The Rule of Four by Ian Caldwell and Dustin Thomason

More often than not, you know you've got a good book in your hands when, after going through the first few paragraphs, it's got you hooked.  Well, that's exactly what happened to me when I started to read Ian Caldwell and Dustin Thomason's The Rule of Four.

The Rule of Four by Ian Caldwell and Dustin Thomason

Facecrooks.com: Fighting FB Scammers One Post at a Time

Their tagline says it all -- Facecrooks is THE social media watchdog.

Source: Facecrooks website

My Personal Tips for Making DIY Wedding Invitations

I would like to think of myself as a creative person (naks!)  It serves as a good stress reliever and outlet whenever life and all it's craziness just seems too much to bear.

So when I got engaged (sorry, folks, just continuing the wedding mood set by my 2 previous posts J), I decided early on to make our own wedding invitations (DIY) to distract myself from the stress of preparing for the other items needed for the big day.

Sneak peek

WEDDING SUPPLIERS REVIEW: Photobot Manila

NOTE:  How time quickly flies!  Yes, folks, I've been married for more than 2 years now, and silly me, after doing a quick back track of all my previous wedding suppliers review posts, I noticed that I had yet to do one for our strings trio from Libante Strings and photobooth provider, Photobot Manila.  

And since we've been such satisfied customers of both, I've decided to go ahead and prepare a review, albeit a tad (?!) late.  But as they say, "better late than never;"  so please bear with me as I post a few backlogged posts to show our gratitude to these 2 businesses.  J

I have been waging a continuous, never-ending battle with dirt and dust for decades.  And as such, I try to keep small trinkets I've accumulated over the years inside glass cases where they'll be sure to still be displayed, but without collecting too much dust.

However, I find that the older I get, the more weddings I get to attend, hence, the more souvenir trinkets I tend to bring home and display.  I'm slowly losing space to place it all!

So it was such a relief to find that the trend for weddings nowadays is to install a photo booth at your party and have it dish out goofy photos of your guests to serve as souvenirs.  So for our wedding, the Husband and I decided to obtain the services of Photobot Manila for our photo booth needs.

The Husband and I on our wedding day

WEDDING SUPPLIERS REVIEW: Libante Strings

NOTE:  How time quickly flies!  Yes, folks, I've been married for more than 2 years now, and silly me, after doing a quick back track of all my previous wedding suppliers review posts, I noticed that I had yet to do one for our strings trio from Libante Strings and photobooth provider, Photobot.  

And since we've been such satisfied customers of both, I've decided to go ahead and prepare a review, albeit a tad (?!) late.  But as they say, "better late than never;"  so please bear with me as I post a few backlogged posts to show our gratitude to these 2 businesses.  J

I've mentioned in my original Wedding Expenses post that the then-fiancee (now the Husband) and I were quite particular with the wedding budget.  We didn't want to start our married life with debts so we decided early on that we would make a list of our wedding "necessities" and "wants."  Once we've met all the necessaries, then we'd determine if there was still room for the "nice-to-haves."

Well, hiring a string trio was not exactly part of the "necessities" list mainly because we could have just as easily have played recorded songs at the church and the reception area since a full sound system was already provided by our caterer as part of our package.  Shame if it won't be put to good use, right?

But regardless of how practical I wanted to be, I just couldn't shake off the thoughts of soothing violins and pianos in the background while I walked down the church aisle.  So after a little prodding, this "nice-to-have" was suddenly elevated to a "necessity" (never underestimate the power of a woman planning her dream wedding, folks.)

The internet is such a wonderful source of information, wouldn't you agree?  And it was there where I found Libante Strings.

Libante Strings trio playing at our wedding at San Agustin Church
(SOURCE: Libante Strings FB page)

Cybercrime Prevention Act (Republic Act No. 10175)

Republic Act No. 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act was just signed into law last September 12, 2012. 

What is the the Cybercrime Prevention Act?  Well, in a nutshell, it aims to prevent and crack down on cyber crimes in the Philippines.

Here are some useful links regarding Republic Act No. 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act:

• Full transcript of RA 10175 found at the Official Gazette of the Philippine government website.
• News story from Philstar.com, includes a very brief introduction of the bill.
• Yugatech.com provides a brief list of what we can and can't do under RA 10175
• A take on the law's libel clause by Raissa Robles.  Should all of us be worried?

Please be informed.

DIY Fresh Water Pearl Bracelets

I first started buying fresh water pearl jewelry during a vacation to Puerto Princesa, Palawan where venders would sell stud earrings made of these beauties for only Php20.  Since working for an auditing firm required me to dress in corporate attire for most of the work days, fresh water pearl stud earrings, and other pearl jewelry piece for that matter, were the best accessories I could ever have since they're such versatile pieces. 

Aside from the office, I'd wear them during special, more formal affairs; and even when wanting to add a little class to a casual shirt and jeans look.  I'd been buying fresh water pearl jewelry ever since.

So when we had the Little One's baptismal rites last December 2011, I just knew I wanted a pair of matching fresh water pearl bracelets to complete our outfits.  Knowing I'd have a hard time locating one that would fit her tiny wrist, I DIY-ed and made these!

DIY fresh water pearl bracelets

Contest Alert: Easy Pha-max Wheatgrass' Name Our Mascot Contest

Win cool prizes by joining Easy Pha-max Wheatgrass' Name Our Mascot contest!

Visit the Wheatgrass C.A.N. facebook page for more details.

The Kampong Life at Bottle Tree Park, Singapore

We used to frequent this small, simple eatery in Bacoor, Cavite called Kainan sa Balsa.  Roughly translated to "eating on rafts", dining there is such a thrill where meals are served to you inside small huts, equipped with a table and chairs, situated on top of floating bamboo rafts over a small lake. 

You can fish for your meal or simply order from the menu.  During the weekends, this place is always so full of families having great bonding sessions over good, simple, home cooked food.

I sure do miss those days in the Philippines.  Good thing we were able to discover a place here in Singapore that almost comes close -- Bottle Tree Park.

Bottle Tree Park

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot

Imagine being able to help millions of people but you weren't even aware of it.  Well, that's just what happened to Henrietta, as detailed in Rebecca Skloot's The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks.

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot

PIN SI Kitchen (A Singapore Food Post)

As the saying goes, when in Rome, do as the Romans do.  Well put, if I do say so myself.

So when in Singapore, you'd more or less be eating like a Singaporean when dining out.  And what's more in tune to the local fare than by having a meal at PIN SI Kitchen.

PIN SI Kitchen

Tatty Teddy Bears are ♥

Almost every little girl I knew grew up with at least one teddy bear in their toy collection.  They're soft, cuddly, and such a comfort for little ones.  They come in all shapes, sizes and colors but by far, the one that remains closest to my heart are Tatty Teddy bears


My Tatty Teddy bear



Song to Barbie by Bevlyn Khoo

Just discovered this song quite recently, sung by a Singaporean singer named Bevlyn Khoo.  Aside from its catchy rhythm and smooth tune, I love the message that she's trying to imply -- that looks aren't everything. 

Don't just aspire to be eye-candy because having a mind of your own is a valuable asset that will never fade.

Magnum Temptation's Fruit and Bonbons (A Singapore Food Post)

Just want to share photos of another fairly new Magnum variant here in Singapore -- the Magnum Temptation's Fruit and Bon Bon bar!

Magnum Temptation's Fruit and Bon Bon bar