The year 2008 has been a wonderful and great year for me. It feels so good having accomplished almost all the goals I listed for 2008. In a few hours, we would be welcoming a new year. Despite the loud firecrackers being lit by my neighbors, let me pause for a while and thank God for this great year.

Thank you for I was able to accomplish the goals I have listed for 2008. I know that these goals aren’t big as compared to what others listed, but I am thankful for I know I can’t accomplish these things without you.

Thank you for my mom, my sisters and I spent more time together this year. It feels so good dining out together, doing the grocery together, chitchatting over a cup of coffee, and spending weekends or holidays out of town. I am thankful for the times where we would just seat on our small living room and catch up with each other until the wee hours of the day.

Thank you for I was able to meet great and wonderful people through blogging and through Plurk.  I was able to meet people whom I can now consider as my friends. Although we aren’t of the same age group, I am happy being with these wonderful people.

Thank you because my podcast, Brink Notes Podcast was a finalist for the Best Videocast/Podcast Category of the Philippine Blog Awards 2008. While my blog, My Boring Life… Now A Blog was nominated in two categories — Personal Category and Blogger’s Choice. Although I didn’t win any awards, it feels good that other people recognize your efforts.

Thank you for the people around me who I can turn to whenever I feel sad and happy. Thank you for they still listen to me although I’m just ranting about the pettiest thing in this world.

Thank you for the cute and simple things that make me happy.

Thank you because I am really happy with where I am right now. I’ve never been this happy before. I am happy with the things going on with my life. I am happy with I am doing. And I am happy for I feel so blessed right now with all the love coming from my friends, my family and everyone out there who supports me with everything I do.

Thank you because finally I feel contented with my life. Although I wish I could have done something more to reach out to others. I am happy. I am contented.

With everything that is happening with my life, I thank you. And someday I will understand why.

1. March on March 2008 – Thank God I graduated from high school last March 2008. And yes, with flying colors!  I graduated second honors with two medals (Excellence in ICT and Loyalty Award). I was even part of the Top 50 of the graduating batch. The years have now paid off.
2. Enroll on a decent college / university – Who would have thought that a Jeric Peña would study at the University of the Philippines? I never imagined myself studying at the national university of the Philippines. Good thing my mom encouraged me to take the UPCAT (UP College Admission Test) even though there’s a slim chance of passing. Although people find it weird that I’m studing via distance education, I’m still proud that I’m a student from University of the Philippines, Open University taking up the program that I really wanted.
3. Attend the World Youth Day 2008 in Australia – The only goal that I didn’t accomplish this year. I felt really bad that I wasn’t been able to attend the World Youth Day 2008 in Australia. But who knows? I might be a part of the World Youth Day 2011 in Madrid, Spain!
4. Join a Blog Network - Aside from the multiple blogs I maintain, I also write for Chikadora and TechBlog.ph.
5. Set-up new niche blogs, improve current blog and earn more through blogging – This year, I opened a couple of blogs such as Kim Chiu Fan, Distance Education in the Philippines, Jeric on the Tube, and So Sick of Taxi. I also revamped the Toni Gonzaga blog I maintain while My Boring Life… Now A Blog gets a face-lift this year.
6. Buy a new gadget for myself - I was only aiming for one gadget but thank God for I was able to buy myself three gadgets. Although I already gave the two other gadgets I bought this year to my mom and my sister, it feels so good that I can buy things that I want with my own hard-earned money.
7. Nourish my spiritual side and Be closer to God – Only God knows if I accomplished this one. But this year, I’ve been more contented with my life. My ‘materialistic side’ has softened down. I stopped asking for this and that. In fact, this Christmas I have one wish and I hope that it would come true.

Wow, it really feels good to having accomplished almost 86% of my goals for this year. With the things I’ve done this year, I have no regrets. I am happy right now and looking forward to a brand new year full of joy and love. I won’t stop thanking God for the great things that happened this year. I feel great right now realizing how God has given me everything I needed and wanted. Happy New Year!

PS: Looking back at “My Goals for 2008″ post, I realized how awful my grammar and spelling before (well, up to now). It only shows that I’m truly dyslexic. Huhuhu. Where did the internal editor in me go?

I could still remember Dianne’s first JanSport bag. It is this cute plain orange JanSport bag that my mom bought from Bratpack some time in 2000. Among my sister’s vast collection of bags, I believe that this orange JanSport bag is the most abused. Why? My youngest sister, mom, even one of my cousins and I are taking turns in borrowing the JanSport bag from my eldest sister, Dianne up to this date. Despite all, the bag is still in tip-top condition and is still vividly orange. I have my own story about using this orange JanSport bag but I won’t share it here *mihihihih*. But it’s somewhere in the World Wide Web.

JanSport Bags

But if I have the money to buy my own bag, I would probably buy Timbuk2. Timbuk2 is the brand that carries this very cool Blogger bag. I like their messenger bags for the designs are very nice, simple and classy. I’m not really a fan of overly designed bag. I want my bag to be simple, if not plain.

Timbuk2 Bags

Since my eldest sister loves bags, our visit to malls wouldn’t be complete without a visit to bag stores like Bratpack. I think we would now frequently visit Greenbelt 5 for Bratpack’s flagship store is right there which my eldest sister loves for the store is really huge and houses a vast number of bags. Aside from Greenbelt 5, Bratpack has branches in Robinsons Place Manila, Robinsons Galleria, SM Cagayan de Oro, SM Davao, SM The Block, SM Pampanga, SM Southmall and Ayala Cebu.

Bratpack Flagship Store, Greenbelt 5

“When deciding where to go on a night out, people now consider the diversity of activities they can do in one place. This is why we constantly expand our offerings. We want to give the market all the fun they want without going through the hassle of moving from one place to another,” said Paolo del Rosario, Marketing Director of Red Box.

Enjoy the company of your family and friends while singing karaoke, playing Wii, playing a game of pool, battling on the poker table, binging on delicious food or just by lounging in the karaoke bar’s comfy sofa — all of these you could do at Red Box.

Experience a different level of karaoke high only at Red Box. Red Box has branches in Greenbelt 3 and Trinoma. For more information and inquiries, please call 757-6188 or visit www.redbox.com.ph.

Finally, the first ever lifestyle weekend market has come to Manila! Beginning September 7 to September 28 (Sundays only), Alveo Land’s Celadon Manila will open its doors to discerning urbanites across the metro as it ushers in PICK Manila – the first ever lifestyle weekend market in the city. Held every Sunday from 7AM to 2PM within Manila’s first integrated leisure community, shopaholics and foodies can explore the unique retail possibilities that the most culturally diverse city in the country can offer.

“Not only does PICK Manila let avid shoppers from all over experience the leisurely lifestyle which is the core of Celadon Manila, but more importantly it allows for our residents to come together as a community,” says Gutz Gutierrez, Project Division Manager for Celadon Park and Celadon Residences.

Well, what to expect when going to PICK Manila?

Celadon Manila’s PICK Manila offers bargain hunters a chance to indulge in a showcase of a diverse collection of eclectic home décor, unique clothing and jewelry as well as an array of organic food choices that’s sure to satisfy the metro’s most discerning palate. It is in Celadon Manila where I was able to buy the juiciest rambutan I’ve ever eaten.

Celadon Manila, the leisure community from Alveo Land, offers the opportunity for people to live, work, shop, meet and relax in one integrated neighborhood—underscoring a vibrant lifestyle experience.

Celadon Residences provides its residents with fully completed village park facilities like adult and kiddie pools, open playfield, kids’ playground, multi-purpose court and function rooms that encourage community interaction and fellowship, completing the uptown living experience.

Alveo Land Corp., formerly Community Innovations, sets the benchmark for innovation in Ayala Land. Armed with sharper foresight, unparalleled excellence and total commitment, Alveo Land Corp. is a real estate company that doesn’t just find the means to provide the most innovative homes, it looks for ways to make you live the life you deserve. For more information visit http://wwww.alveoland.com.ph or http://www.celadonmanila.com.ph email info@alveosales.com.ph or call (632) 848-5100 (Metro Manila) and 1-800-10-8485100 (Outside Metro Manila).

I am not a very vain person who goes to the dermatologist for weekly check-up, facial, and whatnots. Even though skin clinics are present here in our neighborhood, I never had the chance to step inside them and have my face treated. I don’t put moisturizers and other facial creams on my face except for the thing that treats my acne.

We often hear celebrities and other famous people thanking Dr. Vicki Belo in different TV shows. When you hear the name Vicky Belo, what comes in your mind?

Liposuction, breast augmentation, botox, nose lift, face-lift and other surgical services. But did you know that almost 80% of the services offered by the Belo Medical Group are non-surgical? Yes. Dr. Vicky Belo herself confirmed this during a Belo Open House for Bloggers at their Tomas Morato branch last August 16, 2008. Since it’s non-surgical, pain won’t be as much as inserting a catheter. Dr. Hayden Kho Jr. was also present at the event and gave a talk about the different treatments that the Belo Medical Group is offering. One of the newest treatments being offered by the Belo Medical Group is called the Biosculpt.

Biosculpt is an ideal treatment for people who want to shape up without effort. It makes use of the B.E.A.M. technology (Bio Electrical Acceleration Management) to send customized electrical pulses to stimulate and activate specific muscles or muscle groups, increase blood circulation, improve, metabolism, and tone the body where you want it.

Bloggers were able to experience the different treatments such as Visia, Tenor, Inara, Powerpeel to name a few. I was able to try two treatments – the Inara and Power Peel. The Power Peel or microdermabrasion makes use of corundum oxide crystals to gently remove dead skin and a vacuum to stimulate the deeper layers. It is great for acne scars and fine lines. This treatment takes around 20 minutes and can be done once a week.

One of the interesting services they are offering is called Visia. VISIA Digital Skin Analysis is an exciting technological innovation that uses a multi-spectral imaging system to identify problem areas of your complexion, allowing for a customized skin treatment program that specifically targets these areas.

Moreover, The Belo Medical Group launches the Ike and Nena Belo Foundation, a non-profit corporate charity meant to shape lives, with education, surgical assistance and environmental protection as its advocacies.

Dr. Vicki Belo, medical director of the Belo Medical Group, put up the foundation in honor of her parents, lawyer Enrique Belo and wife Florencia, who instilled in her the value of charitable giving. The private foundation was created for the education of needy children, rehabilitation of burned victims, surgery of children with cleft palate and environmental awareness. The core advocacy is geared towards the physical, mental and social welfare of the beneficiaries. The launch of Ike and Nena Belo Foundation comes at an opportune time when the Belo Medical Group is celebrating its 18th anniversary as the country’s top name in the field of dermatology and cosmetic surgery.

You can visit the Belo Medical Group in Alabang, Greenhills, Makati, Rustan’s Makati, Subic, The Podium, Tomas Morato and Trinoma. You can call their hotline at 844-2939 for more information regarding their services. Check out their website at www.belomed.com. Belo Medical Group will be launching their new website some time in September.

More pictures from the event:
(Please click the thumbnail for full view.)

… because pictures (or videos ) paint a thousand words

The PONDS Taste of Beauty Event in a Nutshell

Poyt‘s Singing Career

That’s it for me, PONDS!

The Chowking Halo-halo is a best seller. In fact, 25% of Chowking’s sales came from the famous halo-halo. The halo-halo from Chowking may be quite pricey if compared to the ones bought in your “suking tindahan” but with Chowking’s Halo-halo you are assured that the ingredients used are clean and fresh. Chowking’s Halo-Halo is composed of 12 ingredients, which I won’t list anymore but the distinguishable ones are Jackfruit, Sweetened Banana, Ube and Leche Flan. In preparing the Halo-Halo, Chowking uses their very special “blended milk”, which complements the halo-halo very much. The Halo-halo was presented in a very creative way with powder-like ice. The vibrant colors of the ingredients and its taste makes you wanna crave for more. Just to add, I consumed the Fiesta Halo-halo (with two scoops of ice cream) in a flash!

The marketing people from Chowking are very much hands-on. They entertained questions coming from the bloggers present. They also did some table-hopping to check on the bloggers which I took advantage to complain about the Chowking branch nearby (as in a stone throw away from our house, literally). They also shared about the story behind their Halo-halo and how Halo-halo finds it way to Chowking’s regular menu.

You can enjoy Chowking’s Halo-halo anytime (rain or shine)! You could choose from three sizes which are Half Dozen, Petite and Fiesta. If you want to add a little more sweetness to your Halo-halo, then add a scoop or two of ice cream.

Please do watch out for the video blog I would be posting on Jeric On The Tube about the event.

Other blog post/s:

Dianne – Chowking’s Halo-Halo Experience

Anyway, so luckily, I arrived on the event right on time. The event hasn’t started yet and I was able to pose for the FotoLoco booth with my mom located on the registration area

Gabe Mercado hosted the event together with some SPIT people. The PowerPoint presentation, which introduced us to David & Goliath and their new shirt line dubbed as the Little Losers, was absolutely hilarious. The games were fun too although I didn’t join any of them. I regret not taking part on the games for the prize is the cool “Bloggers suck” t-shirt which I totally want. In fact, even before the event, I was looking for the t-shirt on their Robinson’s Manila Midtown branch but I wasn’t able to get hold of one.

So, who are the little losers? Little Losers are a collection of graphic misfits that pay tribute to character stereotypes. Todd Goldman created the t-shirt line. The collection features 57 characters but only 21 are currently available in the stores. The Little Losers are available in adults’ tees for both Chicks and Dudes at Php995 each. Beware of imitations because I already saw one!

Here’s a look at the Little Losers t-shirt line.

More of the Little Losers T-shirt line @ www.davidandgoliathtees.com.

If you want to buy your own Little Losers shirt by now, rush to the following David & Goliath stores located at Bonifacio High Street, Powerplant Mall, TriNoma, Robinsons Place Manila Midtown, Greenbelt 5 and Rustan’s Makati.

I’m excited for my first Little Losers shirt! Tee hee

SPOT.ph is the newest website about dining, drinking and going out in Manila with reviews posted by the users themselves. SPOT.ph is very generous enough to organize an exclusive food tour at TriNoma for bloggers. Jenny, Roxanne and I took part on the said food tour at TriNoma visiting and eating at a total of 21 restaurants for free. We were treated to the classiest restaurants around the Metro, which we can’t afford on our own.

During the registration, I was rubbing elbows with Ms. Dine Racoma and her family but I never got the guts to introduce myself. Anyway, I belonged to Group 2 (the Green group) with Karl Bustamante, Community Editor of SPOT.ph as the group tour marshal. It is in Group 2 that I met Camille, Dak, Dexter and his wife, Maki, and others whom I didn’t talk with really but I recognized them. Let me borrow Janina San Miguel’s word. I am sorry. This is my first bloggers event ever! Hahahahaha!

More photos at my Multiply

I will not elaborate more on each and every restaurant that we visited but instead I’ll blog on the ones whom I liked and hated (kidding).

Ruby Tuesday
Ruby Tuesday is known for simple and fresh American dining. They served us Cheddar Fries, Tortilla Chips and Baby Back Ribs (if I’m not mistaken). Sorry but I don’t pay much attention to the names of the dishes. Anyway, who doesn’t love cheese? The Cheddar Fries is perfect for those who love fries and cheese. The Tortilla Chips is actually fine with their special dip, which I don’t know how they called. I love their Baby Back Ribs though I heard some who didn’t like it.

Ruby Tuesday is located at 4001, Level 4, TriNoma, EDSA corner North Avenue, Quezon City with telephone numbers 909-4005 and fax number 909-4006.

CYMA
I’ve never been to any Greek restaurants nor did I eat any Greek food. In fact, I didn’t know that Cyma is actually a Greek restaurant until Robby Goco the ever-accommodating Executive Chef introduced us to their restaurant. Robby explained to us how Filipinos and Greeks were similar in terms of food. In fact, Cyma is the MOST generous of all the restaurants that we’ve been to. They offered us more or less five dishes. I asked for their menu and I was surprised to see how affordable their dishes are. I love the some sort of salad that they served us. I would be really glad to return to Cyma.

CYMA is located at 4002A, Level 4, TriNoma, Quezon City with telefax number at 915-2859.

Bubba Gump
Bubba Gump got really nice interiors and of course great food. Their Strawberry Lemonade is really refreshing. They were nice to give bloggers ID Lace and Notepad.

Bubba Gump is located at Level 4, TriNoma, Quezon City with telephone numbers 916-9314 and 916-9319.

Fish & Co.
If you are a seafood lover then Fish & Co. is the place to go. You should try their gigantic mussels with a very creamy sauce and their fish nuggets.

Cold Rock Ice Creamy
Ice creams are best for this summer season and Cold Rock Ice Creamy is the best place to get them. In Cold Rock Ice Creamy, you are free to select what toppings you want on your ice cream. I tried the Bubblegum flavored ice cream with Nerds and Gummy Bears as toppings. It’s really a great experience!

Cold Rock Ice Creamy can be found at the Cinema area of TriNoma.

Anyway, major shoutout and link love to all the restaurants that we’ve been to! La Maison, Recipes by Café Metro, The Madison Grill, Bubba Gump, Cyma, Café Breton, Fish & Co., Italianni’s, Holy Cow Chop House, Jack’s Loft, Ruby Tuesday, Red Box, Starbucks, TGIF, Cold Rock Ice Creamy, Five Cows, Abe, Haiku and Krispy Kreme!

Thanks to SPOT.ph Team for the very nice and fun food tour. I nearly vomited (kidding)! Looking forward to more bloggers event.