LIFESTYLE | HIV Case of a 23-Year Old Guy

HIV Case of a 23-Year Old Guy

I just couldn't get this out of mind, and it has been bothering me since I read about that article last night. The headline starts- "I'm an HIV positive person" which details the plight of a 23-year old Filipino guy who was begging for some financial support due to lack of resources to buy necessary medicine. To make matters worse, the guy has not disclosed his condition to his parents saying, and I quote "I am the bread winner in the family, and if my father learns about my situation, he would ask me to go back home; and I cannot do that since I am the only one sending them money and supporting my other siblings."

MOVIE REVIEW | Justice League (2017)

Justice League (2017)

I liked how the director made an effort to give all characters equal exposure in the film, that is- not giving the limelight to any of them. Although Wonder Woman obviously stood out, what with all the grand entrance and that signature sound effect whenever she gets her limited screen time.

EVENT | 2017 UAAP S80 Cheerdance Competition

Photo Credit: Twitter/Mall of Asia

2017 UAAP S80 Cheerdance Competition

With the recently concluded UAAP S80 Cheerdance Competition, spectators were in for unexpected results. The reigning 4peat champions, NU was slated to grab its 5peat (something only UST has done for the record), but ended up outside the podium after it tied 4th place with FEU. The returning UP Pep Squad was expected to give everyone a run for their money, but disappointingly ending at the 6th spot (a few points away from DLSU); with ADMU consistent with their rank as last.

ARTICLE | Ponderings of a New OFW in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Ponderings of a New OFW in Saudi Arabia

The past few days, I have been recollecting about my two-year (i.e. 2011-2013) stay in Saudi Arabia and every time I think about it, I am still surprised at how I was able to survive. It wasn't the easiest experience for a novice OFW like myself. But because I am naive at working overseas, I accepted what was thrown at me- blindly.

Do I regret it? I really can't say yes, but during the latter part of my days in Saudi, I started feeling sorry for myself, for all the unnecessary suffering I had to endure for two long years. I do not want to sound ungrateful or like I am complaining- please do not get me wrong. This article is far from whining, and in fact, truth be told- I learned a lot from my bosses and I was treated professionally in my company. If only for that, I am thankful that Saudi was my first real job outside the Philippines. Also, my work in Saudi helped me finance my sister's education and enabled me to pitch in for the bills.

Now comes the points that I had to contend with.

SPA REVIEW | Lasema Spa & Jjimjilbang (Makati City)

Lasema Spa & Jjimjilbang (Makati City)

The new Lasema Spa and Jjimjilbang has opened (last year), albeit delayed from announcement. Better late than never. I liked the old Lasema (previously located in Malungay Street in Makati), so hopefully this new inception gets better than the predecessor. Below are some impressions of the Spa I found over the net. Credits to all owners.

ARTICLE | The 5 Things You Need to Know for Better Website Translations

The 5 Things You Need to Know for Better Website Translations

For a website to be effective, it needs to reach people in their native language. There are 70% of Internet users out there who don’t speak English as their dominant tongue. Additionally, a majority of the would be more likely and would prefer to make an important purchase in their own language. In order to reach most users online and convert them into loyal customers, here are some of the best practices for professional website translation for foreign audiences.

LIFESTYLE | Actively Reducing Stress Increases Health At The Genetic Level

Actively Reducing Stress Increases Health At The Genetic Level

Have You Ever Heard Of Telomeres?

If you’ve tied your shoes, you can understand telomerase. This is a substance that, for purposes of illustration, let’s say is found at the end of your DNA strands. Now, when you’ve got tape on a shoestring, that tape ends up keeping the lace together. Because of the tape, the lace doesn’t unravel.

MOVIE REVIEW | IT (2017)

IT (2017)

Let me start off by asking- what makes James Wan horror flicks compelling? The simple answer is- jump scares are injected at the right spots where you least expect it to be.

MOVIE REVIEW | Kingsman: The Golden Circle (2017)

Kingsman: The Golden Circle (2017)

This fantasy action packed film borrows themes from Fast and the Furious, James Bond and even Charlie's Angels; it is funny and has lots of close up shots on channing tatum's bulge (one can never go wrong on CT's package)... Julianne Moore was also a perfect sociopath villainess... skip the burger though.

ARTICLE | 6 Best Flower Colors to Coordinate with Royal Blue Bridesmaid Dresses

It might be surprising, but royal blue is actually a versatile color for weddings. It can be subtly paired with white or pale blush, or cause a major stir with bold colors like fuchsia and bright yellow. It can “anchor” a nautical theme or take its rightful place among the jewel tones. Year after year, royal blue remains one of the most popular wedding colors and just a little experimentation easily reveals why.

6 Best Flower Colors to Coordinate with Royal Blue Bridesmaid Dresses

Image credit | azazie.com

Start with royal blue bridesmaids dresses of any length, and try different combinations of your other palette contenders until you find the perfect one for you. With the help of a handy “wedding flowers by color” guide (there are many, but we like this one by Brides.com), we’ve paired up some of our favorite flowers to give you an idea of what you might want to give a try.

Which Flowers are Available in Blue?

There are several flowers that come in gorgeous shades of blue ranging from pale to bright including hydrangea, delphinium and blue thistle. Other blue blooms are darker with undertones of purple like hyacinth, clematis, and water lily.

Royal Blue and White

If you love nautical blue and white, add stephanotis, calla lilies, roses, baby’s breath, tulips or white hydrangea. Like some added textures? Weave in strands of pearls or dot with rhinestone pins.

Royal Blue with Yellow or Pink

Yellow is a summery partner for royal blue. Roses (garden, standard and sweetheart), stock and sunflowers are just a few perfect choices. Pink is forever romantic, be it in snapdragons, pink roses, orchids, or oriental lilies. It softens any look and can add a feminine touch.

Image credit | www.pexels.com/photo/beautiful-blooming-bouquet-celebration-355590

Royal Blue with Coral

Peonies, dahlias, garden roses and snapdragons all have varieties in coral or with coral highlights. Against royal blue, coral has an almost retro or vintage feel. Add cranberry or antique green blooms for a very vintage fall palette.

Royal Blue with Silver

Metallics are hugely popular at the moment, and this year brides are venturing outside just gold and rose gold, and incorporating other colors like pewter and silver. Royal blue and silver were made for each other, and together make the most glamorous, shimmery winter palette ever. Clearly flowers don’t naturally come in shiny metallic silver, but there are varieties that come in grey which lends a silver-ish tone to which you can add your own metallic accents. Brunia balls, dusty miller, lambs ear, the tips of dried pussy willow, grey garden roses and some varieties of succulents will add the grey you need in natural form.

Royal Blue with Purple

A crowd favorite pairing, royal blue and purple combine for a stunning display. There are dozens of flowers that come in purple shades: tulips, alstroemeria, delphinium, anemone, hyacinth, and freesia to name a few

Royal Blue with Teal

A perfectly beach-y royal blue palette matches the hue with teal. Except for a variegated variety of hydrangea that inconsistently produces a flower with a teal accent, naturally teal flowers aren’t really a “thing”. While floral sprays can be used to make white flowers teal, your better bet is to incorporate non-floral accents to bring out the beauty in the teal-blue pairing. Ribbons, beading, brooches – choose something that matches your theme and overall look.
There are unlimited combinations of flowers that you can use to complement royal blue bridesmaid dresses. Be creative, consult a flowers-by-color guide as well as your own floral designers, and choose the one that makes you smile!

Image credit | http://es.123rf.com/profile_kazakphoto'>kazakphoto / 123RF Foto de archivo</a>

---

Author Bio

Wendy Dessler

Wendy is a super-connector with Azazie who helps businesses with building their audience online through outreach, partnerships, and networking. Wendy frequently writes about the latest wedding trends world on My Wedding Tips.

TRAVEL | In Colorado, Summer Goes out with a Bang

In Colorado, Summer Goes out with a Bang

Looking for a unique way to say goodbye to summer? Head to the Rocky Mountains of Colorado and check out nature's unbelievable farewell to summer.

ARTICLE | 5 Things Dancers Do Differently - They Are Ready For Anything

5 Things Dancers Do Differently - They Are Ready For Anything

Good dancers usually start dancing very young. Parents recognize a natural talent in their child and thankfully, they help them develop that talent. A dancer is not born great, but they could be born for greatness. 

EVENT | Wet Republik 3 Pool Party in Muscat, Oman

Wet Republik 3 Pool Party in Muscat, Oman

Previous edition of the Wet Republik i.e May 2017.

Photos credits to www.muscatnights.com

TRAVEL | Dubai Tourist Visa - Valid Until

Dubai, UAE Tourist Visa

A few days ago, I had the most unnerving dilemma with my Dubai tourist visa.

You see, the visa has two validities:

Valid until states 23 Jun 2017, erstwhile my flight arrives in Dubai on 1am of 23 Jun 2017

A. Valid until - states the life of the visa (prior to entering the UAE), standard duration of a visa validity is 58 days upon application. Meaning - you need to use the visa within 58 days, otherwise it expires.

B. Valid for - states until when you can stay in UAE. The standard length of stay is 30 days.

 It would have been Ok if not for the fact that I enter Dubai on the exact day of the "Valid until". Meaning, there is a big chance that "Valid until" could be interpreted as the last day and immigration officers might not let me through.

MOVIE REVIEW | Wonder Woman

Wonder Woman

Rating: 8 / 10 
★★★★★★★★

Not my favorite DC movie really, but when I think about Batman and Superman, I must say that Wonder Woman is not a bad film. As with the usual DC films, there is depth in the story. But what makes Wonder Woman different from other DC superhero films is that-

TRAVEL | Pietro Boselli Travel Videos of the Philippines

Pietro Boselli Travel Videos of the Philippines 

Here's the compendium of Pietro Boselli videos about the Philippines (which I may have said before, good enough to attract visitors from different parts of the World).

Click the links to see the videos.

Part 1: Pietro Boselli in Palawan El Nido
Part 2: Pietro Boselli in Coron
Part 3: Pietro in Cebu & Bohol, Philippines

TRAVEL | Pietro in Cebu & Bohol, Philippines

Pietro in Cebu & Bohol, Philippines

Can't get enough of the Philippines. Here's the third vid from the travels of Pietro. This time he visits Cebu, the Queen capital of the South in the Philippines and Bohol, Tagbilaran.

TRAVEL | Pietro Boselli in Coron

Pietro Boselli in Coron

Oh dear, here is the second vid from Pietro's trip to the Philippines. With waters so clear and clean, it's a must-go destination for all nature lovers. 

Aside from the obvious fact that Coron is one piece of paradise in that Pacific Island, the videographer is one helluv a talented guy. He made the video so inviting, I don't think anyone can resist visiting the Philippines now.

DANCE | Viral Dances on YouTube

Viral Dances on YouTube

This week, we take a look at some of YouTube's cutest and most enjoyable dance performances.

TRAVEL | Pietro Boselli in Palawan El Nido

Pietro Boselli in Palawan El Nido

Since I'm missing the Philippines, here's a nice video from Pietro Boselli on his recent visit to El Nido and Coron. Actually before I left the Philippines last year, I made a promise that I will visit El Nido and Coron when I come back. Here's still hoping that I can keep that promise.

MOVIES | Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2

Here's a tip before you decide not to scroll down- there are 5 post credits after the film. Some of the clips will deal about the movie. The others will build up on the next Marvel films so better not leave the theatre.

FASHION | Men's Summer Outfit for 2017

Men's Summer Outfit for 2017

Temperature in Oman is rising as high as 40 degree Celsius. It's now becoming a feat to walk outside without getting drenched in sweat. So it's very important that we choose the right clothes for this otherwise awful scorching heat.

MOVIE REVIEW | Fate of the Furious (Fast and the Furious 8)

Fate of the Furious (Fast and the Furious 8)

So I'm not really a fan of "Fast and the Furious" and to be honest, I have yet to see all the seven movies; and when my friend told me we've got free passes for the FF8, I said why not.

ARTICLE | What Makes One Leave His Job Behind?

What Makes One Leave His Job Behind?

I was conducting earlier my scheduled Skype interviews and there was the recurring question of why one wants to jump from one company to another.

MOVIE REVIEW | Aftermath (2017)

Aftermath (2017)

After a long time, Arnold Schwarzenegger has starred in a drama film about a man who lost his wife and daughter from a midair collision. Loosely based on real events that took place in Germany.

SPORTS | La Liga, Barcelona vs. Sevilla (3-0)

La Liga, Barcelona vs. Sevilla (3-0)

Am I a soccer fan?

Absolutely not. But tonight, as I witness Sevilla getting squashed by Barcelona during La Liga, one goal after another- I thought to myself, 'how far should we pound others to feel better about ourselves'. 

TRAVEL | Euro Trip 2017, The Backpacking Adventure

The European Sojourn 2017

Here's a rough draft of the itinerary.

PROMOTION | Trader Vic's Promos for April 2017

Trader Vic's Promos for April 2017

For the whole month of April 2017, here's some insider promotions that you need to check out especially if you're a regular in the joint.

TRAVEL | Backpacking In The Philippines

Backpacking In The Philippines

Whoa, it's been ages since I have posted anything on my blog. Sorry for the long hiatus. This winter is seriously taking a toll on me (nah, just lame excuses). I'm currently stationed in the Middle East and being the tropical person that I am, it's not easy to get used to this cold. But anyway...