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Looking Back and Looking Forward

There is a reason why the first month of the year is named after the Greek god Janus. He is the only god that has two faces that enable him to look to the past and to the future. January is the month when we still remember the events of the past year. It is also the month that we have no choice but to move forward to rest of the year. It is just few hours before 2011 gives way to 2012. This day is the perfect moment to look back to what happened to the topsy-turvy events of this year.

2011 is a memorable year for me. I have met a lot of people, either online or offline, and some of them became my good friends. This is also the year when I clashed with many people when it comes to controversial issues like the RH Bill. Clashing with other people online helped improve my debating skills. The divisive issue also helped me know where some of my friends and readers are coming from. Unlike the last year, I am not alone in these battles. I have met so many like-minded people who understand how destructive the proposed law is. This is also the year when God poured in so much of His grace for the sake my of my spiritual well-being. There were times when I see everything bleak and hopeless but my God is persistent in pulling me out of the hole I put myself into.

2011 is also the year when this blog grew to “epic” proportions. My blog only has less than a hundred visitors per day last year. The numbers of visitors grew to around 300 to 500 per day readers this year. The increase in number of visitors resulted to an increase of income for me. My income from Google Ads improved and I get more paid posts. Thanks to all the visitors who dropped by my blogs. I do hope that they got the information that they are looking for. More important to one-time visitors of this blog are my suking readers who constantly comments to my posts. Special mention should be given to:

Suitapui who is known for posts of yummy foods that usually makes my mouth water.
Anney who is the master in making art works our of foods.
The diligent student Steve.
The always-hiding-behind-the-panda-face Foong. :-)
Dear maarteh and makulit Tine Rojas.
The super-mother Mommy Einz.
Ate Faye of Hollands.
Caroline Ng May Ling who always gives me ideas on the latest beauty trends.
Kuya Diamond in deserts of Middle East.
My good friend Frumpy Mom.
Blogger extraordinaire Bluedreamer.
The not-so-average Tin, who I first knew as the Average Jane.
The food blogger Pinkcookies.
The super-pogi Sendo and Jag.
The poetic Arvin.

Thank you very much for constantly visiting. You all made my blog filled with comments. Of course there are constant readers who don't leave any comments. Well, thank you very much for constant visits. Hope to hear from you in 2012.

A special part of this post is to be given to my beloved, who not only accompanies me to my travel but also accompanies me in my life. She is made my 2011 so colorful (and a little bit topsy-turvy too).

Now, I have dealt with “looking back” face of Janus. Expect more colorful posts from me in the year 2012. May you continue in visiting my blogs and be with me to look forward to the future.

A blessed New Year to everyone! It is time for fireworks! Posted by Ishmael Fischer Ahab at 12/31/2011 6 comments:
Tags: 2011, 2012, New Year, Personal

Happy New Year to RH Bill Advocates

I know, I know. 2011 has been a bad year for all of you. The divisive bill that all of you are pushing for are still not passed. Such a sad Holiday Season for you. So, as a consolation, I will share this gift that is being tossed around by many people in Facebook. Posted by Ishmael Fischer Ahab at 12/31/2011 No comments:
Tags: anti-RH video, consolidated RH Bill, Hitler parody, Philippine politics, pro-life, pro-RH, Reproductive Health Bill

Dancing Lights at Ayala Triangle

My beloved asked me to take her to the now-talked-about Christmas Light show at Ayala Triangle. I instantly answered “yes” to her request. Like her, I also wanted to see Ayala Christmas lights and snap mesmerizing photos like those in Lantaw's blog. What’s more interesting is that those Christmas lights “moves” with the music.
We reached Ayala Triangle at around 7 PM and we saw that the place is packed with people. Well, who wouldn’t be attracted to visit Ayala Triangle and see the Christmas lights show for free? The spectators of the “Symphony of Lights,” as the Christmas Lights show is called, are mostly composed of employees from Makati and families. Professional photographers abound too. Kids enjoy the “Symphony of Lights,” especially when the lights started to “dance” and change into different colors.

Being at the Ayala Triangle Garden for the “Symphony of Lights” is way better than looking at the photos of it. Photos can capture the lights but it can never capture the sounds and ambiance of the place. I almost danced with lights when “Winter Wonderland” was played. What kept me from dancing is my beloved who is too shy to dance.

Each performance last about 30 minutes with 30 minutes gap between performances. Ayala Christmas lights show is open from 6 PM to 9 PM. We used the gap time to take photos. The problem is that it's hard to get good shots because of the crowd.

Ayala's Christmas light show is on its second year. The show is a good respite for employees in Makati Business District. The dancing lights brings to the mind the good things that Christmas brings.


Visit Ahab Reviews and Tips and read about Jollibee party package. Posted by Ishmael Fischer Ahab at 12/30/2011 2 comments:
Tags: Ayala Gardens, Ayala Triangle, Christmas lights, Explorer's notebook, Makati, Pasko, Symphony of Lights 2011

Overheard Something about Movie Production Posted by Ishmael Fischer Ahab at 12/30/2011 No comments:
Tags: movie making, movie production, movies, production planning, setkick review

Boiled Beef Meat is Not Bulalo Posted by Ishmael Fischer Ahab at 12/28/2011 15 comments:
Tags: barbecue, beef stew, bulalo, Eli's Barbecue, Foodtrip, Olivarez, Tagaytay, Tagaytay restaurant

A Greater Gift than Legos

I remember my childhood days when I always ask my father, day in and day out, to buy me a set of Lego. I vaguely remember the scene but it always happen every time my father prepares for work. I always tell him, “Papa, papa, ibili mo ako ng Lego” (Papa, papa, buy me a Lego). He always reply, “Ano? Gusto mo ng ligo” (What? Do you want to bathe?). In short, my father never bought me a set of Lego. I had no choice but to play with toys that I got free from cheap chichiria (snacks). I have used my imagination to play war, fight a dragon, or build a kingdom.

I suddenly remembered this episode of my childhood when I passed by a Lego store while I was walking around Trinoma Mall. It made me recall that my father failed to give the things that I wanted, even if I asked for it earnestly. My thoughts wandered from my childhood memory to God. In my prayers, I always ask God for many things. I ask Him,  not only for material things, but also the things concerning my Faith. I get so impatient for many times that I think that God is so slow to act. It is as if that He acts like my earthly father who only responded with jokes to avoid giving in to the request of His child.

Just like that Lego episode, I asked God specific things and expected Him to respond the way I want Him to. My father did not give me the Lego set that I wanted but he gave me better things. He worked hard and provided the things that I truly need, which are the things that enabled me to continue my childhood imaginations that do not require Legos. God listens to my requests and He responds by giving me things that are better than what I expected.

Giving us the best things is what God is good at. Since the fall of Adam and Eve, we human beings are waiting for our redemption from Death. We are burdened by our sinfulness but we have an inkling that God is working to save us. It is just that we didn't know how He will do it. The Jews, during the time of the Gospels, believed that God will redeem His people through political power. They are wrong, however, because God gave them a better way of redemption that save Jews and Gentiles alike. Jesus Christ is God and people expected Him to be clothed in kingly apparel like King David. Yet God chose the better, nay the best, route and that is by showing His humility by being born on the manger. This humility is the one we celebrate this Christmas Day.

We always ask God for “Legos” but God always give us things that are better than Legos. This is the lesson that I learned when I saw that Lego store. I believe that this is also the lesson that we should learn this Christmas. Posted by Ishmael Fischer Ahab at 12/24/2011 3 comments:
Tags: christmas, faith, god, jesus christ, Lego, Pasko, Personal

Our Kababayans in CDO, Iligan and Negros Need Our Help This photo of a father crying for his child sums up all the emotions that the victims of Typhoon Sendong are feeling right now. As of this moment, citizens of Northern Mindanao and Negros are still reeling from the effect of the typhoon. Houses were destroyed by the raging waters of the Cagayan de Oro River. Many people are still missing and their families are either hoping that they are still alive or afraid that they are already one of the dead. The livelihood of citizens of Cagayan de Oro City and Iligan City are gone or covered in mud. Dead bodies are still being pulled out of the debris of the catastrophe. Amidst of all the chaos, many people are wondering if everything will return to normal.

Help from the private sector and private individuals are pouring continuously. Many of the victims already received some of the relief goods but there are still more victims who still need our help. I am here to appeal to you, dear readers, to help us in this trying time. I ask for your prayers for my kababayans struck by Typhoon Sendong. You can send cash donations Caritas Manila. Here are the details for depositing cash donations:

BPI Savings Account: 3063-5357-01
Metrobank Savings Account: 175-3-17506954-3
BDO Savings Account: 5600-45905
PNB Current Account: 10-856-660001-7

For Dollar cash donations please deposit to:

BPI Savings Account: 3064-0033-55
PNB Account: 10-856-660002-5

 Posted by Ishmael Fischer Ahab at 12/20/2011 3 comments:
Tags: Cagayan de Oro, Caritas Manila, CDO, donations, Events, Iligan City, Typhoon Sendong, typhoon victims

What to Do During Karoling Season

Sa maybahay ang aming bati, “merry Krismas na malwalhati.”
Ang pag-ibig ang siyang naghari, sana araw-araw ay magiging Pasko lagi.
Ang sanhi po ng pagparito, hihingi po ng aginaldo.
Kung sakaling kami’y perwisyo, pasensya na kayo kami'y namamasko.

I bet that many of you (if you are in the Philippines) already heard that popular Christmas song this time of the year. Well, it is Christmas Season, which is the perfect time for enterprising kids to brandish their tambourines made of tansan (bottle caps). It is also the perfect time for them to visit your house to croak their angelic voices for some coins.

Karoling is Christmas tradition in the Philippines. Karoling is the Filipinized rendition of the word caroling. Karoling is not just being done by the children as there are adult carolers who use real musical instruments like guitar, tambourines, etc. Children carolers are much simpler because their musical instruments are tambourines made from bottle caps and tin cans that serve as drums.

People have many reactions when it comes to karoling. Majority of these reactions, I believe, is that of annoyance. This kind of reaction is understandable because these kids has the habit of returning to your house night after night until Christmas Eve if they discovered that you are generous in handing out coins.

So, how should you deal with these children? Here are the things that you can do when they are karoling at your house:

1. Hide and Ignore – This is highly recommended for ninongs and ninangs who have the habit of hiding from their inaanaks (godchildren) every Christmas. You should always keep in mind that carolers are attracted to Christmas lights like the way moths are attracted to the flame. Don’t decorate your house with Christmas lights to avoid being noticed by these kids.  If you’re uncharitable enough to not want carolers to visit your house, I suggest that you turn off all the lights inside and outside of your house and pretend that you are asleep.

2. Give them Coins or Scold them – Another way to deal with carolers is to follow a sort of “merit system.” You give the carolers a reward (a.k.a. coins) if they sang their Christmas carol well. Avoid giving them any coin if they continue croaking like frogs instead of singing. This is a good way motivating carolers to improve their karoling. Bad-singing carolers will avoid your house because they think that you demand so much just for a few coins.

3. Give them treats – Give the carolers candies or food if you don't want to give them money. This alternative is similar to the Halloween “trick or treat.” If you don't like their karoling then you trick 'em but I guess that is not in accord with the Christmas spirit.

4. Let the dogs out – Do this if you idolize old Scrooge but be prepared to be hacked with jungle bolo of the children's angry fathers.

There was a time when karoling is taken seriously. That was the time when kids put an effort to sing well. Nowadays, the children carolers don't care if their singing is out of tune or no one understands what they are saying. This is the reason why many people think that karoling is annoying.

I also noticed that these children took karoling to the streets. They climb jeepneys and buses to ask for coins after they sang their Christmas carol. What they are doing is very dangerous. I will not be surprised if there will be a road accident that involves them.
 Posted by Ishmael Fischer Ahab at 12/16/2011 7 comments:
Tags: caroling, christmas, Christmas caroling, Christmas traditions, karoling, Pasko, Philippine Christmas, Real Life Tips

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Il primo è il bonus per i nuovi giocatori, conosciuto anche come il bonus di benvenuto. E 'il premio più importante scoperto in questi giorni sui casinò online. Il bonus minimo è di 100 dollari. In qualità di utente / giocatore deve scoprire che come e quando il bonus è a vostra disposizione. Molte volte si sarebbe ripartito a incrementi di 100 dollari al mese.
Il bonus percentuale varia in base alla somma di deposito. La somma dei bonus è di solito tra il 50% - 500%. Il bonus del 100% è conosciuto come il bonus. Il bonus è in realtà il bonus denaro.
Il bonus ricarica è un piano che continuerà a ricaricare il tuo account di gioco. E 'molto simile al bonus di benvenuto.
Il casino senza deposito è un bonus di casinò online. Non ha bisogno di soldi a tutti. Di solito quando si apre un conto, è sufficiente aggiungere la quantità di mettere ulteriori incentivi per il giocatore. Sono per lo più di 10 dollari.
C'è un bonus di deposito preferito a disposizione del giocatore in linea. Questo bonus è preferita la forma di pagamento che è elettronico e lo scopo di depositare denaro sul tuo conto scommesse. Vari casinò preferisce ricevere la somma di denaro in una o l'altra forma. Possono proporre il 5% -15% sul tuo conto automaticamente. Ma è necessario capire che se un casinò annuncia di aver la possibilità di Bonus preferiti di 300 dollari, non significa che riceverete 15% mediante il deposito, 3000 dollari. Ciò significa che al fine di ottenere il 15% è necessario depositare 20.000 dollari.
Il bonus Lofty è disponibile solo per i giocatori che sono amanti del casino e far loro visita tranquilla spesso. Questi giocatori sono grandi giocatori bravi e hanno raggiunto un certo livello senior. Maggiore è la condizione di un giocatore più questi bonus sono disponibili per i giocatori. Queste percentuale di copertura maggiore di bonus.
Il bonus high roller non è altro che depositare più alta da parte i giocatori / attori. Questi tipi di bonus sono noti per essere andata oltre 1000 dollari. Questo vuol dire con precisione che per depositare 2000 dollari un giocatore riceverà 1000 aggiuntivo.
Puttane casinò sono una sorta di bonus in cui si trova il perk è offerto al giocatore di giocare conservativamente con i soldi del casino possibile. In questo tipo di bonus il giocatore usa molto meno di tasca propria. Il bonus va molto bene con i bonus slot online, dove ci sono pochi bonus significativi.
Pertanto questi bonus dare ai giocatori un modo corretto per ruotare i soldi e rischiando il proprio denaro ancora divertirsi. Il casinò online mettono a disposizione dei giocatori i migliori bonus possibili che possono dare il meglio di backup di giocare il miglior gioco d'azzardo. Si consiglia di visitare http://www.casinobonussenzadeposito.net per le vostre esigenze di gioco. Posted by Ishmael Fischer Ahab at 12/16/2011 2 comments:
Tags: casino, casino online, Italian casino, online casino

Christmas Shopping at Divisoria Posted by Ishmael Fischer Ahab at 12/13/2011 7 comments:
Tags: 168 Mall, christmas, Christmas Shopping, Divisoria, Divisoria Mall, Explorer's notebook, Pasko

Personal Loan this Christmas

Christmas is a Season of Joy but for some, it is a season of worries. Christmas Season is the season for parties, gift giving, and family gatherings. However, it is also a season for financial woes and increased expenses. Some people are fortunate to have deep pockets but some are not as fortunate. The recourse of those who are unfortunate is in having a personal loan.
Personal loans can be obtained from banks, loan sharks, financial associations and other money lenders. People in different countries have different ways of obtaining a loan. The popular loan scheme in the Philippines is the so called 5/6. In this scheme, those who obtain a loan have to pay for four or more installments with interest rate of 20 percent. Singaporeans go to money lender Singapore to get their loans. Of course, other countries have their own unique ways of providing loans to people.
If you are that person who badly need money this Christmas Season, I suggest that you look at the different loan options available. See what will give you the lowest interest rate and higher number of installments so as to make your payment less heavy. You should also take extra caution when obtaining loans because there are loan sharks that are harsh when it comes to dealing with their clients. Posted by Ishmael Fischer Ahab at 12/12/2011 6 comments:
Tags: money lender Singapore, personal loan

Who is the Real Santa Claus? Posted by Ishmael Fischer Ahab at 12/09/2011 4 comments:
Tags: Arius, Catholic Church, Catholic saints, Christianity, faith, Saint Nicholas of Myra, Santa Claus

Hail Mary! Immaculate and Blessed Posted by Ishmael Fischer Ahab at 12/08/2011 No comments:
Tags: Catholic Church, Concepcion Immaculada, faith, Immaculate Conception, Mama Mary, Mary, Mother Mary

Scant Christmas Decorations in Shopping Malls

Christmas is definitely in the air. Santa Claus is already present in many TV commercials. The streets are being lightened up by Christmas lights and lanterns. Christmas carols are blaring in the local FM radios. Christmas bazaars are everywhere. And, of course, shopping malls are all decorated for the Christmas Season. However, it seems like the shopping malls are still feeling the brunt of the economic recession. Gone are the pomp Christmas decorations of the previous years. Christmas decorations are now simple as I had seen during my visit to some of the shopping malls in Metro Manila and the nearby cities.
The best Christmas decorations I have seen so far is the one in Ayala Trinoma Mall:
Here are the decorations from other two shopping malls that I have visited recently:
The worst Christmas decoration that I have seen, so far, is the one in Robinson's Target Mall:
Robinson's Target Mall only have Christmas lights dangling from the ceiling as the decoration for the Christmas Season. Is it because Target Mall is just a low-end mall that's why it doesn't have creative decorations?
The shopping malls that I visited are too few. So, the ones that I posted here may not be the best (or the worst) Christmas decorations that can be seen in the shopping malls around Metro Manila and the nearby provinces.
Christmas is really in the air but it is not the decorations that counts. What counts is our willingness to open our hearts and welcome the coming of our Lord. Advance Merry Christmas everyone.
Finally! It is the month of December. In anticipation of the coming Christmas and New Year, I will feature blog posts that are suitable for this holy season of love and gift-giving. A merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone!
Visit Ahab Reviews and Tips and read about the expensive LBC Padala.
Follow me in Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, Tumblr and YouSayToo. Posted by Ishmael Fischer Ahab at 12/06/2011 6 comments:
Tags: christmas, Christmas decorations, Explorer's notebook, parol, Pasko, shopping malls

Mommy's Pride at Congressional Avenue

My mother craves for sapin – sapin from Mommy's. So one time, when she requested that I bring home one sapin – sapin, I did not hesitate and I visited Mommy's located along Congressional Avenue, Quezon City.
Mommy's Pride is a food shop that makes the Dolor's Kakanin that includes the popular sapin – sapin. I already talked about Dolor's sapin – sapin in the two previous blog posts. Kakanin is the Tagalog word for desserts that are made from rice. Dolor's sapin – sapin is a special kind of kakanin because it is composed of different kinds kakanin arranged on a bilao (bamboo tray).
Dolor's sapin -sapin is very popular that the demand for it is very high, especially during the Christmas Season. I called Mommy's Pride to reserve for one bilao of 17-inch diameter sapin – sapin. Reservation can be made the day before the sapin – sapin is to be picked up. The guard asked me what I was doing outside of Mommy's Pride. The guard saw me taking the photo above. I just told him that I am taking the photo of the food shop as a remembrance. Is the guard or Mommy's Pride owners very nervous from being photographed?
If you are coming from EDSA, you can reach Mommy's by riding a jeepney that has placard that says “Quirino.” These jeepneys can be found at Mindanao Avenue corner North Avenue, across the Trinoma Mall. Just pay the minimum fare. Go down the Congressional Avenue, which is marked by a KFC restaurant. Mommy's is just few meters away from KFC.
Mommy's Pride Congressional branch is just small restaurant. They also sell other kakanin like puto and kutsinta. They also offer rice meals and pancit Malabon.
Dolor's sapin -sapin is the favorite kakanin in our home. It is possible that I will visit Mommy's again before Christmas Day or New Year's Day.
Read my other posts about Dolor's sapin - sapin. Please read "Another Taste of Sapin-Sapin" and "Dolor's Sapin-Sapin."
Visit Ahab Reviews and Tips and read my complaints against LBC Padala. Posted by Ishmael Fischer Ahab at 12/02/2011 8 comments:
Tags: Congressional Avenue, Dolor's kakanin, Dolor's sapin-sapin, Foodtrip, kakanin, Mommy's Pride, sapin-sapin

Andres Bonifacio's Monuments Around Metro Manila 

1. Andres Bonifacio Monument, Caloocan City

2. Andres Bonifacio in Tutuban Area 

3. Andres Bonifacio amidst the high buidings

4. Andres Bonifaco in UP Diliman

5. Posing in front of the Post Office 

6. Andres Bonifacio Shrine, Manila


Visit Ahab Reviews and Tips and read my complaints about AirPhilippines. 

What RH Bill Advocates Don't Want the Filipino People to Know 

Eng Ho's Mamon Cake 

Let There be Dragons 

Jesus Christ is the King Forevermore 

Photos Around UP Diliman

The Snake Road and Beta Epsilon Theatrum

A Flying Saucer Shaped Church 

Show us the Frogs 

Read my previous visits to UP Diliman. Posted by Ishmael Fischer Ahab at 11/18/2011 5 comments:
Tags: Explorer's notebook, University of the Philippines, UP Diliman, UP Diliman Lagoon

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