Congratulations to Badeedadee Marl for winning 3rd place at the Manny Librodo Awards!

Badeedadee Marl's winning photo "Human Canvas"

Congratulations to hubby Badeedadee Marl for winning the 3rd place at the Manny Librodo Awards 2010! He won a post-processing session with the master Manny Librodo that is worth Php 10,000! Thanks to all who supported us, your friends and relatives, to everybody who voted for him. Maraming salamat po!

Sir Manny did a thrilling announcement by announcing the Top 20 first. He then announced the Top 10 winners the day after. And after waiting anxiously for a few days, he announced the Top 3 winners for the first-ever Manny Librodo Awards, where our friend Benedict Gacutan won the first place. Again, thank you for the support all through out the competition! :)

Back to being vain

This pic was taken yesterday (Saturday) afternoon after waking up. Yes probably the first pic that was taken of me in my best shape these past few days. And if Sarita gets vain, she's in her best mood. Yay for feeling better! Cheers!

Thank you for the well wishes, guys!

I'm slowly recovering from a recent attack of urinary tract infection (UTI). Thank you for all the 'get well' messages and tweets. I'm taking it easy now and being more kind to my body. My health gave me the possibilities to do whatever I wanted to, but I forgot that it could steal everything away from me in just a snap, too. I need to listen more to my body this time.

Unwell... again

I fell ill again. Yes, again. I was hospitalized for chronic urinary tract infection (UTI) on Monday morning. It's not new to me, I usually have it every year like an anniversary gift or something. But the last time it was severe like this was when I was hospitalized in KL back in 2004. That was the time when I knew about my shrunken right kidney.

So about 5 days ago, I felt a mild pain in peeing until it worsened through the weekend and I ended up being disabled last Sunday because of pain in my right torso, throbbing headache, and high fever. I was so thankful though that it was our offday when it happened. I was rushed to the China-Japan Friendship Hospital (as suggested by my singer-friend Rhea Palma) on Monday morning and was accompanied by our bar manager. I was directed to the International Medicine Department where they took my urine sample and was prescribed with some strong antibiotics by drips (IV transfusion). I was then discharged by lunch and was prescribed some oral antibiotics that I'd be taking for the next 2 weeks. The good thing is I was not asked to go back anymore. :)

Oh yes, I performed as usual on Monday night though with less movements and less powerful songs. With a throbbing headache and a slightly off-shape out-of-poise body onstage, I was able to make it through the night. The stage is indeed my healing ground. Clinically proven and tested. By me. LOL. But what happened the moment I left the stage? My fever went up again to 38.5 and had to endure another uncomfortable sleep. 

I feel better when I woke up today (Tuesday) than I did the past few days. Only got slight fever, but my taste buds are back to normal and I'm 'feeling' hungry again. My appetite is back, weeee! And yes, I think I'm on my road to recovery now. 

It shouldn't be a surprising news to most of my friends who already know about my health history with asthma, primary complex, angina pectoris, inguinal hernia, euthyroid cyst, shrunken right kidney, and this chronic urinary tract infection (UTI). A walking disaster, yes, you can say that again. But I'm thankful that I'm still able to touch others' lives in my own way while I'm still alive. It definitely makes life worth living. :)

PENG YOU by Selena

After more than a month of persistently trying, I still haven't managed to revive my unresponsive harddisk, but I was able to dig into my other harddisks for some precious collection of videos and audio recordings. So here's a fun video of our crazy li'l family, some never-before-seen footages. In the background, you can hear my daughter Selena singing the Tagalog version of the song "Peng You" ('friend') popularized by Kim Chiu, which is originally a Chinese song. Enjoy the KULIT videos clips! :)

I'm an Android noob - for now! :)

'Andy' and me

So my plans of buying an iPad last year was interfered by my unexpected long holiday back home. Wasn't intending to buy an iPhone 4 either coz I just got my iPhone 3GS around May 2010 - and I'm still quite happy with it. So last holiday season was not a good time to buy any gadgets or gifts for myself because I just went back to work and was almost broke (yeah true!) - left most of my money in my bank in the Philippines and vowed not to touch the ATM card unless for emergency.

After getting our first month salary here, after paying all the bills, I was already itching to buy a new gadget addiction. But I couldn't decide if I'd get an iPad because I heard that iPad2 is coming out soon or get an Android device - Samsung Galaxy Tab - just to get an Android experience.

MEET ANDY

'Andy' getting charged up

I've said it before and I'll say it again - Zhongguancun is a heavenly place for gadget freaks like me. Of course, the Silicon Valley of China houses hundreds of shops and retailers that sell different kinds of gadgets. Name the brand and the model number, you'll find it there... and their knock-off versions!

I went around and looked for a 7"Android device (I find iPad too big to put in my purse) that runs Eclair 2.1, with at least 256 MB RAM, has a WiFi, a front camera (for video chats) and different ports that other branded devices lack. Then I found a Galaxy Tab look-alike and what they call an iPad clone, too, that has better screen response than its counterparts, and has a sturdier feel. It's an Aoson, an Android tablet that's made in China - and I'm giving it a cute name "Andy". And with a price tag of US $150, it came with an 8GB TF card (for expansion) and a cute folder-type case that doubles as a stand for the gadget. Although it has a non-multi-touch screen, it also has a trackball by the side - for whatever reason it may be. Also an Esc, Menu, Power for 'go back to previous', app menu, and power - respectively. Sweet!

Already installed some apps on it and liking it so far. Like my iPhone, it's always with me - even when I'm multitasking in the toilet. The only downside is that there's no working VPN or proxy tool for it so that I can login to Facebook or tweet with Twitdroyd. But for now, it's serving as a mobile surfing gadget (like my iPhone) and an e-book reader (which my iPhone can't perform well)... until I find the right VPN. Will continue to install more apps and let's see if it's blows up or something. LOL.

Now if you'll excuse me... I still need to finish the book that I'm reading on "Andy"... while I anxiously wait for the iPad2 to come out. :)

'Andy' right out of the box

'Andy' looking neat in his leather 'jacket'

Getting the Android feeling

The shop at Zhongguancun selling all kinds of gadgets

Vote for Badeedadee Marl at the 2010 Manny Librodo Awards!

I've said this before and I'll say this again - I'm a fan of my husband's work. Not because I'm his muse most of the time (coz he has no choice LOL), but because he's really talented in his passion which is photography. And I'm always supportive of him in whatever he does - just like as he's supportive to what I do, too. And that's why our sweet tandem has been quite known to most of our friends, and fans alike. 


And there are times when my moral support can't suffice his need for support. Because he needs YOUR support, too. And this time, for the 2010 Manny Librodo Awards. It's very simple and you just have to follow these steps:

Badeedadee's entry: #56 Human Canvas. Vote now!

Step 1: Please LIKE Manny Librodo Photography page first. You cannot vote unless you do so. Then press BACK on your browsers to follow Step 2.

Step 2: Then LIKE Marlou's top entry: #56 Human Canvas.

Step 3: Click previous and LIKE his other entry: #57 Sundar.

Step 4: Feel free to leave comment on his entries.

Step 5: LIKE Badeedadee Photography page on FB (optional). 

You can spread the word and vote until January 25, 2010 sooo LET'S DO THIS, GUYS! WOOHOOOOO!

Now that there are 13 zodiac signs, what am I now?

Just because you're naked doesn't mean
you can rain on my parade, Ophiuchus.

WHAAAAT?!?!?! There's a 13th zodiac sign just because there was a rearrangement on the skies?!?!

That's what I blurted out when my daughter told me that we (both of us) are no longer under the zodiac sign of Libra because we are now under the sign of Virgo. Apparently, the moon's gravitational pull on the Earth has changed our planet's position around its axis. This resulted into a different alignment of the stars on the sky, which makes it "off" by a month. Hence, the birth of the 13th zodiac sign called Ophiuchus.


And because of the naked new guy with a serpent appearing right before our naked eyes across the skies, I'm downgraded from Libra to Virgo. Not that I have anything against Virgo, it's just that I prefer and I believe that I'm a Libra from birth on Sept. 29, 1978. I mean, just like you, I have lived my entire life believing that I'm a Libran and although science has enough facts to prove it, I'm still not moving an inch from being a Libran. I know I am a Libran!

Does this mean that my characteristics, attributes, and every inch that I am should now be changed to Virgo? I guess this should only apply to those born this year, don't you think so? What happens to those people like me who have been avid fans of their own zodiac signs, or worse, have believed to have been guided by their horoscopes for their entire life? Do I throw away my books, keychains, and bookmarks that has my sign Libra on them? No no no!!!

There are so many questions and speculations right now. But there's one thing I'm thankful for... for having the right decision to not to ink the sign of Libra onto my body. I've always thought that having a Tweetie-bird-cum-third-eye tattoo on my nape has its hidden purpose. Now I finally know what it is. It's all because of Ophiuchus. Daym.

Offday hurray!

I wasn't whining when I mentioned on my previous blog posts that we'd be working for 3 weeks straight during the holiday season. But I'm thankful that finally our first offday of the year 2011 has come.

Marl on the limo. Ok, limo taxi. LOL.

The frozen river. Wanna get on it?

Of course, we spent it by going to one of our dwelling joints here to release stress - the photography equipment building in Wukesong. Why do we love the place so much? Well Marl loves the ground floor where they sell cameras, photography and studio equipments. As for me, I love the 2nd and 3rd floor where they sell not only the elegant and fabulous gowns and outfits, but also cosmetics and accessories for photoshoots. An hour won't be enough to stroll around within the area. There's just so much to check out and try on. I'm gathering materials for my future shoots - once the weather permits us to. And since we haven't got our paycheck yet, I didn't spend with a full force. Just, uhm, enough. LOL. Oh, and I got myself my chroma backdrop. Wanna do some experiments on my video projects. Soon!

The river beside the building has already been frozen. Marl wanted me to try and get on it but it was just too cold simply standing on top of the bridge. But I wanna try that next time. So watch for that - maybe in the news, too! LOL

I can't wait to return to the photography building next week hopefully. Wanna buy more accessories and wigs. Weeee!

URB in Xian 2004

Just found this video in my archive and thought I'd share it with you, too. This was a documentary video of our band shown on a local TV show here in Xian, China back in 2004. Memoriesss...

An OFW's sentiment

Overseas Filipino Worker. That's what we Filipinos working overseas are called - regardless of your position and your job. Unless you're a citizen in the country you're working or have chosen to live in the country of your choice, you are otherwise known as OFW. I am a proud OFW to start with and have been an OFW for the past 15 years.

And being an OFW isn't an easy thing. Starting from the processing of your passports, securing NBI clearances, completing documents needed to be submitted to POEA, undergoing medical and psychological tests, and attending Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS - once in 3 years). I go through this every time I go back home after my contracts. Even if I've already done these things in November 2010, I will do these things again when I have a vacation back home next year. Tough huh?

Makes me wonder why OFWs are called the "modern heroes" of our beloved country when Filipino who are wanting to work overseas are given such a hard time. Many say that the "modern heroes" cliché or  mga bagong bayani (Tagalog) refers to the money that we are bringing into the Philippines to help our otherwise sagging economy.

But for me, it's more than that. It's the courage and strength of OFWs who went to work out of the country to give our families a better life. Our courage and strength are tested the moment we step in the departing airplane. I'm an OFW mother and I know how it feels to leave not only the life I've known, but also to leave my daughter.  I left her when she was just merely 2 months old. Although I try very hard to go back every year and even though I make it a point that she spends her holidays with us wherever we may be, there are so many things that I missed in her growing years. I didn't see her mold before my eyes. I don't even know what her first words were, when her first tooth came out, when she took her first step. It's like a puzzle with a missing piece.

Eleven years of my daughter's have passed by and here I am, still an OFW. And I know I have to be strong for her. Let's just say, this is what I am called for to do and I got used to it already. And most OFWs are like me and share the same sentiments with me. Although we are very family-oriented, we are courageous and strong-willed and will always put our family's sake in line before our very own sake. I have come across this moving Tagalog article which I'd like to share with you: Bakit mahirap maging inang OFW?

We all have to make our sacrifices in life. I guess the only consolation that I can look up to is the money that I'm earning and that I'm with my husband.

To all OFWs like me, mabuhay po tayo! :)

Sars the dressmaker? Why not!

I have always been fascinated with fashion since I was a small girl. I wasn't the fashionista kind or girl who would always wear what's in. In fact, I was a boyish teen back then who liked to dress comfortably. Whenever I'm back home in tropical Manila or Cebu, I usually wear shorts, skirts and tank tops. But when there are special occasions or even nights out with some close friends, I like to dress something... uhmmm... dressy. And of course, I'd like to wear something glamorous when I do my photoshoots - as expected.

I design my own clothes when I have the chance. When I was back in Shanghai, I used to have a tailo, Mr. Gao, who would do exactly just the way I designed my gowns. Language was a big problem back then as I spoke very little Mandarin and he spoke ONLY Mandarin. He would only charge me RMB40-50 for a gown, depending on its complexity. I wonder if he's still making clothes in Shanghai.

Now that I have my own portable sewing machine - thanks to hubby - I can start making my own dresses. But yeah, I'll start with something simple. Like repairing some of our clothes. Time to dig into the luggage and find some clothes with holes. LOL.

But I promise, I will make my own dress from scratch soon. Anyway, dressmaking is one on the things I'd like to do this year. Wish me luck! :)

Happy New Year 2011 from the URB Band!

URB Band just before the countdown for 2011.
Taken at the Cloud Nine Bar of the Shangri-La Hotel Beijing.
Visit us at www.urbband.com!