If you're a Filipino hard put in getting a visa at the US Embassy, this is not for you. But in case you're still interested, read on - Citizens of countries under the US Visa Waiver Program will now have to make an extra effort to enter the US. This is made possible with the Electronic System for Travel Authorization implemented last January 12 by the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Prospective passengers are now required to apply online for travel authorization at least 72 hours before their trip. ... Continue Reading...

This year-ender is coming a bit late, since another year is obviously beginning. But it feels poignant to reminisce how full of milestones and pitfalls my 2008 was. For 2009, I can only wish for peace, stability and of course, never-ending love. Best wishes to us all! January - New Year, New Dear. My online knight in shining armor flies into town to spend New Year's with me, and we do so at Sofitel's New Year Countdown by the bay. Sparks fly, literally. We go on a long drive with the kids to Baguio, and afterwards decide to fly by our twosome to Batanes. Little ... Continue Reading...

I treasure the email I got last week from one of my favorite authors, Paulo Coelho. He attached a short story which is worth pondering over this Christmas. No matter what our stature is in life, we always have to be ready to welcome our God and our salvation who knocks on our doors, sometimes when we least expect it. Happy Holidays to all of our readers, friends and family! The music coming from the house Paulo Coelho On Christmas Eve, the king invited the prime minister to join him for their usual walk together. He enjoyed seeing the decorations in the ... Continue Reading...

All right, it's been a stressful week. Dealing with loss can bring a lot of stress, and so does staring at death almost in the face. Rather than stay like this in a daze, I deem it better to answer the Middle Zone Musings' "What I Learned From..." carnival. Blogging about one's feelings is therapy, and so are the following stress-busters: Elders often tell us to count till 100 before blowing off steam. This is so true, except that am sometimes too impulsive. Other people would call it mind-conditioning. For every one ugly situation facing us, there are 10 other ... Continue Reading...