I am so hooked in this new gem in Asian cable TV!

Been watching it over our Sky Cable Dual Def 499 HD Channel - Lifetime Asia. Not only am I viewing it... I am also iRecording it (more about this nifty feature later)!!! Wiiiiiiihhhhh.... <Insert cartwheel here>

Lifetime Asia describes Sugar Stars as the escapades of these unusual friends-turned-business partners as they take you into the world of 'petite sweets' and the drama that ensues as they run their specialty dessert business in the sugary world of over-the-top confectionery creations, as the crew designs elaborate, eye-popping 'sweet tables' for the biggest events in town.

Every time I watch it, I have a staple smile in my face -- as we put it in Filipino "ang kulit lang talaga nila". I like how the show focused on the creative side, planning and executing for the actual event instead of the how to bake the food or sweet treats. But the Cakes By Yolanda are just jaw-dropping and will knock you out your socks off each time. My personal faves so far are The Game of Thrones Dragon Eggs and the Topsy Turvy Cake. Elle and Caspar with Antonella, with their own cray-cray personalities, just complete their foursome team of Petite and Sweet in Toronto, Canada.

I am so inspired by it, I am already doodling a travel-themed sweet table in case I plan to throw out some party of my own. Props would be the least of my problem, I am starting to get butt-loads of souvenirs from my travel.

Pictures via Google Search

So, what is this iRecord I was talking about earlier? Well, just in case you still did not know Only SKYcable gives you a world of limitless possibilities with its widest selection of channels and different ways to enjoy it.

For one, SKYcable has the most number of standard definition (SD) and high definition (HD) channels. Enjoy over 180 channels so the entire family can have a world of possibilities and limitless discoveries. Genres include Movies, Sports, Kids, Learning, Music, General Entertainment, News, Lifestyle, Religious and International channels. SKYcable also has the most number of high definition channels – a total of 42 HD channels – the most in the country!

If you are a SKYcable subscriber then you also have the ability to add channels and packs that you like to your basic plan. Choose and add channels and packs to your basic subscription plan to suit the family’s viewing preferences.

Then, you can also get access to special shows and events through SKYcable Pay-Per-View and Free View with the widest variety of live entertainment – from sporting matches, thelatest blockbuster movies to live coverage of special events and concerts.

Lastly and my personal favorite, SKYcable enables silly me to take control of my TV viewing with iRecord allowing me the power to pause, record, and rewind live TV, so I never miss out on any of my favorite shows and scenes like Sugar Stars. 

SKYcable has the first and only Personal Video Recorder (PVR) feature in the country.
 

Pause
The SKYcable iRecord also has timeshift which lets you pause live TV in case you need to step out for a while and resume where you left off.

Record
With a press of a button, it lets you record like your favorite tv series – while watching the news. The SKYcable iRecord also lets you schedule recordings so it automatically saves the shows you want even if you’re not around.

Playback
You can bookmark, fast forward and rewind recorded shows so you can get back to your favorite scenes in a snap. Plus savor every exciting moment in slow motion and frame by frame playback.

Glad I got reconnected to SKYcable and now I can always view the show iRecorded at my most convenient time and no more rushing to get home or getting late to sit down at the dinner table because I am still watching TV. Hahaha... Thanks much, mySky!

Sugar Stars follows the escapades of these unusual friends-turned-business partners as they take you into the world of 'petite sweets' and the drama that ensues as they run their specialty dessert business in the sugary world of over-the-top confectionary creations, as the crew designs elaborate, eye-popping 'sweet tables' for the biggest events in town - See more at: http://www.lifetimeasia.com/show/sugar-stars-s1#sthash.vixQdX4u.dpuf

So if you are a fan of Phoebe in 90s TV Hit Series 'Charmed', you will definitely like seeing Alyssa Milano again in her latest US TV Series entitled -- Mistresses.

www.ctv.ca

So okay I don't exactly like the title but anyway this is a story of four friends. Alyssa plays a lawyer named Savannah or Savvy for short. She had a one night stand with a co-worker which she regret and now she is pregnant. Uncertain who the father is, this could possibly cause her marriage. The rest of the three characters also face their own dilemma in their respective relationships.

tvtourguide.blogspot.com

I don't think this is airing locally but I am able to catch its episode via online in megashare website. As of writing, Season 1 already has 11 episodes.

The iWanTV.com.ph has upgraded recently. Here are some infographics from their website regarding the changes. I already fall under Free Users after terminating my subscription to SkyCable when we had to moved from Makati to Alabang.

Mash up - Usher and U2

Can I be honest with you and just confess that I already max out my online shopping budget for more or less the rest of the year? And imagine its just only August! Well to cut the long story, I blew off some serious moolah in errrr a bad venture. Sigh! 

Anyhow, so expect less shopping feature for awhile until I recover from my lost. I am going rogue -- old school style. First stop, renting out movies from the Video City. Yeap, not torrent downloaded movies and take note indi DVD kundi VCD hahaha...beat that!

Renting out a movie from a video shop takes me way way back when I was still little. Something na namana ko sa Tatay ko who used to bring me along when he rents out 4-6 movies in betamax then VHS then CDs. Surprisingly, Video City always has an outlet nearby the place we are renting -- last time in Makati now here in Las Pinas. 

Being a member is just easy: I just filled out their registration form, presented 2 valid IDs and an ID Photo. I then paid for the card itself for only Php 10 and another Php 10 if you wish to have an extension. Nagulat pa si hubby when I handed out his card and commented "member na din ako, ganun lang yun?". Here's the first batch, a couple of RomCom (Romantic Comedy), a cartoon, action movie and adult comedy.

And yeah, I am using our 3-year old Coby DVD player (also a TV) which we bought when we were just starting out to rent in Manila and we still do not have our furnitures from Cavite. Now, I just connect it the LED TV and it is all set to view in a bigger screen.

You know I am one of the many fans of KC Concepcion even back from her KC from Paris to Pinas days. So right after watching her in Huwag Ka Lang Mawawala in iWanTV, I clicked on KrisTV's last Wednesday episode and watched as she morphs from Alexis to Ariel...

Sobra nyang galing besides being pretty...It suits her very well. I could just imagine the power you need to swim through with that bundot. She makes it look so easy but we all know she works out very hard with Plana Forma as shared in her IG account.

Namiss ko tuloy bigla ang tubig! Remember how much fun I had in the swimming pool just recently in our staycation in Acacia Hotel - Alabang?! Well, I really do miss being active like dancing and I do pray that I will get out of this rut of sedentary lifestyle...

Now, I believe this is just the right match up: Father and Son Cordovales vs Paolo Onessa. "Panalangin" is my most favorite Apo Hiking Song and it just gives me goosebumps. For me, it was a close fight.

But before I end this post, I just have to highlight and quote Ms. Lea in this "magical moment" showcased by Taw and Kimpoy covering 'Without You' by Usher.

The first round of the battles in The Voice of the Philippines and for Kamp Kawayan we have Lee and Dan.

I have to hand it to Dan, I felt it was flawless and sincere. For Lee, it has been a hit and miss. Remember her first song -- Anak then Angels. But in the end Sir Bamboo chose Lee.

Best of luck to Dan!

Post during Blind Auditions

Updated: Suprisingly, Bamboo posted this in his FB Page.

Thanks to iwantv.com.ph, I still get to catch The Voice of the Philippines despite the bad TV reception in our area and mind you with no commercial break!

Obviously, my loyalty goes to Team Bamboo since Mr. Manalac's music has been a great influence to us couple. Besides Christian Songs, his albums are the only ones stapled in our mp3s and in the car. Sa kasamaang palad pa nga eh when we sold Victor last April, our first car, naiwan ni hubby sa player ang CD ng No Water, No Moon! Wenk, wenk and we are left with just the album sleeves for our collection and since tiga Batangas pa yung buyer we weren't able to get the CD back. 

Anyhow, wala ka din naman talo with the other coaches - Sarah, APL and of course Ms. Lea Salonga! Susme, indi ko makakalimutan ang walang humpay kong pagkanta ng "I will show you the world, shining shimmering splendid..." habang hawak ko ang songhits worth Php 15.00 para mamemorize ko ang kanta ni Princess Jasmin, yun nga lang talaga I am not gifted with a singing voice. 

The Blind Audition

I am guessing that by this time you are already familiar with the show's format and what the blind audition is all about. After 2 weeks that TheVoicePH is on air, each 4 coaches has already 3-4 team members so the blind auditions are not yet over. I have a lot of respect for those who take a leap of faith and battle through the nerve-racking experience of auditioning but so far here are my top 3 favorites:

Isa Fabregas (Kamp Kawayan) - the worship leader from Victory Christian Fellowship - Makati. Supporting my churchmate as she showcase her talents to bring glory and honor for His Name.

Rahda Tinsay (Team Lea) - former Kulay member and also one of the prettiest faces in the music industry. I was actually been searching for her online a few months back since I have been wondering where she is right now and there she was in the blind audition. Looking at her reminds me of Dr. Callie Torres of Grey's Anatomy played by Sara Ramirez which by the way is another great singer.

Lee Grane (Kamp Kawayan) - The soulful breadwinner of the family gave a very moving performance when she covered Angel by Sarah Mclachlan leaving Bamboo teary-eyed.

As I end this post, please do include hubby in your prayers as he himself will be auditioning as a volunteer in the Music Ministry in our new home church, Victory Alabang. Peace out!

Jase sings Bamboo in Battle of the Bands

Jase drumming it out in the Culminating Night 2012 at Victory Fort

Last November 2012, Masterchef Pinoy Edition (Homecooks) aired during the mornings at Channel 2 ABS-CBN hosted by Judy Ann Santos-Agoncillo together with Chef Judges Ferns, Lau and Jayps. But like the rest of the manggagawang Pilipino, I don't get to watch it during the day because I'm already at the office.

But I have never missed an episode thanks to www.iwantv.com.ph!

It is ironic that I am watching it because as you know I am a kitchen handicap and I have very little interest in the magical world of cooking next to my husband who likes to cook to help him release stress, remember my Orange Plate post? Not me, I get stress out when I have to cook even just the thought of frying hotdogs for breakfast stresses me! But I like how the story of each kusinero and kusinera unfolds during the game tsaka I like yung mga damit ni Juday. Katuwa nga that in one of their episodes, she was wearing a pleated dress that kinda looks like the one I bought last December.

Of course, hubby watches it with me to learn new tricks. I on the otherhand is starting to realize that it is possible to create a dish with only Php 100 under 45 minutes so perhaps this year I would try cooking again. I already tried before pero wala talaga kong tyaga, naiinip ako and all. But let's just keep our fingers cross.

www.iwantv.com.ph
masterchefph.abs-cbn.com

I miss watching 2nd Avenue Channel's photography show Two Stops Over so I searched online hoping someone posted its episodes. But to my surprise, I found out that its Season 2 already premiered last January in local Channel 11 GMA News TV as What I See. Was I under a rock all this time not learning about it?

After further digging, I was able to sigh with relief to find out that it wasn't too late for me. I can still catch up on the remaining episodes of What I See as they re-air in TalkTV, Sunday 7:30 pm. Now that Amanda Loving Life is off season (Congrats Amanda with the new baby! *Feeling close, teh*), the timeslot is just perfect so I could catch it after watching Pinoy Explorer!

From their FB Page: The Team of What I See

http://www.facebook.com/whatiseetv

I love taking photos (even to be photographed as well hehehe) since I was in high school. But I have never really been good at it so it is still on my bucket list among many. I get goosebumps though when I see beautiful and soul-stirring pictures like the ones captured by Paco Guerrero.

This year, hubby volunteered in the Music Ministry as a drummer and in prayers I asked God in which ministry should I volunteer to in our church and His answer was in photography. Although, in my capacity I know I have very little to offer, I trusted Him to give me the grace to do what He asked me to do. My favorite church event that I was able to cover so far was during Holy Week when Judah Paolo did the Spoken Words.

Lately though, the Lord is steering me yet again to another direction which is going back to writing. That is the reason why I am active in my blog more than ever. I get so many inspiration in the simple events in my life that I just want to describe it in words because of the pure bliss I feel upon experiencing it and to give back the glory to the Lord for being so gracious to me. I just want to feature earthly things that give the readers hope and make them realize that if you think this is already beautiful and exciting, what more in heaven!

Anyhow, we, the YAPtography cannot afford high-end camera and accessories as we try to be good steward of the financial provisions from the Lord (remember: no credit card policy for us). So for now, we only invest within our budget. Funny thing is that when I veared away from photography the past few months, hubby picked it up back where he left off. God really has a plan to use our giftings for His pleasure and glory.

Jase testing the Sigma Lens at Turf BGC

So I missed out on the latest Aga ♥ Regine movie 'Of All the Things'. So instead of fretting about it...I filled up my SG Note with some Tagalog Rom-Com (Romantic Comedy) Movies.

But before any of you conyos could pass any judgement on my taste of movies please bear in mind how stressful our daily grind can be and somehow lately I noticed that Tagalog movies help me wind down. Feeling ko kasalanan ng Skycable Cinema One to eh...wala na kse kaming Star Movies.

Ms. Regine as Luisa or Isay eating isaw

So anyhow, here is currently on my video playlist:
1. Pangako Ikaw Lang - Regine, Aga
2. When The Love Begins - Aga, Anne
3. Pangarap Ko ay Ibigin Ka - Regine, Boyet
4. Kailangan Ko'y Ikaw - Regine, Robin
5. Till I Met You - Regine, Robin

But to cap off my weekend, I changed gear to What's Your Number starring Anna Faris ♥ Chris Evans.

House Bunny falling in love with Captain America

Also, it is that season again in the US when some of my favorite TV series are on air.

Goodbye Mark, Grey's Anatomy Season 9

Adult Cartoon, Cleveland in Stoolbend Season 3

Newly wed Bernadette Wolowitz Big Bang Theory Season 6

Happy viewing movie and tv buffs like me~self, ey!

Another Sunday evening treat for me after Pinoy Explorer in TV5 is the 30-minute show in Lifestyle Network, channel 52 in Skycable hosted than no less than Amanda Griffin-Jacob: Amanda Loving Life!

Dubbed as the 'TV Show for the MODERN MOTHER' and invites us to 'join Amanda as she opens her doors to every parent and mother as she tackles the different challenges of Parenthood. Stay in top form as she shows you how to stay fit and healthy. Shop with her in seeking the latest trends on fashion and beauty. Travel with her to places yet to be discovered. Feast with her as she shows you the different cuisines or better yet prepare a sumptuous meal for your loved ones to enjoy. Join her as she embarks on a journey into the simple pleasures of life and.... the joys of motherhood.'

Last Sunday was their Beauty and Technology episode with DJ Delamar for Facial Care.

 And the epitome of Filipina, Ms. Dawn Zulueta-Lagdameo for Marie France.

Ms. Dawn is my all time peg, the big-dowed wide eyes and the wavy hair features that I share with her. But that just about it...hahaha!

Me circa 2009 Pre-Nup photo

After 3 months of run, this Sunday is already the season finale of Amanda Loving Life and base on their FB posting, the last episode is full packed with Nicole Hernandez, Giselle Toengi, Daphne Osena-Paez, Tweetie de Leon, Mikaela Lagdameo, Christine Jacob (Amanda's sis-in-law) and Maggie Wilson.

I am enjoying being a wife and praying for a little one not in the next couple of years. I just feel 32 y.o. feels right for me to have a bundle of joy of my own. Again, this is just for me and it was a desire imprinted in my heart at the beginning of our marriage during one of my quiet times and it hasn't changed since then. My hubby also doesn't mind being the baby of the house for now. He loves having all my attention all to his own but I know he wouldn't mind sharing in the future.

Just the same, I am learning much to those who are already on that stage especially that my own mom is no longer here on earth to help me out hands on. I know my MIL will support me but it is still different if my Nanay will be here, you know what I mean. So thanks Amanda Loving Life for shaping the future mommy in me. More power and till next season.

Our Sunday Eve has been freed up lately that we are able to watch local channels. One of which that is starting to become hubby and I's favorite is TV5's Pinoy Explorer hosted by no other than Mr. Aga Muchlach.

Aga visits different places all over the world and for his birthday episode, he traveled locally to Bohol where he met up with Cesar Montano and was even sung to by the heavenly voices of Loboc Choir. Bohol was also memorable to us because it was the very first travel we took via airplane.

The following week he featured some of the best of past episodes like the Ferrari World in Abu Dhabi and for tonight the whole family will be joining Aga in his trip to Sydney.

Just making kulit though, their FB page posted this Aga-Charlene pic at pumepeg lang ang mga Yaps as Muchlachs hihihi ♥♥♥.

Well at least hubby got the dimples and I got the hair

Catch it with us every Sunday 6:30-7:30 pm at Channel 5. Happy Anniversary Pinoy Explorer!

As for us we tried to do our own share of exploration since we got married in 2009.

Budget travels that we have blessed to experience

This year we are booked to Coron Palawan for our 3rd wedding anniversary on December (Thanks to Cebu Pacific Piso Fare). It marks our 15 years together since we were boy/girlfriend for a dozen years before getting married.

Who knows we might win the contest to travel with Aga! Makulit din namang host din tong si hubby eh. Here is a video we took in Corregidor in 2010.

*** Updated October 30, 2012 ***

We have been wanting to send in photos to some of our travels and finally thank you to Aga for clarifying the mechanics via twitter. Yay!

Corregidor Island Entry

I'm such a fan of Sara Ramirez, more popularly known as Dr. Callie Torres in Grey's Anatomy. I find her so pretty. Check out her live performance of the song 'The Story' in Good Morning America. The song she also performed in the musical event of the Grey's.

 

Did I mentioned my middle name was 'Ramirez' before I got married? Wala lang, kinoconnect ko lang sa akin. Belat =P

Season 5...
Season 5...
Gusto ko ng complete Season 5...

I was watching Justice in Studio 23 Kabarkada Mo last night. I was going to set-up the sleep timer. Underneath the sleep button is number 3 in the remote control. So I accidentally press number 3 a couple of times instead of the sleep button and I was surprise that I got a channel - UniversiTV. The reception is not that good but another channel to add my UHF is not at all bad. Since we don't have Cable TV, thank God we don't! Since we move a lot we don't require one. I usually apply for phonelines just so I could have an internet access. But now that I can surf through my Moto Cellphones (Yes, both of them is working - V3X and C651) and Smart no need for that one too. Speaking of moving a lot, I'll be moving tomorrow to a new apartment this time all by myself while my dad stays with my brother to enjoy his apo's company. Well, technically not all by myself. I get to keep the household help. Giggles!

I must admit since I saw the band, Bamboo, a month ago I became a true believer and have glued my ears to their compositions. I had to buy the two CDs Light Peace Love and We Stand Alone Together at Music One, Greenbelt. *May add pa ko dito pero update ko na lang later*

Yup I'm a bit of a rock chic but just like Fergie (see Cosmo March 07 issue) I'm crazy for romance. I watch "Paano Kita Iibigin" yesterday with the girls. Hahaha before you pass any judgement of my taste lemme explain first. I'm a type of person who try to separate the personality from the character they are portraying. Even sa music I try as much as I can not to be caught up with the artist but to their actual works. Kung maganda para sa akin yung naproduce nila why not di ba? So I had no qualms kahit si Regine pa yun at si Piolo. Pero para sa akin Eugene Domingo gave a lot of life sa movie. Can't stop thinking about her lines. Parang LSS pero dialogue yung nastuck sa utak mo.

God is good.

Welcome to Heaven Resort
Where you can rest in peace forever
Welcome to the Heaven Resort
Such a lovely place
Such a lovely face
Plenty of room at the Heaven Resort *di masyadong sure bout this part
Any time of year, you can find it here

Wag ka mag-alala safe naman dito. LIAAAAAMMMMMMMM!!!

Laurence character is dark to be portrayed by Piolo. Kaya dahil dun nagalingan ako sa kanya. Parang maniac and lustful talaga sya. Pede ng mabuo yung movie with his character alone, kahit wala na si Regine. Oks na rin si Regine daming mura. Mura as in cursing. Makakarelate ka naman basta you have experienced love and loss at one point in your life. And ang pinakaimportante you still see hope in life.

At syempre ang walang kamatayang show of affection nila sa isa't isa and super nakakarelate ako dun. Waaahhh...