VNC

Fun, fashionable, affordable are 3 Words that can describe VNC's new line. Little things make a big difference. Attention to detail that powerfully transforms a woman’s total image.

VNC morphs the hottest inspiration straight off the world’s fashion catwalks into up-to-the-minute and stylish accessories. The look is fun and fashionable, the emphasis is affordable.

From headturning hair accessories to trendsetting footwear, must-have handbags to eyecatching glasses and fashion-clinching belts, Vincci has all the finishing touches for the way you want to look.

Every VNC store is conceptualized and made clean, simple and modern with a touch of elegance.

VNC Philippines opened its door through its first store in 2003 at Robinsons Galleria and since then has expanded throughout Metro Manila. There are other VNC stores now located in Glorietta III and Robinsons Manila (2004), SM Mall of Asia (2006), SM Megamall (2007), TriNoma (2007), Alabang Town Center (2008), Shangri-La Plaza Mall (2008), SM North Edsa Annex (2009) and soon to open in Eastwood Mall ( June 2009).

VNC is a major player in the fashion industry, being awarded as a top retailer in Asia. It is a well love Malaysian brand available in several other countries. The international branches include Brunei, Malaysia, Oman, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Philippines, UAE, Thailand, Cambodia.

The Voyage of the Balangay

I have to admit I was a bit curious when the word Balangay was brought up. I was like Balangay as in the ancient boat??? I really couldn't believe someone did something like this. This is so GREAT!!! This is like history that is true to form. Something that you can share with your kids. Amazing!!!!

Art Valdez once had an impossible dream. But no order is too tall for the man who conceived, organized and lead the successful Philippine Mt. Everest Expedition to the top of the world’s tallest mountain. Against all odds, including a perennial shortage of funds, his team put the First Filipinos on the Summit of Mt. Everest in 2006. In 2007, the team accomplished the First Women Traverse of Mt. Everest – a feat never before done in world mountaineering history.

Art Valdez’s organizational expertise and rich experience in leading the Mt. Everest Expedition can serve as the guiding light in the accomplishment of this project, his new “Everest.”

If the team can succeed on Mt. Everest without ever having seen snow or high mountain, then more so in the Voyage of the Balangay, an undertaking that has been in the Filipino blood, in Malay tradition, for thousands of years.

The Crew

The core of the crew will be the Philippine Everest Team:

Leo Oracion

Erwin “Pastour” Emata

Noelle Wenceslao

Carina Dayondon

Janet Belarmino-Sardena

Dr. Ted Esguerra

Fred Jamili

Dr. Voltaire Velasco

The rest of the crew will be composed of master sailors, academics and scientists whose selection will be based on the Three C’s:

CAPABILITY to accomplish the task at hand

COMMITMENT to the team and its undertaking

COMPATIBILITY with the team’s core values

The project will showcase and challenge Filipino ingenuity and native survival skills in this modern age by using natural seafaring technology. It also aims to reorient the psyche of our people, that we are a maritime nation, and not land-based, as our colonizers had lead us to believe. Sailing around the country and visiting every major port will rekindle that maritime spirit in us.

The Balangay will become the catalyst to stir up historical consciousness among Filipinos today, a sine qua non in transporting our people to our cherished goals. Without that keen knowledge of history, our people will continue to suffer as our national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, aptly described, “Ang marunong hindi lumilingon sa pinanggalingan ay hindi makakarating sa patutunguhan.”

LIST OF PORTS IN THE PHILIPPINES

TO BE VISITED BY THE

BALANGAY

1. Manila to Sangley, Cavite 5.3 nautical miles (nm)

2. Ternate, Cavite 17.4 nm

3. Nasugbu, Batangas 19.5 nm

4. Calatagan, Batangas 16.5 nm

5. Batangas City 29.0 nm

6. Puerta Galera, Or. Mindoro 14.2 nm

7. Calapan City, Or. Mindoro 16.0 nm

8. Pola Island 27.0 nm

9. Maestre de Ocampo Island 26 nm

10. Calatrava, Tablas 26.2 nm

11. Odiongan Island,Tablas 16.7 nm

12. Looc Tablas 30.0 nm

13. Boracay, Riomblon 20.7 nm

14. Kalibo, Aklan (Port Batan) 38.5 nm

15. Roxas City, Roxas (Port Capiz) 12.5 nm

16. Estancia, Iloilo 51.0 nm

17. Barotac Viejo, Iloilo 42.0 nm

18. Iloilo City, Iloilo 30.8 nm

19. Bacolod City,Negros Occ. 23.3 nm

20. Silay City, Neg Occ 7.5 nm

21. Sagay City, Neg Occ 23.3 nm

22. Bantayan Island, Cebu 40.o nm

23. Daan Bantayan, Cebu 23.4 nm

24. Bogo, Cebu 16.4 nm

25. Danao City, Cebu 35.2 nm

26. Cebu City, Cebu 10.7 nm

27. (Mactan Cebu Departure)

28. Argao, Cebu 27.0 nm

29. Dumaguete City, Negros Or. 38.5 nm

30. Siquijor (Port Canoan) 16.5 nm

31. Panglao, Duias Island, Bohol 28.7 nm

32. Jagna, Bohol 31.5 nm

33. Maasin,Leyte 43.0 nm

34. Limasawa,Leyte 16.6 nm

35. Cabadbaran, Agusan 56.3 nm

36. Butuan City, Agusan 6.3 nm

37. Gingo-og 25.7 nm

38. Camiguin Island (Mambajao ) 34.0 nm

39. Cagayan de Oro City 49.7 nm

40. Iligan City, Lanao 48.2 nm

41. Ozamis City 10.5 nm

42. Oroquita, Mis. Occ 29.5 nm

43. Dapitan, Dipolog 37.6 nm

44. Liloy, Mis Occ. 54.0 nm

45. Ciocon (Port Sta. Maria), 49.0 nm

46. Sibuco, Zamboanga 31.0 nm

47. Zamboanga City 34.8 nm

48. Panubigan Island 15.7 nm

49. Bangaan Island,Port Banga 24.2 nm

50. Bagalamatan 16.0 nm

51. Subanipa 29.5 nm

52. Limbug Cove 43.6 nm

53. Pagadian City 22.2 nm

54. Port Baras, Cotabato 35.0 nm

55. Cotabato City 25.0 nm

56. Linao Bay, Mati 40.0 nm

57. Port Lebak, Kalamansig 17.0 nm

58. Milbuk Harbor, Milbuk 35.3 nm

59. Kling , South of Cotabato 41.5 nm

60. Gen. Santos City 41.5 nm

61. Glan, Saranggane 16.0 nm

62. Butulan Cove, Butulan 36.0 nm

63. Jose Abad Santos (Caburan) 22.3 nm

64. Malita, Davao 33.2 nm

65. Digos, Davao Del Sur 25.0 nm

66. Davao City, Port of Sta. Ana 25.3 nm

LP 60: Misyon

Ang misyon ko ay sumali sa isang patimpalak. Ininda ko ang ulan at ang maraming tao sa pila para matapos ko ang aking misyon.

(Translation: My mission was to join a contest, I braved the rain and the lines so that I could finish my mission)

SpeakOutFriday 04: You, Before and After The Knot

Married life is absolutely fantastic. From day one I set the expectation that we are two individuals and we can never lose sight of that. Society tends to say that once married, you
become one But after we got married wed, "we" and "us" had a whole new meaning to them and it felt wonderful. You may not become a completely different person right away, but it's going to change you... You'll do things differently, pursue different goals, and celebrate different accomplishments when you're married vs if you weren't

"Art a l’Orange,” by Marissa De Leon-Lopa

Vancouver-based Filipina artist Marissa de Leon-Lopa launched her exhibit entitled “Art a l’Orange,” which opened today May 29, at Ayala Museum’s ArtistSpace. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to take photos or talk to the artist. I just really dropped by and decided to view the artworks.

Her artwork reminds me of impressionist paintings. Characteristics of Impressionist paintings are visiblbe in her work which does include visible brush strokes, open composition, emphasis on light in its changing qualities (often accentuating the effects of the passage of time), ordinary subject matter, the inclusion of movement as a crucial element of human perception and experience, and unusual visual angles. Classic is another great word to describe how refreshing her exhibit is.

They say that when an artist captures that perfect moment and decides to paint it when someone who views the work feels the emotion of the painter. Then the painter has done their job. That was exactly how I felt when I saw one of her paintings.I felt it and I really savored that energy that was given by that painting.

It was also interesting that she decided to focus on the scenery of the Philippine Landscape and things that are familiar to her native country.Initially, I thought that it was a safe subject to paint and that it might be a bit too common. Then I realized that she took that gamble and I really think it paid of.

In this exhibition the artist have drawn our attention to such subjects that would otherwise pass unnoticed something that we really ought to appreciate. These paintings grant respite in a world where everything seems to be fast paced and complicated.

The show can be viewed until June 10. For information , call 757-7117 to 21 local 33, e-mail artistspace@ayalamuseum.org, or visit http://www.ayalamuseum.org/.

LP 59: ALam Mo Ba? ( Did You Know?)

Na naging kalahok ako sa Pinoy Bingo Night. Isa sya sa mga di ko malilimutang karanasan. Di sya madali pero di rin naman nasayang ang pagpunta ko. Di ako nanalo pero ako ay may naging kaibigan.

(Translation: I was a studio player for Pinoy Bingo Night. It was an unforgetable experience. It wasn't easy but I know that I didn't waste my time. I didn't win but I gained a friend and no it's not Kris Aquino)

FabFinds Thursday 04: Before and After the Knot

I'd like to think that this is also a FAB FIND since my hubby did this for me. I'm not really into computer games but somehow I got really hooked on Farm Town ( an application game in Facebook) to support my weird hobby my husband decided to play it as well and this crop design on his farm town really blew my breathe away. I was giddy and I was so excited call me weird but I'm in awe because I can't do this for him. But you know that I love you Honey (yes my hubby now reads this blog).. I may not be able to live on a real farm with you but I guess for now the online farm is our best compromise

Foodie Wednesday 04: You: Before and After the Knot

I usually don't cook because my husband is so critical and I feel really bad when he says that he's really not into the dish that I cooked. But when we moved to the US he had no choice but to eat what I cook. Of all the things that I have cooked this is what Philbert and Joshwa will eat without any complaints so I guess this means that the dish is a winner.



Leira's Tapa

* 1 kilo beef loin, very thinly sliced
* 1 head garlic, minced
* 3/4 cup vinegar
* 1/4 cup sugar
* 1 tablespoon salt
* 1 tablespoon black pepper, ground


PROCEDURE :

1. Mix all the ingredients together and let it stand in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours.
2. Then Fry it..I prefer it to dry up while in the process of frying. I like it to have at least
to have a bit of sauce left.

Harry Potter!!

Memoir Monday 04: You, Before And After The Knot

EVERYTHING changes when you get married! You wouldn't think so, but it really does. 

I would admit that I didn't know what I was getting into before we got married. I really thought it would be easy I would be marrying the love of my life and that's happily ever after right??? NOT!! no one ever told me how to adjust how to give in, how to share with this stranger. Parens and Friends will never tell you how they learned how to deal with each other on a daily basis. How to resolve conflicts without walking out, crying and whinning to get what you want. In the end I was glad that I learned it on our own. Who knew that we could work out with each other that way.Going out of our comfort zone and Stretching our boundaries.

No I realize that the big difference before the marriage and after the  marriage that is Commitment. When you're dating as a a couple you have a certain level of commitment.In a marriage that the commitment is so much stronger and much more binding. It's some sort of deep feeling a sense of love security. The feeling that because it feels stronger I have to be even more careful not to get used to things and continue to make efforts and have him do the same. If it doesn't work out then you have to break up. But It is so different in a marriage you really have to try and work at it and work at it. 

LP 58: Lahat Ay Payak ( All is Simple)

Ang pinakaimportante ay ang pinaka simple. Ang Pamilya.

(The most important is the most simple of them all. The Family)

What is Sandbox

What is Sandbox

What is Sandbox?
Sandbox is an online platform that allows anyone to connect with friends and share blog posts, photos and videos. Apart from this, Sandbox is also an online content store where you can buy music and games. So what sets it apart from other social networks? Sandbox is also locally developed and thus there is a continuous stream of offline fulfillment through giveaways, raffles and prizes.

In other words, Sandbox is in the business of building communities because not only is there interaction between your friends, there is also conversation between the developers and the users. In marketing terms, it isn't just horizontal exchanges between consumers, but also vertically, where the product talks back and gives value to insights and suggestions from the community -- alongside promotions and giveaways!

If you aren't in Sandbox yet, I encourage you to join! I personally think the Sandbox experience will differ from one person to another. It's no secret that I've been trying to complete my certification course for open water diving and lo and behold even with the multitude of conversations going on with the blogs, I discovered bloggers who were into diving through Sandbox, of all things! Divers usually brag with a profile photo underwater with your gear -- since Sandbox aligns several profiles together in a tight space, it is easy to determine the most recent users who viewed your post. Benj dives. And so does Angel.

So that was my experience. And Benj was telling me that he'd been inviting people over Plurk for so long -- good thing those items were on record on the network!

5 Top Good Reasons to Join Sandbox

5 Top Good Reasons to Join Sandbox
Your friends are most probably already there
When Sandbox launched in April it had a few hundred beta testers who were members of mainstream and online publications. Communities have been growing at a steady rate across all spectra -- video gaming, anime, tech, love, blogging advice, photography, food and dining .. the list goes on. And, if you can't find a group that fits you, why not create your own?

it is built as a one stop shop
There are two components to Sandbox - the user generated features that's composed of the social network aspect, blogging platform, and photo / video uploads and an online content store where you can download games and music (P30.00 per song, cheaper than iTunes). Sandbox integrates what's on your web browser with your mobile in your account creation page thus when you order items from your desktop or laptop, the information is pushed to your phone.

It has tangible benefits
Not that I have anything against other social networks, but this is the first locally developed one that actively gives out rewards and benefits to its members. So apart from the fulfillment you get with connecting with your friends, there are true offline benefits for participating in promotions and campaigns.

You can make money
Because Sandbox is locally developed, there are more interesting opportunities for you to make money through the system. Apart from an advertising platform within Sandbox that is currently being developed, there are going to be other engagements that will allow Sandbox netizens to build their online real estate such as the mobile site development. During the beta brief, Anton discussed the feasibility of growing your community. Just like with blogs, your real estate inside Sandbox values over time, especially when you grab potentially high ranking keywords.

It is continuously being improved
So really, the most exciting thing about Sandbox is that it is continuously being improved based on the feedback from the community. I'll be the first to say that what you're currently seeing is still the tip of the iceberg and the team led by Rezza Custodio has been actively looking into feedback. Of course, change doesn't happen overnight but the plans for the future of Sandbox will take a stronger stance on Web 2.0. So yeah, tell your friends!

FoodieWednesday 03: Newlyweds…Discovering Each Other’s Food-Related Quirks

My husband has a lot of food related quirks. He doesn't like Pasta, doesn't like sweets, would not try anything new unless my mom asked him to taste it. But the one thing that he does like is Flipino food and he likes it A LOT and when I say A LOT I mean A REALLY WHOLE LOT. When we eat out it has to be a restaurant that serves Filipino food. His favorite is Sinigang na Hipon and he can finish it by himself. He has to have at least 2 Cups of Rice and he will begrudgingly share it with me if I force him to. He will not hesitate to tell me that I should eat what I ordered at not eat what he ordered. But when I say give me please he gives me in and shares it with me. That is my husband's way of telling me that he loves me. Sharing it with me despite the fact that it's his favorite.

ChikaTuesday 03: Newlyweds, The Day After

I learned a lot of things about my husband a few days after we got married.I discovered that he is a great cook and that he's very domesticated. Here are a few other things I'd like to share

1. Communication - My husband still doesn't know everything about me and I still have things to learn about him. Which makes communication very important. We have learned to talk about things even the most mundane things. But somehow I try not to talk to much about things I'm in too because he still doesn't get it anyway but he tries to.

2. Similar Interests - My husband and I have a lot of things in common but we have more differences than common interests. That is not such a bad thing. We learn a lot from each other and we understand each other that we have learned to give each other space when we need it.

It takes a strong man to support a family, but it takes a woman, who is willing to set her selfishness aside and show him that he's doing a good job, to hold a marriage together. Repeat these things over and over, and before you know it, they will become habit, and your marriage will thrive.