Been on a bad day? Feel like you've been haunted by dementors? Need a calorie-loading, endorphin-induced to get back on track?
What: Häagen-Dazs Eat-All-You-Can Ice Cream
Where: Megamall Atrium, 2nd level, SM Megamall
When: 5pm- 9pm 'til December 31, 2009
How much: Php 499 (exclusive of 10% charge)
Must go now na!!!
(Many thanks to Janlo for the heads up.)
Rx for the demented
Thursday, September 24, 2009
IT'S ALIVE!!!!
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Just as I thought that the 386 GB of files on my Maxtor Basic Desktop 500GB external hard drive has finally succumb to bytes heaven, I got hold of a data Messiah that has resuscitated my files back to life.
I was in near panic and desperation already and I was thinking of accepting the fact that I need to borrow and copy files again from my friends and download torrent files. But I was in denial and I knew that there must be someway to retrieve those files. I guess I have seen too much films and TV series which showed successful resuscitation of deleted or even burned file media (i.e. floppy drives) . I knew there must be a file data recovery software somewhere.
Off I explored the internet and found Recuva. I installed the program and followed the instructions. But I was disappointed with this program because it took so long to scan the NFTS files and drives. So I gave up on it.
My cousin suggested that I check out downloads.com and I found Power Data Recovery. I installed the program and painstakingly waited for the scan. When it was finished, I previewed the recovered files and there I saw hidden under the rubble of folders are my treasured files. Oh what a relief! I was just thankful that the files are still intact. Thank you Power Data Recovery!
Right now, I'm reformatting my Maxtor external hard drive after I copied the recovered files into my brother's external hard drive. Then after the formatting is done, I need to copy the files from his hard drive to my little black box. Tedious process and I ain't complaining. I'm just glad that my files are still there.
My life is back and we're back.
I was in near panic and desperation already and I was thinking of accepting the fact that I need to borrow and copy files again from my friends and download torrent files. But I was in denial and I knew that there must be someway to retrieve those files. I guess I have seen too much films and TV series which showed successful resuscitation of deleted or even burned file media (i.e. floppy drives) . I knew there must be a file data recovery software somewhere.
Off I explored the internet and found Recuva. I installed the program and followed the instructions. But I was disappointed with this program because it took so long to scan the NFTS files and drives. So I gave up on it.
My cousin suggested that I check out downloads.com and I found Power Data Recovery. I installed the program and painstakingly waited for the scan. When it was finished, I previewed the recovered files and there I saw hidden under the rubble of folders are my treasured files. Oh what a relief! I was just thankful that the files are still intact. Thank you Power Data Recovery!
Right now, I'm reformatting my Maxtor external hard drive after I copied the recovered files into my brother's external hard drive. Then after the formatting is done, I need to copy the files from his hard drive to my little black box. Tedious process and I ain't complaining. I'm just glad that my files are still there.
My life is back and we're back.
My Little Black Box
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Don't entrust your life in a box.
I was copying files for my brother who has been bugging me for his 'Nurse Jackie' and movies fix for months. Yesterday, I got a chance to visit him after my 'pilgrimage' to the annual book fair at the SMX Convention Center.
So I began copying the gigabytes of files from my Maxtor 500GB Desktop Basic to his PC when things went haywire and before I knew it, my external hard drive failed to autorun and voila...all my 400 plus GB of files are all gone.
My mp3 files for iTunes, the avi files of all the TV series I've been addicted to and the movies I have yet to watch in the next few days are gone. Nada. Waaahhhh!! It was life gone into oblivion.
Now, I'm still in the denial stage and still trying to bargain if I can salvage the data lost through softwares available in the web that can hopefully resurrect my files. I just hope it works and that would give some glimmer of hope. If it doesn't then I learned my lesson the hard way. Backup...backup...backup.
I realized that you should not entrust your life in a box 'cause you'll never know what it can get you to.
Europe in my mind
Sunday, September 13, 2009
If Maur Aquino, Ninoy's sister, had Tita Cory as her "BFF" (best friend forever), I have my "BFF" too.
Owen and I were classmates in UP and little did we know that we live in the same province. We didn't hang out much together as we only shared general education subjects. Years passed, he transferred to Diliman and finished Architecture and graduated Cum Laude. While I struggled and slacked my years in college, went from Biology major and finished Communication Arts and then moved on to finish another degree which was Nursing and now a registered nurse.
Our paths crossed again in 2003 and since then we shared the same passion for traveling. And yes, we traveled the Philippines on a shoestring budget. From the mountains of Sagada to the pristine beaches of Panglao and Boracay to the mango haven of Guimaras and the sugar plantations of Bacolod and the list goes on, Owen and I were like contestants in the Amazing Race. Thanks to the 'Lonely Planet' books we bought at the previously-owned section at the National Bookstore Superbranch in Cubao
He with the logical mind while I was driven by impulse. I was the talker, he was the thinker. I thought we'd never survive a sojourn but after years of traveling, rolls of films and megabytes of digital photos, and visa stamps, we sure did.
But then he left the country in May 2006 for greener pastures and his passion for traveling lives on as it was his only way of dealing with homesickness. From the trips in the country and in Southeast Asia, he has gone to the dunes of Iran, the sand temples of Petra, Jordan, to the gateway of Asia and Europe which is Turkey, to the majestic Taj Mahal in India and the ancient cities of Luxor and Cairo in Egypt.
Last Monday, Owen surprised me with good news that he's going to what we consider was the Holy Grail of Backpacking which is Europe. He will be leaving on a 6-day whirlwind trip that would take him to the cities of Amsterdam, Barcelona, Brussels, Cologne, Paris, Zurich, Vienna and Geneva. I just can't imagine the adrenaline rush he would go through just to catch his plane and train ride from one country to another. But he's an adventurer and I know with his Lonely Planet in hand and his determination, he'll be able to pull through.
He just sent me his full itinerary including detailed directions, estimated expenses for the transportation, museum fees, among others. I am just surprised that he failed to include the weather forecasts which he always did in our past trips.
I envy Owen because of his courage to forge his lifelong dream to visit Europe. Just as we thought that Europe was just a sight to behold in books and on the internet. But in just a few days, he'll be able to breathe, eat and drink Europe.
I hope someday I'll be able to do live my dream but for now, I hope Owen will soon write his travel journal so I can get pointers from him when I turn my Europe in my mind into a reality.
Owen and I were classmates in UP and little did we know that we live in the same province. We didn't hang out much together as we only shared general education subjects. Years passed, he transferred to Diliman and finished Architecture and graduated Cum Laude. While I struggled and slacked my years in college, went from Biology major and finished Communication Arts and then moved on to finish another degree which was Nursing and now a registered nurse.
Our paths crossed again in 2003 and since then we shared the same passion for traveling. And yes, we traveled the Philippines on a shoestring budget. From the mountains of Sagada to the pristine beaches of Panglao and Boracay to the mango haven of Guimaras and the sugar plantations of Bacolod and the list goes on, Owen and I were like contestants in the Amazing Race. Thanks to the 'Lonely Planet' books we bought at the previously-owned section at the National Bookstore Superbranch in Cubao
He with the logical mind while I was driven by impulse. I was the talker, he was the thinker. I thought we'd never survive a sojourn but after years of traveling, rolls of films and megabytes of digital photos, and visa stamps, we sure did.
But then he left the country in May 2006 for greener pastures and his passion for traveling lives on as it was his only way of dealing with homesickness. From the trips in the country and in Southeast Asia, he has gone to the dunes of Iran, the sand temples of Petra, Jordan, to the gateway of Asia and Europe which is Turkey, to the majestic Taj Mahal in India and the ancient cities of Luxor and Cairo in Egypt.
Last Monday, Owen surprised me with good news that he's going to what we consider was the Holy Grail of Backpacking which is Europe. He will be leaving on a 6-day whirlwind trip that would take him to the cities of Amsterdam, Barcelona, Brussels, Cologne, Paris, Zurich, Vienna and Geneva. I just can't imagine the adrenaline rush he would go through just to catch his plane and train ride from one country to another. But he's an adventurer and I know with his Lonely Planet in hand and his determination, he'll be able to pull through.
He just sent me his full itinerary including detailed directions, estimated expenses for the transportation, museum fees, among others. I am just surprised that he failed to include the weather forecasts which he always did in our past trips.
I envy Owen because of his courage to forge his lifelong dream to visit Europe. Just as we thought that Europe was just a sight to behold in books and on the internet. But in just a few days, he'll be able to breathe, eat and drink Europe.
I hope someday I'll be able to do live my dream but for now, I hope Owen will soon write his travel journal so I can get pointers from him when I turn my Europe in my mind into a reality.
Photo by Hankita Heritage from www.deviantart.com
What should Lea sing in her concert?
Friday, September 11, 2009
Internationally acclaimed artist Lea Salonga will be perfoming a two-night concert entitled, "Lea Salonga... Your Songs" at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) on December 11 and 12, 2009.
This concert will be different from the shows that she did because she's dedicating this show for her fans. Lea will be taking in suggestions as to what she's going to sing for the concert.
I have successfully submitted a couple of songs already through her concert site which is www.leayoursongs.com. but some can't get through. So I'd like to add a little more before the deadline on September 30.
But before I continue, I'd like to digress: In ala-AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) tone I admit, "I am a Lea Salonga fan."
I believe I may be understating myself but after years in hiatus as a fan. I think can live with that.
I have seen Lea perform in her concerts and shows here in the Philippines and she never fails to bewilder with her singing prowess and "ethereal" presence. Her vocation towards excellence and that mediocrity is not the standard is a statement that I share with and has inspired me to do in my tasks.
It was in 2002 that I last saw Lea perform in the David Auburn play, "proof". My friends at the alt.fan.lea-salonga (AFLS) newsgroup, also known as The Crew, and I watched the final performance. Just as Lea and the cast took their final curtain call, we all stood up and much to Lea's surprise that we were all seated together in the front row. Of course, we had our pictures taken with Lea and our programmes signed by the cast. So that was the last time I ever saw Lea again.
I never got the chance to see Lea perform in her recent concerts because she sang the same old stuff that she'd sing. "Napanood ko na 'yun eh (I've already seen that)," I'd tell my AFLS friends when they informed me about an upcoming concert.
So with the news that Lea will be taking in song suggestions for the December concert, I think this is, again, a breath of fresh air or even a digression.
The "Your Songs" concert poster is reminiscent from scenes in those bars where the lead singer of the band would get song suggestions from the audience. Some requests were written in table napkins and would pass it on to the waiter and the lead singer would sing their requests. The kind where after a stressful day at work and you hang out with your friends and listen to music that reminds you of certain occasions and experiences. More like listening to the soundtrack of your life.
Couple of years back, my college friends and I went to this bar along Timog Avenue and the band 'U-Turn' performed that evening. Surprisingly, one of the band members of 'U-Turn' is now a fast rising solo artist and a special guest for Lea's concert. He's the crooner Richard Poon.
'Nuff of the digression, so here are my two cents on what should Lea sing for her concert:
1] "Man in the Mirror" by Michael Jackson
Lea is a huge fan of MJ. She worships Michael's artistry and she just loves MJ. FYI, Glen Ballard, composer of "Man in the Mirror" was the album producer of Lea's US album.
I love the Tuck Andress version of "Man in the Mirror." I would be delighted to see an acoustic version of this my ultimate MJ favorite song.
2.] "Why" by Avril Lavigne
I heard this song over my cousin's car one evening when she suggested that this would be a nice song that Lea could sing for her concert. I think she's right.
3.] "Fallin' For You" and
4.] "Realize" by Colbie Caillat
It's an easy-to-listen, relaxing kind of music and Lea's voice could pull out a great performance.
5.] "I'd Still Say Yes" by Klymaxx and
6.] "Til They Take My Heart Away" by Claire Marlo
The Ninas and Kylas have sang these songs but I know Lea could squeeze in her own unique rendition.
7.] Swing Out Sister (SOS) medley
I love this group and their jazzy-reggae music. If Lea is thinking of an 80s/90s medley in her concert, this one should be included.
8.] ABBA medley
No need for an explanation. Hehehe. But wait, I'm sure Lea and her guest, Ai-Ai delas Alas can bring the house down with this medley.
8.] "Liwanag sa Dilim" by Rivermaya
and 9.] "Paglisan" by Cookie Chua
The former speaks of hope that any adversities can be conquered. "Kaya mo to! Tulad ng isang tanglaw sa gitna ng bagyo" says the lyrics.
The latter is just a classic and I know Lea's clear-as-a-bell voice would give justice that this song surely deserves.
10.] "Broken Vow" by Josh Groban/Lara Fabian and
11.] "Separate Lives" by Phil Collins/Marilyn Martin
A good friend suggested that Lea and Richard Poon should sing these lovely duet songs.
Just as Lea's "Your Songs" concert is a digression, this will also be a personal digression and returning to what I was back then, still a Lea Salonga fan.
See you at the concert.
---
Noel is the creator and webmaster of 'The Ms. Lea Salonga Web Site' from 1999 to 2002. His site was considered as the #1 Music Artist Site by the Web Magazine Philippines in 2000 and a finalist for the Philippine Web Awards - Celebrity category in 1999 and 2000.
He hopes to meet his AFLS newsgroup friends during the concert and head to the backstage to meet and greet Lea just like in the old days.
This concert will be different from the shows that she did because she's dedicating this show for her fans. Lea will be taking in suggestions as to what she's going to sing for the concert.
I have successfully submitted a couple of songs already through her concert site which is www.leayoursongs.com. but some can't get through. So I'd like to add a little more before the deadline on September 30.
But before I continue, I'd like to digress: In ala-AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) tone I admit, "I am a Lea Salonga fan."
I believe I may be understating myself but after years in hiatus as a fan. I think can live with that.
I have seen Lea perform in her concerts and shows here in the Philippines and she never fails to bewilder with her singing prowess and "ethereal" presence. Her vocation towards excellence and that mediocrity is not the standard is a statement that I share with and has inspired me to do in my tasks.
It was in 2002 that I last saw Lea perform in the David Auburn play, "proof". My friends at the alt.fan.lea-salonga (AFLS) newsgroup, also known as The Crew, and I watched the final performance. Just as Lea and the cast took their final curtain call, we all stood up and much to Lea's surprise that we were all seated together in the front row. Of course, we had our pictures taken with Lea and our programmes signed by the cast. So that was the last time I ever saw Lea again.
I never got the chance to see Lea perform in her recent concerts because she sang the same old stuff that she'd sing. "Napanood ko na 'yun eh (I've already seen that)," I'd tell my AFLS friends when they informed me about an upcoming concert.
So with the news that Lea will be taking in song suggestions for the December concert, I think this is, again, a breath of fresh air or even a digression.
The "Your Songs" concert poster is reminiscent from scenes in those bars where the lead singer of the band would get song suggestions from the audience. Some requests were written in table napkins and would pass it on to the waiter and the lead singer would sing their requests. The kind where after a stressful day at work and you hang out with your friends and listen to music that reminds you of certain occasions and experiences. More like listening to the soundtrack of your life.
Couple of years back, my college friends and I went to this bar along Timog Avenue and the band 'U-Turn' performed that evening. Surprisingly, one of the band members of 'U-Turn' is now a fast rising solo artist and a special guest for Lea's concert. He's the crooner Richard Poon.
'Nuff of the digression, so here are my two cents on what should Lea sing for her concert:
1] "Man in the Mirror" by Michael Jackson
Lea is a huge fan of MJ. She worships Michael's artistry and she just loves MJ. FYI, Glen Ballard, composer of "Man in the Mirror" was the album producer of Lea's US album.
I love the Tuck Andress version of "Man in the Mirror." I would be delighted to see an acoustic version of this my ultimate MJ favorite song.
2.] "Why" by Avril Lavigne
I heard this song over my cousin's car one evening when she suggested that this would be a nice song that Lea could sing for her concert. I think she's right.
3.] "Fallin' For You" and
4.] "Realize" by Colbie Caillat
It's an easy-to-listen, relaxing kind of music and Lea's voice could pull out a great performance.
5.] "I'd Still Say Yes" by Klymaxx and
6.] "Til They Take My Heart Away" by Claire Marlo
The Ninas and Kylas have sang these songs but I know Lea could squeeze in her own unique rendition.
7.] Swing Out Sister (SOS) medley
I love this group and their jazzy-reggae music. If Lea is thinking of an 80s/90s medley in her concert, this one should be included.
8.] ABBA medley
No need for an explanation. Hehehe. But wait, I'm sure Lea and her guest, Ai-Ai delas Alas can bring the house down with this medley.
8.] "Liwanag sa Dilim" by Rivermaya
and 9.] "Paglisan" by Cookie Chua
The former speaks of hope that any adversities can be conquered. "Kaya mo to! Tulad ng isang tanglaw sa gitna ng bagyo" says the lyrics.
The latter is just a classic and I know Lea's clear-as-a-bell voice would give justice that this song surely deserves.
10.] "Broken Vow" by Josh Groban/Lara Fabian and
11.] "Separate Lives" by Phil Collins/Marilyn Martin
A good friend suggested that Lea and Richard Poon should sing these lovely duet songs.
Just as Lea's "Your Songs" concert is a digression, this will also be a personal digression and returning to what I was back then, still a Lea Salonga fan.
See you at the concert.
---
Noel is the creator and webmaster of 'The Ms. Lea Salonga Web Site' from 1999 to 2002. His site was considered as the #1 Music Artist Site by the Web Magazine Philippines in 2000 and a finalist for the Philippine Web Awards - Celebrity category in 1999 and 2000.
He hopes to meet his AFLS newsgroup friends during the concert and head to the backstage to meet and greet Lea just like in the old days.
Breaking the Hiatus
Thursday, September 10, 2009
It has been a long time since I've updated my blog. The cobwebs on my banner has began to creep its way already.
So how's it been? For the longest time I've been waiting and waiting for something but now, still waiting. Oh God, I hope it comes soon.
For now, let's begin ranting and raving again.
So how's it been? For the longest time I've been waiting and waiting for something but now, still waiting. Oh God, I hope it comes soon.
For now, let's begin ranting and raving again.
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