Blogging achieved goals

Here I am after the longest years of my life; I am finally on the continent of Europe with no plans yet to go back to the Philippines.

Life's abroad is not always a bed of roses but full of misery and loneliness. I work abroad not only for myself but for my family most of the time. Aside from working hard and my new environment, loneliness is one of the toughest hurdles to overcome.

I am starting to miss my family, the people especially in my school days, though there are now many ways to communicate or contact them thanks to social networking (Facebook, Tweeter, YM, etc). I am thinking to write my own online journal to share to them things goods and bads I've noticed about life, career, and just about anything else involved with my recent move to the UK and how it all translate to me.

Since the time I start blogging, they keep following on me because they said every post was very informative and they know how life's could be. They are all my inspiration to keep on writing and I am very happy every comments they leave. In blogging, it affects my whole life here. Every time I am writing and expressing my thought and ideas on my blog it feels me very relaxing and my lonesome and tiredness from work goes away.

My goal in blogging is to keep my family get closer because we are very far from each other; 2 lives in Riyadh, 1 in Hawaii, me and my sister here in UK and my family in the Philippines. We have both our own blogs and we keep sharing whether bad or good news in our every life and to the whole family as well. I can achieve this goal through constant blogging with all the interesting facts about what's life abroad and by visiting our blogs to keep our family relations comes close.

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I got my own Paypal account

Alot of people use Paypal nowadays to make and receive payments. And bloggers use it when making money from blogs. I do not have the interest of having a Paypal account but few weeks ago I received an email from Google.com with reports overview of my money-earned from contextual program Google-Adsense. A lot of resources I read about the program with question How do I get paid? When? and Where? but having a Paypal account is the easiest way to get the money and transfer it in just few clicks.

PayPal’s great. If you were intimidated by it before, then maybe after doing a little more research you won’t be.

One of the greatest things about it is that it’s free. Sometimes using a credit card online will result in big fees, especially if you are buying something in a different currency. Personal accounts with PayPal are free. Personal accounts differ from business accounts in that you would be using your account to pay for things, instead of receiving money.

PayPal may require you to validate your account, though. This would require you to submit personal information, like a bank account number, where they would deposit a small amount of money into your account and once you receive it, you need to tell them how much they’ve put in. This prevents people from creating many accounts and limits money laundering. Simply brilliant!

When you signup for PayPal, you can start accepting credit card payments instantly. As the world's number one online payment service, PayPal is the fastest way to open your doors to over 220 million member accounts worldwide. Best of all, it's completely free to sign up!

To sign up or learn more, click here:

Am I Going to be Rich?

Since child, I’ve always heard the word Abroad. It seems to be a nicest place for me then that someday I could also work abroad because all our neighbors who’ve been there brings a lot of money when they come back in our village.

Going abroad for work is said to be making your life more progressive compare to work in our place, many work in Japan, America, Middle East and some other countries they are very happy to their life and many people migrate in that place.

Now, I was giving a chance to be here in abroad and know the life that could bring answer to all my questions, it reminds me to a place I wanted to visit and to live for that someday I could grab a piece of opportunity to become rich. I can’t imagine how my life's become now adays.

In my situation, I have found the answer to my ambition in life “Am I going to be rich?” That depends on you, if you work hard and save your money, invest it in the right things then you will find yourself there, and don't forget those who told you that you would.

A law protecting bloggers

I must admit that before hitting my publish button on my blog I am always think first of myself the danger if ever I had a post involve some person, because I really do have on my post particularly on My Journey Going to UK.

It is Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago wants online journalists and bloggers included in Philippine Senate Bill No. 455 seeking to protect journalists, although I didn’t vote her during her presidency election. There is no reason why we should not include in the proposed law, because many bloggers post socio-political commentaries using our own web-based journals. Even though we are not traditionally referred to as members of the media, we may actually be exposed to the same dangers encountered by institutional media practitioners.

Santiago cited as an example the case of Julian Assange, founder of WikiLeaks, who was reportedly subjected to harassment and threats after his website published sensitive and confidential information, including hundreds of thousands of US diplomatic cables, so bloggers should likewise be given protection by the law.

Why Brits called it aubergine?

One of my favorite vegetable is the eggplant. This is very versatile and I can use it in a variety of ways from a simple Tortang Talong (fried eggplant) to Pinakbet (mixed vegetables).

 

I planned to cook a Filipino dish today and am looking for some vegies in the grocery shop. Of course, I won't forget my eggplant so I picked and ask the salesman how much the cost of each eggplant. Then he said it's an aubergine, I don't think I've heard that word before, or rather, I haven't known its meaning.

Why do the British refer to his eggplant as an 'aubergine'? I want to know. Upon my arrival in the UK, I am collecting all new words what the Brits are spoken which are different in American that's for me to know what's the meaning.

So, the name eggplant, used in the United States, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada refers to the fact that the fruits of some 18th century European cultivars were yellow or white and resembled goose or hen's eggs. The name aubergine, which is used in British English, is an adaptation from the French word derived from Catalan alberginia.

From now on, I will call it aubergine but going back to the Philippines its a simple Talong. Shall I call it fried aubergine too?

Brinjal plant from India. The green fruits turn yellow when ripe. 

Blog Awards

My First Time Abroad 
Official Nominee #4 on 
Pinoy Blog Awards  
OFW Blog Division

Please support my entry I need comments and LIKEs on facebook.

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I would like acknowledge and feature my co-bloggers who gave me the awards.

And I received 4 Stylish Blogger Awards from Four different bloggers. All their blogs are Super Stylish and they have been recipients of the awards themselves, so click on over to check out their style. Thank you Pareng Lhan, Pareng Arjee, Pareng Rommel and to Ka-Swak.

1. Lhan @ Notbuk ni Lhan
2. Arjee @ Balangingi Lifestyle
3. Ka-Swak
4. Rommel @ One Acre of Diamond

I won't have time to pay-it-forward, but still like to pay-it-back, thus you are all featured here today. Thanks so much!

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Another Award

Certified BRAINFOOD Blog Award

from Nowitzki Tramonto on his

The {Helianthus} Project

Brainiacs: My 25 Favourite Bloggers

THANK YOU PAREKOY!!!

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... and Another Award

The Versatile Blogger Award 

from E•M•O•T•E•R•A
and Miss Acidic

Thank you ever so much!

Happy blogging.

Great 3D experience on The Green Hornet

It has been my plan before to watch a 3D Film in Manila but I simply couldn't due to a heavy loads of work in my visa application and I need to spend hours to watch a movie.

I'm very curious on 3D because I heard alot of stuff which makes it different from a regular film like wearing 3D glasses, the effects, etc... though its quiet expensive. 

Today, somebody treat me to watch movie and don't have an idea of great movie to watch. At the cinema called VUE, he said if I would like "The Green Hornet" and then I said yes not because of the characters (I have only known Cameron Diaz) but because it was a 3D movie.

Such a great experienced I had! I was amazed, 3D movies bring the screen alive with the awesome 3D effect. I definitely have the most amazing movie experience and it was also a great film.

In the Green Hornet, Britt Reid (Seth Rogen) is the son of LA's most prominent and respected media magnate and perfectly happy to maintain a directionless existence on the party scene - until his father (Tom Wilkinson) mysteriously dies, leaving Britt his vast media empire. Striking an unlikely friendship with one of his father's more industrious and inventive employees, Kato (Jay Chou), they see their chance to do something meaningful for the first time in their lives: fight crime. To get close to the criminals, they come up with the perfect cover: they'll pose as criminals themselves.

The first picture of the new Spider-Man

'Spider-Man' fans rejoice! The first picture of Andrew Garfield as the web-slinger has been unveiled.

The rising actor is replacing Tobey Maguire as the wall-crawling superhero in the upcoming reboot of 'Spider-Man'. The new film will focus more on Peter Parker (aka Spider-Man) in high school.

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This picture should put their fears to rest for the time being, with the moody image, showing a bruised and bloodied Garfield, sharing similarities to the comic book Peter Parker. The costume as well seems less sculpted than in the previous movies. 

Talking about the part, Garfield recently told Details magazine: "I want to feel stronger than I've ever felt, and I want to feel more flexible. I want to feel powerful. You don't want to just be a pack of meat — it has to be an open body. It does something to your psyche, and it does something to the way you move."

The movie, which is released in 2012.

New Zodiac sign 2011

Your zodiac sign may not actually be your zodiac sign anymore.

Due to changes in the Earth's alignment the dates of many zodiac signs have changed, there may be a 13th zodiac sign called Ophiuchus.

The 12 signs were designated to different periods of the year almost 3,000 years ago, when astrology began, and since then the Earth's position in relation to the sun has changed.

I am a little confused about this because I am a Capricorn and now a Sagittarius what if somebody wants to know my zodiac sign or shall I still follow my daily horoscope in the newspapers?

While the sign many people were born under may now be different, it shouldn't affect horoscope readings, according to NBC. Accordingly, if you will give birth this November 30 - December 17, 2011 your baby's zodiac should be the new zodiac sign of Ophiuchus.

See if your Zodiac sign has changed below.

The New Dates:

Capricorn:      January 20 - February 16

Aquarius:      February 16 - March 11

Pisces:      March 11 - April 18

Aries:      April 18 - May 13

Taurus:      May 13 - June 21

Gemini:      June 21 - July 20

Cancer:      July 20 - August 10

Leo:      August 10 - September 16

Virgo:      September 16 - October 30

Libra:      October 30 - November 23

Scorpio:      November 23 - 29

Ophiuchus:      November 29 - December 17

Sagittarius:      December 17 - January 20

I'm a Capricorn and always will be - whether I believe in it or not....

What next - We add a new month for the month that we have lost? or the Chinese adding a new animal for their system.

Illegal baby names

I would like to share with you what I have read today on the internet, I make it shorter but comprehensive to those who plan to name their babies that are banned in some countries. This week the Pope declared war on parents naming babies after celebrities, fruit or popular sports cars. He plead to give your children names that are in the Christian calendar. So, Apple, Brooklyn and Ferrari are out, Francisco and Giulia are in.

The following names have all been banned around the world for reasons of taste, decency or just plain draftness.

1. Talula Does The Hula From Hawaii (New Zealand)
It belonged to a 9-year-old girl from New Zealand but had renamed by a judge because it makes a fool of the child. The judge listed some that were also blocked: Fish and Chips (twins), Yeah Detroit, Keenan Got Lucy and Sex Fruit.

2. Venerdi AKA 'Friday' (Italy)
The boy would expose to 'mockery and was associated with 'subservience and insecurity. The parents however, they threatened to call their next child Mercoledi (Wednesday). Andrea was rejected in Italy and change to Emma. Dalmata has also been rejected, as it mean Dalmatian.

3. Brfxxccxxmnpcccclllmmnprxvclmnckssqlbb11116 (Sweden)
No, I didn't fall asleep on the keyboard. That is an actual name apparently the name is pronouces 'Albin" (I'm not sure how), and the parents chose it as a protest against Sweden's admittedly strict naming laws. Also banned some favourites include Metallica, IKEA, Veranda and Q. Google was OK though.

4. Gesher AKA 'Bridge' (Norway)
Eccentric Kristi Larsen said she was instructed in a dream to name her son Gesher (Hebrew for 'Bridge'), but the court were having none of it maybe she had just run out of ideas.

5. Chow Tow AKA 'Smelly Head' (Malaysia)
Government killjoys published a list of undesirable names that weren't in keeping with the religious traditions of the country - such as Cantonese moniker Cow Tow - which means 'Smelly Head". Also Ah Chwar ('Snake'), Khiow Khoo ('Hunchback'), Sor Chai ('Insane'). Malays should also steer of Woti, which means 'Sexual Intercourse'.

6. @ (China)
A couple called their baby the '@' symbol - in Chinese characters it apparently looks a bit like 'love him'. However, the authorities were less sentimental and publicised the moniker as an example of citizens bringing bizarre names into the Chinese language.

7. Miatt (Germany)
Miatt was rejected because it didn't clearly show whether the child was a boy or a girl, but sometimes the decisions are somewhat arbitrary... The likes of Stompie, Woodstock and Grammophon were turned down, whereas the similarity strange Speedy, Lafayette and Jazz were allowed.

8. Anus (Denmark)
Parents given 7,000-odd names to choose from by the government. Special permission is needed to deviate from the list, Anus was one of 250-odd names rejected each year. Well, Pluto and Monkey had lucky escapes...

9. Ovnis (Portugal)
Before naming your child in Portugal, best consult this mammoth, 80-page government doc (and have it translated to English) that tells you which names you can and can't use. It's pretty strict (and random) – Tomás is OK but Tom isn't – and celebs can forget about the likes of Apple and Brooklyn, which aren't even on the banned list. Essex girls rejoice, however – Mercedes is allowed!

10. Akuma AKA 'Devil' (Japan)
Here's a name the Pope definitely wouldn't approve of. A Japanese parent called his son Akuma (which literally means Devil). The authorities decided this was an abuse of the parent's rights to decide a child's name and a lengthy court battle ensued. Eventually the father backed down and junior got a new, less demonic name.

Friendliest blogger finalist

Before I forget, I would like to say thanks to Jhiegzh once again for nominating me in The Annual Kalsada Blog (TABA) Awards 2010 for Friendliest Blogger of the Year and now I am one of the finalist.

Such a great honor to become a finalist! Though we are 13 finalist and all of them are very good blogger I am confident that we are still in good friends afterall. I am not a famous blogger but I know I am friendly by nature.

My deep appreciation to all my co-bloggers out there who cast their vote for me, truly you can count on me. And to Zyra for your effort to make us bloggers united in your brilliant idea for making blogging more fantastic which lead us to continue writing. Good luck to all of us and happy blogging!

My post-birthday post

I wasn't being able to post this earlier because I'm too busy this week and went to London in my college after my birthday.

Well, t'was a night of my birthday when my brother-in-law took me to a Chinese Restaurant with my sister and baby Thomas to celebrate my birthday. 

We had a simple dinner and I enjoy every taste of the food. At first, i choose from the menu and I havn't idea for the food to choose so I just select and hoping that it's fine and delicious. Good I had a right choice after all.

I use chopsticks instead of spoon so that i could really feel that we are in a Chinese restaurant and I firmly believe that it is extremely beneficial for me to know how to use chopsticks. It's hard at first to hold every single food in a stick but I want to learn so I keep on going until we've finished all the food. I can tell you that Chinese food actually tastes better when you eat it with chopsticks.

Finally, i am ready to set off after the dinner when suddenly the waiter brings a small cake on our table with a candle. I was surprise and the waiter thought its baby Thomas Birthday so we laugh and they give it to me and I blow the candle. A little bit shy but just for fun and I feel not getting older then, it seems I am getting younger with the cake!

I can't remember when I had a cake on my birthday, I think I havn't since child, oh poor little boy! But it’s ok because I was lucky I celebrate it in a winter wonderland of England. Hope to see you all on my next birthday! More blessings to come…

 

Pigs in Blankets

I found something today in a grocery shop. A label hanging on a ceiling named "Pigs in Blankets".

Everyday in UK I'm always trying to know the meaning of every British English words which I'm not familiar for I am using American English as my second language. I consult with my British friend what's the meaning of that and what is that kind of stuff?

At first he laughs because he knows what's on my mind. Pigs in blankets is a colloquial British name given to a sausages wrapped in bacon (streaky bacon is most common). Bacon is the blanket. It is now considered a traditional part of the Christmas meal.

One way of surviving in UK is to know also their own language or else you might get lost.

You've been paid!

Today I have been paid from Social Spark, an IZEA's premium blog marketing platform about my blog on Capture a Single Snowfall with sponsored post from LG Electronics for the launched of the NEW LG Optimus One.

I received and paid 1,499 points for that offer I've taken. I got confused on what I've received, usually I got before a cashpayment directly to my account like $10, $20 unlike now my current balance is 1,499 points and not cash.

I check back the Social Spark and read their new Terms of Service regarding payments. And I found out that we will be paid in points: $5 = 500 points and should have a minimum of 5,000 points to cash out.

Right then, I need more offer to withdraw my balance. Feel tired but I have to do it, thanks to my avid readers you make me inspired always writing a new post.

TABA Awards 2010 for Bloggers

I was nominated as Friendliest Blogger of the Year by Jhiegzh for TABA Awards 2010. I was inspired to nominate also for deserving bloggers who inspire all readers in sharing their brilliant thought and idea through blogging.

And here's my nominees:

Best Personal Post of the Year: Anacleto Cifra Romana,
The Backpack Man For making me more inspired on his every personal post.

Best Blog Design Alexander Catiero,
A Boy Named Xander Make it simple and pleasant to all his readers.

Best Kikay Blog Design Leah
My Taste Treasure Lots of flowers most interestingly for readers.

Friendliest Blogger of the Year Lhan
Notbuk ni Lhan He first introduce to me this awarding body and make friends.

Madramang Blogger of the Year Emotera
EMOTERA Every post makes me think of her.

Best Post of the Year Jhiegzh
Something to Brood Over He nominate me as a Friendliest Blogger, and I can feel it in his post he is true to his self.

In my nominees for TABA Awards 2010, I could make friends to all my co-bloggers by giving them recognition for all their efforts and make blogging fantastic for all.

New year, new life!

I couldn't imagine that the year 2010 has ended. I had lots of stuff that I could always remember it seems very lucky for me that year, I mean most lucky.

I enjoy my life serving my family at home being as head in my own little way. I got a job in my hometown and love doing it. Lots of friends anywhere in my place including my facebook and went to other cities and stayed in Manila while processing my visa application at the British Embassy.

Most of all I was granted a visa and now living in England today. I did not wish and dream to come here since child, as I can remember my ambition before is to become a good teacher but I took Accountancy.

My life is unpredictable and full of surprising, it's not really my plan to work abroad as I just want to have a simple life with my family. I always work hard not to become a rich man, to earn for a living is just for me and help my family for our daily needs. But 'til now still don't have a savings.

This year is another chapter of my life, I want to start it with more hardwork and keep a savings for my future. As I step this year, I am hoping for all the graces which will be given, and a happy health and lifestyle.

I am excited for this year, what would be my life? Well, I am pretty sure that I am happy and I am so very grateful.

Most Interesting Blog Award

The end of the year is a time when people give away awards for various things, so here are my blog awards for 2010 - not to be taken too seriously!

1. The Backpack Man
2. A Boy Named Alexander
3. AXL Powerhouse Production, Inc
4. Missus Bounty Basket
5. Something To Think About
6. D' Explorer
7. Finding The Real Me
8. ...TREK...
9. The Blogger's Trail
10. Halojin
11. Balangingi Lifestyle
12. E.M.O.T.E.R.A
13. Moshi Moshi Anone
14. Kwatro Khanto
15. One Acre of Diamond
16. Something to Brood Over
17. Pusang Kalye
18. Pinoy Adventurista
19. Batang Yagit
20. Eymardeas

No trophies, no cheques, no marching bands, just thank you (and all the other bloggers whose stuff I read) for keeping me entertained and making me continue to think.