Thailand Trade Exhibition Fair at SMX Convention Center

Love Thai?

Then take this free admission opportunity to watch this event that will feature Thai Classical dances, cooking and product demo, games, entertainment, Bangkok Airfare Promotions and business matching.

The event will be participated by over 100 Thailand companies offering quality products and services of household and kitchenware, health and beauty, gift and decorative items, food and beverages, garments and textiles and fashion accessories, gems and jewelry, electrical appliances, stationary products, auto-parts and accessories, children products, games and toys and many more.

4th Thailand Trade Exhibition Fair
March 1 – 4, 2012, 10AM to 7PM
Halls 3-4,  SMX Convention Center, Pasay City
FREE Admission (Register on Site)

exhibition banner displayed at Mall of Asia overlooking The Shrine of Jesus, The Way, The Truth and The Life

the exhibition venue- the SMX Convention Center at the righ side

For more details, you can contact the Office of Commercial Affairs, Royal Thai Embassy in Manila at tel. nos. 894-0406; 894-0403, fax no. 816-0698 and e-mail thaicommnl@pldtdsl.net.

And since you're already at the SMX Convention Center, you may also want to visit the Royal Sports Fest Sale that is also happening at SMX Convention Center (Hall 2) on the same dates (except Feb 29).

Sunday Quote and Photograph: Sunset

Clouds come floating into my life,

no longer to carry rain or usher storm,

but to add color to my sunset sky.

Rabindranath Tagore

Batangas Sunset (Laiya, Batangas, Philippines)

A browsing moment that I find amusing - three people in my social media circles are talking about one thing – the SUN.

• my Twitter and fellow blogger friend, the backpacker Jigz – says “sunsets never fails to amaze me” on the approaching sunset in White Island, Camiguin, Philippines
• my sensible Facebook friend Ron – says “Manila Bay sunset never fails to awe, it's more fun in the Philippines” on the famous Manila Bay sunset in Manila, Philippines
• Matt Mullenwig of Wordpress – talks about Ethiopian Sunise (I assumed he meant sunRise :)

They inspired me to share this one from my collection of random photographs. As usual, this photograph is taken from a compact digicam, no fancy applications, just pure random capturing moment.

A Blessed and SUNNY Sunday to Everyone!

NBA All Star Weekend 2012 (Plus Me and Lebron)

Did I just say that I’m a big NBA fan? Obviously I am, cause here I go writing another post after the LINsanity - Jeremy Lin article.  And another obvious thing and more apt to say is that I’m a Lebronista! As to why – I just simply like how this guy play basketball.  But I do like a lot of NBA players including Kobe, KD, Blake Griffin, Chris Paul and some favorites in each team.

That’s why that post about Lin is kind of late.  I’ve been wanting to write something about the phenomenal Linsanity much earlier but, I wanted to see first Lin play against Lebron James/Miami Heat.  After Lin’s  spectacular play against Kobe/LA Lakers and Nowitzki/ Dallas Mavericks where he stole the lime lights from the superstars, everybody is as intrigued as I am to see how he would play versus the team that basketball fans love to hate – the Miami Heat.

Miami Heat lead by the the Big Three with their spectacular team play exhibition stopped Linderella to shine at the American Airlines Arena.  I’m sure they are now referred to by the Miami haters as the “wicked aunt and her two daughters” (LOL).  But in reality, Knicks/Lin’s game against Miami Heat only proves that even the phenomenal kid can also have a bad game day.   If you ask about my two cents worth of personal opinion, the kid just got star struck.

No worry though, as the NBA people made sure that Jeremy Lin will be a part of the much awaited NBA All Star Weekend.  Lin was added along with Heat rookie Norris Cole last week. A late addition  to Friday's Rising Stars Challenge between first and second-year players. Lin's emergence came after the 18-player roster for the game had been announced.. Kind of remind me of Blake Griffin playing alongside Kobe in the West team during the 2011 All Star Weekend.

So the NBA All Star Weekend 2012 is happening in Orlando and the good news to Philippine fans is that it will be aired live on Studio 23 free television this weekend with the following schedules:

• NBA Rising Stars Challenge  - Feb. 25, Saturday at 10 am (replay at 9:30 pm)
• All-Star Saturday Night - Feb. 26, Sunday at 9 am (replay at 9:30 pm)
• NBA All-Star Game - Feb. 27, Monday at 8 am (replays at 9:30 pm)

The 2012 NBA All-Star will also be available on cable channels. Here are the rosters on some of the exciting events:

• Rising Stars Challenge

Team Chuck: Kyrie Irving (Cleveland), DeMarcus Cousins (Sacramento), Derrick Williams (Minnesota), Paul George (Indiana), MarShon Brooks (New Jersey), John Wall (Washington), Tiago Splitter (San Antonio), Evan Turner (Philadelphia), Gordon Hayward (Utah), Kawhi Leonard (San Antonio)

Team Shaq: Landry Fields (New York), Blake Griffin (L.A. Clippers), Brandon Knight (Detroit), Greg Monroe (Detroit), Markieff Morris (Phoenix), Ricky Rubio (Minnesota), Tristan Thompson (Cleveland), Kemba Walker (Charlotte), Norris Cole (Miami), Jeremy Lin (New York)

• Three Point Shootout

James Jones (Miami), Marion Chalmers (Miami), Joe Johnson (Atlanta), Kevin Love (Minnesota), Ryan Anderson (Orlando), Anthony Morrow (New Jersey)

• Slam Dunk Contest

Chase Budinger (Houston), Derrick Williams (Minnesota), Paul George (Indiana), Paul George (Indiana ), Iman Shumpert (New York) Jeremy Evans ^REP (Utah)

Taco Bell Skills Challenge

Kyrie Irving (Cleveland), Jazzer Sales (San Antonio), Stephen Curry (Golden State), Rajon Rondo ^REP(Boston), John Wall (Washington), Russel Westbrook (Oklahoma), Deron Williams (New Jersey),

• NBA All Star Game 
  Eastern Conference All-Star                                                                    

Starters: Carmelo Anthony (New York), LeBron James (Miami), Derrick Rose (Chicago), Dwane Wade (Miami), Dwight Howard (Orlando)

Bench: Chris Bosh (Miami), Luol Deng (Chicago), Roy Hibbert (Indiana), Andre Iguodala (Philadelphia), Joe Johnson (Atlanta), Paul Pierce (Boston), Deron Williams (New Jersey)

Western Conference All-Stars

Starters: Kevin Durant (Oklahoma City), Blake Griffin (L.A. Clippers), Kobe Bryant (L.A. Lakers), Chris Paul (L.A. Clippers) , Andrew Bynum (L.A. Lakers)

Bench: LaMarcus Aldridge (Portland), Marc Gasol (Memphis), Kevin Love (Minnesota), Steve Nash (Phoenix), Dirk Nowitzki (Dallas), Tony Parker (San Antonio), Russell Westbrook (Oklahoma City)

Now I’m not too sure if I could have some writings this weekend. I’m “all star-struck”!

LINsanity - Jeremy Lin

I’m a big NBA fan! But I’ve been on a bit of a break watching the games this season as I am into a lot of writings lately.  I can’t write while watching NBA specially when Lebron is playing (I’m a big fan duh!).  NBA is one among the few TV shows that can make me really sit and watch television.

As far as I can remember this season started immediately after the extended lockout issue. Odom is out from Lakers, Superman Howard still with Orlando, not so much change in Miami, Chris Paul joined Griffin/Clippers, the Kardashian woman filed for divorce vs. her NBA-husband-of-72-days, Kobe’s divorced, Lebron’s engaged and then came… LINsanity!

LINsanity what? Who?
Some three weeks ago, this Asian kid’s (yes Asian! woot! woot!) story is something that goes like this:

• he led his high school team to a state championship but was not recruited in college
• he ended in Harvard but was not drafted immediately
• he was picked up by the Golden State Warriors but was let go
• picked up again by the Houston Rockets but was let go again
• he ended up at the end of the bench in New York Knicks but almost without a contract
• he’s sleeping on the couches of his brother and team mates

Rising from obscurity after making jump shots, handing out assist, and leading the Knicks for a seven day winning streak including  a win over NBA champion Dallas Maverick, Jeremy Lin #17, point guard of the New York Knicks is now carrying these headlines and stories on his feathers.

• An ESPN staff was fired and another one suspended due to a racially-insensitive coverage  on New York Knicks lost to New Orleans Hornets – using the phrase “Chink in the Armor” in a headline
• He is said to move from his brother’s couch into the 38th floor of the residences at the W New York Downtown Hotel (overlooking the Statue of Liberty), obviously a good deal of a contract has been signed. 
• He filed to trademark the term "Linsanity" with the US Patent and Trademark Office, a move that would give him the sole rights to use the term on products.
• He's only started six games, but Jeremy Lin will participate in the NBA All-Star Weekend.
• A signed National Treasures rookie trading card from his one season with the Golden State Warriors in 2010-11 is sold on eBay for $21,580.
• Current buzz says Nike is seriously eying to sign up Lin for an endorsement
• Coming soon, there will be a book of stories — “Jeremy Lin: The Reason for the Linsanity,” due out in May, as the NBA season heads into the playoffs.
• Big name celebrities and sports personalities are watching his game and wanting to meet him personally including boxing champ Manny Pacquiao.

Quoting NBA Commissioner David Stern on Lin:

”no player has created the interest and the frenzy in this short period of time, in any sport, that I'm aware of like Jeremy Lin has”

This is definitely a Linderella story.  Only that he doesn’t wear glass shoes and left a pair in a ball.  He wears properly laced basketball shoes, he steals balls, jump shoots and scores.

Bonus:
Facts about Jeremy Lin and a video of his Top 10 Plays:

FULL NAME: Jeremy Shu-How Lin
DATE OF BIRTH: August 23, 1988 (23 years old)
PLACE OF BIRTH: Los Angeles California
NATIONALITY: American
DESCENT: Chinese/Taiwanese
HIGHSCHOOL: Palo Alto HS (Palo Alto, California)
COLLEGE: Harvard (2006-2010)
LISTED HEIGHT: 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
LISTED WEIGHT: 200 lb (91 kg)

Jeremy Lin’s Top 10 Plays (video courtesy of NBA Facebook page/YouTube)

“I think this is why we all follow sports because of great stories like this, that all of a sudden someone breaks through that you didn't know or didn't expect and you didn't know the result was going to happen," … Roger Federer on Jeremy Lin

Photo Source: Google Images
JLin Personal Info: Wikipedia

A Sundae Hot Fudge on A Thursday at Home

This is one of those days that I am cramming/battling or whatever messy term you can call it on what to do first.

• Draft a post? to what blog?
• Continue registering to ad companies or evaluate more? Which one?
• If I do register, I need to work on incorporating the ads and I’m sure gonna mess my lay-out.
• Then it will take lots of my time and I won’t be able to draft a post on any of my blogs.
• Which task to prioritize? Which one to drop?
• What blog topics to draft? Which draft to post?
• Should I write about the significant topic looming in my head but not in the mood to write about?
• Or write about anything that inspires me right now even if I know it won’t earn traffic? 
• What? Which? When? How?
• What to cook for dinner? (the most challenging)

Oh my! there’s still the “Eleven Wagas” tag from one of my favorite blogger friend that I still haven’t had the nerve to deal with but really really wanted to answer (just summoning some guts).  Whew! I’m in a total mess. I guess this is one normal phase for bloggers and this got me into thinking asking some blogger friends if they are experiencing this same dilemma from time to time.

Mr. Soltero, Super Beki from Planetang Barubal, B1 and B2 (Lesterrible and Virgo Guy, you two gave me a breather with your “kakulitan” today) - is this happening to you from time time?

So I’m in the middle of this dilemma when suddenly the heavens opened and sent its ♥angel♥ and brought me this!


I heard trumpets playing and angels singing ♫hallelujah ♫hallelujah♫

Suddenly I have all the answers.  This Hot Fudge Sundae commanded me to snap that headset out of my head, remove that eyeglasses from my tired eyes, place both my feet up on my desk and savor this softness, creaminess and awesome sweetness… Oh wait let me take some souvenir shots of this heavenly thing.

And a photo after...


I savored this awesome goodness while mentally sharing it with my lovable blogging friends while smiling at the thought that I finally decided what to write about. 

Anyway, do you know that McDonald’s Sundae Hot Fudge is 6.3 oz per serving and can give you a 330kcal?  Who cares?

Do you know that I don't normally have/eat food in my working space? Who cares?

All I know is that I could have an ice cream on any given day and place and flavor but there couldn’t be an ice cream sundae as perfect as this one at this moment.

By the way, the heavenly ♥angel♥ happens to be my ♥lovey dovey hubby♥

3rd Philippine International Pyromusical Competition – United Kingdom and Spain

True to my words from my previous post here’s the update on this spectacular event – the videos from the entries of  United Kingdom and Spain!

United Kingdom – Smart Pyrotechnics Ltd.

Entry from United Kingdom (acknowledgment to Arbesh PH for uploading this video to YouTube)

Spain – Turis Fireworks, Inc.

Entry from Spain (acknowledgment to Arbesh PH for uploading this video to YouTube)

This event is happening every Saturdays from February 11 to March 17 at the Mall of Asia at 7:00PM.   But do you know that they are setting-up the venue as early as dawn time every Saturdays?  Here, take a look at these photos taken at dawn time while the people behind this event is setting-up the venue.

"the sun is not yet up but the bees are now abuzz"

So what can I say for this two entries?

Since this is a pyroMUSICAL, for me the music plays a lot in the presentation.  United Kingdom’s choice of Paul McCartney/Wings’ “Live and Let Die” excite my rocker’s blood, probably because I’m a true blooded McCartney fan, while Spain playing “We are the World” touched my heart.
What about you? What can you say about these two entry?

Show schedules and details about this event can be found from this post.

Ash Wednesday

~ We all came from ashes and unto ashes we will return ~

Today is Ash Wednesday (Feb 22) for Roman Catholics.  Here in the Philippines, a nation of 81% Roman Catholic, it is expected that people will flock in churches  to attend mass where the ashes are blessed by the priests and mark on the forehead.

Let us all be reminded on the meaning and why we are observing Ash Wednesday.

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of a six and a half weeks of repentance, fasting and abstinence leading to the celebration of Easter.

Ashes are something that are left when something is burned.  For Christians, ashes are a symbol of repentance for the things done wrong or for the sins committed.  It is also a reminder that we all come from ashes and to ashes we will return. 

The marking on the forehead with ash marks the commitment to Jesus Christ and God.  To show God that we are sorry for our sins. Ashes that are marked in our forehead is  also the beginning of the observance of lent for each of our individual self physically and spiritually.  

The ashes are made from the palm that have been kept from the last year’s Palm Sunday, burned and then mixes with holy water and then blessed. The Palm Sunday is a reminder of Jesus triumphant entry to Jerusalem, and followed by defeat, Christ crucifixion, death and the resurrection.

Marking ashes on our forehead symbolizes and reminds us that we are free from our sins through Christ's death and resurrection.

May we all pray, recollect and observe the true meaning of Lent. A blessed Lenten season to everyone.

Cyndi Lauper Live in Manila March 17, 2012

Cyndi Lauper-Girls Just Wanna Have Fun (acknowledgment to CyndiLauperVEVO for uploading this video to YouTube

Alright, that was a 1983 video but I’m pretty sure everybody can "bop"  and "have fun" to this, be that you're an 80’s baby like me (aaaw) or on today’s generation.

The good news is that the quintessential girl behind this hit song is performing Live in Manila!  (aeeeehhhhhhhhhhh = girl’s scream).

CYNDI LAUPER LIVE IN MANILA
March 17, 2012, 6PM
Smart Araneta Coliseum

Patron A	PhP5500
Patron B	PhP5000
Lower VIP	PhP4500
Lower Box	PhP4000
Upper Box A	PhP2500
Upper Box B	PhP1250
General Admission	PhP750

Tickets are available at TicketNet outlets - call 911-5555

Cyndi Lauper will be performing her worldwide hits Girls Just Wanna Have Fun, True Colors, Time After Time, Money Changes Everything, The Goonies "R" Good Enough, She Bop and many more!

Ok I need to stop this video or I will not stop she-bopping! Jeez I’m so 80’s! LOL!

♫ She bop--he bop--a--we bop
I bop--you bop--a--they bop
Be bop--be bop--a--lu--she bop,
I hope He will understand
She bop--he bop--a--we bop
I bop--you bop--a--they bop
Be bop--be bop--a--lu--she bop,
Oo--oo--she--do--she bop--she bop ♫

Sunday Quote and Photograph: Keep Interested in Your Own Career

Another piece from Desiderata.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons;

they are vexatious to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others,

you may become vain or bitter,

for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.

Keep interested in your own career, however humble;

it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

I took this photo during my early morning run at Mall of Asia’s bay side on a Saturday.  The people in the metal scaffolding are workers who are setting up the venue for the second Saturday show of the 3rd Philippine International Pyromusical Competition which is on that Saturday evening.

It was still dark because the sun is not yet shining when I took the photo, but the area is already abuzz with workers.

Back with Brian Mcknight on March 16, 2012: Live in Manila

New York born RnB singer, songwriter, arranger and producer Brian Mcknight will be back in Manila for his concert “Back with Brian Mcknight” presented by MJM Productions.

Back with Brian McKnight
LIVE in Manila
March 16, 2012, Friday, 8PM
SMART Araneta Coliseum

Ticket Prices:
PATRON (PT 101 & 103) (Reserved Seating) Php4,770
PATRON B (Reserved Seating) PhP4,240
LOWER BOX (Reserved Seating) PhP3,180
UPPER BOX A (Reserved Seating) PhP2,120
UPPER BOX B PhP1,060
GENERAL ADMISSION PhP530


 
You can visit www.ticketnet.com.ph or call 911-5555 for more details. or Brian McKnight LIVE in Manila concert page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Back-with-Brian-McKnight/254230504644538

Here’s a video and lyrics of my favorite Brian Mcknight song titled “One Last Cry” which will be featured in this one night concert.

Brian Mcknight-One Last Cry (Acknowledgment to BrianMcknightVEVO for uploading this video to YouTube)

ONE LAST CRY
Brian Mcknight

My shattered dreams and broken heart
Are mending on the shelf
I saw you holding hands
Standing close to someone else
Now I sit all alone
Wishing all my feeling was gone
I gave my best to you, nothing for me to do
But have one last cry

One last cry, before I leave it all behind
I've gotta put you outta my mind this time
Stop living a lie
I guess I'm down to my last cry, cry

I was here, you were there
Guess we never could agree
While the sun shines on you
I need some love to rain on me
Still I sit all alone
Wishing all my feeling was gone
Gotta get over you, nothing for me to do
But have one last cry

One last cry, before I leave it all behind
I've gotta put you outta my mind this time
Stop living a lie
I know I've gotta be strong
'Cause round me life goes on and on and on
And on
I'm gonna dry my eyes
Right after I had my one last cry

One last cry, before I leave it all behind
I've gotta put you outta my mind for the very last time
Been living a lie
I guess I'm down
I guess I'm down
I guess I'm down to my last cry

Want to share your favorite Brian Mcknight song?

Best Travel Deals @ 19th PTAA Travel Tour Expo 2012

“Traveling is the new encyclopedia”

That’s one tweet from a travel bug person I am following on Twitter and I kinda agree with him on this.

In that case better hunt those cheap travel deals and there’s no other place to find it but in the country’s biggest travel and tourism industry event:

19th PTAA Travel Tour Expo 2012
Theme: One Stop Shop To The World
February 17 – 19, 2012
SMX Convention Center Halls 1, 2, 3 and 4
Mall of Asia, Pasay City
Entrance Fee: General Admission – PhP50.00 / Senior Citizen – P20.00

The event will be participated by over 450 booths of airline and shipping companies, travel agencies and shops, hotels, resorts, cruise and tour operators, government agencies, embassies tourism groups and organizations.  It promises to present a wider variety of travel options and special packages that are only available onsite.  All exhibitors will be offering huge discounts on travel packages, products, and services. 

The 19th Travel Tour Expo 2012 is the flagship exhibition activity of the Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA) and is co-organized with the Department of Tourism and supported by the Department of Tourism, Philippine Airlines (the official carrier), Citibank (official credit-card partner and Platinum Sponsor), Globe, Tieza, SMX Convention Center, The Philippine Star, The Foreign Post, Travel Update, TraveLife, 105.1 FM Crossover, Icon Graphics, and Lina Vitan (official caterer).

More information at www.ptaatraveltourexpo.com.ph

3rd Philippine International Pyromusical Competition –Korea and Malta

Hey all you fireworks lovers, the 3rd Philippine International Pyromusical Competition has begun  last Saturday February 11, 2012.  The first two countries who displayed their pyrotechniques expertise are South Korea and the Republic of Malta.  Here are the videos of their spectacular displays:

South Korea – Woori Fireworks

Entry from South Korea (acknowledgment to Platinum Fireworks for the video uploaded to YouTube)

Republic of Malta - Malta Fireworks

Entry from the Republic of Malta (acknowledgment to ArBeshPH for the video uploaded to YouTube)

This event is happening at the Mall of Asia every Saturdays from February 11 to March 17, 2012, 7:00PM, SM By The Bay (Mall of Asia).

Participating Countries and upcoming schedules:

Feb. 18 – UNITED KINGDOM (Smart Pyrotechnics Ltd.) & SPAIN (Turis Fireworks Inc.)
Feb. 25 – FINLAND (Oy Pyroman Finland Ltd.) & PORTUGAL (Grupo Luso Pirotecnia)
March 3 – CHINA (Jinsheng Fireworks) & THE NETHERLANDS (Royal Fireworks)
March 10 – AUSTRALIA (Fireworkx Inc) & CANADA (Fireworks Spectacular)
March 17 – ITALY (Orzella Fireworks S. R. L.) & PHILIPPINES - Platinum Fireworks, Inc.

TICKET PRICES:
Patron (with Dinner) PhP1500; VIP PhP500; Gold PhP300; Silver PhP100

TICKET OUTLETS:
SM Tickets or call (632) 470-2222
TicketNet or call (632) 911-5555
TicketWorld or call (632) 891-9999
Click here for further details or call 0917-8114001; 0917-5136001; 023591486

This spectacular event that displays never before seen spectacle of lights and colors from the worlds leading pyrotechnique experts is now on it’s third glorious year.  The winners from the first two years are:
1st Year (2010)  : United Kingdom – Jubilee Fireworks - watch video highlights here
2nd Year (2011) : China – Jinsheng Fireworks, Inc. - watch video highlights here

Don’t miss to check-out from here in the coming days as we update you with the videos and recent happenings about this event.

So... between Korea and Malta – which country do you think has the better entry?

Valentine in the City. How Was Yours?

It’s real fun going around the city on Valentine’s Day.  It is amazing how every corner turned into a cupid-invaded planet . Aside from the roaming lovers in “hhww” (holding hands while walking), everywhere is an atmosphere of love, love, love…

a mall in Makati City

a mall lobby that turned into an instant flower shop

The Mall of Asia hosting a mass wedding sponsored by the Home Development Mutual Fund (Pag-ibig Fund)

So how’s your V-day? Was it a V as in victory?

The victory or success in our life’s special occasions such as Valentine’s Day doesn’t really depends how expensive the gifts and flowers you received or how expensive the restaurants you dated, or how famous the shows you watched.  It could be anything that both of you enjoyed together no matter how simple it is.  Be it the simplest daily runs and chores you do together…

It could be a run in the morning together.

A trip to the bank together.

Buying flowers together while you haggle for the price even if he’s the one who will pay .

A hunt for your favorite pasta house that vanished from your favorite place.

A hunt for an alternative cozy place where you can solve your stomach pressing ramblings :(

Pigging-out together with a combination of all the food in your mind.

Sharing a glass of halo-halo in an already chilling temperature.

A surprise visit to the kid’s school together bringing them home by yourselves, then…

pigging-out again to the kids favorite newly opened cozy fast food restaurant

Well not unless you’re the subject of Madonna’s song you will definitely disagree to what I am trying to say here. As they always say, it’s “the thought that counts” and I add “the sincerity of the action completes the thought”.

Make everyday a Valentine’s Day!

Google Doodle Valentine's Day 2012

This is why I love Google! They have their unique way of entertaining their users through their Google Doodle.

When you visit Google homepage on Valentine’s Day it will show you their Valentine’s Day logo.

Hover your mouse over the Valentine's Day logo and it will read:
"Happy Valentine's Day! Cold, Cold Heart performed by Tony Bennett courtesy of Columbia Records and Sony / ATV.

When you click on it will allow you to view this short animation and sound clip

Google Valentine’s Day 2012 Doodle Video (Acknowledgment to 3dCarShows for uploading this video)

After the animation and sound clip, it will automatically direct you to Google Search Result’s Page about “Valentine’s Day”

Valentine's Day is a real busy day for almost everyone – flowers/gift hunting for guys and gals, wifey cooking the best meal for hubby, restaurant reservations... so I thought of posting it here in case some of you missed this.

What I love most about this is that how they made the sound clip to sound real old – like being played from a very old record player.  And of course, the story is about “forever” and “happy ending” – isn’t that what we all wanted?

I would love to know what you can say about this Google Doodle!

H♥ppy V♥lentine’s D♥y everyone! 

Bonus:
“Cold Cold Heart” is a country music and popular music song, written by Hank Williams which he first recorded and released in 1951.  On the same year, American pop/jazz singer Tony Bennett recorded his pop version and became the more popular one.  Here’s the lyric of the song Cold Cold Heart.

TONY BENNET
”Cold Cold Heart”
(Hank Williams)
I tried so hard, my dear to show
That you're my every dream
Yet, you're afraid each thing I do
Is just some evil scheme
A memory from your lonesome past
Keeps us so far apart
Why can't I free your doubtful mind
And melt your cold, cold heart

Another love before my time
Made your heart sad and blue
And so my heart is paying now
For things I didn't do
In anger unkind words are said
That make the teardrops start
Why can't I free your doubtful mind
And melt your cold, cold heart

[Instrumental Interlude]

There was a time when I believed
That you belonged to me
But now I know your heart is shackled to a memory
The more I learn to care for you
The more we drift apart
Why can't I free your doubtful mind
And melt your cold, cold heart

Whitney Houston A Tribute–Didn’t She Almost Have It All

Whitney Elizabeth Houston
August 9, 1963 – February 11, 2012

Ever watch a singing contest that a Whitney Houston song is not belted out by contestants? Or joined a karaoke and no one sings Whitney Houston songs? I bet it didn’t ever happen for anytime where singing is the subject particularly on quality singing, there should be a Whitney Houston song.

Songs such as “The Greatest Love of All” and “I Will Always Love You” are recorded by several artists before she came into the music scene but Whitney’s rendition made these two songs immortal.  It is just too sad that the news on her demise came at the time when the subject of her songs is being celebrated by lovers and non-lovers all over the world.

As the world celebrates Valentine’s Day, I am remembering this great singer through the most beautiful but (now) saddest lyrics from her greatest hits.


Didn’t We Almost Have It All
Didn't we almost have it all
When love was all we had worth giving?
The ride with you was worth the fall my friend
Loving you makes life worth living
Where Do Broken Hearts Go
Where do broken hearts go
Can they find their way home
Back to the open arms
Of a love that’s waiting there
And if somebody loves you
Won’t they always love you
I look in your eyes, And I know that you still care, for me
I Wanna Run to You
Each day, each day I play the role
Of someone always in control
But at night I come home and turn the key
There’s nobody there, no one cares for me
What’s the sense of trying hard to find your dreams.
Without someone to share it with
Tell me what does it mean?

The Greatest Love of All
Everybody's searching for a hero
People need someone to look up to
I never found anyone
Who fulfilled my needs
A lonely place to be
And so I learned to depend on me

The stories accompanying the news of her death is not all ideal for someone who has been regarded with much respect in the music industry with her musicality and voice quality.  But none of these tampered the truth that Whitney Houston is one of the greatest singer that ever lived.

Rest in Peace Whitney Houston… Thank you for all the great music that can only be immortalized by your golden voice.  You almost have it all.

Acknowledgment to YouTube for this video

(Whitney Houston images from Google)

Sunday Quote : Desiderata

I just came from a running event for a cause (Run for the Orphans) with my two best running buddies and am definitely in the best spirit.  I just want to share the feeling with everyone through this quotation that has always been a part of my guiding wisdom.  This is an excerpt from the 1927 prose poem written by American writer Max Ehrmann titled Desiderata. 

You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars;

you have a right to be here.

And whether or not it is clear to you,

no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive him to be.

And whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life,

keep peace in your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.

Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

The "jump shot".  We try to have this during and after our running events. 

If you want to get the feel on how fun it is to be into running you can find it here where I will also be sharing my fun experience of this morning’s event for a cause.  And if you are looking for running events, this page will definitely help you!

A Happy and Blessed Sunday everyone!