1.28.2011

XL: SPCP Fair and Talent Fest 2011

In a few days from now, St. Paul College Pasig will open its Ruby Anniversary Celebration aptly titled XL: Big Events. Bigger Shows.

The Ruby Year theme song (composed by Talia Reyes, Batch 2010)




A line up of Xtremely Large and exciting events and shows awaits students, employees, and alumnae including a musical production titled Awit ng Puso, a celebration of Paulinian community talent in Get Famous and the nostalgic reminiscence during the variety show Coming Home.

Alumnae and retired and former employees are invited to join us in the festivities of XL.

On February 2, the celebration will open in the SPCP Complex.

For more information on XL, please like us on our Facebook page XL.



Main Events and Shows:

Feb 2 - Opening Program and 40th Street Party for High School
Feb 3 and 4 - Awit ng Puso
Feb 9 - Get Famous and Broken Hearts Club Movie Premiere
Feb 11 - Variety Show
Feb 13 - Fun Run and Awit ng Puso Matinee and Gala

Center shows will be from Feb 3-4 and 9-13.

Thanks to the XL logo designed by Senior Inna Caluya.

1.25.2011

Pres. Aquino, you are impressing me

This is an excerpt from his most recent press briefing as of posting time of this blog entry. Here, he talks about the recent bus explosion incident along EDSA.

I love how he rebutted certain points of journalists who need to ask better questions than the lame questions that they have asked probably all public officials.





Excerpt:


Q: Sir, last point, any message or assurance to the international community and even to the investors with this latest development?

AQUINO: Again, tayo na naman yata sumisira sa sarili natin dito.
‘Yung Russia ho to a large degree, hindi ba para bang mas mahigpit na lipunan kaysa sa atin. Airport po nila, isa sa mga pinaka-protected, pinaka-hardened area na former totalitarian state. So, itong ikukumpara naman nating nangyaring insidente sa atin sa bus—ilan lang ho ‘yun bus? Mga 6,000 plus ho yata ‘yung nagpa-ply sa EDSA daily, no? ‘Yung mas mahirap naman ho siguro i-harden lahat nitong bus na ito, lalo na hindi naman tayo sumasakay sa isang terminal at lahat bumababa sa kabilang terminal. Pero, sa pagtutulungan ho nga ng sambayanan, may mga pasahero na nakakita ng may suspicious packages, may suspicious characters, eh ‘di po i-educate natin ang ating mga mamamayan, eh, maiibsan din natin ang problemang ito. ‘Yung ilagay naman natin sa konteksto: ‘yung mga terrorist, iilan sila, may conspiracy, ‘no? Tapos, talagang sinasamantala ‘yung mga kalayaan na nakukuha sa isang demokratikong bansa tulad natin.
‘Di naman tayo papayag na talagang bigyan nila ng panganib o kapahamakan ang ating mga kababayan kaya ginagarantiya ko sa inyo, ‘yung buong pwersa ng estado nakatutok sa paghahanap sa kanila at pagdadala sa kanila sila sa kulungan.

Q: Good afternoon, sir. You have mentioned that you are pursuing ‘yung terrorist angle. So, based on the initial investigation, mayroon na bang information kung what particular group or individual?

AQUINO: Gagawa ako ng pronouncement, ilang oras pa lang ang nangyari? Siyempre, bigyan na muna natin ng ebidensya bago tayo mag-aakusa ng kung sino man.

Q: Sir, most likely, some countries would issue another travel advisory against the Philippines, so can i get your comment on …

AQUINO: Bakit naman tayo aasa na magkakaroon ng travel advisory sa kanila? Maliban lang kung imumungkahi natin na mag travel advisory sa atin.
Pero uulitin ko lang sa inyo, ‘yung may nangyaring bombing incident in another country, tinarget [target] mga turista. Over a hundred ang mga namatay doon. Tapos ‘yun, nabigyan ng travel advisory na less severe than ours. So, siguro gaano karami ho kaya ang mga turistang sumasakay doon sa ating mga bus, na nagco-commute sa EDSA, for that matter, ‘no? So, baka dapat ay humihingi na rin ako ng cooperation ninyo. Wala namang bansa ang malaya sa terrorism threat. Sa America ginagamit ‘yung post office, ‘di ba? Nagpapadala ng anthrax spores. At least sa atin, hindi pa nangyayari ‘yun. Sana naman huwag mangyari ‘yon. Tradition po ng Pilipino, normally kapag may violence, ‘di ba personalan? Talagang matindi ‘yung galit doon sa kabilang tao. Bihira ho ‘yung “To Whom It May Concern.” Pero, dito nga ho, mayroong grupo na talagang naghahasik ng lagim, o iilang tao. ‘Pag tinutukan ng estado, hindi puwede hindi mahuli.


Read more here

tomato kicked, third time

dew

i welcome my mornings
with rampaging thoughts of you

of your whispers that are now my breaths
of your breaths that are now my words

of your words that are now my heartbeats
of your heartbeats that are now my life.

Creative Commons License
dew by Tim Decano is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.

1.23.2011

tomato kicked, again

ujjayi

not a single inhalation
and your name is my every exhalation.

thoughts of you poison me
and eat up all degrees of my sanity.

your perfection has become my panacea
your whispers have become my breaths.

i long for the warmth you breathed into me.
i long for the invisible kisses you laid on me.

whisper now and welcome me, caress me
between your arms pull me in.

and never let me forget this moment
ever again.

Creative Commons License
ujjayi by Tim Decano is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.

1.22.2011

then again

that was sweet.
that was warm.
that was perfect.
that was too good.
that was too real.
...too real to be a lie.

wheeling around

Saw this in someone's profile, made me interested and I took the test. The result is below.



You are The Wheel of Fortune


Good fortune and happiness but sometimes a species of
intoxication with success

The Wheel of Fortune is all about big things, luck, change, fortune. Almost always good fortune. You are lucky in all things that you do and happy with the things that come to you. Be careful that success does not go to your head however. Sometimes luck can change.

What Tarot Card are You?
Take the Test to Find Out.

1.20.2011

Ano ang handa mong talikuran para sa pag-ibig?

Ano nga ba ang handa mong talikuran sa ngalan ng pag-ibig?

And Teatro Paulino headed by friend and colleague Kenchi Refugio once again excites us with another offering of a big production. This time, however, they chose not only to amaze us with their acting skills, but to impress us with spectacular singing and dancing skills - that truly showcase Paulinian excellence and talent.

This coming Fair and Talent Fest 2011 of St. Paul College Pasig, something BIG is about to happen. And Teatro Paulino's Awit ng Puso is just one of the many BIG events that shall exhibit Paulinian well-roundedness.

Awit ng Puso is a musical play centered on the life, career, and love of Fatima, a Music teacher who would later on find herself in a predicament that her professional training and sweet disposition have probably not prepared her for.

Let us accompany Fatima as she journeys on with her life struggling to find the meaning of living after losing the love of her life; as she sings her heart out to initiate progress in a remote Visayan town; and as she embraces the fulfillment of her life's mission.

Watch Awit ng Puso on February 3 and 4, 6:00 p.m. and Feb 13, 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.

For more information, check out the website of Awit ng Puso.

1.17.2011

Pulitzer Prize Winner Seeks Names of the Faces of EDSA 1

Maybe it's you. Maybe it's your neighbor.

If you recognize any of these faces from those photos, then Pulitzer Prize Awardee American photojournalist Kim Komenich is out looking for you.

This picture, together with many others, that Komenich took during the 1986 People Power Revolution (the only genuine one) has become iconic.

You can check out more of the photos here.
Read the rest of the story here (where I based this post on) in Inquirer.net.

If you do recognize anyone from the photo, communicate ASAP with Kominich through revrevmovie@gmail.com.

Similar articles here:
After EDSA--: A military reformists personal account of the EDSA revolution and some views on the problems of the Filipino society

1.06.2011

Prices, fares, toll go up - INQUIRER.net, Philippine News for Filipinos

Pinoy commuters and pastry lovers, we are in it for a rough start of the year of the metal playboy bunny.

Aquino to sign EO to curb high cost of bread
By Abigail L. Ho, Paolo Montecillo, Christine O. Avendaño
Philippine Daily Inquirer

The start of 2011 seems to bode ill for Filipinos as bread and public road transport—from jeepney and bus to taxi and light rail transit rides—are expected to cost more.
Bakers on Wednesday said bread prices would go up in the coming weeks if prices of flour and sugar did not go down soon.
In Lapu-Lapu City, where Gardenia Bakeries Philippines Inc. inaugurated a plant Wednesday, its president said a bread-price increase was imminent because bakers had yet to pass on to consumers the increase in flour and sugar prices from late last year.
“We haven’t passed on to consumers the P20-a-bag increase in the price of flour last year,” said Gardenia president Simplicio Umali Jr.
“But the (Department of Trade and Industry) said President Aquino would be signing soon an executive order removing the tariff on wheat. That should reduce flour prices by around P20 a bag,” Umali said.
Consumers will have to further tighten their belts because train rides will also cost more. Malacañang has endorsed fare increases in the Metro Rail Transit (MRT 3) and the Light Rail Transit (LRT 1 and LRT 2)—all in Metro Manila.

Continue reading the article by clicking the link below:
Prices, fares, toll go up - INQUIRER.net, Philippine News for Filipinos

1.05.2011

Spot.PH | Umasal Lamang Nang Ayon sa Ganda: |  This is A Crazy Planets

I just found this amazing article from a Facebook wall post of one of my friends. Here is an excerpt:


Q: Bakit kailangan nito sa mga panahon ngayon?

Dahil sa mundong pataas nang pataas ang stress levels, dala ng banta ng climate change, kriminalidad, trapik, polusyon. Wala nang mas nakakakulo ng dugo kesa sa isang taong hindi umaasal nang ayon sa kagandahan.

Q: Ano ba talaga ang ibig sabihin ng pilosopiyang ito?

Ilang gabay, alituntunin, at halimbawa:

• Kung di naman kagandahan ang katawan (at lalo na kung tadtad ng kurikong ang balat), ‘wag mag-post ng mga Boracay pics sa Facebook. Polite lang ang mga kaibigan mo pero pinagtatawanan ka nilang lahat. ‘Yan ang mapait na katotohanan.
• ‘Wag artehan ang pananalita. Wag lagyan ng impit at kulot kung wala rin lang natural na impit at kulot ang dila mo—unless lumaki ka sa US, nag-aral sa mamahaling paaralaan, nakatira sa exclusive subdivision, o nanggaling sa pamilya ng mga panginoong may-lupa.
• ‘Wag magpumilit mag-Ingles kung di ka rin lang naman lumaki sa Forbes Park o nag-aral sa I.S. Mas lalong wag na wag kung mali-mali rin lang naman ang Ingles mo.
• ‘Wag mag-sleeveless kung maitim ang kili-kili. ‘Wag na ‘wag mag-sleeveless kung maitim na nga ang kili-kili, pamalo pa ng dalag ang mga braso mo. Mas na mas na ‘wag—nakikiusap kaming lahat lalo na ang mga tropa ko dito sa Project 2—lalo na’t lumalabas ka pa sa TV. Alam naming karapatan ng bawat tao sa mundong itong magsuot ng sleeveless, pero tandaang karapatan din naming laitin ka nang bonggang-bongga.

Continue reading by clicking the link below:
Spot.PH | Umasal Lamang Nang Ayon sa Ganda: | This is A Crazy Planets

1.04.2011

a stark naked moment

Just a few hours ago, while my Sophomores were writing their movie reviews on Hotel Rwanda, one of them - who was already done writing her review - asked me random questions about my preferences.

Jenny Gonzales interviewed me on the shows, movies, series, and what not that I watch on TV. Her always almost poker face look changed upon hearing that I rarely watch TV. Her sighs and body language all signaled more frustration when she started enumerating the series that she watches only to find out that I either have just heard about the series or I have no idea what the heck in the world she is talking about.

She then asked me what I watch. I told her that I watch shows whenever I can but that I do love Supernatural and reality shows like Survivor and Amazing Race. Then it dawned on me, after this very random, lazy, Tuesday afternoon conversation with a teenager, that this is a perfect reflection of the many aspects of my life.

Somehow my love for geometrical patterns and their simplicity has transcended and defined how I run my life. Certainties and patterns define my life. I love routines. I used to think I hated a routine lifestyle but here I am doing almost exactly the same thing every single day of my life: I wake up at 4 am, I go to school, I teach, I check papers or prepare materials and documents, I go to the gym and show up in the classes I attend regularly, go home, do some Facebook stuff, read something, then sleep. Then the next day the same thing happens again. That's my week. Weekends are not any different. I wake up at 9 am, go to the grocery, cook lunch, go to the gym, go home and watch a series or a movie that I have seen for infinite number of times I could recite the lines of every character. Then Monday comes again and things start rolling pretty much the same way it did the week before that. A party here or a meet-up with friends there would sometimes change the schedule. But otherwise, the cycle repeats.

And now, reading that paragraph one more time got me more frustrated. I am 25. I am young. I am intelligent. I am me. Why am I resorting to leading a boring, endless routine life?

I couldn't answer that question. Why am I doing this with my life? I remember vividly that I used to be very energetic and excited with doing things that are new, unexpected, and simply fun. But what have I done?

Even in eating and drinking, I consume things that I am most comfortable with.

Scenarios:

1. Pizza Hut Bistro - Bacon Cheeseburger Sausage Filled Medium Size Pan Pizza and Pesto Chicken Penne

2. Starbucks - a) Toffee Nut Frappucino/Latte, no whipped cream, half-pump b) hot English Breakfast tea, c) caramel frappucino

3. Any bar - a glass or two or three of Weng Weng or Frozen Margarita

These are the exact same things I order over and over despite the number of times I have tasted them.

This is alarming.

I'll stop analyzing and I'll start acting.

I definitely need to watch a new series. Jenny or whoever, lend me a DVD and let me watch that new series. Whatever that may be. Surprise me.

UPCAT 2011-2012 Results Now out

The results for the University of the Philippines College Admission Test (UPCAT) is now out. Click the link here.

Congratualtions to all my students who passed the UPCAT.

1.02.2011

Rediscovering John Mayer

Room for Squares is probably the only album of John Mayer that I really listen to on a regular basis. It was during high school days that I discovered the talent and music of this freaking talented musician.

Thanks to Talia Reyes, a friend, I am now reintroduced to the talent of John Mayer. After listening to "Slow Dancing in a Burning Room" from his third album Continuum, I couldn't help but feel really bad after I chose not to attend his concert here in Manila with friend Angeli Soneja - who by the way got our tickets for free. It was a perfect 25th birthday gift. But hell yeah, I chose to be safe, warm, and dry at home as opposed to being soaking wet listening to this guy.

Anyway, here is a video of a performance of the song Slow Dancing in a Burning Room.

1.01.2011

Thanks for everything, 2010!

for the new friends I made

for the friends who stuck with me through thick and thin

for the bitches that backstabbed me

for the people who just walked out of my life

for the people who broke my heart

for the people who made me happy

most of all… this is for me on still being awesome, and will be awesome in 2011

What's In Store For Your Chinese Zodiac

It's the playboy's year this year. lol
I shall embrace the cliche. It is the beginning of the year and whatever religion you believe in, I think it is safe to say that you would want to read about what is in store for you this 2011, the year of the Metal Rabbit (so the Chinese Calendar says).

Anyhow, here are the fortunes of the different Chinese Zodiacs as told by Moonslipper.com :

The Rat
Rats are charming, elegant and clever. They can be a bit gossipy and prone to being distracted. They’re also thrifty and very good with handling money. Family and close friends are exceptionally important to them. The Rat is charming beyond words and throughout his undoubtedly long life he will always be popular and will have many friends.
Forecast for 2011 The Rat will feel glad in a lot of ways to see the end of the Year of the Tiger! There were a lot of changes and the pace was fast - not something the Rat is entirely comfortable with. The Chinese Year of the Rabbit is the opposite – its tempo will be slow and steady and the Rat must try to be patient and remain content with steady progress throughout 2011. Work will again be highlighted but this time the Rat’s experience and knowledge will be called upon, helping him to advance quite nicely in his career. April, October and November are well-starred for this. On the love and romance side of life, there could be cause for celebration during the year in the form of an engagement, wedding or birth. July, August and December and January will be particularly special months. An important aspect of 2011 for the Rat is time for personal growth, hobbies and developing skills that bring happiness. For any Rats that like to write, this year will see their creativity heightened and whether for pleasure or profit, writing is highlighted in a most positive way. Health wise, the Rat will have felt burnt out sometimes during 2010 and in 2011 his vitality will be improved. He will feel stronger and will also be taking better care of himself, maintaining a good diet and steady exercise routine.

Interesting Rat Facts:
Zodiac Stone: Garnet
Special Flower: Narcissus
Best Hours: 11 pm -1 am
Season: Winter
Horoscope Colors: Black, White, Purple





The Ox
Sturdy, earthy, no-nonsense – that’s the Ox. Affectionate and easy-going, the Ox can show a fierce temper when agitated. He is neat, tidy, quiet and studious, with a great love of his home. Music can be a great love. Family life and a loving partner are high on the Ox’s priorities. A wonderful loyal friend.

Forecast for 2011 The Ox will have grown quite a bit during 2010. Its whirlwind moments and sudden challenges meant the Ox had to adjust his thinking and change direction on a dime! Some may feel a bit low about the way things went and it’s important to look forward to 2011 and put 2010 firmly behind them. The Chinese Year of the Rabbit will be encouraging for the Ox. For those who wish to change their career or at least change the direction of it, February, March and September will bring exciting offers and progress. Romance is highlighted in a very special way this year, with unattached Oxen finding themselves in exactly the right place at the right time to meet someone very special. For those in a relationship, this will strengthen and grow. June, July and October are wonderful months for love and romance. Friendship will be important during 2011. Whether the Ox is looking for new friends or drawing on friendships he already has, it’s important that he stays socially active. March, August and December will be particularly busy socially. The Ox should take time to ensure his diet is healthy and that he is taking time to exercise and spend time outdoors. Rest and relaxation will be vital for all Oxen during the Year of the Rabbit.

Interesting Ox Facts:
Zodiac Stone: Aquamarine
Special Flower: Carnation
Best Hours: 1-3 am
Season: Winter
Horoscope Colors: Green, Yellow, Black 

The Tiger
Magnetic, passionate and grand! When the Tiger does anything, it’s noticed! Indecisiveness and stubbornness can mar the sparkle of the Tiger personality. On the one hand generous, on the other hand a little mean, it’s sometimes hard to know where one stands with the Tiger. Flexible, honest and truly entertaining, one has a friend for life with a Tiger.

Forecast for 2011 Most Tigers will be feeling quite pleased and energized at the end of their own year in 2010. The Year of the Rabbit will be another positive year for them. Romantic matters are particularly to the forefront, with many born under this sign deciding to get married or to take the relationship to the next level. Single Tigers will have many chances to meet a partner with June to September particularly well aspected. If they have faced recent personal trials and tribulations, 2011 will prove to be a much brighter year. Financially, the Tiger will most likely see an increase in income, either due to a pay rise or an unexpected windfall. With careful planning and budgeting, they can enjoy this monetary increase whilst easing financial burdens. Hobbies and outdoor pursuits will also interest the Tiger this year and will provide relaxation and a social setting, both of which will suit him just fine. Travel and spending holidays with friends will be a focus during late spring and also August and September. If there is a dream location he’s always wanted to visit, this is the perfect year to do so! A house purchase or change of home could very well feature on the cards also. This will be an exciting rather than overly stressful development and Tigers should thrive in their new environment.

Interesting Tiger Facts:
Zodiac Stone: Sapphire
Special Flower: Violet
Best Hours: 3-5 am
Season: Winter
Horoscope Colors: Green, Blue, Yellow





The Rabbit
Cuddly, warm and affectionate are the attributes of the Rabbit. Mysterious and a great party-giver and host, the Rabbit enjoys being the centre of attention once in a while. The Rabbit is occasionally over cautious and can be a bit boring. He is also one of the luckiest signs in the Chinese Astrology chart.
Forecast for 2011 The Rabbit will have found the momentum during 2010 quite unsettling, little realizing that his accomplishments during the year will set him up beautifully for his own year in 2011. This will be a stunning and most favorable year for him, especially in regard to work and career. His ability to interact with others will put him in the lead for any promotions at work. Also, if the Rabbit is considering a completely different career, this is the perfect time to explore his options. Not only will the change energize him but he will feel happier than he has done in some time. March to May and October to November will be important times for career developments. Finances during the Rabbit’s own year are buzzing, with his luck running high! He may see a salary increase, receive a gift or make extra money from a hobby or entrepreneurial idea. Socially, August, September and December will be hectic! Single Rabbits could meet their significant other this year and the relationship could move very fast. Those with partners will find their relationship becomes more serious and important. Stress and worry over decisions may drain the Rabbit’s vitality during 2011 and it’s very important he gets enough rest and relaxation. He must also remember to call on friends and loved ones for support and advice during any challenging times.

Interesting Rabbit Facts:
Zodiac Stone: Pearl
Special Flower: Jonquil
Best Hours: 5-7 am
Season: Spring
Horoscope Colors: Grey, White




The Dragon
Assertive, energetic and talented are all words to describe the Dragon personality. On the other hand, the Dragon has a tendency to be condescending and tactless without realising it. In the Chinese Zodiac, they are born under the sign of luck. They generally enjoy robust health and tend to be very successful in anything they turn their hand to.
Forecast for 2011 The Chinese Year of the Rabbit will be a more balanced and secure year than 2010 for all Dragons. They will have loved the exciting nature of the Tiger year, but now it’s time to take it down a notch or two! Many of them will have had changes in their job and the steadier tempo of 2011 will help them to settle in and possibly even go for promotions. July, September and November will give Dragons a chance to reassess what they’re doing and what direction they now want to go in. The opportunity to retrain or take night classes should be considered seriously. The foundations they now lay will greatly enhance their prospects in 2012 – their own year. Romance is beautifully starred with opportunities to meet new people all through the year but particularly during April, June, September and December. On the whole, this will be a positive and happy year for Dragons. The monetary situation will improve for most and their eye for a bargain will be particularly keen. Travel is also highlighted during the Rabbit year and time spent with friends and loved ones will be especially valued. Breaks during April and May or September will prove to be memorable. Hobbies and talents should be pursued and enjoyed as they will provide great pleasure and relaxation during 2011 and could lead to other interesting opportunities.

Interesting Dragon Facts:
Zodiac Stone: Amethyst
Special Flower: Sweet Pea
Best Hours: 7-9 am
Season: Spring
Horoscope Colors: Black, Gold



The Snake

Intelligent and highly intuitive are two of the Snake’s many fine qualities. He makes an amusing and romantic friend with a definite flirtatious streak. When challenged or criticized he can be a sore loser. The Snake is very lucky with money and is fond of the odd bet or two. He is quick-witted and enjoys reading, music and occasionally the paranormal side of life.
Forecast for 2011 Snakes like to have plans and follow their itinerary in an orderly fashion – 2010 threw all this out the window! The Chinese Year of the Rabbit will be a much more appealing year to the Snake and he will feel back on track, albeit still busy and full of activity. The focus of 2011 for the Snake will be to make sure he is doing something he likes, something that allows him to express his creativity and talents and something that he excels at. February, March and October will provide windows of opportunities in his career to achieve this. However, he must put in the effort and make his intentions known, or the windows may close again. Financially, things are looking much brighter for the Snake and with planning and saving, this will be an excellent year. Home decorating and refurbishments are highlighted this year and time at home with family and friends will be treasured. Romance and friendship will be superb in 2011 and he will get much enjoyment from social gatherings, especially ones connected with work. A word of warning for all Snakes – there is the possibility of a lapse in judgement or a piece of harmful gossip – this could lead to awkwardness. Tread carefully! Healthwise, Snakes should take care to have a balanced lifestyle or their energy could suffer.

Interesting Snake Facts
Zodiac Stone: Opal
Special Flower: Passionflower
Best Hours: 9-11 am
Season: Spring
Horoscope Colors: Brown Gold, Green 

The Horse
Fun, charming and attractive sums up the Horse’s traits perfectly. They love parties and crowds and being the centre of attention. They can also be egotistical, hotheaded and impatient. The Horse is a considerate and protective friend and partner and when in his company, there will always be excitement around the next corner.
Forecast for 2011 The spotlight will have been on the Horse for much of 2010 with his sparkling company and friendship being frequently in demand. In 2011, the focus for the Horse will be on his career, with unexpected developments and promotional opportunities on the cards. He should watch events carefully, for when an opening occurs he will need to act fast and be alert. April, May and October and November will be encouraging months for moving ahead in work or indeed finding a new job altogether. Health and well-being will be on the minds of many Horses in the Chinese Year of the Rabbit and it’s a perfect time to re-think fitness routines and diet. Socially, as always, the Horse will be busy, with May to September and December being full of fun opportunities with friends. Attached Horses will fare better than single ones in 2011. If a new romance is on horizon, the Horse would be well advised to relax and let the relationship develop slowly and without rushing. March, September and October are prime months for finding someone special. The Horse is an adventurous soul by nature and may do some travelling to far-flung places in the Year of Rabbit. Financially there is a definite chance for the Horse to increase his earnings over the year and he should make every effort to manage his money carefully.

Interesting Horse Facts:
Zodiac Stone: Golden Topaz
Special Flower: Rose
Best Hours: 11am-1pm
Season: Summer
Horoscope Colors: Orange, White, Yellow




The Goat

Graceful and optimistic, kind and easy going, would describe a Goat personality. They can also be petulant and discontented, likely to throw the towel in at the beginning of a problem. They can be charming without revealing their true feelings. The Goat is very talented and imaginative and can turn his hand to most creative pursuits.
Forecast for 2011 The Year of the Rabbit starts off brilliantly for those Goats seeking employment or wanting a career change. By networking and keeping his ear to the ground, some exciting possibilities will come up. March, April and September are well-starred for work advancement and positive changes. The past couple of years have been challenging for the Goat and 2011 will be much more upbeat, positive and happy. There will be many chances over the year to make new friends and attend social outings – just what the Goat needs. The support and friendship of others will be very important to him this year and give him the encouragement and confidence he needs. The single Goat will find 2011 an excellent and thrilling year for romance and those who already have a partner may be thinking of taking it to a more serious level. February, August and September will most likely present opportunities for romantic encounters, but the whole year will bring happy social occasions. The Goat must look after his own health this year, ensuring that he is getting enough rest and relaxation. It’s going to be a busy year, in the nicest possible way, but it could also be a bit draining on his vitality. Financially, things are looking much brighter than in previous years and many Goats will have fun buying bits and pieces for their home or taking short trips.

Interesting Goat Facts
Zodiac Stone: Emerald
Special Flower: Larkspur
Best Hours: 1-3 pm
Season: Summer
Horoscope Colors: Green, Blue





The Monkey
The Monkey is playful, lively, fun and a quick thinker. They get bored very easily and find it hard to settle down to doing any one thing. The Monkey can also be vain and offhand. They are ambitious and usually very good with investing money. With their quick wit and wonderful sense of humour, they are a great party guest. The Monkey’s life will never be dull and predictable!
Forecast for 2011 The Monkey will find 2011 very much to his liking with plans and goals moving ahead smoothly and as anticipated. For Monkeys involved in creative work such as writing or art, this will be a particularly inspirational year and their work will be highly regarded. The Chinese Rabbit Year will offer some brilliant promotion opportunities and by being proactive and alert, the Monkey will reap the benefits. For those seeking work, attention to detail when applying for jobs will open up significant windows of opportunity. February, September and November should be outstanding months for their career. Friends and family will provide many happy and memorable occasions during 2011 and there may be one or two special celebrations. March to May and December will be very active socially for most Monkeys. For single Monkeys, there should be quite a few opportunities to meet someone special through outings with friends or at work. In addition, trips to art exhibitions, museums or other cultural venues will prove delightful for many Monkeys. The Chinese Year of the Rabbit would be an auspicious year for him to follow up on self improvement ideas he may have been considering for awhile. A fresh look at his fitness routine, diet and how he unwinds, could do him the world of good. 2011 will be the year for the Monkey to move forward, leaving any disappointments and regrets behind. It can be a most satisfying and enjoyable year for him.

Interesting Monkey Facts:
Zodiac Stone: Peridot
Special Flower: Gladiola
Best Hours: 3-5 pm
Season: Summer
Horoscope Colors: White, Violet, Green




The Rooster
The Rooster is always popular, extravagant and creative. They can be brutally honest and generally like being showered with attention. They are wonderfully loyal friends and also give advice freely – whether they are asked for it or not! Family means the world to the Rooster and they are one of the most loyal signs in the Chinese zodiac.

Forecast for 2011 The Year of the Rabbit will be a much quieter year than 2010 for the Rooster. However, the Rooster will have to curb his natural exuberance and enthusiasm just a bit in 2011 and practice some patience and common sense. On the work front, it will be vital for the Rooster to work closely with his colleagues and practice his networking skills. This will stand to him during the months of March, April, November and December when unexpected developments happen . All the work he does now on the career front will pay dividends in 2012, the Chinese Year of the Dragon. The Rooster should also consider any opportunities he may have to study or for training. This would go extremely well for him and again benefit him greatly later on in the year. On the social and romantic side of life, this will be a much more settled and quiet year, which will be to many a Rooster’s liking. March, July and August look to be the most active on the social scene. A word of warning though – the Rooster must take care to temper his words with friends and not be too harsh. A quarrel or end of a close relationship could result. Financially, the Rooster may have a few home-related expenses this year with repairs, decorating and renovations. It would be wise to manage any project sensibly and shop around for the best deal; Chinese Rabbit years can be expensive for all signs. On the whole, 2011 looks like being a pleasurable and encouraging year for all Roosters.

Interesting Rooster Facts:
Zodiac Stone: Citrine
Special Flower: Aster
Best Hours: 5-7 pm
Season: Autumn
Horoscope Colors: Orange, Green



The Dog
The Dog is wonderfully hard worker, a perfectionist and someone who loves the small details. He is also a bit anti-social, pessimistic and stubborn. They are one of the most honest and trustworthy signs of the Chinese zodiac and will always go to bat for a worthy cause. The Dog is a fantastic listener and his advice is usually very intuitive.
Forecast for 2011 The Chinese Year of the Rabbit has shining possibilities for all Dogs. The main emphasis will be on their personal life. If attached, the Dog will find their relationship grow and become much more meaningful on all levels. Single Dogs will be particularly lucky in finding someone very special. All social occasions will carry the possibility of meeting someone new, with April, June, August and December being the busiest months on their social calendar. Career-wise, the Dog will see the jobs expanding or promotional opportunities arising unexpectedly. It is crucial he discusses any worries or ideas with friends and family. Increased confidence and self-respect will garner the respect of work colleagues. The most favorable months on the work front are March and September to November. Seize the moment when it presents itself! Financially, the Dog can look forward to an improvement in his situation. This will allow him to indulge his hobbies and perhaps take a trip or two. In the Year of the Rabbit, the Dogs must guard against lost, delayed or incorrect documentation. Make doubly sure that everything is as it should be on all paperwork this year. The Dog will have a renewed interest in health, fitness and outdoor pursuits this year, which will greatly benefit his vitality and zest for life. If he can leave the past couple of challenging years behind him, 2011 will be a most gratifying and happy year.

Interesting Dog Facts:
Zodiac Stone: Diamond
Special Flower: Marigold
Best Hours of the day 7-9 pm
Season: Autumn
Horoscope Colors: Silver and Red




The Pig
The Pig is an innocent, sweet and lovable personality. They can also be quite melancholy and over-sensitive. The Pig loves the company of others, and adores parties, gossip and chit chat. They are highly intelligent, but prefer to keep this side of their nature under wraps. The Pig does not care that much for money, but is one of the Chinese zodiac signs that is very lucky.
Forecast for 2011 The Pig loves to have fun and socialize with family and friends and on this front, the Year of the Rabbit will not disappoint him! He made not have been the life of the party recently, but in 2011 his social network will greatly increase with April, May, July and October being the most enjoyable months. Single Pigs could very well meet a romantic partner through a friend or at a family gathering. The Pig parties hard and works hard and in the Year of the Rabbit he will be bringing in the rewards for all his hard work. For any Pigs who wish to change jobs or who want to climb up the promotional ladder, there will be quite a few opportunities this year to do either. But they must act quickly, ensuring they have made all the right enquiries and connections. March, April and September will see work developments happen, but they must be ready to pounce at any time during the year. The Pig will be feeling good in 2011 and would like all manner of wonderful things to happen – all at once! He must learn to pace himself and go along with the more leisurely speed of the Rabbit year. Otherwise, he may burn himself out. Overall, 2011 will be a progressive and enjoyable time for all Pigs.

Interesting Pig Facts
Zodiac Stone: Ruby
Special Flower: Chrysanthemum
Best Hours: 9-11 pm
Season: Autumn
Horoscope Colors: Purple, Red, White

101st post for 1/1/11


To everyone who follows and reads my blog, thank you so much for satiating my momentary conceitedness. I shall provide more insights on things, more news, and more stories of my daily life.

Thank you for making blogging worthwhile.