Annual Reading Challenge

Since I joined Goodreads last 2010, I've been an active participant to their reading challenge. All these years, however, I've only completed the 2013 challenge just because I set fewer targets. Nonetheless, it's not really about completing the challenge but of how the books entertained, affect and taught you lessons and how you apply it to your life.

This year, as I set another reading challenge through Goodreads, I want to spice it up by adopting PopSugar's Ultimate Reading Challenge. 

I know, the image is too small to read but you can visit PopSugar's site I linked above for the downloadable and printable file. 

So, I will use this guide to select a book to read and there comes the real challenge - to finish a book which is set before you and not the one you like to read. It will expand your selection, versatility, universe and wisdom in the long run. 

Happy reading!!

Obligatory Post Every New Year

Yay! Another year has passed and I felt like I’ve grown more mature than the last five years! I mean, so many significant events happened in my life and it’s ridiculously hefty compared to previous years!

2014 has given me a lot of lesson I prayed I won’t forget over time. It also gave me a lot of first ever such as:

1. Baguio City visit (I can now stop being jelly to my classmates & friends who always visit the Pines)
2. Regular Employee (I was a contractor to different employers from the time I graduated until now. *smug face*)
3. Meaningful expenditures
4. Attended an international gala (the event was held here at Manila)
5. Independence (I am now living on a rented apartment with my colleagues though I miss mom and dad and the kids.)
6. Romance related genuine heartache

Some are just petty firsts so I excluded it on the list. However, these six contributed so much to my rebirth and to who I am right now and will definitely help me slay 2015.

It’s hard to leave some things behind but, hey, who am I to refuse God’s bigger blessings?

So, this 2015 I set myself to be stronger, more independent, courageous and spontaneous! I am claiming 2015 to be my year and nothing and no one can say otherwise!

And everything I do is for the greater glory of God!

Kenshin in Manila: The Ruckus

Ola! I was at SM Megamall earlier to watch the movie "Lucy" but I also know that Rurouni Kenshin's  main cast will be here in Manila specifically SM Megamall for the Asian Premiere of Kyoto Inferno. I knew this is the only chance I got to see Takeru Sato in personal, so I dragged my friends two hours earlier and hoped we could even glimpse at the artists.

Luckily, we arrived few minutes earlier before the artists were introduced and found a good spot beside Myx's VJ and Boggart The Explorer's designated place. 

There she is!

And maaaaan! It was knee-weakening to see Takeru Sato one ruler away from you!!! 

Images I took were all blurry because I was too caught up at the moment! I was thinking, the hell with these pictures, Imma memorize his face in my brain! So there... 

Takeru Sato, everybody!

No regrets tho!

Here are the Director and other casts..

Emi Takei, Takeru Sato and Munetaki Aoki

Keishi Ohtomo  

Steaks and Ice Cream

I have never been a fan of Friday night since I started to pay tax. Admit it, some of us ceased to enjoy Fridays since we left our academic years. Either you own a car or you utilize public transportation you gradually hate Friday nights because of the heavy traffic. So just to evade the horrific traffic, my friends and I opt to have our dinner around Capitol Drive, Pasig (which is sort of Maginhawa street of Pasig).

We dine at Mad Mark's Restaurant - a small and cozy fast casual restaurant. They serve steaks bundled with sauce and side dishes and its service size is reasonable for the price. I wasn't really paying attention to their menu because it's already 7 o'clock and I'm starving already, so I guess you can check Zomato or Munch Punch for it. But I do remember this big advertisement on their menu about not eating too much and leave a space on your gluttonic stomach (my words) for their homemade ice cream.

And I should say that their ice cream is a must try. It is rich, creamy, thick and flavorful. 

Here is the photo I posted at my instagram: 

Half-baked Madagascar Flavor

Cagbalete Island Trip - Do we have a semi-virgin?

Disclaimer: The author's experience may vary with what others have and you might experience. 


Cagbalete Island is one of those islands every beach junkie deserves a visit. Though *ehem* some *ehem* glitches may be encountered along the way, the scenery will take your stress away! It is really worth it. Just be prepared and be informed of these few facts.

1. On public transportation: Be early! Instead of taking the 5am departure from Manila, take the 2am and be at Mauban port earlier. Catch a private boat if you're not a fan of trekking. 1500 back and fort service for 1-2 pax (yeah its kinda expensive) or wait for the public boat ride until its full before it sail and apparently trek for about 30mins - 2 hours. FYI, at 9am everybody descends from who knows where and flock at the waiting area of the port. It's freaking chaos!

Tip: You can share your boat with others but advisable only if your resort is the same or near each other's.

2. Low tide approximately starts at 11:30am until about 4:30-5:00pm. Don't wait for this time if you're going to take a private boat because you'll be walking on these for 20-30 mins and Im not even joking. 

3. You can arrange a package with the resort you'll be staying and reserve ahead of time. Many of the tourists who doesn't own a tent decided to not push through with their Cagbalete visit since all the resorts are fully booked already (especially during summer. Take my heed, please. Don't waste resources and energy.) We got a large amount of 3 meals per day and an afternoon snack, a nice spot for our rented tents and extra smile from the staff. We stayed at Doña Choleng's where they have prepared a fire dance number and fireworks display. 

4. Bring at least 4 liters of water with you. Once you're on the island, the price hikes up as much as Php 23.00 per Sakto bottle of Coca-Cola. No shit.

5. Always stay at least two nights if you're going to an island. 

Just in case you're wondering:

Fare table:

Fare	Particulars	Remarks
Php 218.00	JAC Liner Manila to Lucena
Php 54.00	Bus from Lucena to Mauban
Php 50.00	From Petron Bus stop to Port
Php 2500.00/6-9 pax	Private boat ride from Port to Cagbalete	Depending on the number of pax

Php 45.00-Php 50.00	Public Boat	Morning and Afternoon rides only
Php 100.00	Environment and whatever-that-is fee
Php 100.00	Various tips (porter, boatman and his assistant)	optional (but come on! they live with your tip, have a heart!)
Php 100.00	Errands for the local kids	they will help and guide you for a tip and they are nice!

As mentioned earlier, we stayed at Doña Choleng's where, as per the feedback from our boat-mates, have the nicest staff among other resorts though Pansacola has the cleanest shore. 

I pretty much enjoyed the trip and would definitely go back since it's only few hours away from the Metro.

XoXo

Mao

Book of Poems

Few years ago, I was on my way home from a job inteview when I cross upon a mobile book store. The old man sell no more than 50 books of super cheap prices. I remember, I bought my Rainmaker book for only Php 50.00. I tried to pass that route again but unluckily I never saw him again. 

Recently, this store pops up in my mind out of nowhere, and persistently reminding and bugging me for not purchasing this compilation of poems by Shakespeare. It's unusual because I am not a big fan of poems. 

Finally deciding to buy that book, I hunt down every bookstore availabe at my location but found none. So I settle for any book of poems and found this treasure:

Love and Misadventure of Lang Leav

Content and packaging wise, this book is perfect!

I'm so happy with this book, I'm not even thinking about its tag price!

XoXo

Mao

Haler, Baler!

Baler seemed to be a little bit overrated for me, even the waves were milder to what I've imagined. Just the same, I super enjoyed this trip and it was one hella experience!

Here is the summary of what we did.
Video credits to Lai Zubiri.




Sadly, there are no pictures of the breathtaking Ditumabo Falls also well known as Mother Falls.


List of sites we visited:

• Giant Balete Tree
• Museo de Baler
• Doña Aurora House
• Baler Catholic Church
• Diguisit Rock Formation
• Ditumabo Falls (Mother Falls)
• Sabang Beach

I can't wait to go back and trek again at Ditumabo Falls, surf until I'm all scratches (yeah stones at the shoreline are nasty) and enjoy the gloomy weather of Baler.

xoxo

Mao 

Eat with Style

It was my first time to try Amici and I am so not disappointed!

Grabbing the opportunity to be free from office by lunch time, me and my friends decided to grab lunch at Amici which serves Italian cuisine. 

We ordered Chicken Parmigiana, Ragu Bolognese and Tutta Carne. Their pizza was baked inside a brick oven, that's why (I guess) it was so chewy and tasty! This is the best pizza I've tasted so far (but nothing beats the dirty pizza you can buy at Php80/box). 

Hehe. Can't help but to eat before I take pictures. 

Pasta servings are good for two and have a price range from Php200 to Php350. 

They also have Caramia gelatto and other sweets. 

If you're at Mega and can't decide where to eat, you can always try Amici and break loose from that restricting diet!

XoxO

Mao

Scholastic Book Sale

It's not about being selfish but I forgot to blog this necessity for those book lovers out there.

People living, living around or have access to Pasig was touched by an angel. Why? Because Scholastic Book Sale is just around the corner! Though, yeah, this time around the sale has ended. But never worry, I asked the cashier if there will be another book sale and her answer was "Yes, Maam. Maybe around Christmas season. We're on sale twice a year." 

Hooray! We still got a chance to grab a brand new yet affordable copies of our beloved books!

Before I tell you the location, let me first tease you with how much I spent and how many books I've bought. (lol sorry, I can't help but brag about it)

Twelve books for only Php 2,000.00! And I'm not even guilty about it!

The warehouse sale offers different promo:

1. 20 books for 499

2. 49 and 99 price tags

4. 60% off

I really do hope Christmas will be here soon!

Location of Scholastic Warehouse Sale:

#70 C. Raymundo Ave. Rosario, Pasig City

I will update this blog when a message of their next schedule was sent to me. 

UPDATE: They extended the sale until April 30, 2014

Yay! See you there!

XoXo

Mao

Tagaytay Bulalo Hunt

Not over a day ago since I've been to Tagaytay due to official business travel. But here I am again with my college friends for some bulalo hunt.

We head to Tagaytay after enjoying the rides, waves and sun at Splash Island, Biñan Laguna. We arrived just in time for us to watch the sunset and enjoy the breeze most Metro people surely missed.  After debating on what restaurant have the best Bulalo, we decided to try Mer-Ben's (because of their signage "Extra Special Bulalo"). 

To have a better look at the Taal, we chose the table at their rooftop level. We ordered Medium sized bulalo (it's good for 3 people but in our case, it's good for 8 of us). We also tried their Crispy Bulalo which we've mistaken to also have soup ala Crispy Sinigang/Dinuguan, unfortunately it's as plain as its name. I didn't enjoy the Crispy Tawilis since I am really not a seafood lover. 

What I liked most of Mer-Ben's is the atmosphere. The place is clean and their crew are attentive. 

They also have quartet who serenades per table and they'll even ask for your request with a wide range of song selection. They sang Set Fire to The Rain, Let It Go and other classics. The group is Superb, you wouldn't mind giving them large tip!

(Pardon the photo, I'm only using my phone's camera. Hehe)

So, next time you'll be at Tagaytay don't forget to visit Mer-Ben's Tapsilogan. 

XoXo

Mao

Tierra de Maria - A Hidden Mother of God Shrine

Yesterday, I attended an official forum held at Development Academy of the Philippines, Tagaytay City. On our way to the venue, my colleague noticed a Guadalupe image as tall as a three-storey building in front of DAP compound. So while on break, we decided to visit the shrine. 

From afar, she looked this huge. You probably didn't notice her before since her color is the same with the building paint itself and her view was blocked by an annex of the building. To be honest, I've been in Tagaytay numerous times already since it is located near the Metro, but it was my first time to see this shrine. 

I guess, they strategically hid it to give the shrine an edge of solemnity. Which I could swear how solemn it is inside. 

When you enter their healing center, you will be greeted by an angel with holy water (I'm not sure what you called that thing.. Hehe UPDATE: it's called holy water font) and an earnest playback of religious tagalog song that will sway you to contemplate and enter onto some religious trance. 

I am not overly religious and I have reservations with Catholic faith about its statues and images of Holy personalities but the solemnity of the place gets into me easily and found myself communicating with God instantaneously. No need for warm up. 

The place, aside from being a praise center was also a museum in its own right. You can tour around the building and you're free to take photos of everything, an add on to a very relaxing atmosphere. Here are some of the photos I took using my phone. 

Outside look:

Inside the building:

This is the lithurgical calendar where you may also request your name to be included on your birth day box. 

They also have a small Fish Spa station but was closed when we visited. 

If you're looking for a place to visit this holy week, you can try Tierra de Maria here at Tagaytay in front of DAP. Refresh your mind and soul. 

XoXo

Mao 

Start to Organize

As the year starts, it is the best time to try to be organized and as I'm trying, I've found additional ways that will surely help me as close to be organized as possible.

• Bullet Journal Method
• Book Database Software

Bullet Journal will help you use and utilize your organizer or even your notepad to remember and keep track of things efficiently.

Book Database Software is a downloadable software for a fee and for a free trial with a maximum of 100 books. Basically, you really have to purchase the software if you have more than 100 books to catalog. It is almost the same with Goodreads, with easy navigation layout and detailed information on the cataloged book complete with your collection stats.

To add, Feedly is also a good way to put together in one click the blogs, feeds and news you're reading everyday. It has a minimalist layout that will surely get you to focus more on the content than the ads and other flags on your favorite websites. 

Say good  bye to clutter!

xx
Mao Gonzales

Health System Shapers

Health System Shapers was launched  on June 19, 2013 at DOH with former DOH Secretaries Dr. Cabral and Dr. Romualdez with Sec. Ona  (as seen in picture)

It started with a speech from Sec. Ona with a little update on what happened since the Aquino Health Agenda. Clarifying PhilHealth's enrollment and coverage rates, progress in maternal health program, additional 9 Cancer centers nationwide, ground breaking of 5 DOH hospitals including Fabella's relocation to its own property(which will be on June 25), Public Private Partnership, RN Heals and mandate for Family Medicine residency are among others that were mentioned in the opening remarks slash update.

At the program proper, Dr. Cabral talked about accurate data and accessible benefits for everyone as key points for shaping the health system. On the other hand, Dr. Romualdez shares the 4 domains of health systems which needs to be focused on (1-Recipient of care, 2-Providers or medical professionals, 3-Institution, 4-Policy making) and that changing the way of health business as well as access to health services are important to health system evolution. 

A forum was also held with a talk show type of interview. The invited guests were given an opportunity to raise questions for the former and for current Secretary. Some of the questions were HMO's role on Universal Health Care, RN Heals deployment which will be now focused on LGU Hospitals and compliance, integrity and ethical standards for pharmaceutical companies as raised by Mr Weigold of Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP).  

Series of fora will be held for the Health System Shapers in the future. Let's all help achieve the Kalusugan Pangkalahatan (KP) by 2016!

xx
Mao Gonzales

Upgrading to Windows 8 OS

 

I have recently upgraded my OS to Windows 8.  My colleagues uses this OS and I find it very efficient thru its applications and dashboard features. After several restart during the reboot process, it was successfully installed. While configuring my settings and personalizing my laptop (Acer Aspire One D270) I found out that all the apps are not working due to resolution problem. Windows 8 could not support resolutions under 1024 x 768. I am so frustrated because I failed to check the internet if my laptop is really capable to carry Win 8.

So, to help those not-so-techy people like me, I listed down some glitches that may be experienced if the device is not supported by Windows 8.

1. Resolution – mentioned earlier. You can resolve this by purchasing a new laptop because you cannot just download drivers and install it.
2. Damaged synaptic driver (multi-gestures feature of track pads) – I downloaded the driver from Synaptics and installed it but nothing happens. (I’m still figuring this one out and searching the web for enlightenment.)
3. Loss Net framework – you will be prompted to install this but I’ll still include the link here
4. You will have to download Adobe Reader, music/video applications (WinAmp, iTunes, VLC, etc). Windows’ application should read this file but remember, it may not be supported for some reasons.
5. You may want to install some Windows Live Essentials. I have, because Windows Journal of 8 is not as efficient like Windows Live Writer.

Nonetheless, I find this new Windows OS a very futuristic development. It looks scary at first and one may think of it as very complicated but you’ll find it as user friendly as other Windows releases and loved it in the end.

xx

Mao Gonzales

Game of Thrones Season 3

 

How come I posted late about Season 3?

Yes, I don’t have the chance since I‘m so full of <insert_company_name_here>!

But alas! Game of Thrones Season 3 is already here! Did you missed it? I vow not to download torrents but I can’t help it!! I’ll just buy the complete season 3 CD when it’s available.

I wish George R.R. Martin finishes the last two novels STAT!

 

Valar Dohaeris!

 

xx
Mao Gonzales

Review: Rizal Without the Overcoat

Rizal Without the Overcoat by Ambeth R. Ocampo

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



A good way to pass time. Has motivational effects from Rizal thru Ambeth's way of delivering history. I wish I have this book back in college. Imagine, I had a crush on Rizal with just lame books and module what more if I have this book! I'm even encouraged to learn a little Spanish. :)

Un libro muy recomendable!



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Windows Live Writer

 

I have been posting blogs from my MS Word 2007 since I discovered Word has this feature. Recently, I updated my Microsoft Office to its latest version - Microsoft Office 2013. I have then neglected to register my blog account due to busy schedule on my work (which I so loved). So just this afternoon, out of boredom this long holiday weekend gives, I attempted to blog again. I am reading a very good book and compelled to share this in my blog.

Attempting to register my blog to MS Word 2013 almost kill my patience. It keeps on prompting “Word cannot register your account.” & why the hell, right? I correctly typed my log-in details, I read the guide over and over again, I consulted forums both for Microsoft and Blogger but the registration is still rejected. So I browse again the web and stumble at this recommendation – Windows Live Writer.

It sure fits my standards and exceeds my expectations. It supports multiple blog accounts, has the features of your blog provider  like categories and queue posts, it does not need to set-up picture provider and automatically uploads picture from your file or from web. You can also edit through source code and can preview posts with your blog lay-out. Also, you can opt to be always reminded to put on title and categories.

What happened earlier reminds me of the saying “Everything happens for a reason.”

 

xx
Mao Gonzales

National Health Insurance Program in the Philippines CARES for Its People

I've been very very busy since summer last year. So many things happened in my life that somehow, my growth as a person feels like a joke. Come on, you know what I mean. Looking back, you couldn't believe this will happen and you'll never imagine yourself standing in this spotlight. Now, you know what I mean.

March 2012, I was hired at a National Government Office. It was the height of revolutionary campaign of PhilHealth towards growth, internal and external. Spearheaded by the greatest President and CEO of the Corporation, Dr. Eduardo P. Banzon (I'm quoting several employees here). For 17 years of existence, PhilHealth has established their link to its clientele thru Local Health Insurance Office (previously known as PhilHealth Service Office), several satellite offices, Regional Offices and projects like PhilHealth Sabado. Nonetheless, a lack of representative from the point of service makes availing PhilHealth's product, still, complicated. Thus, PhilHealth's run towards Universal Health Care via Aquino Health Agenda gave birth to the PhilHealth CARES.

Customer Assistance Relations and Empowerment Staff. This proudest project envisions a harmonious relationship between the consumer and the Corporation, a well-assisted and an empowered Filipinos. Merely 600 nurses were deployed at PhilHealth accredited hospital to spread their healing hand to those in need.  Stationed inside the hospitals where availing the benefits is very vital, CARES struggles to straighten the implementation of the Corporation's policy and ensure stakeholders' compliance. Millions of inquiries were resolved at the point  of service (hospitals), thousands of members need not to spend travel fare for their Member Data Record and numerous Filipino, educated and informed about their benefits as insurance member; I can say that I am proud to be one of the PhilHealth CARES pioneers. Please continue to serve the Filipino with heart and improve for the better. 

As I embark on a new journey, I will forever be a CARES in my heart. 

Soar high PhilHealth CARES. Public service at its finest!


xx
M

Green Tee's Newest Project: WORKSHOP

Workshop is a sitcom starred by Rosh Paulo, Paul Kristian and Cholo Gonzales. It is a situational comedy which story revolves around 2 friends Fil Young and Jonas Brothers, and their journey to showbiz and fame.

Their first episode entitled "Are You All Right, Kid? I Thought I Heard You Choking." is their first step to stardom as a Z-lister rap master teach them the right way of rapping.

Enjoy watching!


xx
Mao

Review: The Murder of King Tut

The Murder of King Tut by James Patterson

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



Tut's story and his probable murderer was a giveaway. Carter's however, is full of anxiety. Entertaining, though. The theme is undeniably amusing. Egyptian culture and history, Greek and Norse mythology are the topics that illicit curiosity to every reader. But coming from Patterson, I think this is not good enough. It is written in a very amateur way.



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