Darren Criss on GLEE: "Never Been Kissed" Review 1 comments

Let's just say I almost died of fangirlism when I saw the Glee teaser on YouTube of Darren Criss singing an a capella version of Teenage Girl complete with snappy choreography and a swooning Kurt. Having watched him BE The Boy Who Lived in the fan made Harry Potter musical, "A Very Potter Musical", I've grown fond of his voice, wit and sheer talent.

And now, it's surreal to see him all grown up and world wide famous with his new role on Glee. The fact that he's playing an openly gay character on the show did not even deter us fans from melting into a groupie puddle while watching him serenade Kurt. 

I know AVPM fans listened to every word that came out of his mouth, and like everyone else belonging to that group, I thought of this song when he said in the episode: 

"You're not alone."

Yes, insane, I know. I should be over the pre-adolescent phase of hero worship, but I can't help it. He's just totally awesome. (Btw, I bet I would faint if he said that line on the show.)

As for the episode, I think this is one of the strongest Glee has done since the beginning of season 2. No hyped up pop princess to cover, but it made up for the heart and the lesson that it is trying to give. The locker scene with Kurt and the Neanderthal bully was still a surprise even though I saw that arc a mile away. Kudos to the actors for such an emotionally charged scene. I also liked the symmetry between Kurt and Coach Beastie's personal conflicts, although her locker scene with Mr. Schuester was a bit unsettling. For me, at least.

All in all, the strength of the episode lies in its newest guest star. (Yes, I know I'm biased). But come on, he really was amazing and I sure hope to see him in future episodes. An AVPM line or an inside joke would be priceless, just so you know. Ryan Murphy, I sure hope you're listening.

Happy Birthday Papa! 0 comments

 The secret of staying young is to live honestly, eat slowly, and lie about your age.
- Lucille ball

Happy Happy Birthday Papa!

Love, from all of us. :))

Ang Huling El Bimbo: NU 107's Farewell 2 comments

"This has been, the home of nu rock."

Last night was an emotionally charged night to rock music enthusiasts here in the country. The 23-year-running radio station NU 107 played their final song just before midnight in the presence of DJs and fans alike. Over 4,000 viewers watched the live stream of the tearful event in the internet, not to mention those who were listening over their (in one's case PENSONIC) radios.

I am certainly not a rocker nor even listened regularly to the station but the closing of NU reminded me of those radio channels which have suffered the same fate. Growing up in the 90s, we didn't have iPods and illegally downloadable music. MP3s were not existent and the only way one could listen to a favorite song was request it over radio phone lines or pray to Obama that it made the hit chart of the day.

I grew up with 97.1 Campus Radio's Top 20 at 12 and 93.9 KCFM's Chico and Delamar. Imagine my horror when both stations decided to change format, practically erasing all those that we have come to know throughout the years of tuning in. Instead of playing great music, they decided to replace coherent hosting with lewd jokes, irritating sound effects and inappropriate comments.

Now, another station waves its white flag. Being different must have been pretty unprofitable compared to other stations who cater to the C, D, E demographic, which, let's face it, are the ones who mostly tune in to radio programs as compared to those people who can easily afford iPods and download mp3s from the internet to their personal computers or laptops.

The dawn of a new era has come. Radio is no longer a crucial part of the music industry as anybody can now listen to whatever songs they like with just a click of a mouse. Thinking of the future of these networks and radio itself makes my head hurt.

Although, one thing I know. I would hate to be the jocks to replace NU's beloved DJs. I already read a plan to incessantly request for Slapshock. Let's just hope and pray that the few remaining credible radio stations (Wave 89.1, Magic 89.9, RX 93.1, 99.5 RT)  don't follow suit.

College Assurance Plan (CAP) Requirements for Claiming of Checks 270 comments

A few months ago, I posted a  blog entry regarding us claiming checks from the defamed pre-need company. Since then, I have been receiving many comments and questions regarding the requirements, process, even contact numbers, where to claim checks etc. and everything else under the sun regarding CAP. Again, for the record, I am not affiliated with the company and could much less answer questions from frustrated plan holders. However, I do feel compelled to do my best and answer these questions to the best of my abilities.

So my mother round up my CAP files and found this sort of checklist needed for claiming of checks. Add to that a copy paste session with the institution's official site, I collated this date for the benefit of all those confused and disappointed scholars out there. Hope this helps.  Drumroll please.

REQUIREMENTS:

• ORIGINAL CAP Certificate of Full Payment
• ORIGINAL Assessment Form with Breakdown of misc. and other fees / Registration Form with no. of units enrolled (From scholar's current college/university.)
• ORIGINAL Receipts for Reimbursement (From scholar's current college/university)
• Course Curriculum

Just for comparison's sake:

Applied: December 29, 2008

Check Received: June 2010

(In fairness to the corporation, I think our checks were available as early as February 2010, we were just not aware that they were already ready to be claimed.)

MAIN OFFICE ADDRESS

CAP I Building
126 Amorsolo cor. Herrera Streets
Legazpi Vill., Makati City

CONTACT NUMBERS
Ph: 817-6586, 759-2000  
Fax: (0632) 818-0560

OFFICIAL SITE:

http://www.cap.com.ph  

LIST OF CAP PLAN HOLDERS WITH UNCLAIMED CHECKS
http://www.cap.com.ph/education/Approved%20RRP%20-%20Schedule.htm

PLS. CLAIM YOUR CHECK/S FROM CAP OFFICES WHERE YOU FILED YOUR CLAIM
PLS. BRING ALONG WITH YOU ALL ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS (VOUCHER/S, CLAIM STUB/S & 2 VALID ID’s)

You can read my first post (unanswered questions and all) re: claiming of cap checks here:
http://orchestroscopy.blogspot.com/2010/06/college-assurance-plan-cap-unclaimed.html

I am aware that the official website of the company is not that informative, nor am I. Just remember, if all else fails, there's always Google to fall back on. :) Good luck co-scholars.

Lenovo Ideapad Z460 5 comments

Everybody, welcome my new Gadget Baby, Mr. Lenovo Ideapad Z460, the latest addition to my gadget addiction. I think his foster siblings, iPod Touch, Sony Cybercam and Samsung Ultratouch mobile will not be pleased. Definitely, this is the apple of my eye at the moment. But despite the sibling rivalry, I expect them to work harmoniously together.

We were supposed to buy this model's smaller 13.3", Intel Core i3, non-video card sister (Z360) but due to their less than 2k price difference and my surprising savings on software installation, we decided to go for the big brother.

IdeaPad Z460 Specifications

Processor
Intel® Core™ i5 Processor 460M
(2.53GHz up to 2.8GHz / 1066 MHz / 3MB L3 Cache)
Operating system
PC-DOS
Memory
2048MB (1x2048) DDR3
Hard drive
500GB
Optical device
DVD SuperMulti
Graphics
Nvidia GeForce 310M DDR3 1G
Display type
14" WXGA LED
Communication
LAN,Lenovo b/g/n,Bluetooth,HDMI
Integrated Camera
1.3MP Camera
Sound
2.0 Dolby
Other
Veriface (Face Recognition Technology), One Key Rescue System
Media card reader
5-in-1 card reader
Battery
6 cell
Warranty
1 Year Parts & Labour

Right now, I am loving the chiclet keyboard. It's so easy to type in and I did notice a significant increase in my speed. Makes me want to write more blog posts, stories et. al. just to be able to type on it. I also adore Windows 7. After almost a decade on XP, I am ready for a change.

As for the things that did not come with the notebook, I bought a cheap mouse and this pretty circular mouse pad I saw on Electronics Boutique. If you can't figure it out from the picture, it has words on it like Create, Begin, Think, Dream and I thought how fitting it was since I plan to use the laptop for precisely just that. And, not to mention, how my Lenovo is aptly named IDEApad. Chills.

Honestly, one of the main reasons why I've always wanted to have a laptop is to be able to write, surf the web and just do my business without somebody breathing over my neck and looking at the screen, which proved impossible with a family shared desktop computer. I don't really need great specs for office applications but it sure doesn't hurt to have them, especially if I plan to use and love this laptop for a long while.

See, I do love gadgets and buy rather brand consciously but I do take care of them and rarely, if ever, abandon them. I actually develop a kind of fondness over my electronic companions and am not the kind of person who changes phones every year just to get the newest release.

That said, I feel so content right now, like I have everything I ever wanted (object-wise) I have nothing to wish for this Christmas except love and peace and safety and good health and all those cliches. Wow, thank you for this wonderful life. :)

Universal Studios Singapore 0 comments

There is something about amusement parks that just make me forget that I'm 20-year-old something registered nurse who is supposed to be concerned with serious career enhancing stuff and the impact of nurse migration to the state of our country's health care system. One look at the extravagant, set designs and that larger than life foggy globe thing and, once again, I was like a chocolate lover in Johnny Depp's midget-operated factory.

The trip to Universal Studios was supposed to be on the 2nd day of our vacation in Singapore but due to unplanned events, it was moved to the 2nd to the last day. Which, now, I think happened for a reason, especially if you believe in popular notion of saving the best for last.

We arrived at Resorts World Sentosa early in the morning, before the actual theme park has opened. We made use of the time by taking pictures in every map, pole, fountain, stuffed toys, ginormous candy bars and Hershey's syrups as fast as humanely possible.

We then fell in line at the entrance gates of the park, claimed our S$5 meal and souvenir vouchers and had great fun. Let me sum it up for you.

Top 5 Things I Loved in USS:

5. It was hot and sunny as hell. I got to use my sunglasses for probably the first time in my life without feeling overdressed or out of place. See, I refuse to wear it here in normal sun-filled occasions in fear of looking like, a) a fly b) a blind beggar and c) Randy Santiago.

4. Everywhere you look, there is an amazing photo backdrop. Just stop and smile (provided that someone is there to take photos of you).

3. Waterworld, Shrek 4D and Steven Spielberg's Lights, Camera, Action. Three fantastic 'shows' we've had the pleasure of watching. Wanted to ride roller coasters and thrilling rides more but being with people with generalized anxiety disorder and a 7-year-old kid made it impossible.

2. Souvenirs! With the S$5 gift certificate, we made sure we take the opportunity to 'claim' our 'free' stuff. Normally, I would've been aghast by the prices of simple things like key chains and paperweights but with the added discount, I felt compelled to buy something. And they all look so pretty it was so hard to choose. In the end, I bought a key chain and a white t-shirt as things to remember this amazing day by.

1. Having completed my childish dream of being in the two most well-known theme parks in the world, Disneyland and Universal Studios. Although I've only been to the Asian version of the famous franchises, being able to visit someplace outside my own country is unbelievable enough and it is an experience I would never take for granted.

Then, just like that, our vacation was already nearing its end. Armed with loaded USS Store plastic bags and a full camera memory card, I was ready to go back home.

Singapore '10: Sentosa Tour 0 comments

Started the day eating as much as we could, as fast as we could on the buffet line.

Tour guide arrived right on time.

Boarded a tour bus reminiscent of the one in the Quirino Grandstand hostage taking. Almost expected SPO2 Rolando Mendoza to come strutting inside the vehicle armed with guns and deadly explosives.

Went to a few more hotels to pick up other tourists. Bus full of Gerias. I would've thought that there was a nursing home field trip if I didn't know better.

Passed by the Singapore Flyer and picked up more people.

Met irate and impatient tour guide for the first time.

Headed to the cable cars lift off station.

Rode a cable car to Sentosa with 7 other people. Mom and aunt almost fainted in terror. Was trying hard not to move while taking pictures of the scenery and oneself.

Landed in Sentosa in one piece.

Was given tickets to the Singapore Museum after being told repeatedly that the bus will leave if we did not come back on time.

Took lots of pictures. Didn't want to go in but we did anyway, was treated to a visually appetizing show about Singapore's history (together with students who, most likely, were on their field trip) and 10 minutes later, we were desperately looking for a way to get out of the building so as not to waste our precious time left.

30 minutes left, we decided to hunt for the elusive Merlion. Found it and took more pictures. Now we really have a proof that we went to Singapore.

Fell in line to board a free shuttle to Underwater World. I guess buses other than the Sentosa line is not allowed in the island. Shame. I thought being a part of a tour group means having a bus of our own to take us to places.

Arrived at Underwater World.  Was given tickets and was warned again of being left behind. Met fishes and other amazing creatures. But really, Manila Ocean Park did it better. (So I am told. Haven't been there yet.)

Fell in line again to board the Sentosa bus to the Beach Station where we will be watching Songs of the Sea. Pushed our way inside the crammed vehicle. (Standing room only.) Breathed as shallowly as possible.

Arrived at Beach Station. Was again given tickets for the show. In hindsight, it would've been nice to have more time to go around the place before or after the show rather than heading straight to the stands to get a seat then rushing back in order to not get left behind. 

Got seats on the far left side of the 'stage'. Chatted with other Filipinos on our group.

Show started. Some kids were singing a song I could not understand nor appreciate. Did we really pay S$10 for this?

Fountain visual effects started. Whoa, cool.

More effects with light and fire. Beautiful!

Honestly, the story was crap, the script was childish and the 'actors' were mediocre but what set the show apart was the dazzling array of lights and sounds that was right in front of our faces. Truly a memorable part of our vacation.

Rushed our way to the meeting point in fear of having to go back to our hotel by ourselves. Met with other tourists in our group and together we hiked about a football stadium's length to the parking lot. Was tired and hungry by the time we got to the bus.

Orchard Parade never looked as beautiful when we arrived. Decided to 'take-away' (also known as to go or take-out) food from the nearest fast food in the vicinity.

Watched CNN (the men inside the wrecked Chile's mine site were being rescued) while having dinner.

Slept. Universal Studios was waiting for us and our camera. Could not wait for the next day. :)

Singapore '10: Marina Bay Sands and Bugis Street 0 comments

Our second day was supposed to be spent getting our inner kids on at Universal Studios Singapore. But due to passport mishaps, we were still waiting for the arrival of my aunt. Hence, our free day (which was supposed to be our last day so we can shop for souvenirs and other things to take back home) was moved on this day. So due to the pretty pictures in the brochure, we went to Marina Bay Sands Shoppes to see what the fuss was all about.

After looking like an idiot in front of the MRT machines and then listening to a very helpful guide who probably saw us looking abnormally confused, we took the train to Marina Bay station where we rode a bus to get to the next stop in front of this magnificent structure.

There I found out that the Shoppes were located in front of the hotel (those 3 enormous structures), and not exactly inside it. Also, we have to pay S$20 to be able to go up the famed Sky Park (the boat shaped thing on top of the 3 towers). We debated on whether to go up already, wait for my aunt who was going to arrive later that afternoon or just leave and look for another place to take pictures in. I didn't want to go up because it was still hot outside but I also didn't want to have to go back the second time just to go up the park because we were already there.

Marina Bay Sands Shoppes Venetian-looking river.

Needless to say, we ended our discussion with the famous 'bahala na' expression and found ourselves a bus that will take us to Bugis Street where we were planning to buy keychains and stuff to give to relatives and friends expectantly waiting back home.

It was everything I thought it would be. A shopping section where everything was cheap and without signature brand tags. Amazingly, even with the market-like surroundings, it was still surprisingly clean. Divisoria meets MMDA, my kind of place.

We bought key chains and hair trinkets for 3 for S$10. Still pricey for Php standards. I bought a bag for myself for S$10 (Php 330) then, after coming back here, thought I would not spend P250 on a same looking hand bag. It turned out, everything was more expensive in Singapore. Or maybe it's just everything is unknowingly cheap here. I'm not sure.

After roaming around for more than an hour, I got a text from my aunt saying she was already boarding the plane and will arrive after 3 hours. My mom decided to head back to our hotel so she can rest (again) before we head back out again, hopefully reunited with my aunt.

5 hours later after a slight confusion about flight numbers and airline schedules, we were back at Marina Bay Sands, this time with one added family member. The hotel interior was breathtaking by the way. We had to pass by the grand lobby to get to the ticketing office for the Sky Park. There we paid S$20 (roughly Php600) to ride an elevator to the topmost floor where we were greeted with the marvelous view of Singapore. 

Of us 4, I was the only one sane enough to approach the outer railings of the ship-like structure. Obviously, it was perfectly safe, but for some reason, the geriatric half of our group developed a case of wobbly knees. I had stomach aches laughing at them and they had fun laughing at themselves. Those tickets were definitely worth the money.

On top of Marina Bay Sands (SkyPark)

Infinity Pool for hotel guests only.

After countless picture takings, including in front of the infinity pool to die for, we went back down, had our dinner then head back to our hotel. Our 3rd day will include the Sentosa tour. Hmm, how to bring home a Merlion?

Singapore '10: Orchard Parade Hotel and Orchard Road 0 comments

We arrived at Singapore after 3 hours of an are-we-gonna-die turbulent plane ride. Thank you Cebu Pacific for not providing any meals, nor anything else for that matter that we can have without paying for it. No middle-of-the-flight updates on where the heck are we nor free earphones or newspapers to blast away the boredom. What you get for taking a 50% off promo ticket fare.

We arrived at Orchard Parade Hotel at Tanglin Road at the end of Orchard Road. The building looks tired but our room was surprisingly spacious. Last year at Mexan Harbour Hotel in Hong Kong, there was barely any space left to roam around and an ancient television with *gasp* no cable, but now, we even have a huge flat screen TV with some cable channels and a balcony to look out on.

As I am traveling with my mother and little sister, everything was rated PG and toned down a bit. After having our lunch, the second thing we did in Singapore was sleep. Yes, sleep. How fun.

View from our hotel room's balcony

We did stroll the squeaky clean sidewalks of Orchard Road in the afternoon. We loved how our hotel was just a few minute's walk to the shopping malls in the vicinity and even the Orchard MRT station. From there, you can go to about anywhere else in the one-city country. It was hilarious how we were so afraid to cross roads and accidentally litter. We wouldn't want to be fined for anything in a foreign country, especially one which is known for fining residents and tourists alike for a myriad of petty crimes. Although, I don't blame them. Those laws probably helped made this country as beautiful and safe as it is right now.

One thing I've noticed is that everyone speaks English, which is absolutely fantastic since we were bound to ask for directions sooner or later. I thought we'll have problems conversing with people because of language barriers like we did in Hong Kong. Another is that there are more Indians living in Singapore than I expected. I was not aware that they have such close ties with the Indian community.

Outside Orchard Station, to ION Mall

All in all, our first half day there was pretty uneventful. Which was understandable since we're still getting the feel of the place. It was great that our itinerary for our vacation wasn't as hectic as our trip last year. After walking up to the ION Orchard Mall, we decided to go grocery shopping then head back to our hotel.

That night, we spread out the maps of the city we got from the airport and planned which places we should visit the next day because, due to passport mishaps and change of schedules, we have no idea where to go.

Top 10 Things I Learned from the OB Ward 9 comments

10. 60 patients in the ward versus 1 staff nurse and 1 trainee is considered a benign shift.

9. "Not seen during rounds." Trodat. is an accepted Nurse's Notes' charting.

8. Ampicillin, Ketorolac and Nalbuphine are best of friends. Sometimes, they also hang-out with buddies Gentamycin and Metronidazole.

7. Some patients never buy medicines. They just collect Rxs and irritate the medication nurse.

6. Medication x 100, IV insertion, carrying out orders, extraction, MgSO4, handling patients numerous enough to build an army etc. (Okay, halfway there. I felt compelled to put in something semi-serious for everyone else's sanity)

5. Patients panic once their IV bottles are empty or they see blood in their IV line like they're going to have a cardiac arrest because of it. Re-hook new one immediately or flush mentioned blood. Or else, relative will follow you around the ward and watch everything that you do.

4. The smell of disinfectant and lochia combined will haunt you on your way home.

3. There's nothing awkward about asking somebody you barely know (in front of other people): "Naka-utot na ba kayo?"

2. It is possible to fit 6 mothers and 6 babies in a single-sized bed.

...and the No.1 thing I learned from my 2-month stay at the OB Ward:

1. The location of Lying-In and how to get there. "Sir, sa Lying-In po yan, diretso sa dulong-dulo tapos kaliwa."