Philippine Wedding Venues & our Engagement Blog
As most of you guys know by now, I recently got engaged! My fiancee and I have been doing the rounds, checking out various Philippine Wedding venues and meeting caterers, photographers, etc. Since we want to share our learnings, we decided to come out with an engagement/wedding blog. In this new site we will be talking about our journey as a couple. Mich and I will be both writing for the new blog and we’ll have guest writers as well.
I’ve uploaded several posts already including the videos and pictures of the proposal so you guys might want to head on over and check the new blog out. Mich already wrote a review on Blue Leaf Pavilion, one of the most prestigious reception and wedding venues in the country.
That’s it for now. Hope you guys visit the new blog!
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Call for prayers: Gary Lising suffers heart attack
Filipino comedy icon Gary Lising was rushed to the hospital Tuesday, November 10, 2009. He’s currently in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Makati Medical Center. I just wanted to repost this here as a call for prayers. Let’s all hope for the healing and recovery of one of the funniest Filipinos ever to grace television, radio, and print.
Here’s the complete article on GMA NEWS:
Gary Lising, famous for his “green” jokes and comedic wit, was rushed to the hospital Tuesday, November 10, 2009.
Best known in the defunct TV gag show Champoy in the ’80s and in funny films in the ’90s like Run Barbi Run and Alyas Boy Tigas, Gary was seen as someone who can tickle the funny bone with his branded green humor. The Ateneo de Manila economics graduate handled his own joke-store business and wrote books, including an autobiography (Confessions of a D.O.M. (Delightful Old Man))—both with greenishly loaded content.
The last movie he starred in was in 2007. He stirred up some controversy when he chatted with Mo Twister in the host’s defunct radio show’s “Forbidden Questions,” also that year.
Heart attack was determined as the cause and he is currently confined at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Makati Medical Center.
Fellow comedian and close friend Noel Trinidad related the tragic news concerning Gary thru dzMM and called out for prayers in a text message sent to the radio station. – Elyas Isabelo Salanga, PEP
Tags: Gary, Lising, Heart, Attack
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I’m Engaged!
I haven’t been able to post much for the past few days because I’ve really been busy preparing for one of the biggest days of my life. Just this Sunday, October 18, 2009, I proposed to my girlfriend of almost 9 years at our Sunday service at Victory Greenhills in Music Museum. It was good timing since I was going up the stage anyway to introduce the website for our church to the crowd. After introducing it at the 5PM service, I made a call for volunteers and announced a video. The video is actually something that we worked on the prior night which basically shows a collage of pictures and some shots of me putting on a coat and tie for the actual proposal. Here’s the video for your viewing pleasure:
After the video, I came out on stage wearing the same outfit in the video and I walked up to her. My proposal went something like this:
“Mich and I have been together for almost 9 years. For the longest time, it was all about me. Then later on it was all about her. After almost 9 years though I finally got it. It wasn’t about her or me, it was always about and will always be about God.”
I walked up to her and then said:
“When no one believed in me, you were there. When I was down, you pushed me up. If you’ll let me, I’d like to take care of you for the rest of your life. Will you marry me?”
She said yes. 
We had a quiet dinner at Lemuria after followed by a small engagement celebration at the Victory Center in Promenade, Greenhills. I’m still a bit tired from the whole emotional, spiritual, and physical roller coaster. I’ll write some more coherent posts about the proposal when my brain starts to function normally again, haha!
Just some other blogs on the proposal:
Dennis Sy: A wedding proposal to remember
Thamme Sy: the Proposal
And here’s a link for more pictures on my FB page:
Proposal Pictures 1
Proposal Pictures 2
Thank you so much to my spiritual family in Victory Greenhills for all the support and the inspiration. You guys are such a blessing to me and Mich. To Dodge and Kuya Marc, thank you for helping out as well, especially with the logistics and the video. To everyone who came and witnessed the proposal and joined us for the celebration, a big thank you for making the night special for me and Mich!
PS: One of my good friends got the entire proposal on video. He’ll upload it on Youtube soon. I’ll re-post it here when he uploads.
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Apokalipto Viral Video
While checking out the latest happenings in the lives of my friends on Facebook, I stumbled upon this video which was being linked by several political bloggers and some gamer friends of mine. This was a very weird occurrence since gaming and politics don’t usually mix well. Anyway, it’s a video of a guy walking with a red hoodie walking along the slums when he finds a young girl who asks him if he is their savior. The guy then opens his jacket, revealing a flaming chest of sorts and touches the girl. The hands of the girl blaze as well – a symbolic gesture of passing. Anyway, the effects of the video are really good and the soundtrack is also decent. It’s worth the download time (it’s plays for just 30 seconds anyway). Watch it after the break.
Just some thoughts:
- This guy sounds like Senator Chiz Escudero
- I love how they rendered the video. Contrast of the red color to the black and white slums is fantastic!
- 30 seconds… will this be launched as a TVC?
- Will there be action scenes in the succeeding parts? Haha.
Anyway, let’s just monitor how this goes.
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Fish & Co. Facebook Fan Profile Offers Exclusive Promos
Hey everyone! I just wanted to let you all know that popular restaurant Fish & Co. just set up their Facebook Fan Profile and they will be giving exclusive promotions, gifts, and freebies to people who sign up as their fans on Facebook. I strongly suggest that you guys sign-up as a fan because it’s for free and you’ll get a chance to win in their events/contests.
SIGN UP AS A FAN FOR FISH & CO. ON FACEBOOK
You won’t regret it, promise. 
Tags: Fish, &, Co, Restaurant
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Juan Country dot Com: New Political Commentary Blog
As most of you have noticed by now, I’ve been writing political analysis and commentaries here at New Media Philippines for the past few weeks. I believe that this is kinda ruining the topic flow of this site but I’m having a hard time NOT writing about politics. So instead of “spamming” New Media Philippines with political commentaries, I’ve decided to launch a new blog focuses on current events and politics. I’m very happy to announce the soft launch of www.juancountry.com. I’ve already moved some of my previous posts here and I’ve also added new ones such as:
“Saging lang ang may puso.” – Senator Chiz Escudero
“Wish ko lang…” – Senator Mar Roxas
Willie Revillame for Senator in 2010?
Hoping for your support guys in this newest endeavor. Feel free to recommend the site to your friends. Cheers!
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Free Parenting and Education Seminar with Francis Kong, Queena Chua, and Randell Tiongson
The event is for free. All you have to do to join is to sign up at the registration thread. Note that we only have limited seats so if you want to go, sign-up ASAP.
Tags: Francis, Kong,, Randell, Tiongson,, Queena, Lee, Chua
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I Didn’t Really Know President Aquino
I’m 27 years old, I come from a political family, and yet I don’t really know much about former President Cory Aquino. All I know was that she succeeded former President Marcos through EDSA in 1986 and that she’s been criticizing the Arroyo administration for the past few years. When I heard she passed away this morning, I was really surprised to be genuinely saddened by the news. I did some soul searching while driving along Ateneo (meeting a colleague) and then it struck me why. This post is for my generation and the next generation of Filipinos who never really knew Cory.
“I don’t have any formula for ousting a dictator or building democracy. All I can suggest is to forget about yourself and just think of your people. It’s always the people who make things happen.” - Corazon Aquino
Price of Democracy
Former President Marcos clamped down on the Philippines like an iron vice. He shut down media stations and other companies when he declared martial law. Freedom then, according to my more “experienced” friends, wasn’t free. Fear ruled the streets - and not because you were afraid you’d get mugged. You were afraid that someone from the military would pick you up and kill you. It was a really different time back then. One that we can’t even imagine happening these days.
However, there was one woman who picked up the fight when her husband died. Former President Cory Aquino made the decision to stand up, represent, and fight for the Filipino people. It is because of former President Aquino and the people who backed her up that we were able to break free from Marcos’ reign of terror. The Philippines today wouldn’t be the same if we didn’t have EDSA 1 and President Aquino.
What you owe to her
We owe a lot to President Aquino. The little things that we take for granted everyday wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for her sacrifice and courage. If she didn’t step in and give back the media outfits to the original owners, we wouldn’t be enjoying all the TV shows that we are watching now. Journalists would still have their hands tied by fear and we wouldn’t be able to read, hear, or watch any credible news network. The truth would become relative, told only by those on the payroll of a dictator gone mad.
How about the internet? I’m willing to bet that if the Marcos era extended to today, we would probably be like China or Iran in the sense that the government is cracking down on bloggers, writers, and other new media publishers. Websites like Youtube would be banned. Now that would totally suck right?
Back then there was also curfew. You won’t be able to go out and drink with your friends, or maybe even watch a last full show. You’d have to be home, bored to death.
Integrity and Prayer
A lot of critics say that President Aquino wasn’t able to handle the economy well when she was in charge. However you really have to take into account that she wasn’t really qualified in the first place. She’s not a hardcore economist or a genius. However she had the best chances of taking down the Marcos regime and we are all blessed by her decision to go for it.
President Aquino wasn’t your perfect leader. She didn’t know all the numbers. But she did one of the best things in the history of this country. She gave us back our freedom. I believe that it’s because of her that we’re all enjoying life so much these days. In fact, without Cory, I don’t think former Presidents Ramos, Estrada, and even Arroyo would be able to perform as they did in their terms.
The next time you go out and enjoy a night with your friends, or you’re surfing for videos on the internet, or even just watching your favorite TV program… pause a while. Remember President Aquino and just thank her for her sacrifice.
Maraming maraming maraming salamat President Aquino. May you find comfort and peace in the loving arms of our Creator.
Tags: President, Cory, Aquino, RIP,, Cory, Aquino, EDSA
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You Are the Future of this Country
Author’s Note: This is a re-posted article from my other blogs: NMP and the Level Up Portal.
US President Barrack Obama gave one of the most powerful and sternest speeches in New York for the centenary of the National Association for the Advancement of Coloured People. In his speech, he hit hard on the roles of parents in raising their children to become the future leaders of the country. He goes on to explain that not all black children should aspire to be like Lebron James or rappers like Little Wayne. Children should also dream of becoming professionals like doctors, lawyers, engineers, etc. His speech made such a profound impact on me, even if I’m not yet a parent myself. This message was driven home even more during Sunday service when Pastor Jason talked about having a multi-generation mindset. Pastor Jason even cited one example that I was very familiar with. I remember watching one of the news bits on one of the entertainment shows. There was a young girl there who was asked what was her dream in life. She said that she wanted to become a dancer in one of the noontime shows. I have nothing against dancers, but when your main goal in life is to become a noontime show dancer, that’s a problem. President Obama’s speech and Pastor Jason’s message was directed towards parents. I’m making this post to talk to the youth of today. More after the break.
Dare to Dream
What is your goal in life? I’m sure that someday you want to have a family and children of your own. But let’s work backwards a bit - what will you do so that you’ll become successful? I talk with a lot of people about their career and one of the most persistent and common problems I find is that people lack the confidence and self-esteem to aspire for greater heights. This is my first point - the youth of today should DARE TO DREAM. Don’t be satisfied with where you are now. Stay hungry. Burn with passion and be on fire as you set out to become the future leaders of the industry that you want to conquer. Yes, you’re allowed to be distracted every now and then but always keep your eyes on the prize. Determination, resilience, and grace are the tools that will empower you and make you a better person.
Don’t feel that just because you are young means that you’re not good enough. Everyone great started the same way you are. A kid that’s naive to the workings of the world. What separates the 5% elite from the 95% of the world is their willingness and drive to never give up on their dreams and goals.
Identify your goals. And I’m not just saying that you think of something overnight. If you can spend countless hours in gimmicks, movies, and other leisure activities, it won’t hurt if you spend hours or even days thinking about what you want to become. Strike a balance between fun and work. Plot a clear direction for your life and don’t let the environment around you bog you down. If you feel like you have so many problems in life… here’s a news flash: that won’t change. In fact, more problems will come your way as you grow older. The key here is how you will face and overcome your trials.
Work Towards that Dream
Now that you’ve identified your goals, the next big step is to work towards it. Plans are useless if they’re not executed. Here are some of the most common problems that I’ve identified from talking with people and from my own personal experience that can act as roadblocks to success:
Lack of Knowledge - This can easily be remedied. Invest in books. Talk to your peers. Get a mentor. Education is key. If you don’t have the technical expertise, you won’t succeed. Don’t expect to become a lawyer if you haven’t read a single law book. If you want to become a marketer, make sure you’re always up-to-date in the latest trends.
Lack of Confidence - I cannot stress this enough. BELIEVE IN YOURSELF. Your destiny is IN YOUR HANDS. Yes you can get boosts from your parents or your network, but ultimately your dreams will only be realized if you act on it. To all those who are already working here’s a practical bit of advice. Don’t wait for promotions. Work and ask for it. Your bosses are not psychic. They cannot read your minds. Set a meeting with your boss and talk about where you want your career to go and ask advice from him/her on what you can improve on.
Too much Confidence - Here’s another big mistake. Don’t ever feel like you’ve learned everything you have to learn about your work. Never underestimate your colleagues and overestimate your own capabilities. Education is a constant process and the moment you stop learning, you will plateau and maybe even slide down.
In Closing
Pissed at your Congressman for voting for Con Ass? Annoyed at hearing all of the corruption happening in the government? Are you doubtful that your current boss can lead your department and you know you can do better? Stop making excuses and stop complaining. It’s time for action. Dare to dream and work towards that dream. At the end of the day the biggest hindrance that’s stopping you from reaching success is yourself. Know where you want to go and start walking towards it. There will be times that you will fall. Get up and walk again. Never look back.
To summarize my points:
1. Identify your dream. Find out what you want to become.
2. Set concrete goals. Select a realistic age on when you want to reach your dreams. Hold yourself accountable to yourself and to your friends.
3. Track and measure your progress. Keep your eye on the prize.
4. When in doubt, ask. Read books, learn from your peers, and talk with your mentors and elders.
5. Pray for guidance and for grace.
Thanks for reading and I hope that this post has inspired you to start believing in yourself so that you can begin your journey to the life that you want.
Image from Photobucket
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Michael Jackson Dies (50 Years Old)
This is really sad news guys. I just found out this morning that Michael Jackson died yesterday. Let me share with an article that has most of the details after the break.
LOS ANGELES— (UPDATE 2) Pop icon Michael Jackson has died, a Los Angeles County Coroner’s office spokesman confirmed Thursday, sending shockwaves rippling across the entertainment world.
Lieutenant Fred Corral told CNN Jackson, 50, was pronounced dead at 2:26 p.m. (2126 GMT) local time after reportedly suffering a cardiac arrest.
“I can tell you at this time that we were notified by West Los Angeles Police Department detectives that Mr Jackson was transported … to the hospital, and upon admitting, he was unresponsive and was pronounced dead at approximately 2:26 this afternoon,” Corral told CNN.
Corral said an autopsy would “most likely” be carried out on Friday but would not speculate on the exact cause of death.
“Everything is still ongoing. We will be responding to the hospital to move Mr Jackson to our facility where he will be examined to determine the cause of death,” Corral said.
“As far as I’m aware, we were notified by LAPD detectives that Mr Jackson was brought in by paramedics to the hospital in full cardiac arrest and then he was later pronounced dead.
“At that point, as I said, there’s no further medical history until we get and review the medical records.”
This came as Jackson prepared to make a keenly anticipated concert comeback in London, his first series of shows in more than a decade and the first since his 2005 acquittal on child molestation charges.
Really sad. RIP King of Pop. 
