Valentine’s Is Fast Approaching

Exactly a month from today and it’s already Valentine’s Day. Couples will be planning for dates and theirs gifts for each other. Singles, however, will again be reminded of their “blessed” status. Ladies are sure to get chocolate AND flowers from admiring men.

During such occasion, may we not forget to appreciate not just our better halves but other people who have been a part of our lives as well. Love and appreciation is something that is too grand not to be shared with everyone in the season of love.

Success Stories

Reading inspiring stories about success and perseverance renews my spirit. It is amazing to hear/read people’s journey in life and how they found triumph after several failures. Besides these, it overwhelms me to hear stories how one person manages to reach the top of an industry that he is not originally a part of. Stories like that of Rocky Patel.

During the 90′s, Rakesh Patel is the person who introduced the Indian Tabac blend. He was originally an attorney representing Hollywood stars like Arnold Schwarzenegger and Gene Hackman. It is during the time he spends smoking cigars with actors did he develop his interest in the tobacco industry. He left his practice, moved to Honduras to learn the trade and by 2003, he launches a collection of cigars that was named “Best of the Best” by the Robb Report.

His story teaches me to be unafraid of breaking the mold. A person need not burden himself continuing doing the things he dislikes but grew up with. We should all search for our own path.

ING Running 20

ING Philippines will be celebrating their 20th year in the country. In connection to this, they have partnered with Habitat for Humanity in building 20 homes in Calauan, Laguna. This 2nd ING Village is part of the “BayaniJuan sa Southville 7″ community.

To achieve this, a special running event will be held on December 11, 2010 in order to raise the needed funds. Register for the event and be at the Bonifacio Global City at 5am on the said date. Registration fee for the 3K, 5K, and 10K category is 500 pesos only and includes race bib number, a singlet, and RFID tag. The 20K category will also have a finisher’s shirt, medal, and a chance to win a sure slot to the NYC Marathon. 20K registration is 1,000 pesos.

Slots are limited so make sure to find time and register at any of the outlets below:
ROX at Bonifacio High Street in Taguig
Reebok at Trinoma in EDSA, QC
Reebok at Megamall in Ortigas, Mandaluyong
Reebok at Festival Mall in Alabang
Royal Sporting House at Glorietta 4 in Makati
Royal Sporting House at Robinson’s Place in Malate

Learn More about Payday Loans

Not every payday loan company is the same. Since it is a competitive market there are always some companies out there offering better deals. National Payday is one company that has certain benefits for new and returning customers. You may want to learn more about payday loans, especially from National Payday to see which company has the better option.

For example, National Payday likes to give you a deal as a new customer. They will offer a deal sometimes in which your payday loan may not be charged interest. All you pay back is the money you borrowed plus their 25 percent fee. There are a couple of restrictions to this type of deal:

• The loan must be paid back in full on the due date. This means if you took out the loan for 16 days, you must return the funds, plus the 25 percent fee on that 16th day. It cannot be paid back on the 17th day or later. It also cannot be paid back in instalments. Basically, National Payday rewards you for paying a loan back on time and in full to make the lending process more cost effective to you. This reward is a huge incentive.

• The other restriction is the amount of the loan. National Payday only loans up to $400 for a first time borrower. The company is looking to see if you can make the payment back, meaning that you can afford it. After you show you can afford the loan they will consider a second loan for more money based on your monthly income.

National Payday does not lend more than half your monthly salary, and less based on the expenses you state you have. For instance, if your mortgage is half your salary and you use the rest of your salary for electricity, etc. they may refuse the loan. It means you cannot afford it and National Payday is one company that looks to responsible lending.

That being said, they may consider a payment plan in which you make a small payment for half your monthly salary in a loan. It would take more time for the loan to be returned, but as long as you make payments you are paying it off. All cash advance loans are open ended as far as paying them off. There is no “official” due date, just a preferred one. The longer you have a loan outstanding the more it will cost you, thus it becomes harder for you to pay it back.

It is always important to consider your own financial situation before going for a payday loan. You may find you cannot afford it, but the alternative is much worse.

Fashion Fans

In a tropical country like the Philippines, house ventilation is very important. This should be well incorporated in designing houses. We could go for natural air flow or use fans and/or air conditioners. However, for those who places a big weight on aesthetics, fans might not be a good addition to the interior’s design.

Casablanca fans will surely do the trick. Their wide array of fashionable ceiling fans will be a welcome addition to any room. It also has a lighting function to boost with.

Any house will indeed look great with it. Their high commitment to design and quality assures you that you are buying something of good value.

Citibank Expands Its Reward Program

Whenever you spend at least 1,500 pesos using your Citi Card, you can get a movie pass worth 100 pesos at partner cinemas by exchanging your charge slip. Citibank now expands their reward program enabling you to have the freedom to choose!

Aside from the movie pass, you may now also use the charge slip to avail of a 100-peso off from participating Shell stations, Rustan’s Supermarkets, Shopwise, Mercury Drug branches, Rustan’s Department Stores or at Stores Specialists, Inc. (SSI) stores. You are free to use up to two charge slips a day.

Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend

Most of us probably learned that a dog is a man’s best friend. However, in the case of women, diamond is a girl’s best friend. Haha! I am just kidding. Of course I know that the man in the first saying speaks of the whole mankind… or does it? Anyway, have you ever thought were the second saying came from?

I was surprised to learn that it is actually a title of a Broadway song written by written by Jule Styne and Leo Robin originally sung by Carol Channing in the 1949 production of Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. However, it became more popular in 1953 when Marilyn Monroe performed it in the film version of the same play.In 2001, Nicole Kidman in the role of Satine, performed the same song in Moulin Rouge. Being surprised by all of these, I guess by now you know that I’m no Broadway fan.

I guess this song is worth more than loose diamonds as it was listed as the 12th most important movie song of all time by the American Film Institute.

Cebu Pacific: Three Day Seat Sale

Cebu Pacific will be having a three-day seat sale starting October 28 to October 30, 2009. So Fare, So Good is valid for selected local and international destinations for flights covering December 1, 2009 to February 28, 2010.

As per Cebu Pacific’s website:

Local flights

888 pesos
- Manila to San Jose (Mindoro) or Tagbilaran
- Cebu to Clark

International flights

999 pesos
- Manila to Kota Kinabalu
- Clark to Hong Kong

1,999 pesos
- Manila to Hong Kong or Kuala Lumpur
- Cebu to Hong Kong

The prices might have additional charges for taxes so make sure to check their online booking for detailed flight itinerary and total amount to be paid.

No matter where you plan to travel, be it in Kuala Lumpur or an orlando vacations, take a lot of photos for keep sake and enjoy your vacation!

Help Make a Filipino To Become This Year’s CNN Hero

Filipino Efren Peñaflorida of the Dynamic Teen Company earns a coveted spot in this year’s CNN Top Ten Heroes list. They will be honored at the Kodak theater on November 26th (Thanksgiving Night) when the winner will be announced.

The winner will be chosen by the public via online voting starting Oct. 1, 2009 at 11PM ET (8PM PT, 11AM Friday, Manila time). At this same time, a special edition of “AC360,” profiling this year’s honorees and their causes — “Change the World, You Vote, CNN Heroes” — airs on CNN and CNN International.

Vote for Efren by clicking the badge below or by going to CNN’s Voting Page. Voting continues until Thursday, November 19, 2009 (6 a.m. ET). There is no limit on the number of times you may vote for the Hero of the Year.

To read about his work, check out CNN’s Pushcart classes help break gang chain.

Loving Hotel Living

When we hear the word “vacation” what usually comes to mind is enjoying the outdoor: camping, beach, trekking. However, not all people who needed to retreat from their everyday routine prefers such activity. Others simply wants to enjoy a laid back day lounging around away from home. Enjoying a good sleep on a comfortable bed, a luxurious bath experience, and feast on fine cuisines. Where else to enjoy it but to check in a hotel. Westgate Resort is open for reservations for you and your loved ones. Choose the package the suits you and enjoy a life far different from your usual.

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