Airphil Express announces a new seat sale promo offering as low P888, you can travel to Singapore and Hongkong. Pay only P888 base if you are flying from Manila to go to Singapore and vice versa, as well as if you make Cebu your hub for flying to visit Hong Kong.

Aside from the international destinations mentioned above, you can also get Manila to Laoag flights for as low as 288 pesos.

288 Pesos
Manila to Laoag

888 Pesos
Manila to Singapore
Cebu to Hong Kong

Travel period is from July 1 to November 30, 2012.
Booking period is January 30 to February 2, 2012.

So book your flights now and start looking for Disney vacation packages and Singapore package tours?

You can book your tickets online at www.airphilexpress.com or at any Airphil Express ticketing office*. You can also do phone reservations by calling these reservation hotline:

Manila: (02) 855-9000
Cebu: (032) 505-1616

Hundreds of aspiring chefs from universities, colleges and culinary schools in Metro Manila and nearby provinces battled it out in both culinary and non-culinary competitions to dish out the best meal of their life.

The entire day was reserved for competition and cooking demonstrations. Participants battled in group competition with the Umami Bento, Plate-My-Dish, Amazing Aji-Ginisa Race, Prep, Shake and “Tak-Tak-Tak” (PST) and Mystery Umami Ingredient categories.

But the highlight of the whole day event is the Awarding Ceremony hosted by Ms. Suzi Entrata-Abrera. Ajinomoto Executives opened the program with a special recognition to Philippine Culinary Icon, Ms. Nora Daza, for her significant contributions in the Food Industry. Mr. Taro Fujie, President of AJINOMOTO PHILIPPINES CORPORATION, gave his welcome remarks to congratulate all participants.

Wild cheers and applause met Ms. Sarah Geronimo’s memorable performance as the Popstar delivered a message of inspiration and motivation to all guests and participants.

Miriam College came out strong “The Ajinomoto 3rd Umami Culinary Challenge (3rd UCC)” as they bagged the Umami Bowl Award for garnering the highest average score in major competition categories including the Umami Feature Writing Contest which also made them bag the Dr. Ikeda Award. The school brought home an Elba Kitchen Showcase on top of other prizes courtesy of AJINOMOTO PHILIPPINES CORPORATION.

Mr. John Paul Ventura of Jose Rizal University was awarded the Umami Master title after delighting the judges with his umami masterpiece which he named “Pan-Seared Salmon w/ Veggie Rolls and Micro Green Salad in Spicy Coconut Sauce”.

Other winners:

• Lyceum of the Philippines Manila: Umami Bento and Mystery Umami Ingredient Categories
• Centro Escolar University: First Place in Amazing AJI-GINISA Race and the Umami Buzz Jeopardy Challenge
•  Trinity University of Asia: First Place in Prep, Shake and TakTakTak competition
• De La Salle Araneta University: Plate-My-Dish competition and Appetite Magazine’s Capture Umami Challenge (Food Photography Contest)
• College of the Holy Spirit: “Media’s Choice for Best Plated Umami Bento”

Top three (3) culinary schools in 5-Ingredient-Umami-Healthy Dish competition:

1.  Global City Innovative College
2. American Hospitality Academy
3. MOST Institute Culinary School

The Ajinomoto 3rd Umami Culinary Challenge is a collaboration of organizations which strongly support the development of the Philippine culinary scene, among them are Glutamate Association of the Philippines (GAP), Elba, Whirlpool/Fujidenzo, Masflex, PR Gaz, Meat and Livestock Australia, and Anvil Publishing together with media partners GMA 7, Appetite Magazine, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Inquirer Libre and PR Moms Network.

Image by jferzoco via Flickr

You somehow feel you’ve been transformed from a good neighbor and customer into a potential criminal and con artist. They make you jump through hoops and fill out more paperwork that seems necessary. And only after you’ve been put through the ringer will they then start to decide if they will provide you a loan.

But if you watch television and listen to radio, there seem to be a lot of companies out there willing and happy to lend you money, saying that your handshake is the only guarantee they need. While it may sound a little too good to be true, there are indeed some companies out there that make a nice profit by loaning money to people without a lot of hassle.

For one, take cash advance lenders. For a quick cash loan, they simply need to see you have a steady income. It just takes a few signatures to walk out the door with money in your pocket.

Here are four characteristics of a reputable loan company you should look for before you do any business with them.

1) No application fee.
If your goal is to borrow money from a lender, there is never any reason you need to give them money before you have received a loan. An application fee might turn into a review fee or wire advance fee and suddenly you are out hundreds of dollars with no loan. No reputable company will do this. They make their profit on the interest from your loan.

2) They meet with you in person.
If your only contact with a loan representative is by email or a website, be wary. The Internet is a great business tool, but a real lender wants to meet you in person and assure any documents you provide are legitimate. You should expect the same in reverse. If they won’t meet you in person, email them goodbye.

3) Real lenders don’t ask for your credit card number.
A legitimate lender can do a background search on you and see how many credit cards you have. If someone wants you to put in your card number with the expiration date and security code number on the back, they are planning on making a charge to your account. This is a huge red flag.

4) There are no guarantees.
A real lender will try to work with you but can’t always deliver a loan. If a company says they guarantee to approve anyone for a loan, this is just not true.

Take these tips to heart and go look for a loan company and avoid some of the pitfalls.

You don’t even need a fax machine when using online fax services. With so many online companies offering assistance, it can be tough to decide which one to go with. Consider the following tips when deciding which online faxing company to use:

Image via Flickr

Know What You Need
Before signing up for a free site, you should know what you are looking for in an online faxing company. Consider all the features you will need when using Internet faxing and narrow down your list based on what each site offers.

If you are using online faxing for business purposes and you fax documents often, you may want to consider a site with more features, which you might end up having to pay for. However, most companies are very affordable, offering their services for under $10 a month.

Consider More Than Price
While some online or email faxing companies offer their services for little to no cost, you may find that these companies do not give you what you need. There are, however, affordable companies that have all the features you are looking for. It is a good idea to consider features and security before crossing a site off your list simply due to price.

Make sure to watch out for hidden fees, too, as there are several companies out there that will charge for some of their better features.

Read Reviews
Do not sign up for a site without reading proper reviews. When you search for email faxing with Metrofax or similar sites, you will find excellent reviews, but you may want to stay away from sites with low reviews or ones that you cannot find any feedback on. It is important to be extra cautious about whom you give your information to, and reading reviews from a variety of sources can help you find trustworthy sites.

These review sites may give you more information on a company than the company’s site does, so it is a good idea to check out other sources even if you are sure the site is reliable. This will help you make a more informed decision on which online faxing company to use.

She said that Teflon is the trade name for PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), a polymer consisting of carbon and fluorine. One common household use for Teflon or PTFE is cooking. Many kitchen supply brands market their Teflon pots, pans, and utensils. These products are safe and make cooking a lot easier.

Now, I learned something new from our small talk. I really love my mom =)

RC planes come in a variety of styles. Some of them are propeller driven and there are even some that are jet propelled. Some of the propeller planes are still driven by internal batteries but you are more likely to see gas powered RC planes.

RC boats need special care in regards to their use. You need to make sure that the boat you are using is rated for both fresh and salt water if you plan to use it on both types of water. Salt water is very destructive to electrical components and can cause corrosion in a very short period of time. I have even seen some RC submarines but I don’t trust that I wouldn’t lose track of it and lose my hefty investment. Always have fast setting sealant on hand and check to make sure that your craft is entirely water tight before you take it out. Don’t trust that your seals are still in perfect condition. It’s best to check than to be sorry.

The world of RC vehicles is in a constant state of advancement and even the humble car has grown by leaps and bounds. Where once you had cheap plastic bodies covering very simple and durable components you now see collectible cars designs with great detail to replicate real cars and trucks you might see driving down the road. Keep these away from sand at all costs. I had a set of roadsters when I was younger that I ruined by driving them on sand and other cars that I destroyed simply by taking them out on an unclean, Ne England road too soon after the sanding trucks had done their job.

There is a lot to learn when dealing with RC vehicles. If you plan to pick u this hobby do as much research as you can on each vehicle and each part that they use. I suggest sticking to cars and trucks to start and then transitioning into RC boats. RC jets and helicopters are the most expensive and hardest to control. I have seen many crashes simply because of some wayward gusts that made a well-trained pilot lose control in an instant. Then there is the world of competitive RC…

But before you go to the mall, make sure you know how to choose the perfect prom dress for you. Prom dresses just like women come in all shapes and sizes sp find the one that looks best on your body type:

• Pear Shapes – For pear shapes we recommend prom dresses with fitted tops and full or a-line skirts. Or if you are comfortable with your larger behind, go for prom dresses that are a bit more form fitting.
• Slender – If you have a slim figure the illusion of curves can be acheived by drawing attention to
• your bust line or a prom dress that bells out. Also, you might try prom dresses that draw attention to your waist such as a wrap dress or one witha belt.
• Busty – You can play up what you have by choosing from prom dresses with a gorgeous neckline; but look for prom dresses with fuller coverage so you can make sure you have adequate support. If you would like to draw attention away from your chest; look for prom dresses that attracts the eye to the hem.
• Petite – If you are petite show a little leg and go with an asymmetrical hemline or a long fitted solid prom dress to make you appear taller. Floor lengthball gowns tend to overwhelm your frame. Long ruffles can also add the illusion of height.
• Hourglass – If you have an hour glass figure consider yourself lucky! You have a naturally well propotioned body with means you don’t need to disguise any thing. Almost every style prom dress will flatter your figure. Have fun with it!
• Apple – For an apple shaped body prom dresses with an empire waist will help draw attention from your middle. Also a higher waist line means the prom dress may not be as tight in your problem area. If you have nice athletic legs, you might try to show them off by looking at shorter prom dresses.

Here are some of the tips on how to choose the right prom dress for you:

• Get ideas from magazines and by visiting shops to find out what’s on the market and what you’re inclined to choose for your own individual style. Cut out the pictures to take shopping with you. Consider not only what color you want but what color actually complements your skin tone, eyes and hair.
• Do an honest evaluation of what body part you’re most proud of and what parts you’d feel most comfortable hiding or de-emphasizing. Some girls have great shoulders and some have great hips. No matter what part you’re most proud of, there’s a prom dress right for your size and shape.
• Go shopping with a couple of girlfriends who are good decision makers. Bring a camera and the pictures you’ve cut out and have some fun. If there’s more than one store in your area, plan on visiting a few.
• Show the sales consultant your dress ideas and pictures and ask what she has in similar styles. Try on the dresses in a three-way mirror and have your girlfriends take a picture of you in each dress you think is a good option.
• Take the pictures and your friends’ opinions into account when making your decision. When it comes down to it, go with your gut over something you feel forced into. Remember, your friends are there for a guide, but ultimately the decision is up to you.

For only P1,499 per person, you can enjoy the following treat:

• 3 Days and 2 Night Hotel Accommodation (Wooden Cabin)
• 3 Days Unlimited Wakeboardding Pass (Equipments not included)
• 3 Days Unlimited Lago del Rey Pass (Gears not included)
• FREE use of CWC swimming pool and skate park.
• Includes Roundtrip transfers (Naga Airport – CWC – Naga Airport)

Details

• P1499 instead of P7500 per person for a 3D/2N stay at the wood cabin, unlimited wakeboarding, Lago Del Rey, free transfers and access to the pool.
• Triple Treat Promotion is valid until February 28, 2012.
• Block out period is from December 20, 2011 – January 5, 2012.
• Reservation is required. Call 817-0831, 0928-3083969 or e-mail villadelreyreservations@gmail.com
• Triple Treat promo is P1,499 per person ans must be booked for a party of (3) three. A party less than 3 may be accommodated but the full price of the promo which is P4,497 will be charged for the duration of the stay.
• Lodging is booked in a wooden cabin with great log cabin furniture and equipment.
• Wakeboarding equipment rental is not included.
• Gear rental for Lago, Del Rey is not included.
• Food is not included.
• Not valid for past reservations. Cannot be combined with other offers or promotions. No cash value.
• CWC reserves the right to end or change this promotion at anytime.

I can’t wait to go back to CWC. Here’s our video taken during our last trip to CWC (Camsur Watersports Complex).

I haven’t bought myself anything yet but I still have some sears coupons that I could use to buy the blue Country Living Tile Bedspread that I want for our bedroom.

How about you? Are you done with your Christmas shopping already?

Now, she plays her first English-speaking role in Warner Bros.’ actio-adventure “Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows” as mysterious Gypsy named Sim, who becomes allied with Holmes (Robert Downey Jr.) in his quest to stop criminal mastermind Prof. James Moriarty (Jared Harris).

Sim could provide the link to the final piece of the puzzle, completing the picture of Moriarty’s sinister plot. The cryptic letter that drew Holmes to Sim was from her brother, Rene. Years earlier, Sim and Rene had joined a group of anarchists called the Lapin Vert. When the group became too extreme, Sim and her brother abandoned the cause, but for reasons unknown Rene made his way back and wound up as a pawn in Moriarty’s deadly game. Sim agrees to help Holmes and Watson if they will save her brother.

Director Guy Ritchie says, “We were all big fans of Noomi’s, and when we met with her, she was already full of ideas for the character. I loved working with her because she’s ballsy and smart and totally committed—all qualities we were looking for in Sim.”

Rapace says that the nomadic lifestyle of a Gypsy and the attitudes of the time have combined to make Sim tough. “She’s forever on the move and wherever she goes, she’s not treated very well, so she’s had to learn to defend herself. Her people are used to surviving under extreme circumstances and living on the edge, usually in places where they’re not welcome. Sim has seen the darker side of humanity and, in that way, she has something in common with Holmes.”

The actress might also have something in common with her character. “My father was a Flamenco singer from Spain, and I was told he had Gypsy blood in him,” she offers. “I’m not sure if it’s really true or not, but I’ve always had an interest in Gypsy culture and playing Sim gave me a fantastic opportunity to delve into that—the way they live and love and their strong sense of family and loyalty. Guy gave me a lot of freedom to develop her character, which I appreciated.”

“Noomi was incredible…not only a wonderful actress but a lovely person,” producer Joel Silver says. “She’s in most of the movie alongside Robert and Jude Law and really had to hold her own with them, and she was amazing.”

The fight scenes in the film were not confined to the men, which is something Noomi Rapace welcomed. “Sim is a street fighter,” the actress asserts. “She can punch and kick and she’s very good with knives, but when she’s thrown into a situation, she’ll grab whatever is close at hand. She’s scrappy. I like that,” she smiles.

Upcoming, Rapace will next be seen starring in Ridley Scott’s highly anticipated sci-fi thriller “Prometheus,” with Michael Fassbender, Charlize Theron, Idris Elba and Guy Pearce.

Opening across the Philippines in Jan. 08, “Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows” is distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.