Me and my GameOPS family are busy preparing for the 9th Philippine Toycon!

What: 9th Philippine Toys, Hobbies and Collectibles Convention 2010
in celebration of DC Comics 75th anniversary
When: June 19-20, 2010
Where: Megatrade Hall 2-3, SM Megamall, 5th level, Bldg. B.

For more information, please visit www.toyconph.com

See you there! =)

Want to eat ice cream but on a tight budget? Check out the video and learn to make your own ice cream using plastic bags.

Things Needed:

2 resealable plastic bags

• 1 gallon sized
• 1 quart sized

½ cup milk

1 ½ – 2 tbsp. sugar

½ tsp. vanilla extract or

1 tbsp. cocoa powder

2 trays ice cubes

6 tbsp. salt

Optional:

¼ cup chocolate or butterscotch chips

Flavored syrups

Flavoring extracts

Winter gloves

STEP 1: Put the milk and sugar in a quart sized bag and seal it.

• For vanilla ice cream, put vanilla extract
• For chocolate ice cream, put cocoa powder

STEP2: Put the ice and the salt at the gallon sized plastic bag.

STEP3: Put the smaller bag inside the bigger bag and seal it.

STEP4: Shake the large bag vigorously for 7-10 minutes.

STEP5: Remove the small bag which now contains the ice cream. Snip a hole in the corner of the bag and squeeze it in a dish.

Makes one serving. Enjoy our ice cream =).

My cousin built me and my sister a homemade laptop table from left over plywoods from our recent house renovation. These tables cost between P500 to P1000 pesos if you buy them from stores.

To make it look presentable, I painted them pink and placed some colorful paper cut outs. And for a smooth finished, I covered it with vinyl I bought from ACE Hardware.

Do-it-yourself  laptop tables are way cheaper than those in the malls. Thank you Kuya Roger our laptop tables. =)

SM City North EDSA take shoppers to an exciting Sky Garden Safari Adventure! See life sized stuffed-wild animals and live animals as well. Bring your kids and let them learn while enjoying the sight of these wild animals such as Kudu, Lion, Bongo, Cheetah, Flamingo, Wildebeest and a lot more.

Find the jungles of Africa in the hallways of SM! Live animals will be present and kids can freely play and interact with them. This could teach them to face their fears (and you too!). Plus, bring home the Safari experience by posing for a picture with the animals surrounding the Sky Garden and in a dedicated photo station.

African Fire Dancers, African Fire Eaters, African Tribal Dancers, and the Buganda Tribe will set the festive mood as everyone makes their way to each and every activity booth.

After a long day full of activities, The Skytacular Fireworks Display shall give it a perfect ending for the whole family, whether dining at one of Sky Garden’s wide array of restaurants, or just peacefully resting at the garden’s sitting areas.

Today specifically, every P500 worth of purchase at SM qualifies a shopper for free Safari Face Painting, free session at the photo op booth, free educational materials, and lots of safari souvenirs!

Visit the Sky Garden Safari Adventure now at SM City North EDSA and experience a different kind of summer. The Safari Adventure will be on display from April 17 to May 31.

During our trip to Hong Kong, I have observed that majority of the women there have nails arts. I wanted to try them out ASAP but didn’t have enough time.  So, I just bought some Nail Art 3D stickers home.

Below are my nails with Nail Art 3D stickers. I also included the simple steps on how to put these stickers on:

Step 1: Make sure that your nails are clean. Do your manicure.

Step2: Apply base coat, depending on what color you like (mine was black). Allow it to dry before placing the stickers.

Step3:  While letting your base coat to dry, study the placement of your stickers because once you place it on your nails, it’s hard to remove.

Step4: When base coat is already dry, carefully peel the sticker and press it one by one on your nails.

Step5:  To finish the look, apply colorless nail polish as the top coat.

You are now ready to show your friends your new nail art. =)

GMA Network and the Sexbomb Dancers have come-up with a very unique way of introducing the automated election to the masses. Dubbed “Bilog na Hugis Itlog”, the music video presentation aimed in educating voters about the automated election process.

Kudos to the Sexbomb Dancers and GMA Network for this! Lyrics of the video below:

“Bilog na Hugis Itlog”

May bilog, may bilog na hugis itlog
Mare, mare,
May ikukuwento ako sa ‘yo, puwede?
Oo naman mare! Puwede!
Simula na po ang automation
Sa darating na twenty ten elections
Sa automation bibilis
bibilis ang bilangan
Kaya lalong dapat nating bantayan
Nasa balota na, mga pangalan
ng kandidatong pagpipilian
Alamin na po natin ang automation
Paano nga ba’ng gagawin?
Ano bagong instruction?
May bilog, may bilog na hugis itlog
May bilog, may bilog na hugis itlog
Ang kailangan sa bilog
ay simpleng-simple lang
Itiman, i-shade loob ng bilog
Hanapin ang bilog sa tapat ng pangalan
ng kandidatong napupusuan
Ang bilog, ang bilog
sa tapat ng pangalan
‘Yan ang dapat nating markahan
Gets mo ba?
Gets ko na!
Gets na gets na talaga!
Computer ang magbabasa
ng ating mga balota
Kung mali ang pagmarka
Baka boto mo’y mabasura
Sayang!
Balota mo’y alagaan
Boto’y makapangyarihan
Huwag gusutin o dungisan
Upang tiyak na mabilang
Ang boto mo, boto mo
Makapangyarihan
Pumili tayo ng tuwid
ng may paninindigan
Tunay na lider na magsisilbi sa bayan
Yan ang kailangan
Kailangan ng bayan
Isang Presidente
Bise Presidente
Mga Senador puwede hanggang dose
Isang Congressman
At isang Party List lang
Huwag na, huwag nang dagdagan
Isang Mayor
May Vice Mayor
At kung ilang Konsehal ang kailangan
Isang Gobernador
At kanyang Bise
At kung ilang Bokal puwede!
Hanapin ang bilog
Sa tapat ng pangalan
ng kandidatong napupusuan
Ang bilog, ang bilog
Sa tapat ng pangalan
‘Yan ang dapat nating markahan
May bilog, may bilog na hugis itlog
May bilog, may bilog na hugis itlog
Ang kailangan sa bilog
ay simpleng-simple lang
Itiman, i-shade loob ng bilog
Ang loob ng bilog na hugis itlog
Huwag bibilugan
loob ang dapat itiman
Ang loob ng bilog na hugis itlog
Aw!!!

Have you seen the Annular Solar Eclipse this afternoon?  I tried my best to capture it using my Nikon Coolpix P80 and a welder’s helmet… The sun looks like Pacman

According to Wikipedia,

A Solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the Sun and the Earth so that the Sun is fully or partially covered. This can only happen during a new moon, when the Sun and Moon are in conjunction as seen from the Earth. At least two and up to five solar eclipses can occur each year on Earth, with between zero and two of them being total eclipses. Total solar eclipses are nevertheless rare at any location because during each eclipse totality exists only along a narrow corridor in the relatively tiny area of the Moon’s umbra.

The 15^th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta will be at Clark Freeport Zone Clarkfield, Pampanga, Angeles City this February 11-14, 2010. Mark, Glen, Jepoy and I are planning to check this out.

As of January 5, 2010, here’s the schedule:

February 11, Thursday

Hot Air Balloon   5:30-7:00AM

Paragliding Exhibition   7:00-7:30AM

Ultra-Light Aircraft Formation Flying   7:40-8:30AM

Ultra-Light Bomb Dropping Audience    8:30-9:30PM

Skydiving    9:30-10:00AM

Kite Flying Exhibition   10:00-11:00AM

AOPA Light Airplane Balloon Bursting Competition   11:00AM-1:30PM

Sky Diving Exhibition   1:30-2:00PM

Army Jeep Club Demonstration   2:00-2:45PM

RC Demonstration Flying   3:45-4:30PM

Rocketry Demonstration   4:30-5:00PM

Ultralight Formation Flying   5:00-5:20PM

Hot Air Balloon Fly-In   5:20-6:00PM

February 12, Friday

Hot Air Balloon Flight   5:30-7:00AM

Paragliding Exhibition   7:00-7:30AM

Ultralight Aircraft Flyby   7:40-8:30AM

Aerobatic Flight Display   8:30-9:30AM

RC Helicopter Show   9:30-9:50AM

AOPA Aircraft Flyby   9:50-10:30AM

AOPA Aircraft Balloon Bursting Competition   10:30-11:30AM

Skydiving Exhibition   11:00-11:30AM

Ultralight Airplane Bomb Dropping   11:30AM-12:30PM

SIL Helio Courier Short Field Demo Flight   12:30-1:00PM

Choreographed Kite Flying Exhibition   1:00-1:30PM

Fire Fighting Exhibition   1:30-2:30PM

AOPA Regional Summit   3:00- 5:00PM

Sky Diving exhibition   2:15-3:00PM

Aerobatic Show   3:00-3:15PM

Rocketry Demonstration   4:00-4:30PM

Paragliding Exhibition   4:30-5:15PM

Hot Air Balloon Flights   5:30-6:00PM

AOPA- Fellowship dinner dance    7:00 PM -onwards

February 13, Saturday

Hot Air Balloon Flight   5:30-7:00AM

Paragliding Exhibition   7:00-7:30AM

Ultralight Aircraft Flyby   7:40-8:30AM

Aerobatic Flight Display   8:30-9:00AM

SIL Helio Courier Short Field Demo Flight   9:00-9:30AM

Search And Rescue Flying Exhibition   9:30-10:00AM

AOPA-P, Wings Over Asia, Thai Flying club Fly-By   10:00-10:30AM

Sky Diving Exhibition   10:30-11:00AM

AOPA Light Airplane Balloon Bursting Competition   11:00AM-12:30PM

Choreographed Kite Flying Exhibition   12:30-1:30PM

Ultralight Flying Display   1:30-2:30PM

Piper Turboprop fly by of Ed/ Citation Mustang fly-by   2:30-3:15PM

Skydiving Exhibition   3:15-3:45PM

Aerobatic display   3:45-4:30PM

Rocketry Demonstration   4:30-5:00PM

Ultralight Fly By   5:00-5:30PM

RC Airplane Flying Demonstration   5:30-5:45PM

Hot Air Balloon Flight   5:45-6:15PM

Hot Air Balloon Night Glow   6:45-7:30PM

Annual Aviators Ball and Awards Night   7:40 onwards

February 14, Sunday

Hot Air Balloon Flight   5:30-7:00AM

Paragliding Exhibition   7:00-7:30AM

Ultralight Aircraft Flyby   7:30-8:30AM

AOPA-P, Wings Over Asia, Thai Flying club Fly-By   8:30-9:30AM

RC Helicopter Show   9:30-10:00AM

Helicopter Flying Exhibition   10:00-10:30AM

Sky Diving Exhibition   10:30-11:00AM

AOPA Light Airplane Balloon Bursting Competition   11:00AM-12:30PM

Choreographed Kite Flying Exhibition   12:30-1:30PM

Ultralight Flying Display   1:30-2:30PM

RC Airplane Flying Demonstration   2:30-3:00PM

Aerobatic Exhibition   3:00-4:00PM

Rocketry Demonstration   4:00-4:45PM

Search and Rescue Exhibition   4:45-5:30PM

Hot Air Balloon Night Glow   5:30-6:45PM

Crew and Awards Night Party   7:30PM

Smart Communications recently introduced Hellow, the Philippines’ first re-loadable IDD card. For as low as Php2.50/minute, anyone can talk to their love ones abroad in over 17 countries. All you need is a cellphone using a Smart or Talk and Text SIM!

• Calls to Canada, mainland US, Guam and Hawaii cost only P2.50 per minute.
• Calls to Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, China, Malaysia and Hong Kong cost P5.
• Calls to Japan, Australia, the UK, Italy and Thailand, Hellow offers P8 per minute,
• Calls to Saudi Arabia and UAE cost P10.

Unlike other IDD services, anyone can avail of the Hellow reloadable IDD card for P30 from any Smart wireless centers and other accredited resellers. Printed on the plastic card are the unique account number and PIN. The Hellow user just needs to key in these numbers when using any Smart or Talk ‘N Text handset. The per-minute charge is deducted from the Hellow account and not from the Smart or Talk ‘N Text handset.

The P30 load that comes with the Hellow reloadable IDD card may be used up to the last P2.50 and subsequent loads come in denominations of as low as P15.

This is a perfect way to say “Hellow” to your love ones abroad,  Christmas is just around the corner.

September 10, 2009 – Admiral Overseas Corporation (AOC) has continually lived by the “art of colors” in bringing beauty to your digital lifestyle by offering a wide range of top performing CRT & LCD monitors and LCD TVs.

But more than this advancement in technology, AOC has maintained an environmental-friendly mindset towards gearing up for the preservation of resources. AOC being a green company have set the standards of manufacturing products that do not need to sacrifice quality performance and great display for energy efficiency.

“AOC is positioned to be one of the top global players in providing the best value display technology.”

AOC added to their widescreen LCD range monitors that bring green, entertainment, human-element life experience: 936Sw, 2236Vw and 2436Vw.

Highest Standard Awardee

Winning the EPEAT Gold Award, the AOC’s latest addition of visually striking new monitors has achieved the highest standard of “Green” monitor.

EPEAT is a system that evaluates electronic products through its environmental attributes so that purchasers may be able to assess their respective product choices.

“Desktops, laptops and monitors that meet 23 required environmental performance criteria may be registered in EPEAT by their manufacturers in 40 countries worldwide. Registered products are rated Gold, Silver or Bronze depending on the percentage of 28 optional criteria they meet above the baseline criteria. EPEAT operates an ongoing verification program to assure the credibility of the registry.” (epeat.net)

Low energy consumption

AOC Monitors require low energy consumption; it offers premium picture quality for graphics-intensive applications. These competitively priced high performance monitors have unique external design, framing the screen in a glossy piano black finish with sea shell texture and seamless controls to maintain the elegantly smooth exterior design.

When switched to Power Saving mode, the monitor only uses 50% of the power, this without affecting image quality and saving up to 104,000W per year. Up to 75% of the energy used in a typical LCD monitor can be saved while using the 936Sw compared to CRT monitors. Meanwhile, AOC’s market leading i-Bright technology reduces backlight CCFL for lower power consumption and less mercury substance. A USB connector is also conveniently placed for easier attachment of devices.

AOC 936 Sw

The 936Sw is a 19″ LCD Monitor, with analog D-sub input. It requires low energy consumption making it ideal for those looking for technology that shares their commitment to sustainable technology.

AOC 2236Vw

The 2236Vw is a 22″ LCD Widescreen HD Monitor, with both analog D-sub and DVI-D inputs. It has a super-fast response time, its wall-mountable and requires low energy consumption.

AOC 2436VW

The 2436Vw is a 24″ Class LCD Widescreen HD Monitor, with both analog D-sub and DVI-D inputs. It has a super-fast response time and it’s wall-mountable.

About AOC:

AOC was established in Taiwan in 1967. With long-term dedicated research and development, AOC today offers a wide range of top performing CRT & LCD monitors, and LCD TVs.

AOC witnesses tremendous growth in the recent years. On a year-to-year basis, AOC maintains an average growth of above 20% for the past consecutive 3 years. In 2008 alone, AOC shipped 8.4 million units of PC monitor and TV products, representing an annual growth of 20.8%. AOC achieved impressive sales performance in Asia Pacific & South America. AOC market share increased 2.1% from 12.2% in Y2007 to 14.3% in Y2008 in Asia Pacific, which IDC AP ranked AOC second in volume in Asia Pacific (ex. Japan) (Source: IDC AP non-bundled PC Monitor Tracker Q4 2008.

AOC is positioned to be one of the top global players in providing the best value display technology. Nowadays AOC offers not only a cold hardware, but also unique lifestyle feeling. AOC LCD monitor brings green, entertainment, human-element life experience. AOC-art of color, color you life.