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Tuesday, December 30, 2008

2009 Year of the Ox Predictions

What's in store for you this 2009?

Born in the Year of the Goat
- 1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003


A person born in the year of the Goat can look forward to better luck in love in 2009 – both for male and female. A single Goat will be luckier than the previous year when it comes to dating, in fact being single and free could have contributed to this change of fate. While those who are already in a relationship would be looking forward to a more harmonious relationship, although the year could also bring them more time off from each other.
However, the Goat should watch out for love triangles that can destroy the otherwise harmonious relationship with their partner. And with two stars of Gossip shining upon them, the Goat should learn to stay quiet and just work harder, remembering to mind his own business and not sticking his nose on others, otherwise, it could only lead him to more trouble.



But despite this, the Goat can expect to have better interpersonal relationships. And with the star of Grace guiding him, he will be able to acquire help from people with influence. Promotions, which could include salary raise, and personal developments are also waiting for the Goat in 2009. Indeed, everything seems to look better.
One thing that the Goat should also watch out is the physical condition of his/her partners, and with the star Gua Su shining on him, he is likely to feel lonely along with other emotional problems. While everything really seems to look better, there are still quite a number of negative or unlucky stars shining on the Goat, threatening his health and interpersonal relationships, that is he should always be conscious and pay attention to these departments so as not to hinder his career development.





Born in the Year of the Monkey
- 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004


Travel seems to be a good option for the Monkey in the year of the Ox. The Monkey has two lucky stars shining on him, and these are Yi Ma and Wen Chang which can bring him better luck in career and learning. Yi Ma, which is a star of Mobility, is the reason why the Monkey can have better fortune traveling. He can actually look to a better career in distant places. Earning income through traveling is very much possible, in foreign currency even. And the more travelling the Monkey make, the more income he is likely to earn.
Some 2009 year of the ox predictions for the people born in the year of the monkey is that the other lucky star, Wen Chang is a star that represents Intellectual Achievements. For the Monkey who is an academic researchers or whose job is clerical in nature, this star can bring good luck to them. The same goes true to students and those who in the creative and design industries, they also stand to benefit as long as they have clear thinking, are energetic and inspired.
The year 2009 is also a good year for the Monkey to take further education as he would have luck, excellent luck to be exact, in taking examinations. Promotions that require taking an examination, will see the Monkey succeeding in getting it.





Born in the Year of the Pig

- 1911, 1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995



Pigs who are already in a relationship might suddenly get married in the year of the OX, married Pigs on the other hand, might get pregnant. There are quite a number of powerful lucky stars shining on the Pig in 2009 which will favorably influence love luck and career luck. However, there also some unlucky stars like Gu Chen, Hui Qi and Jie Sha, that will make the Pig feel restless with mood swings and he will easily get frustrated. He should also be prepared all the time this year of the ox 2009.
Tai Yang, one of the lucky stars, implies that the Pig will be able to get help from powerful male people, and those having a business with a male partner will also enjoy better luck this year. For the single female Pig, Tai Yang would bring good luck to her in terms of love relationship. She is encouraged to travel to distant places to find better love luck and career luck since the star Tai Yang also signifies outbound energy. The female Pig will also be successful in developing a long-term relationship.
Other lucky stars, like Yue Tang which implies realization of potential and clear logical thinking could bring a good year for those in strategic planning and creative industries, also for those engaged in clerical jobs. With the star Tai Tang, together with Yue Tang which symbolizes recognition and appreciation, the year of the Ox would definitely bring good luck in career for the Pig, as he can also expect many joyful events with the help of another lucky star Tian Xi.
Unfortunately, the loneliness star Gu Chen can make the Pig feel emotionally distressed. Together with another unlucky star Hui Qi, the Pig could feel more alienated. This could mean that he might not get along well with everyone as he will be having trouble with poor communication. Jie Sha, the star of frustrations and difficulties, signifies that the Pig would encounter trials and difficulties before finally succeeding. This in spite of the help of influential males in his or her career. It is therefore advised that the Pig should persevere







Born in the Year of the Rat

- 1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996



The romance department does not look good for the Rat in the coming year of the ox, as he will be encountering major problems in terms of romantic relationship. He might discover that his partner is not really the one he wants and he might end up with a change of heart if he does not take care of his relationship.
But that is only on the love luck, otherwise, the year of the Ox looks promising for the Rat in terms of career. This is particularly because of the star Tang Fu shining on him. This star represents leadership and authority, which could benefit those working on the management level and positions of authority as they can expect to have good performance in terms of career luck. Another area benefitting from this star are those working in the outdoors such as field jobs.
However, this will not be handed down to the Rat on a silver platter, because of the star Tian Jie, the star of Marginal Nature. This could bring frustrations and difficulties to the Rat, this means that even though the year looks promising to him, he might experience problems and trials before reaching the much coveted success.
Another lucky star Tian Chu which represents food and beverage, could bring good luck to Rats who are engaged in the hotels or restaurant business. This star could also bring gastronomic pleasure to the Rat, however he is advised not to indulge himself too much no matter how good the food is, or else he might suffer from gastroenteritis. Personal hygiene should also be given special attention to.
There are other unlucky stars shining upon the Rat in the year of the Ox. One is Sang Men which can cause health problems to elderly family member, that is why he should pay special attention to them. The Rat is also discouraged from rock climbing, scuba diving, parachuting and other adventurous and risky activities because of another unlucky star Zai Sha.
Lastly, one unlucky star shining upon the Rat in 2009 is the star Xie Yin which represents injuries, especially on the face, or surgical operations. The influence of this star could be avoided or pre-empted by the Rat by getting his teeth cleaned by the dentist or through blood donation.






Born in the Year of the Snake

- 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001



2009 Year of the Ox predictions for the snake: First the unlucky stars – Tian E, Bao Bai and Wang Shen. Tian E and Wang Shen could influence your family and cause elderly members to be sick, that is why they should be given more time and special attention. Bao Bai, on the other hand, signifies drastic fluctuations. In the relationships department, this can cause the Snake to be on an emotional roller coaster. As for financial investments and businesses, the Snake should be ready for sudden ups and downs of your sales performances as well as the money market. This is where “saving for the rainy days” would help the Snake in making it through future financial difficulties ahead.
With the unlucky stars out of the way, let us now focus on the lucky stars shining on the Snake in the year of the Ox, and there are many of them which can influence career development and love luck positively. One is the Hong Luan which is a powerful star of Relationships, Snakes who have been in a relationship for quite some time would finally be able to get married. However, the Snake should watch out and be aware of love triangles so he can avoid getting involved in them.
The star Zhi Wei could cause the Snake to have an improved leadership skill, as well as getting assistance from influential people, which can result to promotion and other career developments. And leading him to meet these influential people is the star Long De. Lastly, with the star Lu Xun shining on him, the Snake can expect more promotion and salary raise. This works both for wage earners as well as entrepreneurs, as they will both make progress in career and wealth.
Indeed, the coming year looks promising to the Snake, compared to previous years wherein he is lacking in key stars shining on him. Now, he can look forward for things to run smoothly that would eventually lead him to a happy life.





Born in the Year of the Dragon

- 1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000



The year of the Ox 2009 would be bringing in some major changes in the life of the Dragon

However, these changes could either be good or bad, but they are crucial and there would be lots of them. Fortunately, there is a clue, as per an astrological theory. Joyful events could help minimize or offset the occurrence of possible mishaps. That means if the Snake gets married, got pregnant or was able to buy a new house, it would offset the negative energy, preventing any mishap to happen. The more joyful events that would happen to the Snake, then the changes that he will encounter could be good. Be prepared.

Without any lucky key stars shining on the Ox in 2009, there wouldn’t be any much accomplishments for him. In fact, he should avoid being involved in any forms of investment or gambling as he likely to be on the losing end. The unlucky star Lan Gan can set obstacles on his career path, which is why the Dragon should really be prepared for anything in the coming year.
Being around influential people is not also advisable as the star Sui Po might cause him to offend them, and the star Yue Sha might bright him troubles caused by females. One way to avoid these is by constant travelling. Being constantly on the move can help minimize the effects of the negative energies




Born in the Year of the Horse

- 1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990



The Horse should be prepared as his luck would go to both extremes in the year of the Ox. Lucky stars shining on him in 2009 would be able to help him achieve success in his career, however some unlucky stars are also shining that could bring him tragedies and difficulties. These difficulties he should all pass before he will be able to taste the fruits of his hard work.
One lucky star that has influence on his work and career is the lucky star Jiang Xing. This star represents bravery, stamina and persistence in achieving success. This star also signifies better social status and leadership skills, which would benefit the Horse who is involved in the upper management, disciplinary teams and key positions in large corporations. They can expect satisfactory performance this year.
The star Di Lie could bring the Horse major problems, but with the help of influential people he would be able to face all the problems and solve them. Another star, Di Jie signifies moving. This could mean a new house for the Horse, a new real estate or new furniture.
Bai Fu is a star that signifies animal bites, Horses who have pets or who are working closely with animals are advised to take extra caution. Another interpretation for the star Bai Fu is a woman without sense who might bring great annoyance to the Horse.
One star that means good luck in wealth and career is the star Jin Gui.However the Horse and his family members might suffer poor health and injury on limbs and some teeth problems. Overall, the Horse can expect to make progress in the year of the Ox, as he can also look to have some changes in his environment. However, special attention should be given to his own physical and mental health and he also need to take care of his family members.





Born in the Year of the Rabbit

- 1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1999



The Rabbit (1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999) can look forward to a better in 2009 Year of the Ox because of the number of stars of relationships shining on him in the year of the Ox. After going through many changes like reunions, separations, heated arguments and changing jobs, things will be more stable and favorable for him.
The star of Harmony Yue De symbolizes excellent human relationships and it can turn dangers into opportunities. This means that the Rabbit will be having people around him taking good care of him and supporting all his needs. The star Sui He is a star that represents harmony between spouses. This star can also help the Rabbit get support from his supervisors and/or superiors as well as from elderly family members.
Two stars, Tao Hua and Xian Chi, which are stars of Love Luck are working together to make the Rabbit be more attractive and charming than ever before. For married Rabbits however, it is advised that they practice extreme caution and try hard to resist temptations. Because with the two stars shining on them, they might be overwhelmed by people who will show interest in them, no matter what their gender maybe, or else they might become involved in love triangles. These people will do anything just to please them. For Single Rabbits, it is a good year to pursue that love interest because there is a good chance that they will be accepted.
Lastly, the stars Xiao Hao and Si Fu are two stars that the Rabbit should be aware of and take extra caution with. Because Xia Hao represents minor financial loss, which could be brought about by the money spent in entertaining more friends and lovers. Si Fu on the other hand represents an elderly male family member who might suffer from health which should be given special attention to.




Born in the Year of the Rooster

- 1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005



Things may not look all too good for the Rooster in the Year of the Ox as he should brace himself and be prepared for oncoming pressures in the Year of the Ox. But just like the Dragon, the saying “one joyful event can offset three possible mishaps” is applicable to the Rooster. This means that the Rooster should work extra hard to make these joyful events happen, like getting married, getting pregnant or buying a new house. This way, any negative vibrations waiting for him could be offset and he will be having a more favorable fortune in 2009.
Fortunately , the Rooster has still one lucky star shining on him in the year of the Ox, and that is the lucky star Tian Yi. This star represents a superior, a supervisor or someone influential who will be taking care of the Rooster. This could also mean getting support from family members and friends.
But the Rooster should not be complacent, things may look bright and promising but problems and other unfavorable circumstances could be hiding around the corner. These may not all be too serious or fatal for the Rooster’s success, but still he needs to be careful and work harder to avoid them. Always be prepared.
Basically, there are more good things than bad things in store for the Rooster in year of the Ox. That is, if he is extra cautious and work even harder, he will be having better luck as far as wealth, health and career is concern. And always remember the saying “one joyful event can offset three possible mishaps.”





Born in the Year of the Tiger

- 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998



The ferocious Tiger should learn to hold his temper in the year of the Ox because of the unlucky stars shining in his constellation. These unlucky stars are Wu Gui, Di Sha, Zhi Bei and Guan Fu who all connotes poor human relationships. The advice “don’t make any decision when you are angry” suits the Tiger very well as he should avoid acting on impulse, otherwise he might hurt himself or get more into trouble. It is always better to stay calm amidst the crisis.
Guan Fu is a star that represents lawsuits and court cases. This means that the Tiger should be wary of any documents that he signs whenever he gets into a contract or an agreement. He should read every detail of the documents, specially the “fine prints” in order to avoid legal problems in the future.
And since unlucky stars of poor human relationships are shining upon him, the Tiger should be extra cautious with his colleagues and should beware of backstabbers. There is also a possibility of his lover getting suspicious of him and doubts that he is having an affair. The star Zhi Bei literally means backstabbing while Wu Gui represents backstabbers.
Gossips and rumors being spread by these backstabbers could ruin the Rooster’s relationships, he should be extra cautious of these people. But as long he keeps himself clean and does his part, the Rooster really has nothing to worry about these gossips.
In the Year of the Ox 2009, the star Wu Gui represents suspiciousness, which means that the Rooster himself might become suspicious that can make him paranoid and nervous. This could be avoided by having enough sleep, staying calm and always try to relax. Another unlucky star Di Sha means frustrations and difficulties. It may not be smooth ride for the Tiger, as he needs to overcome many hurdles before he can enjoy the fruits of his success.
But it is really not a bad year for the Tiger after all with the lucky star San Tai shining upon him. This star represents steady progress and career promotion. Tigers who are working with a clerical job can expect this star to work for them. Employees working in large companies and civil servants can also benefit from this star and make some progress.



Born in the Year of the Dog

- 1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006



The Dog should brace himself for many changes in 2009. These changes which could go to extremes are either good or bad. Then again, having many happy and joyful events can help the Dog avoid the bad and negative events from happening. That is because happy events like having a baby, getting a new house or getting married can offset any mishaps and redirect any negative energy towards the positive direction.
Dogs are also advised to stay on the move or be mobile. By being always on the move and consciously introducing changes to his life, the Dog can turn negative energy into good ones. It would be a good year to pursue plans of working abroad or going overseas, same goes true in renovating the house.
There are two lucky stars shining on the Dog in 2009, these are Hua Gai and Sui Jia. The star Hua Gai represents artistic ability, intelligence and inspiration. This means that Dogs in the creative and design businesses would be more productive as they get lots of inspiration and at the same time enjoy more appreciation and recognition in the year of the Ox.



With the star Sui Jia which represents progress and career promotion, the Dog can really look forward to a brighter year with a good chance of getting good career luck and better development.The stars that the Dog should watch out for are the unlucky stars Jian Feng, Fu Shi, Huang Fan and San Xing. San Xing connotes poor human relationships while Jian Feng means injuries brought about by metal objects. By donating blood or getting the teeth cleaned by the dentist, the Dog can avoid these injuries. He is also advised to attend more joyful occasions as this could further boost his luck. If it is really necessary for the Dog to handle metal objects, he should be careful and he should always wear protection.
Fu Shi is a star that can bring poor communication between family members, this could even lead to arguments. This star can also affect the Dog’s health adversely which can be offset by doing more good deeds. And while the star Sui Jia would be bringing the Dog good career luck, the star Huang Fan would in turn be bringing in immense mental pressure that is associated with the Dog’s success. This can cause the Dog to work harder in order to achieve success. He is also advised to take extra caution and make sure to have enough time to rest, in spite of his busy work schedule.
Truly, the year of the Ox could be here sooner than we expect it to be and it is never really too early to prepare. The Chinese New Year Calendar has so much influence even in the western influenced countries that more people are looking forward to the changing of every year, especially those who are not having a good year at present.




Born in the Year of the Ox

- 1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 2009



The male Ox can look forward to a better year in 2009 compared to their female counterpart, as far as the romance department is concern. The female Ox can only expect for short term romances, and she even have to take initiatives at times. On the other hand, with the star Tai Yin shining on them, which represents females with influence to help them out, the male Ox can expect to have better luck on love, and is likely to meet someone he likes.
Aside from the love factor, Tai Yin is also known as a Star of Wealth which means that it can influence his luck on wealth positively. So if the male Ox is working under a female supervisor, he can expect more support and recognition, with a better chance of progress and development in career. But while Tai Yin signifies progress, it is slow yet steady. This means that the Ox should not be pushy or rush his way, if he does, his luck might go the other way.
Another lucky star shining on the Ox in 2009 is Guo Yin, which is an authority star is also known as the seal of the General. This can be interpreted that his progress and developments will be recognized and achieved with much authority.
Unfortunately, unlucky stars are also shining upon the Ox. These stars are Guan Suo, Gou Shen, Di Sha and Tian Sha which could cause annoyance because of poor interpersonal relationships and some disputes. Guan Suo, for one, represents financial disputes and blackmailing. These unlucky stars can cause turbulence to the Ox’s otherwise beautiful career path for the Year of the Ox 2009. It is advised that he should work on and improved his interpersonal relationships skill, as this is his weakest department, and the area he is likely to go wrong.

See also:

2009 Forecasts

Chinese New Year Lucky Traditions

Couple's Feng Shui 2009

Feng Shui 2009

Furniture and Feng Shui

Love and Feng Shui 2009

Sunday, December 28, 2008

November 2008 Nursing Board Exam Results

Results of the 88,750 nursing graduates who took the November 2008 Nursing Board Exams will be posted on this site early February of 2009.

HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS

THE MOST PERFECT GIFT I GOT FOR CHRISTMAS.



.... DONE READING IN 2 DAYS...
NEXT BOOK ON MY LIST:
THE TALES OF BEEDLE THE BARD

Friday, December 12, 2008

US Demand For Filipino Nurses Still High: But RP quota for H1B visas used up

This is a reposted article from inquirer.net:


By Veronica Uy

INQUIRER.netFirst Posted 20:33:00 12/05/2008


MANILA, Philippines—Despite the global financial crisis and deepening recession in the United States, demand for Filipino nurses remains high, representatives of two recruitment agencies said Friday.


Philip Leonard, a British who chairs the St. Georges Recruitment International Inc., said representatives of the Maryland-based Cambridge Healthcare will be in the country in January to interview applicants for 600 vacancies for registered nurses, andphysical and occupational therapists to work in the United States.


Qualified applicants will work in emergency rooms, intensive care units/coronary care units, telemetry, and medical and surgical areas in health-care facilities across the United States, he said, adding Cambridge Healthcare is connected with 260 health-care facilities all over the US.

Leonard said those who will be hired can go and work in the US within three to six months "with H1B visas under a non-cap exempt status simply meaning that their positions do not fall under the retrogression period for H1B visas."

On the other hand, Ibaro Relamida Jr., lawyer of Sentosa Recruitment Agency, said that while the demand is "still strong, no visa is available due to retrogression." The Philippines has used up its visa quota.

"We are just waiting for the visas of 500 nurses with complete papers and approved petitions," he said in an exchange of messages with INQUIRER.net.
"Actually the health care service is one of the least affected in the US recession as per my clients," he said.

The statements of both Leonard and Relamida support Labor Secretary Marianito Roque's contention that the health-care profession is relatively recession-proof.

Last year, the American Hospital Association said more than 5,000 community hospitals nationwide have a need for 116,000 registered nurses. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics also projected a shortage of more than one million registered nurses by 2010.

Leonard said that the demand is so high that aside from immediate departure to the US, selected applicants can enjoy the following benefits: relocation bonus, have their spouse and two children under 21 join them, 36-hour work-week in 12-hour shifts, "lucrative"over-time pay, US standard benefits and options and paid legal, licensing and testing fees.

He said the minimum salary is $48,192 a year or higher depending on the experience and qualifications of the selected applicant.

"Nurses or therapists with at least one year experience currently working or on volunteer duty and who have worked in a 100-bed capacity hospital are qualified to apply for the limited slots available. Those with NCLEX, IELTS, and NPTE passers are preferred but not required and the employer can assist on NCLEX, visa screen, state licensure, etc.,"Leonard said.

NCLEX stands for National Council Licensure Examination; IELTS for International English Language Testing System; and NPTE for National Physical Therapy Exam.

Latest Update on Nurse Visa Retrogression (Dec. 2008)

Barrack Obama has been elected. Now what?

On his statement on the US Senate Floor in May of 2007 he said:
"Where we can bring in more foreign-born workers with the skills our economy needs, we should."

As the new US President formally takes office on January 20, nurses like me who are still counting on "the CHANGE WE NEED" campaign are waiting, hoping for positive news on the setback that's kept us from living the american dream: RETROGRESSION.

These are the recommendations from the CIS Ombudsman, released December 5, 2008:

  • Schedule A nurse immigrant applications be expedited through separation and prioritization.
  • One USCIS service center would be designated to process all Schedule A nurse immmigrant applications for more efficient processing.

The future of nurses seeking to enter the United States as immigrants may just be looking rosy for the year 2009. The fiscal year starts every October, so for now, let's keep our fingers crossed.


Latest on Retrogression.pd

Thursday, December 11, 2008

WEAKEND NEWS

ramon bautista on palistuhan with francis m.




OUR CURRENT FAVORITE LATE NIGHT SHOW:)



The Weakend News

(the only weakend news na weekdays)




-hosted by Ramon Bautista showcasing the comedy in current events presented in the most satirical show I've ever seen on Philippine TV.



It airs every Monday supported by a wacky cast of reporters including cult favorite (and ours too), Mommy Elvie.



It takes on the issues of the past week, showing a parody of the news purveyed by government authorities and reported by the conventional news media.



CATCH IT @ 10. LAUGH YOUR HEART OUT.

I AM NINOY

I AM A HERO.






I do what I believe is Right.


I do what I believe is Good.


I fight for Justice.


I fight for Freedom.





I AM NINOY.


The year 2008 marks the 25th death anniversary of the martyred national hero Benigno S. Aquino, Jr. As a tribute, the Benigno S. Aquino Jr., Foundation (BSAF), together with friends and supporters, is presently holding a year-long celebration of his life and legacy through a campaign entitled: iamninoy.


The core message of the Campaign is the selfless giving of the best of ourselves for our countrymen and women and the advancement of the country as a whole.


The primary target audience of this Campaign is the youth who were either too young to remember Ninoy Aquino and what he stood for or were not yet born during that period. The Campaign hopes to engage the youth to learn about the values Ninoy stood for and to continue his legacy for generations to come.


This is my own little way of joining in on the cause, to help contribute to causes and projects that will enhance the welfare of the poor and marginalized Filipinos.

I AM NINOY. IF I'M NOT, THEN I WILL STRIVE TO BE.


Sunday, December 7, 2008

It's Beginning To Look a Lot Like Christmas


Ahh.. Christmas... The cool night breeze, the echoes of voices singing carols, the flickering glow of a thousand dancing lights. It really is here. Pasko na talaga.




I have always been one who seems to catch the Christmas fever later than everyone else. Coming from a big family, and later on marrying into a bigger one--- christmas meant giving gifts--- in bulk.



I just came to thinking that if last year was my All-Out Christmas, then this year, as an ode to the economic recession, I can have Hide-Out Christmas-- you know, having both Jap and I's godchildren OUTside while we HIDE.


First on my Xmas List would be my husband's wish list. In bed at night, he sometimes wonders (out loud) if it would be too much to ask if he pins an announcement on their TSU bulletin board that he wants an AMFMradio/alarm/digital clock as a gift from whoever picked his name at their KrisKringle. Not just any radio clock mind you, he says he'd write down specifics like the fact that the one he likes can be bought at the Abenson in Metrotown Mall. At a P300 exchange gift budget, I pity his Monita.



Next on his wish list is a new laptop. He says an Apple Macbook would do, or perhaps a Sony Vaio, or given no choice, a Hewlett Packard like the one we already have would suffice. He would walk around the room running a commentary which would go something like this:

Apple has released yet another stunning wonder----the Macbook Air. It is the thinnest laptop jampacked with great features while maintaining a slim profile. Air Laptop is equipped with a 1.6 GHz or 1.8 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor with 4 MB L2 cache, 2GB of 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM, 80 Gb 1.8 inch HDD . The Macbook Air also sports the Wireless connectivity Wi-Fi 802.11n standards along with the Bluetooth 2.1 A2DP!


At $1800 apiece, he would retract his offer on his more realistic days saying that buying matching Fossil watches would be nice.




My husband is only 25 years old, he however loves listening to the AM radio station as much as an 85-yr old retired grandpa. So when he learned about Sony Ericsson's first cellphone with AM/FM radio, he was sold at first glance. Check out the Sony Ericsson R300.


At just over a $100, I'm thinking that's more like it.


As for me, I know what I want to buy for myself this Christmas.


I have gone months stirring clear of sites with a mere mention of Harry Potter, covering my ears each time someone eagerly wants to share Book 7's ending.
Not that I've never had the g's to get me one before now, what with past NCLEX reviews, a new job, and now 3 subjects to handle I wanted to make sure I would enjoy the last book of the series without having to worry about anything else.

I believe now that I'm settled into my job and all, I deserve a good book like no other. Besides, J.K Rowling has a new series for eff's sake! The Tales of Beedle the Bard would have to wait until the effin Summer Break.






Now, if only they sold this packaged with EXTRA TIME to read included, I'd be in Christmas Heaven.

WINNERS OF BELENISMO SA TARLAC



"Belenismo sa Tarlac"-- The Art of Making Belen, a project highlighted by a province-wide competition that aims to showcase the artistic, social and religious significance of the belen, the symbol of Christ’s birth, through different categories has announced its winners!




The Belenisimo sa Tarlac 2008 winners were:

Grand Category (non-municipal division)


1st place Philippine National Police-Tarlac Police Provincial Office

2nd place Our Lady of Remedios Parish; and

3rd place Asiaten Hotel


The towering Christmas tree of the PNP-PPO with neon colored lights lit up the PNP’s Belen creation of indigenous materials such as dayami, bamboo, bamboo twigs, and talahib, all of which were gathered by the men and women of their police force from the 17 municipalities and lone city of Tarlac.

The bonsai angel used in their display was painstakingly cultivated by their Police Provincial Director, Senior Supt Rudy G. Lacadin. The huge star atop the Christmas tree was made in Gerona, symbolizing “God the Father,” keeping watch our beloved province of Tarlac.





DIORAMA CATEGORY:




Albert Dancel (1st place) for his miniature recreation of an eclectic pahiyas depicting thanksgiving for bountiful providence.




Ramon Espinosa (2nd place); and




USST (3rd place) who depicted unique floating belens in the pristine waterfalls.






MONUMENTAL CATEGORY:




Nay’s House (1st place)


Social Security System (2nd place)


Coco Grill Express-TSU (3rd place)


La Maja Rica Hotel (4th place); and


Magic Star Mall (5th place).


GRAND MUNICIPAL CATEGORY:


The Municipality of Victoria (1st Place)
Pura (2nd place)
Capas (3rd place)
San Manuel (4th place)
Moncada (5th place); and
San Clemente (6th place).



Victoria' Pasko sa Nayon was a spectacular live reenactment of how we Filipinos celebrate Christmas. It was presented with a unique historical Spanish ancestral theme reminiscent of Pinoy Christmas.


According to Tarlac’s beaming Gov. Victor Yap (who was named after Victoria town’s namesake), Belenismo in Victoria defines the local people’s way of life, an expression of their resiliency and humility and their simplicity of life in an agricultural community. Amid the trials and poverty, Pasko sa Nayon is an expression of thanksgiving to the Lord — a testimony that whatever comes, Filipino families are always grateful for providence.



The festive awards night of Belenismo 2008 coincided with the inauguration of the Maria Cristina Park on Romulo Boulevard in Tarlac City. The judges were unanimous in sharing the difficulty of determining the best because each belen was uniquely beautiful, utilizing various materials such as wood, cloth, cardboard, resin, abaca, old bottles, roofing sheets and plastic recycled from previous fiestas, corn husks, banana stalks, plastic capiz, and even old X-ray films from the nearby hospital! :)




Proudly pinoy, proudly Tarlac-made. Parang ako. (just like me)

Who Won Belenismo sa Tarlac 2008?

Here in Tarlac where I hail from, just a three-hour drive from Manila, the Art of Belen-Making is an ode, a loving testimony to the universal truth that Jesus was born so we would live. Belenismo sa Tarlac, now on its second year, is a Department of Tourism (DOT)- calendared event that started last year.


Belenismo in Spanish means the art of making Belen, a representation of the Nativity scene in which the Holy Family (Joseph, Mary and the infant Jesus) is visited by the three wise men who came to the manger through the guidance of a star.



“Belenismo sa Tarlac”, a project to transform the province of Tarlac to “Belen Capital” of the Philippines was launced by Isabel Cojuangco-Suntay, sister of former Ambassador Eduardo Cojuangco Jr., president of the Tarlac Heritage Foundation.

The project was conceptualized to help create an annual tourist attraction for Tarlac, develop a Belen-related cottage industry and, of course, preserve the religious importance of remembering the birth of Jesus Christ,” said Bautista Winners will be chosen in 5 categories --

personal, grand, monumental, municipal and diorama.

In the “personal” and “diorama” (closed Belen with three sides) categories, entries will be transported to the judging site and submitted by individuals.

In the “monumental” category, entries were life-size, while entries in the “grand” category are at least three meters high.

In the “municipal” category, participated in exclusively by municipal governments, the entries are larger than life-size.
The Belen Festival began in September 2007, with the first Belen-making workshop to Dec. 16. Sen. Loren Legarda led the awarding of 16 winners in 5 categories -- personal, grand, monumental, municipal and diorama. The Tarlac Police Office Belen, built by at least 24 policemen, won the first prize, Asiaten Hotel was second and restaurant Coconut Grill was third.



Last night, the Tarlac City Capitol staged an event featuring BrownMan Revival to commemorate "Belenismo sa Tarlac" which runs until January 6, 2009.



From the ones I've seen so far, the grandest and most creative would be the entry from the Asiaten Hotel seen along San Sebastian, Mc Arthur Hi-way Tarlac City. It features the nativity in all its' grandeur with a local twist using hundreds of ABANIKO fans, PAMAYPAY of all sizes, creatively stitched together into one awesome belen.



From a modern perspective, La Maja Rica Hotel's Belen tops the category featuring life size pictures of the nativity using metallic statues and modern costumes.

What do you think? Comments are welcome.