On Airports, Departures and Arrivals

The Airport is such a busy place. Everyone is roaming around with their luggages and you will literally see people from different walks of life patiently waiting in line to put their bags on the check-in area. Most backpackers prefer the hand-carry option by bringing less clothes and stuff in order to save some money. They have different reasons on why they’re here: Majority flies to go on a vacation, some have work-related tasks to do while there are those who are eager to go home.

Flight3

I consider the airport as one of my favorite hangout place no matter how big or small it is. For my domestic travels, I usually go two hours before my departure date, while I go to the check-in area three hours prior to the scheduled flight if I am going out of the country. Additionally, if am going out country for a long while I usually like to find a monthly parking service. It is really nice to compare flights beforehand in order to get cheaper plane tickets. You can still use your extra money to buy some snacks while waiting.

It is already a habit of mine to observe the passengers at the departure area especially if i am traveling alone. My laptop is useless when I can’t find an outlet so I tend to just sit in the corner and wait. I remember on my first solo moment at NAIA 1. I met a married couple already in their 50’s who are excited to visit their daughter in Dubai. They were excited and looking forward to their unica hija’s treat as she promised that they will shop ’till they drop.

Continue reading

‘It’s Our First Time’ with Solenn Heussaff & Gaz Holgate (Music Video Preview)

Wednesday is the ‘Official Solenn Heussaff Day‘. For the first time, I met the French/Filipina performer in person! Together with a number of bloggers, we went all the way to Republiq in Resort World Manila to cover the music video shoot of Solenn’s second single from her debut album.

Hot & Steamy scene - literally

Hot & Steamy scene - literally

Although I first read about her in magazines attending in socialite events and other fashion-related gatherings, I’ve always felt that Solenn is not really that intimidating. Glad that I am right with my gutfeel when we were finally introduced to her over lunch together with Gaz Holgate, her leading man in the music video.

Photos and Videos after the jump! CAUTION: Hotness overload!

Continue reading

Random Choose-Day Tuesday Ramblings

When FRUSTRATION strikes, it causes SLEEPLESS NIGHTS.

SLEEPLESS MORNING in my case. My sleeping routine got worse and even I am not happy about it. There are times wherein I wish I have a meeting somewhere or have a scheduled trip just for my body clock to adjust. My dark brown window curtain is not helping either. It’s too dark and the bed weather is not helping either. I blame climate change for everything. #walangmasisiLOL

Choose Your Destination

Anyway, it’s CHOOSE-DAY TUESDAY! I’ve been stuck here at home for the past three days, but it doesn’t mean that I am not doing something productive. Well, I tried to list down some things that I would like to accomplish in the coming years (long-term goals). I just realized that I lost my date sensibilities after a coffee shop threw my planner (did they or did someone.. nah) and I have a super disorganized schedule. Is it really Tuesday today?

Let me share some of the things I choose to do (at least write on an intermediate pad LOL)

Continue reading

A Toast to Bianca King’s Success!

The GMA-7 afternoon drama series Sinner or Saint will end today. I don’t have my own TV here in my room that’s why I am able to catch some episodes via Youtube, a habit a learned when I stayed abroad for three months. This project serves as Bianca King‘s first lead role in a teleserye after years of playing support and kontrabida roles to other Kapuso programs. Dennis Trillo plays a role where you’d end up loving and hating him at the same. It is also the comeback project of Alessandra de Rossi after her stint in ABS-CBN.

Bianca King: Now a Lead Drama Actress

Two months ago, a childhood friend of mine launched a new business in Dagupan City called Pretty Tipsy Nail & Waxing Salon. It is the first high-end nail art and waxing place in Pangasinan and they chose Bianca King as the celebrity endorser. She does represent the target market and yes, she’s simply gorgeous!

Continue reading

Lovi Poe and Paulo Avelino wants to bite and get bitten!

It is a tradition in the movie industry (international and local) to come up with a film that will scares or haunts its audience. It is already proven in the previous years that this genre sells – even if it talks about death and insanity.

ASWANG 2011 Starring Lovi Poe and Paulo Avelino

This year, Mother Lily’s Regal Entertainment Inc. brings you the ‘updated’ version of the horror classic ASWANG. The movie was directed by Peque Gallaga in 1992 and Alma Moreno played the title role.

Lovi-Poe-Paulo-Avelino43

For the new version, Lovi Poe bags this iconic role with Paulo Avelino as her leading man. Also included in the cast are Joem Bascon, Jillian Ward, Nina Jose, Mark Abaya, Albie Casino and Bembol Roco. Critically-acclaimed indie film director Jerrold Tarog is in-charge of the new version. I think Mother Lily liked how he directed last year’s Shake, Rattle & Roll ‘Punerarya’ episode, where Carla Abellana won some awards.

Continue reading

Plato Wraps at Franchise Expo 2011 – Endless Business Possibilities

Lately, I’ve been reading the past issues of Entrepreneur Philippines. I was able to collect some copies through relatives and since I am now thinking of ways on how to generate income, the concept of setting up a business caught my interest. Every detail about it such as securing an energy provider like that on Smarterbusiness.co.uk was definitely something to take note of.

Too bad no one in the immediate family owns a business since they’d rather be employed in a multi-national company for financial security. I can’t blame them. Starting and running a business is not a game that children play. It is risky and only the tough ones can handle it. Why not check out this redundancy help for employers and see what they can offer your business!

I also know somebody who purchased a great business in Naples (Florida, not Italy!) and they used a really good broker who can be found at https://trufortebusinessgroup.com/naples-businesses-for-sale/, so it’s something I am very much recommending now.

On the other hand, does your business need the right storage with temperature monitoring system to help ensure that your goods will be kept at the correct temperature to make them stay in excellent condition? Then, why not find out details here to know how!

PLATO WRAPS - an Original of Panaderia Antonio of Dagupan City
PLATO WRAPS – an Original of Panaderia Antonio of Dagupan City

I went to SMX Convention Center last Saturday to attend the Franchise Expo 2011. It is my first time to witness such event where companies that encourages individuals to invest their money through Franchising. If I am not mistaken, the Philippines is the Franchise Hub of Asia and it is not only beneficial to the founders of the concepts, but it also paved way for our kababayans to be employed in a long run.

Plato Wraps staff entertaining inquiries
Plato Wraps staff entertaining inquiries

One of the most trusted Franchise Food Carts in the country is PLATO WRAPS and I am proud to say that it originated from Dagupan City, Pangasinan. Actually, the owners Mr. Tony Seen and Mrs. Kamela Crisologo Seen were our neighbors when I was still a little kid. I am friends with their children and we used to really play a lot after school. We’d pretend to be restaurant owners or musical performers much to the delight of our young parents hehe =P

Continue reading

Random Thoughts While Watching ‘No Other Woman’

‘PEDRING’ invaded the country by storm and it is unfortunate that once again, our country was ‘visited’ by another typhoon. For the first time this year, we experienced brownout here at home. Last Thursday night, I slept at 9AM and woke up at 12pm for lunch. Went back to bed and woke up at 7pm for dinner. Still, the electricity is still off. I’m just glad that we have some candles and de bateryang lamp here at home. Got the electricity back by 8:30PM and went online immediately.

Let the real-life love tsunami begin!

IT seems like a lot of people were bored and a bit depressed due to the bad weather. Most students and employees went back to bed and slept. I even heard that the supposed red carpet premiere of the movie ‘No Other Woman’ starring Cristine Reyes, Derek Ramsay and Anne Curtis was postponed.

Continue reading

On Sam Pinto, the Azkals and Unboxing SMART Netphone 701

After years of ‘avoiding’  mobile phone trends, I finally own an Android phone – the Netphone 701 from Smart!

Can I confess something? I have a love and hate relationship with technology. I love it because it makes things easier for us. I also hate it at times because it makes things easier for us. Am I making sense here? Hehe.

Unboxing Smart Netphone 701

Unboxing Smart Netphone 701

Anyway, I am a loyal postpaid subscriber of SMART for 8 years now. Thanks to my mom for handing the responsibility to me. Although they do have a rule that a subscriber can get a new phone via retention plan every two years, I am not so proud to say that the last phone I claimed was my N70 in 2007. What pushed me to finally claim it was when my phone got stolen while I am in a free concert in Araneta Coliseum. I am too attached with my personal belongings and I hated the person who stole that phone. I saved some of my dad’s messages in that sim card and poof! phone gone in just a snap.

Enough with the sentimental stuff 😛 Most of my friends use Android phones while I settle with my old phone. I have another mobile phone which I used in the UK early this year and I am using it only here at home as my music player hehe. I’d rather use a simple phone to avoid snatchers in public places.

Continue reading

The Soothing Music of Mike Francis

LITTLE TRIVIA:  When I asked my Dad and Mom where my name (Micaela Fransesca) came from, they mentioned that Italian pianist/songwriter Mike Francis influenced them. There is another version about naming me after two relatives. Whatever the real reason is, I am happy with my name.

Mike Francis, one of Italy's best artist of all time

My Father used to work as a Radio DJ in various radio stations in Dagupan, Baguio and even as far as Puerto Princesa. I am lucky to be his assistant while he’s on duty. I remember him teaching me how to take good care of phonograph record disks. It is arranged according to record labels as these companies send out samples for the radio shows to play. He used to have this memo notepad where he writes his playlist then arranges it manually on his shift. I can say that his workmates loved it when I’m around since they ask me the most awkward questions and I answer them with no hesitations. Being friends with his female fans is quite a learning experience for me. Hmmm… now i am thinking of writing a series about my experience as a Radio DJ’s sidekick 😀

Anyway, my dad is a collector of cassette tapes and I think he collected more than 300 albums. It is already our afternoon hobby to just stay at home, cook food and play loud music. From the Beatles to Michael Jackson to Rolling Stones to CARS to Heart to Jon Secada to Bob Marley and KISS – almost every genre! We used to record some of his shows in a blank tape and now I regret re-using it to record pop songs. Now I don’t have a physical cassette tape with his voice on it 🙁

One of the artists we’d love to hear at home on Family weekends is of course, Mike Francis. The Italian artist passed away two years ago, but his music truly lives on. Here are some of my favorite Mike Francis songs.

Continue reading

On Blogging, College Life and Lyceum-Northwestern University

As a college student, I am active with extra-curricular activities. In fact, I am willing to sacrifice my academic standing for the organization I am a part of. My college life was pretty colorful. I became a member of the school dance troupe in first year and got the opportunity to learn and appreciate the basics of jazz. On my sophomore year, I met a number of responsible students who acted as leaders in their respective departments.

I think I was dancing the last time i stepped in this stage LOL

Luckily, I became an officer in a department dominated by Engineering students. I also worked part-time as an encoder for the school’s newly-implemented enrollment system and took side On-the-Job Training there. It’s fun to work with people who are idealistic yet they know how to enjoy life.

Jaypee, Lecel, Mica and Edmon as college students (2006)

Jaypee, Lecel, Mica and Edmon as college students (2006)

I already maintained my personal blog back then and would write about my daily life. I would rant about school, my classmates, my addiction to Philippine and Korean telenovelas, celebrities, Pinoy Big Brother (nyahaha) and my family specifically my brother Carlo. I discovered that it is possible for me to earn extra income from my blog through sponsored reviews and text links in 2007.

Continue reading