If you’re looking for books for young adults– especially those that you yourself can read, like Harry Potter or A Series of Unfortunate Events– then you just must try The DoppleGanger Chronicles.

And before you tell me I spelled it wrong, nope, I didn’t – the word “DoppleGanger” in the title was a portmanteau of Dopple, the surname of the twin girls in the book, and Ganger, the surname of the boy who helped them. It was a pun as well, given how the series revolved around twins – and you know that twins are natural doppelgangers of each other.

The DoppleGanger Chronicles: Style

The book itself was interesting. Written by G.P. Taylor (a name reminiscent of authors who also used initials as part of their pseudonym, such as J.K. Rowling or C.S. Lewis– and it’s probably no coincidence that the back cover touted the book as “hotter than Potter” and the author as “the new C.S. Lewis”), the book was illustrated by three different artists.

As a result, the narration style shifted back and forth from three different styles: the usual novel text, to that of a graphic novel, to that of a storybook. It’s like the book was meant to be loved by all kinds of book lovers, whether you’re the type to love novels or pictures.

You can see from the photos below how the pages of The DoppleGanger Chronicles look like they came from three different books.

The book looks like a graphic novel, yes? But take a look at another photo of The DoppleGanger Chronicles below and see for yourself how the style has shifted.

All of a sudden, it’s like you’re reading a storybook. Oh, and being a morbid person myself, I so loved how most of the pages have black borders, if not almost completely black. I can just imagine how much ink the publisher used up!

And below is another picture showing you a third style of narration. It’s basically just text, but the book uses different font styles and sizes to emphasize certain words. (Reminds me of Fearless, a book I used to love as a teenager.)

The writing style reminded me a lot of A Series of Unfortunate Events, written by the mysterious Lemony Snicket (the identity of whom wasn’t revealed until later), but with a little more inconsistency in characterization. Sometimes, a character was portrayed as completely mischievous, and in another chapter, the same character would be illustrated as someone wise and good.

The rather confusing characterization was my biggest complaint; otherwise, it was just the kind of book that a creative, morbid, bored tween or young teen might want to read. And hey, even if you are already in your thirties, give this book a try and you’ll feel a few years younger… and then wrap it up and send it as a gift to your favorite teenager. He he.

Before you buy the book, you can always download the first chapter for free. If you like it, you can buy The DoppleGanger Chronicles from Amazon for as low as $2.81 (roughly PhP100). I bought my copy from OMF Lit for a little more than PhP300. (Honestly, I thought the book was pricier, given its quality.)

DoppleGanger Chronicles: Plot

It would make for a great gift, especially if you want a tween or teen to love books that aren’t too mainstream as Harry Potter. The story about twin girls who find themselves in danger, with a boy who volunteers to help them to safety.

Expect to find gory details, like heads exploding, people about to be buried alive, and gunfire. Yep, this book is not for the faint of heart.

DISCLAIMER: the 1st book of the series is going to leave you hanging, so I recommend that you buy the 2nd and 3rd books of The DoppleGanger Chronicles, too.

I will be recommending a few more books in the coming weeks, in time for your Christmas shopping. It does help to read suggestions about Christmas gifts that are both affordable and unique, right? 

But before I sign off, I hope you forgive me for my shameless plug: like my page if you please – let that be your Christmas gift to me. And hey, this gift won’t cost you a penny!

Anyway, the next time you drop by your favorite bookstore, ask for a copy of The DoppleGanger Chronicles. It’s time you enjoyed some juvenile fiction instead of the erotica you’re so used to. Speaking of books, you might want to visit next year’s Manila International Book Fair where all books are offered at discounted prices!

Can-SHARE, a support group composed mainly of cancer warriors, survivors, and their loved ones, recently released a CD album to mark their unity in adversity. And since October is the month of cancer awareness, spend a few more minutes reading about why CanShare is selling this CD.

Lorna Roque and Francie Go, both co-founders of Can-Share, sang the songs in the album. Both women are pillars of strength and hope for other members of Can-Share.

“My children call me a supermom. After three days of chemotherapy, I was already on my feet, ready to fetch my only son. I went to the market purchased the week’s supplies, and cooked food even when I felt dizzy,” Lorna recounted. Lorna, diagnosed also of breast cancer, has Stage IV illness involving her spine, lungs, and liver.

Francie, diagnosed of breast cancer, had to endure not only her own battle against cancer but that of her mother and sister as well. “My elder sister was diagnosed with adenocystic carcinoma of the larynx,” Francie narrated. “My mother also succumbed to the disease.”

“Last 1976, my mother was diagnosed with a debilitating disease known as fibromyoma carcinoma, a dreadful cancer,” Francie shared. “My mother’s cancer grew over and over on the same spot on her thigh. For twenty years, she tried to fight her own battle with cancer, and as brave as she was, she also passed away.”

CanShare CD: Inaalay

The renowned Filipino composer Vehnee Saturno wrote the songs in the album, Inaalay. He found a special interest in Can-Share after having lost his mother to cancer.

Francie Go and Lorna Roque, two of the co-founders of Can-Share,
joined Vehnee Saturno in the making of Inaalay.

“We want to negate the concept that cancer equals death,” Lorna explained. “Cancer can open our eyes, leading to a more fulfilling way of life.”

The CD has 12 tracks – six songs and their minus-one versions – including Walang Wakas and Nakita Ko Ang Langit, the two songs Vehnee Saturno wrote for Can-Share.

“Life is a mission,” Francie said. “We are here for a purpose. We experience ups and downs for a reason.” And it is Can-Share’s mission to share comfort and enlightenment with other cancer warriors.

Can-Share aims to educate constituents and provide spiritual and psychological support through sharing sessions and stress management programs. The group wants those whose lives have been affected by cancer to realize that, true to the group’s name, everyone has something to share.

The group members participate in hospice training workshops, immersing themselves in sick visitations. They hold monthly meetings and health-based activities. Can-Share also engages in livelihood programs to help sustain its activities and provide financial support to its members.

Recorded at Vehnee Saturno’s studio, the album Inaalay is priced at PhP250. Part of the proceeds will help sustain Can-Share’s advocacy to help cancer patients rise above their illness.

Can-Share, a cancer support group, dedicates Inaalay to fellow cancer warriors who passed away. Proceeds will help fund their activities.

To donate to their cause or purchase their CD, you may contact Can-Share at www.facebook.com/usth.canshare. You can also purchase a CD at the second floor of the Benavides Cancer Institute at the University of Santo Tomas – look for Allan Sol or call Lorna at (0922)8891754.

Can-Share dedicates this CD album to Dr. Gina Panuncialman and Art Hinongan, also co-founders of Can-Share, and Magne Guintu, all of whom passed away due to cancer. You can also read about the stories of Cristy, Doc Beth, and Adora as they fight cancer head-on.

Just when you think you’ve read it all, a book like Stanley Chi’s Pogi Points comes your way to burst your bubble. Soldiers of love, beware.

Stanley Chi, the genius behind the bestselling Suplado Tips series (read: over PhP2M worth of books sold in just one year) goes out of his comfort zone to write a “not-so-gentleman’s guide to looking good”, as the cover of his newest book, Pogi Points, announces brazenly.

Chi is out to prove he’s not a one-hit wonder after his first humor book, Suplado Tips, underwent reprinting five times in a year. The follow-up Suplado Tips 2 fared just as well, if not better, establishing Chi’s reputation as a legit writer who can sell books to people who don’t normally love reading.

Pogi Points: What The Book Is About

Pogi Points is a collection of tips on how to get ahead in love through strategic behavior. It teaches the naïve boy how to act around his object of admiration (or obsession, whichever applies).

“Ang pagiging gwapo, inborn; ang pagiging pogi, napag-aaralan (Being handsome is inborn; being pogi is something you can learn),” Stanley Chi explains. Using humor to make his point, Chi teaches precious bits of courtship wisdom to guys who want to win over the girl of their dreams.

Stanley Chi’s Pogi Points Book Makes Waves

Readers aren’t the only ones who noticed Stanley Chi’s flair for writing. The Manila International Book Fair, the biggest book fair in the Philippines already in its 33^rd year last September, made sure Chi was on board as one of their first-ever endorsers, dubbed “MIBF Bookworms”. During the book fair, Stanley Chi joined social activist Carlos Celdran and fellow comedian-authors Ramon Bautista and Tado Jimenez in an online video campaign to promote literacy.

One Pogi Points pointer says, “Kung dinaan mo sa personality ang isang babae, para mo naring sinabi na pangit ka (If you use your personality to win over a girl, it’s like saying you’re too ugly [to do it any other way])!” Aside from tips on how to score more pogi points, the book contains photo comic strips, serious relationship facts, fun pogi trivia, and self-help lists. It’s a workbook of sorts for the love-struck guy who wants to have fun while decoding the woman he fancies.

Readers get a good dose of laughter from Stanley Chi’s Pogi Points– and who knows? Maybe the single guys might even get a girlfriend.

Do you want to cast a spell on someone you hate? Or maybe you just like weird dolls in general? Here’s one of my top ten Christmas gift ideas: the IGMG plushie doll from Stanley Chi!

The IGMG doll was designed by comedian-author Stanley Chi – yes, he’s the guy who sold over PhP2M worth of books in the past two years! With titles like Suplado Tips and Pogi Points, his books were a big hit in the Philippines.

Hate generic Christmas gifts?
Go for the IGMG doll, affordable at PhP195!

Because of the “suplado” fever, Stanley Chi now has something different to offer: a naughty, irreverent doll that looks like a miniature version of himself! Dubbed the IGMG Doll, this plushie has the acronym “IGMG”, which stands for “I-Google mo, gago (Google it, stupid)”, emblazoned on its t-shirt.

I can just imagine how many people would want to say that out loud but can’t. It’s actually good that we don’t, but doesn’t it make us feel better to at least play out our daydreams of vengeance once in a while, even if it’s just through a war-freak doll?

Studio Kaiba Plush Dolls

If the IGMG doll is too risque for your taste, take a look at other plush dolls from Studio KAIBA. These dolls are the brainchild of Dennis Crisostomo, a Filipino illustrator for Marvel Comics. All the dolls are inspired by Philippine culture icons.

Take Kotkot, for instance. He’s a red monster who will never admit he’s cuddly (although he is, yes?). Dennis based this doll on the salakot, a local hat used by Filipino farmers.

I have both Kotkot and the IGMG doll on my table. I like how they’re cute but rebellious! If you’re on a budget and want affordable gifts to give away this Christmas, I suggest you go for these plushie dolls.

Christmas Gift Idea: IGMG Doll

I can imagine this IGMG doll making a perfect Christmas gift for your best friend and your boyfriend – they might like the unorthodox nature of this plush doll. You might also want to give this doll to an officemate who keeps asking you stupid questions. Just make sure he’s too stupid to figure out what your Christmas gift means, okay?

The IGMG doll, worth less than PhP200, makes for an affordable Christmas gift for all your friends who happen to have a sense of humor.

But why not buy the IGMG doll for yourself? It reminds you that there are times your no-nonsense attitude makes you less of a target for bullies. After all, this doll was inspired by the notoriously successful Suplado Tips book, now with a second book to uphold its legacy.

You can purchase the IGMG doll online from Stanley Chi’s online Suplado Shop. But if you’re too antique and you don’t believe in online shopping, try buying the doll from the upcoming Noel Bazaar – Stanley Chi, together with other celebrities such as Regine Velasquez and Jean Garcia, will be at their celebrity booths. (I’ll blog about that soon, so if you’re a celeb stalker, you might as well check back in a few days for juicy details.)

Oh, and watch this video from Studio KAIBA with Stanley Chi promoting plush dolls. Check out the other plush dolls created by Dennis Crisostomo! Warning: the dolls refuse to acknowledge they are cute, so do it at your own risk.

Want to purchase the IGMG doll?
Click HERE!

Join the bandwagon. Be suplado for a (good) cause. If you’ve already read Suplado Tips, which I always say is the underdog’s favorite manual for handling bullies, then it’s time you cemented your status as a suplado fan by buying Stanley Chi’s IGMG doll. It’s on my top ten list of Christmas gift ideas– and if you also hate generic, cookie-cutter presents, you just might find yourself agreeing with me !

It’s time for some Christmas shopping! Instead of heading straight to the mall, why don’t you drop by Noel Bazaar this December 2012? Oh, and did I mention that I’m giving away ten Noel Bazaar tickets to one lucky person? If you’re interested, keep reading!

Noel Bazaar ticket proceeds all go to GMA Kapuso Foundation. Yep, every person who visits the bazaar actually donates PhP50 to charity. But I understand if you’re having second thoughts about dropping by the Noel Bazaar 2012. How about I try to convince you?

Noel Bazaar 2012: 5 Reasons To Drop By

Come to the Noel Bazaar 2012 if you’ve never had the chance to visit in the previous years. It’s a really big bazaar with over a hundred stalls. And here are 5 great reasons to drop by this year!

• At the Noel Bazaar 2012, you get to rub elbows with celebrities. There is an entire lane of celebrity booths at the bazaar. Celebs include Glaiza de Castro, Polo Ravales, and Moymoy Palaboy. Of course, there’s that wonderful booth for Ramon Bautista, Stanley Chi, and Tado Jimenez! You can buy their shirts, books, and other goodies at their booth.

Betong, Ramon Bautista, Stanley Chi, and Moymoy Palaboy
at the Noel Bazaar 2012

• Going to the Noel Bazaar brings out the generous person in you. Every ticket costs just PhP50 – and all that goes to GMA Kapuso Foundation’s charity fund. You know it’s not going to some business conglomerate, so go ahead and buy a ticket! (Or try to win the ten tickets I’m giving away later.)
• The Noel Bazaar 2012 is a great shopping venue for unique Christmas gifts. It’s almost Christmas; it’s time to buy gifts for your friends and family. At the bazaar, you’ll see unique gift ideas, such as the IGMG doll and Stanley Chi’s suplado shirts, that you won’t see at the mall.

• The Noel Bazaar 2012 stays open much later than any mall. Most malls close at 9 in the evening, but the Noel Bazaar stays open until about 10 to 11pm. If you get off work late at night, you can always skip the mall and head straight to the Noel Bazaar instead!
• The Noel Bazaar supports many small, local businesses. You know it’s good to actually buy goods from small companies. At the bazaar, you will find local businesses that offer Filipino goods and recycled merchandise. My favorite shops there include a furniture stall that sells pieces made from recycled hardwood and a weave shop that sells native storage boxes and containers.

And as promised, I’m giving away ten tickets to the Noel Bazaar 2012! I’m running this giveaway until December 11 – that’s just two weeks away – so join while there’s time!

Win TEN tickets to the Noel Bazaar!

Check out the Noel Bazaar 2012 schedule:

World Trade Center
November 16 to December 1, 2012
11am to 10pm everyday

PICC Covered Tent
December 14 to 23, 2012
11am to 10pm everyday

It’s time you dropped by the Noel Bazaar 2012, seriously! Find out why thousands of people come every year. And while you’re there, drop by Ramon, Stanley, and Tado’s booth and grab a copy of their books and shirts, too!

About a week ago, my team and I finally got to work on the website for CanShare, a cancer support group in the Philippines. We purchased the domain from name.com, unaware that something would happen that would make our noses bleed. After we tried to redirect a Blogger/ Blogspot blog to the naked domain, we saw a notification that stumped us all: Another blog or Google Site is already using this address.

Say what now? We just purchased the domain! We then tried to look for the supposed blog or Google site that used our domain before we did. After we went to www.canshare.org, we were redirected to start.canshare.org– and there was another website parked there.

Indeed, “another blog or Google site is already using this address”. What a nightmare! We knew we hit a brick wall. We were absolutely stumped for about three days. We tried everything, including Nitecruzr’s walkthrough which, honestly, I thought would solve the issue. After all, Google forum recommended it and Nitecruzr is one of Google’s top contributors.

Although his walkthrough wasn’t the magic solution we hoped for, it did provide us some insight, which I’m sharing below before we proceed.

1. Someone must have purchased the domain before you did and used different subdomains for his Google Apps. Now that his ownership of the domain has expired, you were able to purchase it. In our case, about an uncertain period of time ago, someone already used www.canshare.org, our current domain, and used the subdomain start.canshare.org as a means to access some Google App. And your case may not be very different. Usually, the guilty app is Start Page or Google Sites. But don’t panic; we’ve figure out a way to debug the whole “another blog or Google site is already using this address” issue.
2. There is a bug when you purchase a naked domain (one without the “www” right before it). I remember vividly how we purchased canshare.org, not www.canshare.org, from name.com. Apparently, that’s where all the trouble begins. So for future reference, DON’T purchase a naked domain again if you’re planning to redirect a Blogger or Blogspot blog to that domain.
3. It’s Google, not name.com, that’s at fault here. At first, I thought name.com was the guilty party. It’s only after my team and I prayed for inspiration, slept on it several nights, and brainstormed until we were bleeding out of our ears that we realized it was Google Apps that was giving us trouble.

It’s important that you understand why you’re having this problem. That way, you know exactly why you’re about to do the steps below to get rid of the “another blog or Google site is already using this address” problem. Relax, breathe in, breathe out, and count to ten before I help you successfully redirect your Blogger blog to your newly purchased naked domain.

Another blog or Google site is already using this address: THE SOLUTION

Before we redirect your Blogger blog to your new (but buggy) domain, you might want to open two browsers if you’re using a different username for your Blogger account and your Google Apps account. For instance, open a Chrome browser and a Mozilla Firefox browser at the same time.

1. Type in your domain name onto any browser. That way, you’ll find out where it redirects. Does it redirect to start.YOURDOMAINHERE.com? That means some obsolete page from the previous domain name owner is still attached to the “start” subdomain. Ah, now you know. And believe me, this is important!
2. Sign in to your Google Apps account using one browser. (You can do that by typing in www.google.com/a/YOURDOMAINNAME. For instance, for the CanShare website, I typed in www.google.com/a/canshare.org.) Then, sign in to your Blogger account using the other browser.
3. If you haven’t fixed your DNS registry on name.com yet, please do. You can use this old walkthrough on how to use your custom domain on a Blogspot blog; it uses the old Blogger format, but it still works. (But please follow only the first six bullets; the seventh to the last bullets are for non-problematic redirects which, obviously, is not the case here.)
4. Now, you need to get rid of that stubborn subdomain that’s been derailing you from a successful Blogger-to-domain redirect. Go to your Google Apps account. Again, that’s www.google.com/a/YOURDOMAINNAME. For example, for the CanShare website, I typed in www.google.com/a/canshare.org. Click on the settings tab on the far right corner. You’ll see Google Sites on the left part of the screen; click on it. Then, click on the “General” tab. Click on the “change URL” link.
   
5. You will now see two options in front of you. The first option will allow you to keep the present URL of Google Sites. The second option will allow you to redirect to a new URL. Now, remember that stubborn subdomain that keeps popping up on your browser whenever you type your naked domain? THAT is what you’re going to type in the second option!
   
   In our case, typing canshare.org into our browsers often redirected us to start.canshare.org. So, we used “start” as our subdomain for the new URL of Google Sites. Make sure to click on the second option to activate it.
6. Now comes the interesting part. By now, you already know that SOME OTHER SITE is redirecting to your subdomain (which, in our case, was a cybersquatter redirecting to start.canshare.org). Using it again as a subdomain will bring out the guilty site! You will receive a notification telling you that there has been a duplication of the URL you’re about to use. Now that it’s out in the open, you can redirect that OLD SITE (the one using the stubborn subdomain) to its OLD URL.
   Oh, and don’t forget to deactivate the redirect for both Google Sites and the old site, okay? That way, NO SITE is being redirected to the stubborn subdomain. Yay!
7. But we’re not done – not nearly. This is going to seem repetitive, but it’s a necessary step to get rid of the buggy coding that’s going on. Go back to your Settings tab. Again, just as you did previously, click on Google Sites > General > change URL. Then, this time, choose the second option and type in the stubborn subdomain!
   I know, it’s counterintuitive, but that should restart the entire system. After you do, click on “save changes”. The next page will teach you how to supposedly make the right DNS registry changes on name.com – but the instructions are incomplete!
8. You have to add another CNAME registry at name.com. While you’re at the DNS management page, choose “CNAME” under the “type” column. Type in “start” (or whatever stubborn subdomain you used to redirect your Google Sites to). Under the “answer” column, type in “ghs.googlehosted.com” (without the quotes). Under TTL, type “3600”. Save your changes.
9. Now, let’s do a quick test. Type in start.YOURDOMAINHERE.com on your browser. This should redirect you to Google Sites. If it does, then you’re right on track.
10. Go back to your Google Apps dashboard. Again, access Settings > Google Sites > General> Change URL. This time, choose the first option (the one that doesn’t use the stubborn subdomain).
11. Go back to your name.com DNS management page. Delete the entire CNAME entity you created a few minutes ago.
12. Now, go back to your Google Apps dashboard. access Settings > Google Sites > General. Scroll down and you will see an uninstall option. Uninstall your Google Sites for now. This shouldn’t be a problem because you’re using your Blogger blog, not some other site you created with the help of Google Sites.
13. Go to your Blogger dashboard. Now, it’s time to finally redirect your Blogspot blog to your new domain! Go to your Settings page. Under “Publishing”, you can finally redirect your blog to the custom domain. Make sure to type the “www” because Blogger doesn’t accept naked domains.
14. If your reset was successful, you will see a warning notification in red. This time, it will say your DNS registry hasn’t been completely set up! You need to make the correct CNAME registry changes before you can redirect. Basically, it means making one more CNAME entry on name.com (by now, you should be an expert) using the settings specified. The entries you will use seem to be garbled text; don’t worry, you’re right on track.
15. After you’ve made those changes on name.com, go back to your Blogger dashboard. This time, you can successfully redirect your Blogspot blog to your new domain! Hurray!

And that’s that! No more “Another blog or Google Site is already using this address” error. Now, you can improve the SEO of your blog by doing robots.txt optimization and duplicate META description cleanups. Congratulations! Your worst nightmare is over!

You can leave a comment if you have other problems related to the “Another blog or Google Site is already using this address” issue and I’ll try my best to help. And if this walkthrough helped you, please don’t hesitate to hit the like button and the G+1 button. I appreciate every click!

If you’re looking for an activity that you and the entire family can participate in, you might want to join Good Housekeeping Family Fun Run 2013! Your mom, dad, grandparents, brothers, sisters, and kids can join. And while you’re at it, you can get your dog to come along, too!

Instead of watching a movie (which is fun but admittedly fattening), you might as well try to lose weight as a family. It’s the “in” thing; after all, being healthy never goes out of style, yes? (Click on the poster above to zoom in.)

Family Fun Run 2013 by Good Housekeeping

The Good Housekeeping Family Fun Run 2013 isn’t just a running event! Expect many activities and yes, good food, that should entertain all family members. So bring everyone – even those who don’t like breaking into a sweat.

• There’s a 600 meter dash for children ages 6 and below.
• If you want to run with your canine friend, you can join the 1 kilometer run– it’s got fun obstacles that your pet will enjoy.
• If you’re coming with your child and he or she is 7 to 12 years old, you can both join the 3 kilometer run– and yes, it has obstacles, too.
• Lastly, there’s the 5 kilometer run that’s open to everyone, young and old.

And if you don’t like doing it for health, why not do it for homeless animals? Part of the proceeds of this affair will be donated to Compassion and Responsibility for Animals (CARA) Philippines. So if you happen to be an animal rights advocate or a pet owner, here’s your way to give back: join the family fun run!

Family Fun Run: Registration and Venue

The Family Fun Run will be held on April 6, 2013 at Bonifacio Global City, 34th Street corner 9th Avenue. If you can’t find your way, just look for Meralco and the event is right behind it.

Start registering now! You can register only until March 17, 2013. Visit any of the Toby’s Sports outlets located at Trinoma and SM Mall of Asia to register. You can also visit Hobbes and Landes at Bonifacio High Street or drop by Summit Media Office at Robinson’s Cybergate in Ortigas. Or, if you’re internet savvy, you can always register online at Female Network.

• You can register at PhP300 per person. If you’re bringing along younger kids ages 3 and below, you don’t have to pay for them.
• You have to pay PhP100 for every dog you’re bringing, too. And don’t forget to bring your dog’s vaccination papers or he won’t get to join the Family Fun Run!

The Family Fun Run was organized by Good Housekeeping Philippines, together with their sister magazines Good Dog, K-Zone, and Total Girl. For more information regarding Good Housekeeping Family Fun Run, just visit Good Housekeeping’s Facebook page.

After asking a vet at the CARA clinic to have our dog’s claws trimmed, I promised to myself that I would blog about what happened. I promised myself – and our dog – that I would send a message to CARA.

But let me start the story properly. My partner brought in our dog for neutering. The staff said they could trim his nails for free. A few hours later, we were surprised to find out that all his claws had been chopped off so close to the root! They had to apply a solution to stop the bleeding, a solution that burned off the bleeding vessels.

As you can see in this photo, every claw was over-trimmed. The white stuff you see is the charred part of our dog’s claws after the application of a solution that burned off the blood vessels & stopped the bleeding.

It was a nightmare to watch our dog suffer. I was ready to bite that vet’s head off. I was ready to sue.

You see, unlike people’s nails, animal claws are closely attached to the bone. Clipping off the claws would be like chopping off the tips of your fingers.

Let me ask you this: If this happened to your pet, what would you have done? Sad to say, there’s nothing much we can do in the Philippines. But if this happened to people instead of animals, we would be in court, suing an irresponsible doctor for making ALL the fingers bleed unnecessarily.

It was a malpractice lawsuit waiting to happen; “gross negligence” came to mind. What hurt me more was that this happened at CARA. It’s just ironic that CARA means, “Compassion and Responsibility for Animals”.

Adding Insult to Injury

I took a photo of our poor dog’s paws and posted it on Facebook with the caption, “Don’t EVER bring your pet to CARA for claw trimming.” Perhaps you can do that for neutering. But please, don’t go there for claw trimming.

This was the kind of incident everybody should be warned about. Apparently, someone incompetent was cutting claws like they were cutting dead branches.

“I thought that when you said you agreed to having his claws trimmed, you actually meant having each claw cut off.”

Even sadder was the fact that after this horror was brought to the attention of the person in charge, I received this response:

Sorry you are upset, but no need make the tone so negative. We do a lot to help animals, and I can guarantee you that the surgery is the best you will get for spay/neuter. We apologize about the nail trimming, I will surely advise them not to do it this way again. We are a low cost clinic, our specialty being spay/neuter, not grooming. Just like any other service-oriented situations, there will be times when things go wrong, and unfortunately it happened to you. Please try to understand that we service thousands of animals monthly, and we have a good reputation and as much as possible we try to give the best service as possible for the low cost we charge. Please do understand this and that we are a non-profit organization.

Sigh. CARA, where do I begin? Here, let me break it down for you.

“We do a lot to help animals…”
I’m sure you do. And that, I love. But that doesn’t make it okay that you hurt an animal once in a while because of negligence.

“We are a low cost clinic; our specialty being spay/neuter, not grooming.”
Does being low-cost make it alright to botch up? No. And if something isn’t your specialty, why on earth did your staff volunteer to actually do it? Just because you don’t specialize in grooming doesn’t mean you are exempted from consequences if you do it wrong. It’s not like you just gave my dog the wrong haircut. You cut off his claws.

“Just like any other service-oriented situation, there will be times when things go wrong, and unfortunately it happened to you.”
Oh, wow. If only every hospital, clinic, and healthcare provider can shrug off any valid complaint with this statement! And for the record, it’s never okay that “things go wrong” because of negligence, especially when it comes to a patient’s health, whether they’re paying clients or charity patients.

“Please do understand this and that we are a non-profit organization.”
Please understand that the reason I urged my partner to go to CARA and not our private vet is because I wanted the payment to help animals under CARA’s care. Please understand that being a non-profit organization is NOT a get-out-of-jail-free card. Look at it this way: Any charity hospital will still be held responsible if one of their nurses accidentally cut off a patient’s ear.

My Message to CARA

CARA, you obviously have good intentions. You are there to help animals. But do not stop at good intentions; the road to hell is paved with so many of them. That may sound harsh, but clipping off a person’s fingers is harsh. And yes, clipping off a beloved pet’s claws until they all ooze blood is harsh, too.

It’s time to wake up. The idealism must be balanced by realism. Below, I give a few suggestions for you. You can ignore my suggestions - or you can do CARA justice by choosing to listen to what I have to say without being the very least defensive.

1. CARA, please learn to apologize properly. Saying you’re sorry but saying “things are bound to happen” just because you service thousands of animals is not right and you know it. How would you react if your mother accidentally lost a finger due to hospital staff incompetence and the hospital apologized by saying, “Sorry, but we have thousands of patients, so things are bound to happen”? Yeah, I know, you’d be pissed even more. The right apology would have been, “We are so sorry for what happened to your dear dog! How is he now?  We are staunch advocates of compassion for animals, so we want to make sure we can make him feel better.” Now, that would have been a great apology!
2. Do not use being a non-profit organization – and having thousands of animals as patients – as a reason to mess up. Perhaps your organization has bitten off more than it can chew. And I say this with genuine concern: Maybe it’s time to take things down a notch. Never sacrifice quality for quantity. Take on less animals for now, at least until you can manage to care for more. Get more volunteers; if you can’t, then don’t try to take on the world, so to speak. You don’t want anyone to lose a finger – er, claw.
3. Train your staff, including the “assistants”. When we talked to the person who cut off our dog’s claws, he said, “I thought that when you said you agreed to having his claws trimmed, you actually meant having each claw cut off.” WHAT?!? I thought he was kidding, but he was dead serious. That assistant had no business trimming claws when he obviously had no idea how to. And the vet who asked him to do it was equally responsible! Obviously, these guys need more training. Or at least they need to “put down that clipper before anybody gets hurt.”
4. Ask your staff not to offer services they can’t really do. My partner agreed to having our dog’s claws trimmed because he was assured they could do it. Please tell the staff not to keep offering services that they were not trained for.
5. Stop taking on so many animals. I know that it might seem noble to keep rescuing animals, but when your efforts are starting to injure these animals, it’s time to hit the brakes! First, do no harm. That’s a tenet you should always remember, especially because your focus is on helping animals. Taking on way too much – and hurting animals in the process – just defeats the purpose of your organization.

I seriously hope the lesson has been learned, especially by the kind but role-confused volunteer vets at CARA and the people in charge there. Again, being charitable is no excuse for harming animals. Continue with your efforts to provide affordable pet services – but please make sure no animal ever gets hurt!

And if a pet does get hurt, learn to make things right – without washing your hands or justifying your mistakes, that is. Please, dear CARA, you owe it to the animals. And you owe it to our dog who, even up to now, refuses to walk. Yes, he’s still in pain. I have yet to see him wag his tail. CARA, let his pain be your wake-up call. Please heed my message to you.

I’ve never tried Chicken Charlie– at least, not before I was invited to their press launch. What a shame, really, because I raised my brow in ecstasy at least three times when I finally got to taste their food. And yes, that’s a good thing.

Chicken Charlie is celebrating its third anniversary this 2013 – and it’s doing so with a bang! Chicken Charlie is giving away a lot of freebies on their Facebook page, not to mention lowering the price of their delicious chicken wings to about a third of the original (to just PhP10 per wing, whew!) on April 20, 2013.

I’ve got gift certificates from Chicken Charlie – and I’m giving them away!
Read on and find out how you can win these GCs.

But I digress. Let’s rewind to the day my eyes rolled up too deep into their own sockets after I had my Chicken Charlie fix for the very first time.

Chicken Charlie Third Anniversary Press Launch

I have an embarrassing confession to make: I always thought Chicken Charlie was Korean! I assumed (again, shame on me) that because they had glazed, twice-fried chicken, they were just as Korean as their, well, Korean counterpart. (I think you know which restaurant I’m referring to.)

I stand corrected. Chicken Charlie is actually a Filipino-owned restaurant– and they’ve been in business even before the advent of the, um Korean-counterpart-that-shall-not-be-named. (I guess it begs the question, “Did the Korean restaurant imitate their recipe?” Ah, the plot thickens!)

That’s me with Ifore Yu, the brains behind Chicken Charlie.

Chicken Charlie is so named because its owner, Ifore Yu (the dashing debonair right beside me in the photo above), decided to name it after his father. Aw, handsome AND sweet – I get a bad attack of the tingles!

Chicken Charlie: What’s On The Menu

During the third anniversary press launch of Chicken Charlie last April 10, 2013, I got to try their delicious offerings. And if you’re on a diet, don’t fret; their food is surprisingly light, despite being deep-fried!

Wolfing down Charlie's Signature Burger was guilt-free for me!

For instance, unlike other burgers Charlie’s Signature Burger isn’t swimming in grease – which is why I was surprised by how it’s so full of flavor. Picture a simple burger bun, a slice of their signature crispy soy-garlic chicken, lettuce, and a sweet mayonnaise-based spread. It looks minimalist, but don’t let that fool you; it tastes yummier than the usual chicken fillet sandwich, at least to me!

If only I could copy the recipe for Chicken Charlie Cheesestick Dynamites, hehe!

Being a lover of everything spicy, I was especially intrigued by the Cheesestick Dynamites. I love munching on chili peppers, which was why I specifically asked for these dynamites. They’re finger chilies stuffed with mozzarella, rolled into rice wrappers, and deep-fried.

I burnt my tongue because they were still hot when I stuffed my mouth with them – neophyte mistake! But yes, they have the familiar “bite” of finger chilies that I just love. Yum!

I could eat Chicken Charlie’s hot sweet wings everyday!
If I could get them for free, that is.

Of course, I just had to try the Chicken Charlie Wings. I chose the ones with the hot sweet sauce because my palate just loves punishment. And yes, their spicy wings are truly hot! People with sensitive palates, beware! People with masochistic tongues, you know what to order the next time you visit Chicken Charlie.

Their soy garlic chicken is truly soy and garlic, not just sugar or caramel glaze. You will taste the distinct flavor of soy sauce and garlic in each bite, instead of feeling guilty about the spoonsful of sugar you usually get from the “other restaurant”.

I also love their pickled radish, which you can get for free. I’m a fan of everything pickled; I’m even pickling my own bottle of finger chilies in the fridge as I type this article! Chicken Charlie’s pickled radish takes away the “umay” you might get from downing too many spicy wings. Honestly, I didn’t get any taste fatigue at all, so for me, the pickled radish is more of a bonus than a necessity.

Bayani Brew is 100 percent Filipino iced tea!

And check out the Bayani Brew! It’s 100 percent Pinoy, made of ingredients from the Gawad Kalinga Enchanted Farm. Bayani Brew is iced tea brewed from pandan and lemongrass; it doesn’t taste as sinfully sweet as the powdered iced tea you usually get elsewhere. And that’s a good thing for people trying to eat healthy (such as yours truly).

Chicken Charlie offers food that is relatively light compared to other fast food restaurants – and if you don’t believe me, then visit one of their branches and see for yourself! They also have free WiFi, in case you’re officially married to your gadgets. All the more reason for you to try Chicken Charlie ASAP!

Chicken Charlie Summer Giveaway

Of course, my day won’t be complete unless I share my new-found favorite restaurant with you – and what better way to do that than to give away gift certificates? If you want Chicken Charlie GCs, you can join my giveaway! I’m sharing the instructions below.

You can find Chicken Charlie all over the Philippines; right now, they have 17 branches and counting! Visit Chicken Charlie online to find a branch near you.

It’s Chicken Charlie’s third anniversary this year, so expect a lot of giveaways and discounts. Don’t miss out; follow Chicken Charlie Philippines on Facebook and Twitter! And while you’re in the mood, you might want to follow me on Facebook and Twitter, too!

I don’t want to judge the human of a neglected cat, but I can’t help it. Deep inside, I know this beautiful cat needs a new human. I want to share with you why I think that is.

There's this restaurant I always go to. I saw a cat outside and I thought he was just beautiful. He was sweet, too, as he kept looking back at me and rubbing against me. When I touched his back, I touched bones - and that's when I realized he was probably begging for food.

But who was his human? Where did he live? Why was he all skin and bones? Did he have a cruel human?

Unfortunately, my quest for answers brought up even more questions. But there is hope yet for this cat – and you just might be it.

The Sweet Cat: Get To Know Him

He had a collar, so I asked who his human was. I found out it was the restaurant owner. Funny, huh, how a restaurant doesn't have time to feed its own cat.

My boyfriend and I made a pact to visit the restaurant and feed the cat. Unfortunately, we can't sue for custody or reprimand the owner (for now). Instead, we talked to the restaurant owner.

The cat was a street cat that sauntered into the restaurant one day. He captured the hearts of everybody there, so they gave him a collar and claimed him as their own. Unfortunately, it looks like they don’t really care for him the same way a loving human with a pet cat does.

And yes, if the restaurant is willing to give up the sweet, beautiful cat, I'd be happy to find him a new home (and offer mine in the meantime). Right now, my boyfriend is headed towards the restaurant with cat food, just in case the sweet feline shows up.

If we do get the cat, is there anyone here who wants to give him a new home? He's so sweet, so don’t worry about having to care for a cat that keeps scratching you or hissing at you. He has huge, green eyes. He's a brown mackerel tabby, but his coat has the same tinge of green that you see in his eyes.

In my opinion, this cat deserves a better human, someone who won’t let him starve to death. Let’s save him, please. Contact me via Facebook if you’re interested in adopting the cat. Please make sure you’re willing to have him neutered and vaccinated, okay?

I was in the mood to eat out and explore – thank God, or I wouldn’t have chanced upon Exile On Main St. If anything, this quaint little restaurant won me over instantly; let me tell you why.

Its name is appropriate, given how it’s an out-of-way restaurant which you can access only by walking down an unassuming footpath. It’s also no coincidence that this restaurant-bar was named after a Rolling Stones album, given the good music wafting through the speakers the moment I stepped inside.

Exile On Main St. Bar and Restaurant in Manila

Exile On Main St., located in a building a little distance from the main road, is the kind of small restaurant bar that gets a cult following. It has the oddest, most curious trinkets and installments, from a table – complete with dishes and cutlery – suspended on the ceiling, to curtains made of spoons and forks.

They’re located at 2428 Leon Guinto Street, Malate, a stone’s throw away from DLSU, College of St. Benilde, and St. Scholastica’s College. I can’t help but think how students from these schools are lucky because they live right beside Exile On Main St., a restaurant that offers good food, good music, and quirky décor.

And I haven’t even touched on the food yet. Once I do, you’ll just be as in love with Exile on Main Street, too.

Exile on Main St: The Escapist’s Nook

If you live in the city, you’re probably just like me: You’re always looking for a great place to hang out or dine in. Unfortunately, too many restaurants are owned by conglomerate fast food companies that offer the exact same food. Of course, there’s the occasional exception, the restaurant very much unlike everything else you’ve seen. Just like Exile On Main St.

An odd combination of aluminum tables and ornate steel chairs greeted me before I reached the door of Exile On Main St. Inside, I saw unique light installments. One was a hanging lamp made of bottle caps and a paper plate. A series of light fixtures were made of different used wine bottles with their bottoms sawed off.

The wall décor was equally quirky. Different frames littered the walls, highlighting several objects chosen apparently because they were “different”.

There was one pseudo-room inside this bar-restaurant that caught my attention. On the wall was a bed’s headboard. There was a low table in the middle of the cloistered space and cushions on the floor, encouraging guests to dine Japanese-style.

Must-Try Food at Exile On Main St.

If you happen to live near De La Salle University at Taft Avenue, make it a point to drop by Exile On Main St. It’s a great place to get a bottle or two of cheap beer after a long week. Of course, they serve great food – and that’s really what made Exile On Main St. one of my favorite restaurants in Manila.

Baboy O’ Riley is Exile On Main St. Bar & Restaurant’s newest menu item.
I give it 10 out of 10!

I ordered Baboy O’ Riley, a rice dish made of liempo that was deep-fried until it was almost – but not quite – chicharon. It comes with either Chinese sauce or black vinegar and salsa (I prefer the latter). Every bite was sinfully good!

Notice how Baboy O’ Riley sounds just like Baba O’ Riley, a song from The Who – and that’s no coincidence, either. If you happen to like good music, Exile On Main St. is the niche you’re looking for in Manila.

I can’t wait to go back and try their other offerings. I wonder, will they be just as good as Baboy O’ Riley? I sure hope so.

Whether you just want a drink after a long day, a place to escape the fast-paced city, or a restaurant that offers affordable but really good food, you’ll find what you’re looking for at Exile On Main Street. Feel free to visit Exile On Main St. Bar & Restaurant on Facebook for more information.

I’m into expensive cars – don’t judge me. I’ve always dreamed of having a vintage Jaguar XK140 parked in the garage. The key word here is “dream”, because I’m sure I’ll never be able to afford a luxury car in my lifetime! And perhaps that fact is the perfectly tangential segue to the car show on April 20 to 21, 2013, called Hot Import Nights 2: Manila.

I know, I know, my segue needs work, ha ha! But in case you’re as eager as I am when it comes to cars, you might want to attend HIN2: Manila– that’s short for Hot Import Nights. They will be touring around the Philippines and visiting Baguio, Cebu, Bacolod, Iloilo, Davao, Pampanga, and my own province, Pangasinan! Woot!

Hot Import Nights 2: Car Show in Manila

During the press launch of Hot Import Nights (HIN) 2 in Manila, I got the chance to meet the hot girls that came with the hot cars: Eva Skye, Jeri Lee, Nicole Duminie, and Dannie Riel. They signed a poster for me – and I’m giving that poster away to one lucky winner next week! Read on and find out how you can get your hands on this poster, signed by all four beautiful girls.

Jeri Lee was part Filipino and it showed. “As they say, it’s more fun in the Philippines and I truly believe that,” she said, gamely smiling at the crowd. But if you’re thinking of taking her out on a date, I’m sorry to say that Jeri Lee is in a happy relationship. Aw, too bad for you guys!

Perhaps you’d have better luck with Nicole Duminie because she’s single and looking! When asked what her favorite car was, she pointed to the Genesis car. Whoever has test-driven the Genesis, raise your hand!

HIN 2 Manila Giveaway!

Just in case these pretty girls caught your attention (aside from the cars, of course), here’s your chance to win a HIN 2: Manila poster, autographed by all four ladies!

And in case you’re thinking that’s not enough, I’m also giving away a gift bag from Von Dutch worth PhP1500, which includes a cap and a shirt.

To join the giveaway, just follow these super-simple instructions.

1. Leave a comment on this blog post by answering the question, “Are cars a matter of luxury or necessity?” and explain.
2. Like Stef dela Cruz on Facebook.
3. Leave a comment on my Facebook page saying you joined my giveaway. (Don’t just tag me; make sure you go to my Facebook page and post a comment there.)

That’s it! Easy as pie. I’ll be announcing the winner after two weeks on May 3, 2013. And to all of you car enthusiasts out there, don’t forget to go to Hot Import Nights 2 in Manila this April 20 to 21, 2013 at the World Trade Center. In the meantime, feast your eyes on these cars – and that’s just a preview of what you’ll see at HIN 2: Manila!

If you need a bigger dose of cars (and the chicks that go with, of course), then check out Bumper 2 Bumper on Facebook. My boyfriend will probably kill me if I so much a wear a pair of shorts as skimpy as the ones worn by our beautiful Hot Import Nights ambassadors, but in case you want to follow me anyway, here’s my Facebook page, too! I’m giving away gift checks, shirts, and other freebies regularly, so don’t miss out!

I know, it sounds like a line from a movie! It’s just that visiting Vietura at Sofitel brought back so many memories. The first time I visited Sofitel, I was still a teenager. I still remember enjoying the outdoor barbecue and acoustic band near the bay. I drank one cocktail and ended up with a free stuffed toy the size of my hand.

But I’m just woolgathering here, aren’t I? I’m sure you’re more interested in what I have to say about Vietura when I came to visit Sofitel once again. (I’ve been frequenting Sofitel for years now because of Spiral Manila, which I’ve featured before because it’s arguably the best buffet restaurant in the city, and also because I’ve attended way too many conferences, press launches, and conventions there.)

In case it’s your first time to hear about it, I don’t blame you – this health and beauty center just launched in March 2013. I didn’t know of its existence until Sofitel’s beautiful Director of e-Commerce broached the topic.

And like I said, I’m not someone who says no to a relaxing treatment at Vietura and a hearty lunch at Spiral Manila. But, again, I’m getting ahead of myself, so allow me to rewind and start from scratch.

Visiting Vietura at Sofitel Manila

Vietura sounds like the name of some exotic ingredient or endangered animal, doesn’t it? But it’s actually a holistic health spa that offers mostly non-invasive ways to get you pampered and prettified. Vietura, aptly named, is a portmanteau of the Latin words for life and nature.

Perhaps Vietura might sound just like any health center you see inside malls, especially the franchised ones owned by popular aesthetic doctors (I think you know which ones I’m talking about). But Vietura isn’t like that.

My Misconceptions About Vietura

If you were thinking that Vietura is another health spa or beauty center which are admittedly a dime a dozen, you’re mistaken. But then again, so was I before I went to Sofitel to indulge in their services.

I had a few misconceptions about Vietura which were snuffed out like hazardous jungle bonfires. Let me know if they’re the same ones going around in your mind right now.

• MYTH #1: Vietura is just like any aesthetic center in Manila. Um, no, it’s not. You’ll be surprised how they treat clients as vacationers trying to make the most of their holiday, not as patients trying to avail of health or beauty procedures. If you’re currently frequenting a beauty center but you hate how it feels and smells like a hospital, you’re going to wish it had Vietura’s ambience and foresight.
• MYTH #2: Vietura offers services that are more expensive than other clinics’ – after all, it’s located in a five-star luxury hotel. If you’re trying to save your pennies for a rainy day just like me, you’ll be pleased to know that Vietura’s prices are very competitive. I can’t tell you how I know this, but their prices are even lower than those offered by your found-in-every-corner, run-of-the-mill aesthetic center. If you don’t believe me, go ahead and visit Vietura and ask them for a price quote after they’ve recommended a holistic package for you.
• MYTH #3: You can get the same packages offered by Vietura at other beauty spas and aesthetic clinics. You just might not, given the fact that the services offered here are packaged individually and customized according to what you need. There is no “hair removal package” or “fat reduction package”; a consultant checks you up and determines which specific services you will need – and isn’t that how doctors are supposed to treat their patients in the first place?
• MYTH #4: You’re going to have to wait in line at Vietura and sign up at the front desk, the same way you do in other aesthetic centers. Honestly, I hate having to sign up at the front desk when I visit a beauty clinic – everybody at the waiting room would look at me, as if they were trying to figure out what I was there for. Thankfully, that’s something you won’t have to go through at Vietura. You see, you can book their services beforehand and once you arrive, you go straight to your room. If you value privacy and confidentiality, you are going to love the fact that they have a secret exit door for those who don’t want to be spotted availing of non-invasive lipo and other procedures! You can even pay inside your treatment room, instead of going back to the front desk the way other beauty centers require you to.
• MYTH #5: You go to Vietura for the sake of vanity. I guess this is my worst misconception. Don’t get me wrong: I’m as vain as the most functional histrionic person you’ll ever meet, but my mind tends to label all beauty centers as “vanity” centers. But Vietura isn’t like that. It’s a lifestyle center more than an aesthetic one. If you’re tired and you need a massage, or if you feel like your age is catching up with you, Vietura gives you a chance to put things in perspective once again. You can get a lifestyle coach at Vietura who can help you with stress management, weight maintenance protocols, and many other modalities that will recharge you, inside and out.

And if you want to enjoy a healthy lunch at Spiral Manila after a relaxing day at Vietura, I recommend their Cuisine Delight. Here, you can  pick the healthiest food offerings and count your calories as well. Each item on the menu comes with nutrition information, perfect for foodies who want good food but don’t want to, er, die young.

Special thanks to Blessy Townes, the Director of e-Commerce of Sofitel Manila, and Naicie Coloma, the Assistant Director of Sales of Vietura, for entertaining and accommodating me that day.

In case you drop by Sofitel and decide to visit Vietura, try their blooming tea or blueberry sensation. You can see in the above photo that the flower inside the pot blooms as the tea continues to brew!

Healthy drinks, lifestyle coaching, affordable luxury: these show you how Vietura is all about holistic programs that put a primer not only on how you look, but also how you feel and live your life. If it sounds like I’m gushing, that’s because I am. I guess they won me over once again!

Okay, so I wasn’t too happy with what happened during the previous Chicken Charlie Giveaway– I think everybody found it too hard to pose for their cameras to make a fan sign! Ah, we can all be so shy, huh? No worries; I’m giving you another chance to join – and in this Chicken Charlie Giveaway, it’s going to be easier to win. Oh, and did I mention that there will now be two winners of PhP1,000 worth of GCs from Chicken Charlie?

There will be TWO WINNERS – and each winner gets PhP1,000 worth of Chicken Charlie gift certificates! Hurray!

I know, I know, start joining! If you’re addicted to the internet and you have the entire gamut of social networks, then this is your chance to turn your addiction into something productive. And if you’re not yet on Instagram, make an account now because in this Chicken Charlie PhP2000 Giveawway, following me and Chicken Charlie Philippines on Instagram is equivalent to ten entries!

How To Win the Chicken Charlie Giveaway

What’s up for grabs? That’s two lucky entries will win PhP1,000 worth of gift certificates from Chicken Charlie! If you want to be one of these two lucky winners, all you have to do is follow the instructions below.

UPDATE (May 1, 2013):
Posting a photo on Facebook
will earn you ten raffle entries!
Find out by viewing the Rafflecopter widget below.

Remember that for this contest, I will be using Rafflecopter. It won’t be me who will choose the winner; Rafflecopter will randomly select the winner! And the more entries you submit, the more chances you have of winning.

Also remember that unfollowing and following me or Chicken Charlie on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram won’t give you more entries. Rafflecopter is smart that way; you can’t cheat your way into getting more entries, ha ha! I thought I should mention this, just in case you were thinking of being naughty.

If you haven’t noticed yet, all tasks are worth just one entry each – but following me and Chicken Charlie on Instagram is worth 5 entries each! It’s a sign: If you’re not on Instagram yet, sign up and join the bandwagon!

Good luck! This Chicken Charlie PhP2000 giveaway ends on the eve of May 15. You can also tweet everyday to increase your chances of winning. Get ready to eat Chicken Charlie everyday for a week; join the Chicken Charlie giveaway and cross your fingers! And for more giveaways, find me on Facebook and never miss out on other cool freebies!

While on my way to the 16th Mega Summer Bingo Bonanza sponsored by Neltex Development Corporation to celebrate National Hardware Day, I asked myself, what good would come of hitting a pipe with all the anger you can muster? Apparently, a lot.

Neltex has been challenging hardware dealers and members of the media to crush their pipes using a steel hammer to prove that their PVC pipes are indeed of high quality. Called the Hataw Challenge,people were asked to vent all their pent-up frustration on a poor piece of pipe – and guess what? The pipe remains unfazed. It’s like it has magical powers or something.

Neltex Hataw Challenge: Steel Versus PVC

During the National Hardware Day festivities, everybody was asked to join, including members of the press. Three lucky winners received a Samsung Galaxy P3100. Participants simply had to follow these simple steps.

1. Each participant was asked to fill out the registration form.
2. And the fun starts here: each participant was allowed to beat the pipe to a bloody pulp with a steel hammer – but up to this moment, all the pipe gets is a small gash. (I have yet to see any Neltex pipe bend or break!)
3. Interested participants were then asked to like the Neltex page.
4. Lastly, participants were asked to upload their photos with the Palo-er signboard on Facebook!

And if you joined but didn’t win? Well, at least you got the chance to beat the crap out of a pipe without looking like you’ve lost your mind.

Neltex Mega Summer Bingo Bonanza 2013

But that’s not all. Neltex also flew in almost 5,000 dealers from all around the Philippines to join in their National Hardware Day festivities. The highlight of their day is the Mega Summer Bingo Bonanza, where four brand-spanking-new cars were given away! As if that’s enough, 150 different cellphones were raffled off, too.

But really, how does this whole National Hardware Day affect me? I’m not a construction worker, nor am I a hardware store owner. I didn’t have anything to gain from a lecture on pipes, right?

Wrong. If anything, learning about pipes was right on the money, especially because I’ve been canvassing for a home.

Bad Piping and Ghosts

I thought of how PVC pipes are very much like ghosts: they are supposed to exist, but you aren’t supposed to feel their presence – unless they’re bad, that is. They (the pipes, not the ghosts) exist in your walls, but up until now, you probably never gave them much thought.

Well, let’s just hope your architect used Neltex pipes on your home; otherwise, you will be thinking of this blog post the moment something starts leaking.

Apparently, bad pipes lead to leaks that can potentially destroy your walls, toilets, floors, and even electrical outlets. And really, there’s no reason for you to buy cheap, substandard pipes – and I’ve enumerated the reasons for your convenience.

• Piping  constitutes a measly 3 percent of your total housing expenses. Seriously, are you going to scrimp on pipes that become the blood vessels of your home? (Pardon the medical reference – I’m a doctor and I can’t help it.)
• Bad piping can ruin the remaining 97 percent of everything you’ve invested in your home. Think of toilets that won’t flush, sinks that keep leaking, and walls that seem to sweat as much as you do during summer. These problems are all because of cheap, substandard pipes.
• Bad pipes give you wrinkles. Okay, don’t say that’s not a valid reason because it is!

Kidding aside, you should ask your contractor if your home was made using Neltex pipes. If you want your house to remain the comfortable home that it is, make sure Neltex runs inside your walls, not some cheap wannabe PVC pipe made of mostly chalk filler. You owe it to your family.

In case you missed the 16th Mega Summer Bingo Bonanza, here are a few photos to satisfy your curiosity.

Oh, and check out the article I posted on Yahoo! regarding Neltex and their National Hardware Day celebration, in case you have time.

Oh, Holly’s Coffee. You’ve always been one of my favorite coffee shops because of your coffee and free WiFi (despite the wait staff who can’t seem to smile). I’ve always assumed that because you’re located near DLSU in Taft Avenue, you’d get the “art of service” down pat quickly enough. But just when I thought your service has improved, here I am, disappointed once more. And this time, you went too far.

I’ve always recommended the lasagna served at Holly’s Coffee because it was good. It’s the one thing I always order. But today, the lasagna I got was not what I expected – it was swimming in water.

Lasagna A La Swimming Pool?

I took one look at the plate and asked a member of the staff why the lasagna was in two centimeters of water. I asked not only because I was curious, but also because it was my way of saying, “Hey, look, your lasagna seems to have taken a bath!” in a nice way.

The wait staff said the water probably came from the tomatoes in the lasagna. (Dear chefs who are reading this, I know you’re probably having an aneurysm from that explanation.) He also said the water came from ice because the lasagna was previously frozen.

Notice how the crew member never offered to remove the water.

There was nobody else at the counter except me, so they couldn’t have been too busy to actually offer to make the food at least look presentable. Imagine a plate of lasagna that is up to its knees in what looks like pink water with red bits of upchuck. Seriously, can you eat lasagna that looks like this?

Note: The watery lasagna in the above photo was “recreated” to provide a close representation of the actual lasagna I ordered. And yes, the water in the lasagna I ordered was about the same amount, if not more.

Rudest Crew, Ever

Since the wait staff didn’t offer to at least drain the water, I asked nicely if they could transfer the lasagna to a new plate. The wait staff said yes, so I waited by the counter. And that’s exactly how I heard them talking:

Wait Staff #1:Anong nangyari? (What happened?)
Wait Staff #2:Kadiri daw. Ang arte. (She said it was disgusting. How annoyingly fussy.)

What on earth?!?

Did I hear that right? That was unfair and so rude of them. To think I was so nice to them! Unfortunately, I had to let it slide. I mean, they were tinkering with the food I was planning on eating.

I went back to my table with my lasagna. I started eating it but found it hard to slice through the pasta because the cheese on top was burnt to a crisp.

I went back to the counter and approached the wait staff. “Hey, can you please get me a knife? I’m having the hardest time slicing through the pasta,” I said. “Ang arte ko, noh?” I couldn’t help but add.

The members of the crew looked at each other, smiling uncomfortably.

Well, ladies and gentlemen, that’s Holly’s Coffee. Dine at your own risk. In case you’re curious how much their service sucks, you can drop by at One Archer’s Place, Taft Avenue, Manila, right beside Brother Andrew Gonzalez Hall of DLSU. Go ahead, order the lasagna if you don’t mind the “free water”. But don’t order the cakes – they tend to taste old even if they’re not.

And here’s my I-suck-so-much-you’re-going-to-slap-me-stupid post of the week. It basically revolves around the fact that I didn’t get to vote for the 2013 elections.

Boo! Yeah, I know. “What’s your stupid excuse?” you might ask. I’ll get to that in a minute – but before that, let me share with you a few things I learned about this year’s elections. Tell me if you agree or if you have violent objections to make – it’s all good. After all, we live in a democratic country (for now).

2013 Elections: Lessons Learned

I spent the entire day watching television and observing online, getting green with envy as I saw everyone post about how hot it was outside, how long the queue was – oh, and how the PCOS machine always conked out at the right moment. In other words, I have assimilated so much information about what lessons are to be learned from the 2013 elections that I was compelled to share them with you.

1. We have overpaid for the PCOS machine. Duh. It always has a glitch, whether it’s in the form of a reflux disease (many machines seemed to be regurgitating the ballots) or machine laziness (they turn on only when they feel like it). Seriously, I can’t believe we actually purchased these things. My ten-year-old Nokia phone has a better track record by comparison!
2. Dirty finger selfies are so in. I can’t count on my (dirty) fingers how many people took selfie pics of their fingers after their much-coveted indelible ink mark. I swear, Twitter and Instagram are up to their necks in dirty finger selfies. And yeah, it’s kinda cool.
3. It sort of sucks to be a teacher during the elections. The media coverage of the 2013 elections just goes to show how much teachers are overworked and underappreciated when it’s time to cast our votes. We aren’t giving them the slack they need. If you think you can do a better job, go ahead, volunteer to be their replacement.
4. “No vote” means “no right to complain about stupid politicians”. There are way too many registered voters who didn’t exercise their responsibility to vote. Even worse, there are way too many people who are qualified to vote but didn’t even bother to register! And if you didn’t get to vote but should have, then you just about threw away your right to elect better government officials. So yeah, you practically lost your chance to complain about the Sottos of this country.
5. We still suck at elections. I saw the official lists of registered voters hanging from wire fences like they were tissue paper. I saw senior citizens lining up to cast their vote. I saw express lanes for differently-abled citizens that require them to go up three floors. There’s a lot of that going around, people.

I hope that, unlike me, you got to vote for the people who deserve to represent you. As for my piss-poor excuse for failing to vote, I’ve been too sick to leave my room for about two days now. I even missed my boyfriend’s birthday bash – and God knows how that’s “missing half of my life”, or so my friends told me.

I didn’t get to vote. That’s what I get for staying up late three days ago while I was drenched in sweat the whole day, supporting a friend running for councilor, and eating questionable grilled squid in the process.

That’s what I get for being drenched in sweat the entire day about three days ago, staying up late, supporting a friend running for councilor, and eating questionable grilled squid in the process. (Which reminds me, if you’re in Marikina, do vote for Tado!)

So pardon me as I end this blog post prematurely and go back to the toilet to throw up a little more, hoping this is the last time I do (although I know deep in my heart of hearts that it isn’t). Let’s pray for a better Philippines after the 2013 elections. Oh, and while you’re at it, you might as well pray for a better Stef because seriously, I can’t wait to be well enough to take a bath. (Ew.)

Is anybody planning to watch Fast & Furious 6 during its screening on May 24, 2013? I know where you can get tickets and help send students to school, in case you’re interested.

Ex Libris Philippines, a book club trying to raise funds for students of the University of the Philippines, is holding a special blocked screening of Fast & Furious 6. The screening starts at 7:45 pm at Rockwell Power Plant Mall, cinema 6.

Fast & Furious 6 in Manila: Tickets, Tickets!

I know you’re itching to get your hands on Fast & Furious 6 tickets, so feel free to contact Nicole Bautista! You can call her at 0916 341 3366.

Tickets are priced at PhP500 each. For every ticket you buy, you are helping to send a student to school! It’s a great way to spend a Ninoy bill, yes?

Speaking of cars, Fast & Furious comes to the Philippines in conjunction with Hot Import Nights 2, a car show held in Manila just a few weeks back. Feel free to look at the hot cars (and the hot ladies!) when you click on the link.

We don’t have to wait one week after the rest of the world has watched Fast & Furious 6 before we do! It will be shown in Philippine cinemas tomorrow, just one day after its premiere in France and Belgium. Thanks to Solar Entertainment for getting United International Pictures on board for the Philippine screening!

Let me know if this much-awaited movie meets your expectations. Unfortunately, I won’t get to watch it on its first day of screening. But if it’s just as good as it looks in trailers, I’m definitely going to watch it some other day!

Help send students to school by buying Fast & Furious 6 tickets from Ex Libris Philippines. They will be sending scholars to the University of the Philippines with your help. Oh, and enjoy the movie!

Glad to be Globe, you say? Well, let me put my cards on the table: No, I was not a Globe fan – at least, not in the beginning. But my mom taught me three precious lessons in life that made me a Globe user – for 17 years now and counting!

You see, my mother has always been a loyal Globe user. I, on the other hand, preferred the other network back then. But just like any other supermom, my mom had a way of changing how I looked at things.

No, I was not a Globe fan – in the beginning, that is…

I’ve been living in Manila for the past 17 years. In fact, I’ve spent more years here than in my hometown, Binmaley. I was an only child until I was 13 years old – and you can guess how difficult it was to live alone in a strange city for someone as sheltered and spoiled as I was.

Back then, my phone was my only lifeline to my old friends. I had no intention whatsoever to switch to the other network because all my friends were on that network, too! I wasn’t open to switching to Globe, not when I was quite happy with what I had.

My Mom was Glad to be Globe, but I wasn’t… Yet.

I always thought the other mobile network provider was the leader. I was always a “smart” person, pun not intended. My mom, however, had a more “global” perspective – and she was adamant that I should try Globe for a change.

Switching to Globe back then was not an option! My friends weren’t on Globe. How could I call them using a prepaid account on a college student’s allowance? What if it became near-impossible to contact my old buddies using a different network? What’s a teenager like me without her friends to back her up, especially after that poor teen had to move to a city miles away from home?

I argued with my mom. I remember not being able to sleep that night, thinking of how she must have felt after I gave her a piece of my mind. It was the first time my mom and I had a big fight, and all because of a mobile network!

Arguing with my mom was something that shook me to my core. And what made me feel worse was the fact that my mom never raised her voice to win the argument. She had stayed cool and collected, allowing me to talk back to her as if it was no big deal to her.

Instead of meeting me head-on, she used a Jedi mind trick to get her message across! She tapped her expertise on “The Art of War” and “48 Laws of Power” to prove her point.

But instead of telling you exactly what it was that she did,
I’d like to share with you a fun video that will show you what happened:

Yes, that’s right; she applied for a postpaid Globe account and handed it over to me, together with a brand new phone!

Can you imagine saying no to a postpaid mobile account, all expenses paid? Imagine calling all your friends for hours on end! I didn’t have to panic every so often and say, “Oh, no, ubos na ang load ko!” because I had a postpaid Globe account.

Soon enough, my friends made the switch to Globe as well. My old network became a thing of the past.

You see, that’s how awesome my mom was. Although she could, she didn’t try to win the argument. Instead, she practiced generosity and gave me the chance to realize what I was missing.

That was seventeen years ago. Since then, I’ve been a loyal Globe customer, shifting from one amazing postpaid plan to another. I have never had any reason to switch networks.

I’m telling you, I’m glad to be Globe– and I’m glad my mom gently showed me the way.

Glad to be Globe – and glad to have an awesome mom!

Not only am I glad to be Globe, but I also I learned three important lessons!

1. In a heated argument, there is no winner.
2. There are better ways to prove a point than through an argument.
3. Even if I try, my mom will always win. My mom has Jedi powers.

If I win this contest, I’m going to give the iPad mini to my mom who, by all means, “won” the debate! Besides, I owe her a phone!

If you’re having second thoughts about switching to Globe, don’t dismiss it altogether until you’ve tried it yourself! I have seventeen long years of loyalty to Globe to back my claim and I can only hope that one day, your loving mom – or your father, brother, sister, best friend, or partner – will show you what it means to enjoy yourGlobeyour way.

If you’re looking for sure tickets to FHM 100 Sexiest Women 2013, you might want to take a look at my FHM ticket giveaway. (I’m giving away two tickets on my other blog! Woot! But hurry, because I’m choosing winners very soon!) In any case, if you’d rather buy sure tickets than leave it to chance via my blog giveaway, I’ll share with you a few secrets on how to do that.

That’s “Mr. Suplado” Stanley Chi posing with me, by the way.
He has a column at FHM called One Night Stan 
– check out his advice on getting a summer fling,
getting married, and how to dominate hot chicks!!

Thanks to Rogin-E (who gave me my two FHM tickets which I’m giving away on my other blog), you can get your hands on the most coveted event tickets of 2013! By buying Rogin-E multivitamins, you get your chance of buying tickets to FHM 100 Sexiest Women.

Tickets to FHM 100 Sexiest Women 2013: How To Buy Them

There are several ways for you to get FHM 100 Sexiest Women 2013 tickets. It all depends on how much money you’re willing to spend – and how badly you need those FHM tickets!

Secret Method To Get FHM Tickets #1:
Spend PhP3,500 on Rogin-E and get sure tickets
to FHM 100 Sexiest Women!

You can buy PhP3,500 worth of Rogin-E products to get sure tickets to FHM 100 Sexiest Women! Yes, you read that right: Buy Rogin-E and get your tickets, period. If you do, hold on to your tickets until July 10, 2013 – that’s when the hot chicks of FHM 100 Sexiest Women wink at you on the catwalk at World Trade Center.

But hurry, because there are only four tickets for FHM 100 Sexiest Women available at each participating store! If others beat you to it, tough luck! (You can always join my FHM ticket giveaway on my other blog, in case you’re looking for a backup plan.) And then there’s the second secret method to get FHM tickets, which I’m revealing below.

Secret Method To Get FHM Tickets #2:
Buy Rogin-E and bid!

If you’d rather spend your PhP3,500 on a two-year subscription of FHM instead of on the 1st secret method to get FHM tickets, I don’t blame you. But take heart; here’s a cheaper way to get tickets to FHM 100 Sexiest Women!

• Buy a bottle of Rogin-E between June 14 to June 29, 2013. Each bottle is worth PhP560 – and you get savings of up to PhP160! Important: Make sure you buy from the participating store scheduled for bidding that day, as you can see below.
  

  Dates	Participating Stores (3 tickets available per store)
  June 14 and 15, 2013	Ermita Taguig 32nd Glorietta Trinoma
  June 21 and 22, 2013	Scout Borromeo Q-Plaza Edsa Shangri-La Plaza
  June 28 and 29, 2013	Scout Borromeo Q-Plaza Edsa Shangri-La Plaza

• With every Rogin-E purchase, you get a chance to bid for a ticket to FHM 100 Sexiest Women. Remember that if someone else buys a bottle, they get a chance to bid, too! So make sure you bid high enough from the get-go or someone else might outbid you.
• The ticket goes to the highest bidder that day. Easy as pie! If your bid is the highest one that day, you win one FHM 100 Sexiest Women 2013 ticket! Congratulations!
• There are only three FHM tickets available for you to bid on. Make the most of every Rogin-E bottle you purchase and make a high bid because there are only 3 tickets avaiilable for bidding!
• If someone else places the same high bid as you do, you will be contacted to place another bid. Bayer will contact you in case of a tie and ask you to place another bid.
• If you’re the lucky fellow who wins the FHM ticket, bring your valid ID and your Rogin-E exclusive pass to FHM 100 Sexiest Women to Mediacom Office. You can do this any day during office hours from July 3 to 7, 2013, and get your official FHM ticket. This is the ticket you will bring to the event.

Just in case you haven’t checked your calendar, it’s just about one more week before your time is up, so hurry! And in case you don’t make it to the bidding wars, you can always come back to my other blog to participate in the FHM ticket giveaway.

You can always get the FHM tickets I’m giving away on my other blog, in case you’re interested.

I know you want to go to FHM 100 Sexiest Women this July 2013, but there are limited tickets and there’s nothing much you can do if, for instance, someone bids PhP10,000 on every available ticket, is there? In case you don’t win, don’t cry just yet! Here’s something that might make you feel better: How you can get an exclusive copy of the FHM 100 Sexiest Women 2013 Magazine– details here on my blog on July 1! Watch for it!