Xavier Alumni Visa Card

The Alumni Association of Xavier School (AAXS) recently released their new Xavier Alumni Visa card in joint venture with Banco de Oro Universal Bank (BDO). The changed the over-all design of the card. I received mine last week, a new mail from BDO came with my new card. This automatically replaced the old BDO card and was automatically activated last April 17, 2009. They also changed the card number this time. I noticed also that my credit limit has increased both for the Dollar and the Peso Account. Thank you BDO and AAXS!

As I hold the new card with the Xavier logo on it, I begin to reminsce the days when I was still studying in Xavier. It made me smile as I journeyed back in time. Those were one of my happiest days of my life. Truly, Xavier moulded me into a whollistic individual. Not only are we good in Academics but we are also great in intrapersonal relations, extra-curricular activities and sports. That is what a true Xavier education is all about as we live up to our motto "Man for Others!"

I use this new credit card with pride and dignity. It gave me a smile when one of the cashiers in one of the establishments said, I quote: "Wow! Xavier School is in fact one heck of an institution, imagine, they even released a Xavier Visa card for their Alumni" This is one thing that makes me proud of being a Xaverian, we are acknowledged in anywhere we go. This is our symbol. So to all my fellow Xaverians....remember... "LUCEAT LUX!"

Save Earth, Our Planet!

THE DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL

Synopsis: Aliens has reached Earth and this time they are not engaging war against the human race but saving the Planet Earth.

Message: We must try to save our planet because we know every resources it offers is fast dwindling, from the water that we drink to the air that we breath. We take everything for granted, we always worry about stuffs that we forget to go back to the basics. If the Earth suffered, we will all suffer. No matter how great the country is, no matter how wealthy a family is, no matter how we love each other but if our abode gets affected, we will definitely get affected as well.

Opinion: Yes, this is only a just a movie to some of us but this the The Movie for me. It was first shown in 1951 and was remade again in 2008. We didn't learn from the message this movie delivered in 1951 as we continously exploit our beloved sanctuary. There have been an alarming change to this planet, the sad part is, the change gets from bad to worse. Everyday when we wake up in the morning and take a breathe of air that fills our lungs with strength and hope as we prepare ourselves for the day ahead of us, the challenge awaits us. Before we take enough air, let us ask ourselves, what had we made to make this place a better place to live in and are we deserving for the air that we are breathing?

Think: There is also a line in the movie that opened my eyes because it is very true and it goes like this; we change when we are at the brink of it. This is when we realize we need to change for the better. It is a way of life, it is how we react. So, take this line from the film and put it into action. This is the time when we need to stay together and help her, our planet, to recuperate from all the exploitations only the human race can do. Let us make a better place for our children so that they can still cling on the trees, lay on the grass and swim the seas. Please be scared of the fact that one day, no matter how we want to change, considering the amount of time and frequency of chance we have for us to change, it will be already too late! I am!

Change: In our own little way, let us help save the environment. The Jonas' Chronicles is actively touching the heart of this blog's readers to be more environment conscious. We can help in the littlest of our abilities in order to save our planet. We already know what we must do, the question is: Are we doing it?

Hong Kong Disneyland - The Magic in Asia

Hong Kong Disneyland, the newest Disneyland theme park, opened its doors last May 22, 2005 to public. At present, Hong Kong Disneyland is the 5th style park of Disney next to Tokyo Disneyland, Disneyland in Anaheim L.A., Euro Disneyland, Disneyworld Florida. It is also the smallest Disney park having only 4 main parts; Main Street USA, Tomorrowland, Fantasyland & Advetureland but future expansions are on going. Entrance to the park is priced at HKD 350.00 (Php 2,170.00) for Adults.

It is located on the reclaimed land in Penny's Bay, Lantau Island. One can ride the MTR to go to Disneyland. If you are riding at Tsim Sha Tsui station; Buy a ticket to Hong Kong Disneyland. First take the train to Central. Change train to Tung Chung Line (Orange Line) and then alight in Sunny Bay. From Sunny Bay, change train to the Disneyland Resort Line. This will take you to Hong Kong Disneyland. From Tsim Sha Tsui (TST) to Hong Kong Disneyland via the MTR is at HKD 18.00 (Php 111.60) and takes roughly around 45 to 50 mins. The train from Sunny Bay to Disneyland is a Disney inspired train, its windows are shaped like Mickey Mouse, the handles inside the train is shaped lick Mickey as well. There are statuettes of different Disney characters on the train such as Chip and Dale, Snow White, Donald Duck and etc. Upon reaching Disneyland Station, you will go up a flight of stairs and will be greeted by a big sign that says.. Welcome to Hong Kong Disneyland.

I am very happy that I was able to experience the magic of Disney in Hong Kong. The park is well crafted with careful detail that is very Disney. But I feel this park is built strictly for children. Rides are not that thrilling which for me is a downfall as well. The park is not comparable to Disneyland in Anaheim, California. But nonetheless, it is a good experience to enjoy the magic of Disney in Asia, particularly in Hong Kong. The convenience of going to and fro Hong Kong Disneyland from the city center is amazing. You don't even need to ride a bus or a car just to be able to go there. Simply ride the train, follow the steps and signboards and there you are, amazing! This is the magnificent subway system that is being envied by other countries.

More pics at http://jonas321.multiply.com

(香港) Hong Kong, China S.A.R. : The Shopping Haven

Hong Kong (香港) is an island south of Guangzhou and East of Macau which was a former colony of the United Kingdom in 1842 and handed it over to China in 1997. Hong Kong is the other SAR of China (Special Administrative Region) under the "One Country Two Systems" policy, Macau being the other one. The same with Macau, Hong Kong enjoys a complete sovereignity over the mainland 50 years from the handover. Meaning to say, Hong Kong doesn't need to send money to the Central People's Government. It will retain its currency and its laws as well.


Everyone knows Hong Kong as the shopping haven of the east. This is where you will find the widest array of clothes, books, music and etc. Hong Kong's Hang Seng is one of the key major stock markets in Asia. One must go to Central, Tsim Sha Tsui, Admiralty & Causeway Bay as this is the main shopping districts in Hong Kong. There is also Lan Kwai Fong in Central where you can find the widest array of beers found all over the world and bars with different ambiance and setting.

Hong Kong's mass transit system is very very efficient. One need not to own a car in Hong Kong as you can ride the MTR system. Having stations as big as establishments, one can find their exit points easily depending on your destination. This is the cheapest and fastest way to get around Kong Kong. There is a single journey or multiple journey tickets available for purchase. Airport Express is under the supervision of the MTR. This is a train ride from the Airport to the main city and to the hotels that you are checked-in via Bus having stations in Airport, Tsing Yi, Hong Kong and Kowloon. Going to Hong Kong Disneyland is accessible via MTR as well. Stop at Sunny Bay station under the Tung Chung Line and transfer train to Hong Kong Disneyland.

Food in Hong Kong is also to die for. Almost every restaurant that offers roasting is spectacular. But one stands out, it is Yung Kee in Central. One must try their roast goose, suckling pig, barbeque pork and suckling pig. These are only the basics. Chinese food in Hong Kong is the most delicious so far. Just a precaution, if you don't watch out, you will end up gaining 5 lbs in 3 your 3 days stay there.

I've been to Hong Kong 16 times already since 1989 and I will never get tired to go back to Hong Kong. This is my first international destination when I was 8 years old. I am in love with this place, the food, the shopping, the clothes, the books, the people, everything about Hong Kong is magical. Some countries or cities are good when visited once, but Hong Kong is a different story. The more you travel to Hong Kong, the more you will fall in love with her.

Quick Facts:

Denizens : Hongkongese, Hongkonger
Government : Chief Executive
Area : 1,108 sq. km
Population : 7,008,900 (2008)
Time Zone : HKT (UTC +8)
Internet TLD : .hk
Calling Code : +852
Currency : Hong Kong Dollar

(澳門) Macau, China S.A.R. : The Old Meets The New

Macau (澳門) is an island located south of Guangzhou and west of Hong Kong which was once occupied by the Portuguese until handed over in December 20, 1999 to the Chinese. There is a joint agreement between Portugal and China that after the handover, Macau shall retain her autonomy until 2049 under the policy known as "One Country Two Systems". Thus making Macau one of China's S.A.R. (Special Administrative Region), Hong Kong being the other one.

Macau is also known as the Las Vegas of the East. This is where gambling thrives and is one of the main contributors to Macau's economy. At first, the monopoly license was given to Mr. Stanley Ho ended in 2002 thus many casino owners from Las Vegas tried to enter into Macau starting with the opening of Sands in 2004 and Wynn in 2006. It is also a surprise that gambling revenues in Macau grew larger compared in Las Vegas Strip making Macau the highest volume gambling center in the world. In 2007, The Venetian Macau opened its doors to the public followed by MGM Grand Macau. Galaxy Cotai Megaresort will soon open in Macau thus forming the Cotai Strip, Macau's answer to the Las Vegas Strip.

All revenues earned in Macau shall remain in the Special Administrative Region of Macau and is a tax haven and free-port zone. Macau does not send any money to the Central People's Government and Central People's Government shall not levy taxes on Macau until 2049.

No visa is required to enter Macau.


Quick Facts

Denizens : Macanese
Government : Chief Executive
Area : 29.2 sq. km.
Population : 520,400 (2007)
Time Zone : MST (UTC +8)
Internet TLD : .mo
Calling Code : +853
Currency : Macanese Pataca (MOP)

The Venetian Macau - Macau (Part II)

Ones jaw will surely drop when you enter the grand lobby of The Venetian. You will be greeted by a gold statue with fountain as you check-in to your suites here . All hotel rooms are suites in this magnificent hotel. The feel inside The Venetian is very different, so surreal. Level 1 is where you check-in and check-out, the casino floor and some restaurants. Level 3 is where the Grand Canal Shoppes are located. This is one of the main highlights here in The Venetian. This is where you can ride the gondola as they paddle you around the 4 available canals in this hotel. This is where you shop, wine and dine. However, this is only the beginning of the wonderful journey here in The Venetian. There is more!!

Everyone can visit The Venetian and have a feel of the Fuzz that you hear in your local country with regards to this wonderful hotel found in Macau known as The Venetian. The surprise that I have been telling you about starts here, when you open the room to your suite. Voila! How big the rooms are and how carefully each detail was placed, from the lighting to the bedding, the cases and the furniture. Not even Level 1 and Level 3 can compare to the feeling of entering into your own suite here in The Venetian. There are 3 kinds of suite available separated into two main buildings, the South and the North. WOW!!! I was speechless when I entered ours. I haven't even started how the bathroom looks!! Thanks Mom for the wonderful stay =)

If you are planning to play at the casino, remember that people under 18 years of age is strictly prohibited in entering the casino floors. There you can see slot machines, baccarat tables, roulette, poker and blackjack. Minimum bet for the table is at MOP 200.00 (200 Macau Patacas) or HKD 200.00 (200 Hong Kong Dollars), when converted that is around PHP 1,240.00 per bet. The convertion rate: 1 HKD = 1.06 MOP / 1 HKD = 6.20 PHP.

Inside The Venetian, one must try to devour the food that is offered on the Buffet Line of BAMBU. This is the Asian Feast Buffet Restaurant here in The Venetian. It is very afforable. The price doesn't sacrifice for the quality of food that is being served here. This is a highly recommended place to dine. The Venetian also offers other restaurants that can fill one's appetite. There is a catalogue of all the places where you can dine and relax in The Venetian in your suite. WELCOME AND HAVE A WONDERFUL STAY AT THE VENETIAN MACAO - RESORT - HOTEL.More pics at http://jonas321.multiply.com/photos/album/141/Macau_2009

Ruins of St. Paul - Macau (Part I)

This is the most famous landmark in Macau. The St. Paul Ruins was part of the St. Paul Cathedral built by the Portuguese, particularly the Jesuits, in the 17th century (1582 to 1602). The facade is the only one standing up until right now as many tourists and locals flock the site day in and day out. This was built for St. Paul the Apostle. In 2005, this historical landmark was officially enlisted by UNESCO.

Behind the historical facade lies the remaining pillars and a shrine of St. Paul Cathedral, more famously known as the Ruins of St. Paul now.

Going down the stairs away from the facade of the Ruins of St. Paul are houses built by the Portuguese, Macau did a very job in preserving this wonderful antique architecture. The built shops below the adobe brick houses that stood the test of time. The roads in Macau is also built in adobe.

More pics at http://jonas321.multiply.com/photos/album/141/Macau_2009

The Jonas' Chronicles goes International AGAIN! - China's S.A.R.

Dearest Readers,

Hello once again! I know it is barely a month since I came back and posted entries entitled "The Jonas' Chronicles goes International - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. I really hope you guys enjoyed the detailed tour of Kuala Lumpur as you journeyed by reading my posts. But before anything else, I would like to inform you guys that here I am again entitling my entries The Jonas' Chronicles goes International - China's SAR. SAR is short for Special Administrative Region of China, there are 2 of them under the "One Country, Two Systems" specifically Hong Kong and Macau. Meaning that Hong Kong and Macau still has complete autonomy from the mainland in a specific time after the handover. Hong Kong was handed over 1997 and Macau in 1999.

Macau - I will give you a detailed tour and history of St. Paul Ruins, tour you to the magnificent The Venetian Hotel & the Grand Canal Shoppes as well as the suites. We stayed one night in The Venetian to really experience how grand it is.

Hong Kong - Visited this awesome place for 16 times already since 1989. I won't talk about much about Hong Kong since it is everyones destination. My entry will be focused on Hong Kong Disneyland. The Cantonese cuisine which is the most delicious Chinese cuisine ever.

Sit back and relax as I begin the journey one "One Country, Two Systems!"

Mortal Instruments Series: My Next Read

It was a relaxing Friday night, I visited Fully Booked in Promenade Greenhills with Aileen and to my surprise, there is was featured in its own shipper, The Mortal Instruments Series (City of Bones, City of Ashes and City of Glass) by Cassandra Clare. I first saw this in Amazon.com researching and surfing for my next read after I finish Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer and this series quickly caught my attention. Reading its synopsis made me intrigued and interested. I quickly bought the two books without having 2nd thoughts and left City of Glass since it is still on hardbound. I will wait for its paperback version soon! After reading Stephenie Meyer's Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse and Breaking Dawn. I got hooked and is very fond of reading young adult urban fantasy series. Urban Fantasy as explained means it is a fantasy set in the modern and real world and not in a fictional or fantasy land. For example, faeries riding roller coasters in theme parks, witches and warlocks researching for new spells in the New York library or elves queueing to get in the hottest clubs in town. For more information about the Mortal Instruments Series, please visit http://www.mortalinstruments.com/

SYNOPSIS

1.) City of Bones (Book 1):

When fifteen-year-old Clary Fray heads out to the Pandemonium Club in New York City, she hardly expects to witness a murder -- much less a murder committed by three teenagers covered with strange tattoos and brandishing bizarre weapons. Clary knows she should call the police, but it's hard to explain a murder when the body disappears into thin air and the murderers are invisible to everyone but Clary.

Equally startled by her ability to see them, the murderers explain themselves as Shadowhunters: a secret tribe of warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons. Within twenty-four hours, Clary's mother disappears and Clary herself is almost killed by a grotesque demon. But why would demons be interested in ordinary mundanes like Clary and her mother? And how did Clary suddenly get the Sight? The Shadowhunters would like to know....

2.) City of Ashes (Book 2):

Clary Fray just wishes that her life would go back to normal. But what's normal when you're a demon-slaying Shadowhunter, your mother is in a magically induced coma, and you can suddenly see Downworlders like werewolves, vampires, and faeries? If Clary left the world of the Shadowhunters behind, it would mean more time with her best friend, Simon, who's becoming more than a friend. But the Shadowhunting world isn't ready to let her go -- especially her handsome, infuriating, newfound brother, Jace. And Clary's only chance to help her mother is to track down rogue Shadowhunter Valentine, who is probably insane, certainly evil -- and also her father.

To complicate matters, someone in New York City is murdering Downworlder children. Is Valentine behind the killings -- and if he is, what is he trying to do? When the second of the Mortal Instruments, the Soul-Sword, is stolen, the terrifying Inquisitor arrives to investigate and zooms right in on Jace. How can Clary stop Valentine if Jace is willing to betray everything he believes in to help their father?

In this breathtaking sequel to City of Bones, Cassandra Clare lures her readers back into the dark grip of New York City's Downworld, where love is never safe and power becomes the deadliest temptation.

3.) City of Glass (Book 3):

To save her mother's life, Clary must travel to the City of Glass, the ancestral home of the Shadowhunters -- never mind that enter-ing the city without permission is against the Law, and breaking the Law could mean death. To make things worse, she learns that Jace does not want her there, and Simon has been thrown in prison by the Shadowhunters, who are deeply suspicious of a vampire who can withstand sunlight.

As Clary uncovers more about her family's past, she finds an ally in mysterious Shadow-hunter Sebastian. With Valentine mustering the full force of his power to destroy all Shadow-hunters forever, their only chance to defeat him is to fight alongside their eternal enemies. But can Downworlders and Shadowhunters put aside their hatred to work together? While Jace realizes exactly how much he's willing to risk for Clary, can she harness her newfound powers to help save the Glass City -- whatever the cost?

Love is a mortal sin and the secrets of the past prove deadly as Clary and Jace face down Valentine in the final installment of the New York Times bestselling trilogy The Mortal Instruments.

LIME 88: Street Food With a Twist

Location is one of the key factors that will determine if a new establishment will click or not. But sometimes, this key factor tend to lose its credibility as there are some establishments that sprung out of the middle of nowhere but still is jampacked with people. One good example of this is Lime 8. Lime 88 is in one of the dark streets in Mandaluyong wherein nobody will ever think that this restaurant will survive, but it did and I was amazed. So? is the location still is a key factor in determining ones success?

This is my first time to try Lime 88. This was discovered by Eng in one of the blogsites that he read a few months ago. It was just a residential area, a house to be exact, converted into a restaurant. And guess who we saw there? Melissa Riggs, one of the teen celebrities here in the Philippines. People actually travels either take the public transport or drive their own vehicles just to be able to experience what Lime 88 can give. With its tagline: Street Food served with a twist, it is in fact served with a twist. The food is exquisitely delicious. However thinks that longganiza and salted egg will go together in cheese and tomato sauce? In fact, to my surprise, it did. They have a Longganiza and Salted Egg Pizza. Amazing isnt it? Talk about fusion and serving the food with a definite twist.

Another is their Kare-Kare. Kare-Kare is a native dish with peanut sauce here in the Philippines but Lime 88 has their own rendition. They serve Kare-Kare using Osso Bucco (Beef Shank). With the vegetables carefully lined below the Osso Bucco. Osso Bucco if I am not mistaken is a huge bone with bone marrow on the center with a huge chunk of meat attached to the bone, a beef shank. The taste is really delicious. I never liked ordering Kare-Kare in restaurants because the Kare-Kare of mom and my auntie so far is the best of them all (http://jonas321.blogspot.com/search/label/Kare-Kare). But this one is also delicious and very appetizing.

Another dish that we ordered is chicken breast stuffed with Kesong Puti (White Cottage Cheese) a native cheese here in the Philippines and also Kang Kong (Ipomoea aquatic) also a native vegetable in Southeast Asia. Who would ever imagine that you can stuff Kesong Puti with Kang Kong inside a chicken. Served on a bed of mashed potato.

We tried the Pork Kebab as well. We thought that this is the most boring dish that we ordered since what can you do with a Pork Kebab right? I am not expecting anything different from this dish but when it came out, my stomach grumbled yet again. The presentation is fabulous and the taste is equally fabolous as well. Pork kebab is self explanatory but the dip and the accompanied crispy mediterrenean bread on the side really complimented the whole dish.

And the surprise doesn't end there; with the pics that I just shared one will think, this is definitely another expensive restaurant that "The Jonas Chronicles" featured. Guess again! This price is not at all expensive. The price ranges from Php 180.00 to Php 250.00 depending on the dish. It is very very afforadable. The presentation is quite unique and creative, the location is quite extraordinary and the taste of the food is wonderful. One must try Lime 88, it is highly recommended.

Lime 88 is located at # 160 San Rafael St. Mandaluyong City. Tel. No. (632) 553-7515.

Directions: Pass by Mandaluyong circle, if you are coming from San Juan and Shaw Blvd. this is via 9 de Pebrero St. Turn right when you see Tapa King. Go straight and slow down when you see China Bank because this is where you will turn right. You will then see the signage of Lime 88 on your right side. Enjoy!!

U! Happy Events - KIDZ: Kids In D' Zoo

an opportunity to make kids happy.

Greetings from U! Happy Events!

U! Happy Events is a foundation for kids aimed at providing support and value integration through Partner Volunteers to the young generation of Kids years. It serves as a resource and fund raising partner to foundations. We believe the change we want starts with U!

Understand the possibilities of helping. Unify society through constant action. Utilize network relationships.

U! Happy Events has done 40 events in the last 27 months and have benefited thousands of kids and their families through generous provisions from corporate sponsors, friends and families. We are fortunate to have a database of 603 Partner Volunteers, mostly composed of young individuals. Please check our complete details at http://ufoundation.multiply.com

KIDZ: Kids In D' Zoo features a trip to Avilon Zoo & Magic Show- 41st U! Happy Event. This will be on April 4, 2009 8AM for 70 Kids of Lighthouse Foundation in Commonwealth. Their thrust is assisting Kids in the community for meals in their Soup Kitchen, malnourishment alleviation and kids development through recreational programs. Avilon Zoo is a perfect place to know more about Wildlife and Nature as well.

Let's make it happen- Blessed and Happy Kids! =) We hope U! can be our partner in sponsoring this event or providing us products for their families. Your generous provision will go a long way! Please contact us at 09188884278 or 7034849.

*Meeting place is at McDonalds, Ever Gotesco Commonwealth at 8am. See you there!