Thursday, December 01, 2016

Why Babble Top?



















facebook.com/babbletop

Wednesday, May 11, 2016

We Got It All For You!


I bet all 80's and 90's kids would relate and reminisce about this tagline. "We got it all for you!" (I know you are on LSS (Last Song Syndrome) mode when reading this phrase) Who could forget the tune being played around the actual mall and radio air plays, right? Whether you like it or not, SM Supermalls have been part of every Filipino generation.

As time goes by along with technology advancements, SM Supermalls never failed to be left behind with its mall jingle. They are always in tune with the latest and trendiest stuff all year round. And their promotions are designed to be accessible to any individual wherever you are, yup! They got it all for you! :)

Now is the perfect time to download the SM Supermall Mobile App!
First, it is for free via Google Play Store and Apple App Store then you will receive a digital gray scratch card where you can have the chance to win a box of 3 Original Glazed Krispy Kreme doughnuts from April 30 - June 28, 2016! Secondly, this is offered daily to 100 unique SM Supermalls Mobile App registered users. What a free, simple and sweet way to get a treat every single day! (Of course, until the promotion ends)

This promotion was launched during SM Supermalls’ 30th Anniversary in March. They gave away every day free mobile data, free Spotify, Facebook, Games, Unli-Call and Unli-Text. This time, they wanted to satisfy our sweet tooth with Krispy Kreme doughnuts! 

As long as you have the App, you'll be up to date with the upcoming promotions, discounts and events of SM Supermalls as well.

#EverythingsHere on the #SMMobileApp Good luck to all and keep on scratching! :)

Monday, May 09, 2016

My First Voting Experience

#PHVote2016

Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise. 
Indeed, especially if it is during an Election Day. I know, I'm already 32 yrs. old and this is the first time for me to exercise my right to suffrage due to the following reasons:
  • Mismanagement of authorities that my registration documents had to be reprocessed while I was in Abra for our college thesis
  • Lack of interest since my schedule was upside down during my BPO (Business Process Outsourcing) years that I preferred to sleep and do other things than register to vote.  
  So, after venturing to other careers, I was finally able to find time, rather I had a lot of time to visit our organized City Hall, therefore, I had finally completed my registration and biometrics and hopefully I'll get my actual Voter's ID soon! 

As a first time voter, I prepared myself by being informed about the dos and don'ts imposed by the COMELEC (Commission on Elections) and knowing each candidate based on their portfolio, moral acts and actual public service. And I firmly believe that those candidates I have selected today truly deserve the position they are running for and that they will greatly lead the Philippines, one step at a time, to a positive and a progressive change. I felt it as I look at my Voter's receipt. I'm glad that I did not encounter too much hassle compared to others, or else!

Now I also understand the reason why others choose not to vote. No matter how we try to modernize the equipment being used during elections, we still have the same old low tech and unorganized system. Sir/Ma'am, please do not forget that it should also be included in the advancement of things. No one or nothing should be left behind. Little things take for granted are the things that can pull you down or slow you down in the course of life. Be it in terms of personal or career goals. I know this first hand in many ways and situations. Since the choices I made have dictated the life I'm living now. 

I have said before that I wanted to be a Senior Citizen as soon as I can but in a scenario like this, I wanted to be a Super Senior Citizen. I pity them when the system plays them around and makes them feel helpless. My mama is a senior citizen and she was eager to vote. Instead of seeing guides or a map upon entering the school assigned to our barangay, we have to check the posted list of voters on each classroom that shows our polling precinct number. 

Lo and behold! Her name was not on the list under her precinct number. We asked some officials and confirmed that they don't have an access via computer to easily search our inquiry. There was a section for PPCRV (Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting) where you can manually go over the paper copies of all the voters’ names. We confirmed with our family friend that her name was also missing and she found out that it was included on a different precinct number. I was thinking maybe, since my mother recently became a senior citizen, COMELEC, decided to transfer her on a different polling precinct number together with other Senior Citizens without even sending any notice, great! And to my surprise, she was! I left her to the “new” polling precinct assigned to her.

So, off I go and I went to my polling precinct upstairs. There was also a man who had the same situation. His children's names were listed except his wife's and his name. He approached one of the BEIs (Board of Election Inspectors) and went through the paper master file list they have. He was also not on the list, therefore, the man wasn't able to vote and he was upset that he has to waste his time searching where his name got listed.
A vote missed, a vote wasted.
While I was waiting for my turn, I prayed that everything will go smoothly and be followed as planned when my moment comes. 

This is the outline version of what had happened to me:
  • Presented voter's slip and SSS ID
  • On the list outside the polling precinct I was #62
  • Confirmed that I am #82 on the master list
  • Signed across my name and logged my name on a separate bond paper that looks like for attendance purposes, there was one for the Males and the other one noted for the Females
  • Got my ballot, folder and marker
  • Sat on the chair close to the window farther to the ride side of the room
  • Took my time in shading my bets cause I don't want to get any error messages or other excuses
  • I wanted it badly that my vote will be counted!
  • A bit ticked off when someone tap her folder on my table while I was writing, excuse me!?
  • Ha ha, I was able to contain my emotion cause I was focused on what I was doing
  • The VCM (Vote Counting Machine) had a bit of an attitude like an idle time or lag time error every after 2 ballots were fed. It was like wanting a continuous feeding of papers to its mouth
  • Finished! I had the same feeling when I was taking an exam in school and I know I have given my all to answer every question, didn't under or over vote (I have all the time, chance and power in my hands now not to put it into waste or let the moment pass by for nothing) and I am satisfied whatever the result will be because I know that my participation in this event will be worth it
  • Asked the BEI the next step
  • Went forward to the VCM to feed my ballot
  • Praying it will take it smoothly
  • Gave back the folder and marker
  • Allowed the VCM to take the paper instead of shoving it to the feeder resulting to paper jam or possible errors 
  • Surprised when I got a message on the screen that my “time has expired” while the entire ballot is going through the feeder and the BEI assured me that it is okay
  • Waited for my voting receipt
  • Voila! It showed completely my selected candidates, I'm a happy kid/voter inside
  •  Got inked, He he, but I felt I was up for a manicure and presented my 2 hands to the BEI, she inked my left forefinger instead of the right looking like my nail has a smudged eyeliner after crying blue tears
  • Folded the receipt and inserted it on the black receptacle box
  • Went outside the polling precinct and looked for my mama (No time for Selfies or what not, I did not go there for a photo shoot, I went there to vote!)
While I was looking for mama, the number of voters in the school doubled! It pays to be early indeed! I also saw my friend in line & I asked her if she saw my mother. She said that there were some inconsistencies in the master list that my mama went towards the PPCRV to get assistance. 

True to that, I saw my mother exhausted and disappointed. She confirmed that her name was not on the masters list on both the “new” and previous polling precinct numbers assigned to her and the BEIs advised her to go back and forth for her to find out the real score. She has arthritis on her knee joints and this charade made it distressing for her. 

I’m not sure how COMELEC save or update their files, if they have 2 separate files for the list outside the polling precinct and the ones they use before you are allowed to vote. Should it be identical in the first place? My father's name was included on the list and my mother is using the same last name. How come it was not there? Was it accidentally deleted together with the other registered voters whose names were also missing? Oh man, the endless what ifs. Well, instead of bidding for the shirt/uniform/other paraphernalia, I’m grateful that it was fortunately cancelled! It could have been beneficial for all of us if you have spent your time organizing your files to end this inconvenience especially to Senior Citizens and Persons with Disabilities. It could have greatly changed your image for the better without even spending a lot, if that was your only main concern.
Well, a vote missed, a vote wasted, again.
At the end of the day, I can say that all is well. Let us continue on praying because it has not ended yet until the proclamation day of the victors. At this time, I am opting out to watch newsfeeds about violent happenings in other regions and delaying tactics. (I’m thankful we do not have these kinds of nuisances in our place)
Thank you for your guidance, Jesus and Mama Mary.
God bless the Philippines.

Thursday, April 28, 2016

This was previously asked to me in order to get pass the job hiring process as a "magician" or as an employee of Magic. I guess it was not enough or exceptional for them and sadly, I did not receive any follow up emails to continue or to get an interview schedule at their main office in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.
I wanted to share it with you to know what else I should have said or could have added on it.
Still, enjoy reading away and I hope you'll like it. :)

Describe your favorite restaurant and why you enjoy it. Please convince me in detail why I should go:

When I pick a restaurant, the first thing I check is the cleanliness and coziness of the place. A plus point
if I had a previous good experience with how the food tastes and how the crews made me feel special with the fast and quality service they have rendered. And there is a particular restaurant and branch that we enjoy the most as a family. It is the Max's Restaurant inside SM Sta. Rosa Mall in Laguna where we usually go to at least once a year. Although this branch that we prefer is just a franchise, it has been opened since 1945 with the same recipe as the main restaurant.

In general, my family and I enjoy Filipino cuisine. However the good thing about Max's, it offers a variety of dishes for young and young at hearts. From milkfish tofu steak, seafood, beef, pork, vegetables, sandwiches, soups, salad, cakes, pastries, desserts, cold beverages and yes, beer in can!

My son's favorite ( and mine as well) is the crispy and juicy mysterious golden fried to perfection Chicken that at first glance looks small but before you can finish it, you would feel so stuffed and satisfied. It does live up to its famous tagline of "Sarap to the Bones" (Delicious to the Bones). And my grandmother and aunts would prefer the all-time healthy veggies like the Chopsuey and Pinakbet. While my husband would never pass on the home style macaroni salad served in an edible crispy lumpia (spring roll) wrapper cone. Who would forget a dessert after a meal with this restaurant?  I won't, because the Caramel bar is already included per table set menus or even the combination meals.

This location is closer to our hearts as well compared to other branches that you can find within Laguna Province. It is a part of our family's tradition to eat out every December 26th after visiting my late Grandfather's grave. It has been more than a decade since he has been gone physically and through this family gathering we can still get to reminisce those good old days and keep the bond between us alive.

Most Filipinos have a close family tie culture and they also love to eat. You can obviously notice this whenever you see Filipinos gathered in any part of the world. They even bring this culture and share it to other nationalities. To better spend a quality time with your loved ones in this fast phased world, I do recommend eating out with Max’s Restaurant which can also be found in United States, Canada and United Arab Emirates. It was built after the World War II but until now you can still see it standing tested and loved by many generations and I’ll bet more to come.

Wednesday, April 27, 2016

-Haiku-

The heat is absorbed
Hallucinating all day
It is summertime

Is it summertime?
Reminiscing good old days
Changes are constant

Changes can be good
It is how you perceive it
Real change within you

Monday, April 25, 2016

Good night, my supernova

Source: https://www.pinterest.com/cathyb423/camping-theme/
I miss this feeling, #CampingUnderTheStars 

Last night before sleeping, I can't help but notice a star near the illuminating moon. Fixing my sight to it, I see a dot brighter than the rest. At first I thought it was an airplane until I realized it was motionless.
I remember reading before that when a star reaches its last evolutionary stage, it will shine at its brightest
until it explodes and fades. Was last night a supernova experience?

As I gaze upon the star and the sky, I can't help but imagine what is out there. My fantasies about aliens and astrology relived. I believe that there are great things out there beyond what the eyes can see. I just can't wait to be part of it in some way. Experiencing it first hand would be a bliss that I will never be able to explain into words.

Snap back to reality. My time is running out. Beside me is my son who clings to me wherever I go. Who seeks my attention in every way possible. Who will benefit from my decisions in terms of career choice, fulfillment of my moral obligations and my nationalistic goals.

Metaphorically associating myself to a star, I do feel that my light curve is currently exposed to subsequent
radioactive heating these past few months. (Aside from the fact that there is El Nino in the Philippines this season)

There have been stressful life events that led me into venturing different endeavors. And these events taught
me to evolve and radiate in a different light. I am hoping for the best for myself and for my son. It would take a light-year until I can say that he is covered. My last stellar evolution is yet to burst.
By that time comes, it'll be my supernova experience.