MTL Year Ender Report 2011!

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2012!


MTL has been truly blessed this year with growing number of readers, new design, own domain, and more events that brought so many things and experiences. 


Now that we are near 2012, lets look back on the higlights of MTL this 2011, but lets make it concise since we don't have all year. First is that MTL has increased in post due to the events and news it featured almost everyday. Which made me very busy yet very satisfied with the results.


I also encountered a lot of out of town trips like Baguio, Pampanga, Batangas, Quezon and Pangasinan. I also got a chance to be a speaker 2 times this year at Miriam College and the ICT Congress in Pangasinan.  I covered the Panagbenga festival last February with high school friends. Went to Pampanga for the CHEERS tour in Lubao and Sasmuan River Cruise. Had 3 day stay at Quezon for the BonPen Festival. 


This was also a year of video blog documenting my experiences which goes well with blog posts. MTL gets bigger and better this 2012 with more projects, more surprizes and more things keep you glued and tuned to MTL. Join us as we declare 2012 as the year of success!


Happy New Year from Manual To Lyf!

Reel Deal Movies and Television: The Dictator Spotlight

2012 brings more movies to watch out for. One of them is The Dictator starring Sacha Baron Cohen (Ali G In da House, Borat, Bruno). This film tells the “heroic story of a dictator who risked his life to ensure that democracy would never come to the country he so lovingly oppressed.” It is inspired by the novel "Zabibah and The King" written by Saddam Hussein.Cohen will play the role of General Admiral Alladeen, a dictator from a country called Republic of Wadiya

Tentative Philippine Release Date: July 25, 2012


MUSIC LYF: 90s MUSIC COMES ALIVE - The Grand Launch at Megaworld Lifestyle Malls

What do you remember most about the 90s? Gadgets like the Discman on which you listened to music, the Tamagotchi which served as your pet, wore MSR Snowshoes or those big cellular phones? Was it the movies, like when you watched “Titanic” three times (or more ), got “Clueless” with Alicia Silverstone, or melted over the line “You had me at ‘hello’,” from “Jerry Maguire”? Or was it the TV shows, like when you got hooked on “Friends”, “Beverly Hills 90210,” or “Melrose Place”? Or was it the music? Of course, there has to be music.


That is why MCA Music, in cooperation with Samsung’s ultimate MP3 evolution, the Samsung Galaxy S WiFi 5.0, gives tribute to the music that defined a generation via the album “90s Music Comes Alive,” featuring MCA artists’ take on hits from the 90s. It is bannered by “Unbelievable,” an EMF original given new life by one of the country’s top bands, Chicosci.

BPI Treats Clients to a David’s Salon Pampering Promo


How does worry free bill payment plus a gorgeous makeover sound to you? Its not impossible with BPI Express Online.

The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), the country’s leader in electronic banking, and David’s Salon, the largest chain of salons, recently launched a thrilling treat this Christmas, the “Pay Easy, Be Gorgeous” Promo, with a “mini-salon show” held at the Event Center, SM Megamall. Customers were encouraged to experience BPI Express Online, and were also treated to a live hairstyling demo done by Mr. David Charlton. Leading the event were BPI Senior Manager Anj Mirasol and David’s Salon President and CEO, David Charlton.

“At BPI, clients enjoy ‘less banking time and more me-time’. Now, with this partnership with David’s Salon, we encourage our clients to make more time for the things that really count by choosing to manage their accounts easily and conveniently with BPI Express Online,” shares Anj Mirasol, Senior Manager, BPI.  Through BPI Express Online, you can pay bills to over 300 merchants, including Meralco, Globe Telecom, Sky Cable, Smart Telecom, Manila Water, Ateneo de Manila University, BPI Express Credit Card, as well as the Philippine Red Cross. 

12 Things to Speak Up This 2012!

The year 2012 will bring a lot of challenges and opportunities that propels us as an individual and also as a nation. With technology paving ways into so many  things we can do and how we can affect the future. We have seen the power of the internet this 2011 with prominent examples like the Arab nations uprising, the mobilization for help for the victims of the Japan Earthquake and Tsunami and Typhoon Sendong.

With the public now having a stronger voice in the society and interconnected networks with social media, indeed we have the power to Speak Up. A call to action to address issues concerning the use of social media and the internet. Everyone has equal rights and equal responsibilities over the world wide web. We then list down 12 things to Speak Up this new year 2012. Therefore #iresist being part of the silent majority but an agent of change that the world needs right now.

Merry Christmas from Manual to Lyf!





Manual to Lyf greet everyone a Very Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year 2012!  'Tis the year of great challenges and opportunities for me and the blog, just like Joseph and Mary who went into a lot of them just to find a place to stay. Indeed it was a opportunity and blessing in disguise. 

Hope you all have a good one this year and more blessings to come for the future!

Misa De Gallo Diaries - Day 3 - SACRIFICE

First Reading: Genesis 49:2, 8-10
Psalm: Psalm 72:1-4, 7-8, 17
Gospel: Matthew 1:1-17

The third day was one of the most critical days I had with Misa De Gallo as I woke up late probably at 4:30 which is late for the 4AM Mass, and the dilemma I had was looking for a different church which is near the area. As I quickly bathed and dressed up for the mass, I was thinking of several churches which I have not been to. I was thinking of going to EDSA shrine but it was too far and they usually don't have dawn masses. I also thought of San Roque which is only a jeepney ride but forgot which time they would start.

Ho-ho-holiday treats from Mister Donut!

In life, there is nothing more heartwarming than seeing the smile on your loved one’s face as he or she opens your gift. The look of childlike wonder, the sweaty hands and giddy anticipation, the gleeful grin, and  the squeal of delight. 


This Christmas, get an extra serving of sweetest smiles effortlessly with Mister Donut’s Merrygalos, cool and festive holiday offers from one of the makers of great-tasting donuts in the country.


Experience sumptuous Belgian Bites like never before in limited edition Christmas tin cans. Finally, you and you loved ones can enjoy these delicious donuts in delightful packages. Choose the Christmas Tree tin can with nine assorted Belgian Bites for only P170 or get the Candy Cane tin can with 7 pieces of Belgian Bites for only P150. These shiny fanciful tins are great for storing items and awesome reminders of a Christmas well spent.

Grand Bloggers' Presscon for MY HOUSE HUSBAND IKAW NA!

At first we had Direk Joey Reyes, then we had Ms. Eugene Domingo, and afterwards was the couple Judy Ann and Ryan Agoncillo. And to perk up the anticipation for the Metro Manila Film Festival 2011,  we got to meet with the complete cast plus the other stars like Ellen Adarna and Rocco Nacino at the Grand Bloggers' Presscon held at Guily's Bar.


As the Metro Manila Film Fest is just a few days away, each entries have made a lot of effort in promoting their films. But we indeed appreciate MY HOUSE HUSBAND IKAW NA! for having online media in their campaign and indeed the bloggers and supporters for this movie have increased. In my post with Direk Joey Reyes, Eugene Domingo and Judy Ann and Ryan Agoncillo, have been a favorite article in the blog once they were posted.

XSTIG: I Want a Huawei MediaPad for Christmas!



Like in the picture on the left, one of the things I want this Christmas is to have my own computer tablet (unfortunately the model  is not included). And with the boom of the demand and varieties available in the market, Its best to know the best deal and which company to trust.


Huawei, a leading global information and communications technology (ICT) solutions provider, today launched the Huawei MediaPad, the world’s first 7-inch Android 3.2 Honeycomb tablet. The MediaPad is a complete entertainment powerhouse driven by Qualcomm’s dual-core 1.2GHz processor, supported by Google Android Market. 

The MediaPad provides a fabulous user-experience in a stylish, high-performing and ultra-portable package. The MediaPad is Huawei Device’s smartest, slimmest and lightest tablet yet, measuring just 10.5mm (0.4 inches) deep and weighing approximately 390g (0.86 pounds). It supports 1080P full HD video playback and features a 1.3 megapixel front facing camera and 5 megapixel auto focus rear facing camera with HD video recording capabilities. With HSPA+ 14.4Mbps and high-speed WiFi 802.11n Internet connectivity, the MediaPad doesn’t just entertain – it keeps you connected at an instant. 

Blessed Perdo Calungsod and six others To Be Canonized by The Pope

Another Thing to be thankful this Christmas is the announcement of the beatified people now to be canonized by Pope Benedict XVI. And one of them is our Blessed Pedro Calungsod, He  was beatified on March 5, 2000. His origins are debated if it is Cebu, Iloilo or Bohol, he and his companion Blessed Diego Luis de San Vitores faced martyrdom in the Marianas Islands.

Blessed Pedro Calungsod will be the country's second canonized saint next to San Lorenzo Ruiz (Beatified and Canonized by Pope John Paul II).  Along with him are other beatified people and others given the Title of Servant of God. People are still waiting for the official canonization rite of the Vatican.

Complete list of the causes of saints below:

Misa De Gallo Diaries - Day 2 - SIMPLICITY

First Reading: Genesis 49:2, 8-10
Psalm: Psalm 72:1-4, 7-8, 17
Gospel: Matthew 1:1-17



Simbang Gabi may seem to be an easy task of going to church for 9 consecutive days and hopefully your wish will be granted. But the essence of the novena masses are far more than the hot bibingka and puto bungbong. The celebration is indeed agreat anticipation of the arrival of Jesus as a human being and was the best gift the world it ever had. Today's Misa De Gallo theme is SIMPLICITY.

Misa De Gallo Diaries - Day 1 - PATIENCE

First Reading: Isaiah 56:1-3, 6-8
Psalm: Psalm 67:2-3, 5, 7-8
Gospel: John 5:33-36



The year 2011 has been the most harsh yet blessed term I have experienced in my whole life. It was test of skill, connections and even faith. And here I am now on the third year of what others call a devotional posts that I have been doing in the past years. documenting the Misa De Gallo series was indeed a challenge for me  but fills me so much emotionally and spiritually. And for this year 2011, I will continue this series both as a reminder for me to look back on my experiences and also a reflection shared to many people in which they can also reflect within themselves. 

XSTIG: Kingston HyperX Achieves Highest Memory Frequency in Live Overclocking Session

HyperX Memory Achieves Top Speeds of 3600MHz (CL10), 3479MHz (CL9), 3275MHz (CL8)

Kingston, the independent world leader in memory products, today announced that the Romanian overclocking team, Lab501, achieved three new world records with the world’s fastest dual channel memory kit, Kingston HyperX 2544MHz (Kingston part #: KHX2544C9D3T1FK2/2GX), during a live overclocking session.

The new records were set on December 3, 2011, by Matei Mihatoiu aka “Matose”, Tudor Badica aka “Monstru” and Razvan Fatu aka “Micutzu”, the three Romanian overclocking champions from the world renowned Lab501 team. The records were achieved in an overclocking event organized in the eMAG showroom in Bucharest, Romania, in front of approximately 100 overclocking enthusiasts and two local TV crews. The highest record achieved was 3600MHz at CL10, which stands as the world’s highest memory frequency using DDR3 memory. During the same event, the Lab501 team also managed to achieve world records of 3479MHz at CL9 and 3275MHz at CL8, using liquid nitrogen to cool the modules down to -196°C.

REEL DEAL Movies and Television: Mission Impossible Ghost Prototcol Review

Now on its 4th movie, Mission Impossible Ghost Protocol sets a new action-filled experience with exotic locations, cool gadgets and tactics and the best part are scenes shot using the iMax camera!

Tom Cruise leads the cast as the IMF spy Ethan Hunt, with a brand new team but faces a very difficult and critical situation after a terrorist bombing destroys the Kremlin. With no plan, limited reasources,  no backup and no choice, the Russian government categorizes the attack as "an undeclared act of war," prompting United States government to initiate a black operation known as "ghost protocol", disavowing the entire Impossible Mission Force. Hunt and his four-person team are allowed to escape from the government's custody as part of a plan to enable them to operate outside of their agency's command structure. However, when the IMF is ambushed, they are forced to operate without any kind of official support in an attempt to locate an intelligence source connected to the Moscow bombing and the attack on the IMF. Also stars Jeremy Renner, Simon Pegg,Paula Patton and Anil Kapoor

HEALTHY LYF: Gandiva Cafe and Archery Range

Running maybe the in thing today but being fit and healthy is more than just a hobby but a lifestyle. It starts with eating the right kid of food and indeed it hard to find those kinds especially with a lot of fast food and unhealthy varieties.


But there is a rise in the centers of wellness that only provides healthy foods but also some other activities that promotes the alternative lifestyle to fitness and also get us into interesting hobbies such as Yoga and (wait for it...) Archery! All of these are offered at this one of a kind establishment called GANDIVA CAFE.

REEL DEAL Movies and Television: Protégé reveals Top 3 Finalists


After weeks of live performances and nerve-wracking elimination nights, Krizza Neri, Lirah Bermudez and Lovely Embuscado are headed for the Grand Finals of GMA’s hit reality singing search, PROTÉGÉ.


Following the elimination of Jensen Teñoso and Nomer Limatog, Jr., the competition is now down to the Top 3 finalists who will compete to clinch the much coveted prizes in the program’s finale on December 18 to be held at the Centerstage of SM Mall of Asia.


JUAN MINUTE SPOTLIGHT: Judy Ann and Ryan Agoncillio for MY HOUSE HUSBAND IKAW NA!

Judy Ann and Ryan Agoncillo are now known to be a young celebrity model family with endorsements and shows giving them a lot of exposure. And for the Metro Manila Film Festival they now come back with a new film MY HOUSE HUSBAND IKAW NA by OctoArts Films. Written and Directed by Jose Javier Reyes. 

They have alreday appreared as a couple in Kasal Kasali Kasalo and Sakal Sakali Saklolo in the past MMFF. And their chemistry brought box office success. After giving birth to their son Lucho, the couple is back in the big screen and now ready to bring the house down with MY HOUSE HUSBAND IKAW NA! 

XSTIG: iPhone 4S is coming here in the Philippines

I love the iPhone and how it revolutionized the way people do things with applications or apps.  We were not  used to apple products because of the dominance of other brands. However, when the demand began to rise, many (including me) have seen its features and amazing innovation that also made the world go 'WOW'.

Though the founder of Apple and the iPhone, Steve Jobs is gone, he left with the dawn of the newest generation of the iPhone, The iPhone 4S. This phone has been the talk of the town for months and people await what 'magic' it possess. And indeed on its launch in the US, it was well received by the public with features like the 8 megapixel camera, iOS5 and Siri (an voice operated program that can understand and executes the command for easier use).

ART IS A BANG: Ballet Philippines’ The Sleeping Beauty

Audiences still have the chance to watch "The Sleeping Beauty" presented by Ballet Philippines at the CCP Main Theater. They have shows on Thursday, Dec. 8 at 10 AM and 3 PM, Friday, Dec 9 at 3 Pm and 8 PM, and Sunday, Dec 11 at 3 PM. The performances on Saturday (3 PM and 8 PM) are sponsored by Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Employees Association and Knowledge Channel, respectively. 

The Manila Symphony Orchestra will play Tchaikovsky's music live for one last time on Friday, Dec. 9 at 8 PM, with Katherine Trofeo as Princess Aurora and Jean Marc Cordero as Prince Desire. 

EVENTOLOGY: Urban Athletics Kings on Deck Mixtape Launch

The country’s leading premium street lifestyle retailer “Urban Athletics” held an awesome event last Saturday with the Launching of Philippines Street Plan (PSP) and UA Collab shirt, Dada footwear and Kings on Deck Mixtape.

Dada is the hottest urban basketball brand in Europe that produces clothing and apparel for the hip-hop community. Dada started in 1995 on producing hat and T-shirt Company and they aimed to target the urban basketball youth.

“We are excited and proud that Dada is finally hitting the Philippines. I know that a lot of Dada fans are thrilled to expect popular Dada lines,” said Marc Vinas, Dada Brand Manager. “The Dada urban and athletic line is sold in major athletic retailers worldwide and has been endorsed by athletes including NBA players Latrell Sprewell, Chris Webber, Karl Malone and Horace Grant. Entertainers from Snoop Dogg, Ludracris and even Leonardo Di Caprio have also endorsed the product. Watch out for Dada as it hits stores this December” added Vinas.

“Urban Athletics continues to be the trend-setter when it comes to urban sports fashion and street wear. With the arrival of Dada footwear, our market can expect the freshest drops from this very popular brand. It will definitely excite the members of the hip-hop community but the urban fashionistas as well,” said Toby P. Claudio, founder of Urban Athletics.

Aside from promoting international brands Urban Athletics has always believed in supporting home-grown talents and this is reason behind its recent collaboration with well-known underground urban graffiti artists Pilipinas Street Plan (PSP). Collaboration gathered PSP’s top creative artists Whoop, Nemo, Jood and Vermont to design limited edition shirts that fused together their signature elements together with Urban Athletics persona.

The Wonka Imaginarium


Just last December 1 to 4, a different kind of world comes to life as Candy Corner, in partnership with Wonka, opens the doors of an enchanted factory that harvests dreams and turns them into candies—the Wonka Imaginarium.



A four-day exhibit that puts the spotlight on Wonka candies, the Wonka Imaginarium allows everyone to bring their candy fantasies to life. Here, you’ll be able to walk into a magical forest with giant bugs and talking trees; enter a tunnel of lost wishes and forgotten dreams; fly and fall from the sky; and learn magic straight from a witch—all to find the rainbow: the dream that makes the happiest of all candies.


“The Wonka Imaginarium is the first of its kind in the Philippines, and we’re happy to be doing this in time for the holiday season,” shares Ricky Andres, President of Candy Corner Philippines. “More than just giving everyone a chance to get to know more about Wonka candies, our main goal is to give people of all ages a great avenue to feed their imagination and to find a different, unique activity for the whole family to share this Christmas.”


 A candy brand that uses licensed materials from Roald Dahl's Charlie & the Chocolate Factory and its two movie adaptations, Wonka’s distinct packaging and colorful taste has propelled it to become Candy Corner’s flagship brand.


“These are quality candies that have found their way into the hearts of many Filipinos,” adds Ricky. “Many of our best sellers such as Nerds and Pixy Stix are actually products of the brand, and that’s why we’re very proud to be distributing their candies here in the country.” 


The first outlet in the Philippines to combine traditional packaged and novelty sweets with the concept of having customers choose and combine their own selections of treats, Candy Corner has, over the years, consistently provided chocolates and candies to satisfy the local demand for international confectionery brands. Since its humble beginnings as a lone store in 1996, the company, over the years has expanded immensely, and currently has branches across the country. 


FASHIONISTA: Tomato Holiday Collection gives you more options to be delicious

There's a reason to be "hot" this Holiday Season!  Drop by any Tomato store and check out the Holiday Vintage Vogue collection that will surely get the oohs and ahhs every where you go! It’s just sheer delight this season!  Whether dressing down or dressing your best, you will be fashionably sexy and delicious, exactly just how a Tomato Woman should be.

One of the most in-demand fashion stylists, Pam Quinones, the brand's style guru, said that Tomato’s Holiday collection is about glitz and glam that are appropriate for the season's festivities. 

 “The essence of the collection is its appropriateness for the holidays.  A time to be merry, a time to be jolly and the best time to glam up and be sexy. Tomato's pieces have separates and sheer pieces that can be mixed and matched to achieve a rich and vibrant holiday feel.”


 “The collection exudes that 70s vintage mood but still modern with a lot of provocation. It’s fashionably trendy, sexy and with a subtly flirty statement which is very Tomato,” she said.

MUSIC LYF: Tunog Natin Songs From Home Album

After Three successful  Tunog Natin! OPM Concert Series, its now time to bring it to another level with its first compilation album: “Tunog Natin! Songs From Home”.
Tunog Natin! Songs From Home gathers 16 of the most promising and established Filipino artists in a compilation album that celebrates the beauty of our very own brand of music.



Presented by Avida Land Corp., the album is composed of 10 tracks of authentic OPM music—three original tracks and seven covers of timeless songs that Filipino love. The album will exclusively be available in Astrovision and Astroplus record stores nationwide as part of the Tunog Natin advocacy to revive audiences’ appreciation for OPM.

“Coming out with a new album is definitely a huge step towards promoting OPM. The success of the three concerts has paved way to this new venture,” says Tess Tatco, Avida Land Marketing Head.

“The enthusiastic response of audiences to the Tunog Natin concerts is nothing less than inspiring for us. We’ve always supported efforts to promote Filipino culture and Tunog Natin, both the concert series and the album, is one advocacy that we are proud to be a huge part of,” adds Tatco.

GMA NETWORK STATEMENT ON RHIAN RAMOS’ REQUEST FOR LEAVE

GMA Network received a request from its artist Rhian Ramos for a few weeks leave from her work schedule because of the trauma she is going through. She asked that she be replaced in “The Beloved” as she feels that she cannot give her best to the show given her current state of mind.  She also asked for a few weeks leave from her other shows “Manny Many Prizes” and “Party Pilipinas.”

GMA understands her request and will allow her to take some time out from her obligations to the Network. Once she comes back from her break, she will resume appearing in her shows “Manny Many Prizes” and “Party Pilipinas.”  She will also resume work on her new movie project with GMA Films.

Blah Blah Blogs BER edition/Rainy Days

SEASONS CHANGE BUT MY LOVE REMAINS THE SAME...

Due to the inconsistent weather pattern that is affecting not only our country but the whole world, the BER edition also had a sudden change of heart back to RAINY DAYS. Yes, its the rainy days again. To think that its alrady december and the expected December cold breeze should have arrived  since the last week of November.

But there was indeed a odd delay of the expected weather that we shoul be having here in the Philippines. It would be either be too hot or too wet. I won't be surprized if we will experienece hail or snow and cheeseburgers in the coming weeks.

REEL DEAL Movies and Television: Alvin and the Chippettes Step into the Wild


The Munks are about to unleash their third grandest and most spectacular adventure in “Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked” where the vacationing Chipmunks and Chipettes are turning a luxury cruise liner into their personal playground, until they become ‘chipwrecked’ on a remote island.  As the ‘Munks and Chipettes scheme to find their way home, they accidentally discover their new turf is not as deserted as it seems.

Installation of Archbishop Tagle of the Archdiocese of Manila

DEO GRATIAS!

The people of the Archdiocese of Manila welcomes the new Archbishop of Manila, Luis Antonio Tagle D.D. After  the Vatican and the Pope accepted the retirement of Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales as the Archbishop which have been processed and considered for some time. He will be the 32nd Archbishop of Manila which is the one of the oldest Archdiocese in Asia.

Bishop Tagle had been the bishop of the Diocese of Imus from October 2001 and has also been very visible on many media platforms like TV, radio and even the internet. He is the host of THE WORD EXPOSED and KAPE'T PANDASAL (as a co-host) television programs produced by the Jesuit Communication Foundation (JesComm).

As per the terms of canon law Tagle must take possession of the see of Manila within two months of his appointment. His installation as Archbishop is scheduled on 12 December 2011, to coincide with the feast day of Our Lady of Guadalupe and his 10th year anniversary of his episcopal ordination.




Misa De Gallo Diaries Now on its 3rd Year!

Christmas beyond the celebration and parties is also a time to reflect and pray with a lot to thank God for the year. It has been the most challenging and blessed year for me and would always look forward to do the MISA DE GALLO DIARIES now on its 3rd year!  This has been the most  tiring yet fun and reflective blog post series in MTL. 

I will do more planning this year to avoid problems in locations and also transportation. Now with a limited budget will be a challenge for me. I hope to encounter friends and family to join me in what I consider my thanksgiving post for the year. If you have suggestion on what churches should I go to I would definitely consider. Or better yet join me in this journey so you will also be part of my personal project.

By the way, since I'm getting addicted to video blogging, I would definitely try to have it as a new feature this year. Just a few more days left so stay tuned!