Anything Under The Sun

Make Your Jeans Last Longer

2011-11-16T12:33:00.000-08:00

I just read a a post by Andrea Karr on Shine from Yahoo entitled Quick Tip: Freeze Your Jeans. Apparently we can make our blue jeans last longer by freezing it.

I must admit, I do not want to wash my jeans after every wear for the reason that it wastes water and electricity. And since I do not roll on the floor like my kid does, my jeans look clean even after 2 uses.

Having read that article, I will try and freeze my jeans and see if I can extend the use to 4 or five times more as well as confirm if it will really preserve color and remove the odor.

Halloween 2011

2011-10-31T19:48:00.000-07:00

Kyle received a Bumblebee Plasma Cannon as a gift from his Godmother Faye about 2 Christmases ago. We also got him a Bumble bee helmet that matches it. Both items does not fit him very well that time so I guess he was not very interested about it. Kyle is now almost 6 and the Cannon and helmet now fits him perfectly. When he saw the Bumblebee costume at Walmart, he did not stop until I finally gave in and bought him one. It is a good thing that it went on sale the week before Halloween.

My youngest son Lex got his Optimus Prime costume from his Godmother Wei. I guess both Kyle and Lex liked their costumes because they have been wearing them since Friday. They only take it off when they go to the washroom hahahaha!

It was a good thing my eldest son Aloysius has a creative mind. He did not ask us to buy him a costume. He said he had something in mind and all he needed was an eye patch and a face paint or makeup. He said he will go trick or treating as his evil twin. I guess he regards himself as a very good boy and of course, the alter ego is his evil twin.

Here are some photos of the boys

Be Thankful For What You Have!

2011-10-31T08:08:00.000-07:00

When I left the church yesterday, I felt really blessed. I have a different outlook in life. And I will do my best to stay that way. The message that was imparted to us was "be greatful to what you have". No matter how small things are, we should always thank the Lord. If we thank the Lord for even the minute things that we have, He would surely entrust us or bless us with larger things.

We should even thank the Lord for the failures that we have. We might think that this puts us down. But we never know what the Lord's intention for putting us in that situation. For all we know this things could have happened to make us stronger.

So instead of hoping or wishing for more, be contented in what has been given to you...

Fried Rice With Turmeric Powder

2011-10-22T08:19:00.000-07:00

I have cooked fried rice with bits of meat and mixed vegetables. However, I have not tried one that is color yellow. While I was attending an orientation, I happen to sit along a lady that was eating fried rice that was coloured yellow. I told her that it looked very attractive to eat and if I could learn how to make it, maybe my kids will like to eat it too.

I was given the instruction on how to prepare it and I was told that I only needed turmeric powder to make the yellowish appearance. I went to the grocery store and got a container of turmeric powder.

I woke up early one Saturday morning and prepared breakfast for my wife and 3 kids. I did not think they all liked it very much though. But eating small servings of what I served is enough to make me feel they appreciated my effort.

Following is a photo of my version of the fried rice.

Things For Sale - Slightly Used 2nd Generation Kindle Leather Case

2011-10-21T10:58:00.000-07:00

I received this as a gift from my wife. However, It does not fit the 3rd generation kindle that I have. With her consent I am selling this to anyone who wants it.

Asking for $25.00

Item is located at Etobicoke, ON

BlogAdvertisingStore and myLot

2011-10-18T13:26:00.001-07:00

I migrated to Canada a couple of years ago and did not work for maybe 3 months. During this free time of mine I was lured to the idea of earning money by using the internet. There were a lot of web sites that offered these easy to earn schemes. There was “Pay Per Click”, “Pay Per Post”, “Paid to Youtube”, ‘Paid Blogs” and a lot more. I must have joined a lot of them because of the promise of earning cash easily as well as the encouraging comments and testimonies that the members have posted. To my dismay, some these web sites just disappear from thin air. Some of them have made earning so hard that you have to do a lot of things just to earn 5 cents.

I do not want to generalize. However, some people would just do anything to cheat other individuals to gain. This made some of us doubtful if these things would last because it is really too good to be true.

Now that I am employed, although I seldom go online, I still log-on and check some of the favourite sites of mine that really pays you for the work that you have done. BlogAdvertisingStore and myLot in my opinion are the real sites that are legitimate. After so many years their web sites are still operational and are continuing to reward loyal users/followers/Supporters. myLot is a compensated social web site offering discussions, news, blogs and games. You can also make new friends from around the world all while earning money. BlogAdvertisingStore on the other hand is a website where bloggers help companies find their ad through their blogs. Through the bloggers recommendations, write-ups or reviews, readers are encouraged to check out the product that is being promoted in the blog.

I sincerely hope that advertisers would discover BlogAdvertisingStore and myLot and support them as they continue to help other people earn as well.

Apple iMac

2011-10-18T11:52:00.000-07:00

I have been dreaming of having an iMac. One reason is so that the kids can use it to play games and in their research. Another is so that I can use my laptop when I need it. They always seem to ask if they can use it the moment I turn it on. And the last reason might have been just to finally have an Apple. I have been always a PC fan. I wanted to be able to feel how it is to have something different and find out for myself it is really better than a PC. Prices of computers are continously dropping. A couple of months ago an Apple iCore 3 with a 21.5 inch monitor and 4GB of memory is being sold at $1,299 here and $1,199 in the US. Now you can get an iCore 5 for $1,199 here and abroad. I thought that I will finally be able to own one until it had to go to the back burner as we decided to use the money in something that is really important.

All is not lost. All I need to do is be more frugal and save some money for the iMac and hopefully gain support from the Financial Controller (Hahaha!)

Business Web Directory Listings

2011-10-17T08:16:00.000-07:00

I recently purchased a property. It definitely needed some work. I am in need of hard wood floors. I wanted to remove the carpet and replace it with wooden flooring so it will be easy to maintain. Being thrifty I did not go to the first store that I could find that sells these things. I opened my laptop and I started to search for the items that I wanted from the web. I used Google to look for these items. There were a lot of returned website hits. The only problem is that the list does not categorize the websites. For example when I searched for "Wooden Floors", one website will route me to a WIKI page. Some would direct me to a photo album. And some would be a real link to a store that sells a different item.

A friend of mine recommended that I go to a website that lists businesses categories. I found that to be true after I went to the web site. The web site that I am referring to is JasmineDirectory.com. It is a very neat site. It does not drown you with a lot of flash designs which by the way just slows down your browsing. What I like about the site is that it is very simple to access. The menu is easy to navigate. The business categories that you need are on the main page and can't be missed. I was able to find the things that I need on the links that were provided by the web site when I did a search for wood floors. From the links I was able to purchase the necessary materials I need.

Other feature of the site I liked was it is a 100% SEO friendly web directory. There are no broken links and all links will redirect you to the exact business page. There will also be some relevant images description or links that everyone will find useful.

If I have a business that I would like listed. I would definitely register with them. Because unlike other business directory listings. Jasmine Directory can accommodate up to 5 links to the most accessed page of your business web site or perhaps 5 links of the pages of your business that you want to promote. The site is W3 CSS and HTML valid. There is also automatic thumb nailing of the business web site that you will register. This will make the listing appealing for the individuals that are looking for something. And because it is not Google of Chrome, you don't need to search for the entire www content. That is because everything is already laid out for you. Just click on the category you are looking for.

Be Careful What You Wish For...

2011-09-15T08:09:00.000-07:00

THE OSTRICH

A man walks into a restaurant with a full-grown ostrich behind him.

The waitress asks them for their orders.

The e man says, "A hamburger, fries and a coke," and turns to the ostrich, "What's yours?"

"I'll have the same," says the ostrich.

A short time later the waitress returns with the order. "That will be $9.40 please." The man reaches into his pocket and pulls out the exact change for payment.

The next day, the man and the ostrich come again and the man says, "A hamburger, fries and a coke."

The ostrich says, "I'll have the same."

Again the man reaches into his pocket and pays with exact change.

This becomes routine until the two enter again. "The usual?" asks the waitress.

"No, this is Friday night, so I will have a steak, baked potato and a salad," says the man.

"Same," says the ostrich.

Shortly the waitress brings the order and says, "That will be $32.62."

Once again the man pulls the exact change out of his pocket and places it on the table.

The waitress cannot hold back her curiosity any longer. "Excuse me, sir. How do you manage to always come up with the exact change in your pocket every time?"

"Well," says the man, "several years ago I was cleaning the attic and found an old lamp. When I rubbed it, a Genie appeared and offered me two wishes.

My first wish was that if I ever had to pay for anything, I would just put my hand in my pocket and the right amount of money would always be there."

"That's brilliant!" says the waitress. "Most people would ask for a million dollars or something, but you'll always be as rich as you want for as long as you live!" "That's right..Whether it's a gallon of milk or a Rolls Royce, the exact money is always there," says the man.

The waitress asks, "What's with the ostrich?"

The man sighs, pauses and answers, "My second wish was for a tall chick with a big ass and long legs who agrees with everything I say.."

Our Lawn - 2011 September

2011-09-05T07:48:00.000-07:00

When I saw how big the lawn on the property that we were looking at, I said "if we get this one, the kids will have so much fun playing in it!". I never thought of the other consequences of having a big lawn. It finally sinked in. I realized that I have to mow the lawn during spring. We need to get a lawn mower and an edge trimmer to make it neat. We have to buy fertilizers and weed killers to make the grass greener and healthier.

Having said that, I am not really complaining. In fact, my wife and I are excited on how we will be landscaping the yard. A couple of weeks ago she started to trim the existing plants beside the house because they have grown wild. We also have started looking at plant nurseries for plants that we would like to use. Man, they are expensive. We wanted to plant some Emerald cedar trees and we found out that the cheapest was $50.

Right now, we decided that we will wait for plants that will be sold on sale. I was told that Canadian tire and Home Depot sometimes offer cheap ones. Who knows, maybe we can score some from Kijiji or Craigs List.

Here are some photo's which we will use as the before pictures.

Thanks Bukisa ...

2011-02-01T07:42:00.000-08:00

I was surprised to get an e-mail from Paypal. The e-mail stated that there was a deposit of $xx.xx in my Paypal account. I did not expect to get anything from BUKISA but there it was.

BUKISA was developed by Webika Ltd and is a one stop shop for how-to, informational & educational content. We are both an aggregator and a UGC website. We provide content in the form of articles, videos, presentations, audio recordings and image slideshows.

I hope I can think of more original articles to post.

Being Artistic... Genetic or Honed Skill?

2010-12-15T08:33:00.000-08:00

My two oldest sons have been showing interest in arts. Painting, drawing and coloring to be specific. I have compiled maybe at least a thousand pages that are keepers. I am not sure how to archive them yet. For now I am placing them inside a clear plastic and inserting them into a ring binder.

My wife and I are always having fun whenever the issue of where our kids got their artistic skills. I would always refute her when she says "they got it from me!". I always say that it must be from me as I have an art collection too. I have it stashed somewhere (If I can only remember where). If it was performing arts, then maybe it was from he. Hahaha!

They recently submitted one of their work at my wife's company that held a drawing contest with a theme "Safety". They selected 13 entries that they used in their 2011 calendar. Aloysius and Achilles submitted their drawings and they were fortunate to have their work included in the calendar. They also got $50 each as prize. Great job boys!

Dental Problems

2010-11-13T12:35:00.000-08:00

When I was growing up. I ate a lot of candies and chocolates as well as chips. All kinds of junk food, you name it, I am sure I have eaten. And our parents would always tell us to brush our teeth so that we would not have tooth decay. Every night they would ask us to brush our teeth thoroughly before going to bed. But do we listen. Maybe some of us did. Unfortunately I did not so now that I am an adult and have small kids of my own, I understand why our parents wanted us to do it.

I am now using the style of my parents. Telling my kids to brush properly so that when they grow up they would not end up like me. I believe that the number of teeth an adult has is 32. However, on my last count I only have 22. If I only heeded my parents, maybe I would have more Hahaha!

The latest problem that I have was an infection on my front tooth. Fortunately the dentist was able to save it by performing a root canal and placing a permanent crown on the tooth. I have some before and after pictures that I want to share.

New Gadget - Amazon Kindle 3

2010-10-30T13:04:00.000-07:00

For some reason I really find it hard to read novels or anything long that has no picture in it. If there is something that interests me and there are some illustrations, I might read it. Part of the reason is that I get dizzy or sleepy after I have read 10 pages or more. I also do not like holding thick and heavy books when I travel. The only book I read from cover to cover and really enjoyed was Tarzan. maybe because I can imagine the things that I am reading.

Now that there are ebook readers, it has somewhat motivated me to start reading. I purchased an Amazon Kindle 3 with Wi-fi capability. I got it for 120 bucks via Kijiji. A good deal considering it is sold currently for 140+tax on Amazon. It can store a lot of e-books and is very convenient to use. The battery life is also great as it can last for weeks.

I have started to read Star Wars e-books and I find it very helpful when I am commuting and when I have time to spare.

Video Games, Only for Kids???

2010-01-23T07:08:00.001-08:00

Last Christmas, my brother and sister gave my kids a gaming console. My Sons got the Wii that they have been dreaming of and asking for about some time. The bundle that they got included the Wii Sports game. The games were very simple compared to the PS3 and the X-Box games that have very complicated instructions and detailed graphics. But even then I am certain that the kids are enjoying the video game every time they get a chance to play it.

A week after they got it they convinced me to buy accessories and more games. I got them some games, these were: Nerf, Wii Resort, Sis Flags and Super Mario. I also got them the gun the gaming accessory that included the gun, fishing pole and the cue stick for billiards. It has been years since I played a video game like that. The last one I played was the first generation of Nintendo which also have the Mario game. I decided to try it when I was on vacation leave. My kids were in school and my wife is in a salon getting a facial rejuvenation. I loaded the Mario game and actually enjoyed playing it too. I played for about an hour before stopping to do some household chore. It was a nice experience to be able to play the same game after a while and feel like a kid again. I only wish these things will be for adults as well. The only problem is getting the chance to play if the kids are awake.

Extra Income

2010-01-20T16:58:00.000-08:00

In times like these where people are getting laid off and companies are filing bankruptcy it is wise to have a second job or have an extra income. We can’t rely anymore on the interest of savings account and pension plans. There are a other ways to make good money too such as stocks and other investments but it is very risky and would require some capital.

I was introduced to pay per click sites where you get paid by clicking on advertisements and viewing it for about 30 to 60 seconds. There are some sites where you get paid by watching video clips. You need to earn a minimum, say 10 dollars before you get paid. I found out they were hoaxes when I was not paid and the site no longer exist.

There are sites where you paid by participating in discussions by starting a topic and answering topics that are posted to the site. Mylot is one of these sites and I can attest that they do pay. I have been a member for almost 2 years and I still get paid. The only drawback is that you have to do five hundred to seven hundred fifty posts to earn 10 dollars.

My wife introduced me to paid to blog last year. I said no at first because I do not feel I can do it. However when I saw that she is getting paid and as easy as just creating good posts, I said I want to try it. Early this week I joined BlogAdvertisingStore. The site has a lot of blogging opportunities and you are paid a good amount of money for a hard earned blog. I registered my blog and got approved the following day. I do not want to lose time and opportunity so I started and submitted my first entry yesterday.

Kid Friendly Directories/Links and Searches

2010-01-19T18:16:00.000-08:00

I have three small kids that are all boys. They are ages one, four and eight. One of them is currently attending secondary school and another will be in primary school this coming September. I was very surprised to find out that my eldest already have a computer subject. They are taught to research using the internet for their assignments and projects. I am a BS computer science graduate and have been using computers in almost 70 of my time at work. However, I actually was able to learn about and use a computer when I was in college.

I like the idea of having them start at an early age to use these advances in technology so they will grow up knowing a lot. Integrating computer literacy in the curriculum for kids I believe is a good idea and would benefit the students. The only worry I have is that there are a lot of stuff in the internet that are not for them to gain access to. Let’s face it, kids that are starting to learn how to use the internet will click away on any link they could see especially if it looks colourful and attractive.

I came across the website Kidsclick.org. It is a web search and directory for kids made by librarians. It is like the Yahoo directory which is a widely used business web directory. Another site is Business.com site which offer a variety of business resource. The difference between these two sites to the Kidsclick.org would be the orientation as the latter is for children. And since the site is owned and maintained by a department at a state university, a parent can be rest assured that the content or links on the web site is for general patronage.

I used to have Google as the home page on my kids computer so they can readily search anything one they launch the web browser. I recently have changed the default home page to Kidsclick. I firmly believe that it will definitely limit if not totally eliminate the chances of my kids stumbling upon adult web pages. This web site has links to directories that I feel is safe for browsing. The site also has small icons that are designed to make the kids enjoy the browsing experience. Aside from the readily available links, the site also have picture, sound and website searches and lesson searches that helps kids find and filter information that is not available.

To say the least, I am very happy to have found such a site and I would recommend this to my friends who have small kids of their own. For further information about web directories, you may visit the following link from Wikipedia -> Web Directory

H1N1 Shot

2010-01-13T09:11:00.000-08:00

H1N1 seems to be old news. There are no more reports or news for quite some time. Although this is the case, the government of Canada is still campaigning that everyone should get the shot just to be safe. These ads can be seen on television, newspapers and even on subway trains. We had a chance to meet our family physician yesterday. This is the very first time I saw a doctor here in Canada. If it weren’t for the kids I probably would not see one. When the doctor asked about the vaccines our kids had, we told her that they are up to date before they migrated here. We then asked if it was necessary to have the H1N1 shot since it does not seem dangerous. We were told it is up to us but it is recommended. So we finally decided to get it since we are already there. My wife and I got the full dose and the kids had the half doses. It is better to be safe than sorry, that is what I thought.

Friday Photo Flashback

2010-01-01T10:23:00.000-08:00

This is my one of the very few photo I had when I was in High school. I am shown below accepting my secondary degree diploma. This was taken probably in the year 1986 and the location is Las Pinas College, Las Pinas City, Philippines

Videoke Time!

2009-12-26T09:51:00.000-08:00

Filipinos really love karaoke, it is a form of interactive entertainment in which one sings along with recorded music using a microphone. Now there is the videoke microphones. These microphones have built in chips that contains the songs and lyrics. All you have to do is connect it to a television and viola, you can sing your favourite songs while drinking beer. The most known brand of these microphones were manufactured or distributed by Entertech, They call their product Magic Sing-along microphone and it cost around 300 USD with 2000 built in songs. Plus add another 75 to 100 bucks for the additional chips.

I do not sing well but I like to sing. So when I came back to the Philippines last July, I bought one for only 200 USD and it included a free chip. It is a really very good bargain. Today we had a chance to use it. My brother and sister in law are here for the holidays and after the trip to downtown Toronto we relaxed and sang. Thanks to the beer we had our singing sounded like professionals. I am not saying it improved our singing but I guess that’s what it does to your hearing when you are drunk. Ha ha ha.

Local Calls - A Nice Joke About The Philippines For a Change

2009-12-02T09:54:00.000-08:00

The title of this joke is "Local Calls". This is I guesss one of a few nice jokes about the Philippines. It made me laugh so I decided to put it in my blog. I got it from a circulated e-mail and the author is unknown.

Here it goes...

A man in Kansas decided to write a book about churches around the world. He started by flying to San Francisco , going to a very large church, he began taking photographs and making notes.He spotted a golden telephone on the vestibule wall and was intrigued with a sign, which read "Calls: $100 a minute". Seeking out the pastor he asked about the phone and the sign. The pastor answered that this golden phone is, in fact, a direct line to heaven and if he pays the price he can talk directly to GOD. The man thanked the pastor and continued on his way. As he continued to visit churches in Paris , Vienna , Hong Kong , and other cities, he found more phones with the same sign and the same answer from each pastor. Finally, he arrived in Philippines . Upon entering a church in Manila , the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church, he saw the usual golden telephone.. But THIS time, the sign read "Calls: P10.00" Fascinated, he asked to talk to the priest, "Father, I have been in cities around world and in each church I have found this golden telephone and have been told it is a direct line to Heaven. But in the other churches the cost was $100 a minute. Your sign reads only P10 a call. Why?" I love this part..... The priest, smiling benignly, replied, "Son, you’re in the Philippines now. You’re in God’s country.. It’s a local call."

To God be the glory!

Tips For Driving Safe This Winter

2009-11-27T11:52:00.000-08:00

This is taken from "Six tips from Ford of Canada for staying safe this winter " posted

November 22, 9:56 PM by Russell Purcell

The winter driving season is upon us and soon drivers will be faced with the additional perils of cold temperatures, icy roads and falling snow. Richard Neumann, a Technical Support Manager for Ford Canada , has compiled a list of six helpful tips that could help make your winter driving duties a little less stressful.

1. Vehicle maintenance: Vehicles that have been regularly maintained according to their manufacturers’ required maintenance schedule should be ready for winter weather. If not, a visit to the local dealership to “catch up” on your required maintenance will ensure the vehicle is ready for the season.

2. Read your owner's manual: All vehicles have different characteristics that will react to winter weather differently. This is a good time to check the manual for your particular vehicle's winter driving tips.

3. Monitor tire wear: There are three important aspects when it comes to tires: pressure, tread wear and age.

Tire pressure: Cold weather causes tires to lose pressure and become underinflated; meaning your safety on the road is compromised. Check your tire pressure regularly, especially when the temperature changes.
Tire tread depth: Proper tread depth can be key to slipping less and gripping the road better.
Tire age: Old tires can be unsafe tires, especially in the winter. It is recommended that tires over six years old be replaced.
All season and summer tires begin to lose their grip around 7 degrees Celsius. Consider switching to winter tires for better handling and braking performance.

4. Drive safely and be alert: Safe driving is always important. Remember to slow down and leave extra space between you and the vehicle in front of you. Also, avoid abrupt moves - don't stop, start, or change direction suddenly and you'll maintain better control of your vehicle in inclement conditions.

5. Goodbye cruise control: Never use the speed control in slippery conditions. If the weather suddenly becomes hazardous while cruise control is engaged, simply disengage it manually or lightly tap the brakes.

6. Get to know the safety feature alphabet: Become more familiar with vehicle safety features such as ABS, TC, ESC and RSC, to understand how they can help.

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS): Vehicles equipped with an anti-lock braking system do not require the driver to pump the brakes in slippery conditions when hard braking is required. Apply firm, continuous pressure on the brake pedal and ABS may activate to help you maintain control of the vehicle.
Traction Control (TC): This feature most often engages at low speeds. In the majority of winter driving conditions, it is best to keep the traction control feature ON. However, in extreme conditions – for instance, deep snow or sheer ice – it may be better to turn OFF your traction control to get moving.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC): ESC helps prevent your vehicle from skidding out or sliding laterally in slippery conditions.
Roll Stability Control™ (RSC®): AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control™ helps to avoid a rollover in a collision situation.

2009-11-20T18:46:00.000-08:00

My third entry is our class picture in Kinder. I was told that I looked like my second child Kyle on this photo.

Paid2Youtube Website

2009-11-15T04:20:00.000-08:00

Joined another paid to click site. I hope this is not a scam again. The difference of this site to others is that you just need to watch videos. I must admit some videos are interesting and educational.

Click here to join -> Paid2YouTube

Billboard Hot 100 Music Video Archive

2009-11-11T04:49:00.000-08:00

When someone wants to relax, nothing beats listening to music. Some would like to hear classical music as they sit comfortably on their lazyboy chair or sofa. Others would like to hear jazz, reggae or contemporary music. I myself like to listen to music to chill out. I like listening to the music I grew up with. These are the music of the 80's specifically new wave and pop music by AHA, Michael Jackson, Spandau Ballet, Madonna, The Cure, The Police, Duran duran to name a few. Unfortunately, when we migrated to Canada, all of my original collection was left behind in my country of origin.

I am now trying to collect again. However CD's are not very cheap here. Especially the old and hard to find ones. Fortunately for me there are a lot of websites that are available on the world wide web or internet where you can purchase or buy any song. You purchase it online. After you pay using your credit card, you may download a copy of your favorite song. Sometimes you need to download and install a software that will help and guide you in doing the online purchase and store the downloaded songs as well as organize the songs.

There are also websites that help you find songs or even contain a very rich collection of songs old and new. One of the nice website that provides this service is Billboard Hot 100 Music Video Archive, the site contains a wide variety of music from as early as the mid 1940's to present. On the home page, the years are displayed as a link. one can view the top 100 songs from a particular era or year. When a year is clicked or selected it brings you to the list of songs that made it to the top one hundred for that year. And it goes even better. Each of the songs is a link to a page in either youtube, dailymotion or other websites that hosts music It shows and plays the song that on has selected. The nice thing about the link is that it also gives you the singer, the band or composer of the song. You are lucky if the video will also display the lyrics of the song so one can sing along.
Websites like Billboard Hot 100 Music Video Archive will be a hit for new and experienced internet users. The way it is organized and layed out is so simple that even a user that is very new to computers and web browsing will be able to use.

Watch Out Brothers, Here I Come!

2009-10-30T17:22:00.000-07:00

When my wife and kids came to Canada last August, my sons Miggy and Kyle use to run around the house and leave our youngest son Lex behind. They would hide in the rooms and poor little Lex would crawl and look for them.

Early this month, Lex would stand by holding on table and chair legs. After he stands on his two feet, he would take two little steps and crawl. After 2 or more weeks of practice. He now can walk longer distances. He now can follow his brothers where ever they go. We better replace the furry shoes with soft and light walking shoes.

Ready to Party

2009-10-29T17:06:00.000-07:00

My 7 year old son Miggy wanted to dress up this morning as they will have a class photo shoot. He specifically said he want to wear a coat and tie so that he would look handsome. I am very happy to know that he is not like me. I am very conservative when it comes to clothes. I guess he got it from his uncle Irvin who is very conscious in what ever he wear even when he was small.

Miggy is seen in this photo as if he is about to go a party or a junior-senior prom.

Eager to Attend School

2009-10-15T17:15:00.000-07:00

Kyle is always tagging along when my wife takes Miggy to school. He is now showing some interest in attending school. He sometimes have a small knapsack and pretends he is going to school as well. He has started to write the ABC's and numbers 1 to 10. I hope he does not lose interest and instead get more enthusiastic.

Home and Family matters in Article Alley

2009-10-10T20:21:00.000-07:00

As a parent, it’s a great help to see articles concerning the home and family matters. Reading these articles makes the information handy when you need them. Article Alley provides good quality articles which you can refer to in various aspects of home and family. From home remodellng, household tips, suggestions for Halloween costumes, family activities and many others, one can grab the different articles written by seasoned authors. The articles are categorized according to different home and family aspects. On the left side of the site is a list of the different categories and favorite authors. The latest articles are posted chronologically but you can also select the Most Popular in the Sort articles option. You can choose the articles based on these or you can use the search box for a particular topic.

The articles are free to use in your own website or blog provided you acknowledge the author and Article Alley. In your quest for home and family matters, Article Alley is a great source of articles worth looking into.

Friday Photo Flashback

2009-10-09T08:22:00.000-07:00

My second entry is a photo with my younger brother Irvin. I was 7 and he was 3 at the time the photo was taken. I can't find the camera that my dad used. I however remember that it is a Kodak Instamatic Camera. I believe this kind of camera can now only be seen in museums Ha ha ha.

Judging from our haircut and my pose, I guess I am into Jackie Chan movies already, what do you think?

2009-09-25T07:16:00.000-07:00

We loved taking photos of our family and capturing events that happen in our lives. The Friday Photo Flashback that my Wife joined is a good way of sharing old photos. I am joining the blog circle started by Alicia to share some of mine.

My initial entry will be my photo taken when I was about 2 years old in Cavinti, Laguna.

Healthy Juices

2009-06-26T13:20:00.000-07:00

Here are some Healthy Juices one can prepare for better health

Carrot + Ginger + Apple - Boost and cleanse our system.

Apple + Cucumber + Celery - Prevent cancer, reduce cholesterol, and improve stomach upset and headache.

Tomato + Carrot + Apple - Improve skin complexion and bad breath.

Bitter gourd + Apple + Milk - Avoid bad breath and reduce internal body heat.

Orange + Ginger + Cucumber - Improve Skin texture and moisture and reduce body heat.

Pineapple + Apple + Watermelon - To dispel excess salts, nourishes the bladder and kidney.

Apple + Cucumber + Kiwi - To improve skin complexion.

Pear & Banana - regulates sugar content.

Carrot + Apple + Pear + Mango - Clear body heat, counteracts toxicity, decreased blood pressure and fight oxidization .

Honeydew + Grape + Watermelon + Milk - Rich in vitamin C + Vitamin B2 that increase cell activity and strengthen body immunity.

Papaya + Pineapple + Milk - Rich in vitamin C, E, Iron. Improve skin complexion and metabolism.

Banana + Pineapple + Milk - Rich in vitamin with nutritious and prevent constipation.

Happy Father's Day!

2009-06-21T15:38:00.000-07:00

A happy father's day to all dads especially to those who are away from your families. We just have to hope and pray that we will all be with our family soon. Of course God willing.

However, in time that we are still alone and would never be able to celebrate fathers day with our family, just pamper or treat yourself. Buy something for yourself (not too much though, not too much!). I am sure that your wife and kids would understand. Right Irmee?

So today, after attending church, I went to Superstore to get a DVD home theater system. I believe it is not a first class or high-end equipment because of the price but it made me happy to own one.

I brought home an RCA Brand - Model RTD317

Happy Fathers Day! Yahoo!

Home Project - Finished Product Take Two

2009-06-16T15:46:00.001-07:00

When my wife showed the finished product I posted last June 4, my kids were excited and even tried to argue who takes the top bunk. However, Miggy said, I would sleep there if there is a matress on it LOL. Finally after over two weeks of searching, I was able to buy two for 130 CAD. So the total cost I incurred including the brand new matresses (excluding the toys LOL) I would say is 180 CAD. Not bad eh!

Now aside from the matress, I also showed some toys so they would really get excited.

SOP's SOBRANG OJ PARE

2009-06-07T19:23:00.000-07:00

This is another video that I saw tonight that made me laugh very hard. Although I have been away from my country of origin for more that a year, I still can relate to the persons that were mentioned in Ogie and Janno's gig.

Sobrang OJ - 2008 Recollection

Sobrang OJ - 2007 Highlights

Enjoy!

MoyMoy Palaboy Parodies

2009-06-07T18:56:00.000-07:00

I am very happy to see some of the parodies of these two. Seeing them mimic some of the great and well-known singers makes me forget my home-sickness. The photo is courtesy of iGMA.tv

Here are some of their acts. Enjoy!

Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough
Living La Vida Loca
Its Raining Men
Dancing Queen
On Bended Knees

Home Project - Finished Product

2009-06-04T18:40:00.000-07:00

I finally put the bunk bed together. I am glad that I was able to find all the necessary components needed to assemble it.

Mission accomplished.

#57 In Forbes Worlds Most Powerful Celebrity - Manny Pacquiao

2009-06-04T05:54:00.000-07:00

Congratulations Idol! For being voted #57 in Forbes Worlds Most Powerful Celebrity

Photo/image courtesy of www.gmanews.tv/willtowin/aboutmanny

Below is an excerpt.

Widely regarded at the best pound-for-pound boxer in the world, Pacquiao had two blockbuster fights in the past year: He took on Oscar De La Hoya in December and Ricky Hatton in May. Pac-Man is a huge celebrity in his home of the Philippines and plans to run for political office there once his days in the ring are over. Counts Nike and beer maker San Miguel among his sponsors.

Government Assisting the Masses

2009-06-02T05:55:00.000-07:00

I am delighted to read this article from Inquirer.net. It is nice to know that they are really concerned in the welfare of the people especially the low-income families. Let us forget about politics and strive to help the economy grow further.

The following is the entire article:

6,000 rode MRT in first overnight run

By Riza T. Olchondra

Philippine Daily Inquirer - June 2, 2009

MANILA, Philippines -- The Metro Rail Transit (MRT-3) on the Epifanio delos Santos Avenue (EDSA) served almost 6,000 passengers on its first overnight operation on Monday, officials said.
Official data as of Tuesday afternoon showed that 5,774 passengers were served by the MRT-3 from 11 p.m. to 4 a.m.

The Call Centers Association of the Philippines (CCAP) president Jojo Uligan said that the BPO or business process outsourcing industry appreciated the MRT-3's 24-hour operation.
Transportation assistant secretary and MRT-3 general manager Reynaldo Berroya said the extended hours were primarily aimed at serving call center agents and other workers in the BPO sector in support of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's promise to help the industry.
Metro Manila commuters who often get stranded during typhoons, including students, are also seen to benefit, Berroya said.

Surveys revealed that most call center agents would leave their offices at around midnight and at 4 a.m., Berroya said.

The MRT-3 used to open around 5 a.m. and close around 11 p.m.

I am hoping to read more stories like this in the future. Mabuhay!

Reinforcing Furnitures using Brackets

2009-05-31T19:19:00.000-07:00

The following photos shows how I used brackets in lieu of missing bolts/nuts or screws to assemble a bunk bed. It made the bed sturdier. The only drawback is that it will be harder to dismantle.

Home Project - Assembly

2009-05-31T18:14:00.000-07:00

I woke up early this morning and I am very eager to start on my home project. I screwed the posts together employing a heavy duty brackets made by Stanley. At the end of the day, I am almost halfway done. I stopped after 7 PM. I was worried occupants on the second floor might complain about the noise I was making.

The last photo is what the bunk bed looked like when I stopped working. I will get back to it next weekend. If I will not be lazy LOL.

Home Project - Preparation

2009-05-30T00:18:00.000-07:00

Thanks Stephen for the bunk bed parts and for helping me transport it. Now I have something to do this weekend. A new project that makes me so excited.

After checking the parts, I found out I need to buy some stuff. Some of the parts are missing so I listed it and headed to a hardware store and bought it. The following are the things I got and the prices in CAD:

1. Wooden Planks - 22.65
2. Screws and Nails - 7.89
3. Brackets - 9.12

Total balance is 39.66 which is still better thank buying a brand new bunk bed which is easily 200 bucks. I also bought a saw, plier and tape measure but since it is reusable I did not include it in the project cost.

Home Project

2009-05-20T13:48:00.000-07:00

Its been a while since I have done any home projects. I like to collect carpentry, electrical and electronic tools and do minor repairs to broken home appliances or furniture. Although sometimes the problem will get even worse LOL. But I am proud to say my success rate it around 85%.

I always love to watch the show The New Yankee Workshop featuring Norm Abram. He just have tools for everything. I dream of having a workshop of my own beside the garage or perhaps at the backyard when I get a house of my own.

When my colleague Stephen found out that I am looking for a bunk bed for my kids. He offered the one they bought at a garage sale. He said they were not able to assemble it and his sisters kids have outgrown them. He told me that it has no screws to connect the parts and of course the mattresses.

I said I am interested and we scheduled to pick it up next week.

Bukisa - Where You Can Share Your Knowledge and Earn Money

2009-05-17T18:14:00.000-07:00

I discovered a new site called Bukisa. Anyone can join there for free. It is a site where you share your knowledge or expertise and get paid. The following are the ways you can get paid.

1. Getting paid for people reading, viewing or listening to your high quality published content.

2. Getting paid for the read, viewed & listened published content of your friends, friends' friends and their friends (up to 3 levels)

For more details see link below

Bukisa

Queen Victoria Day

2009-05-16T18:46:00.000-07:00

It is going to be a long weekend. Monday is Queen Victoria day and it is a holiday in Canada. You could see me here wondering what to do tomorrow (Sunday) and Monday.

Any suggestions? LOL

A Zeller's Store is Relocating

2009-05-16T18:32:00.000-07:00

One of my favourite stores Zellers is relocating from Eglinton and Victoria Park to somewhere I do not know. Every item they have in the store is less 35 percent. Nothing is excempted. Toys are discounted even higher. Less 40 on most of them. I looked around and found some good deals. I bought a towel rack for just 3 bucks and a hamper and table top ironing board for just 12 dollars. If I only have a car or a van that time, I would have bought a lot more. It is kind of disappointing that most of the good stuff are gone. It has either been sold or they moved it to the new location already.

I was looking for Thomas the Tank and Transformers and other things like PS3 and X-Box. The only thing left there is an old PS2 which I am reluctant to buy. Well maybe next time I should go there earlier.

All Clear Stair Guard

2009-05-16T18:16:00.001-07:00

I recently e-mailed the MP(Member of Parliament) assigned in our area for help in finding out the status of my sponsorship. I feel that soon there will be a favorable result.

I am now excited and have continued buying things for the kids. Continuing as I have started to buy clothes for them even last year when I find good deals. One of the things on my wife's wish list is a Stair Guard. Our apartment has a stair which is too steep and dangerous to my small kids. That is why we need a stair guard or gate. My friend Gina gave me one but it will not work in our setting. If we have to go over the gate to go down the stairs, it would be dangerous to me and my wife too. So I looked for one that swings open. I found one at The Bay. It was on sale for CAD 40 Tax included. It was priced CAD 70 before. I thought it was a good deal so I took advantage. I actually installed it and took some pictures. I hope my wife and the kids would like it.

Tonka Crane

2009-05-10T14:32:00.000-07:00

I was bored so I went out for a walk. I took my DSLR camera and started shooting on every landscape I liked. I think I walked for about a kilometer before I started to walk back. On my way I saw Zellers. I know that they are having a sale so I went inside. My intention was to look for curtain rods so I can put up the curtains to give me some privacy in the apartment. I went to the home section and passed through all the aisles bit did not find one. I decided to see the toys section and look for games for the PSP I recently bought. I wanted to see how much are the UMD's or the small cd's that you insert in a PSP. It can either be a movie or a game. Games are 40 dollars each. I said to myself it was too expensive. I might just have to have it reconfigured so it can play games from a memory stick. Before heading out the store I passed by the clearance area, my favorite area in all stores LOL. I saw a big Tonka crane which was on sale for $23.99. The original price was $40.00. I looked at it and found out that it was missing the hook and the dial to make the rope connecting the hook go up and down. I thought, I can just connect a hook or perhaps a ball to it and it will be perfect. The dial is not really needed as there was a lever that can be used.

The boys have a dump truck, bulldozer and backhoe in the Philippines. This will complete the set so I bought it. It was my childhood dream toy so I will play with it until my kids are able to come here in Canada LOL.

PSP's For the Boys

2009-05-09T14:07:00.000-07:00

My wife told me a story about my son Kyle a couple of weeks back. She told me that one day Kyle woke up very early. His elder brother was still sleeping then. Kyle asked her mommy if he can go to his uncle Carter's room. My wife asked why and he said he wanted to play his uncle's PSP while his kuya is asleep. I felt so bad for him. Apparently, her kuya always plays with the PSP and all he was able to do is watch. I already have one PSP for the boys but if that is the scenario, I am sure they will fight everytime. When I was browsing the internet for some furnitures for the apartment, I happen to see a posting for a latest PSP (Model 3000) for $150. The ad said it was just 3 months old and was just used for playing MP3's. It also came with a game Lord of War and two movies (National Treasure and SuperBad) It also had a AV cable worth 30 bucks. I asked if I can get it for 125 as I am a little short of cash. The advertiser said he can only offer it for $135. I immediately e-mailed the advertiser and made arrangement to pick it up.

The PSP is still in pristine condition and the package includes the box, manual and other accessories. I am sure I got a good deal. Now Kyle and his kuya can play simultaneously. And there will be no fighting. I hope when My youngest can play the PSP, his older brothers have outgrown the game LOL. The picture below shows the gadget.

Furniture and Appliances

2009-05-02T09:30:00.000-07:00

I am fortunate to have kind and generous relatives (uncle and cousin), colleagues, and friends. They gave me some of the things that they have as spare or things that they are no longer using. I have now the essential things that most people that just started to live alone would buy. Some of the things I got were Futton Sofa-Bed, a desk lamp and a night lamp. I uploaded photos below.

Apartment Photos

2009-05-01T08:30:00.000-07:00

I am very happy to have moved to an apartment that is near my work. Slowly, I am buying things big and small. From furniture to appliances and groceries included to fill the empty space living room, bedroom, kitchen and cabinets.

Here are some photos of the apartment when I moved in.

Personal Home Insurance

2009-04-20T17:23:00.000-07:00

There is a new requirement being implemented by Landlords here in Toronto, They are requiring you to get a personal home insurance before they endorse the keys. The insurance will cover the contents of your apartment against theft, fire, water damages and other calamities. I guess they are just worried they might be sued if tenants lose their valuables in fires. It is an additional expense to shell out however, it can make you feel that your valuables are covered when unexpected things happen.

I immediately searched the internet for companies that charge cheap. I canvassed from 4 and got the best quote from TD Insurance which is CAD 180.00. They all have the same coverage when I phoned them but their quote varied. Some quoted over $300.

Now I have submitted a proof of insurance to the building superintendent and I will be able to get the keys this coming Friday.

Blogvertise - The New Way of Advertising

2009-04-02T20:15:00.000-07:00

Blogvertise is the new way of advertising. It is an effective tool to reach more people in very low cost compared to radio, television and print.

Register now -> Blogvertise Registration

Getting My Own Apartment - At Last

2009-04-01T18:19:00.000-07:00

After a year in Canada I finally decided to get an apartment. There were several factors that made me decide. Number one, living near where you work seems a very good idea. A 30-45 minutes commute is so easy compared to 1 to 1.5 hours by bus and subway. Number two, having a place by ourselves (me, my wife and kids) takes away the possibility for my kids to break things that are not ours. Hahaha! And last but not the least, So that we could experience if we really can live better here compared to my country of origin the Philippines.

My friend Tita Beth called me up to tell me the good news. She said, she spoke to the administrator of the apartments and apparently my application got approved. Since it is April fools day, the administrator may just be kidding LOL. But I am positive that it got approved alright. Just wanted to wait for his call for final confirmation.

I am set to move in on May 1 of this year, but can actually move in a week before that date. So excited already. The only problem is how to fill up the apartment with furnitures and appliances. Maybe I could scout for cheap items first and postpone buying expensive stuff until we have our own house.

I am so happy that I got that apartment. A lot of people said that it is cheap for CAD 943.50 per month. It is a 2 bedroom apartment that includes Hydro(Electricity), Heating and water. Below is the floor plan and the outside view of the apartment.

For more details on the apartment please visit the following link:

7 rochefort Drive

First Winter in Canada is Over

2009-03-30T17:24:00.000-07:00

I am thankful to God for making my first winter bearable. There were times that I have to bundle up to be warm but amount of snow this year was nothing compared to what my friends told me they got the prior year. I must admit that though a lot of people are not happy when the snow falls, I was happy all the time. There are times when I even walk outside from the subway station to our office. Must be because it was my first time to experience winter. My uncle also bought a snow blower to help us in removing the snow in the driveway, however, I still want to shovel LOL. I just think of it as exercise.

When my kids are here, I am sure they would love it too. I will also have an excuse to play in the snow and make a snowman LOL.

Winter is finally over and spring is here. I missed the snow. Look how sad I am Hahaha!

More pictures on my multiply site -> Muelitz

Ipod Touch Software Update

2009-03-26T18:52:00.000-07:00

My cousin asked me if I had downloaded games to my iPod Touch. I said I did not want to spend money for these games. When I found out that there are a lot of free games. I immediately ran iTunes, went to the apple store site and searched for free games. I think I downloaded 75 percent of all the free games that I knew. I stopped at 75 % because of limited space on my device.

After downloading, I noticed that I can't install the games on the iPod. I found out that I need to upgrade the software to the latest version before I can do it. I finally decided to upgrade for CAD 9.99 and voila, Free games. Although some are just teasers, there are some nice games that one can enjoy when traveling long distances or if you have a lot of time to kill. I believe spending 10 bucks and getting some good games is not bad.

For more details about iPod Touch please visit Apple.com

Missing the Outings

2009-03-26T18:45:00.000-07:00

Had I been in Manila, I would have gone to at least 3 out-of-towns. My wife and kids have been to several outings already and their photos sure can tell how happy they were. The recent that they had was in Laiya

I missed these summer get-aways and I really miss my wife and kids. I sure hope they get their Visa's soon so I can get them and perhaps to a nearby resort to relax a little bit before coming back here.

I am so excited to see the boys especially the new addition to our family Alexus. Of course Tart, I missed you also and want to see you the same way with the kids LOL.

Planned Sight-SeeingTrips

2009-02-21T09:12:00.000-08:00

My wife and I got this chance to visit New York City last year and we wanted to go back there and visit other cities in the US with the kids. We have been discussing our itinerary and have agreed on some places we will be touring and where we would stay.To be able to visit more places we have to manage our expenses very well.

When my wife had a stopover in San Francisco , she fell in love with the city and we wanted it to be included in our list. We wanted our kids to see the magnificent Golden Gate bridge, San Francisco's crookedest street and ride the cable car.

Other destination on our list is Seattle. After seeing the movie Sleepless in Seattle, My wife and I have always wondered how its cityscape and historical landmark looks like at close range.

We may swing by Vancouver since it is near Seattle. That makes it a hitting-2-birds-in-one-stone trip. All our kids are boys and we are all fans of aircrafts and space. H.R. MacMillan Space Centre and Canadian Museum of Flight would definitely be squeezed into our plans.

Our Godparent Josie is based in San Diego, California. A great destination for our family too. The San Diego Zoo, Seaworld and the beach is perfect for our kids. I am pretty sure they will have a grand time there.

Our friends recommended that when we travel it is best to book for hotel rooms online. It will be easier than to do it as we visit the places and it will definitely save time that we can use to enjoy the tour.

So I searched the internet and found out about cheap hotels site which provides online access to affordable, clean and accessible rooms/hotels in different major US cities like Seattle, San Francisco and San Diego. Their hotels are conveniently located in areas where you can easily access tourist destinations or landmarks.

I am sure frequent travelers that have booked a room via this site can attest that you can get pre-book discounts and last minute deals in over 500 hotels in the region. You can compare prices and amenities of available hotels in an area so you can find one that is suitable for your needs. One can be assured that they are getting a better deal than people from the locality getting a room via the hotel directly.

Here is a hotel that I believe offers a good deal:

Best Western Executive Inn has room that cost starting from USD 89 a night.

Cheap Hotels in Seattle
Cheap Hotels in San Francisco
Cheap Hotels in San Diego

Our travel will surely be more affordable if we avail of these cheap deals.

Another Baby Boy for Us!!!

2008-11-23T14:54:00.000-08:00

I am very thankful to the Lord for blessing us with another baby boy. He was born November 23, 2008 at 1:54 PM Manila Time and he weighs 7.26 Lbs. We will be naming him Alexus Mitchel, thanks to my eldest son Miggy who suggested it. We now have 3 boys, the other one is Kyle who I am sure will be adjusting as he will also be a "kuya" or older brother. I am very excited however i will just have to be contented to seeing our new born on PC camera and on photos that my wife will be publishing. Holding him would have to wait until next year when hopefully they can be with me. Stay tuned for his pictures.

Winter Snow is Falling Down ...

2008-11-20T14:34:00.000-08:00

Just like the lines of the the song my wife and I liked, The gift. It was written and sung by Jim Brickman, I think. The song goes like, "Winter snow is falling down, children laughing all around ...", snow have came early this year. However, there were no children in sight. I really miss my kids as well as my wife and I don't think I could be with them this Christmas season. I could rant and blame the Canadian embassy in Manila for what happened but I would like to believe that it was God's plan for us. Come to think of it, my wife and 2 kids came here and she gave birth to my 3rd son here, the only advantage would be is that my youngest will be a Canadian citizen. She would have had a hard time here taking care of the 2 kids during her pregnancy and there could be a possibility that I would not be around when she needed to go to the hospital when she contracts. One big thing is that we will be shouldering the expenses since she will not be covered by the Ontario health care system yet. I truly trust that God has intervened and I believe He knows best.

I took this photo late at night. Maybe around 9 or 10 PM. It look quiet and pure however it makes me feel lonely because of the shade. Maybe it is just appropriate for what I am feeling at this moment.

Portraits From Canada's Past

2008-11-15T16:03:00.000-08:00

Painting has been one of my frustrations. I got a chance to pass by Islington Village in Etobicoke ON and was able to take photos of the murals painted on the walls or sides of the building. How I wish I could paint something as good as these. I probably could do it on a sheet of bond paper and colored pencils but definitely not on canvass or walls as big as shown on the pictures. Besides, it surely took them days or maybe weeks to complete. I am very impatient and I would like to finish things as quickly as I can. That is why I seldom use water color because I have to wait until one color dry before using another otherwise the colors will mix.

Following is a link for those who are interested for more photos.

Portraits from Canada's Past

For more information about the murals, check the Mosaic page of the site below:

Village of Islington

Colors of Autumn

2008-11-13T15:36:00.000-08:00

It seems like just weeks but I have been away from my country of origin for more than six months. I came from a tropical country and is now experiencing autumn for the first time. I believe it is better know as fall here in North America. I did a little research and according to Wikipedia it starts from the month of September until November. It is a transition from summer to winter. I think the weather is nice this time of the year, it is not too hot nor too cold. We did not have work last November 11 so I had time to roam around and take some pictures that depict this time of the season. And I would like to share some of them.

More photo's can be found on my multiply account. Please see link below:

Colors of Autumn

Arts and Craft

2008-11-02T16:30:00.000-08:00

I have always liked drawing, painting, sketching and coloring. It is too bad I was not able to hone these skills. I was not fortunate enough to have the necessary materials to be able to do so. Aside from that, I was distracted by the cartoon robots that were shown during those days. I would also prefer to play with my friends which is free so I forgot all about my love for drawings. My eldest son Miggy seem to like arts/drawing and recently also his younger brother seem to be getting interested as well. If my kids are performing well in class and they got it from their mother. The artistic side would definitely be from me (I hope my wife will not be able to read this blog as she might differ. LOL)

My kids and I have a lot of drawings/sketches, paintings and crafts we did in the past. I have photographed them and uploaded them in Webshots and Facebook. The links can be found below.

Link 1 - Arts & Crafts

Link 2 - Colored Drawings

Link 3 - Sketches

Link 4 - Others

Las Pinas College High School Batch 1986 Grand Reunion

2008-10-13T11:10:00.001-07:00

More than 2 years ago I accidentally found the Website NamesDatabase.com. I registered and found out that there were several classmates that were registered as well. I sent some of them messages and fortunately they replied. We started communicating by e-mail and eventually we created a Yahoo e-group which now has at least 70 members. Some of us are in other countries earning a living, others have immigrated and some are still in the Philippines doing well in their business or careers. After several months we got discontented with just e-mail communications and started meeting each other in small groups. We make it a point to meet when there are classmates visiting the country. These meetings became frequent and some even had mini-sports tournaments. Now we are planning to have a grand reunion. If you are reading this and happen to be a member or know anyone who is a graduate of Las Pinas College High School Batch 1986. There is a planned grand reunion set for next year (2009). Exact month and day to be confirmed.

If you wish to know more details please e-mail me at lito.castillo@yahoo.com and I will be happy to provide you with the information.

Driving in Canada Alone for the First Time

2008-10-11T18:37:00.000-07:00

It was a very busy Saturday in my uncle's house where I live. The bathroom is being renovated. At around 7 PM, the floor tiles were laid and the new vanity was almost installed. the plumbing is just being fitted and it will be all done. It is almost dinner time as we eat by 8 PM but we still have nothing to eat. I don't cook so I normally just assist my uncle. But this time my uncle is supervising the work being done he can't cook our dinner. I am not that confident to cook by myself so we thought of buying chicken from Mary Brown's. I was asked to buy the chicken and upon learning I would be driving alone, I immediately got the keys and left. The place where I went was probably less than 5 miles away but for me it was a very nice feeling and experience to drive alone. It was my first time to use my uncle's gray Camry since I got my driving license 5 months ago. I hope I save some money to be able to buy my own car.

Food That Helps in Controlling Blood Pressure and Becoming Heart Healthy

2008-10-06T17:26:00.001-07:00

During my regular weekend chat with my siblings, I found out that my mom went to the doctor for a check-up. Her blood pressure was above normal so she was given a prescription. I believe it will be a maintenance medicine to keep her blood pressure normal. As I was reading my old mails, I came across one that was sent years ago about different food and its benefit to our body. I will let my mom know about this and I would like to share it to readers as well.

The following should be included in our daily meal to help control our blood pressure

1. Bananas: Bananas are rich in Vitamin B and C, but they’re most appreciated for their extremely high levels of potassium, which maintain blood pressure and reduce the probability of stroke. Bananas also contain a vital but often overlooked nutrient called fructooligosaccharide, which increases your body’s ability to absorb calcium and build strong bones.

2. Dark chocolate: Indulging in a piece of rich dark chocolate once a day will satisfy your craving for sweets while lowering blood pressure and giving you a load of antioxidants. It’s also been suggested to act as an aphrodisiac, so what are you waiting for?

3. Scallops: Scallops are packed with protein, magnesium and vitamin B12, reducing your risk of blood clots and heart problems.

4. Romaine lettuce: When you’re washing lettuce for your salad, pay extra attention to the green, leafy kind. Romaine lettuce is packed with Vitamins K, A, and C, and is also good for your heart.

5. Olives: Olives are another small but significant anti-inflammatory, as they reduce symptoms of asthma, arthritis, and even menopause. Whether you add them to your pizza or salad, don’t forget the olives!

6. Kiwi: Another surprising food that alleviates asthma symptoms kiwi. It reduces the uncomfortable wheezing associated with the respiratory disease. Also an excellent source for antioxidants, refreshing kiwi will also help your body stabilize blood sugar.

7. Grapes: Another heart-healthy fruit, grapes can help balance out fattier foods and prevent the formation of dangerous blood clots.

8. Collard greens: Guilty only by association, collard greens are an incredible source of nutrients, not a greasy home-cooked artery clogger. Rich in Vitamins A, C, and K, collard greens are a menacing weapon against breast cancer.

Food That Are Good For The Eyes

2008-10-01T18:25:00.000-07:00

I am always in front of the computer working and if not at the office I am browsing the internet, playing games or researching. These can take a toll on my eyes. I am not getting any younger and I feel that my eyes are not as good 5 years ago. I sometimes have to move the thing I am reading farther away before I can read it

Aside from changing bad habits like reading when it is dark, insufficient rest or too much staring at the computer, I need to eat lots of food that are good for my eyes. The following food seems to be best in ensuring that all that time spent staring at a 17 inch screen doesn’t wear my eyes out. I got it from an e-mail that was written by Laura Milligan

1. Strawberries: As with the other fruits on this list, strawberries help your eyesight. If you’re glaring at your computer all day or just enjoy watching a lot of TV, you’re going to need all the help you can get. Eating strawberries has also been linked to preventing cancer.

2. Carrots One cup of chopped carrots will give you six times your recommended daily value of Vitamin A. They improve eyesight, especially in the dark. Rumor has it that carrots will also make your eyes sparkle.

3. Smoothies: Smoothies made with real fruit are a tasty, filling way to take in a significant amount of fruits. You’ll feel like you’re indulging in a naughty snack, but you’re not. Find a Smoothie King near you!

4. Flaxseeds: If you’ve been working or studying all day, your eyes are probably feeling a little dried out. Flaxseeds help prevent dry eye syndrome, allowing you to feel fresh even after a hard day.

Adding My Blog To MyLot Website

2008-10-01T14:09:00.000-07:00

I am trying to add my blog Anything under the sun to myLot. I hope I get it done.

myLot User Profile

My AT&T Friends

2008-09-30T03:19:00.000-07:00

I missed my days working at AT&T. I was in a very small group composed of system testers, an integration manager, an office manager and business processing analysts. We were a total of 13 initially but there were resignations and new hires from time to time. During my stay for about 1 1/2 years I became close to 2 colleagues Ton and Robert. We were almost inseparable. We would eat dinner, lunch or snacks together. Since we are working hand in hand with the company laboratory in the US, if someone would sometimes be required to do night shifts the other two would most often change shift as well. It was a very solid group through thick and thin.

It was late 2007 when Ton got a good offer from another company that we all thought could be an advancement because the company offers training new technologies. The following year, I got my Canadian VISA so I had to leave on the company. Only Robert stayed and the three of just communicate by chat or e-mails from time to time. I just realized we have no photo wherein the 3 of us are together (Does that mean we are not really a solid group? Joke Only!) so, I just uploaded the company logo.

Last week I got an e-mail from Ton that she was rehired by AT&T. For some reasons she decided to go back as the company she transferred is not as good as she thought it was. So now they are working together again. I do miss the group and how I wish I could also go back to join them. I guess I can only meet with them when I get a chance to fly back home. I hope it will be soon.

Take care my friends.

Warning for Milk Lovers! Contaminated Milk

2008-09-25T03:44:00.000-07:00

This has been printed on paper and heard on the radio. Maybe you already know the latest news about the contaminated dairy/milk products from China. I though I'd share this so others may know. The contaminated milk is very harmful to humans especially to babies if consumed, so be diligent in reading labels before buying products look at the manufacturer's label. but of course we should not limit reading labels on these products, it should be our habit to check labels of everything we buy specially the expiration dates.

Manufacturer' s Name and Address

1 . KLIM Instant Full Cream Milk Powder (1.8 kg)
Manufacturer: Nestle Shuangcheng Ltd.
Address: Friendship Road, Shuangcheng City, Heilongjiang Province, PRC

2. Nestle Carnation Calcium Plus Non Fat Milk Powder (1.6 kg)
Manufacturer: Nestle Shuangcheng Ltd.
Address: Friendship Road, Shuangcheng City, Heilongjiang Province, PRC

3. Nespray
Manufacturer: Nestle Shuangcheng Ltd
Address: Nestle Shuangcheng Ltd., PRC

4. Nestle Dairy Farm Pure Milk
Manufacturer: Nestle Qingdao Ltd.
Address: Weihai Xi Lu, Laixi City, Qingdao, P.R. China

5. Mengniu Pure Milk

6. Monmilk Breakfast Milk Walnut Milk Beverage

7. Monmilk Suan Suan Ru Sour Milk Beverage (Mango Flavour)

8. Monmilk Milk Deluxe Pure Milk

9. Yili High Calcium Low Fat Milk Beverage

10. Dutch Lady Pure Milk
Manufacturer: Tianjian Dutch Lady Dairy Foods Co., Ltd.
Address: South of Dongting Road, Hexi District, Tianjin, PRC

11. Vita Fresh Milk

12. Nestle Vanilla Flavour Ice Cream Cone
Manufacturer: Nestle Tianjin Ltd.
Address: No.149 Nanhai Road, TEDA, Tianjin, PRC

13. Nestle Chocolate Flavour Ice Cream Cone
Manufacturer: Nestle Tianjin Ltd.
Address: No.149 Nanhai Road, TEDA, Tianjin, PRC

14. Meiji Ujikintoki (red bean and green tea frozen confection)
Manufacturer: Guangdong M&F- Yan Tang Dairy Products Co., Ltd
Address: Datanggang Shahe, Guangzhou, China

15. Meiji Hokkaido Azuki (red bean ice cream)
Manufacturer: Guangdong M&F- Yan Tang Dairy Products Co., Ltd
Address: Datanggang Shahe, Guangzhou, China

16. Trappist Dairy Low Fat Yogurt Drink

17. Strawberry Sorbet
Manufacturer: Xincheng Greenearth Food Co., Ltd
Address: No.62 Xingjianzhai, Huazhou Road, Pudong, Shanghai, China

18. Natural Choice Milk Ice Bar
Manufacturer: Shanghai Yili AB Foods Co., Ltd
Address: No. 269 Beidou Road, Minhang Zone, Shanghai P.R. of China

19. (Papaya Milk Drink) (350ml)

20. (Assam Milk Tea) (350ml)

21. (Carbonize Coffee) (280ml)

Pay per Click Sites

2008-09-10T04:39:00.000-07:00

More and more people are getting into these PPC or PTC racket. Pay per click (PPC) is defined in Wikipedia as "an internet advertising model used on search engines, advertising networks, and content websites, such as blogs, where advertisers only pay when a user actually clicks on an advertisement to visit the advertisers' website."
When one reads about testimonies of members getting paid x amount monthly just makes you very interested and eager to join so you could earn extra bucks. But how easily can one earn in reality. I have received referral and invites from some of my friends so I joined some of the so called PTC sites. It was very easy to join. I created an e-mail address specifically for this and started registering. I noticed that you do accumulate points/credits/money by clicking on advertisements and participating in discussions. The question is do we get paid when we reach the minimum payout that is indicated in the sites terms of service. Most of them will pay from 1 to 1 1/2 months after every month and I am yet to receive payments from some of them. So far I have only confirmed that myLot really pay you what you have earned.

I am listing the links below for those who are interested in joining or plainly curious and would like to read more about it:

MyLot
http://www.mylot.com/?ref=Muelitz

Homepage Friends
http://www.myhpf.co.uk/apply001.asp?Friend=135986

Isabelmarco
http://isabelmarco.com/?r=muelitz

Stamp Collecting

2008-09-07T08:51:00.000-07:00

I am now employed with a company that receives hundreds of mails a day. Most of the mails that we receive have postage stamps on it. I started to collect stamps almost 10 years ago, thanks to my late Godmother gave me some of her duplicate stamps. It encouraged me to start keeping them and put them in a binder. I left my collection in the Philippines and almost forgot about it. It is only now that I am excited once again to go back to collecting stamps because I am in a position to collect more. I hope I get a chance to get the binder I left and put them all together.

Top 10 Sexy Movie Actress Above 35 Years Old

2008-09-02T11:46:00.000-07:00

I was so encouraged by David Letterman's Top Ten List that I decided to think of my version of it. My first top ten list is about movie actresses that I like which are over 35 years old. And here they are:

10. Pamela Anderson - Voluptuous body

9. Kim Basinger - Very sexy in the James Bond film Never Say Never Again

8. Sharon Stone - I still can picture the sexy scene she did in the movie Basic Instinct

7. Catherine-Zeta Jones - Very sexy in the movie "The Entrapment"

6. Elizabeth Hurley - I like her sexy smile

5. Halle Bery - Very sexy in X-men and Swordfish

4. Ashley Judd - Very sensuous smile

3. Demi Moore - I have been enchanted by her eyes when I saw her first in the movie Ghost where she starred together with Patrick Swayze.

2. Pheobe Cates - very sexy in the movie Paradise

1. Brook Shields - So many years after Blue Lagoon and she still looked fabulous.

Our Nikon D40X

2008-09-01T10:53:00.000-07:00

I enjoy taking pictures whenever we go visit different places. We would never leave the house during weekends without bringing a camera. We have a Sony T7 point and shoot camera that we have used for almost 2 years now. It was very light and compact. It was very handy and we were satisfied with the quality of photos that it captures. But that was when we were taking pictures of still subjects. When we were into shooting moving objects, we were dismayed on the speed of the camera. Although you can make adjustment so that you can capture the moving subject, most of the time the picture is out of focus. Thanks to my lovely and generous wife we now own a Nikon D40x, a digital SLR. She said it was as her gift for me. It is not the top of the line but will be enough for beginners like me. Now I am able to take pictures of fast moving subjects and still get it focused. It however cannot take videos only still pictures. My problem now is how to learn and use all the features of the camera and the proper handling as well as you may notice in the picture below that I was not holding it properly.

iPod Touch - The Coolest Gadget

2008-08-29T17:44:00.000-07:00

At this point in time, the iPod Touch is the coolest gadget I have used. It is capable of playing audio and video. It has wireless-fidelity so you can browse the internet and so many loadable applications that you can use for your specific needs. It is very useful to me especially when I commute. I listen to my favorite music on my way to work which really makes my 1 1/2 hour trip seem like 15 minutes.

Following are the specifications of the iPod Touch I use:

Screen material: Glass
Screen size: 8.9 cm
Screen resolution: 480×320 pixels at 163 ppi, with 3:2 aspect ratio
Input method: Multi-touch screen interface, Sleep/Wake button, Home button
Operating system: iPhone OS
Storage: 8, 16, or 32 GB flash memory
- 8 GB: up to 1,750 songs, 10,000 photos, or 10 hours of video
CPU: Under clocked 620 to 412 MHz RAM
RAM: 128 MB DRAM
Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g)
Built-in rechargeable, non-removable lithium battery with up to 5 hours of video playback, and up to 22 hours of audio playback, times vary.
Size: 110×61.8×8 mm (4.3×2.4×0.31 in)
Weight: 120 grams (4.2 ounces)
Direct iTunes Wi-Fi Music Store access
Widescreen video
Included applications: Safari web browser, YouTube client, Mail client, GoogleMaps
Widgets: Stocks, Weather, Notes

Self Marketing for the Canadian Workplace Program

2008-08-26T13:13:00.000-07:00

I recently completed the course Self Marketing for the Canadian Workplace last August 15. I am grateful to the facilitators of the program for helping our class to successfully pass the course and share their knowledge that we could use in finding better work. It was really helpful and I am glad I attended it.

The duration of the program was 3 weeks and it was held at C O S T I training center in Mississauga. The program aims to help newcomers in Canada to overcome barriers that make it hard for immigrants to get work in their field of expertise or successfully integrate into the workplace. You will learn about:

preparing for job interviews
formating resumes
Canadian work ethics
tapping the hidden job/labor market

The list include so much more. C O S T I services is not limited to this program. There are a lot of programs and services that it offers. The following is their contact details if you wish to ask for more information:

C O S T I Employment Services for Internationally Trained Professional & Tradespeople
Address: 2150 Meadowvale Blvd.
Unit 2, Mississauga
Phone: 905-567-0482
E-Mail: internationallytrained@costi.org
Website: www.costi.org

Thomas the Tank

2008-08-25T08:53:00.000-07:00

Aside from the stuffed toys that my kids love, the other toy they like playing is their Thomas the Tank or Train set. Most of the time we have a hard time attaching the tracks together to make loops and bridges but our being tired are overwhelmed with so much enjoyment when we see the trains go round, up and down the tracks. It is one of the best bonding moments that I have with my two boys. How I wish everyday is a weekend so we can spend this quality time often. It is nice for grown-ups like me to feel young by playing kid toys. It helps me unwind after a hard days work.

Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island

2008-08-15T09:19:00.000-07:00

My wife and I recently visited my brother and his wife in New York, USA. When they asked us where we would like to go, we immediately responded "we want to see the Statue of Liberty". t seems that it there is a top 3 tourist destination it will be included in the list. There were several long queues for buying tickets, waiting for the ferry and the security check before you go inside the statue but it was all worth it. It was a majestic sight and we all enjoyed it. Even my brother and sister-in-law which probably have been there for the nth time.

Statue of Liberty was a gift from France. Bartholdi, the creator, with the help of Gustave Eiffel of Eiffel Tower planned and executed the existence of this great monument. After September 11 incident, the US government made extra effort to protect Liberty, their symbol of freedom. I remember one description from the museum inside the statue - "a door to new hope, welcoming those who are ready to accept new challenges". I was amazed how Liberty came to being. The museum explained how it was planned, gave the details of each material used and how it was built. I just suddenly became interested with history. Ellis Island was also interesting. We were told that there is a list of early immigrants there but since I know I don't have ancestors who may have been one of the first immigrants we did not bother going there.

Motorola Razor K1

2008-08-06T16:35:00.000-07:00

I brought my Nokia 9210 communicator in USA only to find out that it uses a frequency that is not supported there. Since I will be staying for quite a long time with my brother and his wife, I decided to get one that I can use anywhere in the world. Some of the vendors call it "World Phone" others just call it "G.S.M.". Anyway after going from store to store searching for the best phone I could find that fits my budget, I decided to get the Motorola K1. It is small that can easily fit in the pocket of my pants. It is heavy unlike other phones. that are like plastic toys. Although it does not come loaded with so many features like the Blackberry, it is good enough for me.

myLot

2008-08-04T10:58:00.000-07:00

When I had no work last May of this year, I came across myLot. It is a website where you can view the member discussions about everything you can ever imagine. You can also read about news and current events. Blog posting is also available and all of these can be tailored to anyones interest. It is also a social networking site because you can communicate with other members all around the world. And the best thing about it is that you get paid in cash via Paypal or Moneybookers for your valuable contributions. There is a minimum payout which is ten (10) USD paid after 15 days. The cut-off period is every month-end. If you do not reach the payout amount it gets carried over to the next months earnings.

I have been paid once (please see image above) and am expecting to get paid the second time after next month's cut-off. It is a good way of spending your idle time. If you are interested in joining, please click on the link below:

http://www.mylot.com/?ref=Muelitz

Stuffed Toys

2008-08-03T11:44:00.000-07:00

We all loved stuffed toys when we were kids. Our room is full of them. "Pampa" is the name of the mascot of Pampers diapers. It's an elephant, the first stuffed toy that Aloysius received when he was still a baby. It was mailed to us by Proctor and Gamble when my wife submitted empty Pampers wrappers as proof of purchase. Since then, Aloysius called all his stuffed or furry toys Pampa, (One of Kyle's first words is also Pampa). I used to be against playing stuffed toys because it's not good for the kids health and it's a girls toy but when I realized that these toys are also their comfort toys (they can't sleep without it), I let them play as long as it is not too furry. I am now wondering when they will outgrow these toys and be interested in other toys such as remote control and computers.

CompTIA A+ Certification

2008-08-01T09:15:00.000-07:00

I just passed 2 of the required exams specifically the IT essentials and the IT technician exams required for a CompTIA certification. I am now a A+ certified. Having landed here in Canada just April of this year I have not much Canadian work experience on my resume. Although there are a lot of work opportunities available most companies here look for professionals that have Canadian experience. I thought having a certification would boost my chances in getting a job or at least be able to get my resume noticed and be called for an interview.

I plan to get more certifications if my time and budget allow.

My Lenovo Laptop

2008-07-30T07:53:00.000-07:00

I recently got a Lenovo laptop to use for my job search, internet browsing, blogging and what have you. I got it cheaper that what I could have paid for if I purchased it in Manila. Thanks to my brother and sister-in-law, I was able to save almost 40-50 percent of the cost. I could have saved some more if I opted for other brands such as Dell but having used an IBM now known as Lenovo for almost 5 years, I have gotten used to it and have liked its dependability and durability.

The following are the specifications of my laptop

ThinkPad T61 15 Widescreen - 1 Yr Depot Warranty

Intel® Core™ 2 Duo processor T8100 (2.1GHz 800MHz 3MBL2)

Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium

15.4 WXGA TFT

Intel GMA X3100 GM965

2 GB PC2-5300 DDR2 SDRAM 667MHz SODIMM Memory (1 DIMM)

UltraNav (TrackPoint and TouchPad)

120GB Hard Disk Drive, 5400rpm

DVD Recordable 8x Max Dual Layer, Ultrabay Slim

Intel Wireless WiFi Link 4965AGN (supporting Centrino Pro)

6 cell Li-Ion Battery

Express - 1 Yr Depot Warranty

So far I have no doubt in my mind that I got the right brand and and got the best deal.