THG water bottle giveaway

So, finally, I'm back! Whew! After more than five months of not updating this blog, here I am. LOL.

Anyway, I don't want to whine or give excuses for my loooooong absence.

Let me just take this opportunity to thank you, my dear readers... for still being here. :)

Anyway, enough of the drama. I know that there are lots of The Hunger Games (THG) fans out there. I hope you are one of them because I'm giving away a THG water bottle, plus other stuff. One lucky reader will get these:

- The Hunger Games water bottle (it's aluminum, not steel, Ok?)
- Another water bottle
- loofah mitt and other toiletries from The Holiday Inn (thanks to my sis who gave the stuff to me when she returned from her trip to Bangkok, Thailand).

 To join this giveway,  head over to Grafflink's page and click the Giveaway tab and follow the instructions there. (here's the link: https://www.facebook.com/pages/GraffLink/188049127892057?sk=app_228910107186452

Then return to this page and in the comment section, put your real name, FB name, Twitter name,  GFC name, and your e-mail address. That's it. :)

Note: Initially, I tried to put the Rafflecopter widget here but it failed to load. That's why I put it on Grafflink's page.

Vertical Horizon and Live’s Ed Kowalczyk Live in Manila on April 28

On April 28, 2012, Vertical Horizon and Live’s Ed Kowalczyk will perform in Manila at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

When I read about this, I gasped! Wow! My favorite alternative rock artists will hold a concert here! Then, I went over my monthly finances and groaned. I couldn’t possibly afford another concert ticket this month. So, I surfed the net looking for promos (I know, I’m cheap hahaha). And I found one: Philippine Concerts is holding a Choose your Concert Promo for April 2012. Winner will get two tickets to the concert. All one has to do is blog about the concert.

To be qualified, however, the blog post should answer these questions:

Why do you want to watch the concert?

Well, because these two are my favorite alternative rock artists. I love their songs. Just the thought of seeing them perform their greatest hits gets me all excited.

What is your favourite song from the chosen artist?

For Vertical Horizon, my favorite is Best I Ever Had.

Why did you choose that song?

Well, because it’s a love song. LOL. And although I am not that young anymore, I’m still a sucker for romance (hahaha). Seriously, the song has this relaxing, even soothing tone, even though it talks about a failed relationship, about the pain of losing someone, of letting go, and moving on.

I just hope that Ed Kowalczyk (former lead vocalist of Live) will sing some of the greatest hits of Live. I would love to hear these songs – Selling the Drama, I Alone, Lightning Crashes, Dolphin’s Cry, and Run to the Water. Some of Live’s songs have abstract lyrics and are thus open to different interpretations.  Selling the Drama, I think, is about choices and beliefs while Lightning Crashes deals with the transference of life.

I also hope to hear the latest songs from their most recent albums. Vertical Horizon released their “Burning the Days” album in late 2009. Ed Kowalczyk has a solo album.

 So, there! I hope I get lucky J

http://www.philippineconcerts.com/foreign/vertical-horizon-lives-ed-kowalczyk-live-in-manila-2012/

Ticket Prices:
(Manila Concert)
VIP(103&101 ROWS A-J) (Reserved Seating) – P4755
PATRON (Reserved Seating) – P4225
LOWER BOX (Reserved Seating) – P3700
UPPER BOX A (Reserved Seating) – P2640
UPPER BOX B – P1585
GENERAL ADMISSION – P530

Tickets available at ticketnet.com.ph or call 9115555

Brought to you by Ovation Productions

Caffeine Overload

Finally decided to use my Starbucks GCs. The two grande-sized cups are chocolate chip frappucinos. The venti-sized one is dark mocha. I could finish one in minutes ... :)

Cranberries Live in Manila on April 10

I love rock music. I grew up listening to the music of Deep Purple, Thin Lizzy, Supertramp, Bachman-Turner Overdrive, Guess Who, Rainbow, Eric Clapton, Eagles, 10cc, Triumph, Aerosmith, Scorpions, and Metallica. My older brothers were (and still are) big fans of these bands. And being the older ones had many benefits: they could dictate what songs should be played in our stereo. And their favorite songs were the only ones heard at home. So, the obvious result -- my other siblings and I grew up as rockers, too.  My sister tried to deviate from the norm and tried to listen to other artists (Sharon Cuneta, etc.) and was teased mercilessly. 

At first, I resented being “compelled” to listen to these bands (my brothers hogged the stereo and played the songs at full volume, so it’s really hard to tune them out; and being at the lower pecking order, all I could do was grin and bear it) but I got used to them and learned to appreciate those powerful guitars, heavy drums and growling, almost screaming vocals. It became an acquired taste.

Back then, rock music had the power to alienate. But many people were also attracted to it. Why? Because it expressed a generation’s discontent and restlessness. It became a teenager’s sanctuary from the adult world. It offered a badge of identification. These, too, were the reasons I dug rock music. I still do, by the way. Because rock music is still imbued with sentiments that I can relate to.

But I also learned to appreciate other music genres – alternative and pop rock. And one of these bands is Cranberries whose music is sometimes described as pop rock or Celtic rock. Their music has lilting melodic strains, lush guitars and percussions. And of  course, there's the band's another trademark: vocalist Dolores O’ Riordan’s distinctive voice.  This Irish band had an impressive musical cruise in the 1990s – they sold over 15 million albums in the United States alone. Indeed, Cranberries was one of the successful bands of that decade.

Ever since I've read that Cranberries will hold a concert here in Manila, I’ve been feeling nostalgic. I’ve been listening to their songs more often, and included all of them in my latest playlist. I loved the politically charged“Zombie”, and other dreamy melodies that showcased O’Riordan’s trademark timbre, and of course, the band’s signature sound. I would love to hear these songs– Dreams, Linger, Ode to my Family, When You’re Gone, Salvation, and Free to Decide – performed live.

I must confess I haven’t heard their new album Roses yet. But I guess, they will perform some of the album’s tracks during the concert.

I know I sound like a broken record (I've been saying this repeatedly now, LOL) but I really love to hear from the Cranberries again. This is why I want to watch their concert at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on April 10. I would love to see them perform their greatest hits. I would love to reminisce, and yes, I would love to sing along with them J

Catch The Cranberries Live in Manila! The band behind the hits Zombie, Linger, Ode to My Family, Dreams and more! April 10, 2012 at the SMART Araneta Coliseum! Call 7821130 for bulk orders and premium seats 

For  Cranberries’ fans out there, hey, there’s still time. Get your tickets now!  Call 7821130 or visit http://ticketnet.com.ph/ for ticket inquiries!

Ticket prices are as follows:
Patron VIP (First 10 Rows 101 & 103 - Reserved Seating) - P7420
Patron (Reserved Seating) - P5830
Lower Box (Reserved Seating) - P4770
Upper Box A (Reserved Seating) - P2650
Upper Box B (Free Seating) - 1590
General Admission (Free Seating) - P530

Freebies!!!

I love freebies! Well, who doesn't? You actually get something without paying for it. So, when I got my Belle de Jour (BDJ) planner, I tore off coupons offering free product samples -- Athena Milk and CarbTrim Iced Tea Mix. I scanned the front and back of the coupons and e-mailed them to Unilab, the manufacturer of these products. Following are their e-mail addresses:

For Athena Milk -- athenamilk.unilab@gmail.com

For CarbTrim -- blockcarbs.carbtrim@gmail.com

I e-mailed Athena and CarbTrim last February 1, 2012.  Athena replied on February 29;  CarbTrim, on February 9.  Both said that I should expect shipment within TWO weeks.

I received the samples on March 22, 2012. Well, despite the long wait, I was happy and excited. It was the first time that I received freebies (hehe). (Oh, that's nor exactly accurate! I received free patron tickets -- to a Cyndi Lauper concert -- from a kindhearted blogger last March 16, 2012. I will post about the concert soon!)

For those BDJ girls planning to claim their samples, I think it would be better if you claim them personally at their office:

Bonaventure Plaza 

Ortigas Ave, Greenhills, San Juan. 

(Right in front of Greenhills, beside the gas station) Tel: 858 1281.

If you want the samples to be delivered to your home, be prepared to wait. :)

Hello Kitty!!!

A long, long time ago, McDonald's Philippines had a promo -- you get Hello Kitty stuffed toys when you buy their value meals. I can't remember if you have to shell out some money to get the stuffed toys. But I remember that my two sisters got so excited about the promo -- they bought those meals just to get their hands on the toys. Both of  them had a collection of these cute stuffed toys.

Fast forward to 2012. We did some general cleaning last week. And look what I've found:

This is my favorite. I love her costume.

Now, I wonder what happened to their helmets?

I'm sure there are still other Hello Kitty stuffed toys hiding in some boxes. I will update this post when I find them.

Watch it!

My first watch was a Seiko 5 Automatic and it looked like this:

photo taken from http://www.retrothing.com/2007/03/affordable_seik.html

It served me for about 15 years!!! Long time, huh? It conked out on me in 2004. So, I bought this Swatch Irony at SM Megamall in that  same year and I have been using it since then. I didn't know that it would also last this long , but hey, I'm not complaining :). My Swatch watch looks like this:

Now, this Anne Klein watch was a gift from my sister. I haven't used it yet. After being kept in my drawer for about a year, its battery ran out. I went to a watch repair shop and the repair guy said that something's wrong with it and I need to shell out Php1000 for the repair service and the battery :(

Recently, my brother in the U.S. sent me a watch. I had the metal links adjusted (to fit my wrist) at SM Cubao. Surprise, surprise! The service was free haha. :) I tried selling this watch at AyosDito.ph. Unfortunately, the ad expired; no takers :)

This watch looks chic, actually. But I don't have a perfect vision and the dark background of the clock's face  does not help at all. I have to squint every time I need to check the time. My friend suggested that I should "recycle" (meaning: I should give it to someone as a birthday gift) or hold a blog giveaway with this watch as the major prize.

Hmmm. I'll think about it. :)

Join 40 for 40 Giveaway!

I love freebies. Who doesn't? And I love joining giveaways. Actually, this blog was created so that I can join contests that require blogging or reblogging.


But then, I got busy.  Of course, every now and then, I join contests. But I stay away from the ones that require blogging or reblogging (hey, it takes effort to blog or reblog hahaha. One proof of that is this blog. My last entry was made on March 22, 2011).


The other day, I saw Domestic Cherry's birthday giveaway. And I almost drooled haha. The prizes are simply awesome. Here they are:


$40, a Rollei Camera, B. Makowsky satchel, H&M accessories, and Sasa products. 

And the mechanics are not that tedious. Just like her new blog, share the giveaway on FB, follow her on Twitter, and subscribe.


And for additional entries, blog about her giveaway. And this is exactly what I'm doing. Why? Because I want to win the bag, hahaha. Here's the bag description: silver hardware, chic leopard print lining, back slip pocket outside, magnetic snap closure,  one zip inner pocket, center divider inside,  and fully lined in polyester double shoulder straps. And it's priced at  $278.00


I hope I get lucky.


For more details about this giveaway, here's the link: http://www.domestic-cherry.com/2012/02/40-for-40-awesome-giveaway/

Head over to her blog and join! GOOD LUCK!!!

What's your favorite perfume?

Perfume affects people in different ways. I am stating the obvious, I know (hehe). A perfume may cause sneezing and other negative physical reactions. But then, let's not focus on the negative.

One thing that I like about perfumes: they can alter body odor. Perfumes  give you the luxury of smelling the way you want to. They also affect your mood and boost your self-esteem. You feel good because you know that you smell good.

My favorite perfume is Beautiful by Estee Lauder. I've been using this since I was in college. It has the fragrance of a thousand flowers. It gives off a strong and rich scent. My friends and acquaintances always tell me that I smell so nice every time I spray it on.

My other perfumes include Eternity, Escape, Gucci Envy, Provocative Woman. My sister, on the other hand, likes the following:

My mom likes Beautiful and Sensi.

Ok, so this blog is not giving away any of these perfumes.

BUT I am giving away  a Banana Republic perfume. It's called Modern (for women). It has a very subtle scent. I think Banana Republic discontinued production of this perfume. Fortunately, my sister was able to buy one when she went to the U.S.

In my previous post, I promised that I would be giving away a Banana Republic perfume. Well, I still am. But you have to head over to Grafflink's blog. Grafflink is launching her blog and I suggested that she should hold a giveaway to gain followers. So, instead of giving this away  in my blog, I am donating it to Grafflink.

Please join. The mechanics are really easy.

Here's the link: http://graffitiink.blogspot.com/2011/03/modern-perfume-giveaway.html

New GC Winner!

I held another raffle. Why? Because the previous GC winner, until now, has failed to get in touch with me. I already sent her a message through  GFC. Also, I announced the winner on March 7, 2011,  so  I think I have given her enough time to contact me and claim her prize. The GC will expire on May 31, 2011, this is why I am keen to send it immediately to the winner.

Also, I'm sorry that I have not included any time frame regarding claiming of prizes in the giveaway's mechanics. I just didn't expect that this situation will arise. Anyway, I did an old-fashioned raffle for the second time.

So, let me announce the new winner!

Congratulations, Patricia!

You are the new winner of the Bistro Filipino GC worth Php 1,000.

Please get in touch with me within 5 days. If you don't e-mail me within 5 days, I will be compelled to forfeit the prize.  I know I'm being so strict here. But doing the raffle for the third time is no longer an option.

My e-mail: amaranthus815@gmail.com

I hope to hear from you the soonest possible. And again, congratulations!

Congrats, GC Winner!

Here's how I did it. Those who did steps 1-3 got 3 entries each -- commented on the post (1),  followed my blog (1), liked GraffLink on FB  (1).

I held an old-fashioned raffle - wrote the names on used paper then cut and fold each entry. It was time consuming, I know. But then, I don't want to use the randomizer. Why? I'm biased. I never won in a random raffle (LOL)

Anyway, enough of the chitchat. Without further ado, let me announce the winner...

Congratulations Dementia!

Please e-mail me your complete address and other contact details so that I can send the GC to you. My e-mail address: amaranthus815@gmail.com

To all who joined. Thank you very much!!!

Art T-Shirts at Tilteed

I really love T-shirts. They are comfy, and casual. Put a nice blazer over it and you can achieve a chic look. Plain shirts are okay, but printed shirts, especially Art T-Shirts, always make me drool. I've recently discovered a site that sells and prints Art T-Shirts. Here's the link:http://www.tilteed.com/. The site prints a new Art T-Shirt every 72 hours. Wow! How cool is that? And site members can vote for their favorite designs. And T-shirt designers who win get their shirts printed. And they get paid  $500. Wow!!!

As for me, my favorite is the Dead Head design. You can check out the details here: http://www.tilteed.com/shop/detail/dead_head/. Or better yet, look at the photo above.

The shirt features a large skull, but the image is not terrifying at all. Look closely (I suggest you check out the link of the tee because it contains a very detailed image of the design) and you will see flowers, leaves, spider webs, hearts, diamonds, snails, cross and an inverted spade. The skull's teeth, at first glance, kinda look like ladyfingers :). The more you look at it, the more you discover other facets of the design. The tee's creator is Craig Watkins. And I looked up his other designs as well.  They are simply incredible. But the Dead Head remains my favorite. To create this design in juts one color shows off the artist's artistry and mastery of his craft. And I like the way he created the concept of death in this tee. In other cultures, death is not a morbid topic. In fact, other cultures celebrate death.

I really, really want to have this shirt. Maybe I'll harass my brother who lives in Ohio to buy me this shirt and then ask him to send it over here. :)

Win a GC worth Php1,000!

Ok, I'm posting the GC photo again!

For more information on Bistro Filipino, you can visit their website: http://www.cheflaudico.com.ph/bistro/index.html

Here are the contest mechanics:

1. Follow this blog.
2. Like my friend's FB page GraffLink: http://www.facebook.com/pages/GraffLink/188049127892057
3. Answer this question:  "What is your favorite comfort food?" Post your answer in the comment section at the end of this blog post. (You must follow steps 1-3 to be eligible for this contest.)
4. Contest period:  February 19 - March  5, 2011.
5. The winner will be chosen via a raffle draw.
6.  I will send the GC to the winner through a courier service.
7. This contest is open to Metro Manila residents only.

Note: This contest is not in any way sponsored by Bistro Filipino. I won this GC in an offline promo conducted by YUMMY magazine last year and I've decided to give it away to one of this blog's readers.

UPDATE: THIS GIVEAWAY IS ALREADY CLOSED.

Watch out for the next giveaway: 50 ml  "Modern" perfume by Banana Republic.

Who Wants a GC?

First, I'd like to congratulate myself for creating this blog yesterday. And because I felt it was such an achievement, I'm feeling a bit generous today. I'm going to give away a Bistro Filipino gift certificate worth Php1000. I'll post the contest mechanics next week.

Now, I gotta work. Gotta beat my deadlines!

Symptoms of a Contest Addict

(Disclaimer: This list is based on my observations and opinions, Ok? I admit I'm a contest junkie, but please, don't take this seriously!)

1.   Surfs the web every day  (sometimes every hour) for  contests or giveaways.

2.       Reads the entries of other contestants to see how creative they are (and he sometimes compares their entries with his).

3.       Visits regularly websites or FB pages that hold contests.

4.       “Likes” all FB pages that hold contests then “unlikes” sites or pages that hold bogus contests.

5.       Gets depressed or disappointed when he loses.

6.       Gets an emotional  “high” (read: very happy) when he wins something (e.g., a cap, movie tickets or a box of doughnuts).

7.       Spends most of his time thinking of creative contest entries.

8.       Harasses his friends or relatives to “like” his entries on FB.

9.       Gets envious of contest winners (Bakit ganun? Siya na lang lagi ang nananalo. Bakit ang malas ko? Bakeeet? Bakeeet? Bad trip talaga!) and even memorizes names of winners (OMG!This guy won a Nikon camera last month and now he wins a Samsung champ! Arrghh!)

10.   Hates the winners (read: concealed antagonism) from other sites who join contests that he is joining (Eto na naman ito, hindi mag-give chance to others. Kainis ito talaga!)

11.   Forgets to do some errands and chores (doing laundry, cooking food, cleaning the house and yard) because he spends too much time online (on FB, Twitter, etc.)

12.   Eats ice cream or any comfort food to chase away his depression (because he lost) and then goes back again to those sites, fervently hoping that they will hold other contests.

OMG! I Am Now a Contest Addict!

It all started in October last year. I had nothing better to do so I surfed the internet for online contests. I stumbled upon these sites: pinay reviewer, boy-kuripot  and mukhang pera. They featured online contests which I joined with unabashed enthusiasm. I managed to win the following: a Navi Planner,  a Parker pen, and a Harry Potter tote and cap

Then I began to want more. I wanted to win gift certificates from  Shakey’s, Pizza Hut or Yellow Cab. No luck. I wanted to win gadgets and free trips. Again, no luck. Still, I persevere. Hey, who doesn’t  want a freebie?

Lately, I’ve realized that I have become a contest junkie. And being one has a downside.  I spent too much time online, looking for contests. (I’m pathetic, I know. I wonder what my friends would say if they knew this secret life I lead. I never told them that I’ve been joining contests for months now.) Also, these contests make me want things that I don’t really need. I mean, I can live  without a NokiaN8. Do I really need a cap when I have my umbrella?  I’ve stopped rationalizing. I keep telling myself that it’s not really a mortal sin to want the latest gadgets. And then here’s an opportunity to own one (through contests) without spending a single centavo, so why shouldn’t I grab it?

I’m glad that I have a family who tolerates my recent addiction to contests. I’m hoping that this is just a phase, and in time, I’ll be my normal self – one who is contented with her lot and knows what is worthwhile in life.

In the meantime, let me post my contest entries now. J

To join or not to join

February 7, 2011, 4:00p.m.

My friends and I are having coffee in a coffee shop. Following are some excerpts of our conversation:

Me:  I’m planning to join a contest.

Friend1: What’s the prize? (Friend2 raises one of her eyebrows.)

Me: A Galaxy Tab.

Friend2: What do you need a Galaxy Tab for? You don’t even use your Ipod Touch…

Me: Hello!!! A Galaxy Tab is different from an iPod Touch, and besides…

Friend1: (Interrupts rudely) I hope it’s not a singing or dancing contest hehe.

Me: (Laughs.) Of course not, and I am not that desperate.  And I can’t sing and dance, you know that! Don’t try to be funny (in a growling voice).

Friend2: Ok, so spill. What do you have to do?

Me: Well, I have to submit a photo or a video or a blog post. It must say something about me. I’m planning to submit a blog post.

Friend1: You don’t have a blog!

Me: I’ll create one.

Friend1:  Hah! You’ve been talking of creating one since … forever

Friend2: (Chimes in.) Yeah.  Since 2007? Or was it 2006? And now, it’s 2011.

Me: Stop snickering, you two. I will definitely create one this month… (thinks for a few seconds) after I finished my work assignments.

Friend2: When will this contest end?

Me:  February 11,  this year of course.

Friend1: And when is the deadline of your latest assignment?

Me: February 11

Friends 1&2: HAH!!!

Friend 1: Then you won’t be able to join this contest (sips her coffee and smiles at me in an infuriating way).

Friend2:  Yeah, say goodbye to Galaxy Tab hehe.

Me: (Annoyed). Ok, let’s have a bet. 200 bucks if I can’t make it.

Friend1: Make it 500, sis. (Friend 2 is laughing.)

Me: Ok, deal!

Friend1: Come Friday, I will be 500 bucks richer than you hehe.

Me: Don’t keep your hopes up!

Year of the Rabbit: Languid and Leisurely

Astrology, in spite of what its detractors say,  is recognized as a respectable endeavor. This is why at the start of the new year, some of us consult astrologers for guidance and forecasts. Astrology offers interpretive insights and puts events in a certain perspective. It is an interesting art, to say the least.

The year 2011, if we are  to consult the Chinese calendar is the Year of the Rabbit. Chinese astrologers base their calculations on the moon or lunar years, believing that the moon has a certain influence on human affairs.

Chinese astrology follows a cycle of 12 years. Each year of the cycle is  represented by an animal which is believed to have an influence on the lives, destiny and fate of those born in that particular year.

The animals assigned to represent each year were chosen when Buddha summoned all the beasts before him one New Year with the promise of a reward if they obeyed. Only 12 animals turned up and to each of them Buddha offered a year which was to bear its name. Thus the years ran, and still run, in the order which the animals arrived.The first to arrive was the Rat, followed by the Ox, then by the Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig.

So what does 2011 hold for us? Following are some forecasts: "People will acknowledge that persuasion is better than force. Diplomacy, international relations and politics will take center stage. People will be more discreet and make reasonable concessions. Law and order will be lax, rules and regulations will not be rigidly enforced. Lifestyles will be languid and leisurely. People will be busy enjoying themselves. They will take things easy and be less inclined to face unpleasant realities."

For cynics, this is pure baloney. But for centuries, millions of Chinese built their lives around the forecasts of their particular horoscope. Of course, there will be individual differences, practitioners will tell us. Some of these are the opposing factors and other influences warring with the individual's destiny -- the kind of life into which he is born, the financial status of his family and other things.

The more practical (and the less jaded) among us will argue that your life is what you make it and you are the master of your own fate. Still, some of us look to astrological forecasts. Why? Because, sometimes, these forecasts reveal several facets in our personality which lead us to an exciting path of self-discovery.