My Dream Villas In France

Working so hard the past year I have been contemplating where to go for a vacation. The usual ones would be the neighboring countries in Southeast Asia but I've grown tired traveling on most of them. This year I'll be trying my luck on backpacking in Europe. I'll be going alone but I'll try my best to raise some funds so I can get my Mom to come along. This particular trip would probably involve us to France because she wanted to go to Lourdes (because she's a devoted Catholic) while the hopeless romantic in me would prefer a night or two in Paris (the city of lights). It's also one of my dreams to shoot from a countryside shabby chic cottage so I would like to find villas in France that we could stay in. We might decide to stay a week since we would be able to save a lot than by just staying overnight. I hope I can get ample amount of vacation leave credits so this would be feasible. I want to also experience the exquisite food they are known for. Oh I can almost taste it! I want to have my own villa someday too but this would be nice to get a feel of it! This is but a dream!

Paris is legendary for its nicest lights and the Eiffel Tower. Seeing the gigantic but beautiful structure towering over the city would be the perfect way to end this trip. I would like to also get inside museums and see the artwork of the masters. Shooting landscapes and a couple of night exposures in that location would be blissful for a photographer like me. I wish to have my own villa holidays spent in Paris and elsewhere in Europe soon. I'm making a list of the requirements for VISA and planning the itinerary now. There are other countries that we would like to include too since it would be relatively easier to travel on local EU flights. I promised to visit my brother in Ireland and this would be the perfect time to do so. I'll also have to ask him about Spain and a couple of cities there. I'll have to make sure my money is spent on the greatest accommodations I could afford and still have money to splurge on a little shopping in the other countries on our list. I wouldn't stop myself to just take the train rides too so I could visit the outskirts and see the places that most tourists do not have on their plans. Oh just thinking about these makes me so excited! I'll tell you about it when all of these push through next year. Wish me luck!

The Gem Collection: A Compilation of Wisdom Book Launch

Joseph T. Bismark's book The Gem Collection: A Compilation of Wisdom was formally launched in the Philippines last December 11, 2o10. With Mr. Bismark coming in to the country, it was high time that he also met his adoring Filipino followers. Bestsellers by National Bookstore was the perfect venue. I got there right on time to see the great man and his work. I was in for more.

The mood was light and quite festive. We felt that too because this was more of a celebration. His work has been seen in a lot of countries and admired by thousands of people. I was definitely at awe on how he was received by the ones who attended the launch because as soon as he started to read a part of the book, everyone was glued to their seats and I see a majority of them nodding in agreement (saying "Yesssss... Yesssss..." on some occasion) as if I'm watching a religious exposition inside the mall. To tell you honestly I've never heard of him (no pun intended); but he was one of the few guys who had his book mentioned in a post from Jessica Zafra's blog (of which I'm a fan of being a book lover) stating that he had his work on best sellers list; and by well known fact, he's a Filipino! I was impressed to say the least from the lengthy and worthwhile introduction; but what I was more intrigued about was, what's all the fuzz with this guy?! What did he do to gain such admiration from them? Is he really that good of a writer?!

I was a skeptic to say the least and after all the merry making we did on the event I went in and bought a copy for myself. I never review books that I never read; and in this occasion I had to find out the answer to my own questions. I usually only read EBOOKS nowadays and I thought this was high time I go back to the basics and read the actual one. From the "Foreward" alone it was all making sense to me. He wrote and compiled his life's valuable lessons. I was doing a couple of pages and finished it in around 2 and a half hours (maybe less). I said to my self "Wait, did I just finish that whole book that fast?!" because apparently it was a feel good no nonsense read. I immediately got to relate on some of the anecdotes in between and realized something very valuable. I already knew the lessons in the book... I just wasn't using what I learned from life the same way that he did. His remarks about getting THE purpose in life was one of the simplest yet ingenious things I should have done a long time ago. I guess I was looking around too much that I forgot to look how damaged I was to begin with, and that I can still do something about it.


The things related to management was perfect for people like me who are in the same industry. You'll learn how to handle people and yourself well in a couple of parts. I highly suggest this for young professionals who are starting out/making their life's mission statement. He made me realize what I was worth because as I read the things in the book; they were also my gems after all. I also realized that I was worth more than I thought I was... and how valuable living this life with a purpose.


In the end, I surprisingly learned a lot from this book. I now know why they felt that way when they read it and why they were so grateful about this man. Because in someway, somehow, his book would make you find your own gems. He practically gave all those people back their own gems. So that's why... I also found mine.


Get a copy of it in all National Bookstore branches nationwide. Oh and did I forget to mention, I'm a fan of his work now! =)

Free Website Builder for Photography

I'm planning to put up a site for my photography portfolio. I know I have been making these sites through the goodness of the people who provide free templates but I need a special one that wouldn't look cheesy. I know there are great options out there and I'll probably get a website maker that would be easy to maintain and modify since I have plans to put up a lot of features on it too. It would also contain my contact information and packages that would surely be the delight of clients around the world. That is how far I would like to take this career obviously and if I would be able to make my own spread for the likes of Vogue or Cosmopolitan I can take a break from my day job!

I have very limited knowledge about how to create a website and if I push through on this new project I need all the help I can get so it wouldn't look second rate. I plan to put emphasis on the feelings of shock and awe once they get to my landing page. It should be above the ordinary standards set by web masters and I would like to use slide shows or graphics to make it easier on the eyes. The thought of putting audio though would be optional. I'm sure institutions like UCOZ Web Services can get me a free website builder and have it up and running in no time at all! They have a lot of things that can help you understand the site metrics which would be important in the business. The return of investment would be promising for any business as long as they use reputable tools to market their trade.

Why would I choose otherwise when UCOZ has got all the things I need to be successful?!

Like KUMAGCOW on Facebook Now!

This particular post is brought to you by Department of SHAMELESS PLUGGING!

Well I guess this is it! I need to harness the power of social networks hence the creation of my own Facebook Page! Yeap you heard it right, my site just climbed a notch, leveled up or what not. So if you are an avid reader of my blog it would now be easier for you to check out my posts and put it on your news feed while browsing your friends. If you don't mind please also share it with your friends... I won't mind at all LOL!

I haven't figured out how to do this but I guess I have to post there and it will automatically come up on the feed. Please don't hesitate to like this site on Facebook because it will change your life! Your Mama won't spank you, your Dad won't beat you up, your siblings won't kick you just go ahead and do it now!

If it's Lifestyle, Events Fashion, or Photography you know where to go right?! Go to my place and hang out some time... make sure you also leave comments so we can chat even in cyberspace. I've got lots of stories to tell.

Please LIKE ME on Facebook now!

I'm Not Just another Boy Next Door

I'm battling time indeed. Christmas is near and I'm still single. I need to cover that up fast so I don't end up alone the whole year. I don't know but it's nothing like rocket science in this part of the world that it is bad luck. I'm doing my best though and I wish there was boston dating services here so I wouldn't have to go out and spend that much on unnecessary dates. Believe me I've been in a lot of those! I'm trying to spend on more appropriate and productive dates... if there is anything like that!

The weekend was nice though because I got hooked up. This afternoon I confirmed we'd be going out on Saturday. I plan fancy dates. That is the usual thing so I'm going to try something unconventional and different. I probably would end in a concept to look and feel something in a certain way that would not be too elegant and refined. It is a gamble but I'm all for it. I need to go out of the boring and into the unexpected. I haven't been too adventurous in the past and that might have spelled the failed ones. Taking this into this perspective and making my night a little more exciting than the usual might take me places. So you have to wish me luck again this weekend, otherwise I'll be old and alone in the holidays. You wouldn't want that to happen right?!

What would you do if you were in my shoes?!

Benefits Style Salon

It was a great day for beginnings last Saturday December 11, 2010. I graced the re-launch of BENEFITS Style Salon at Eastwood City. The mood was great and everyone was in a festive mood as they changed the facade of this store from the previous "classy more upscale look" to a "newer, fresher, colorful, accessible and bold skin". I was also in for a treat because they hooked me up for a hair make over. Since I look a little haggard and groggy that day I went in for the ride!

The "BEFORE" look... =)

Yeap that's me! I'm not as good looking as I was before I started this blog but hey you could probably mistake me for some movie star huh?! Ha-ha! They got me into the treatments first and boy those shampoo guys must have been sent from heaven! Your stress and hair problems will be long forgotten since the simple thing includes a soothing massage which I don't often see in usual salons in the metro. I should know because I frequent some of them when the time comes to cut my hair.

You won't be worried because you see this display? They are using Loreal products and if you see other brands there it would be of much high end quality so you are SURE that you are not being cheated unlike other unscrupulous salons would do. I'm sure you see most of them not doing the prep work with the products because they probably using substandard ones. BENEFITS Style Salon makes sure you get what you pay for and more!

All their staff are also trained in Loreal so you get the best cuts, make up styles and service above anything else.

Bloggers getting the Royal Treatment

I wasn't alone in this treat because there are also other bloggers that can attest to the prime service that they do, ask Anton of Pusangkalye.net or Sai of fashionbysai.blogspot.com and Jeman of OrangeMagazineTV and they'll tell you the story! Like this story ain't enough for you huh?! =) Did I forget to mention that you can just pay 199 for a haircut?! Yeah it is that low, no wonder I saw a throng of people outside the salon waiting to get the best service this side of the town. If you are a resident or working for a company inside Eastwood City, you'll get 20 percent off too! Isn't that great!?

You can also get to use their house IPAD units so you won't get bored while waiting for your hair color or treatments to be done. They've also got WIFI which makes this the perfect spot for gadget freaks like me to hangout bar none!

And after the hair make over! Tadaaaaa!

AFTER the haircut... I like it!

Ohh if I can only tell you how much I liked the hair cut. It's edgy and very current, I like how it went with my not so manageable hair which is a problem for me when it gets a little long and curly. In fact I'm surely going back there once it grows out (and probably do a new style). I'll be recommending it to my office mates too since they give out that deal for people who work here. I love it so much!

See? I told you it was good! =) Now here's to another journey for the good looking guy! #NAKANANG! LOL!

Thanks to the guy who did may hair (sorry couldn't recall his name BUT REALLY THANKS!), he's awesome and we had some acquaintances in common. My unruly hair now looks great and I owe these people for that! Make sure you all drop by at their Eastwood branch which is located at the 2nd Floor Fashion Square Bldg. Eastwood Citywalk (side of MANOR Superclub just ride the escalator). Give yourself a treat this Christmas and be pampered with hair and make up professionals from BENEFITS STYLE SALON!

I would also like to thank everyone at Benefits Style Salon specially Sam Escalante for the super awesome hospitality. Your staff and people are really good I must say. Thank you so much for everything and please expect me to be back soon!

Saturday Date Night

It was another grand evening of parties and celebrations. I love it when friends spend their whole month's salaries on booze and food. I was also in the lookout for something more than the celebrations though. I wanted to get hooked up so bad before Christmas so I did so many things that I'd probably regret next year ha-ha! If only I had a chance to meet Norfolk singles it would be a better date night for me too. I assumed the single man's position and went to a different local bar to meet ladies again. I admit this has been gearing to be a habit but what can I do I have a deadline to meet. I got my friends there too so I wasn't alone that time. It was pretty cool we didn't have the same taste in women though... so there is no conflict of interests!

I stood by the bar most of the time and settled to be my own smile machine whenever someone nearby is getting a drink. I kind of helped out the ladies there and bought someone a drink. It wasn't a bad night because I got some numbers now. I am interested on one particular person though and we have been exchanging messages up until 7AM. The hangover is killing me but deep inside I was smiling because I like what I was reading. There will be a date this coming weekend and guess that's it! I'm sure this dating thing wouldn't be a bad thing to do if she likes me that much and I might like her too. I'm not quite sure yet but we'll see when we have more time to talk on Friday. I would do this or get some girls on line. Dating is a little difficult when you don't get someone who lives nearby. You won't be able to spend more time and just spend most on phone calls and exchanging short messages. I'll try my best to get it on with someone soon so wish me luck! I need that obviously!

Are you still single and dating? What are your plans to get that relationship status changed?!

Twitter Wars: @PilyangSweet and @SGeronimo25

I love twitter wars. When celebrities turn on each other and show their true colors. It is somewhat bitter sweet when you both adore them but the backlashes of words are so amusing! Here's the story:

It looks like there was a short exchange of jokes in the rehearsals of ASAP XV. It probably was meant as a joke between the stars Sarah Geronimo and John Pratts because of their (Sarah and Christine) former love interest Rayver Cruz. The bad news is, Christine Reyes found out about it because it was said while Sarah was on the microphone. This made Christine flare up hence this series of tweets.



Maybe after seeing her tweets on this event, their Manager reacts like this:

Which probably means she is on the side of Sarah (Maybe because she earns more hehe)

And their manager says:

Christine Reyes, as outspoken as she has always been answers back their Manager:

And so the twitter wars go on. Make sure you follow @pilyangsweet for more updates. I'm sure she'll tell you all about it! Ha-ha!

Another Date Night

After getting a year older today I have so much on my plate right now. That includes getting another girl before Christmas. I don't want it to be too cold because no one is raising their hand and volunteer to give me a hug this holiday season so I'm taking this seriously. Even if it isn't winter in this part of the world you could still feel it. The loneliness creeps in no matter what the temperature reads. If that date that I so long dream about comes or not; I'll feel the same and be optimistic. I want to see some milwaukee singles to get this out of my system. I'm sure there are a lot of qualified women that are up to my standards. She has to be smart, stable and a little bit aggressive. I like that in a girl.

I just arrived from a club. Aside from the party I like the part where they all go out of their way to get to know people. I must admit I'm a little bit put off with those who are a little bit drunk but if they still were able to hold the conversation, I'm okay with that. I was interested with one particular lady but she might be keeping some things to herself. I wouldn't blame her though because if someone else was as aggressive as I am I'd do that too. I was pretty wild and trying my best to get the party started with my friends. I'm sure if I call her later this evening I'll get a chance to talk to her privately just so we can get to know each other better. If this happens to be something good in the long run please say a little prayer for me. I need all the help I can get okay?!

Life is full of surprises and if I get a partner before Christmas this must be a sign! Ha-ha! Wish me luck!

The Final Run: The Amazing Race Asia Season 4!

It's down to the final 3 teams in The Amazing Race Asia Season 4. The Philippines has been looking for that elusive win since TARA started (Remember Marc and Rovilson, Geoff and Tisha?). The Richards will probably get it but who knows?! Father-Daugher team Natasha and Hussein or Best Girl Friends Michelle and Claire may come up and take this away from them since they know Singapore like the back of their hand!

The challenges have been really getting tougher! From shaving their heads off for a Fast Forward ticket to eating exotic food from other countries, this has been a really awesome thing to watch. I'm rooting for the Richards though because they REPRESENT!!!! (Saw them too at the TARA4 launch, such great guys!) How I wish I could do this too! I'm sure I'll try to audition for next season.

No one knows who will win this on this final run so make sure you guys tune in to AXN on December 9 at 8PM Jakarta/ 9PM Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines / 10PM Hong Kong.