me with the feel that this will be just another bragging book of accomplishments in running. I’ve decided to skip the rest of the statement and went straight to his prologue. Alas! There I’ve read and understood the person behind the runs and challenges he inflicts to himself. I now comprehend that he’s a complex individual with much love to a person and witnessed his love suffered and gone with nothing he could do, doesn’t know how to convey his feelings and with only running as his outlet and release those frustrations in life but at the same time, to escape his veracity of facing his life and daughter alone devoid of his beloved Jean.

It depicts how, in his runs, he had lost his family (physically and emotionally) but also in his adventures, he gained them back. Running from something is an empty achievement against running for someone is a fulfillment like no other. I might think that Ulrich realized in latter part of his life because of his experience and his mentor, Mark Macy and his new found love – Heather, that he could have done better with his family especially to her daughter, Elaine.

I think that this book is a great instructional book for all runners, adventurers or even to some couch potatoes like me. Yeah, it is equipped with medical advices, physical preparation diagrams, but it’s between his words, he suggests that though your passion, self-contentment and dream are important, aim those with proper inspiration and try not reach them in expense of the lives of the people you prioritize. Two thumbs up for the book and the person that recognizes his own faults beyond his greatness.

Californiaberry...very mmmm.

Coming from experience, every summer I gain pounds…because of weather? Perhaps (trying to blame it to others…in vain though). Love to sleep when we have warm temps and to eat or drink cold foods at the afternoons. It’s the season of ice creams and halo-halos, unfortunately, it’s also the season of loose bellies and additional scale lines when it shouldn’t be….beaches, bikinis, vacays…ring a bell?

Eating cold sweets are lovely but it would be perfect if it’s guilt-free. Thank heavens for the discovery of yogurt! Recently, yogurt products and chains are becoming popular due to its good reputation of helping prevent bad bacteria from taking up residence in our body. The other benefits of yogurt are that it gives your body valuable nutrients such as calcium, protein, and vitamin B2. It can also help prevent urinary tract infections. Because yogurt is rich in calcium, it can keep your bones strong and prevent osteoporosis.

But what about the “F” word? – FAT. It is guaranteed that yogurts have less fat and good for you but not all yogurt products are non-fat. That’s why Californiaberry is above from its contemporaries. Gorging on the good stuffs at Californiaberry known for its certified 100% non-fat frozen yogurt and serving only the freshest and healthiest treats, as it introduces their new menu selections. Aside from their original choices of toppings together with the savory froyo and fresh fruit blends, they are also offering the new ICE ICE BABY selections. A selection of any “baby” available, adding two types of toppings and topped by syrup drizzle. What’s more, it’s only for Php 65.00!

 Aside from froyos, Californiaberry proffers other products such as 100% organic coffee. Grown in the Central and South America, these coffee beans are considered the heart’s best friend since it’s a rich source of antioxidant loaded with vitamins and nutrients.  Aside from these, organic coffee is a natural energy booster, it relaxes, can help someone lose weight, and a great aid in flushing out toxins in the body simultaneously. Coffee lovers will surely agree that a hot cup of a perfect brew never fails to give a whimsical cheer anytime of the day. Share messages from the heart and open up in the comfy lounge of Californiaberry stores with another dash of healthy beverage.

Of course pasta lovers won’t be left behind. Californiaberry also got some wonderful assortment of pasta dishes like Cheesy Lasagna, Seafood Alfredo, Spaghetti Bolognese and Pasta Carbonara, all cooked in their natural flavor and without any addition of MSG.

 While Californiaberry is definitely retaining its non-fat froyo product which originally made a name for them, adding up new menu selections will constantly excite city slickers to unwind from the flurry of activities in its stores.

Californiaberry is now serving nationwide with over 23 stores, including the newly-opened branches at Mezza Residences in Sta. Mesa, SM Fairview and SM Novaliches. Also located in Banawe (Quezon City), Greenhills (Ortigas),  Tomas Morato, SM North Edsa (The Block), SM Southmall (Las Pinas), SM Manila, SM Megamall,  SM Novaliches, Robinson’s Galleria, The Fort (Global City) SM Iloilo, Gaisano Mall (Davao City), DLSU (Manila), Sta. Lucia Mall (Cainta), Ateneo (Katipunan), UST (Manila), and Walter Mart (Makati), Festival Mall (Filinvest, Alabang). Watch out as well for the opening of BF Homes Paranaque branch.

For more information, check out www.californiaberry.net or follow them on facebook, Search: CALIFORNIABERRY and be updated with the latest promotions and freebies.

For inquiries about franchising, call (632) 470-1835 or email franchise@californiaberry.net

The Coke Dream Pack Contest

Concept and design by N. Vedarozaga

Always on the road? Going to a park and carrying all the bottles and cans of soda are too heavy for you? No time to stop and need a drink within your travels that is easy to carry? Everything now is portable. To cope up with our now fast-phase lifestyle, things are now made to help us with that standard of living, not just with work, but also for our relaxation, entertainment and refreshment. Television, gaming consoles, computers, even your own pillows are portable. Would it be great to find our favorite beverage not in those bulky pet bottles or in an aluminum can?

For you, creative people. Love to reinvent things and cope up designs on your own and really want to own an iTouch! Now here’s your chance to contribute in making of a dream pack/bottle for Coca-cola, world’s leading name in refreshment. Join Coca-cola’s Coke Dream Pack Contest.

Open for everyone. Just answer the following questions in 150 words or less:

1.   If you has a dream Coke pack/bottle, what would it look like? How would you make it portable? How many ml/oz.? What would you call it and why? (e.g. Coke Sakto, Coke to Go, Coke Portable, etc.)

2. It’s fun to make up nicknames. How would you call a new Coke pack/bottle if it had the following characteristics and why?

 “It’s a new handy and re-sealable bottle which I can drink to go with my snacks, anytime, anywhere, whenever the need strikes. It is convenient, instant refreshment whenever, and wherever I go: be it travel, trip to the mall, gimmick, or just simply when I’m on-the-go. Truly a great companion for my mobile lifestyle.”

Send them to dreampack2011@gmail.com with the following information:

Subject: Coke Dream Pack Contest Entry

Your first name and last name

Your age

Your contact no.

Your email address

You have from February 18 to February 28, 2011 to submit your entries.

Have fun designing! Have fun with COKE!

Happiness with Music: Coca-cola’s Any Concert Anywhere Raffle Promo

Want to watch a concert of Usher in Melbourne? How about David Archuleta in Singapore? Shake that booty with Shakira in Paris. Rock your hearts out at the Foo Fighters concert in Milan. Be a gleek with Glee Cast live in London, and a lot more artists of your choice…. and for FREE?!!! Don’t believe it? You should…

Coca-cola, the world’s most recognized brand, got the best treat for you, music-lovers, The Any Concert Anywhere Contest. It’s a nationwide contest where you could be one of the thirty (30) lucky people that might win a trip with accommodations for you and one (1) companion to watch a concert of your choice anywhere in the world.

How to join:

           

a) Consumers must collect five (5) crowns of the same brand and/or flavor to join the Weekly Raffle and get a chance to win. For example:

b) To send a valid entry, consumers must be thirteen (13) years or older and must place the five crowns in an envelope with your name, complete birth date, complete address, contact number, signature and the concert of your choice in a piece of paper. Drop in designated drop boxes found in Coca-cola sales offices and Ace Promo offices nationwide or mail their entries to Ace Promotion Offices.

 

 c) Entries with wrong or incomplete information indicated on the envelope or piece of paper will be disqualified.

d) Entry collection starts from February 21, 2011 until March 28, 2011. Everyday, from March 1 to March 30, 2011, one (1) will be a winner, and each week, weekly winners will be announced in MYX. Weekly raffle draws will be held every Friday of the week. All non-winning entries for each week are still qualified for the succeeding weekly raffles.

e) Winners will be notified via official telegram and verified through a phone call by The Coca-cola Export Corporation’s (TCCEC) Third Party Supplier. Winners should present the official notification telegram sent and at least two (2) valid IDs to claim the prize. Details on how to claim the prize will be indicated in the official telegram sent.

For the complete list of mailing addresses and concert choices, and the full promo mechanics and conditions just log-on to www.coca-cola.com.ph.

You can send as many valid entries as you want to increase your chances of winning.

Open the happiness. Open a Coke!

Cristmas 2010 of Pobres

Thousands of years ago, a Blessed Virgin gave birth to the begotten Son of our Lord and the Redeemer of mankind. It was the story that gave us all hope and declared the love between families and all men and became a tradition that every day of the birth of our Lord, Jesus, we celebrate his righteousness, purity and love together with our family. Especially with Filipino family custom of being close-knit, a yearly reunion won’t go missed.

In the case of Hilario Pobre – Marciana Pascual clan, we, their descendants, made an oath when they were still living, that we will continue our annual voyage back to San Jose, Nueva Ecija to reunite with our family and celebrate the Christmas fête. It is a tradition where children awaits the whole year for they will receive gifts and cash envelopes from every working and/or couple members of the family; everyone updates their chikas; gathers around a newly roasted Lechon while others give snares at it, imagining the cholesterol it could give the muncher; eat from the grand varieties of food offered; and for some, grouped beside the kamalig to drink some liquor and discuss things.

In accordance to that promise as our obligation to our grand folks, together with my kin - my mom, dad, brother, my aunt from States and Aizen left our home in Quezon City around 7:30 am of the 23^rd leaving my sister and my husband (was about to follow us the night of the same date though weren’t able to due to difficulty of obtaining a bus ride). As soon as we arrived the ancestral house, dropped our luggage, settled in our own designated rooms, me and my mom planned the menu for the Christmas day lunch, and discussed how we will tackle the busy day. The 24^th of December, my mom hired a couple of helpers to assist us in preparing the ingredients, clean the utensils needed and do whatever stuffs we might neglect to do because of our busyness. Everyone was full of activity and have something to do. As early as they could, mom and Auntie Julie went to the public market while my dad, Aizen and I went to a local supermarket to purchase the remainder on our list.  That afternoon, we began with the peeling, chopping, slicing…everything we could think of to make our cooking easier for the following morning.

It’s Christmas Day! I woke up at 5:30 am and immediately went straight to the kitchen. There, mom already half-way in finishing her Pinakbet. We juggled in cooking Pinakbet, Spaghetti, Fried Tilapia, Menudo, breakfast and unexpectedly, Dinuguan. Relatives started arriving from Manila and from the other house. My husband was in charged of Aizen that morning, understandingly due to my duty in the kitchen. Tired but still excited on the occasion, we managed to finish all the dishes and there were additional foods prepared by other members of the family like the Lechon, vegetable salad and Pinapaitan by Auntie Emma and family, Lumpia by Ate Karissa, the Grilled Bangus and Hito by Uncle Jess, Fresh Fruits and Sansrival of Betty’s given by Ate Lai.

As all my relatives gathered around, it became apparent that this year’s Christmas is quite different. A lot of missing faces and few of my relatives are not well enough to join us in the celebration. Like Uncle Hermie, who, got a pneumonia days before the Christmas Day and Auntie Lita, due to her Parkinson’s disease and old age, can’t endure the long travel. Unfortunately, others can’t come due to unavoidable commitments, work and some are already staying abroad. Even so, those who were present tried to uplift everyone’s Christmas Spirit especially Ate Lina, despite of the previous operation and current condition, still managed to travel and bear the voyage from Laguna to Nueva Ecija, been merry the whole time and became the life of the occasion. Kuya Phics, for quite sometime, weren’t able to join us because he’s already staying in the U.S. but was able to be with us this Holiday.

Like every Christmas, the program started with a soulful prayer lead by Uncle Jess followed by remarks made by the siblings Jorge and Valeriano Pobre reminding us our promise and obligation as I have said earlier. After which, we have some parlor games for adults and ofcourse, for children too. We had our exchange gifts and the distribution of cash envelopes for the kids.

It’s time to eat and everyone devoured on the feast. Some are already too full and needed to open the first few snaps of their pants. Some kids started to run around as soon as they were through with their food. But most of them, climbed up to the second floor, have their own individual gaming consoles, their heads bowed down, and lived their own worlds. While most of my cousins, aunts and uncles are discussing at our front porch some important matters like rumors, slapsticks within the family while eating Rocky Road, Cookies and Cream, and Ube Macapuno flavored ice creams. By mid-afternoon, everybody called it quits and decided to have our “Photoshoot” at the San Jose Cathedral by night time. My boys were at our room had their own multimedia center setup just to shush my son and nephew. As for us (my mom, dad, Auntie Julie, Ate May, Norman, Ate Gie, Rael, Nadia and I), we went to our family mausoleum to visit and offer prayers to my eldest sister-Myla, Inang and Tatang, and Aunts and Uncles that were long gone.

Night fell and as planned, Ate Elsa, Len-Len and Aldrin fetched us (Auntie Julie, Ate Elvie, Ate Gie, Nadia Alfred, Aizen and I) to go to the Cathedral and have shots taken. But when we passed the Cathedral, there’s still a mass and so, Ate Elsa suggested that another good venue was the Violago compound because of their vast lawn area and lots of lights scattered throughout the property. It was like a light garden. Different colors, lots of stars, and decors from different materials. When all the possible poses were captured, we returned to the cathedral. Exactly when we got there, the mass had just ended and excited with the cathedral’s all-white lights designed in twirls and scrolls, we instantaneously positioned ourselves in the main entrance of the church. Click here, there, outside, inside, everywhere within the church grounds. As we all got our desired shots and admired the whole façade, we went back in the vehicle and went to Auntie Emma and Uncle Jorge’s home for dinner. Made few more chit-chats and it was time to go back home and call it a day.

Stressful as it may, I’ll never get tired celebrating Christmas as the Pobres celebrates it. Hopeful that next year will be better.

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All photos were provided by Ms. Elvie Pobre