PHIL YOUNGHUSBAND... THE MANIA LIVES ON!

Yes... woot! woot!... the mania lives on for my friend, Phil Younghusband thus; me releasing these latest photos of him.  

Phil! I'm waiting for when you're gonna find time to take your heli ride! :P

I don't think I should talk more about Phil... everyone can simply "Google" him and his impact in the country and so for the first time, I release a post that is like my mini skirts and dǝʞdǝʞ shorts... long enough to cover private parts but short enough to keep things interesting solely because of these two snap shots of Phil Younghusband here taken at the Kenny Rogers Roasters Hainanese Chicken blogger's conference. Yes, a new TVC will feature Phil and James Younghusband of the Philippine Football Team Azkals together with surfer Lorraine Lapus and professional triathlete Mica Tantuico. 

See you around, Phil! :P

My super-talented relative, Vincent V. Garrucho who evolved from being an FM radio jock to a lot of things in life and who developed this penchant for photography in late November 2009 took these photos of Phil Younghusband.  


Props to you, Vinky and thanks for getting me these photos of Phil!  

THE CONVOY OF HOPE FOR JAPAN TSUNAMI VICTIMS: WAYS WE CAN HELP

It was the 5th largest and strongest earthquake in recorded history in the world. It's shock waves caused a catastrophic tsunami of about 30 feet in Japan devouring everything in its' path which the world witnessed. It's all too real.... Many people are hurt, missing and the death toll is incredibly rising in its' aftermath.


At approximately 10:40pm PT on Thursday night a massive 8.9 earthquake struck off the coast of Japan and was followed by a 7.4 aftershock and so many more. The main quake was the world's 5th largest earthquake since 1900.

 

 

The quakes sent a tsunami inland across Japan's northeastern coastline, devastating homes, farmland, and devouring everything in its path. The extent of the damage is still unclear, but we know that it will be large and Japan will need international support to rebuild. 

 

 

The magnitude of devastation is unimaginable that it will take the people of Japan especially those in the most hard-hit areas to re-build their lives. My heart bleeds as I see live images of the tsunami impact and its' aftermath that I myself can't explain how the psychological impact must be for the victims.

 

 

 

 
Relief drives have started and in my own way to help aside from actually donating, I have gathered information as to how we can all help. In times like these, we have to be careful of scams and so with these legit and direct organizations hereunder, please consider helping if you have any resources possible:

1. Help Japanese Earthquake and Tsunami Victims
This project is operated by the American National Red Cross which helps countless individuals affected by disasters both in the U.S. and internationally. Donations will support disaster relief efforts to help those affected by the earthquake in Japan and tsunami throughout the Pacific. Please help support their work by giving to where the need is greatest. 

 
2. American Red Cross: Donate Funds
If you want to get involved with an organization then American Red Cross is the way to go.

3. Global Giving: Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Relief Fund
This project will disburse funds to organizations providing relief and emergency services to victims of the earthquake and tsunami. Global Giving is working with International Medical Corps, Save the Children, and other organizations on the ground.

 
4. Save the Children: Mobilizes Response To Massive Japan Earthquake, Tsunamis
Save the Children is mobilizing its' global resources to respond to the needs of the children and families affected by the earthquake and its' aftermath. An International emergency team has been dispatched to assist staff in Japan. This humanitarian agency has been in Japan for 25 years and was a major responder to the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami that killed 225,000 people. 

 
Let us begin the convoy of hope...there are a dozen of ways to help the victims of the disaster in Japan but may I remind you that not all of them are effective or even legit thus; I have gathered links for these aforementioned 4 organizations because I have seen them in the past, helping millions rebuild lives.


All images are courtesy of and taken from The New York Times, used here to help bring love and hope for the people of Japan.

THE 1st MOUNTAINEERS' BORACAY SUMMER CAMP 2011

Airgurus Ltd. & Co., the number 1 air ambulance/medevac provider and aircraft charter company in the Philippines supports the 1st Mountaineers' Boracay Summer Camp 2011 in Boracay. 

The three (3) days  fun camp experience with the cooperation of Boracay Municipal Mayor John P. Yap, will be on May 19, 20 & 21 of 2011 as SkyAid, the Philippines' Lifeline in the Skies... monitors the entire summer camp activities. Hereunder are details of the 1st Mountaineers' Boracay Summer Camp 2011:

Registration free is Php 3,500.00 per head 

Fee is inclusive of Ticket & Fare (Caticlan - Boracay - Caticlan)

in & out roundtrip terminal fee

in & out environmental fee

boat, van / tricycle

eight (8) meals (P165/meal) from Thursday dinner to Sunday breakfast

All participants will be provided with souvenir programs, IDs & ID holders, T-shirts, Camp certification, Surprise gifts/ items and freebies. On the 21st, three (3) lucky campers of the 1st Mountaineers' Boracay Summer Camp will receive a one (1) year membership from SkyAid, the Philippines' first and only membership program providing access to air medical transport. SkyAid is a brilliant collaboration between Airgurus Ltd. Co. and Aeromed, the leaders in air and ground ambulance service in the country. 

Airgurus Ltd. Co. is the number air ambulance provider in the Philippines!

SkyAid, the Philippines' Lifeline in the Skies!

The deadline of submission for all interested participants, groups, clubs, associations and individuals will be on March 25, 2011. Any group, individual mountaineers and back packers are welcome to join! 

DAY 1 ACTIVITY BOARD click to see schedule

DAY 2 ACTIVITY BOARD click to see schedule

DAY 3 ACTIVITY BOARD click to see schedule

DAY 4 ACTIVITY BOARD click to see schedule

Now, here are the things that participants need to prepare:


1. Tent - for individual or sharing
2. Dress Code - mostly beach wear
3. Knowledge of game rules - on Frisbee, Soccer, Volleyball and others
4. Digital Camera - for documentaries & photo contest by individuals or team

This 1st Mountaineers' Boracay Summer Camp 2011 will be a very exciting and fun one for mountaineers and explorers. Why?... because obviously, it's in Boracay, Philippines! Also, this great and fun reunion for a cause is in support to...Brigada Eskwela (School Brigade) at public school in Boracay Island and gift-giving of school supplies to the Grade 1 pupils of the Public Elementary School in Main Land, Malay.

 

Now, don't you think this will be a fun vacation/camp experience in Boracay this year? For more details, please contact the event organizer, Teng Tupas at mobile number +63 928 4271968!

To know more about Airgurus Ltd. Co. and SkyAid, call the 24/7 operations center at +632 583 6337 / +632 854 4086 / +63 905 272 3022 / +63 920 955 0897 and +63 917 596 6288.

DEPECHE MODE DJ SET IN MANILA!

After Bob Sinclar at the World Trade Center, Republiq and Driven Manila bring you the DEPECHE MODE DJ Set featuring Andy Fletcher on February 24, 2011 at Republiq, Resorts World!!! 

Andy Fletcher has spent his recent downtime between DM albums touring extensively as a DJ.  He has played festivals (Creamfields, Pukkelpop, Sonar, Get Loaded) and club nights around the world particularly Spain, Italy, Germany, Eastern Europe as well as Greece, Istanbul, Russia & Israel.  He has also been on DJ tour in 5 countries in South America.  Andy is now very excited to be taking his DJ tour to Bucharest, Ukraine and Australia/Asia in early 2011.

"I really enjoy DJing, it's great to get eye contact in smaller venues again as I'm used to playing to tens of thousands of people with DM.  And it's great to be able to select tracks I like from any era and in any style."

 
"In general I don't tend to play any one style but my set is loosely based on my heritage with Depeche Mode - electro both old and new from the Human League to Alex Metric.  I'll be playing brand new DM mixes from respected producers such as Eric Prydz & Vince Clarke and classic old mixes such as Personal Jesus by Francois K.  You can expect some surprises as well as I've been working on a few things in the studio especially for this forthcoming DJ tour."

“It feels like a good time to be out DJing again, with a new DM remix album out in March 2011.  The last remix collection was hugely successful and this one is shaping up to be just as exciting – an interesting mix of favourite classic mixes and brand new future classic mixes.”

So there you go, folks! Didn't we say at Driven Manila that Bob Sinclar was just the beginning? ;-) For sponsorship, VIP and table reservations, see this... 

  
Fletch will surely rock Republiq!!! You absolutely can't afford to miss this!!!


2011 Best Gigs in Manila are brought to you by Driven Manila!

LIVING LIFE WITH PASSIONS IN 2011

I believe that to live a happy, fulfilled life, we need to recognize our own needs to feel connected to others in a deep and meaningful way.

My life in 2010 is about to end and a new one... a beautiful one will start in 2011. I want to live my life with my passions.

Living my passions will lead to fulfillment that will give my life more purpose, especially if it involves the people in my life. When our lives are fulfilled, it is difficult for any disease to manifest and thrive within. Our bodies will become engrossed in a positive feedback loop that thrives on the stimulation it is being fed. I will stick close to my passions, live by my own principles so I keep my health intact, improved and live longer a fulfilled life with the people I love.

I want to share the principles I have lived by that made me who and what I am to my family, friends and loved ones and these principles are what I intend to keep for my new life in 2011:

• I will live my life with my passions and make it my priority.
• I will look beyond my limitations.... finding things I still can do because it will help me find a way to live everyday with joy.
• I will never lose my sense of humor because there is absolutely nothing I can't laugh about. Laughter is still the best medicine.
• I will approach life again like I lived my life... with curiosity, courage and connections.
• I will open myself up to the mysterious.... as I don't have to be sure about everything.
• I will be fearless as always.... If I am to face death, I shall make it mean something and leave good footprints behind.
• I will keep in mind that if I am to say goodbye, it is saying hello to another awareness that could lead to contentment.
• I will appreciate life with it's ups and downs because my very existence is life to others.

 
My friends... I listen to my thoughts and emotions all the time. I use them as gauges to help me identify what things in my life are working for me and what isn't resonating. I strive to be on the right track, making me feel blissful and contented with the little blessings I get everyday. If there are days and situations that will bring me down and suck the life out of me, I will be making adjustments in my life so that I will move more towards a happier state of mind.

Live life with your passions and principles too, my friends... life is way too short...really! Here's to a beautiful 2011.... Happy New Year to all!!! :))

THE TWO CLASSIC NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS THAT ALWAYS FAIL US

The New Year's countdown is just about to start and here we all go again preparing a list of resolutions for 2011 before we hit the reset buttons. Here are two classic new year's resolutions included in everyone's lists that are bound to be epic failures...

1. Stop Smoking
You are so not alone!  Each year, more and more people choose to quit smoking cigarettes especially on a New Year's eve but what you don't know is that if you have not stopped by now, it is not likely that your puny will-power will somehow change its' ways in 2011. Duh!

2. Quit Drinking Alcohol
Trying to pick the New Year's Eve as a significant date to quit drinking alcohol is just a total failure because almost every household in the world has cans and bottles of some alcoholic content to welcome the New Year. It's either you lock yourself in a room without any drinks at all or sleep on it. The thing is, when you successfully get out sober, you will miss the revelry and feel that at the beginning of the New Year, you suck!

Look...  you need to get a grip of yourself... these 2 top ranked new year's resolutions are not gonna do you good. You just can't. 

I personally tried and tried and tried but I always managed to get to renew myself after NYE revelry when I don't pick the New Year's Eve as the significant date to say "I'm gonna be better at the start of it"!  


Be not one of the millions of people who are drawn to the ritualistic hope of achieving some mystical or magical outcome as if... perhaps... finally... we will be able to triumph over a bad habit of fear that has resisted our most sincere efforts in the years that have passed!

It has been a proven research over the years that gave the following conclusions...

• That about 80% of all New Year's Resolutions are broken by January 31. If that resolution had something to do with health and fitness (working out, losing weight, quitting smoking, etc), 90% will be history by January 15th! 
• By the end of the year, less than 5% of us will have persevered with our resolutions intact. It's easy to see why so many people don't take this annual ritual serious to begin with!

New Year's Resolutions are so vexing for most of us. Regardless of what we say we want, or how badly we want it, or how sincere or determined we are, the "reality" for each of us is that... we expect to do the same things we've always done, with the hopeful chance of some improvement. 

The trick to busting out of this resolutions cycle is to find a way to think outside our expectations, because if we don't do that, no amount of strategies or goal-setting is going to make much difference. 

It isn't an overnight process and it won't happen on NYE. However, there are a lot of steps we have to take before we can get ourselves headed in the right direction.

You know what... maybe we are just wired that way when it comes to New Year's Resolutions. I'm sure though... that if some of us (like the less than 5% of us) actually triumph over these two vexing resolutions, it does feel good when we finally stop. My attitude towards these though... is just not to stress to much about it. Instead, I will go out and have total fun this New Year's Eve at Society Lounge... drinking and smoking like everyone else! So go have fun too! Quit thinking about quitting habits on this significant date!

I'll hit the gym and the pool the day after the New Year's eve hangover! Happy New Year to everyone!!! :))

These are great images from my Boracay 2010 New Year's Eve Countdown! I miss my friends from last year but I'm sure... I'll see them again ;))