Project: Abbie

Project: Abbie http://abbiereal.multiply.com/ Welcome to my on-line project. Here's where I stash my pictures, music, and other thingamigs. Take a peek and celebrate life's journeys with me! : ) <div style="width: 176px;text-align: center;"><embed allowscriptaccess="never" src="http://twitter.com/flash/twitter_badge.swf" flashvars="color1=10040217&type=user&id=12748342" quality="high" name="twitter_badge" wmode="transparent" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer' /" width="176" align="middle" height="176"> <a style="font-size: 10px;color: rgb(153, 51, 153);text-decoration: none;" href="http://twitter.com/Abbie12"> Follow Abbie at Twitter</a></div>  <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/abbiereal" type="application/rss+xml" rel="alternate"><img style="border: 0px none;vertical-align: middle;" alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png"></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/abbiereal" type="application/rss+xml" rel="alternate">Subscribe to Project: Abbie via Feed Reader</a>   <a href="http://friendfeed.com/abbiereal"><img alt="Subscribe to me on FriendFeed" src="http://friendfeed.com/static/images/chiclet.png" title="Subscribe to me on FriendFeed"></a> Fri, 5 Dec 2008 10:07:28 -0000 Mon, 1 Dec 2008 08:22:00 -0000 Project: Abbie http://images.abbiereal.multiply.com/logo http://abbiereal.multiply.com/ 100 100 My Cousin's Wedding My cousin <a href="http://www.new.facebook.com/home.php?ref=logo#/profile.php?id=635131670&hiq=eliza%2Creal">Eliza</a>, the daughter of my dad's brother, had the wedding of her dreams to Vince last Friday at the charming Madre De Dios Midlands Chapel in Tagaytay Highlands. The Real family (or what's left of it here in the Philippines) came in full attendance to celebrate the joyous occasion. <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27237177@N06/3072646605/" title="Madre De Dios Midlands Chapel by abbiexcites, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3159/3072646605_36ec0f6192.jpg" alt="Madre De Dios Midlands Chapel" width="400" height="300"></a> Madre de Dios Midlands Chapel Tagaytay Highlands <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27237177@N06/3070671969/" title="Madre de Dios' view by abbiexcites, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3032/3070671969_83cbcefb66.jpg" alt="Madre de Dios' view" width="400" height="300"></a> View of Taal from Madre De Dios Ate Meliza looked extra-fabulous and extra-beautiful on her wedding. She looked like a gorgeous Goddess who came down from the heavens! I almost cried when I saw her walking down the aisle to meet Vince. She's surely one of the best-looking brides I've seen and I'm not saying this because she's related to me. <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27237177@N06/3071502064/" title="A Walk To Remember by abbiexcites, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3202/3071502064_96a3b4baff.jpg" alt="A Walk To Remember" width="300" height="400"></a> The beautiful bride walking down the aisle <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27237177@N06/3071503388/" title="Madre De Dios by abbiexcites, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3174/3071503388_c2caab04d1.jpg" alt="Madre De Dios" width="400" height="300"></a> The nice altar at Madre de Dios <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27237177@N06/3071505784/" title="Family Pic by abbiexcites, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3170/3071505784_43cfbf23f9.jpg" alt="Family Pic" width="400" height="300"></a> Ate with her immediate family <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27237177@N06/3070667537/" title="With Principal Sponsors by abbiexcites, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3139/3070667537_87fc7886f2.jpg" alt="With Principal Sponsors" width="400" height="300"></a> I love this photo! Everyone is looking at different directions I love everything about the wedding! From the elegant styling to the on-site video with U2's "All I Want Is You" as music. I also love the way all things... http://abbiereal.multiply.com/journal/item/149/My_Cousins_Wedding Mon, 1 Dec 2008 08:22:00 -0000 Vince & Eliza's Wedding Bermejo - Real Nuptials 28 November 2008 Madre de Dios Midlands Chapel Tagaytay Highlands Country Club Here are the pictures of my cousin Eliza's wedding to Vince at the Madre de Dios Midlands Chapel in Tagaytay Highlands. It was such a very nice and enjoyable affair for everyone. It was also like a mini-reunion for us Reals because one of my cousins, Ate Margo, came home from the US to be part of the entourage. Congratulations and Best Wishes, Vince and Ate! Click <a href="http://abbieunreal.blogspot.com/2008/11/my-cousins-wedding.html" this="this" link</a="link</a"> this link</a> to view my blog post on the wedding. http://abbiereal.multiply.com/photos/album/86/Vince_Elizas_Wedding Mon, 1 Dec 2008 03:54:44 -0000 David Cook's First Album Post-Idol Here are the songs from David Cook's first self-titled album post-American Idol. I am not into rock and loud music but these are some of the exceptions. My early favorites? Declaration, Mr. Sensitive, Lie and I Did It For you. Enjoy! <img class="alignmiddleb" src="http://www.davidcookofficial.com/sites/davidcook/files/DC_-_offcial_crop_cvr.jpg" border="0"> http://abbiereal.multiply.com/music/item/131/David_Cooks_First_Album_Post-Idol Sun, 23 Nov 2008 17:00:46 -0000 Touch & Go November 21 was probably one of the longest and most tiring days of my life. Here's a detailed account of what happened: 3:30 AM My alarm went off and I punched the snooze button. I still had 30 more minutes of sleep time. 5:00 AM I left the house for the airport. My Philippine Airlines flight to Cagayan de Oro was at 7:10 AM. It was very early in the morning so I figured that it will be a quick trip from Laguna to Paranaque. 5:45 AM I was wrong! I spent more than 30 minutes on standstill near the Sta. Rosa interchange. The morning shift people going to nearby TechnoPark created a huge traffic jam. 6:25 AM I arrived at the NAIA Terminal 2 just in time! I quickly checked-in, got my boarding pass and paid for my terminal fee. Good thing I only had my big handbag and laptop thus no check-in luggage. <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27237177@N06/3049924963/" title="iPhone 200 by abbiexcites, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3187/3049924963_f7c5f90353.jpg" alt="iPhone 200" width="400" height="300"></a> 6:40 AM My flight was called and I was one of the last who boarded because I had "breakfast" of Red Ribbon Special Mamon and Coke at the waiting lounge. 7:12 AM I put on my sunglasses and pash... http://abbiereal.multiply.com/journal/item/148/Touch_Go Sat, 22 Nov 2008 21:20:00 -0000 Abbie The Assumptionista My Assumption days were probably the least documented part of my life. It was the most "rush" phase of my 30 years. I breezed through the four years with minimal mishaps and misadventures. I was so eager to go out and conquer the world beyond the fences of Assumption thus memories of the times I had there were at times vague. So I am very thankful that my friend from the dorm, Tisha, posted some of our analog photos in her Facebook. Its nice to reminisce and remember the carefree days of college...just pardon the fugliness! More to follow! http://abbiereal.multiply.com/photos/album/84/Abbie_The_Assumptionista Fri, 14 Nov 2008 20:14:28 -0000 Countdown to David Cook's First Album! <img class="alignmiddleb" src="http://www.davidcookofficial.com/sites/davidcook/files/DC_-_offcial_crop_cvr.jpg" border="0"> David Cook's self-titled album will be out in 10 days! Here's the official press release from <a href="American%20Idol%20winner%20David%20Cook%20will%20release%20his%20self-titled%20debut%20album%20on%20November%2018,%202008%20%28November%2017%20in%20Asia%29.%20%20The%20first%20single,%20%22Light%20On,%22%20produced%20by%20Grammy%20winning%20producer%20Rob%20Cavallo%20%28Green%20Day,%20Kid%20Rock%29%20is%20currently%20available%20at%20all%20digital%20music%20providers.%20%20%22Light%20On%22%20was%20co-written%20by%20one%20of%20rock%20music%27s%20most%20influential%20innovators,%20Chris%20Cornell,%20lead%20singer%20and%20songwriter%20for%20Soundgarden%20and%20Audioslave,%20and%20acclaimed%20producer%20/%20songwriter%20Brian%20Howes,%20who%20has%20worked%20with%20superstar%20rock%20bands%20such%20as%20Hinder%20and%20Puddle%20of%20Mudd.%20%20In%20late%20September%20%22Light%20On%22%20premiered%20on%20AOL%20Music%27s%20pop%20culture%20news%20site,%20PopEater.com,%20receiving%20over%201%20million%20plays%20in%20less%20than%20week.%20Cook%20has%20been%20busy%20in%20the%20studio,%20co-writing%20many%20of%20the%20upcoming%20album%27s%20tracks%20alongside%20some%20of%20music%27s%20hottest%20rock%20songwriters.">MTV</a>: American Idol winner David Cook will release his self-titled debut album on November 17 (in Asia) and November 18. The first single, "Light On," produced by Grammy winning producer Rob Cavallo (Green Day, Kid Rock) is currently available at all digital music providers. "Light On" was co-written by one of rock music's most influential innovators, Chris Cornell, lead singer and songwriter for Soundgarden and Audioslave, and acclaimed producer / songwriter Brian Howes, who has worked with superstar rock bands such as Hinder and Puddle of Mudd. In late September "Light On" premiered on AOL Music's pop culture news site, PopEater.com, receiving over 1 million plays in less than week. Cook has been busy in the studio, co-writing many of the upcoming album's tracks alongside some of music's hottest rock songwriters. To view the rest of the songs redirect your browsers to <a href="http://www.davidcookofficial.com/news/album-cover-and-song-titles">D... http://abbiereal.multiply.com/journal/item/147/Countdown_to_David_Cooks_First_Album Sat, 8 Nov 2008 11:57:00 -0000 Beloved Baguio October 16 - 17 Baguio City Me and two colleagues, Kat and Reggie, went to Baguio three weekends ago for work. We presented some new stuff and projects for our North Luzon Wireless Operations; and we attended their customer event called Panagdayaw (which means tribute in the Ilocano dialect). It was just a quick trip but a fun one! We went shopping at some ukay ukay shops, had an uphill walk-a-thon to SM Baguio, and bonded over sinigang and grilled foodies at Gerry's. Our second day was also fun because of the well-prepared customer event of our Wireless Center Managers at Hotel Supreme. After the one-of-a-kind and unexpected program tribute, we all went to <a href="http://www.northhavenspa.com">North Haven Spa</a> with some of our subscribers for some massage treat. They made us try the unique Tal-Talad-Tad Massage which is an indigenous signature body massage of the Mountain Province. It used some soothing strokes that calms and relaxes the senses. It's definitely a must try! http://abbiereal.multiply.com/photos/album/83/Beloved_Baguio Sat, 1 Nov 2008 10:58:16 -0000 Consumer Electronics Live Techies and gadget lovers should not miss this exciting event on October 24, 25 and 26 at the SMX, SM Mall of Asia. The event will feature the latest product previews and offerings from the biggest names in the electronics and telecommunications industry. <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27237177@N06/2965531497/" title="Consumer Electronics Live by abbiexcites, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3239/2965531497_f9341cd265.jpg" alt="Consumer Electronics Live" width="328" height="500"></a> I will personally come to the event to check out cameras and get some cool accessories for my iPhone and other stuff. Twitter EB, anyone? See you! http://abbiereal.multiply.com/journal/item/145/Consumer_Electronics_Live Thu, 23 Oct 2008 06:20:00 -0000 Awarding and Ooozing Prizes My biggest reward and claim this year (so far) <a href="http://abbieunreal.blogspot.com/2008/08/i-won.html">was winning</a> the <a href="http://abbieunreal.blogspot.com/2008/07/myponds-7-day-beauty-blog.html">Pond's 7-day Beauty Blog</a> last July. I am not really into joining contests but there was <a href="http://abbieunreal.blogspot.com/2008/07/taste-of-beauty-taste-of-ponds.html">something about it</a> that made me do it. The novelty and excitement over winning already wore off and I actually forgot a bit about it; so I was quite surprised when I received an e-mail message from Unilever about the contest awarding. The awarding was held at Taste Asia at SM Mall of Asia last Friday, October 3. It was a simple ceremony over a delicious lunch (the tempura of Taste Asia is really good!) with people from <a href="http://www.unilever.com.ph/">Unilever</a>, their agency, and SM Hypermart in attendance. <a href="http://aileenapolo.blogspot.com/">Aileen Apolo</a> of Google Philippines and <a href="http://www.xeemomma.net/">Xee</a>, the other Pond's blog winner, were also there and I was really happy to finally meet them. I had fun and even made new acquaintances through the simple event. <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/abbiereal/2930269068/" title="October 3 - Pond's Awarding by AbbieReal, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3147/2930269068_f80fa287aa.jpg" alt="October 3 - Pond's Awarding" width="400" height="300"></a> Awarding with Unilever's Richie & Patrick, Aileen and SM people I was so happy about the prizes! Since the contest and announcement happened way back in July, it ... http://abbiereal.multiply.com/journal/item/144/Awarding_and_Ooozing_Prizes Fri, 10 Oct 2008 15:49:00 -0000 Panglao and The Islands I obviously like Bohol so much because this is my fourth post about it. But this last tale will not be as long as the others because I was a bit grouchy and tired half of the time on our second day in the island. We woke up around 6:00 am for some island hopping. Waking up that early on a Sunday while on vacation was probably the reason for my grouchiness. Waking up early is not my strongest suit even if it involves exciting dolphins which can only be seen early in the morning. The only consolation for me were sunrise pictures! I already had dozens of beach sunset snaps from various vacations in <a href="http://abbieunreal.blogspot.com/2005/02/quickie-so-busy-no-time-to-update-and.html">Anilao</a>, <a href="http://abbieunreal.blogspot.com/2005/03/coco-loco-while-half-of-population-is.html">Puerto Galera</a> and <a href="http://abbiereal.multiply.com/photos/album/79#45">Boracay</a> but I never had sunrise pictures until now. I was wowed over! <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/abbiereal/2893004621/" title="Sunrise, Sunrise! by AbbieReal, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3089/2893004621_cbbd94c497.jpg" alt="Sunrise, Sunrise!" width="400" height="300"></a> Sunrise, oh sunrise! We traveled for more than an hour to the part of the ocean where the dolphins were. We saw a couple here and there; then I was suddenly sea-sick! It was actually a weird feeling because I've never been sea-sick all my life. I probably became nauseous (and bored?) because of the... http://abbiereal.multiply.com/journal/item/143/Panglao_and_The_Islands Sun, 28 Sep 2008 01:33:00 -0000 Culture-rich Bohol I wasn't able to blog again in Bohol, so much for the "live blogging" <a href="http://abbieunreal.blogspot.com/2008/09/blog-bohol.html">I promised</a>. It was very hard to be in front of a laptop when you are in paradise! So here's the continuing saga of our Bohol vacation... Our first agenda was the Cutural and Historical Tour. We got a Tour Guide, Kuya Willy, and he took us all over the province with matching commentaries and trivia about the province. We also learned through him that 70% of Bohol's income comes from tourism. <a href="http://margeeness.multiply.com/">Marj</a> sat in front of the van and matched Kuya Willy's history-filled stories with her questions while Anna, Libay and I sat in the back and took turns sleeping as we go from one destination to another. We were so hungry from the flight so our first stop was at the Loboc River where the Riverwatch Floating Restaurant was. It was a one-of-a-kind lunch cruise that let you sail through the majestic Loboc River with stops at river banks where rondalla music entertains. The food is okay and the <a href="http://abbiereal.multiply.com/photos/album/82#117">buffet has a good selection</a>. I wasn't abl... http://abbiereal.multiply.com/journal/item/142/Culture-rich_Bohol Fri, 26 Sep 2008 20:47:00 -0000 Bohol Beautiful September 13 - 15, 2008 Bohol Three officemates and I went to Bohol two weekends ago to have our yearly Team Celebration Program (TCP). Our numbers dwindled to four because of some project charters and budget templates that were due that weekend (thus Libay and I also brought our laptops to Bohol). We nevertheless had fun and enjoyed every minute of our stay there. :) I obviously love Bohol because I already blogged about the trip four times which you can view <a href="http://abbieunreal.blogspot.com/2008/09/blog-bohol.html"> here</a>,<a href="http://abbieunreal.blogspot.com/2008/09/i-am-in-bohol.html"> here</a>, <a href="http://abbieunreal.blogspot.com/2008/09/culture-rich-bohol.html"> here</a> and <a href="http://abbieunreal.blogspot.com/2008/09/panglao-and-islands.html">here</a>. And now here are the pictures... *Thanks to <a href="http://margeeness.multiply.com"> Marj</a> for most of the photos! http://abbiereal.multiply.com/photos/album/82/Bohol_Beautiful Sun, 21 Sep 2008 18:59:40 -0000 I Am In Bohol I am in Bohol…and blogging (how dorky can I be?). We just got in our hotel after a nice by the beach shore dinner at one of the restaurants along Alona Beach here in Panglao Island. We are so beat and tired after a full day of Cultural Tour all over the Bohol province. Whew! So what we been up to? THE FLIGHT THAT I ALMOST MISSED The most stupid thing I did today was sleep after I posted <a href="http://abbieunreal.blogspot.com/2008/09/blog-bohol.html">my blog entry last night</a>. I should have NOT slept at all because I almost missed my early morning flight. I race through the airport and I arrived at the NAIA Terminal 3 around 7:30 am for an 8:00 am flight. Good thing there was an Express Lane counter so I was able to make it without checking-in my baggage. I met Libay, <a href="http://margeeness.multiply.com/">Marj</a> and Anna near the boarding gates; and went inside our Tagbilaran flight with a queasy feeling. Blame it to anxiety and stress of a maddening week at work. It turned out to be the worst flight I had in my life. Cebu Pacific did not do anything wrong and I was actually entertained... http://abbiereal.multiply.com/journal/item/140/I_Am_In_Bohol Sat, 13 Sep 2008 15:44:00 -0000 Blog-A-Bohol I just finished packing for my trip to <a href="http://www.bohol.ph/">Bohol</a> in less than 4 hours. Yep, you read it right, I am going to "The Republic of Bohol" for a department outing this weekend for three days and two nights. :) <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/abbiereal/2863307640/" title="Chocolate Hills by AbbieReal, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3065/2863307640_b84aac8ba6.jpg" alt="Chocolate Hills" width="450" height="360"></a> One of the many perks of working for the best telecommunications company in the Philippines is the better-than-usual outing subsidy it gives through the Team Celebration Program (TCP). Perennial favorite destinations are Boracay, Palawan, Davao and Bohol. I was actually happy because we chose a destination where I've never been. My group, Business and Services Development, planned and booked for our trip in June not knowing that our booked dates went right smack in the midst of the Budget Season for 2009. Thus our TCP literally turned into a TIP - Trouble In Paradise! My excitement for the trip naturally turned sour as I slave this week through budget templates and project charters on top of two project roll-outs due next week. I went through several decisions and second guessing of stop-go... http://abbiereal.multiply.com/journal/item/139/Blog-A-Bohol Fri, 12 Sep 2008 20:15:00 -0000 My Facebook Here's the link of my Facebook. Been getting addicted to it lately (again). So if you have an account...add me http://abbiereal.multiply.com/links/item/7/My_Facebook Wed, 3 Sep 2008 17:09:33 -0000 Google Chrome: Out To Get The Big Brown Firefox? Google unveiled Tuesday the beta version for its new Internet browser called GOOGLE CHROME. I've been using it for a few hours now and so far it's good.  Is it  good enough to replace the ever reliable Mozilla Firefox? THAT'S the question. <img class="alignmiddleb" src="http://images.abbiereal.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/SL56DgoKCCQAAEfFWXU1/Chrome.jpg?et=WTRQjZ1JtKStkN929Zq02Q&nmid=0" border="0"> Here are some of my initial observations: 1. Easy download and unzipping of the browser's program file. 2. Simple design and interface; and easy to learn tabs and menus. 3. Very fast loading of the WWW pages - definitely faster than IE and Firefox. 4. No add-on feature (YET) which is really a bummer. 5. I am having a hard time browsing some of Facebook's applications (just like IE). 6. Too sky blue and "too Google" for me. I love the colorful tabs of Firefox. 7. It's only available for Vista and XP Operating Systems. No MAC version yet. I am still unsure if I will make the huge leap from Firefox to Chrome since I'm already very much settled with Firefox. But Google Chrome is definitely worth considering and is a nice alternative to the big bro... http://abbiereal.multiply.com/journal/item/138/Google_Chrome_Out_To_Get_The_Big_Brown_Firefox Wed, 3 Sep 2008 11:24:00 -0000 Davao Divine! I was in Davao three times this year and I haven't uploaded any pictures of the wonderful place! Such injustice! Davao is truly one of my favorite cities here in the Philippines. It's a melting pot of all kinds and gastronomical delights are absolutely to die for! Here are two sets of my Davao pictures this year. The first batch was from my trip last May 8 and 9 for the Mindanao Region Quarterly Meeting; and the second one was fro0m last August 15 and 16 when I attended our "It's A Date" treat to our loyal Davao SMART subscribers. We treated four of our loyal subscribers from SMART Ponciano and SMART Tagum Wireless Centers to an evening of spa massage, cocktails and videoke; and all these just because of their loyalty to the network. Being SMART truly has its rewards! :) http://abbiereal.multiply.com/photos/album/81/Davao_Divine Mon, 25 Aug 2008 21:56:08 -0000 Boracay Scenes I take pictures because I want to remember. Here's Boracay through my http://abbiereal.multiply.com/photos/album/79/Boracay_Scenes Mon, 25 Aug 2008 01:34:51 -0000 Celebrating 888 (and some more) in Boracay! August 8 - 10, 2008 Boracay Island My friends and I celebrated the once in a lifetime August 8, 2008 and my 30th Birthday in Boracay. It's only my second time to visit the island so I am STILL very much amazed by its beauty and the relaxing and easy-going lifestyle it has. I can't wait to go back again and again and again! More pictures at Tin, Aileen and Charo's multiply sites. :) http://abbiereal.multiply.com/photos/album/78/Celebrating_888_and_some_more_in_Boracay Sun, 24 Aug 2008 19:33:57 -0000 Trenta! <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/abbiereal/2760558690/" title="Carefree Happy Fun In Boracay by AbbieReal, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3235/2760558690_576d9f964f_m.jpg" alt="Carefree Happy Fun In Boracay" vspace="10" width="180" align="left" height="240" hspace="10"></a> I turned THIRTY today and it was fabulous! There's a certain enigma and mystery  on turning thirty. I am actually having the time of my life and I embrace thoroughly the changes in me and within me! I have so many thoughts for this milestone of a year but I am too pre-occupied at the moment with endless reading of the Twilight saga, catching up on missed work, resizing of pictures, watching the Olympic Swimming events, and getting ready for another quick trip this weekend thus the non-post. For the meantime, I leave you with one of my "iconic" Boracay self-portraits which was taken just a few days ago. I want to immortalize the fun, carefree and relaxed atmosphere that Boracay brought within which I want to channel myself with....and to the thirty-something years ahead of me! Cheers to thirty, flirty and thriving! http://abbiereal.multiply.com/journal/item/137/Trenta Tue, 12 Aug 2008 15:59:00 -0000 Beijing Welcomes The World! China waited for this moment for more than a hundred years! <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27237177@N06/2742637586/" title="Bird's Nest by abbiexcites, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3026/2742637586_3a98afed0e_o.jpg" alt="Bird's Nest" width="400" height="260"></a> The Beijing Olympic Stadium otherwise known as the Bird's Nest In less than 14 hours the dream of showcasing to the world that they are one of the modern superpowers will become a reality as Beijing welcomes everyone to the Opening Ceremonies of the 29th Olympic Games! No expense was spared and even the weather was controlled to prove to the whole world that they are indeed the new kid on the block! Move over, America! :) <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27237177@N06/2741800759/" title="WaterCube1 by abbiexcites, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3087/2741800759_5688ccbd91_o.jpg" alt="WaterCube1" width="400" height="277"></a> This is the Aquatic Center, otherwise known as Water Cube, where all the swimming meets will be held <a href="http://abbieunreal.blogspot.com/2004/08/blog-post.html">I've always been a crazy Olympics fan</a> and will surely watch ALL the exciting swimming events as usual. It actually did not help that I live on the same time zone as Beijing's because all the final swimming events will be held in the morning (as opposed to the traditional evening sched) so the US viewers can watch it live on their primetime TV. It's going to be exciting with <a href="http://www.michaelphelps.com/">Michael Phelps</a> attempting to re-wr... http://abbiereal.multiply.com/journal/item/136/Beijing_Welcomes_The_World Thu, 7 Aug 2008 22:30:00 -0000 Glad I'm Getting One For Free August 22 is the release date of the much-awaited iPhone 3G in the Philippines. I am actually amazed that it only took less than 2 months for the Philippines to launch  it from the US release date. The announcement was made today through a special website and a press release. An on-line reservation page was even published by the network for eager buyers. BUT the celebration ends there. Prospective early adopters, gadget-lovers and Filipino techies had a collective heart attack when they learned the plan scheme and the obscenely expensive price tag of these babies! <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27237177@N06/2738209507/" title="iPhone 3G by abbiexcites, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3158/2738209507_6dcd5f9f86_o.jpg" alt="iPhone 3G" width="400" height="291"></a> It's a whooping Php 48,899 ($1,087) for the iPhone 16gb for prepaid and P22,300 ($496) for Plan 1599, which is the lowest plan for postpaid. All postpaid plans are also locked with the network for two years. So theoretically, subscribers will pay a total of Php 60,676 ($1,349) for the plan and the phone on top of the voice/data/SMS usage that they will accumulate and consume outside of the plan. Notice that I... http://abbiereal.multiply.com/journal/item/135/Glad_Im_Getting_One_For_Free Wed, 6 Aug 2008 15:31:00 -0000 Better Than Olive Garden Pasta Pomodoro I don't know where the term "better" came from on this pasta's name; but this is definitely one of the freshest and healthiest Pasta Pomodoros I've ever made! I was searching for an all-red tomato pomodoro recipe but I decided to make this one instead because it's easier to prepare. <a title="Day 64, August 3 - Better Than Olive Garden Pasta Pomodoro by AbbieReal, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/abbiereal/2727477463/"><img height="300" alt="Day 64, August 3 - Better Than Olive Garden Pasta Pomodoro" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3114/2727477463_41590c0435.jpg" width="400"></a> I got the recipe from Vina of <a href="https://www.recipezaar.com/70032">Recipe Zaar</a> but I tweaked it a bit (as usual) to suit to the taste I want. Ingredients 2 Cloves of garlic, finely chopped 2 lbs. Fresh garden tomatoes, medium dice 1/4 Cup finely chopped fresh basil leaves 1/4 Cup extra virgin olive oil 4 ounces finely grated parmesan cheese 12 ounces of fine pasta, cooked (I chose San Remo's Angel Hair) Pepper Salt Equipment needed: cooking pan, stove top Steps 1. Heat olive oil over high heat and add garlic; saute for 30 seconds. 2. Add tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Saute for another 30 seconds, stirring constantly. 3. Remove from heat then add cooked Angel Hair pasta and chopped basil then toss gently. Add 1/2 grated parmesan cheese to taste then... http://abbiereal.multiply.com/journal/item/134/Better_Than_Olive_Garden_Pasta_Pomodoro Sun, 3 Aug 2008 15:54:00 -0000 Harry Potter and The Half-Blood Prince Movie Greetings Potter Fans! The first official trailer of the <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0417741/">Harry Potter and The Half-Blood Prince</a> movie was shown and released just last week. Unlike the past films which was primarily centered on Harry, this sixth installment will also focus on the young Voldemort known as Tom Riddle. The film is expected to be as dark and as sinister as it was in the book. I can't wait! Here's the trailer: Photos: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27237177@N06/2727892905/" title="The Young Tom Riddle by abbiexcites, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3075/2727892905_fb41613a7b_o.jpg" alt="The Young Tom Riddle" width="400" height="170"></a> The young Tom Riddle will be played by Hero Fiennes-Tippin, nephew of Ralph Fiennes who plays Voldemort <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27237177@N06/2727892799/" title="Mr. Weasley, Harry, Ron and Ginny by abbiexcites, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3011/2727892799_1314f74f27_o.jpg" alt="Mr. Weasley, Harry, Ron and Ginny" width="400" height="265"></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27237177@N06/2727893293/" title="Ron, Ginny, Harry and Hermione at the Gryffindor's Table by abbiexcites, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3079/2727893293_382f4b4792_o.jpg" alt="Ron, Ginny, Harry and Hermione at the Gryffindor's Table" width="400" height="267"></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27237177@N06/2727892485/" title="Harry and Hermione by abbiexcites, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3266/2727892485_4234cd971c_o.jpg" alt="Harry and Hermione" width="400" height="268"></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27237177@N06/2727893029/" title="Professor Dumbledore by abbiexcites, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3204/2727893029_471f906ba1_o.jpg" alt="Professor Dumbledore " width="400" height="170"></a> Watch out for the death of Dumbledore! Some Spoilers (skip this if you don't want to know what's in the movie!): This is the movie where Harry will get together with Ginny, and Ron with Lavender Brown. Hermione will stay single but will be pissed at the latter. Harry will be Captain of Quidditch and Ron will also be a team member. This is also where Dumbledore dies Showing on November 21, 2008. http://abbiereal.multiply.com/journal/item/133/Harry_Potter_and_The_Half-Blood_Prince_Movie Sat, 2 Aug 2008 15:37:00 -0000 I Won! I intend to write a lengthy post about this but I am still loss for words. I joined last month <a href="http://abbieunreal.blogspot.com/2008/07/myponds-7-day-beauty-blog.html">my Pond's 7-Day Beauty Blog contest</a> sponsored by Pond's Age Miracle and SM Hypermarket (SM Mall of Asia)...and I WON! :) Here's the announcement that was made yesterday: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27237177@N06/2720516002/" title="Announcement by abbiexcites, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3063/2720516002_d5244260ab_o.jpg" alt="Announcement" width="432" height="659"></a> Click <a href="http://smhypermarket.blogspot.com/2008/07/announcing-winners-of-myponds-7-day.html">this link</a> to be redirected to the SM Hypermarket's blog where the announcement was made. Thanks to Pond's, <a href="http://www.unilever.com.ph/">Unilever Philippines</a>, <a href="http://smhyoermarket.blogspot.com/">SM Hypermarket</a> and to Google Philippines' <a href="http://aileenapolo.blogspot.com/">Aileen Apolo</a>. Congratulations also to my fellow blogger, <a href="http://www.xeemomma.net/beauty/myponds-seven-day-beauty-blog-experience/">Xee</a>, who won in the contest, too! Muchas Gracias to my wonderful family, friends, colleagues and on-line buddies for the whole-hearted support! Here's to brighter and younger days ahead of us! What a great way to start August 2008! http://abbiereal.multiply.com/journal/item/132/I_Won Thu, 31 Jul 2008 17:09:00 -0000 Ramiele Malubay & Danny Noriega Coming To Manila The American Idol Tour will come to a close by September so the Idols of Season 7 are now booking left and right for their concerts, tours and albums. So it's no wonder that Filipina Idol, Ramiele Malubay, will be coming home in December for a Manila concert. Coming with her is one of her best buddies in the show, Danny Noriega. I don't know if I heard it right but she said that she might stay here for a long time. Is she going to be at the <a href="http://abbieunreal.blogspot.com/2008/07/david-cook-in-manila-january-29-2009.html">David Cook Manila Concert</a> also? With David, Ramiele and Danny coming over, I wonder when we will see Carly Smithson, Jason Castro and Archey? Hopefully SOON! Visit my main blog for the copy of <a href="http://abbieunreal.blogspot.com/2008/07/ramiele-malubay-danny-noriega-coming-in.html">Ramiele's interview</a>. I cannot paste and embed the video here in Multiply. http://abbiereal.multiply.com/journal/item/131/Ramiele_Malubay_Danny_Noriega_Coming_To_Manila Wed, 30 Jul 2008 15:10:00 -0000