Something’s not right

Earlier today I spent a good two hours reading a fashion blog I stumbled upon.  I found myself clicking on the old posts until I finally reached their first post. Geez!  It was really entertaining.  After browsing the site, I found myself wanting to dress-up. Hahaha  It’s a bit challenging coz my baby bump is already big.  

What is wrong with me?  When I browse on food blogs, I am tempted to cook the foods or recipes I see and when I read fashion blogs, it makes me want to shop and dress up.  

Now that I am reading on some facts about silver coins, it makes me want invest on these precious metals.  Does it have something to do with being pregnant?  My being influenced easily by what I read or see?

Experience a luxurious vacation in a Karisma Hotel

Many people are getting stressed from working everyday.  A hard-to-please boss, nasty co-workers, low salary, loads of work, etc. - they can all drive you crazy!  Even a stay-at-home mom like me, who doesn’t have a boss and officemates to deal with, feels the say same way sometimes.  I bet they’re also looking forward to taking a break, away from work and all.

If I had the money, I’d like to experience a luxurious vacation in Riviera Maya, in one of those Karisma Hotels, known for their classy accommodations and service.  This hotel offers Cancun All Inclusive package which boasts of private accommodations set in the white sandy beaches of Mexico, spectacular beach view while enjoying a dip in a hot tub or resting in a swaying hammock, gourmet food, spa pampering, and everything else you can ever think to make the vacation a truly relaxing one. 

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Pope Benedict XVI to visit Czech Republic

The Pope is scheduled to do an apostolic visit  to Czech Republic this coming September 26-28 in the cities of Prague, Brno and Stára Boleslav.  He will arrive in Prague’s Ruzyně airport in the morning of the 26th. He will then procced to the church of Our Lady of Victory – Infant Jesus of Prague then he will meet with the President of the Czech Republic Václav Klaus and other politicians and lastly he will celebrate vespers with priests and religious persons at the St. Vitus cathedral in the evening.

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The next day September 27, he will celebrate a Mass in Brno in the morning and in the afternoon he will have a meeting with the representatives of the Ecumenical Council of Churches and the academic world.

Brno Schedule

9:20 am: Arrival at Tuřany airport in Brno

10:00 am: Mass at the airport
- Homily of the Holy Father

After the Mass: Midday prayer of the Angelus
- Discourse of the Holy Father

12:45 pm: Departure to Prague

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On September 28, he will be in Stára Boleslav where  he will visit the basilica of St. Wenceslas, and celebrate the Mass on the occasion of the National Pilgrimage to St. Wenceslas.

Stará Boleslav  Schedule

8:50 am: Visit of the basilica of St. Wenceslas in Stará Boleslav

9:45 am: Mass on the occasion of the National Pilgrimage to St. Wenceslas
- Homily of the Holy Father

After the Mass: Message of the Holy Father to the youth.

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*Visit the offical website of the Pope’s visit to Czech Republic for more information.

Travel with Travelgrove

Traveling is fun and exciting especially if it is to a new place totally different from the one we’re used to.  Oh yes, a trip to another country is always a thrill!

But before all that can materialize, a tedious work has to be done looking for affordable flights, cheap hotel rates, or some special holiday packages, which should coincide with the vacation date.  Dealing with travel agents can make travel preparations easier but we all know that we’re paying extra to them for their services.  Not everyone can afford that especially those who are tight in budget.  Every penny saved counts!

If you want to save and tackle your trip preparations by yourself, a handy meta search engine called Travelgrove is just what you need.  By simply logging in their website and do a search, they will help users find the best deals for your travel needs such as airfares, hotels bookings, vacation packages and a lot more.  They search for good deals from different travel websites and users can then view the results, compare and choose the best deals of all. 

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111th Independence Day Celebration with the Czech Republic Filipino Community

PROGRAMME

111th Anniversary of the Declaration of Philippine Independence Day Filipino Community Day

“Kagitingan, Kagalingan at Kasipagan Tungo sa Kalayaan”

Sunday, 14 June 2009
Kaderavkovska 13, 16000, Prague 6

PROGRAM OF ACTIVITIES
PART I

12:00 nn. Celebration of the Holy
Mass – St. Vojtech Church,
Kolejni 4, Prague 6.

PART II (at the official residence at
Kadeřávkovská 13)

1:00 p.m.Philippine National Anthem

1:10 p.m.Message of H.E. Secretary of
Foreign Affairs, Alberto G. Romulo to
be read by Second Secretary and Consul
Mersole J. Mellejor

1:15 p.m. Message of H.E. President
Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to read by Her
Excellency Ambassador Regina Irene P.
Sarmiento

1:20 p.m. Salu-salo

3:45 p.m. Parlor Games (to be
alternated by presentations of
selected members of the Filipino
community)

5:00 p.m. End of program

Cost of living in Czech Republic

I’ve been getting several queries about the cost of living in Prague.  Recently a fellow Pinay who’s going to work in IBM in Brno City emailed me to ask about this subject.  The expats.cz writers must have known about her questions and came out with a special post just for her.  Heehehe Of course I am kidding!  Probably they get the same query over and over so they thought of tackling this particular topic. The study was actually based on Prague prices but this can give a good idea on how much the cost of living in Czech Republic is for those who are planning to live in this country.  

 Here’s the link : Cost of Living in Prague.

Rare coins as investments

My aunt has given us the responsibility of selling her gold coin online.  She badly needs the money and since she has heard of hubby’s internet venture, she thought we’re the right people who can help her.  Friends told her that her coin will fetch a good price coz it its value has already increased. So last night hubby and I have been searching for a site that caters in buying and selling of precious metals such as gold and silver coins where we can post my aunt’s coin.   

We stumbled on Monaco Rare Coin, a part of the Monex group of companies that has been a trusted leader in precious metal investments for about 40 years already.  Aside from providing a wide range of investment programs to collectors and investors, they also provide a two-way- buy and sell market for rare coins and other precious metals.  And since the coin we’re going to sell is a numismatic, the Monaco staff very much to handle such transactions coz they are members of various numismatic associations such as the American Numismatic Association, the Professional Numismatic Guild and the Professional Grading Service to name a few. 

During financial crisis, it has been said that precious metals are more stable than money.  Money’s value can depreciate but the worth of gold or silver increases.  

Where to eat kare-kare in Prague

Just because we’re in Europe doesn’t mean we can not enjoy Filipino dishes anymore.  It’s good to have friends in Prague who loves to cook especially native dishes, they bring the taste of Philippines right to our stomach. Hehehe

So last Tuesday, the girls got together at Angie’s place (the usual hang-out for eating!) for a food trip.  Lilian cooked kare-kare, Angie prepared chicken adobo and Floe made biko. As I was eating the buttery and creamy kare-kare, I felt like I was in the Philippines again. 

If ever you crave for Filipino food when you’re in Prague, just drop by at Holeckova. =) See you there!

Jobs in Prague

For those looking for more jobs in Prague or in any part in Czech Republic, do visit this link: Prague Jobs.  Every day there are job listings posted by the companies themselves mostly targeting foreign applicants.  The jobs vary from teaching to programming, babysitting to bartending etc. etc. etc.  See for yourself!

A job opportunity in Prague

If you’re in Prague and looking for a job, why don’t you try this one out.  The information was emailed to me by a friend who works in Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Prague, Czech Republic. They’ll recruit a new staff for their office.

Here are the requirements:

1. Male and Female
2. Indonesian and other nationalities
3. In the age of 21 to 40 years
4. At least secondary education
5. Knowledge of English, MS Office, internet, artistic skills, other skills
6. We prefer applicants with a license for the Czech Republic / Europe
7. Willingness to work overtime
8. Physical and mental health, does not use drugs or other narcotic substances
(evidenced by the report, a certificate from a doctor or other health facility)
9. Clean criminal record (with a report, a certificate from the competent institution)
 
II. Filing of applications
1. Applications with a curriculum vitae, 2 photographs size 4×6 cm and other documents be sent in a sealed envelope to
 
EMBASSY OF THE REPUBLIC OF INDONESIA
Over Buďánkami II / 7
150 21 Praha 5 - Smíchov
Czech Republic
Or e-mail address: informace@indonesian-embassy.cz
2. Last date of sending applications: Friday, 28 February 2009
 
III. Notification of selection and employment contract
1. Notification of the outcome of an administrative selection procedure: Wednesday, 3 March 2009
2. Candidates who receive administrative selection procedure, are obligated to participate in written and oral tests.
3. Making a written test and interview: Sunday, 8 March 2009
Indonesian Embassy in the amphitheater, over Buďánkami II / 7, Prague 5 - Smichov from 9h.
4. Notification of selection: Monday, 23 March 2009
5. The beginning of the employment contract: 1 April 2009
 
IV. Other information
1. No fee will be taken for the whole process of the selection procedure.
2. Recruiting Committee decision is final and without appeal.

 Good luck!

Get the help of a marketing company

Running a business during a financial crisis such as what we have lately can be a challenge for business owners.  There have been many big companies that have closed because they can’t cope up with the expenses and costs of maintaining their business.  How much more starting a new business?  I bet a business owner would be trudging on a risky path.  
Assessing your company’s performance can be done by taking a brand strength test which can be quite helpful. Brand Identity Guru, a Marketing Company is offering this test for free in their website.  There are several questions (12 to be exact) on products and services, target markets, messaging and communications which will be the basis to see how your company is doing. You will then see the results by completing the information requested. They also have other helpful tools for your business such as marketing strategy, branding strategy, web design, search engine optimization, research techniques and plenty more.

Getting into the world of business with the help of a marketing company will enable you to kick off into a good start and hopefully get the market share and profit you expect. Choose one whom you can work with compatibly and efficiently.

Where’s December?

December 2008 passed by without any updates in this blog.  What can I do?  I’ve been busy with family matters.  I hope I’ll be able to revive this blog soon.  Would that be one of my goals for this new year?  Hmmmm… I really didn’t give it that much thought yet.   But since I’m still on vacation until the first half of February then I suppose you would see less of me here.  Gotta enjoy life while I can! Enjoy huh!

Protecting your PC

I love my notebook!  It’s one of my indispensable possessions.  I use it for my work, for communicating with family and friends, for recording my important data, for storing videos, pictures; it’s my entertainment, etc. etc.!  See, it does a whole lot of things to me.  That’s why I take care of it.  One way of keeping my computer safe is by installing the best antivirus software that would prevent or detect virus that wants to infest my notebook!  How about you?  Is your computer safe too?

I know someone who lost most of her files because her computer was hit by a virus.  She failed to check if her antivirus software was updated.  It was really sad coz there were pictures that got lost too.   Those mementos are irreplaceable you know, so you can imagine how devastated she was. 

How do you prevent such incident to happen to your computer? Installing antivirus software in every computer is a MUST!   And securing this software isn’t at all expensive.  You can get it for a very low price.  If you visit the everythingoutlet.com, they have the latest antivirus solutions such as Symantec, McAfee, Norton, etc. to keep your computer safe.  You can choose from thelowest price for the best antivirus software starting from $5 and up and that’s totally guaranteed!

Check your computer now if it has the protection it needs and if not, please, install an antivirus software ASAP!

Massage treat

I’m feeling tired and so stressed, I think it’s time for my massage treat!  Hubby asks me why I like massage when it’s painful. Hehehe well, I just like to torture my bones more I guess.  j/k.  But if you want to know why massage is good for you, here are the list I got from massagetherapy.com:

• Alleviate low-back pain and improve range of motion.
• Assist with shorter, easier labor for expectant mothers and shorten maternity hospital stays.
• Ease medication dependence.
• Enhance immunity by stimulating lymph flow—the body’s natural defense system.
• Exercise and stretch weak, tight, or atrophied muscles.
• Help athletes of any level prepare for, and recover from, strenuous workouts.
• Improve the condition of the body’s largest organ—the skin.
• Increase joint flexibility.
• Lessen depression and anxiety.
• Promote tissue regeneration, reducing scar tissue and stretch marks.
• Pump oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs, improving circulation.
• Reduce postsurgery adhesions and swelling.
• Reduce spasms and cramping.
• Relax and soften injured, tired, and overused muscles.
• Release endorphins—amino acids that work as the body’s natural painkiller.
• Relieve migraine pain.

The rising star event

Outsourcing has become a very in-demand industry over the last few years.  More companies are finding it convenient and cost-saving rather than hire, train and manage an in-house workforce to do the job for them.  Companies are satisfied with the results and they’ve accomplished their goals with less trouble if not, none at all.  One leading provider of outsourced sales team is Cydcor that’s been successfully providing sales services.  Recently, they rewarded their top performers at the Rising Star Event in California.

You can read about  the press release of the event below:

Cydcor Rewards Top Performers at Rising Star Event

Leading global provider of outsourced, face-to-face sales teams
hosts selected office owners at weekend retreat in Los Angeles
WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif. (October 20, 2008) – This fall, Cydcor, the leading
provider of outsourced, face-to-face sales teams, hosted 19 owners of the most promising
independent sales offices at the company’s 6th annual Rising Star weekend. The threeday
event, a mix of business and pleasure, recognized up and coming office owners who
have demonstrated superb sales performance. The weekend provided attendees, handpicked
by Cydcor’s field executives, the chance to learn new business tactics and network
with other owners and top level executives in an intimate setting.

“We’re thrilled to meet with and recognize these hard working office owners with a little
down time, while also providing a venue for them to participate in training sessions to
support their continued success,” said Gary Polson, chief executive officer of Cydcor.
This year’s event, themed Healthy, Wealthy and Wise, was held near Cydcor’s
headquarters at the Four Seasons Westlake Village. Attendees, from throughout the U.S.
and Canada, arrived on a Thursday and met one-on-one with Cydcor President Jim
Majeski, Chief Executive Officer Gary Polson and Senior National Consultant Brad
Park. These exclusive meetings provided a unique opportunity for the group to engage in
private conversations with Cydcor’s top leadership.

On Friday, the group spent breakfast with team members at Cydcor’s headquarters and
then got to hear from Cydcor department heads. These presentations provided Rising Star
owners with information about how Cydcor supports their efforts as entrepreneurial
business owners.

On the last full-day, the group enjoyed a renowned Ken Blanchard Situational Leadership
II course. On Saturday evening, attendees boarded a “fun bus” into Hollywood for
sightseeing and dinner in a private room at the House of Blues.
About Cydcor, Inc.

Cydcor, Inc., is the leading provider of outsourced, face-to-face sales teams to a diverse
client base of companies in a range of industries, including telecommunications, office
products, retail energy and financial services. Cydcor works with a network of
independently owned corporate licensee (ICL) sales offices providing clients with access
to more than 2,700 sales professionals and 200+ offices in North America. The privately
held company is based in Westlake Village, California.

For more information about Cydcor, log on to www.cydcor.com.

Got another blog award

Thanks to bytes of cookie for this award. =)  It’s called the “i love your blog” award. hehehe  She must really like me to give me this award huh.

Here’s what I have to do:

1. The winner can put the logo on his/her blog;
2. Link the person you received your award from;
3. Nominate at least 7 other blogs;
4. Put links of those blogs on yours; and
5. Leave a message on the blogs that you’ve nominated.

Now for the tagging part…. hmmmmm.  I’ll leave it to another time.  I’ll need to look on my blogroll for this pa. Bye bye October 2008!

Buy and sell WOW accounts

I play computer games only as an enjoyment, nothing more.  But I’ve found out that there are people who so into their favorite games that they buy points, characters or buy world of warcraft account so they don’t have to start from scratch, building up their character, slaying lots of enemies to increase their points, etc.  On the other hand, there are also gamers who sell their accounts in order to make money. 

Selling and buying world of warcraft accounts can be done at the http://buymmoaccounts.com/.   This is a secure place for gamers to sell and buy accounts.  They have been a premier provider of secured World of Warcraft accounts for more than a year, providing thousands of satisfied customers with pre-leveled, high-end secured WoW accounts. All accounts bought from them comes with a lifetime 100% account guarantee so there’s no worry at all. They also boasts of being the only World of Warcraft account retailer with live phone support. You can also have a live chat with their representative online.

So if you want to own an instant world of warcraft account, order from http://buymmoaccounts.com/ and you can have it in less than 30 minutes! Yes! You‘ll be playing your favorite computer game in such a short time after ordering!

When in Rome

Rome, the capital of Italy and the most largest and populous among the other cities of the country is known being the seat of the Papacy and the Roman Catholic Church.  Each year, the city is flocked with tourists and pilgrims visiting the St. Peter Basilica and the St. Peter’s Square.



The Pantheon

But there’s actually more to Rome than those two places.  Other places of interests are the Colosseum, the most famous of ancient Rome’s monuments, the Pantheon, the Piazza Venezia where the collosal Vittorio Emanuele II monument stands, the Spanish Steps with the Trinita dei Monti church at the top and the Fontana della Barcaccia at the bottom, plus lots of other beautiful and historic sights to see such as:
Colonna di Traiano
Piazza del Popolo
Foro Romano
Castel Sant’Angelo (reminds me of Prague’s Charles Bridge)
Campo dei Fiori (a morning market where you can buy local produce of fruiuts, vegetables, etc.)
Bocca della Verita

Rome is still one of the cities I want to see in my future travels.  Maybe next summer?  We’ll see!

Anyway, staying in Rome for either leisure or business can be enjoyed by staying in Rome apartments.  They are spacious, comfortable and clean with some located right at the central locations; such as near the Spanish Steps, Piazza Navona, etc.

Photo from wikipedia.org

Changes

After the partying and festivities of the Christmas season, what awaits all of us? A new year! 

A lot of people list down their resolutions; promises to change for the better, or working on their unrealized dreams, the list goes on. For others, the New Year should be welcomed with a new look - new hairdo, a tanned-skin or a slimmer body.  Still for others, it might be a renovation of their kitchen or bedroom.  A little organizing work can give your home space a totally different look. You can start off with changing the wall paint color, or getting new curtains or blinds. Or you can change the throw pillows in your living room.  These are among many small improvements a home maker can do without spending too much.

You can buy your window treatment and accessories at Smith and Noble, where they offer many kinds of blinds, curtains, bamboo shades and other drapery hardware you’ll need to create that new look for your home.  Their products are of great quality and their prices are reasonable too. 

Whatever changes you plan for the coming year; whether it be new look for yourself or your home, a trip to Bahamas or flourishing career, you still have time to work on it! Good luck to you!

Gift baskets for all occasions

Every Christmas, companies would give out Corporate Gift Baskets to their employees aside from bonuses.  That’s one thing we always look forward to come December.  The only time of the year when food, gifts and money are abundant! Haha and expenses too!  But with the financial crisis happening and even with big companies folding up, I wonder if give-aways are still part of their budget.  Maybe they still will but the contents won’t be like this:

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