[I can't think of a title yet]

Last week, '3 Filipino drug mules' was finally executed via lethal injection in China. My heart really aches for the family they have left behind. I can just imagine how their families must have felt hearing them say "Mamatay na ko..." actually, NO. I can't. I mean, when my Mom was sick we knew she'll be gone any day, anytime...BUT it was by the hands of God not some man so it really can't compare. I was avoiding this topic before as I feel it is a very sensitive issue as it deals with human life, morals, international relationships, drugs etc. But I will try my best to let my HONEST thoughts out as 'delicate' as I can.

3 words.."Justice Is Served". They did something wrong, they were caught and punished. Period. Harsh?? But I'm not done yet.. It was irritating to see all those signs they held up at MASS saying "SAVE THE OFWs". THOSE 3 WERE NOT OFWs. An OFW (documented or not documented) leaves his home, Philippines, to be EMPLOYED abroad while those 3, when they were busted in China, DID NOT COME FROM THE PHILIPPINES. And it seems like they've been drug couriers for quite sometime now. So I think calling them OFW kind of disgraces the REAL OFWs.

And as for our dear ol' government...well, since the issue was sensationalized, I guess it was OK they tried saving them but I think once is enough. Instead wasting country money flying back and forth to China, here's what should've been done:

1. As I said before, they are guilty, let justice be served. Can't you see what bad image you paint to our government?? Are we a country who tolerates or takes drug issues lightly???

2. The very time they were negotiating and negotiating for these people's lives, a maid somewhere in the world is being locked up for fighting back against her boss who raped her. Why not use our resources to help her and God knows how many more of them instead??

3. And finally.. how many times have I seen in the news a Chinese/Taiwanese national busted for operating drug laboratory somewhere here in the Philippines?? Have we hang any of them??

...so with #3 being said, umm for the Chinese government, aren't you curious where those smuggled drugs originated?? :P

Don't get me wrong, this is not a nationality issue. We all have our bad eggs....

image from Yahoo! News or Google Images...sorry I can't remember...

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"This is what the LORD Almighty says: 'Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another. - Zechariah 7:9"

Mooncake Cooks: Gising Gising

Very easy and cheap dish. I think even kids would love this. Let's get started :)

Ingredients

2 tbsp cooking oil
5 cloves garlic minced
1 small to medium onion minced
half kilo ground lean beef (but this would also work with less meat)
Patis (Fish Sauce) and ground black pepper
2 bundles of Baguio Beans (sorry I don't know the "international equivalent") finely chopped - pea size
Coconut Milk (3 cups)
3 siling panigang (green chillies) chopped 4 parts



1. saute beef with garlic and onion. Cover pan and let it simmer in its own...juices??..for 3 to 5 minutes.
2. season with patis and pepper according to your liking then add Baguio Beans and siling panigang
3. add coconut milk --DO NOT MIX YET, let it simmer for 3 to 5mins before mixing (that's the golden rule when cooking with coconut milk ;) )

That's it! =^.-= you could always add more patis and pepper if you like. You can even use "Maggi Magic Sarap" if you want to. And also you could use the instant coconut milk if the fresh one's not available. You could also cut the chillies smaller or add more OR use siling labuyo if you want it spicier. Enjoy! NOM NOM NOM!

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Haul: Elf

Last February I had this HUGE Elf haul and the reason I'm only posting this now is because I didn't open everything at once :P I don't usually buy this much makeup, however I got these at a very good deal online -- Php85 each for minimum 20 items. And most of the items I got are not sold here locally. Here's some picture with swatches and mini reviews ^_^

Brushes

From left to right: Smudge, Concealer Brush (I don't remember ordering this one:P), Eyeshadow Brush, Eyeliner Brush -- this one I just got because I have to complete the 20items required. I don't really need this :P

Bronzers

hihi, please excuse the poor photo editing :P

Sunkissed and Matte Bronze -- very basic :P

Eyeliners

Plum and Midnight. These are very subtle colors, so if you want to try out colored eyeliners but you don't want that BAM! PURPLE and BLUE, these eyeliners would work for you.


All Over Color Sticks

In Golden Peach and Pink Lemonade. They're kinda hard to work on at first, but I guess the humidity of my room soften (not melted) it a bit so now its fine. Really easy to use. I just swipe it on my cheeks then blend it with blush brush:) Golden Peach's not showing very well on my skin tone though :( As you can see in the swatch, you can barely see the peach color .

Shimmering Facial Whip

Golden Peach and Lilac Petal. I don't think highlighters are popular among Filipinas so I'm really happy I finally got these, specially Lilac Petal since it's a dupe for Benefit Highbeam :)

Lippies ^_^

Left to right: Hypershine Lipgloss in Bubblegum -- it has the caramel scent like my Urban Decay Timothy only this one actually tastes sweet :) Color makes my lips look pale. Luscious Liquid Lipstick in Baby Lips -- color doesn't show pretty well on my lips too, it's like lipgloss not lipstick. It has this minty feel when applied. Plumping Lip Glaze in Ruby Kiss -- it has this stingy sensation alright, however I'm not convinced of it's plumping effect. Love the color though :) Super Glossy Lip Shine in Iced Latte. I didn't swatch it because I could already see that it's too dark for my liking. Oh! for the HL and LLL, you have to twist the bottom to get the products out. It takes more twist if youre using them for the first time. Just to let you know :P

Brightening Eye Color

In Ivy. I got this quad just for that brownish shade because it is said to be dupe for Mac's Satin Taupe but it turns out that the other shades are nice as well. Really wearable greens and olives :) Plus the quality's pretty good for Php85 ^_^

Eye Makeup Remover Pads

I haven't tried this one because I'm saving this for travel :P

Tone Correcting Concealer

In Light. Well, for something that says 'Light' this seems to be a bit dark and has very poor coverage. This is not a good product.

Eyelid Primer

I got this because I don't want to ran out of my Urban Decay Primer Potion, but this is suprisingly good :) Fomulation is a bit oilier (see comparison with UDPP in pic)but it does its job. Tried this once and it did make my eyeshadow last the whole day.

Waterproof Eyeliner Pen

My least favorite product. Very very poor quality. The swatch says it all actually.

If you are interested where online store I got this, leave a comment below. I don't want to mention her here because the transaction didn't go 100% well so I can't really recommend her.

-=Giveaway=-

So I decided to giveaway these items that I didn't like instead of keeping them just for the sake of having them. You will get all 3 just follow this blog and comment below with your email. All items are unopened.

**Detour -- Earth Hour

So yesterday the 3rd annual Earth Hour was held. Did you participate?? I'm glad that Philippines has always been on the top participants of this event :) As for me, I 'commemorated' this event by quickly camwhoring with just my dresser light (which I quickly turned off after, of course *wink). How did you spend 1 hour of darkness?? ^_^

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21 - Adele, Brothers -The Black Keys, Tanya Markova, Science and Faith - The Script

YaHa! First music blog!!! i'm surprised I'm doing this just now......... :P

A friend of mine recently lend me copies of Adele's 21 and The Black Keys' Brothers. She has been raving on both albums for weeks (or was it months) now and I'm glad I finally got the chance to listen to them yesterday and I would like to share with you my tid bit thoughts on them ^_^ first up, Adele's 21....
As much as I recognize the brilliance of her voice Adele isn't the type of artist I would spend money on. I'm not sure why. Maybe because I'm an Alternative girl..... Honestly, when I hear of 'Adele' initial thinking was people listen to her sing and not really her song...Heck! this woman's voice is so good you make her sing Rebecca Black's Friday and it will sound amazing! so about 21 I was expecting to be bored by the 3rd or 4th track but man, I was floored! The album is so diverse but still "Adele". Its really very very good!

Tracklisting
1. Rolling in the Deep
2. Rumour Has It - vampy, bit Duffy-ish...
3. Turning Tables
4. Don’t You Remember
5. Set the Fire to Rain - great song! definitely my favorite from the tracks
6. He Won’t Go - 1st 2 notes of harp-ish sound kinda reminds me of Chasing Pavement intro...; like remix;but of course when verses started, it's a totally diff song...kinda rnb-diva-ish..
7. Take It All
8. I’ll Be Waiting
9. One and Only - blues with a bit of sexy vibes...idk
10. Lovesong - bossa nova-ish...bit like Sade
11. Someone Like You

How good is this record?? well it made me research her songs from the previous album...prior this, I only know her for the phenomenal Chasing Pavements :P

Album Art: umm, it's fine. I just wish they didn't make her pose like that. She looks like she's scratching her head....well at least she looks like a diva while doing it... HAH!

The Black Keys - Brothers

Its kind of bummer that like none of their songs make it to Asian frequency to think that this group has won 3 from their 5 nominations in the recent Grammys. 2 of those awards were for Best Alternative Album and Best Recording Package both for the album "Brothers" ^_^

Brothers is a very good alternative album with a very distinctive sound that is The Black Keys. Umm, music's kinda like something you'd likely listen too while smokin' weed, HAHA!!.... JOKE! we don't do drugs and stuff here 'ayt :P One thing I find consistent thru out the album is that it seems like it was recorded in some shabby backyard studio :P The quality of music is very similar to my office "Christmas Party Band" which I'm a part of..HAHA!! But for some freakin' reason... it really works. If you're into junky alternative or just alternative music, this album is worth listening to :)

Tracklist:
01. Everlasting Light
02. Next Girl
03. Tighten Up
04. Howlin’ For You
05. She’s Long Gone
06. Black Mud
07. The Only One
08. Too Afraid to Love You
09. Ten Cent Pistol
10. Sinister Kid
11. The Go Getter
12. I’m Not the One
13. Unknown Brother
14. Never Gonna Give You Up
15. These Days

Album Art: Simple and very quirky^_^ Really suits the band.

Another friend (guy this time) lend me a copy of both albums below, last month I think.....

Tanya Markova - Tanya Markova

YaHa! OPM time!! OK, when I first heard "Picture Picture" on the radio, I was like.."Meh...sounds unique..." but I didn't like it at all. And then came "Linda Blair" LOL! very funny and infectious song! AYLAVET! [Linda Blair is a song about a student who didn't do his homework because he watched "Exorcist". So while the teacher was scolding at him in class, he suddenly had this "urge" of being possessed. He flipped chairs and tables and spat phlegm on the teacher's face HAHAHAHA!!!]

Although panay kalakohan lang lahat ng songs. The musicality is surprisingly very very good ^_^

Tracklisting:

1. Bye Bye Mosquito
2. Curfew
3. Disney
4. Hoy! Bampira Ako (Takot Ka Na) -my 2nd favorite, after Linda Blair ^_^
5. Jacuzzi
6. Linda Blair
7. M.i.m
8. Mag-Exercise Tayo
9. Monster Mommy
10. Ninong
11. P.a. Roadie Fernandez
12. Picture Picture
13. Psst
14. Radio Inferno Intro
15. Reunion of Soul
16. Sentimental Value

Album Art: I tried researching if there's a special meaning to it but I can't find any so I guess there's none, ahaha!! Maybe because they're always confused for a solo artist (Yes, T.M.'s a band) so perhaps they want to confuse the people more. I think its cute....in a gothic way...luv it!

and finally...

Science and Faith - The Script

The Script (first album) was awesome and I'm glad the sophomore album is as awesome!! ^_^ Really there's nothing much to say except that this is a highly recommended album. If you loved "The Script" you'll definitely fall for the follow up album. Believe me!!

Tracklisting:

1. Dead Man Walking
2. Exit Wounds
3. For The First Time
4. If You Ever Come Back
5. Long Gone And Moved On
6. Nothing - 1st single and also my favorite ^_^
7. Science And Faith
8. This=Love
9. Walk Away
10. You Won't Feel A Thing

Album Art: SCIENCE and FAITH...hand in hand... OK, I just thought of that now, but that could be it, right?!?

BTW. For all The Script fans in the Philippines, they will be performing at the Araneta Coliseum on April 16.....and so is Mr. Big!! on May 10...hays, I don't have the budget now so I guess I'll be passing on these both events *big SIGH*. If you're watching, I hope you'll get back to this post and comment how was the concert/s.

heart2heart: Japan Japan!

image from http://blog.decalmywall.com/2011/03/help-japan.html

OK. First of all sorry for the lame title. Anyway here in the Philippines when you hear someone say "Japan Japan!" in a jolly tone more or less there's a picture taking going on...posing with peace sign V(^.^)V. So by now, everybody is aware of the 8.9 magnitude and 23meter(?) tsunami tragedy and it has been heart breaking not just for Japanese people but everybody in the world as well.

I'd like to be ALL OUT honest here. I have mixed feelings towards Japan and the Japanese. Hand's down they're the smartest people on earth now. I've always been kinda jealous of they're creativeness and being innovative. I always crave for Japanese food, Japan is on the top of my 'to go' places before I die. They're music used to be lame and a bit funny but now....heck! I love Ajikan!!! and of course the ANIME, ANIME and ANIME!! there's more...point is, yeah Japan gets lots of love from me more than I would like to admit. Why mixed feelings, you say?? err...well... let's just say I know my history and they were NASTY back in WWII (major grudge, yeah) plus I'm not down with incredible amount of "pervi resources" they produce.

But these recent events has given me a new found respect, again, for the Japanese people. Have you seen the news lately?? Did you see how they we're PROPERLY lined for relief? How disciplined! Plus these amazing stories. Like how people not panic buying despite the scarce food supply. Instead of hoarding everything for themselves they make sure they leave something for other people to buy. And when asked "How about tomorrow??" they would answer "tomorrow will have to worry for itself". How selfless. And I remember boyfie telling me a story about a mother of a Japanese soldier at Fukushima, telling him to 'stay and save Japan' instead of telling him to get the hell out of there and avoid radiation. Then there's this buddhist priest I saw in the news. Being married to a Filipino wife he is free to flee to the Philippines with her since the Philippine gov't has been conducting deportations to Filipinos in Japan. But instead of leaving, he chose to stay behind 'because his people needs him'. I saw the video of him in tears as he bids his wife and daughter farewell (*ugh..now I'm in tears...again). Then later the wife, also crying, telling the story of how her husband told her to go and make sure the safety of their child and that as for him... there is no certainty they'll see each other again but he really needs to stay and help out. (*still crying :'<) Stories like these makes me think "No wonder you are one of the most powerful nations","No wonder you're 1st world and we're 3rd..4th or 5th even, if there's such"...because you give so much for your country. Which sadly, I can't say to be true with Filipinos nowadays. If similar tragedy would befall Philippines, you know that story about 'panic buying', I personally can't say I can do the same for my neighbors. It's really hard for me to act all selfless for "the poor" who has wronged me oh-so many times :( If you're working in an office here in the Philippines, prolly 3 or 4yrs ago you may have received this forwarded email...it's an open letter from a Korean to Filipinos. How back in the days, they envy how prosperous we were and that its sad that now we are left waaay far behind and that the reason, accdg to the letter, is that WE FILIPINOS DON'T LOVE THE PHILIPPINES much. There's no proof of the authenticity of this "open letter" but there's no denying the truth of the words:( Do we love the Philippines? Do I love the Philippines??..."OF COURSE"...enough to sign up my son to military service for 2 years?..."i don't know....maybe....not!"...what can I say, it's hard to LOVE a country whose system has offended me one way or another.

Don't get me wrong. I don't hate being a Filipino and I don't wish I was born Korean, Japanese, Western or whatever. I've always been proud to be Filipino and still am. It's my privilege to be born in a country were I am free to practice my faith. I am glad to be born to Filipino parents and raised in a Filipino family. All my friends are Filipinos and they're awesome. I am in love with a Filipino man, everything I am now has to do with me being Filipino and I love 'ME' :P I just wish by some miracle we will be purged of the abusive people of power and people will start to take care of people.

Phew! so wordy! what happened there? I've gone from Japan to Phils to Korea! whatdaheck..totally freestylin' here. Going back to Japan, if you don't know it. They are now facing major threat from radiation leak from their nuclear plant. And now their waters (even in Tokyo) are now contaminated. Whoah! anything but the 'drinking water'!!! as they say "Water Is Life"...just imagine how horrible it is if 'source of life get's contaminated' :( Really, they need our prayers and help. Speaking of helping I come across this site of 'Japan legit donation sites'. As for me, I am still searching for a local donation site (I am really cutting down on my credit card use, you see) so if you know one. Please let me know by commenting below.



"If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."-2Chronicles 7:14

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2nd Philippine Int'l PyroMusical

So I missed out the final night of "The 2nd Philippine Int'l PyroMusical" last week at the Mall of Asia bay area. Too bad it was Philippine's night but luckily, I was able to made it 2 wks ago and witnessed China who one this year's competition. They were up against France that night and I would just like to share with you some vids I took. Enjoy :D

China Part 1

check out mark 7:43 ^_^

China Part 2



France




I wouldn't even bother showing you some stills as they were...not surprisingly not good >.< so I'm just showing you a camwhore pic of my cousin's cute dog Dylan ^_^

He's reallt pa-cute to everybody ^_^

...and with an Angry Bird stuff toy boyfie just got me....

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Latest Pigout: Zong

Sorry I forgot to take note of the prices AGAIN! (whatta NOOB) nevertheless, I hope you'll enjoy these pictures from my not so latest pigout.

Beef Noodles - 4 spoons!

I don't really like chinese noodle soup for some reason but I did ate a cup or 2 of this and it was good ^_^

Yang Chao Rice - 3 spoons!

I've heard of how good this is from my friends. I didn't know where that come from but this one's nothing special. Just typical yang chao rice.

Hakao - 5 stars!

Finally! Dish that made my day. One of, if not, the best hakao I've tried. Really loaded with shrimp! Yummeh!!

Roasted Suckling Pig - 3 spoons

Or lechon de leche as we Filipinos call it. This was my first ever so it's sad that I didn't enjoy it :( Although there's no surprise there since I don't like roast pig (pretty unusual for a Filipino :P). I like the skin though, very crispy ^_^. I just can't stand the aftertaste. I really can't describe it! basta, it's unpleasant! (at least for me..boyfie, enjoyed it)

3 stars for the place. Nice and classy. However there's a lurking aura of unsanitary-ness. Haha, sorry for the bad description :P

Overall rating 2 spoons.
Will I revisit??: I don't think so.

If there's a cuisine I could say I am quite an 'expert', hands down it would be Chinese. It's a family favorite. For it's price, Zong has failed to impress me. So yeah, I really don't recommend this one :(

Zong is located at The Fort Strip, Bonifacio Global City and you could check more about them here.

**DeTour**

Please let us pray for the families who have fallen victim to the earthquake and tsunami calamity in Japan. Before this I have been preparing for me and boyfie's Japan visa application for a week vacation so it is heartbreaking that this has happened now. Let us pray for their recovery. Check out http://edition.cnn.com/ to know the latest developments of this tragic event.



Calamity upon calamity will come, and rumor upon rumor. They will go searching for a vision from the prophet, priestly instruction in the law will cease, the counsel of the elders will come to an end. The king will mourn, the prince will be clothed with despair, and the hands of the people of the land will tremble. I will deal with them according to their conduct, and by their own standards I will judge them.“‘Then they will know that I am the LORD.’” - Ez.7:26-27

I am Number Four

I am Number Four

Director: D.J. Caruso
Starring: Alex Pettyfer
Rating: 3 stars

I hate 'Heroes', 'Supernatural','Smallville' and all those "superhuman-teen" themed shows but to my surprise I kinda liked this one. The movie is based on the book of the same title (I haven't read it so please bear in mind that this review will be from a point of view of someone who haven't read the book). Basically, it is a story of 9 powerful alien kids living on earth, hunted down by the alien villains IN ORDER of their numbers. The movie starts with the murder of Number 3 which begins the chase for Number 4.

Casting's pretty good. Although Diana Agron's acting sucks!

You might know her as the pretty cheerleader from the show Glee--which I also don't watch. Girl has one facial expression all thru out the movie, geez..better stick to musicals.

Mr. 4's power is kinda gay don't you think?? Glowing hands and moving objects with mind. I am thinking of characters with telekinesis now and all I can think of were Jean Grey, Carrie and Matilda...all GIRLS! (well except for Professor X, but the guy can't walk so there really isn't any mutant power more suitable for him).



Number 6's cool though! Fire proof, teleportation and a total badass chic! I like her ^_^


But my favorite would be the guardian dog. You have cuteness when its safe and a beast protector when you're in danger! How convenient is that?!

sorry I can't find images on google..but yes, it's beagle also...

Overall, I am Number Four is not as "WOW" but definitely didn't suck as well... in fact, I am very much looking forward to the sequel/s :)

=^.-=

images from http://www.google.com

Sonya's Garden III - Products!

Here's my last post in connection to my Sonya's Garden trip last month and I'll be talking about some items that I got from their shop...which sells all organic products...you figured that out already right??? :P

Btw. Please excuse the crapiness of the shots...

Linen and Room Spray - My first ever featured product was the SLEEP Pillow Mist from Bath & Body Works which I super love. Unfortunately, that product is not available locally so it would make me sad after I used everything up. That's why I decided to try this one out. Actually, when we were there I kind of noticed that they were marketing the Rose Water one which is also a linen spray AND more (like hand spray after eating seafood, is the only thing I remembered). But I opt for this one because it has aromatherapy just like the B&BW one. I forgot to take note how much this is but definitely just around a hundred peso. Silly me I just realized now that I took picture of the back label..XD

Honey Propolis Throat Spray by Ilog Maria which is also an organic product. Check out the organic stalls in your mall, you might find Ilog Maria products there. You are supposed to spray this on your tonsils at the first sign of itchiness. Thank God I've been healthy since I got this so I haven't tried this one yet. This is also around hundred pesos.

Toilet Seat Sanitizer by Mira Clean Php150 ($3) - I have a Lysol one which is only available at True Value and costs twice or thrice this one so to cut it short I just want a cheaper version so I wouldn't ran out of my Lysol right away ^_^

Soaps: Lavander -Php100 and Fruit-Php95. You could guess which one's Lavander and which one's fruit right?? I LOOOVE organic soaps so I just got to have these. Lavander beacuse lavander scent's my favorite and Fruit because the fruit like thingy inside the orange translucent soap looks cute.

And this concludes my Sonya's Garden posts. But I'll definitely comeback and I can't wait to try out their other products :)

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