Starbucks Drive Thru

Starbucks Coffee is set to open it's drive thru branch in Fort Bonifacio on Wednesday, November 24.  As it maybe the only branch in the Philippines that will offer coffee on the go, it turns out that it's not the first one in Asia (Malaysia opened it's first Starbucks drive thru December of last year, see here).

Photos courtesy of Starbucks Philippines Facebook site.  Read more...

Muji in Manila

There used to be this store in Manila back in the days that sold stuff in just black or white called Anonymous. And then it poofed.


At that time, the word Muji was alien to me.  By the time I became an avid Chuvaness reader , I learned of what Muji is. Now it seemed like the Anonymous we once had was inspired by this store.

It has now been a habit for me to drop by the Muji store in Causeway Bay everytime I get sent to Hong Kong for business trips ^^. The good news is that according to Ms. C, Muji will be opening here in Manila by next year.

Something I'm really looking forward to now. :)

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Funds, Funds, Funds

That is what I really really need since I realized how much I have to have separate funds for travel, for food trips, for shopping, for personal care, and for shows I want to watch. Argh.



If this year, I was able to watch ZsaZsa Zaturnnah, Ze Muzikal, The Spelling Bee (both with Rai and office friends), The Fantasticks (with the girlfriends), and Pussycat Dolls: Doll Domination Concert at MOA (with Rai and one of the girlfriends)...

for 2010, as early as now, I know I want to watch Ne-yo's concert on January, Rent on February, Avenue Q on March, and CATS on July. Have to save up now!!

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CATS Musical in Manila

Lunchbox Theatrical Productions (a UK-based group), together with the Philippines' Concertus, Inc are set to stage Cats in Manila on July 2010. (Avatar's live action movie will also be shown on July next year *yey*).  Our very own Lea Salonga will play a prominent character in this musical production as Grizabella, the "glamour cat".  She will join an international cast that will more or less come from Australia and the United Kingdom.

The musical Cats has been known as one of the longest-running in West End and Broadway history having played for 21 years and 18 years respectively.  Cats features songs composed by musical theater master Andrew Lloyd Webber (also responsible for the other musical hits such as The Phantom of the Opera and Jesus Christ Superstar)  based on Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats by T.S. Eliot. One popular song from this musical is "Memory", originally performed by Elaine Paige, a theater veteran.

Tickets are exclusively available to Citibank card holders from November 3, 2009 to December 6, 2009 (prices as follows).  

It means from December 6 onwards, non-Citibank holders can buy their tickets.  Also for Citibank card holders, a 10% discount can be availed until December 31, 2009.  See more details here.

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Pacquiao vs Cotto Fight In A Few Hours

Later today, it would not come as a surprise if roads will be clear around town. No traffic since almost every Filipino will be inside their houses or stuck in some place to watch and support our own boxing champion, Manny Pacquiao, in his match against the Puerto Rican champion Miguel Cotto.

The fight which is called:  Firepower: Pacquiao vs. Cotto will be shown here in the Philippines at around 9 in the morning.  But in this time and age, fans need not settle on local TV stations to witness this fight (it means, there's no need to be tortured seeing TVC's over and over again every 5 minutes).  Different establishments provide pay per view option as seen in this list.  If you don't have the budget for this, another list of venues is available wherein viewers can watch for free.  If in case you still prefer to watch this highly anticipated WBO Welterweight championship, you can catch it on GMA-7 at around 11a.m. (fyi: this is a delayed telecast). In which case, no matter where you catch this match, I'm sure you'll just be one with everyone rooting for Pacman.

I am no boxing expert. I would not even pass for a boxing fan as well.  All I know is that here's a Filipino bringing pride to our country who deserves our prayers so that he hopefully wins this fight.

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7 Days, 2 Cards, and 15 Stickers

My "wish" for a Starbucks 2010 Planner...


... came true early this morning.



Snow and Ken inspecting the planner's coupons inside pages

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Red Is In

... in Starbucks coffee branches, that is.


It's that time of the year when everywhere you look, you see red (i.e. from tumblers to mugs to paper cups to (overhead) menus to barista shirts). I'm not too keen with this year's paper cups design and I can't help but miss last year's design. But I digress. This also means that the promo cards to be used to collect stickers for the Starbucks Limited Edition Planner are out. This year, one has to purchase 9 featured holiday beverages and 8 other beverages of your choice. The three featured holiday drinks (Dark Cherry Mocha, Toffee Nut Latte, and Peppermint Mocha) aren't really new and are just making a comeback.

As for the planner... We've had a look and feel of the planner and have come to say this: I like it that I cannot decide which cover design to choose. If last year, we were given 3 colors (red, blue, and black) to choose from. This year, we are given 3 cover designs (coffee bean plant, coffee beans roasting, and an espresso shot) to decide on. In addition, each cover has it's own texture as well (rough, knotted surface for the coffee beans roasting shot, sanded leather-like for the coffee bean shot, and velvety sking for the espresso shot). The planner comes with coupons (6 of these), very much like that of 2006's. It's light and handy, so there's no problem with me carrying it around. Checking the insides, it looks as if it's based on a business-type planner. It's not a good thing for me because I like a journal-type since I like listing down my things-to-do and writing down thoughts here and there. Other than that, I'd say this planner passes my taste.

Red... Peppermint Mocha... Planner closeup look. Hmm.. Could be why I am on a high today?

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Red Cups in About 3 Days

Only a few more days before we see those red cups (for hot drinks) and taste those featured holiday drinks once again. Also, I hear there will be new food offerings starting November 4, too.

Most importantly, it's only a matter of 3 days before we see Starbucks' 2010 Planner. (By the way, that, there on the image above is one of the covers we will be seeing for this coming year's planner. It seems it's going to be a notebook-type the 3rd time around. *yey for me*).

So while I wait, let me enjoy some of what are available for now... :)

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That Starbucks Christmas Tradition

By now, most people are probably waiting for Starbucks to officially introduce the holiday drinks as well as release the promo cards needed to get that much coveted 2010 Starbucks Planner. Based from the barista I asked, it will be on November 4. So, 10 days from now, people will start scrambling to drink the featured drinks just to have the planner. At the same time, it's also this time when some people would smirk and think what a capitalist ploy this is. Yes, it only applies here in the Philippines (apparently, Starbucks in other countries do not have this kind of promo).

You can actually put me in the group that's trying to complete whatever number of stickers are needed to have the planner as a 'reward'. I started December 2005 and got the 2006 Starbucks planner as my first.
Truth be told, I really don't think I'm wasting money on something that can be bought cheaper if it's another brand because I'm a Starbucks patron after all - either me and my friend/officemates have our break there or i spend time alone at a nearby branch.

I actually enjoy comparing and using the planners every year. Among the planners I got, I still like 2006's the most. It's not bulky. It's not heavy. And it's more of like a notebook. Add to that, it had coupons with it. Planner for 2007 was what I didn't like the most because although it looked more chic, it takes a toll to carry it all the time (required me to carry a durable bag as well). 2008's planner is slimmer and lighter but I have complaints regarding the paper since it's not thick and I can't use my colored gel pens to write on it. I kinda like this year's planner as it kind of resembles 2006's, just that I didn't like the colors that much (the black one looked like a Bible and the blue one looked like a record book that's why I chose the red).

I'm hoping the planner for next year will be easy to lug around as I bring mine everyday and everywhere. Cute designs plus quality paper would be ideal, too. Anyone from Starbucks who can read this? :)

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Jacque Bermejo Causes A Stir

We all know that the last thing we need is an insensitive remark about the recent calamity that tropical storm Ondoy brought to the Philippines.

"buti n lng am hir in dubai! maybe so many sinners bak der! so yeah deserving wat hapend!"

*click to enlarge

Jacque Bermejo is a Filipina, working for a media company in Dubai. What made her infamous was her Facebook status that caught the attention and spite of most Filipinos who saw it. In a matter of minutes (or was it just seconds?), people have already spread the word in Facebook, Twitter and Multiply. A Facebook group had been created with this name: Jacque Bermejo be gone,we "sinners" don't want you here!!!. Her multiply account has been bombarded by an endless stream of hate comments. One would have a hard time trying to read them because the comments come in every second. Don't look now, but a wikepedia entry has already been created as well. Yes, that's how much rage she was able to acquire over a short period of time.

Now, we wonder what made her put that up for everyone to see. Was that supposed to be a joke or did she mean each and every single word of it? Whatever her reason maybe, the damage has been done. It wasn't the right thing to do, plain and simple.

We can't do much if people would want to retort back and put her in her rightful place. Most would say she deserves what she's getting. Then again, a person like this shouldn't be given the time of the day anymore. What we can do is to save our energy for something more important. There's so much to be done, why not take action instead?

On that note, here's a helpful site on how and where to donate and/or volunteer.

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Korean Film Festival 2009 at Shangri-la

Cine Europa ended its run at the Shangri-la Plaza Mall last Sunday, September 20. For those who get a kick watching international movies, you will be happy to know that there will be a new film festival starting tomorrow. The Embassy of the Republic of Korea presents the 2009 Koren Film Festival from September 23 to 29, 2009 at Shangri-la Cineplex Cinema 3. Admission is still free.

To see the schedule and movie synopses, check out these images

As a tip from someone who was raring to see at least one Cine Europa entry but ended up seeing none (*boohoo*), I suggest anyone planning to catch this Korean film festival to line up really early for the tickets. The first time we tried our luck, we got to the venue 15 minutes before the 7:30 movie. Ticket staff told us that they give out tickets 30 minutes before the actual screening time (last I heard, they were giving it out 1 hour prior to the movie). I guess this is how it is when a movie is shown for free. No doubt about it though, it's not like one can not get hold of a copy of the said movies and be able to watch it in the comfort of your own home. Then again, sometimes nothing beats the experience of watching a movie inside a cinema (unless you have your own movie room in your house), right?

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Facebook Lite: strips down!

The world's favorite social networking site Facebook has risen to the top in no time despite being a late comer in the industry and has completely triumphed over their rivals. What's the secret to their success?

If you ask me, I'd say:

• Status Update Feed.
  
• Chat.
  
• Poke.
  
• Pet Society.
  
• Mafia Wars.
  
• Farm Town.
  
• Restaurant City.
  
• My Calendar.
  
• Give your enemies rashes.
  

Okay I made the last one up, but still, the list goes on... Most of these are applications we have associated with Facebook and are a major contributor to their status quo. However, the recent buzz talks of Facebook getting ready to do away with all these and attempts to give you more with less. Introducing Facebook Lite, which is exactly the same as Facebook minus the applications, the quizzes, the requests for mundane activities you're not really interested in. Here's a sample screenshot. I chose someone's profile that's easy on the eyes ;) and have picked the ever popular queen of Philippine cosplays herself, Alodia Gosiengfiao.

They have kept the most used features which are the friend search and the status update feed. Twitter and Plurk users will definitely feel at home with this setup, since this brings Facebook close to being a micro blogging tool, also allowing you to insert url links, photos and videos. The comments are still enabled for each post. I'd say it's like Twitter, only more organized as it is easier to keep track of the responses. It's also like Plurk, only without the karma system (something that that you can either love or hate as people are encouraged to post a lot of spam uninformative messages :p). It appears that Facebook is doing this for either or both of the following reasons:

1. They have accepted that micro blogging is the future and are positioning themselves early.
   
2. To cater to users on a low bandwidth line to minimize packet data transfers.
   

Personally, I don't have any complaints with this direction. They might not be original in all their features but you have to recognize the effort they are putting in to improve their services and probably remain the best out there.

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Facebook Adopts Twitter's @Mentions

Kulit mentioned about Facebook allowing it's users to post status updates using the @mention tag similar to that of Twitter.

I looked into it and found out that Facebook has indeed rolled out their new feature. This "tagging" feature lets you to just type the @ symbol followed by your friend's (or an application's, a page's, or even an event's) name making the "mentioned" be tagged in your status update (take note that only a maximum of 6 tags per status are allowed).

Here's how it is done:

What happens when you type the @ symbol


Drop Down Menu is revealed


You've been tagged!

I guess Facebook users but non-Twitter users would wonder what's the deal with this new stuff.

Let me then explain it this way. If before, you wanted to greet a friend on her birthday, you had to go to that person's profile and post on her Wall a birthday shoutout. Now, with this @mention, you can just post on your own profile that birthday greet (i.e. ji greets @Kulit a happy birthday) and your friend will be notified that you have tagged him/her. It will also show on your friend's feed by the way. Technically speaking, with all your thoughts and 'actions' being kept to your profile as a stream of status updates, it looks all the more like Twitter's concept.

Although imitation maybe a form of flattery, I'm not sure if Twitter users will be happy Facebook implementing this. I honestly think Facebook should have focused on fixing their bugs first instead of introducing something new. Or maybe Facebook just wants to give Twitter a run for their money?

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Kanye West Insults Taylor Swift at the 2009 MVA

Taylor Swift, being young and talented, is one artist that I adore. Not all would probably agree with her winning her first MTV Music Video Award (for Best Female Video category) last Sunday, September 13. But she doesn't deserve what Kanye West did to her:

The moment was destroyed for the young talent.

Soon after Kanye bullied Taylor, Beyonce made something good out of the situation:

Major props to Beyonce for being thoughtful *sniff*. As for Kanye... I guess he's just being himself, a jerk, that is.

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Manila International Book Fair (MIBF) 2009

Book lovers are in for a treat as the 30th Manila International Book Fair is just around the corner. The fair will be open from September 16-20, 2009 (10:00am - 8:00pm) at Exhibit Halls 1-4 SMX Convention Center in Mall of Asia Complex.

Founded 30 years ago, the said fair not only provides a venue for people to "celebrate their love for books". It also provides a venue for publishers "to promote new titles and authors", as what the official MIBF website states.

Events such as forums, book launching, live performances, storytelling sessions, and even cosplay competitions are to be expected. There will be fees charged for the forums at affordable prices.

Interested individuals can even get FREE admission tickets. Click here.

From movies to books... I'd say this month is made for people who are into these like me. :)

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Applications in Yahoo Mail

It hasn't been long since Yahoo! revamped the layout of their mail to give it a new look which is a deviation from the classic blocky design, you can of course switch between whichever you're more comfortable with. But lately, Yahoo! has taken another step to further enrich their user experience by providing applications inside Yahoo!Mail so you don't need to leave your mailbox to do other tasks.

I was somewhat surprised when I checked my email account to see that there were new additons to my mailbox.

Just below my folders frame is a new frame containing icons for applications.


You can also open the Applications Gallery to bring up the tab for selecting the applications you wish to add to your disposal ;)


MyPhotos (by xoopit)
is an application developed by Xoopit, a company that deals with mail applications, indexing and content discovery. My Photos allows you to browse all the picture in your inbox and makes it easy for you to share them through email.

picnik
in a nutshell is an online photo editing tool which allows you to make easy adjustments such as cropping, touch-up, or for adding effects. Like My Photos, Picnik digs deep into the contents of your mails and gives you the option to adjust any pictures you fancy and send it to your email recipients. I'm expecting the former to be faster but none is proven yet, if not, then you know you won't need it ^^.

flickr
links your flickr account to your ymail allowing you to browse your photostream, sets, groups and attach them to your emails. Although trivial, it should be noted that unlike the other apps, this one just opens a floating window inside your mailbox instead of opening a new tab for you to navigate.

PayPal
allows you to easily send/request payments using your PayPal account (which is usually linked to your email address). It might be unfair for me to pass judgment since I haven't tried using it yet, but I think at most it can only automate filling in your email address for you or provide a lookup of your addressbook. Not really one of those apps that has much bearing if you don't add it to your application list.

ZumoDrive
claims that their service is actually cold storage which can be used for sharing large files such as videos for people you grant permission to access. For the link with the ymail, I would imagine that it just gives you the option to "invite" those people you wish to authorize in accessing your file.

As these are some very useful tools, they do require you to authorize them to automatically sign you in or grant them permission to access the data in your mailbox. You need to be aware of the risks of allowing third party applications in accessing the contents of your mailbox so better make sure you understand everything before you click that "Accept" button.

You can find more information here in Yahoo!Mail's official blog site. If you don't have this features yet, don't worry and be patient, they rolled this out in US first and will eventually find it's way to your mailbox.
So, which app did you find most useful?

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12th Cine Europa at Shangri-la

The 12th European Film Festival will run from September 11 to 20 at the Premier Theater of Shangri-la Plaza Mall. The festival then moves in Octopber to Cebu City and Cagayan de Oro City. A total of 18 box-office hits and award winning films from Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom will be shown in their original language. Since the purpose of Cine Europa is to expose local movie enthusiasts to not only the film tradition in Europe but also the European culture, admission is free but on a first-come, first served basis.

The schedule is as follows:

Synopses can be found in this Facebook page.

As for me, I hope I get to watch these:

(1) The Last Summer for a coming-of-age fix, (2) The Blind Flyers for something youth-oriented same with (3) Rascals on the Road, (4) The Duchess for some period drama, and (5) Love is All for an early Christmas treat.

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JLPT 2009 Application Deadline

As a reminder for those who are to take the JLPT here in the Philippines, the application deadline is but less than a week away. September 3, 2009 to be exact (from 10:00am - 12:00noon and 2:00pm - 5:00pm). In addition, make sure you have read the form booklet guidelines before filling up the application form.

Exam fees are to be paid (Php 850.00 for Level 1 and 2 takers, and Php 750.00 for Level 3 and 4 takers) together with the accomplished form and (2) 1x1 photos at these locations:

The Japan Foundation, Manila (JF, Manila)

12/F Pacific Star Bldg.

Sen. Gil Puyat Ave. (Buendia Ext.) cor. Makati Ave.

Tel. # 811-61-55 to 58 Fax # 811-61-53

Mindanao Kokusai Daigaku (MKD)

Angliongto Ave., Lanang, Davao City

Tel. # (082) 233-0013 / 0081

Japanese Association Cebu, Inc.

5/F Clotilde Commercial Center

M. L. Quezon St., Casuntingan, Mandaue City

Tel. # (032) 343-7662 / Fax # (032) 343-7663

For those not in the know, JLPT stands for Japanese Language Proficiency Test (日本語能力試験, nihongo nōryoku shiken) and is used to certify non-native speakers' Japanese proficiency. The exam is held worldwide but conducted only once a year here in the Philippines. It comprises of four levels, (with Level 4 the most basic and Level 1 the most difficult), covering writing-vocabulary (includes Kanji), listening and reading-grammar. Level differences for examinees can be explained as follows:

Level 1 – Mastery of grammar is high, knows about 2,000 Kanji and 10,000 words, and spent about 900 hours of study.

Level 2 – Mastery of grammar is relatively high, knows about 1,000 Kanji and 6,000 words, and spent about 600 hours of study.

Level 3 – Mastery of grammar is at a limited level, knows about 300 Kanji and 1,500 words, and spent about 300 hours of study.

Level 4 – Mastery of grammar is at basic elements, knows about 100 Kanji and 800 words, and spent about 150 hours of study.

The examinee should be cautious in choosing the level which best corresponds to their Japanese-language proficiency or ability and classroom training as advised by The Japan Foundation (Manila) website. That being said, I decided to take Level 4 instead of re-taking Level 3 (since I missed less than a point to pass the exam the last time I took it T_T) based on these reasons: (1)I am self-studying/self-reviewing which means my resources will be minimal (i.e. no listening materials for review), and (2)work is toxic but I have to make sure that I review 1 lesson per day at the least.

More information can be found @ Japan Foundation Manila, Office website.

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