ANN:) online home-based mom

Lactacyd Word Treasure Hunt

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Ann Cucio) — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 09:13:00 +0000

It was a pleasure joining the recent crazed game called "Word Treasure Hunt" of Lactacyd, (a feminine wash) in its Woman Talks page on Facebook. My own little way of saying thank you for the gift pack I had received from sanofi-aventis Philippines, Inc. It was very well liked and appreciated. So generous of you Woman Talks.

It was exciting to note that everyone did enjoy and had a fun time answering the trivia. Though, I wasn't part of the six (6) grand prize winners (6 units of iPod shuffle), I was given a token, delivered right in our doorsteps and so with the rest who had participated in the said activity. The game was open to women in the Philippines only.

Have a glance of my Lactacyd products I had received.

Woman Talks is currently cooking up another mind stimulating contest "How Confidently Smart is Your Brain?" game and will run from 08 August to 04 September 2011. I recommend and encourage women out there residing in the Philippines to join and be part of this event. Lots of prizes and surprises await the participants. So, like Woman Talks page on Facebook and check that out.

Many many thanks Lactacyd and Woman Talks. Continue to come up with these kind of exhilarating games and we are here to support you. More power! :)

Handcrafted Miniature Flower Arrangements

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Ann Cucio) — Sun, 07 Aug 2011 08:04:00 +0000

I now begin my miniature flower arrangements using air-dry clay (my own homemade clay) with gusto. The pleasure I get from this hobby brings me amusement and the feeling is beyond compare. As a kick-off, it excites me to create with a tweak these freestanding sculptures for display. Making sure that every detail captured its authenticity, it was packed full of patience and love for handmade creations to make them appeared as real as possible.

birds of paradise, tiger cactus

tropical flowers in a bowl

anthurium and dried bamboo

tulips

lavander orchids

I can not wait to come up with more ideas and designs in the future. Feel free to make comments, suggestions and critic my work.

LinkFromBlog - your Blog Advertising Marketplace

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Ann Cucio) — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 14:42:00 +0000

Blog advertising is continuously gaining its momentum in the blogosphere and growing exposure among bloggers, internet marketers and advertisers. It is a revolutionary marketing tool for bloggers to express their opinions, honest reviews and write great content about certain products, company or services and inscribe them on blog. Blog advertising plays indispensable approach that has gained popularity for savvy internet infopreneurs to showcase their products to hit spotlight in the global market. One of the best marketplace for bloggers and advertisers to convene for advertising campaign which I stumbled upon on the net is LinkFromBlog. It's a conduit between bloggers and advertisers in helping each other with the objective of getting a product optimized when search on the internet. Bloggers can earn with their blogs by writing valuable reviews, honest evaluation of the products offered by advertisers. In the same way, advertisers can get the benefits from customer's assessment and get the chance for their products to get excellent clicks because excellent clicks mean enormous $ales.

So, start blogging and earn from it. Visit http://linkfromblog.com and sign-up for free.

A Blessed Happy Birthday Prayer for my Hubby

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Ann Cucio) — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 16:08:00 +0000

Dear Heavenly Father,

Today, 02 July 2011, is a special time of the year to celebrate life and Your Goodness. I thank you for this wonderful day that in Your perfect and right time you brought this man (Conrado "Ding" Cucio) on earth, whom you have chosen for me to be my life-time partner. As another year is added to his life, empower him to always seek Your wisdom and understanding in every decision he will embark on for his life, his family, his friends, his work, and every person that he'll get in touch with so that his life will be guided according to your will. In this way, he will also be a blessing to your brethren as an instrument of your love and benevolence. I pray for good health, peace and safety for him. May your Divine protection be bestowed upon him always. Thank you Lord for adding a new year to his life and may this be filled with astounding blessings not only on this special day but also in the coming years. In Jesus name. Amen.

H A P P Y B I R T H D A Y! fafagom

ClayTeddy Bear

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Ann Cucio) — Sat, 02 Apr 2011 09:15:00 +0000

Tomorrow is the birthday of one of my very best friends, Mher Daet. I was thinking of what to give her - I want something that would challenge my ingenuity to sculpt realistic homemade clay figures that would replicate them to the nearest. This time, I have come up with this cutie-fur-y brown teddy bear seated on stargazer lily flowers and I loved how it came out.

This homemade clay is not really a typical "CLAY". I just call it clay because its texture and properties resembling those of mineral clay. Because it is biodegradable, ingredients are mostly found right in our own kitchen. It is pliable enough and can easily be manipulated to create limitless images such as cake toppers, ornaments, jewelries, key chain pieces, and charms among others.

I am thrilled with this new craft as one of the amazing mediums for sculpture. One can create a figurine of people or animal. It is easy to work with and inexpensive - it does not require sophisticated kiln and heating as it gets dry easily to air exposure.

My Wish List - My Craft Space

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Ann Cucio) — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 11:18:00 +0000

Today is first day of the "ber" month. When the ber month begins, it's the start of the Christmas count down. Early this morning, I heard Christmas' songs being played over the radio. It's the time of sharing and gift-giving. I can't help but to prepare gifts for my loved ones and friends. I like presents which I have a personal touch on them, gifts that are not just I personally created using my bare hands but have stamped from my heart. Earlier, when I set in motion to start a project, I noticed that my crafts' materials were some kind of chaos. I searched the web to look for a special container where in I can keep and store them, until I stumbled upon this perfect and stylish storage container furniture. I am pretty sure this will keep my sanity from all the clutter. Here, there's no need for me to pack and unpack all the materials I need everytime I am in a creative mode. I will just pull off the zippered Velcro pouch with me whenever I'm on the go and at the same time start to work with my nifty hands. With this space saver storage organizer, this will be of great help to enhance my work space, create my masterpiece and get my supplies organized.

Isn't that wonderful? Not just for the price of $1,495 but the furniture itself. :)

Clay Made - Bouquet of Flowers Necklace

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Ann Cucio) — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 10:34:00 +0000

By just mere looking around our environment, one can’t seems to just run out of ideas but to allow the gift of creativity to freely flow in us. During our house hold meeting in one of our sisters in the Couple for Christ Community, there was this bouquet of flowers in a bamboo-inspired vase placed on a table and I can’t resist to duplicate that object as an inspiration. So, in my never-ending effort to develop my thinking about the possibilities of clay, I performed a quick brainstorming to come up with this unique miniature creation.

Instead of a conventional way just being a plain decoration, it was fun and exciting to bring into play a new design and transformed it into a pendant. With my new eye-catching project, one can be sure to draw lots of attention on this bizarre not-your-ordinary-kind of necklace or choker.

Please feel free to drop me a line. Your comments are very much appreciated. Thank you. :)

My Personal Blog is a 2010 Top 40 Work At Home Blog Awardee

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Ann Cucio) — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 06:36:00 +0000

Looking back, I've created annonlinehomebasedmom, my personal blog in February 2010 keeping in mind to journal anything that inspires me to do, share my thoughts, exchange ideas and share my life with the reader without expecting anything in return.

Today, when I opened my email, I got a good news saying "congratulations" as my blog has received an award for being the 2010 Top 40 Work At Home Blogs. Well, I'm really so surprised and I feel elated. The magic phrase here is... I'm undeniably inspired! Inspired to write regularly and post great content that will also draw inspiration to all.

Here's the link for the complete list of winners.

My heartfelt thanks to Online MBA and Ms. Emma Lee and Mr. Dennis Anderson of Awarding the Web and credit goes back to you as well for the exerted effort.

I couldn't be happier to be spotted and voted my blog under this category in this world of blogosphere. Many many thanks :)

Baked Cheesy Eggplant

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Ann Cucio) — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 01:08:00 +0000

I wonder if it's an eggplant feast at the market today because of its abundance and cheap price sold at Php6 a kilo. Sometimes, I tend to hoard things to take advantage of its low cost. This time, I wanted to come up an eggplant recipe not just with a twist and a kick but nutritious menu surely kids will love and enjoy. With this healthy unusual treat, this will certainly be a big hit at home among our kids.

Ingredients:

5 pcs. medium eggplant
1 onion, minced
1 clove garlic, chopped
2 medium size tomatoes, seeds removed and chopped
1 tbsp. flour mixed in 1/4 c. water
1 c. evaporated milk
cheese

Procedure:

Bring eggplants into a boil until tender. Remove from heat. Pat dry with paper towel. Cut into half lengthwise size. Arrange in baking dish. Set aside.
In a skillet, saute garlic, onion, and tomato. Add in the evaporated milk, flour, salt and pepper. Remove from heat.
Pour the mixture into the eggplant baking dish.
Top with shredded cheese.
Bake in a preheated 375 degrees Fahrenheit oven until the cheese turns golden brown.

Happy eating! :)

Wristwatch Makeover

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Ann Cucio) — Tue, 18 May 2010 11:58:00 +0000

I have just spruced up the appearance of this watch by applying a crafty clay touch from its old rusty and dull look to transform it into an exciting style.

But I am so sorry to tell that I forgot to have it (original watch) picture taken to reveal the “before” and “after” development.

Hope you enjoy viewing my new creation. Your comments are very much appreciated. Thank you.

April Fool's Day Miniature Cake

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Ann Cucio) — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 02:14:00 +0000

This April Fool’s Day, I’m not into throwing hoax but it is a chance for me to get creative. Again, I loosened-up my nifty hands so I have delicately handcrafted a delightful mouth-watering and lip-smacking sponge cake topped with peach and covered with dark chocolate using cold porcelain medium. But, be careful not to get fooled by this cake because it’s not real. I should say, that it was a success that I was able to make it appear as life size and authentic.

This tiny cutie ref magnet cake measures approximately 1.5” in diameter and the slice of cake can be used as charm for cellphone to add chic to electronic gadget, also, perfect for bracelet charm, pendant and key chain.

I intend to give the miniature cake to my very dear friend, Mher Daet as she celebrates her birthday on the 4th of April.

Let me know your comment on how would you like my creation. Thank you for viewing.

Trinkets for Summer 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Ann Cucio) — Sat, 27 Mar 2010 11:00:00 +0000

The heat of the sun is already scorching because summer is officially here and school year has formally ended. There is something about summer. It is not only graduation time, long vacation from school, lesser school-related expenses, but it is a perfect time of the year to take advantage of the water and fruits in season.

In time for Ella Roman’s graduation (my friend’s daughter) on March 26, I found delight to create a watch bracelet covered with apple-inspired cold porcelain/air dry clay to go together with dangling summer fruits as a summery gift to her.

As I indulge myself to a summer fruits feast, there’s nothing quite like the refreshing, healthy, quench thirsting sweet taste of juicy fruits on a hot summer day. Whether you like the slices of watermelon, kiwi, banana, strawberry, apple and orange, there are plenty of seasonal summer fruits to choose from to add flair to one’s bracelet charms being the apple as the lead role and halves of the summer fruits as the supporting casts.

With this cool and cute one of a kind bracelet to enjoy, it is a best fit to jazz-up one’s get-up to complement with summery outfit.

My First Attempt on Cold Porcelain

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Ann Cucio) — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 14:17:00 +0000

For me, there are lots of reasons to love crafts. I have not explored much of my jewelry's wire wrapping craft yet until I stumbled across this cold porcelain. Cold porcelain is non-toxic, biodegradable air dry clay medium which most of the ingredients can be found right in our own kitchen.

Despite its name, cold porcelain is not real porcelain. Since this medium dries-up easily to air exposure, it does not require firing or heating of any kind and product results will give a porcelain-like texture.

I love this newly found craft because of its versatility and the endless possibilities that I can create from cold porcelain. From a life size or miniature flowers, figurines, cake toppers or any kind of food decorations, to jewelry and many other stuff, I can say that this craft is very promising. One can only limit by one’s imagination.

Have a sneak peek of my first batch attempt. Not bad for a beginner like me.

Happy claying!

cellphone strap strawberry dipped in dark chocolate with white chocolate

cellphone strap hotdog sandwich
(size: 1.5cm x 2cm x 4cm)

cellphone strap hamburger
(size: 3cm dia. x 2.5cm thick)

ref magnet avocado cake topped with fresh cherries, vanilla rose, and with some dark chocolate shavings
(measures approximately 1" in diameter)

ref magnet strawberry/choco cake
(size: 3cm dia. x 2.5cm thick)

Virgin Coconut Oil

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Ann Cucio) — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 09:51:00 +0000

Coconut cream from freshly squeezed coconut is an indispensable ingredient in almost every Bicol's cuisine aside from hot chili pepper of course. It is a staple ingredient for a Bicolana like me who can't live without for delicious, mouth-watering, and lip-smacking gastronomic treats. But wait, I will not share some of my coconut cream cooking recipes yet (in the near future, I will! lol).

With this coconut, I'd love to share it with you how to make a home-made "Virgin Coconut Oil" - the cold way absolutely without applying heat. Here's my how-to-do-it VCO.

Ingredients:
- 2 pcs. medium size quality matured coconuts
- coconut juice from matured coconuts

Materials needed:
- clean cheesecloth (as strainer and for squeezing)
- containers for coconut mixture and VCO
- funnel

Procedure:

Place and wrap the coconut mixture into the cheesecloth.
Press and squeeze the cloth to allow the coconut milk to flow out of the cloth.
Keep squeezing for several times until all the creamy juices come out of the mixture.
Set aside the squeezed coconut, it can be used as fertilizer.
In a container, filter the coconut milk using a cheesecloth.
Cover and allow the coconut milk to settle untouched in room temperature for 18 hours. Fermentation takes place setting the coconut oil to separate naturally in between the curd and white watery mixture (can be fermented and turned into vinegar).

Carefully remove the curd (top layer)
Gently scoop out the oil (2nd layer) and pour into ready container while filtering using a cheesecloth on top of a funnel for a transparent result.

Now you have your virgin coconut oil ready.

finished product

Some benefits of VCO:

Beneficial to the heart as it contains about 50% lauric acid (an essential fatty acid that is only found in high concentrations in mother's milk) which helps in preventing various heart problems including high cholesterol levels and high blood pressure. The saturated fats present in coconut oil are not harmful same with other vegetable oil.
It helps boost the body's immune system.
It has anti-viral and anti-microbial properties.
It aids to regulate blood sugar.
Serves as basic ingredient for soaps, lotions and creams.
Helps in preventing premature aging due to its antioxidant properties.
Aids in treating various skin problems including psoriasis, dermatitis, eczema and other skin infections.
Heals & nourishes the skin, hair and scalp. A good form of moisturizer for the skin.
Helps maintain healthy thyroid function.
Serves as an effective insect repellant when mix with peppermint oil.
It heals animal wounds.
Coconut juice serves as refreshing electrolyte-rich drink and can be a good replacement for sports drink.

Do try it at home. I hope I've imparted something helpful in my own little way. Please feel free to share your thoughts. Thanks for the visit and hope you will keep coming back. :)

Polvorones de Malunggay (Moringa)

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Ann Cucio) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 13:03:00 +0000

My husband went home from tennis bringing along with him moringa leaves. Undecided and mulling over what to do with them, I settled to delve the internet and dug more about Moringa. Take a look, you will be amazed by the wonders of this tree and the beneficial properties it can offer to us.

Moringa tree (malunggay in the Philippines) or known as "drumstick," is an exceptionally nutritious tree with variety of potential uses. The tree is slender with drooping branches, and grows up to 10 meters in height. The moringa tree grows very quickly- it comes into leaves at the end of the dry season, when other foods are the scarcest. It grows quickly in any tropical climate. Within six months of planting a seed or a piece of trunk, one can cut leaves from the tree to eat. It is considered to be one of the most useful trees since almost every part of it has some beneficial property. The leaf, which is the most potent part of the plant can be cooked or dried, pulverize into a fine powder that can be added to almost anything as nutrient supplement or to some dishes for added flavor.

Moringa is also known as the "miracle tree" and "tree of life", is a multi-purpose plant, as the leaves, pods, fruits, flowers, roots and bark of the tree can be utilized. For this reason, it has put moringa as the most nutritious vegetable plant around and has been used as fortificant in noodles, bread, biscuits, delicacies, burgers, hotdogs, porridge and as tea due to its richness in vitamins and minerals.

getting ready to be sun dried

pulverized malunggay leaves

Nutritional and health benefits:

Proven to increase the production of breast milk for nursing mothers.
It has rich supply of nutrients, super-antioxidants, anti-inflammatories, and anti-aging compounds.
It has vast health-promoting benefits on cardiovascular and endocrine.
Improves sleep, mental clarity, wound healing, digestion and detoxification.
Increases the natural defenses of the body.
Provides nourishment to the eyes and the brain.
Promotes the cell structure of the body, metabolism and natural serum cholesterol.
Lowers the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
Promotes the normal functioning of the liver and the kidney.
Beautifies the skin.
Promotes energy, proper digestion, and healthy circulatory system.
Supports the normal sugar level of the body.
Gives a feeling of general wellness.
The health benefits of moringa oil can be compared to sunflower oil and olive oil

Other benefits:

Its seed has the full potential of producing bio-fuel, cooking oil, industrial oil, and lubricants
Some parts of moringa tree can be used for animal feed, domestic cleanser, perfume, personal care products, cosmetics, dye, fertilizer, medicine, rope fiber, and as an agent for tanning hides.
The flowers of the moringa plant can be used in making herbal tea for they add a refreshing aroma to the tea.

The paramount thing I like in moringa is that the leaves can be crushed into a fine powder providing nutrition, zest, and aroma to some of our favorite dishes. In my case, I have brought into play the powdered malunggay leaves for my polvoron. Here's my own version of polvoron de malunggay that your family including the kids might definitely enjoy.

Ingredients:
3 c. sifted all purpose flour
1 c. ground peanuts (optional)
1 1/2 c. powdered milk
3/4 c. melted butter
1 1/2 c. sugar
1 1/2 c. pulverized malunggay leaves
1 tbsp. vanilla extract

Cooking Procedure:

On a heavy skillet, toast flour over moderate heat until light brown while stirring constantly.
Add pulverized malunggay leaves, powdered milk, peanuts for another 3 to 5 minutes. Removed from heat and let it cool.
Add the rest of the ingredients and mix well until it has about the consistency of damp sand.
Fill the polvoron molder (use round or oval shapes according to your preference) with the mixture. Press the mixture well using the back of a spoon so it will not become crumbly when released.
Refrigerate in an air tight container until firm.
Wrap them with colorful Japanese 5" x 5" squares paper. (I prefer Japanese paper over cellophane for earth saving reason).

Everybody is welcome to share your cooking experience. Enjoy this simple but healthy dessert. Have some to share! :)

Reduce Reuse Recycle

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Ann Cucio) — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 13:21:00 +0000

I now begin to practice the three R's "reduce, reuse, recycle" to say goodbye to waste and keep discarded materials out of landfills. By putting together arts and crafts into recycling, we can keep down the amount of trash and turn it into treasure. With little creativity from our old stuff, it will not only reduce the impact on the environment, but it will also add life and transform it into a new adorable item.

Instead of throwing away unwanted materials, activate the arty-crafty sense in us. Rescue the reusable objects heading for the garbage bin and make over them into fantastic crafts. I'm putting my green back to environment by having my old denim pants created into functional bag and embellished it with beads and scarf as accents. Truly, one person's trash is another person's treasure - that's the beauty of recycling!

Let us stay green and healthy. You are free to share your greenie crafts' tips. I'd love to hear from you.

Buttons Up

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Ann Cucio) — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 11:57:00 +0000

Being inspired to let my hands play and explore what unlimited creations that I can generate out of loose buttons, the flame of creativity gets my candle burning to weave pieces of buttons and mixing them up with beads.

candy

tiny weeny kikay

mauve

As a self-taught crafter, I am captivated by the flexibility and unlimited possibilities buttons will produce. From my collection of buttons (vintage, resin and plastic), my imagination started to run wild and demonstrate some kind of my crafting geek by mixing and matching different colors and sizes and embellishing them with beads to add flair to an ordinary buttons. The seed beads were also weaved to create a toggle clasps.

tie a yellow

victorian

Stringing them was a great joy and fun to connect with my passion to experiment with buttons this time and threaded them into bracelets for a stunning look. These totally unique and adorable bracelets can be paired with any outfit and can be a perfect idea for a last-minute present for your loved ones.

mixco

victoria

alexia

So what are you waiting for, have fun stringing those buttons and get creative. :)

Personalized Crocheted Laptop Skin

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Ann Cucio) — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 11:09:00 +0000

To have a feel and touch of uniqueness, I just finished my personalize crocheted laptop skin which I painstakingly worked on for two weeks. Using 5 balls of tri-colored Canon crochet thread, this customized laptop cover will definitely protect my notebook against abrasion and damage. A great idea not only for protecting its internal functions but also an effective way to safeguard the outside casing as well. In so doing, scratches and small nicks can be prevented since it is mobile and often get banged when transferred from one location to another.

A personal stamped of my own personality. It fascinates me to have come-up with this unique hand creation that is enjoyable to use and carry around. A fun way of dressing-up my electronic for it fits securely and stays firmly in place.

As my contribution to my dear mother earth, I take part in using eco-friendly materials. Said cover is washable, can be used several times and can be easily removed and put on.

My Latest Additions to my World of Crafts

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Ann Cucio) — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 08:14:00 +0000

I'm into my creative mood and I feel the thrill to create miniature novelty figures. This time using seed beads. :)

poodle doodle (actual size: 1.75 cm x 1.75cm)

One great way to dress up one's cell phone is to accessorize it with beaded charms. These tiny weenie knick-knacks were intricately hand weaved to add some bling to mobile devices in an affordable means. A fun, cool and inexpensive way to give accents to your favorite communication gadgets that will definitely provide an added excitement, style, and sparkle according to your fashion options and unique personality.

casual bag (actual size: 5cm x 5cm)

Depending on your mood, you can change the theme of your cell phone charms as often as you want. The catch phrase is "dolled up your mobile phone" with these dainty trinkets to create a feel of distinctiveness on fashion staple when it comes to cellphone accessory. I am sure that young and old alike will certainly get fascinated even when their lovely gadgets are not in use.

evening bag (actual size: 3cm x 3cm)

witch me luck (actual size: 4cm x 6cm)

Have fun with these delightful and lovely charms!

Manny Pacquiao - An Inspiration for the Filipinos

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Ann Cucio) — Wed, 06 May 2009 10:26:00 +0000

While we, in Bicol, where the typhoon belt lies in this region is being beaten up by "Typhoon Dante" that brought flood to some low lying areas and left agricultural damages particularly in Camarines Sur, the rest of the world was all eyes on the Battle of the East and West and ecstatic on the emphatic win of the Philippines' National Fist, Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao over Briton Ricky "Hitman" Hatton today, Sunday, 03 May 2009 (Philippines time) at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, USA. This day marks a historic triumph for the Philippines as millions of Filipinos danced in the streets and motorists tooting their horns and shouting out of the windows in jubilation after the superb winning performance of Pacquiao and dubbed as the "world's best boxer."

Pacquiao who has been escorted into the ring by WWE wrestling champ Batista as part of his entourage, captured the IBO light welterweight title after sending Hatton (the 140-pound IBF light welterweight champion from Manchester, United Kingdom) a few more combinations with a right hook to the chin that knocked the Hitman down midway in the opening round and finished off Hatton in the second round with an awesome array of punches at a dazzling speed and ferocious solid left hook that flattened his back and thrown at the center of the ring. With the Filipino crowd on its feet, British fans were in disbelief and looked on in consternation as Hatton was struggling to regain his consciousness.

A powerful blinding left hook landed into Hatton's chin

Hatton flattened on his back and stayed motionless after he received a devastating left hand as
Referee Kenny Bayless knelt over and halted the fight

Jennifer Dolley (Hatton's fiancee) in tears, is being comforted by a friend after Hatton was felled by Pacquiao's powerful speedy left punch

Pacquiao showed and proved once again why he is the pound-for-pound best boxer in the world as he executed the game plan with perfection as Coach Freddie Roach predicted Pacquiao would score a knock out in the third round but he settled for the second. He is undeniably the sport's top gun. Coach Roach said during the conference that "Manny is unbelievable" and he declared that "I'm the best trainer in the world because I have the best fighter in the world." And so with Top Rank promoter Bob Arum who proclaimed Pacquiao as the "greatest fighter to have ever lived."

The win launches Pacquiao in the boxing history books as he becomes the first Asian to capture six world titles in six different weight divisions - flyweight, junior featherweight, featherweight, junior lightweight, and now he has junior welterweight titles too.

There is only one Manny Pacquiao, a humble and a man with great faith as he is. A world's ring icon and best of all a true pride of the Philippines.

Triumphant prizefighter Manny Pacquiao on a victory ride

Congratulations Pacman!

Fashionable Handcrafted Bangles

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Ann Cucio) — Mon, 04 May 2009 15:59:00 +0000

Once again, I loosened up my hands and liberated my ingenious mood and came up with two pieces of bangles. These are my new additions to my crafter's nook as my hands unshackled once more to complement to my being a true beadaholic and my passion for crafts as I now begin to embrace wire sculpting with gusto. Each jewelry piece fascinates and inspires me because it demonstrates my form of expression that exposes my creations with quality of craftsmanship.

Rainbow Connection bangle
I have done mixing and matching a whole array of fascinating multi-colored swarovski stones to bring out a sleek and sassy style finish. With the assortment of colors, they bring a feel of rainbow's touch which will definitely connect me so closely between my work and my wearers.

Materials:
#7 10k rounded gold wire
#7 10k corrugated gold wire
#7 10k flat gold wire (for wrapping)
gold balls
multi-colored Swarovski stones

Orange Delight bangle
This simple custom handcrafted bangle called "Orange Delight" which is elegantly bent and twisted, offers a tawny-orangey cool sense to the eyes that can be dolled up and matched with one's perfect get-up.

Materials:
#7 10k gold wire
#7 10k corrugated gold wire
#6 10k rounded gold wire (for wrapping)
gold balls
semi-precious stones

Some tips:
To get your bracelet size, take a measuring tape and wrap around your wrist where your bracelet would fit snugly. Take the measurement and add at least an inch to get your bracelet size.

For toddlers or younger, add 1/2 inch. Children older than 3, add about an inch.

It is usually safe to guesstimate based on age as follows:
Newborn - 4"
6-12 months - 4.5"
12-24 months - 5"
2-5 years - 5.5"
6-8 years - 6"
8-12 years - 6.5"

You may want to have a glimpse of some of my handworks' creations. Your comments are very much appreciated. Thank you for visiting my site and I hope you had a great time viewing.

SM City Naga Grand Opening

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Ann Cucio) — Fri, 01 May 2009 13:52:00 +0000

The much awaited SM City Naga which is the 34th supermall branch of SM Prime Holdings, the leading department store chain in the country opens on Labor Day, 01 May 2009 and expects to draw clients not only in Camarines Sur but also from its neighboring provinces of Camarines Norte, Albay, Catanduanes and Sorsogon as well.

I personally witnessed its Grand Opening and despite heavy rains brought by two tropical depressions spotted within the Philippines area of responsibility, I had to brave the bad weather and it didn't stop me to take part in SM's first mall launching in Bicol.

As it coincides on Labor Day, SM City Naga was part of SM Supermalls' National Job Fair in cooperation with the Department of Labor and Employment. Many applicants lined-up at the mall's atrium to seek employment and be part of the hiring companies.

I got amused and overjoyed when SM City Naga staff showed off their dancing talent and enticed the shoppers during its grand opening. Please take a peep and enjoy watching.

It's surprising to know that with the adverse effects of the global economic crunch that hits the country, large crowd of shoppers still witnessed and took part in the said launching.

Strategically located on a 46,000 square meter property at Brgy. Triangulo along Roxas Avenue (Diversion Road) in Naga City, across the city's central business district, customers will have easy access to the mall as it is situated just across the Naga Transport Exchange consisting of the Naga Integrated Bus Terminal and two jeepney terminals servicing almost all the inter-municipality transportation. The mall is also 400 meters from the city center, very near the national highway and right beside the PNR railway.

The 87,959.38 sq.m. two-story mall has the SM Department Store and the SM Supermarket as its main anchors. It has an exciting retail mix, including SM mainstays like SM Appliance Center, ACE Hardware and Watsons, as well as the best local and international brands in fashion, home furnishings, health and personal care, and electronics. Eating-out options include the SM Food Court, as well as known local and international foods chains, specialty restaurants and well-loved homegrown food outlets. Familiar mall tenants seen in the SM City Naga are Jollibee, Greenwich, Chowking, Goldilocks, Max's, Red Ribbon, KFC, and Pizza Hut to name a few. You may inquire at tel. nos. (054) 472-0330 to 34 for leasing inquiries. Amenities also include four state-of-the-art cinemas with a total seating capacity of 1,400. For customer's convenience, there are 694 covered parking slots in a four-level parking building, 113 open parking spaces, and allotted parking for 253 motorcycles.

"Naga City, an ideal and suitable location for an SM mall, may be considered as the nerve center of the Bicol region. It is home to large business establishments, universities, hotels, and regional government offices. Its tourism industry is highlighted by the presence of the world-class CamSur Watersports Complex, one of the top tourist destinations in the country which played host to the 2008 world wakeboarding championship," Mr. Hans Sy, President of SM Prime Holdings said.

SM City Naga's design team includes Design Associates, mall designer; Manolith Construction Development Corp., general contractor; Jose Siao Ling & Associates, architect and D.A. Abcede & Associates, project manager.

Let's get inside and take a look what SM City Naga has to offer and in store for us.

Ground Floor
Astroplus
Axa Insurance
Bench
Bibingkinitan
Bigg's diner
Celine
Chowking
Crocs
Crown Park Restaurant
Digital Imaging
Encyclopedia Britannica
Evegate Salon
Executive Optical
Flip Flops
Folded & Hung
Forme
Gerry's Grill
Goldilocks
Graceland
Greenwich
Ideal Vision
Jollibee
Kamiseta
KFC
Kiddie Bike Rental
L Times Studio
Let's Face It
Makiyaki Japanese Restaurant
Mang Inasal
Maldita
Max's
Mister Donut
Molino Grill
Odyssey
Penshoppe
Pizza Hut
Plains & Prints
Red Ribbon
Reyes Barbeque
Shakey's
SM Department Store
SM Supermarket

Fresh Baked
Watsons' Pharmacy

The Caramel Bakeshop
Unisilver
Watsons

2nd Floor
Ace Hardware
Aim Reach Travel & Tours
Aksesoriz
Aspe Crown Jewel
Basilica The Big Shop
Bayantel
Bean Bag Coffee
Bicolandia Republic
Booksale
cd-r King
Circuit City
Com Works
Cyberzone
Davids for Rever
Derm Care
Enjoy Realty
Food Court

1st Colonial Grill
Aling Lucing Sisig
Ching Kit
Corn King (*)
Fontana's Senor Porky
Fruitas (*)
Geewan
Guby's Chicharon Espesyal (*)
Iceblink
Oi Hongkong Style Noodle
Potato Corner (*)
Snowpy Ice Cream (*)
Weiner Weiner
Western Plate
Zagu (*)

* kiosk

Fresh Up Hands & Feet Salon
Fruit Box
Gameplace
Games & Gadgets
Genevieve Gozum
Globe
Gold n' Diamond
Graphic Works
Great Image
iTech Solution
J & B Sunrise Optical
J Emmanuel Pastries
LBC
M.H. Burton Watch Service Center
M. Lhuillier Jewelle
Mitsubishi Digital
Muzic Mart
Naga Optical
National Bookstore
Netopia
Occasions
Octagon
Oro Derma Facial Spa
P. Aldana Cellphones
PC Chain
Photoline
Prima Donna
Silicon Valley
Silver Works
SM Appliance Center
SM Business Center
SM Cinemas 1 to 4
Sports House
Sun Cellular Shop
Time Depot
Watch Central
World of Fun
X-Quisite
Y.R.Y.S.

SM City Naga really got it all for us Bicolanos. Indeed!

A Concert for a Great Cause from a World Class Performer

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Ann Cucio) — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 11:50:00 +0000

As an avid supporter of Gawad Kalinga (to give care in the English language), Stephanie Reese, a California based Filipino-American world class diva and actress brought delight to the Bicolanos when she gave a powerful rendition of her breathtaking performance and belted out a wonderful repertoire of her favorite classic operas, Bicol song, Broadway and OPM hits at Ashley's Function Hall, Mark Nancy Bldg. in Iriga City, Philippines last night, 20 April 2009 (Monday). The proceeds from her concert will go to Gawad Kalinga-Fulger's Village in Buhi, Camarines Sur, Philippines as she pledged for 30 units/homes in the said Gawad Kalinga site and will name after her, Stephanie Reese's Village.

Stephanie (middle) with Dra. Gina & Bro. Dennis Ampongan

Stephanie (3rd from right) with some of Iriga City GK Caretaker Team

I was fortunate enough to watch the show of this petite but beautiful lady with huge and powerful voice. In the middle of her show, she shared and narrated how she got involved with Gawad Kalinga and she hoped that her story will bring inspiration to the work in GK. Stephanie came to know GK after she had a wonderful and amazing European singing and acting careers and came back to the US where she wrote a one-woman-show and decided to be a solo performer. She recounted that her life was so blessed and even more than that, she was madly and deeply in love with her boyfriend named John until a tragic car accident took her boyfriend's life.

She was grief-stricken so badly that she decided to stop singing and acting because she couldn't get out of bed. "I didn't believe in God anymore because I couldn't understand how God could be so cruel that He took away the person I love so much," she said in tears.

After John's untimely demise, she received a call from an aunt in Seattle (where her parents are now residing) and asked her to sing for a Filipino event. At first, she said no because she already given up singing but as a good Filipina daughter, she succumbed to the request of her parents. From LA, she travelled to Seattle to sing for Gawad Kalinga event. As she sat through the event, there was a video of a woman who has lost everything in a typhoon - her home, her child and her husband. She said that there was something in her heart shifted that all she wanted to do was to hold and hug the woman because somebody across the world has understood her pain. The video has changed something inside of her and she felt that God has touched her heart and also put something in proper perspective. "There's this woman who lost everything, her husband, her child and her home than my one loss (John)," she shared.

As soon as she saw the video, she immediately approached Mr. Tony Meloto (Gawad Kalinga Community Foundation and Executve Director) and asked about GK but he couldn't listen to her and all he said was come to the Philippines.

"My broken heart was searching, I bought a ticket and I came here. I traveled from Mindanao to Cebu to Bicol singing for Gawad kalinga Villages, singing after I had given it up. God shown me this trip to the Philippines through Gawad Kalinga, that I am a singer and He gave me a higher purpose for this gift of singing to give back to my country, the Philippines. I know in my heart that I have found my healing here. I found my healing because I learned that through giving, my heart could finally heal. Here, I saw the poorest of the poor who don't have envy and depression and yet they are happy. Wh? Because they don't focus on the things they don't have but on the things they do have - love each other, family and spirituality. I've learned that through Gawad Kalinga and my home country, the Philippines. And for that I will be forever grateful and I'm proud to stand here and say that I'm truly a Filipino," she declared.

As her closing son, she sang "Ako ay Pilipino" making us your kababayans be proud of you.

Mabuhay ka Stephanie!

Who is Stephanie Reese
Originally from Seattle, Stephanie wrote, directed and starred in the autobiographical one-woman-show "The Journey" which she also performed this show in San Jose, Los Angeles and San Francisco to rave reviews. Stephanie also starred in two productions of the Terrance Md Nally play Master Class as Sophie and Sharon in Los Angeles, where she resides. She was named Artist & Performer of the Year at the Las Vegas 2nd Annual Trade Show and was awarded at the 19th Annual Reflections Award for Arts and Entertainment.

Stephanie has made her mark in the musical world with her stellar performances as Miss Saigon in Berlin Germany; played Esmeralda in Disney's world premier of "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" in Berlin; and the Princess Tuptim in "The King and I" in London at the West End's Palladium Theater.

She now travels around the world doing solo concerts in Paris, Russia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and has performed all over Canada and the United States and in the Philippines performing for different organizations for a great cause - to help build Gawad Kalinga homes.

Her father is a Japanese-American and her mother, a Filipino-Chinese was born in Camalig, Albay, Philippines.

Isn't it inspiring to share one's talent for the good of her countrymen? Your views, comments and opinions are very much welcome. Thank you.

Congratulations to All 2009 Graduates

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Ann Cucio) — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 14:42:00 +0000

Just got home from high school graduation of my son, CJ. Latter part of March and April are usually graduation months in the Philippines. Graduation is a significant episode in the life of a student not only does it marks the end of a school year but it also marks the beginning of another significant milestone. It signifies a great triumph of accomplishments after a lot of hard works including late nights spent cramming for tests or school paper reports and a time to reflect on past accomplishments and gaze into a future wide open with many challenges and opportunities.

This page is intended to bring importance to all high school graduates and as my way of a treat to my one and only son CJ, who just graduated from high school recently. Congratulations to all 2009 graduates and to you CJ. I wish you all success in all your endeavors.

High school graduation is a once in a lifetime experience that marks the day that a student crosses the stage and receives his/her diploma. A time of expectations, transitions and transformations from childhood to early adulthood and one of the most memorable stages in the academic life of a student.

Another unforgettable phase of high school life is the prom which is an abbreviated term for a promenade or a walk. And how can one forget a great memory of fun of experience, dinner and dance and the romance filled evening with boys dressed in tuxedos and girls in their finest evening gowns?

CJ with partner Nadia

For teens ending high school, graduation is the one of the biggest events they can imagine. Before graduation even happens, students begin filling out application for colleges and some have taken their college entrance exams. They begin planning and dreaming about what life might become. They think about the courses that they might take and enrolled in.

By the time graduation day arrives, teens are filled with a mixture of emotions. Some are fearful, some have a few tears in their eyes as they are quite emotional for saying goodbyes, and others are nothing but joyful about the transitions. Whatever their emotion, all students seem to hold one thing in common on graduation day: relief. Relief over being finished with years of schooling, relief over making it through all of the hardships of growing up, and the relief of another summer break about to begin.

His Very Rev, Msgr. Luis Jonie P. Aguirre, HP and Sr. Ma. Lina R. Despojo, OSA (Principal/President)

Here are some of the quotations that might serve as an inspiration as you, graduates, embark another chapter in your scholastic years. May you embrace life and approach every challenge and opportunity with enthusiasm with these inspirational quotes.

"What we are is God's gift to us. What we become is our gift to God." - Eleanor Powell

"My father always told me, find a job you love and you'll never have to work a day in your life." - Jim Fox

"Your schooling may be over, but remember that your education still continues." - Author Unknown.

"We cannot direct the wind but we can adjust the sails." - Author Unknown

"The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet." - Aristotle

"An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest." - Benjamin Franklin

"Put your future in good hands - your own." - Author Unknown

"Do not follow where the path may lead. Go, instead where there is no path and leave a trail." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

"The man who graduates today and stops learning tomorrow is uneducated the day after." - Newton D. Baker

"You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know. You are the guy who'll decide where to go." - Dr. Seuss

"The future lies before you, like a field of driven snow. Be careful how you tread it, for every step will show." - Author Unknown

"Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars." - Les Brown

"Try not to become a man of success, but rather try to become a man of value." - Albert Einstein

"You cannot help but learn more as you take the world into your hands. Take it up reverently, for it is an old piece of clay, with millions of thumbprints on it." - John Updike

"Things turn out best for the people who make the best out of the way things turn out." - Art Linkletter

"Excellence is not a skill. It is an attitude" - Ralph Marston

"Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else." - Judy Garland

"It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are." - e.e. cummings

It's not the mountain we conquer but ourselves." Edmund Hillary

"The important thing is not to stop questioning." - Albert Einstein

"The trouble with learning from experience is that you never graduate." - Doug Larson

"To the uneducated, an A is just three sticks." - A.A. Milne

"If opportunity doesn't knock, build a door." - Milton Berle

"Success isn't a result of spontaneous combustion. You must set yourself on fire." - Arnold H. Glasow

"There are no shortcuts to any place worth going." - Beverly Sills

"You can't live a perfect day without doing something for someone who will never be able to repay you." - John Wooden

"The true meaning of life is to plant trees, under whose shade you do not expect to sit." - Nelson Henderson

"Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." - Attributed to Mark Twain, unconfirmed

"Everybody can be great because anybody can serve. You don't have to have college degree to serve. You don't have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love." _ Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

"Wherever you go, go with all your heart." - Confucius

"During my second year of nursing school our professor gave us a quiz. I breezed through the questions until I read the last one: "What is the first name of the woman who cleans the school?" Surely this was a joke. I had seen the cleaning woman several times, but how would I know her name? I handed in my paper, leaving the last question blank. Before the class ended, one student asked if the last question would count toward our grade. Absolutely, the professor said. "In your careers, you will meet many people. All are significant. They deserve your attention and care, even if all you do is smile and say hello." I've never forgotten that lesson. I also learned her name was Dorothy." - Joann C. Jones.

Now graduates, let me ask you. Do you still recall the persons' names who clean your school or the security guards who regularly greet you?

You may also feel free to share your unforgettable high school or even college experiences.

The Rich and Famous

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Ann Cucio) — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 14:08:00 +0000

Life Styles Of The Rich And Famous - Good Charlote Music Code

I was surfing the net when I stumbled upon this song entitled "Life Styles of the Rich and Famous" by Good Charlote. You may want to turn on the music and play the song. Here is the lyric.

Y'a only see it on TV
or read it in the magazines
Celebrities that want sympathy
all they do is piss and moan
Inside the rolling stone
Talkin' about how hard life can be

I'd like to see them spend a week
Livin life out on the street
I don't think they would survive
If they could spend a day or two
Walking in someone else's shoes
I think they'd stumble and they fall
(they would fall, fall)

Chorus:
Lifestyles of the rich and the famous
They're always complainin'
Always complainin'
If money is such a problem
Well they got mansions
Think we should rob them

Well did you know when you were famous you could kill your wife
And there's such no such thing as 25 to life
As long as you've got the cash, to pay for Cochran
And did you know if you were caught and you were smokin' crack
McDonalds wouldn't even wanna take you back
You could always just turn for mayor of D.C.

I'd like to see them spend a week
Livin' life out on the street
I don't think they would survive
If they could spend a day or two
Walking in someone else's shoes
I think they'd stumble and they fall
They would fall

Lifestyles of the rich and the famous
They're always complainin'
Always complainin'
If money is such a problem
Well they got mansions
Think we should rob them (rob them)
(They would fall, they would fall)

Chorus 1/2:
Lifesytles of the rich and the famous
They're always complainin'
Always complainin'
If money is such a problem
You got so many problems
Think I could solve them

Lifestyles of the rich and famous
We'll take your clothes, cash, car, and homes just stop complainin'
Lifestyles of the rich and famous
Lifestyles of the rich and famous
Lifestyles of the rich and famous

Mystified by the lyric of this song, I then asked, is the rich really complaining? With their multi-million dollar worth yacht, luxurious mansion, personal jet, and those pearly white flashing in their lives, no, I don't think they will complain because their financial resources can protect them from some terrible worries and stress unlike we, the ordinary people experience (just my opinion).

I remember when hubby and I were having dinner with family friends. Out of the blue, one friend asked how it feels to become rich when she spotted a wealthy and prominent person in the same place where we were dining. Another friend replied saying, "It's a complex thing being rich because one might feel the fear of being kidnapped." But that's one of the cons. Still, the pros outweigh the cons. Being rich and famous has its own good and bad side of it. Here are some of the pros and cons.

Pros

Living a comfortable life

Time freedom - quality and quantity time to spend with the family/children and more time to do volunteer work

Capable of helping financially the less fortunate members of the society

Send children to better schools

Don't have to worry about matters related to money

Travel around the world

Live in big house and drive luxury car

Respect from relatives and friends

Higher social status

Access to better health care

Cons

Might get kidnapped

Fear of losing the wealth and identity theft

People might use you or envy you

Super rich never seem to be contented with what they have and are caught up in a never-ending process of acquiring more

Sometimes embarking upon a style of high living which one had been previously unaccustomed can be damaging if not properly handled or can't handle stress of being rich.

Those are just my personal opinion. For me, at the end of the day, what matter most is God's promise of an abundant life; using if for the right motives and living a wealthy life without robbing one's soul. If sometimes, that we are going through the desert of financial difficulty, the Lord provides us with miracles by assuring us of His loyal embracing Presence. That He is beside us through the financial desert. The strategy is to learn the secrets of true happiness before wealth comes so that when it does come, we know how to handle it and become even happier.

Below are some of inspirational quotes on riches that are worth reflecting.

"The Lord will grant you abundant prosperity. The Lord will open the heavens, the storehouse of his bounty, to send rain on your land in season and to bless all the work of your hands. You will lend to many nations but will borrow from none." Deuteronomy 28:11-12

"Whatever the mind of man can conceive and believe, it can achieve. Thoughts are things! And powerful things at that, when mixed with definiteness of purpose, and burning desire, can be translated into riches." Napoleon Hill

"My parents shared not only an improbable love, they shared an abiding faith in the possibilities of this nation. They would give me an African name, Barack, or blessed, believing that in a tolerant America your name is no barrier to success. They imagined me going to the best schools in the land, even though they weren't rich, because in a generous America you don't have to be rich to achieve your potential." Barack Obama

"Everything we would ever need to become rich and powerful and sophisticated is within our reach. The major reason that so few take advantage of all that we have is simply, neglect." Jim Rohn

I would like to end this by asking you, what will you choose, being rich and famous but not happy or being poor yet happy? You are free to share your thoughts.