GRATITUDE BOX 2011: MY LOVELY PAMANGKINS

Oh my God! The years truly flip so fast. I feel that I am getting much older. Hehehe. With my pamangkins growing up and growing past me in height (whew), I could only reminisce the days when they were all still young. To my not-so-small anymore bundles of joys, all I could wish is for the best. Thanks for always making me smile every time we meet and I go home. Your smiles are true gifts from heaven.

Raisa, you are growing up to be a fine lady. Always take care and be good. You have God-given talents that you should continuously nourish and share with others. Make them hear an angel's voice and for sure they'll see a unique lady growing up.

Gabriel, yours is a gift of sports. Take good care and always be at your best in basketball and in every thing you do as well. You have the charm and charisma of a future heartthrob. Make sure you use that wisely. Love your parents more and always be good.

Catherine, I will now cease calling you Kat as you are turning into a very beautiful teenager already. I know you have the brains to back up the beauty. One thing I can just wish is that for you to spread your wings further and lessen the shyness. You are nice and kind so no need to be shy.

Gianne, you are the youngest but you are the most charming and sweetest. You never fail to touch my heart as you have remained close to me. Stay as bubbly and wonderful as you are and keep striving for the best in your studies. Always take care of lola for me.

To my pamangkins, I love you so much. Happy 2012.

GRATITUDE BOX 2011: MY SUPER BESTFRIEND

2011 was my year of rebound and it would have not been possible with one very special person i have in my life - my bestfriend. We have been best of friends since 2009 and since then we have been like brothers. It is true that along one's life journey, there are people you get to meet not knowing that they will form a big part of their lives.

Chris was not just a friend. He's a confidant, a best pal, a brother, a critic and father (hahahah) and sometimes though he's older than me, like a baby boy. That's what makes him extra special. He is someone who truly sees the beauty in people and life in general however difficult things may be. He never ceased to stay true and loyal. He was a constant believer in me. One way or another he has changed some things in me that I never thought I could alter.

May 2012 serve as a better year for you, bes. 2011 was good except for some minor bumps along the way. But with a superman attitude that you have, I know everything is possible. Just believe in yourself and remember that I'll always be here as well. Notice that most of the pics are taken from resto, fast food chains or coffee shops? Hahahaha. Because your appetite is as big as your heart! Thanks bes!

GRATITUDE BOX 2011: MY TWO SISTERS

Aside from very loving parents, I am so lucky to have 2 sisters who are always there for me. My 2 ates have been the best through the years. Although my age gap with them is a bit big (7 and 11 years), we still find common interests and we bond like we're of the same age. 2011 is a recovery year for me and they have always been beside me and uplifts my spirits when at times they seem like they are slowly dwindling down.

Ate Mel, you have showed strength beyond compare. Silent as you may be, you were the one that constantly tells me not to give up despite all the challenges. I know 2012 shows glimpses of greatness for you. Good luck on your new home. I know all of us will miss you but this is a great step for you to make your life much better. Ate, I love you so much and thank you for everything. May you continue to reap blessings and good fortune for you and your family (Kuya Roy and Kat) in the new year to come.

Ate Rose, your smiles and laughter truly helped me in seeing life as very wonderful place. You make it a point to solve and face problems on a light note which is something I admire about you. I don't know how you manage to take care of your 3 kids together with Ryan but you are doing one heck of a job. Thank you for always believing and making me feel I'm important and wonderful. Your love truly sets me free. For 2012, may you, Kuya Ryan, Raisa, Gabo and Gianne continue to sow happiness and good fortune.

GRATITUDE BOX 2011: MY LOVING PARENTS

2011 is a bitter sweet year for me with the passing of my father early this May. But still you will forever remain in my heart. To my ever loving parents, thanks for always believing and for constantly loving me as your son. I may not be together with you for most of the time but you know that I love you as much as you do.

Tatay, I know you're in good hands right now. We sorely miss you but at least the idea that there are no more pains and sufferings puts a smile into our faces. Mahal na mahal namin kayo. Every single thing about you is nice and wonderful. You may have not been the perfect father but for me you have been the best. It was somehow sad to celebrate your birthday and the past Christmas without you. But hey at least we know you're still within us - safely etched in our hearts.

Nanay, take care always. You are the only reason why I keep coming back to Batangas. I love you so much and you know all I want is for your happiness. 2011 is an odd year and somehow brought some of the more painful memories we can recall but I admire you for your strength. You stayed as strong as ever and kept us afloat. I love you very much nanay. Stay healthy and happy. I'll be here always for you.

MOVIE REVIEW: MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: GHOST PROTOCOL

It was relatively a big risk on the part of Tom Cruise to release a 4th installment to this franchise moreso as the last film, MI3 was panned by critics and did not do much in the box-office. But as he loved his character by much and with a supposed great storyline for a 4th film, Cruise is back as Agent Ethan Hunt.

I am a big Mission Impossible fan so I went on to watch this newest film and admittedly I was not disappointed. It was a vast improvement from the last MI film. The "espionage" feel is seemingly back to this film which was taken out for stunts and actions on the 3rd one. Intrigues, questions and secrets are all intertwined to each other making it a memorable watching treat. The story is the basic spy plot that you know very reminiscent of the old MI tricks but what I liked about this film is its depth. It captures the characters more than the story. We are given glimpses of who they truly are and was able to share with each of their emotions.

The casting was superb and was just the right fit. Again, Tom Cruise is admirable for his performance as Ethan Hunt. But the addition of Jeremy Renner into the foray brings a different dimension to the plate showing that Mission Impossible may not be a one-man show for so long. A second lead agent might be on the works and Jeremy played the role aptly well. The female lead Paula Patton shows both the vivacity of a true lady and the bruiser feel of a very talented agent. The funny antics of Simon Pegg is also commendable and his geek-like feel completes a great set of agents.

The sound, visuals and editing were highly commendable and so as the stunts. Another great spot on this film is the cinematography. The location choices were wonderful and they were able to showcase the best on each locale they have set as a scene. Dubai was majestically presented in the film and contains some of the nerve-wracking scenes on the entire movie. The beauty of India, Kremlin and the US were all given justice as places in the movie.

A lot of secrets have been revealed from this film some dating back from storylines from the first few movies. If you want to know them, then you should watch. It's a 5 out of 5 for me.

HOTTEST WOMEN IN THE PHILIPPINES 2011 (NOS. 11-30)

Here are the hottest ladies from Nos. 11-30. 

HOTTEST WOMEN IN THE PHILIPPINES 2011 (NOS. 31-100)

Here is the list of the hottest women in the Philippines for 2011. These ladies scorched and burned every man's desire and were envies of other girls in the whole country. They were hot but only landed them spots from No. 31-100. Join us as we count down the hottest gal in town.

MY FIRST SHELL CHRISTMAS PARTY: BOOGIE BASH

It's my first party with Shell and the theme for this year is Boogie Bash. I am not that prepared in the costume side but still I had good fun in the event. The event happened last December 10, 2011 It is my first in many years that I get to actually spend a Christmas Party in one company. My last one was still with P&G.

The program was not as wonderful as I expected but there were loads of other things that I truly enjoyed. Aside from the delicious food served, the event saw our team together and enjoying picture taking all around the venue. It was truly a night full of clicks and poses. I am not sure if this would be a beginning of a new career  for me but what I know is I just enjoyed the night. It was so refreshing to feel a party again. It feels like it has been ages and I was really excited to have experienced yet another Christmas party. I hope it won't be the last. :)

SIZZLING ABERCROMBIE & FITCH IN SINGAPORE

Abercrombie & Fitch recently created a big amount of noise when they hit Singapore. They upped the temperature as hot models paraded in front of their stores for the grand opening last December 15, 2011. The models were all sizzling hot and gorgeous. It became a sudden hit among Singaporeans and tourists. Enjoy the pictures!

BLUECLOUD'S MUSIC CHARTS NOV 28- DEC 4, 2011

Christina Perri remains on top of the charts for a second time while Lady Gaga's "Marry The Night" makes it to the top 10. OPM artists Christian Bautista and Somedaydream move up to No. 2 and No. 3 respectively.

MOVIE REVIEW: THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN PART 1

The Twilight saga's end is coming as we really feel it fast approaching and with the final book divided into 2 movies, let's see if Breaking Dawn Part 1 did justice and made me enjoy. I feel that it is much better than the last film "Eclipse". This film may be the most love story filled one of all the Twilight movies but hey isn;t it supposed to be the main theme of the film? Twilight is all about the love story of Edward and Cullen and Breaking Dawn Part 1 did really showcase that.

But there are a lot of things that worked really well for Breaking Dawn Part 1. The story itself is a good one. It's full of emotions and people could really feel the drama, suspense and the love on each scene. The conflict presented in the film was also something worth watching with the vampires fighting again with the werewolves but Jacob siding with the vamps this time around. I particularly like the emotions shown by the three leads - Edward (Robert Pattinson), Bella (Kristin Stewart) and Jacob (Taylor Lautner). They have sure grown better in terms of acting. Another great thing about the film is the wonderful musical choices and the whole soundtrack itself. I love the "wedding scene" song - Flightless Bird, American Mouth ( Wedding Version ) by Iron & Wine as it really is filled with love and fits the scene perfectly.

It might be true that the film may be a tad lacking but hey several scenes make up for it. The dying scene of Bella, the wedding and even the fight of the wolves and the vamps. I'm not a totally die-hard "Twilight" fan but this one's really good if not the best. 4.5 out of 5 popcorns.

BLANKNESS

I don't know what to say. I'm just so sad today....

CHRISTMAS SEASON AT AYALA TRIANGLE

Christmas is really fast approaching and all across the metro, the holiday feel is very obvious. One of the hottest new site/place to visit is the Ayala Triangle which dazzles every night with its wonderful display of lights accompanied by nice music much to the delight of every person taking a visit in the area.

It is sure a wonder to watch the flashing lights and the effects of which which seems like dripping water. The colors were so lively that one would have a happy heart after watching it. The great music was an added thing as it makes a good experience into a great one really showing that Christmas is here. Here are some of the pics me and my bestfriend has taken. Enjoy!

MY TOP 10 VICTORIA'S SECRET MODELS

The fashion industry once more got off to a very good groove as the regular Victoria's Secret Fashion show unveiled their collections in the runway. There were lots of commendable designs and very imposing models but I have narrowed down my list to the Top 10 who stood out during that night. Here they are:

1. Anne Vyalitsyna

2. Erin Heatherton

3. Miranda Kerr

4. Alessandra Ambrosio

5. Izabel Goulart

6. Liu Wen

7. Lindsay Ellingson

8. Lily Aldridge

9. Candice Swanepoel

10. Doutsen Kroes