Lifestyle Check

If there is nothing more obvious today is that times are tough, financially speaking. We are not only hearing of no wage increase this year, we also hear of workers being laid off and a swine flu pandemic threatening the world today. Thus, it is only wise that we evaluate our finances and use our money efficiently. Here are some steps that you could take:

1. Spend for things you need and lessen if not eliminate the wants.
2. Spend within your means. Resolve not to use those plastic cards.
3. If you have debts, consolidate them. Owing money from one lender is better than having multiple ones. You only pay for one due and one minimum. The beauty of debt consolidation.
4. Stay out of debt.

Weekend Recap

I have been sick for three days now. No worries, I am not the first case of swine flu victim in the Philippines. I’m just having stomach aches from a combination of something I ate last Tuesday. I’m now spending the day lying on bed, watching television, and managing my restaurant city. Items are piling up but I decided that they have to wait until I feel a lot better. No doctors for me. I self medicate. ^_^

There’s a lot of things happening beyond the four walls I’m in: Jun Lozada was arrested for perjury; 3 low pressure areas in the mid of summer; controversies due to the added party list representatives in Congress; Trina Etong’s death still being investigated; Agoncillo-Santos surprised nuptial; Chrysler to lay-off thousands of workers; and Matt Giraud eliminated from Idol.

Have a fun-filled long weekend…

Post link: Mesothelioma lawyers

Camera Lights Action

Anyone who does photography professionally or as a hobby knows how expensive this hobby can be. For those planning to shift from a point and shoot camera to a DSLR, saving some bucks will not end in buying your dream camera. Sooner or later, you’ll find yourself wanting for another one or two lenses whose price can go up to four times your camera body!

When you want to go strobist, lighting equipments can also leave a deep hole in your pocket. You could always improvised and use some Sylvania light bulbs and good all natural sunlight until you save for the real studio lights and flashes.

I guess the key here is to never stop learning. Search online, join forums, and learn from seasoned photographers the tricks of the trade. These guys have a lot of tricks to pull out from their sleeves.

The Philippine Festivals In One Place – Aliwan Fiesta

I just got home from a long, yet enjoyable day. Litratong Pinoy had it’s EBaliwan at Dencio’s Harbor Square for an early lunch. We then head off to Star City for the Aliwan Fiesta.

Aliwan Fiesta is a yearly activity organized by Manila Broadcasting Company were festival performers nationwide compete in the street dancing competition. Everything was going well until the rain poured around 7pm. I am familiar with the philosophy amongst performers that “the show must go on,” but I wished they spared the children from being drenched in the rain in their bee costumes. Responsible parenting anyone?

Over all, it was a good experience and I would love to do it again next year. Hopefully, minus the rain. I’ll be posting some shots later in the weeks.

Post Link: Machu Picchu travel

Go to a Specialist

Cancer will soon dislodge heart attack from the number one killer disease in the world. We frequently hear of famous personalities dying from this disease and if you are like me, we could not help but pray that no one in our family will have to suffer the same fate.

Just to be safe, make it a habit to undergo a yearly medical examination. It is proven that cancer need not be fatal if discovered at an early stage. If you have the means, go to the best doctor as rare cases like mesothelioma can easily be dismissed as a simple chest or stomach pain.

Prepare A Wish List

Finding the best gift for a certain occasion is one activity I am not fond of. You not only have to think of something that the person will like or appreciate but you also have to think of something within your budget. It’s a real pain!

Will the person like to have sports gifts or fashionable items? Will a good book make one happy or a CD of good music might be better.

Of course a person might reason that it is the thought that counts but we certainly would want our gifts to be appreciated.

So in order to save people the trouble of finding the perfect gift for you, I think it is best that we have a wish list handy. If you care enough for me, here is mine.

Training Your Appetite

How do you lose weight? Are you a person who chooses to go the natural way by exercising, workout, and jogging? Do you prefer to take cosmetic surgery? Or are you a person who simply do not mind weight issues?

A friend of mine decided to take medication to suppress her appetite. However, I advise those who choose such path to make careful research about the medicines they plan of taking. There are a lot of products out there that offers a lot of promise but may pose a serious side effect to your health.

Make it a point to read appetite suppressant reviews and look for trustworthy source of testimonials.

Easter Hunting

Happy Easter! I hope you all had a meaningful and enlightening Holy Week.

Since most establishments are closed for Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, expect people who stayed in Manila to immediately hit the malls come Black Saturday. I did. It was a good relief from the summer heat.

Today, we went to Greenhills not for Easter egg hunting but to scout for bargain shoes and shirts. I saw some really good items which I’m planning to grab next week. Hoping to see more items on sale by then.

The long vacation ends today. Let us all face the week with a renewed spirit. Break a leg!

Space Bound

What could possible be better than weight loss pills? Going to outer space where weight practically doesn’t matter.

Of course there is still no travel package to get us in orbit but NASA have a few more bytes allotted for you to send your name to Mars with their Science Laboratory rover on 2011! Go to this website and add your name to the list. You will then receive a printable certificate with your own unique number.

Be part of history as it becomes our turn to finally say, “Greetings Martians!”

Litratong Pinoy: Paboritong Litrato

Muli kong binalikan ang mga larawang kuha ko upang hanapin ang masasabi kong paborito kong larawan. Salat sa mga teknikal na kaalaman, ang tangi kong ginamit sa pagpili ay kung anong larawan ang pupukaw sa aking damdamin.

Masasabi kong isa akong melancholic na tao. Kaya marahil ito ang napili kong larawan. I was never a happy go lucky type. Pinag-iisipan ko muna ang mga bagay bagay bago ko ito gawin. Minsan nakakainis na din dahil sa sobrang pagmumuni-muni at pagpapakalalim ay wala ka ding nararating.

Ito ang aking lahok sa Linggo ng Paboritong Litrato ng Litratong Pinoy.