As we savored the delicious meal, laughter and heartfelt discussions filled the air. The absence of screens allowed us to truly connect, to listen intently, and to share stories that brought us closer together. It was a refreshing change to be fully present and enjoy the company of loved ones without the constant distractions of technology.

Amidst the cheerful atmosphere, my brother proposed the idea of watching a horror movie. While the suggestion intrigued everyone, I couldn’t help but veto it, knowing my own tendency to get spooked easily, especially when it comes to sleeping alone. Little did I know that our conversation would take an eerie turn as we began sharing personal encounters with the supernatural.

The stories that unfolded about ghost sightings in our old house sent chills down our spines. I vividly remembered a childhood memory of seeing a mysterious white lady outside my bedroom window. At the time, I dismissed it as a mere dream. However, my sister shared a bone-chilling revelation that she, too, had seen the same ghost outside our living room. The unexplained occurrences left us pondering the mysteries of the supernatural world.

But the tales didn’t stop there. My sister recounted an unsettling incident she experienced with her boyfriend while driving home one night. They came across an eerie ghost bus, seemingly devoid of any passengers, including the driver. The inside of the bus was eerily lit, and it briefly flashed its headlights at them. It was a hair-raising encounter that left us questioning the thin line between reality and the paranormal.

In the spirit of sharing, I also opened up about a ghostly encounter I had during my time in Hawaii. It was a personal experience that still sent shivers down my spine as I recounted the details. The exchange of ghost stories brought us closer, making us feel like a tight-knit group bonded by these extraordinary encounters.

Reflecting on the evening, I couldn’t help but recall similar moments from my younger days. Memories of school retreats and overnight field trips came rushing back, where my classmates and I would gather, huddled together, sharing stories just like these. It was a reminder of the power of storytelling and how it can bring people closer, fostering a sense of connection and shared experiences.

This experience further solidified my belief that I don’t need my phone as much as I once thought, except for work or school-related matters. The joy and depth of connection that came from our uninterrupted conversations reaffirmed the value of being fully present with loved ones.

To add a humorous touch, even my grandma decided to give up her phone, resorting to tossing it away whenever it vibrated to signal an incoming call. We couldn’t help but laugh at her unconventional approach to managing phone calls.

In the end, it was an evening filled with laughter, eerie tales, and genuine connection. It reminded me of the importance of embracing such moments of togetherness and the power of shared experiences. As we bid each other goodnight, the rain continued to pour outside, but inside, our hearts were warm with the love and connection we had cultivated throughout the night.

I wouldn’t beat around the bush and just share with you the list of performers for the upcoming festival.

• Cobra Starship
• Far East Movement
• Tinie Tempah
• Iggy Azalea
• Orbital
• Infected Mushroom
• Yuna
• Cosmic Gate
• Kim Kat
• Pendulum DJ Set + Verse
• Miguel Migs
• Sub Focus
• Taboo (from the black eyed peas)
• The Cataracs

Pledging state-of-the-art visuals and projections, intense choreographies by world class performers, pyrotechnics and interactive elements, the 1 World Music Festival will fuse the very best facets of music and dance into a perfect musical experience for its cosmopolitan audience. The Festival will bring in both the biggest names in music entertainment and the most exciting emerging talents as well. From Iggy Azalea’s rapping genius and Tinie Tempah’s breakthrough style to Yuna’s poignant melodies, these are the most addictive of musical styles and will hold audiences in absolute thrall.  The freshest musical innovations and its irresistible beats are set to meld with the visual delight of dancing light shows. DJs will spin the night out with sensational rhythms to move an invigorated crowd. If there is one show to attend this year, make this it.

Date: 20th & 21st September 2013

Time: 6pm till late

Venue: Marina Barrage

Details and ticketing at www.1worldfest.com.

Purchase now for early bird offers.

Festival Website: www.1worldfest.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/1WorldMusicFestival
Twitter: @1WorldFest
Tumblr: 1worldfest.tumblr.com
Instagram: @1WorldFest
Blog: blog.1worldmusicfestival.com

I’m so excited for the bloggers of Southeast Asia!  This year, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) launches the ASEAN Blogger Festival 2013 on May 10-12, 2013 in Central Java Indonesia.  Bloggers and social media practitioners from the Southeast Asia region will be on touch base with everone in the beautiful Solo City.

The theme: “Reinventing the Spirit of Cultural Heritage in Southeast Asia”

If you are participating in this event, or want to follow updates, please use the hashtag #ABF2013

Participants get to join seminars on ASEAN Cultural Heritage Linkage and ASEAN Tourism, various workshops tackling online intiatives that impact positive social change (such as online business and advocacy), and enlightening discourse regarding social media development including but not limited to the role of social media in the ASEAN integration process and the ASEAN Blogger Community Plan of Action.

Why do I want to Join this Event

In the year 2008, my life changed.  It was the time I started blogging.  Back then, I didn’t know a lot of bloggers and I didn’t have a mentor.  I just blindly opened an account on blogspot, wrote about the things that intrest me and then it’s all history.

My influences were mainly from bloggers in the US and Malysia.  Malaysia’s blogging community was big at that time and I built really close knits with Malaysian bloggers who I actually traveled with eventually.

Bloggers from Malaysia taking me around Melaka on one of my personal trips

In turn I also took them around beautiful Philippines 🙂

and in 2014, I am traveling with the to Hanoi!!!

The power of blogging: brings neighbors closer 😉

What Influential?

I think every blogger in the world is influential.  The internet stream reaches everyone in the world and one hit on that “publish” button and you get to influence the world!

Blogging is such an influential tool and for 5 years of doing this, I would also say that blogging is something constant in my life.  Something I would never give up.  

I get letters from readers reaching out to me from various topics: thanking me, asking questions about career, love, and a whole other things!  It’s overwhelming but blogging can affect other people’s lives.

I myself have been influenced by other bloggers.

It’s really great to get to know bloggers from other countries, especially in our ASEAN region.  What do I get out of reaching out to other bloggers in this region?  A whole lot:

• I would realize that we may speak different languages, but some words are similar
• We are both different but similar at the same time
• There are a lot of similarities culture and values wise
• There are also a lot of notable differences that are really interesting and essential to understanding another country’s culture
• With all this in mind, we get to help each other make blogging and our ASEAN community grow
• Share the beauty of each other’s country, and maybe help each other discover each other’s home

Now why do I want to participate in this event again?

I want to be more effecient and effective in delivering change to our communities.  By being a part of the ASEAN Blogger Festival, I would get to hear from different speakers and bloggers and learn from their experiences.  I want to actively be a part of this movement.

Looking ahead:  ASEAN Community goals for 2015

This would be also an insight I would gain when I get in touch with other bloggers and social media practitioners in the region.  It would be great to come together again and update each other on what’s new with the cyber world.  In 2 years, you never know what happens, if there are other influential social media tools that would change the cyber scene again.

We can learn from our current status and discuss further ways to improve, and even go beyond what we already have today.

Bloggers from the Philippines

Maybe the Philippines can also host an ASEAN blogging convention?

Say Hello to my friend Aseanita

Photo taken in Jakarta, at the AirAsia ASEAN hub

Aseanita is the digital girl of AirAsia – big sponsor of the ASEAN Blogger Festival.

I have been an avid fan of AirAsia – as a customer and as an online partner.

Like me, AirAsia believes in the power of blogging, social media and other online activities that affect our offline lives.

If you want to know more about the culture in AirAsia, you can check out my interview with a very important person – the CEO of AirAsia

Interview with Tony Fernandez

Follow Aseanita, TWEET her 🙂 She would love to hear from you 
http://www.facebook.com/Aseanita
http://www.twitter.com/aseanita

Also, for updates on the ASEAN Blogger Festival, please use the hashtag #ABF2013

Be dazzled by Cirque Mother (Circus Mama) Africa when it rolls into town on April 19th – 22nd presented by Establish Events in cooperation with Media Central.

Philippine audiences are familiar with Cirque Du Soleil but this time, they will be challenged and mesmerized by the sights and sounds of Africa. This innovative two hour show, which combines African music, dance and performance, pulsates with the heartbeat of Africa and the combined talents of 40 artists from nine African countries, including Ethiopia, South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, Ivory Coast, Benin, Zimbabwe, and Guinea.

It’s a show that’s unlike any other.  And while some of my friends travel to watch different places worldwide, you don’t have to spend that much to experience this because it’s coming here to Manila!

Check out this video:

Although the artists come from all parts of the African continent, on stage, they fuse into a single family whose cheerfulness and passion immediately capture the audience. And they are versatile performers! Each of the outstanding artists is a dancer, singer or musician and quite often a combination of all three.The troupe performed in sold out shows in Germany, Italy, Romania, Russia, Netherlands, Australia, Belgium and Spain.

The circus show, with a cast of 45 performers, started in Tanzania in October 2006. A world premiere in Germany in December 2006 followed and “ Mama Africa – Circus of Joy” was born. T he show toured to sell-out crowds, playing to more than 300,000 people in small cities and towns in Germany. Since then, this circus production has grown and the 2011/12 production is an anniversary programme which will feature some of the best acts from the past four to five years as well as new ones.

Tickets are affordable at:

• VIP PhP 6,095.00
• C1  PhP 5,090.00
• C2  PhP 4,065.00
• C3  PhP 3,025.00
• C4  PhP 1,500.00

You can also avail of discounts, find out here to know more.

Book your tickets now via TICKETWORLD.

It is non other than fun and quirky – Caloy!  His task is to give Happiness to Filipinos!  Tough job? Maybe, but bringing happiness to a whole lot of people is very rewarding.

With this he declared his first decree: Free flowing happiness to Filipinos!  To serve Happiness by giving away FREE COKE throughout the Philippines!

SPOTTED:  Free Coke banners along 7/11 branches inviting everyone to go inside and grab their FREE COKE!

Last Saturday, February 4, I was driving along that road from Pandacan to Kalentong when I spotted a noticeable red banner up at 7/11 and the words said “Claim your free Coca-Cola” so I dropped by to get my own drink!  I was parched because it was very hot at that time and I was working on a weekend!  I actually worked ’til 10 pm.  I would naturally complain but hey, the Free Coke made me smile 🙂

That made me happy, I mean c’mon it’s rare to get things for Free!

What could he be up to next?  Do you have suggestions?

Do you want share the happiness?

Check out Caloy’s Facebook and Twitter below and find out what he’s up to!

FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/PresidentforHappiness

TWITTER: https://twitter.com/#!/Coke_HappyPrez

*This post is sponsored by Coca-Cola.

It’s fun being with different kinds of people, get to know them and actually involve myself with the “entertainment” industry.  And our main goal is to give entertainment to everyone, to make you guys happy

With that, I want to share more happiness your way and I just have the greatest news for you all!

Coca-Cola just appointed Caloy as their President for Happiness!

What does the President of Happiness do?  Well, it’s his task to share happiness to Filipinos.  Know more about Happyologist Caloy in this video.

He needs to implement programs that will tickle your happy bones!  But how does he do it?  He’s planning on showering the Philippines with Coke from a helicopter @_@ But that’s a crazy idea!  But who knows, he has several more ideas up his sleeve and maybe you can suggest cool ideas yourself?

Do you want share the happiness?

Check out Caloy’s Facebook and Twitter below and find out what he’s up to!

FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/PresidentforHappiness

TWITTER: https://twitter.com/#!/Coke_HappyPrez

*This post is sponsored by Coca-Cola.

Hello travel-hungry folks!  Work is work, but when there are holidays, it’s time to travel!  Plan your leaves and vacations early and base it on the Philippine Holidays 2012 Calendar below :

Check out my friends and partner’s holiday deals from time to time:

• AdvenTours from AirPhil Express. You can also visit their Facebook page for any questions.
• Buyanihan deals for  Holiday, travel, beach, spa, health & wellness and hotel packages 🙂

Philippine Holidays 2012 Calendar

*calendar courtesy of portalseven.com

The following regular holidays and special days for the year 2012 shall be observed in the country:

A. Regular Holidays
New Year’s Day – January 1 (Sunday)
Holy Week 2012
Maundy Thursday – April 5
Good Friday – April 6
Araw ng Kagitingan – April 9 (Monday)
Labor Day – May 1 (Tuesday)
Independence Day – June 12 (Tuesday)
National Heroes Day – August 27 (Last Monday of August)
Bonifacio Day – November 30 (Friday)
Christmas Day – December 25 (Tuesday)
Rizal Day – December 30 (Sunday)

B. Special (Non-Working) Days
Chinese New Year – January 23 (Monday)
Ninoy Aquino Day – August 21 (Tuesday)
All Saints Day – November 1 (Thursday)
Additional special (non-working) day – November 2 (Friday)
Last Day of the Year – December 31 (Monday)

C. Special Holiday (for all schools)
EDSA Revolution Anniversary – February 25 (Saturday)

Notes :

WHEREAS, on January 23, 2012, the Chinese nationals all over the world will celebrate Spring Festival, popularly known as the Chinese New Year, which is one of the most revered and festive events celebrated not only in China but also in the Philippines by both Chinese Filipinos and ordinary Filipinos as well; and the joint celebration is a manifestation of our solidarity with our Chinese Filipino brethren who have been part of our lives in many respects as a country and as a people; 23 January 2012 may be declared as a special (non-working) day without detriment to public interest

WHEREAS, Friday, 2 November 2012, falling between Thursday, 1 November 2012 (All Saints Day) and Saturday, has been traditionally declared a special (non-working) day throughout the country

WHEREAS, to give full opportunity to our people to properly observe All Saints Day with all its religious fervor which invariably requires them to travel to and from different regions in the country, Friday, 2 November 2012, may be declared as a special (non-working) day without detriment to public interest

More at www.facebook.com/beyondthebox.ph

*Promo Disclaimer*

“This Promo is not applicable in conjunction to any other discount or promo offers.”

the Delsey Travel bag could be yours!  You’d get a new one of course!

Check out my previous post about Delsey bag and the perils of having an unsecured luggage here:

http://www.flaircandy.com/2011/11/delsey-bags-traveling-with-a-peace-of-mind/

Now if you want one for yourself, all you have to do is share this video:

check this poster for more details!

I have written about our story a few times in my blog before, but I believe the blog post is too old for anyone to discover (unless you stalk me and you read all of my blog post). 😛

It all started when I wrote my first blog post back in May 2008.  I was frustrated that no one visited my site.  I cloaked my identity under an alias “FlairCandy” because I didn’t want to be known.  I wanted to have the freedom to write without revealing my identity.

After a month, it was just me and my blog – alone.  I was so obsessed with stats and I kept on checking Google Analytics to check if there are visitors coming to my blog.  I was surprised that slowly, I get page views already!  I discovered that every time I blog hop and comment on other blogs’ page, they appreciate my effort to comment and in turn, click the link to my site!

I wanted more.  I wanted to monitor the visitors in my blog.  I wanted to interact with every visitor that comes to my blog and I want to get their feedback, ask how they happened to drop by my blog etc.  I noticed some of the blogs I follow have this thing called Cbox or Shoutmix and I wanted one for myself

I was working for an international bank that time and they are strict with security.  I tried to install Cbox and Shoutmix on my blog’s sidebar, but it won’t show on our office because those sites (chat sites) are banned.  I didn’t have internet at home then so I couldn’t check my blog out of work.  Sometimes, I come to work early just to post a draft.

Then, I found this Chat Box that wasn’t banned in our office and I installed it successfully on my sidebar!  It is called ShoutOutLounge!  At that time, Facebook hasn’t made its name in the Philippines yet.  We were all getting tired of Friendster at that time and we were uploading our photos on Multiply.  Twitter wasn’t popular yet.

Shoutout Lounge was amazing.  First, it gave my blog more traffic.  I was able to chat real time with any bloggers who had this widget installed in their page as well as their readers.  I was able to make solid friends from outside the Philippines particularly in Malaysia where this widget was born.

This is how the website looks like.  but you can istall that widget in the middle in your sidebar too!  I got to get featured in the website too 🙂  By the way, this website was already taken down.  I think it was the era of Facebook, Twitter and Plurk that attributed to this.

Anyway, it was a fun adventure for me.  The people in the chatboard were amazing, funny (I caught myself laughing alone like an idiot a few times) and I get to discover cool stuff with them.

I was surprised that not a lot of them know about Manila and the Philippines, so I self-declared myself as the “Blog Ambassadress” to the Philippines because I felt like it was my duty and honor to talk about my country and share it with my friends abroad.

Until now, we are still friends.  We get updated on Facebook and I’ve had a few trips with them here in Manila and there in Penang, KL and Melaka.  Check these posts:

10 Malaysian Bloggers Invade Norther Luzon Philippines

Road Trippin’ Malaysia

Bah Kut Teh

Destination: Melaka with Malaysian Bloggers

Penang Food Trip

 Until now we keep in touch.  But I would always visit their blogs especially if they have new posts.  I often wondered what those animated banners on their site are… sometimes they glow with ads and sometimes they conduct a poll.  It looks like this:

*screenshot of Angeline’s blog had a Nuffnang banner on the sidebar

I asked them how I could get that widget that would able me to earn money and they were like – sorry lah, it’s only available here for Malaysian bloggers. 🙁

Then I was very sad leh, how come I can’t have one…

After only a few months, I heard a buzz about Nuffnang coming in the Philippines.  I’m not sure how I knew about this but I got so excited and I blogged about it!  It caught the attention of the Nuffnang manager at that time Jing (we are now good friends).

*me with Jing former country manager of Nuffnang Philippines

She emailed me and thanked me for the post.  When we met, she told me that at the time I posted that, they were just finalizing and everything wasn’t written in stone yet.  Oh, but lucky that they pushed through!

Not a lot of bloggers new what Nuffnang is at that time and since I have been a fan of their fun community in Malaysia, I gladly helped spread the word!

Nuffnang finally launched in Manila.

And I made a blog post about why bloggers should become a member of Nuffnang. <– and some testimonials from bloggers

*Jehz and Winston

That’s when I also met new friends because of Nuffnang.  I met Jehz and Winston, who helped me with most of the technical stuff in blogging.

I attended my first WordCamp, got introduced to local bloggers in the Philippines and was surprised that there are lots of Filipino bloggers already!

That’s my Nuffnang story and the rest is history!

Blogging changed my life!  Nuffnang was a part of it 🙂 How? Check this out:

Jane’s blog: http://janedchua.com

 Pantene TVC here

Boracay Hygienix party here

 10 Malaysian Bloggers Invade Norther Luzon Philippines

Her blog: http://thejessicat.com/

Nuffnang Blog Awards 2009

It’s a fun world with Nuffnang.  It’s the people that makes the journey fun and the community that’s filled with dynamic energy and fun!  This year, they are holding another Regional Blog Awards!

Check out how to be a part of this year’s Nuffnang Blog Awards 2011!  Nominate your favorite blogs and find out how you can score an invite to the event in Malaysia!

All details can be found here http://www.nuffnang.com.ph/blog/2011/10/24/nuffnang-asia-pacific-blog-awards-2011/

Until the next adventure,

FlairCandy

xoxo

Come 16 December 2011, 500 bloggers from around the Asia-Pacific region will flock to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia for the Nuffnang Asia-Pacific Blog Awards 2011 in Putrajaya Marriott. The Awards aims to not only honour the region’s best bloggers, but also to bring together blogger communities from across Asia-Pacific. The Nuffnang Asia-Pacific Blog Awards is brought to you by Volkswagen Malaysia and Putrajaya Marriott.