Employee Appreciation

According to some employees that I talked to, Boomtown Casino in Biloxi, Mississippi have an excellent employee-management relation for so many years. In fact, this casino does not have union because any employee has the access to voice out their grievances directly to their superiors. You do not need an appointment to reach out the President and other CEO. How amazing is that right?

March 29-30,2010 marked as a special event for the workers in the casino. The management sent a "Thank You" gestures to all the employees of the casino by gracing two days of special meals.

Less than a month ago, the casino hired a new Pastry Chef named Joseph. A lady cook told me that Joseph is a Filipino and he did all this decoration which employees adored so much. It is not the greatest and it may be simple to some but, for me, he really got the Thumbs up.
It is so exciting to know that another Filipino joined Boomtown family with artistic skills in decorating.
Chow!

Master of Arts in Teaching

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of USC. All opinions are 100% mine.

Teaching is a noble profession. I can attest to that being a classroom teacher for twelve exciting years in elementary level. It takes hard work, compassion and patience for a person to embrace this kind of profession. Are you a dedicated teacher? Are you planning to study further to become an educator with a masters degree? Check out the program information of Rossier School of Education's MAT @ USC because they offer a degree of Master of Arts in Teaching. Enroll today and become part of this prestigious offer from an elite research university where flexibility of studying online is an excellent opportunity.

One benefit of getting a degree online is the convenience of studying at your own space. It is an online interactive learning and combined with field based experiences too. This school offers tuition reimbursement, scholarship and the opportunity to become part of the elite USC Trojan Family. Take your Master of Arts in Teaching in this research institution which was awarded by AACTE for innovative use of technology in education. When you enroll, you will be recognized as full USC student with all the benefits. You can also participate in the commencement ceremonies and you can get a lifetime Alumni Association membership for free. Visit the link now.

Holy Week in Philippines

My mother is a very religious woman. She attends mass every Sunday; pray the rosary every 3 o'clock at dawn time; a member of Charismatic, Legion of Mary, Devine Mercy and other religious group. My mother is the greatest influence in every aspect of my life including my religious belief as a Catholic.

At a young age, I grew up attending mass and when we moved to a place where the church is just accross the street, we sort of devote half of our time involved in church activities. I missed those moments

Holy Week in the Philippines is truly HOLY. In my place

-there is a street procession (Way of the Cross) at dawn time
-there is a Passion play called the Sinakulo just to remind us how Jesus gave his life on the cross
-we usually keep the day solemn by not tolling the church bells especially on holy thursday up to Black Saturday
-noise is discouraged and some radio stations and television stations sign off
-some broadcast only Religious Programming
-businesses are close
-most Filipinos keep a prayerful life

This coming Monday is called Holy Monday which marks the beginning of the Pabasa or READING which is the marathon chanting of the story of Jesus' life, passion, and death

I usually stayed home and watch the TV about it or listen to the local radio

On Holy Thursday, we usually do the Bisita Iglesia (Church Visit) and pray the Stations of the Cross. On this day, the last Mass before Easter is also celebrated including the reenactment of the Washing of the Feet of the Apostles. Then, the Mass is followed by the procession of the Blessed Sacrament before it is taken to the Altar of Repose.

During Good Friday, we have the Way of the Cross procession which is the commemoration of Jesus' Seven last words or Siete Palabras and also Passion play called the Sinakulo.

On Easter morning we have a procession called Tabo or Salubong. We have statues of Jesus and Mary are brought together to meet halfway during the procession. It would mean the first reunion of Jesus and Mama Mary after the Resurrection. After the procession, Easter mass will follow.

Movie to Watch

This is a new movie to watch starring Leonardo DiCaprio. He portrayed a World War II soldier-turned-U.S. marshal as Teddy Daniels who investigates the disappearance of a patient from a hospital for the criminally insane. But his efforts are compromised by his own troubling visions and by Dr. Cawley (Ben Kingsley). Mark Ruffalo, Michelle Williams, Emily Mortimer and Max von Sydow co-star in director Martin Scorsese's plot twist-filled psychological thriller set on a Massachusetts island in 1954.

Cast:

Mark Ruffalo, Ben Kingsley, Michelle Williams, Patricia Clarkson, Max von Sydow, Emily Mortimer, Jackie Earle Haley, Elias Koteas, John Carroll LynchDirector:Martin Scorsese

Affordable Eyeglasses at Zenni

I already made an appointment to my eye doctor next week because my eyes are always misty which is not normal. I also noticed that when I am reading, the letters become blurry but when I move back in few inches, the letters become clearer. I guess I am ready to wear eyeglasses because there is a need for me to protect my eyes. Every day, I used computers and I love reading so; the best way to protect my eye is to consult my eye doctor. I am not worried about the price of eyeglasses because of this article that I read earlier. If you are planning to buy eyeglasses, read http://www.examiner.com/x-28795-Brooklyn-Liberal-Examiner~y2009m11d13-Cheap-eyeglasses-are-a-reality-Check-out-Erics-review-of-Zenni-Optical before purchasing your eyewear. This customer wrote about how Zenni Optical can help families save money on prescription eyeglasses. He has been using eyeglasses from Zenni for years because their product is affordable and durable. This company used modern materials and they manufactured their own products. Marketing wise, they bring their products directly to their consumers at a reasonable price starting at $8. Zenni Optical eyeglasses are durable, safe and comfortable at an affordable price that you can imagine. For more information, visit the Website and see the design and prices online.

Crash: A movie Review

I was watching an old movie by Paul Haggis titled CRASH. It is an Oscar-winning Best Picture in 2005 and I can't help but admire the brilliance of the writer. It is a movie that talks about racial discrimination, power, crime, family, and most of all love and compassion.

You would hate the characters which you can relate to your everyday experience. The movie simply tackles normal reaction of people. We are capable of stereotyping a person and think that we are better than the other. I say capable, but we have choices to be good rather than bad.

We have choices to be compassionate to others and extend our patience in simple incident such as traffic jam and taking our turn in the line. If you want to watch a movie with so much moral lesson, watch this movie. I rate it as 5 stars.

The story is about the lives of a Brentwood housewife, her district attorney husband, a Persian shopkeeper, two cops, a pair of carjackers and a Korean couple converge over a 36-hour period in the diverse metropolis of post-9/11 Los Angeles.

Cast:Sandra Bullock, Don Cheadle, Matt Dillon, Jennifer Esposito, William Fichtner, Brendan Fraser, Terrence Howard, Christopher Bridges, Thandie Newton, Ryan Phillippe, Larenz Tate, Tony Danza, Keith David

Boat on Display

Last Sunday, we went to a Boat Show held at the Colliseum in Gulfport, Mississippi. This boat really caught my eyes which is worth $60,000. It is a little cheaper than what we viewed earlier that week. Anyway, I like the design of this boat.

This is the view at the passenger's seat.

The inside of the boat.

Here are the appliances in the mini bar/kitchen..
The bathroom and sink.... awesome design.
We are planning to buy a boat but, not so soon.

Sending Postcards

I just mailed my package to my sister in UK yesterday and saw some postcards for sale in the post office. It reminded me that there was a time in my life that I love receiving it and I even save the date postcards. It gives me an idea and historic background of the places where my friends and family lives. Isn't it wonderful to send your friends a postcard that you can actually design for yourselves? It is indeed possible in this generation because there are so many software"s available online. Aside from that, online access to a company that offers such kind of business is just a touch of a finger. I do prefer personalized postcards because I can elaborate more about it.If you went for a vacation or there are important occasions, you can make a postcard out of it and send it to your family and friends. Sending a postcard is less hassle too and choosing a design is not a problem at all. If you will do it online, it is more convenient and the printing is always accessible. I am planning to send postcards for Easter celebration and I bet my friends and family will appreciate it.

I Will Be Here

I am a very romantic person and I believe in happy ending fairy tale that do come true. Well, that belief echoed in my brain when I am in "Lala land", LOL. I was dreaming that when my prince charming will come to my life, he will sing for me on our wedding day. Okay, I am married now and this never happened, LOL. But, you see real life will never be a "laland". And I am glad that God gave me someone who loves me and took care of me. I felt the message of this song in everywaking moment of life since I got married and for that, I do not need a "laland" anymore.
Happy listening everyone.

Biloxi Schooner Pier Complex

Do you love to travel towards the Gulf Coast of Mississippi? You would love this place because of the beach with white sand and casinos if you love to gamble. If you are craving to eat seafoods such as crablegs, crawfish, shrimps and tuna, visit Biloxi in Mississippi.

Showing you just one place that you can check out while you are here. The Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum is located in Schooner Pier Complex too. If you want to buy a remebrance from this place, check out this area.

If you want experience being on the shrimp boat and see how the Vietnamese go fishing and shrimping, you can get information in this place too.

There are private boats/yachts stayed and rented a space in this Pier. If you have a boat and wanted to stay here for so many days, you may inquire in this place.

Well, you can research further by visiting the websites of the hotels and casino in this area. Check out Boomtown Casino Biloxi, Hard Rock Casino in Biloxi, IP hotel, Grand Hotel and Casino, the Isle, Beau Rivage in Biloxi, Palace Casino Resort in Biloxi, Treasure Bay Casino and so on.

Lead Me Lord

I took these pictures last month during the winter snap. The view was beautiful even without the sun. Seems that clouds relay a message spoken only by the heart...hmmm! When we go down the beach, I love to listen to this song sung by Gary Valenciano.

Lead me Lord, lead me by the hand
And make me face the rising sun
Comfort me through all the pain
That life may bring
There's no other hope
That I can lean upon
Lead me Lord Lead me all my life.
Walk by me, walk by me across
The lonely road that I may face
Take my arms and let your hadn
Show me the way
Show the way to live inside your heart
All my days, all my life.
Refrain: You are my light
You're the lamb upon my feet
All the time my Lord
I need You there
You are my light I (just) cannot live alone
Let me stay
By Your guiding love
All through my life
Lead me Lord
Lead me Lord Even though at times
I'd rather go alone my way
Help me take the right direction
Take Your road Lead me Lord
And never leave my side
All my days
All my life.
You are my light
You're the lamb upon my feet
All the time my Lord
I need You there
You are my light I (just) cannot live alone
Let me stay By Your guiding love
All through my life
All through my days Lead me, O Lord Lead me Lord.

Fun Activities

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of AccuWeather. All opinions are 100% mine.

My brother-in-law and his family from Missouri came to visit us three weeks ago. They came here for three reasons: to attend dad’s birthday party at 90, go fishing and watch the Mardi Gras Parade. The kids were excited to go fishing and feed the birds on the beach but the weather on that weekend was below freezing. We were the only group who tried our luck to set our crab nets down the water. It was noon time when the weather turned bad and started to snow. We went home a little bit disappointed because we caught nothing. The weather was not favorable on us but, the kids had so much fun feeding the seagulls. The Mardi Gras Parade at night was exciting and fun. Our clan occupied one area and the kids were excited catching beads. It was below freezing and almost everybody had wrapped themselves with a blanket. Because of the cold snap, the crowd was not even half the size compared to last year. Because of the weather, we cancelled some of our activities that week. Are you planning for a vacation too? Before you make any recreation activity, check out AccuWeather to get Weather and Travel information first. It would surely make your vacation fun to remember.

Buffet in Boomtown

When we went to New Orleans last February 8 and witnessed the welcome parade of the SAINTS NFL players, we met a lot of interesting people. The parade will start in the evening and we arrived there at 1 PM so, we decided to play and have lunch in Harrah's Hotel and Casino. While we are on the line to get in the Buffet area, the couple behind us started talking and asked where we from. They were so amazed and started telling us that they love BOOMTOWN casino because the BUFFET is truly affordable and fabulous. This is Boomtown in Biloxi, Mississippi and this is the smallest casino in this place. What was amazing to me was of all the casinos here, the family that we met in New Orleans talked the good times that they had in this particular casino. They wanted to go back and dine in again in Boomtown. Good job Boomtown!

Balikbayan Box: Manila Forwarders

I was so impressed with Manila Forwarders, a balikbayan box delivery service that I used here in Mississippi. It is $30 more than UMAC but, I am using the Jumbo box and I noticed that exactly 4 weeks, the box is already in Manila. It will take less than two weeks before delivery but, it is still FAST for me. My mother told me that Manila Forwarders cover the box with a huge plastic cellophane for protection. So far, I am satisfied with their service and the family who is in-charge in receiving the box here in Biloxi-Ocean Springs area is truly TRUSTWORTHY. I highly recommend this company if you want to send a Balikbayan Box to your family back home.

Update: The box did not arrived on this date of the POST.