All posts by Reah Padla

Official Iron Man 3 Trailer

Marvel’s Iron Man 3 | April 2013

Marvel just released the official trailer of the Iron Man 3 movie.

Iron Man is my favorite superhero! I never read the comics but the movies (the first two plus The Avengers) were enough to get me interested. I like him because he’s “human”. He can be arrogant but just right. I couldn’t think of anyone better for the role other than Robert Downey, Jr. 😀

My husband and I, we don’t often watch movies in movie houses. We categorize movies into two: “watchable” and “downloadable”. Hehe. The last movie we saw was The Avengers and I had one of the best sleeps ever. Lol! I’m becoming so much like my mom who snoozes every time her head touches the chair. But Iron Man 3, I can say pwede kaming gumastos ng 300 pesos. Haha!

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What was Chuck Bass’ bag?

The black leather luggage filled with money Chuck Bass dropped on the floor was a Longchamp CAVALIER Serviette.

I just finished watching Gossip Girl Season 6 Episode 3 and instead of raving over what Blair and Serena were wearing or the clothes that were modeled on the runway, I was curious about the bag filled with cash that Chuck Bass left on the gym floor in the scene where he was probing Bart Bass’ former bodyguard.

I easily spotted it to be a Longchamp so I tried searching what kind is it.  At first I thought it was a Longchamp Boxford Travel Bag or a Longchamp Surf but it’s not. I took a screen shot of the scene and realized it’s leather. I couldn’t find it on Longchamp’s official website but with my stalking skills search powers, I found out it’s a CAVALIER Serviette (Reference : 1799189). Gotcha!

I’m interested because my husband Josh is flying again somewhere this coming February and I’m thinking of updating “his hand-carry”.  It’s gonna be “his”. You know what that means. Hehehe.


Yabang Pinoy Launches PHmade

Global Pinoy Bazaar

PRESS RELEASE:

Yabang Pinoy intensifies its consumer revolution campaign through the PHmade movement. The pioneering Filipino pride movement, through PHmade, yet again encourages Filipinos to support Filipino ideas, business concepts, products, and services. The campaign aims to educate Filipinos, through videos, print materials and events, on the availability and viability of Filipino brands, and on the positive impact that going local contributes to the economy.

PHmade’s tagline “It’s Worth Buying For” encourages each Filipino to think twice before spending: is it really worth buying for? Yabang Pinoy believes that small things, when done together, can create a big difference. If each Filipino became conscious of where he spends one peso, he will understand how each choice affects himself, fellow Filipinos, and the country. PHmade also aspires to influence Filipino entrepreneurs into supporting local natural and human resources. Continue reading Yabang Pinoy Launches PHmade

Meralco Virtual Engine Mobile App | Meralco MOVE APP

Because I live and breathe the Internet, I expect most companies, both international and local, to be accessible all the time. Websites are the most common form of marketing but unfortunately, local companies or those based in the Philippines do not update theirs regularly. Facebook or Twitter accounts are more often updated than corporate websites.

One company website though that is always accessible and reliable is Meralco. Even before we receive a hard copy of a particular month’s electric bill, I already know how much because I receive it on my e-mail. Actually, even before Meralco sends a notification e-mail, I could already check by logging in to my Meralco E-bill. I could even check the electric bill of my parents’ and our previous’ residences so I know how much have been generated and who haven’t been paying for months.

Just recently, Meralco launched its very own mobile app. Officially called as the Meralco Virtual Engine or MOVE,  this is a free app especially designed for Filipinos. The app suite includes six apps that can be accessed from any iOS, Android, or BlackBerry device–smartphone or tablet–your choice.

Official Meralco Virtual Engine MOVE App-Suite
Official Meralco Virtual Engine MOVE App-Suite

Like any iPhone user, I immediately downloaded the Meralco MOVE App from the AppStore. I love the fact that Meralco wanted to offer assistance to customers who are often online. For a techie like me, I really appreciate and support such apps. (iPhone apps!) Continue reading Meralco Virtual Engine Mobile App | Meralco MOVE APP

Why I’m Blogging Again

Photo taken by my almost 3-year old Noah

Going AOL for almost a year made me miss a lot of things. I haven’t really left the blogosphere because I do that for a living but it’s different when you do it for yourself. I went back to blogging only last month and I’m amazed at how the Philippine blogosphere has changed. I must say, I’m quite scared. There are just too many bloggers out there! Unfortunately, most of the bloggers I see now are obviously blogging for money. Nothing wrong with that but I know when a blog was made just for the heck of making money online. I am still for websites and blogs founded with a sole purpose of helping, educating, and entertaining.

Sometimes wish I didn’t leave and took this one seriously. I could be making a lot of money right now like so and so. But then it’s still not my main reason for blogging.

Right now, I only have Nuffnang ads on my sidebar. No Google Adsense or any other money-making platforms because I’m afraid ads would overwhelm my posts. Sponsors and invitations are welcome but it depends on the product, cause, and objectives.

I was privileged to work before with The Macalua, Mr. SEO Philippines himself. I started and learned SEO from him. A few of my colleagues made it big in the industry. Surprisingly, a lot of people I know before from high school and college are also part of the industry. (Hello Mr. Search Opt Media !) And recently, my sis-in-law got hired by a company that sells AdSense placements. The latter is something I never imagined would happen but I guess Internet Marketing is now a global industry.

I’m no longer doing SEO professionally but I use what I know every single day. (Hindi ba obvious na keyword laden at puro links ang mga posts ko? Haha!)  I have no idea about who’s who or what’s what in the industry now. I’m just thankful that I know the industry.

Has it really been 8 years since I was introduced to SEO? My, the Internet has gone a long way. I’ve gone a long way too. From a very “talkative” blogger, ranter, sometimes a cyber bully, I’d like to think I’ve changed. I only wish to share positivity here. Ika nga ng Team Manila, “Ambassador of Positive Vibes“. Yes, I want to be one.

I’ve hurt a lot of people with my words and posts here, on Multiply, Facebook, and Twitter. I know I could never take my words back but I’d like to make a difference now by sharing what I love, what I know, what I believe in, and what I support. Nothing wrong with all-positive posts right? The blogosphere– the world has enough of negativity already –I hope people would visit this site, read, and leave smiling. Maybe with a tear or two–because they’ve been touched. I know a few may raise their eyebrows for some reasons.

All I know– I long to share more about my faith, my God, and the love that I receive from my family, my husband and son. I hope to give honor, glory, and praise to my God in everything that I do– through this website.

Yeah, I’m blogging for LOVE. So help me God.

If anyone speaks, they should do so as one
who speaks the very words of God.

If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides,
so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ.
To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever.  Amen.
1 Peter 4:11 (NIV)

UPDATED: BAGA Manila’s 1st Anniversary: Grill & BBQ Fest 2012

Barbecuers and Grillers Association Manila’s 1st Anniversary Celebration | Grill & BBQ Fest 2012

I know I need to swear off pork because I have to join my husband in his fight against gout but this one is too tempting. Barbecue galore on A Venue this coming Friday!

WHAT: BAGA Manila’s 1st Anniversary Celebration | Grill & BBQ Fest 2012
WHEN: November 16, Friday, 2PM onwards
WHERE: A. Venue Open Parking Lot, Makati Ave., Makati City

Event Organizer: Barbecuers and Grillers Association | BAGA Manila’s Facebook Page

Noah and I will be attending a Trick or Treat event at his school that afternoon but since it’s near, we might drop by. I hope there won’t be too much smoke and grilling there as I’ll be with a toddler. Sino gusto sumama? 🙂

 

Who is Felix Baumgartner?

Felix Baumgartner aka Fearless Felix jumped from 39 kilometers
high above the earth last October 14, 2012

 

By now most of you know who Felix Baumgartner is. But of course, not everyone is interested in things related to space, skydiving, and record-breaking stunts. So for the benefit of those who don’t know, Felix Baumgartner is a 43-year old Austrian daredevil sky diver who set the world record for making the highest jump ever from approximately 39 kilometers high above the earth at a speed of 834 mph. Felix did the “space jump” from a helium balloon last Sunday, October 14, 2012.

He was part of a skydiving project called the Red Bull Stratos (yes, as in the Red Bull drink). Felix flew over New Mexico in the United States riding a helium balloon. Wearing a pressure suit, he jumped from 24 miles above, free falling, and then parachuting back to Earth within ten minutes. Wow! Ten minutes  of free falling must be crazy and terrifying! But then Mr. Baumgartner here (who reminds me of David Beckham) managed to finish the mission. He even broke the speed of sound without any vehicular assistance. I’m not gonna bore you with details as Wiki has everything but he broke a record previously set in 1960 by  USAF Colonel Joseph Kittinger.

The October 14 space jump was actually the third launch attempt. The first launch scheduled on October 9 was delayed because of the weather and eventually aborted and rescheduled for October 11 which was postponed again for some reason.

He’s no astronaut. He’s a skydiver who was brave enough to jump. He may appear to be brave but I’m sure like any ordinary human being, he’s a bit scared of what could go wrong. But he did, he jumped!

(Watch video from his point of view)

Sometimes you have to go up really high
to understand how small you are
.”
– Felix Baumgartner

This was Felix’s last statement before he made the historic jump. Felix jumped into the unknown. He jumped not knowing if he would succeed or would come back to earth. He was also quoted saying,

“Trust me, when you stand up there on top of the world,
you become so humble. It’s not about breaking records any more.
It’s not about getting scientific data. It’s all about coming home.”

Home could have meant “Earth” or it could have also meant “Heaven”.  I have no idea if Felix is a Christian or not but for me, his jump was a perfect illustration of the phrase “leap of faith”. Oftentimes, Christians need to be reminded what having faith means and that it should be exercised. Watching the Baumgartner’s jump gave me goosebumps and all but it caused me to praise and thank God for his courage and for the beauty of His creation.

Felix Baumgartne’s jump has taught me to be courageous and to have more confidence in myself, and have more faith in my God. More COURAGE to do things God is telling me to do. More CONFIDENCE that I can accomplish my mission for the Lord is my confidence. And more FAITH in God because He is One who never changes and never fails.

Oftentimes, we may doubt people and ourselves but you know God, He is still the same yesterday, today, and forevermore.

Courage. Be on your guard, stand firm in the faith, be men of courage, be strong. 1 Corinthians 16:13 (NIV)

Confidence.  For the Lord will be your confidence And will keep your foot from being caught. Proverbs 3:26 (NASB)

Faith.  Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. HebreWs 11:1 (NIV 1984)

 I don’t dream to be an astronaut but sometimes I wish Noah would be one. That seems impossible but I hope, at least, I be like Felix by being brave.

I have so many fears: fears of what could go wrong, the future, and a few people I know. However, I know God will help me overcome. He has given me a spirit of power, not timidity, of love and of self-discipline (2 Timothy 1:7).

I have fears. You have your fears but like Felix Baumgartner, we need to face and conquer them. That is, with the help of God. His Grace is sufficient for you and me to say, “Yes, I can do a Felix jump“.

__________

I had no idea about Felix before but his good looks skydiving stunts got me interested. Even Philip deFranco agrees that he is good looking.  Hehehe.

By: Javier Gonzalez Pacheco

Felix Baumgartner’s Facebook Page:  www.facebook.com/FelixBaumgartner

Startups in the Philippines

Suddenly, I’m interested in the local startup scene. A simple Google search led me to a few startup companies in the Philippines. I’m surprised to see they’re coming out. I wonder what led to this or what ignited Filipino techies to finally make their own apps or put up their own companies.

Honestly, I’m so excited about this. I’ve been writing about international startup companies and it would be nice if we could write about local ones. I hope to meet these startuppers in the Philippines soon. 🙂

Fearless Foodie’s Field Guide to Kapitolyo’s Best Restaurants updated!

I didn’t expect more foodies would be drawn to the infographic on restaurants in Kapitolyo. Like me, a lot of people are now excited for the launch of this app. How I wish I could view the app even if it’s in beta. I would love to share my thoughts on the iPhone app being an Apple fan girl. Hihi.

Looloo has updated the foodie guide as requested:

Updated Fearless Foodie’s Field Guide to Kapitolyo

More Kapitolyo restaurants have been added! Can you spot your favorite now?

The team behind looloo is giving a brandnew iPhone 4S as part of the launch. You can sign-up here to be notified of launch and updates. Continue reading Fearless Foodie’s Field Guide to Kapitolyo’s Best Restaurants updated!