HOW PROTECTED ARE YOU AGAINST COMPUTER THREATS?

Are you aware of the computer threats spreading on the internet, lets get to know them....

Virus,  is a small unassuming  program that can copy itself . They are simple but developed in a higher degree of complexity which is enough to gain access to an unprotected personal computer. They are in a form of an executable code, that can self replicate and spread from one computer to another without the knowledge of the user. Most of them cannot run on its own and need to have some host program which they are a part that when executed, they will be activated. It can be carried out by removable media drives such as floppy, usb drive, cd, dvd or a memory card or files that are downloaded in the internet. A network computer can also brought virus to another computer within the network. Since the time of the ARPANET, (this is before the internet was introduced) in the early 70's, Bob Thomas of the BBN Technologies had already experimented on a self replicating program called Creeper Virus. It gained access through the ARPANET and copy itself to the remote system and shows the message  "I'm the creeper, catch me if you can!"

Worms - are programs that spreads from a computer to another computer on a network without getting other programs modified. They can run without the help of a host program. Worms may have portions of themselves running on different computers.

Trojans/Trojan horses - are programs that seems to have one function but actually perform another functions. They looks almost the same as the program that a user wishes to run, it may be a game, word editor or a spreadsheet. Trojans appear to do what the user wants but at the same time doing something else unrelated to its purpose without the user's knowledge.

Dropper - they are programs that is neither a virus nor it is infected by a virus but when executed it installs a virus into the file, the memory or into the disk. They have been used to be a carrier of a virus so as not to be detected by an anti virus scanners.


Malicious ware or Malwares/ Spywares - are programs that enters the system while surfing the internet without the users informed consent.. It collects data and information inside the users computer and returns to the creator while the user is still logged on. Sometimes, spywares such as keyloggers are installed by the administrator of a shared, public or corporate computers to discreetly monitor the user. They are sometimes disguised as genuine software that comes from official sites.
 
All of this can be prevented by installing anti virus softwares and by updating and scanning regularly. To date, there are no clear count of viruses. Experts said there are more than 100,000 of them and new variants of viruses and malwares were created almost daily at the rate of 1 every 2 hours. Run anti malware programs always and don't forget to activate your firewalls. Don't just open or click any e-mail attachments sent to you specially when the source is unknown. Lastly, for your security, don't ever keep personal informations such as bank account numbers, credit card details, pin numbers and the likes on your computer.

WHO IS VENUS RAJ?

Maria Venus Bayonito Raj, was born in Doha, Qatar on July 7, 1988. Her father was an Indian and  her mother was a Filipina, She was the youngest among 5 children. She was raced in Bato, Camarines Sur, Bicol Philippines. She was brought up by her mother who works as a dressmaker and a farmer as well. She spent her life living with her mother in a simple nipa hut in Bato, Camarines Sur.without electricity.
At a very young age of 4, she started to join beauty and oratorical contest. She was able to buy land though on installment basis through her winnings on major contests this is for her mother, to be able to improve their livelihood. Through the help of her scholarship from Francis Papica foundation, she studied in Bicol University, where she achieved her bachelors degree in Communication Arts major in Journalism with Cum Laude honor.
She joined Miss Bicolandia in 2007 and won the title. She then competed in Ms. Philippines-Earth 2008 representing Legazpi City where she was crowned as Ms. Philippines Earth Eco Tourism 2008. She joined Binibining Pilipinas beauty pageant in 2010 where she was crowned as Binibining Pilipinas Universe. Due to alleged inconsistencies on her birth certificate, Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc, decided to dethroned her a few weeks after the coronation. This gathered negative reactions from her supporters. In April of 2010, the Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc. decided to give her crown back.
A few weeks ago, this 5'9" tall beauty from Bicol, Philippines went to the United States to compete for the Miss Universe Pageant 2010. She became one of the crowd's favorite together with Ms. Haiti, Ms. Canada, Ms. Australia, Ms. USA, Ms. Mexico and Ms. Puerto Rico. On the preliminary judging,  Filipinos were glad to hear the name of Philippines' representative, Ms. Venus Raj as one of the top 15 contestants among the 83 equally beautiful candidates.

On August 24,  the day that spectators are waiting for, the final 10 were chosen by the judges after the swimsuit competition and Ms. Venus Raj was one of them. The final 5 were chosen and the Philippines made it again on the slot. On the question and answer portion, Ms. Raj was asked by judge actor William Baldwin. Baldwin asked her what major mistakes that she had made in life and what she did to make it right and she replied: " You know what sir, in my 22 years of existence I can say that there's nothing major, major problem that I've done in my life because I'm very confident with my family with the love they are giving to me. so thank you so much that I'm here. Thank you, thank you so much!"
The question that was asked to Ms. Raj was indeed a killer question and was not that easy to answer. On my personal opinion, if only the question that what asked to her was those of her fellow contestants, she could have answered very well and clearly and would make it on higher place. According to reports, same question was asked by a journalist to former US president George W. Bush that was aired on ABC World News and all he could answer was just “Hmm.......wish I, you would have given me a, this written, a question ahead of time,”
Anyway, Ms. Venus Raj was proclaimed as the 4th runner up in the 2010 Ms. Universe Pageant.
Congratulations Ms. Venus Raj!!!

A PERSONAL POINT OF VIEW ON THE MANILA HOSTAGE DRAMA

                        

August 23, 2010, the Manila hostage incident took the attention of the whole world. Policemen from the Manila Police District and media people were surely tensed by the situation.  I just want to share my opinion on what had happened yesterday.  On the part of the hostage taker, Rolando Mendoza, there were lot mixed different reactions based on what he did. There are people who sympathize with his lost and there are others who criticize him on his decision to resolve his problem by taking hostages and demanding on whatever would make his name clear for the accusations made on him. According to reports, former Senior Inspector Rolando Mendoza  has a lot of awards of recognitions and achievements and was even cited as one of the top ten policemen in 1986 but then in 2008 he was charge of extortion and robbery and was dismissed from service in 2009. He claimed that he was dismissed because of wrong accusations. He might have lost his hope that pushed him to use this wrong way to shout out his grievances. He might have been a victim of circumstances just like the others who were jailed and sentenced without committing any offense. This I agree, put the country in shame as 8 of the Hong Kong nationals were dead after the incident. On the part of the policemen who responded on the situation, experts says that there were lapses on their part. Judge  Jaime Santiago, also a former senior Police Officer from the SWAT of MPD and hostage situation expert says that policemen failed to do what is appropriate in such situation. Judge Santiago, said that they should have imposed proper crowd control and that they panicked after hearing gunshots from inside the bus. On my personal point of view, policemen and negotiators should have tried their best to end up the situation peacefully with no bloodshed. We have seen videos on the earlier part of the hostage drama, Rolando Mendoza were releasing victims, an indication that he have no intention of harming them and that Mendoza was psychologically stable,  he just want justice. What triggers his anger and made him out of his mind is seeing the policemen taking his brother into custody through a TV inside the tourist bus.
As a Filipino,  lets stop blaming anyone, our country would only suffer more criticism from this incident.
For the families and friends of the victims, I extend my sincere condolences to you. May the souls of those who depart rest in peace.

President Aquino issue proclamation no. 23 declaring August 25 as National Day of Mourning in solidarity with the People of Hong Kong and the families of the victims.
  

(the author doesn't claim ownership of the photo shown in this article)

AUGUST 21, NINOY AQUINO DAY

President Ferdinand Marcos declared Martial Law on September 21, 1972. Senator Benigno "NINOY" Servillano Aquino Jr. was imprisoned 2 days after the declaration due to charges of murder, illegal possession of firearms and subversion. Ninoy went into hunger strike. He fasted for 40 days that almost caused him his precious life.
In March 1980, He was rushed to the Philippine Heart Center due to heart attack. While in the hospital, he again suffered a second attack that was diagnosed caused by a blocked artery. Fearing that foul play might happen, he refused to be operated by Philippine doctors. On May 1980, he was allowed to leave the Philippines to have his surgery in the United States. He had his by-pass operation in a hospital in Dallas, Texas. He spent 3 years with his family in Newton, Massachusetts.
In the first quarter of 1983 he heard of the worsening political status of the Philippines, that made him decide to go back.

August 21, 1983.....from Taipei (where Ninoy had his last stopover), China Airlines Flight CI 811 touchdown the Manila International Airport at around 1PM. Boarding the plane was the number 1 Marcos administration oppositionist Senator Benigno"Ninoy" Servillano Aquino Jr. While taking his steps down the plane, gunshots were heard. The youngest senator, Ninoy Aquino lies lifeless on the tarmac shot by an unknown assasins beside him lying dead was the body of Rolando Galman, who was then pointed out as the gunman but later on turned out to be a fall guy.
Senator Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino has been anticipating this to happen as he was quoted saying "I'll be wearing a bullet proof vest but that is only good for the body, but for the head there's nothing we can do" hours before his departure from Taipei in an interview at the Taipei Grand Hotel.  He even told mediamen who was with him on the flight " you have to be ready with your and camera because this action can become very fast. In a matter of 3 to 4 minutes it could be all over, I may not be able to talk to again after this."
His death led Filipinos to revolt against the Marcos Administration. His death, eventually fulfilled the Filipinos dream of having a democratic country. His wife Corazon Aquino led the 1986 People Power Revolution that ended the dictatorship of then President Ferdinand Marcos.

THE BIRTH OF THE GAMING CONSOLES

Entertainment is already a part of our life. Since ancient times, our ancestors already have their own way to entertain themselves. Now, that the we have reached computer age, we have different ways to have fun, we already have the so called "digital entertainment" such as  the electronic gaming consoles.
Can you still remember those times when this high tech gadgets  hasn't been introduced to us? People from kids to adults plays boardgames, cardgames and others uses indigenous materials to play with their friends? Chess, checkers, backgammons, poker, solitaire, mix and match games, snakes and ladders, monopoly, and millionaires games were among those. Those are the things that satisfy us before until gaming consoles has been introduced.

In 1972, Magnavox launched "ODYSSEY" which was the first game console. This system has 12 built in games, and uses 2 controllers. Odyssey only uses black and white graphics and no audio. This was followed by "PONG", a console that was introduced in 1975. In 1977, the first game console that uses cartridge and the first widely known gaming console was launched which was the "ATARI 2600" where the popular game "Space Invaders" came from.
In the early 80's gaming consoles market crashes but there's no way of stopping the manufacturers in creating and developing much and more advance consoles. In 1986 the slowly dying industry  was revive by Nintendo when they launched their "FamilyComputer" and was released as "NES" in the U.S.A., this gaming console already has thousands of colors. Its competitor SEGA,  releases the "SEGA MASTER SYSTEM" which has a better graphic display and audio. The 2 developer continue their duel with the released of more advanced consoles such as the SEGA Genesis or Megadrive and the SNES where famous gaming icons were also born, Sonic the hedgehog for SEGA and Mario for the Nintendo.

Manufacturers continue to research and invent more enhanced gaming consoles until the systems that uses 3d and CD  technology were developed, the SEGA Saturn, Sony Playstation and Nintendo 64 were released.   
With their continuing battle to gain popularity, another generation of gaming consoles were launched, this time Sony uses DVD technology on their Playstation 2, Nintendo releases GameCube, their first console that uses optical drive in place of their cartridge, SEGA releases Dreamcast that uses GD-Rom and Microsoft with their XBOX which has an Ethernet port.  

Few years passed, gaming enthusiasts has lost their passion on these new generation consoles, they are now asking for more updated and advance console. Developers know what consumers want, this time new systems were introduced using new technologies. Sony has launched the Playstation3 which uses a new disc format which is the Blue-ray Disc.  Microsoft has its XBOX 360 that uses HD DVD technology and Nintendo releases  Wii which uses remote and a sensor which has an infrared detected by a camera. All of them uses the latest realistic graphics and audio technology.
Gaming consoles have made their way to our homes since the time their graphics were still flickering until the realistic 3d platforms have been marketed and now with portable gaming systems such as the GAMEBOY, GAMEBOY COLOR, PSP,PSP SLIM, NDS,NDS LITE,NDSi, etc...

Personal computers and consoles will continue to improve and we have yet to wait what lies ahead on the coming years, what is important is that we should clearly understand the pros and cons of this high tech gadgets to us and our children.


*the author does not claim ownership of pictures shown above*

WANNA BE A CALL CENTER AGENT? BE A PART OF THE CONVERGYS TEAM

Convergys , the biggest and best Call Center in the country today is currently expanding its workforce and is in need of people who wants to be a part of their team. Successful applicants will be assigned in the so called lifestyle and fashion center of Makati which is the Glorietta 5. Candidates will also have a chance to win a 16gb Apple Ipad just by registering. So what are you waiting for? If you want to be a part of Convergys team, you are 18 years of age, At least 3rd year college, simply fill out the form on the link provided.

CLICK THIS------> I WANT TO JOIN THE CONVERGYS TEAM  

* URL : www.spawnskies.blogspot.com

PRESIDENT AQUINO LAUNCHES HIS OWN WEBSITE

President Benigno Simeon "Noynoy" Aquino III launches his own website. It has been said that the website's main purpose is to make a way for the Filipino citizens to interact and reach out to him in order that he can know the peoples' thoughts and problems to make his administration more transparent and trustworthy. The website has sub-pages with the latest news about the President such as his policy statements, peoples' "vow for a change", his list of cabinet members with links to the website of the Government offices,  photos and videos taken from P-Noy's official activities, the president and his staff's contact information, links for his social networking site pages and a page dedicated for restoring the good traditional Filipino values specially for the young ones. This page also encourages everyone to post images just like in facebook which shows Filipino values such as saying "po and opo" ,"respect the Philippine Flag" and "the value of education"
After launching the site, it reaches 16,000 views within 3 hours from 94 different countries.  The Presidents new website is  www.president.gov.ph

WHAT'S WRONG WITH FRIDAY THE 13TH?

image taken from horrorklinik.de

                                             


Have you ever wonder why the word "Friday the 13th" existed and why some people are scared of this day?


Friday the 13th is when the 13th day of the month falls on Friday. At most, this happens 3 times a year. This occur when the first day of the month starts on a Sunday. Many people believe that this is a day of bad luck. It has been said that Friday which is the sixth day of the week is an unlucky day and 13 is an unlucky number. Both has a negative reputation since ancient times. Unlike the number 12 who has a good reputation (notice that there were 12 zodiac signs, 12 tribes of Israel, 12 apostles of Jesus Christ, 12 months in a year, 12 labors of Hercules, 12 gods of Olympus, 12 hours of the clock, ) Numerologist said that the number 12 is the number of completeness whereas 13 is an irregular number. According to Norse myths, where there are 13 people seated at a dining table, it said that one of them would die within the year.  ( Isn't it that there were 13 people seated at the table during the last supper of Jesus with his disciples?). The irregularity of the number 13 is said to be the reason behind why there are no 13th floors on high rise buildings, no 13th gates on most airports and no room number 13 on hospitals. In Fact according to the National Geographic news, in Florence, Italy the house between number 12 and 14 are numbered as 12 1/2.

Fridays were considered a bad day, according to Christian scriptures, Jesus was crucified on a Friday. Since 1800's Black Friday has a lot of disasters and stock market crashes. On the legendary Knights of Templar, King Phillip IV of France ordered the mass arrest of the Templar Knights on October 13, 1307 which is Friday the 13th.

There are phobias on both the number 13 and Friday the 13th that is, "Triskaidekaphobia"  for fear of the number 13 and "paraskevidekatriaphobia" on fear of Friday the 13th. 

Friday the 13th must have been the most widely spread superstition on the whole world.
Being unlucky or not every person has to look on the positive side of everything so as not to attract negativity. There are no clear evidences  that Friday the 13th is indeed unlucky, there's just a lot of coincidental things happening in this world. Remember that there are a lot of mishaps and deaths that happens on any day of the week and on any day of the month and any hour of the day, so is there really a need to fear FRIDAY THE 13TH? Just to remind you, this coming Friday, will be the 13th day of August 2010.

THE BENEFITS OF HERBAL MEDICINES

There are some plants that are usually seen  growing just everywhere like in our backyards or our relatives' farm or garden  that we ignore not knowing what benefits they could give. Some of us don't know that some of these plants can give us the relief that most over the counter medicines can. All we have to do is to know more about them, their side effects (mind you not all people benefit from herbal medicines, others might have some adverse reactions on them and always be reminded that different patients needs different treatment depending on their illness and cases.)
Plants were used as herbal medicines since pre-historic times. Just to add some information, herbs were not only used to treat ailments but lately, they were also used in beauty product manufacturing. People nowadays rely on using herbal medicines for the obvious reason that homeopathic drugs are much cheaper than that of over the counter medicines.

DOH tips on handling medicinal plants / herbs:

-If possible, buy herbs that are grown organically i.e. without pesticides.

  -Medicinal parts of plants are best harvested on sunny mornings. Avoid picking leaves, fruits or nuts during and after heavy rainfall.

-Leaves, fruits, flowers or nuts must be mature before harvesting. Less medicinal substances are found on young parts.

- After harvesting, if drying is required, it is advisable to dry the plant parts either in the oven or air-dried on screens above ground and never on concrete floors.

-Store plant parts in sealed plastic bags or colored bottles in a cool dry place without sunlight preferably with a moisture absorbent material like charcoal. Leaves and other plant parts that are prepared properly, well-dried and stored can be used up to six months.


 

DOH tips on preparation for intake of  medicinal herbs:

-Use only half the dosage prescribed for fresh parts like leaves when using dried parts.

-Do not use stainless steel utensils when boiling decoctions. Only use earthen, enamelled, glass or alike utensils.

-As a rule of thumb, when boiling leaves and other plant parts, do not cover the pot, and boil in low flame.

-Decoctions loose potency after some time. Dispose of decoctions after one day. To keep fresh during the day, keep lukewarm in a flask or thermos.

-Always consult with a doctor if symptoms persist or if any sign of allergic reaction develops.

Here are the list of some safe herbs that were endorsed by the DOH (Department Of Health)

AMPALAYA (Mamordica Charantia) - Probably the most bitter of all the vegetables. Known as Bitter Gourd or Bitter Melon, this has been known as a treatment for diabetes for patients who are non insulin dependent ( Diabetes Mellitus) . Because this plant has  both flavonoids and alkaloids, it makes our pancreas create insulin which controls the blood sugar level in the body. Aside from these, Ampalaya is also a rich source of vitamins and minerals. It also stimulates digestion.

preparations: 

                  wash and chop leaves
                  measure 6 tablespoon and 2 cups of water
                  boil for about 15 minutes on low heat and don't cover the clay pot.
                  let it cool and strain

YERBA BUENA (Clinopodium Douglasii/ Mentha x cordifolia, Opiz ex Fresen) - a local species of mint, which varies from region to region . It is an aromatic plant that is used as herbal medicine worldwide. Commonly known as peppermint. In Spanish it literally means the good herb and was formerly the name given to California City in San Francisco USA. It has been consumed for hundred of years as tea and as analgesic. It is effective to relieves body aches and pain such as toothache and headache.  Taken internally as a decoction or externally by pounding the leaves and applied on the affected area.

KNOWN BENEFITS OF YERBA BUENA:

Relieves tooth aches
Relieves stomach aches
Relieves arthritis
Relieves headaches
Relieves indigestion
Relieves intestinal gas
Used as mouthwash
Used as tea for general health purposes

preparation:

                 wash the leaves and chop
                 measure 2 cups of water and leaves
                 boil in low heat for 15 minutes
                 do not cover the clay pot
                 let it cool and strain

LEAVES NEEDED:

                     FRESH LEAVES                                   DRIED LEAVES
for adults:        6 tablespoon                                             4 tablespoon
for children 7 - 12 years old give only half the dosage that is recommended for adults.

LAGUNDI - (Vitex Negundo L.) - A shrub that grows in the Philippines, known in English as the 5 leaved chaste tree. Lagundi is used for the relief of coughs and asthma. The juice of the leaves is used as for the treatment of fetid discharges. Others apply it locally for the relief of rheumatic swellings and sprains. It is an effective medicine that has a proven therapeutic claims.
Lagundi contains Chrysoplenol D, a substance with anti-histamine and muscle relaxant properties

KNOWN BENEFITS OF LAGUNDI:

Relief of rheumatism, dyspepsia, boils, diarrhea
Removal of worms, and boils
Alleviate symptoms of Chicken Pox
Treatment of cough, colds, fever and flu and other bronchopulmonary disorders
Relief of asthma & pharyngitis

Preparation and usage:

-Boil half cup of chopped fresh or dried leaves in 2 cups of water  for 15 minutes. 
-Boil in low heat and do not cover the clay pot.
- For skin diseases or disorders, apply the decoction of leaves and roots directly on skin. -The root is specially good for treating dyspepsia, worms, boils, colic and rheumatism.
-For treatment of fever, take recommended dosage every four hours.
-For treatment of asthma and cough divide the boiled concoction in 3 equal parts to be taken in the morning, afternoon and evening.

LEAVES NEEDED:

                               FRESH LEAVES                           DRIED LEAVES
adults:                        6 tablespoon                                   4 tablespoon
7-12 years old             3 tablespoon                                   2 tablespoon
2-6   years old           1 1/2 tablespoon                               1 tablespoon

SAMBONG (Blumea Balmasifera) - a flowering plant that belongs to the Blumea genus, Asteraceae family. Its English name is Blumea Camphora. It is a diuretic that helps in the excretion of urinary stones (urolithiasis). Also used as edema. Sambong is used in Thai and Chinese folk medicines. The plant is a strongly aromatic herb that grows tall and erect.

KNOWN BENEFITS OF SAMBONG:

-Helps remove worms, boils
-Treatment of colds & fever
-Treats dysenter and sore throat
-Relief of stomach pains
-Diuretic agent
-Helps in treating hypertension & rheumatism
-Effective in dissolving kidney stones
-Anti-diarrhea
-Anti-gastralgic properties

 Preparation:

                 wash and chop the leaves           
                 measure 2 cups of water and leaves
                 boil in low heat for 15 minutes
                 do not cover the clay pot
                 let it cool and strain

LEAVES NEEDED FOR THE CONCOCTION

                           FRESH LEAVES                          DRIED LEAVES
adults:                   6 tablespoon                                  4 tablespoon
7-12 years old        3 tablespoon                                  2 tablespoon


-divide boiled concoction into 3 equal parts. Drink each part in the morning, afternoon and evening.
-For headaches, apply crushed and pounded leaves on forehead and temples.
- decoction of leaves is used as sponge bath.

MOVIES TO WATCH THIS AUGUST 2010

Although, I am not sure if all of this movie will be shown here in Philippine cinemas, I have decided to post all upcoming movies that would be released this August 2010 worldwide. Check out here their official movie trailer and their storylines.

STEP UP 3D
When the Maryland School of the Arts (MSA) goes to Paris for an international dance competition, one of the dancers - Moose (Adam G. Sevani) - misses his flight back to Baltimore. He soon makes friends with an American away from home and a beautiful French sophisticate. They introduce Moose to the red-hot Parisian underground dance scene, and before long he is wowing the local dancers with his unique moves as they prepare for an underground dance competition. With time running out before the big event and their routine stolen by a rival crew, Moose turns to his loyal MSA crew in Baltimore for help. Can Moose, the MSA crew and the French crew pull together a new dance number at the last minute? And will it be good enough to beat the world’s best street dancers?

TEKKEN

In the year of 2039, after World Wars destroy much of civilization as we know it, the remaining territories are no longer run by governments, but by corporations; the mightiest of which is the Mishima Zaibatsu. In order to keep the masses down, Mishima sponsors the King of Iron Fist Tournament, or Tekken, in which fighters battle until one is left standing, who in turn will receive a lifetime of stardom and wealth. We are introduced to this violent world through the eyes of Jin Kazama who enters the tournament in order to avenge the death of his mother that he blames upon the Mishima Zaibatsu’s most powerful and controlling chairman – Heihachi Mishima. He knows that the only way to get close enough to Mishima to kill him is to win the tournament, but in doing so, he begins to uncover his own past and inner demons as well as exposing a dark underbelly to Tekken that threatens the very existence of humanity.





EXPENDABLES

The Expendables" follows a group of mercenaries hired to infiltrate a South American country and overthrow its ruthless dictator. Once the mission begins, the men realize things aren’t quite as they appear, finding themselves caught in a dangerous web of deceit and betrayal.




MIDDLE MEN

Businessman Jack Harris (Luke Wilson) had the perfect life – a beautiful family and a successful career fixing problem companies. And then he met Wayne Beering (Giovanni Ribisi) and Buck Dolby (Gabriel Macht), two genius but troubled men, who had invented the way adult entertainment is sold over the internet. When Jack agrees to help steer their business, he soon finds himself caught between a 23 year-old porn star and the FBI all the while becoming one of the wealthiest entrepreneurs of his time.






EAT PRAY LOVE

A married woman with a big apartment, a weekend home and who is trying to get pregnant, suddenly realizes this isn't the life she wants. After a painful divorce, she sets off on a journey of self-discovery around the world.



SCOTT PILGRIM VS THE WORLD

Meet charming and jobless Scott Pilgrim (Michael Cera). A bass guitarist for garage band Sex Bob-omb, the 22-year-old has just met the girl of his dreams...literally. The only catch to winning Ramona Flowers (Mary Elizabeth Winstead)? Her seven evil exes are coming to kill him. Genre-smashing filmmaker Edgar Wright ("Hot Fuzz," "Shaun of the Dead") tells the amazing story of one romantic slacker's quest to power up with love in "Scott Pilgrim vs. the World."

Scott Pilgrim has never had a problem getting a girlfriend. It's getting rid of them that proves difficult. From the girl who kicked his heart's ass--and now is back in town--to the teenage distraction he's trying to shake when Ramona rollerblades into his world, love hasn't been easy. He soon discovers, however, his new crush has the most unusual baggage of all: a nefarious league of exes controls her love life and will do whatever it takes to eliminate him as a suitor.

As Scott gets closer to Ramona, he must face an increasingly vicious rogues' gallery from her past--from infamous skateboarders to vegan rock stars and fearsomely identical twins. And if he hopes to win his true love, he must vanquish them all before it really is game over.



VAMPIRES SUCK

A spoof of the vampire movie genre, particularly "The Twilight Saga." Becca, an anxious, non-vampire teen, is torn between two boys. Before she can choose, Becca must get around her controlling father, who embarrasses Becca by treating her like a child. Meanwhile, Becca’s friends contend with their own romantic issues – all of which collide at the prom.




LOTTERY TICKET

Kevin Carson (Bow Wow), a young man living in the projects, wins $370 million in a nationwide lottery. When his opportunistic neighbors discover he has the winning ticket in his possession, Kevin must survive their greedy and sometimes even threatening actions over a three-day holiday weekend before he can claim his prize.





NANNY MCPHEE RETURNS

In "Nanny McPhee 2," Oscar-winning actress and screenwriter Emma Thompson returns to the role of the magical nanny who appears when she's needed the most and wanted the least in the next chapter of the hilarious and heartwarming fable that has enchanted children around the world.

In the latest installment, Nanny McPhee appears at the door of a harried young mother, Mrs. Isabel Green (Maggie Gyllenhaal), who is trying to run the family farm while her husband is away at war. But once she's arrived, Nanny McPhee discovers that Mrs. Green's children are fighting a war of their own against two spoiled city cousins who have just moved in and refuse to leave.

Relying on everything from a flying motorcycle and a statue that comes to life to a tree-climbing piglet and a baby elephant who turns up in the oddest places, Nanny McPhee uses her magic to teach her mischievous charges five new lessons.





PIRANHA 3D

From acclaimed director Alexandre Aja ("The Hills Have Eyes") comes the new action thriller "Piranha 3D", in the latest eye-popping 3D technology. A new type of terror is about to be cut loose on beautiful Lake Victoria. After a sudden underwater tremor sets free scores of the prehistoric man-eating fish, an unlikely group of strangers must band together to stop themselves from becoming fish food for the area's new razor-toothed residents. But our heroine (Elisabeth Shue) is seriously outnumbered, and with only one chance to save the lake and her family from totally being devoured, she must risk everything to destroy the aquatic carnivores herself.




THE SWITCH

A neurotic and insecure man finds out his best friend wants to have a child through artificial insemination. He surreptitiously replaces her donor's semen with his own and is then forced to live with the secret that he is the child's real father.




GOING THE DISTANCE

Erin and Garrett are good together--even when they're apart. When aspiring journalist Erin (Drew Barrymore) moves to San Francisco to finish her last year of school, boyfriend Garrett (Justin Long), an assistant music scout, stays in Manhattan to pursue his ambitions and wait on that promotion he's been promised. With a webcam connection and frequent flier miles, the two gamely navigate the pitfalls and miscommunications of their bi-coastal romance, dodging bad advice from friends and some predatory singles who won't take "taken" for an answer. But when it seems their wait is almost over, Erin scores her dream job in California just as Garrett's career heats up in New York. The big breaks they've been hoping for could break them up for good...unless their love can truly go the distance.





TAKERS

"Takers" takes you into the world of a notorious group of criminals (Idris Elba, Paul Walker, T.I., Chris Brown, Hayden Christensen and Michael Ealy) who continue to baffle police by pulling off perfectly executed bank robberies. They are in and out like clockwork, leaving no evidence behind and laying low between heists. But when they attempt to pull off one last job with more money at stake than ever before, the crew may find their plans interrupted by a hardened detective (Matt Dillon) who is hell-bent on solving the case.




THE LAST EXORCISM

After a career spent helping the devout through prayer and trickery, Reverend Cotton Marcus (Patrick Fabian) invites a film crew to document his final fraudulent days as an exorcist. Soon his faith is truly tested when a desperate plea from the father of a possessed girl (Ashley Bell) brings him face to face with the devil himself.




IN YOUR EYES

The sisterly love is what most siblings look forward to in search for a family bond away from the comforts of their home. The sisterhood of Ciara (Claudine Barretto) and her younger sister, Julia (Anne Curtis) leads to a treacherous interest leading to sacrifice love for the pain that will eventually bring joy to them.
The movie is set in the urban area, in the city of bright lights, America. The two sisters were caught in an unexpected love triangle with Storm (Richard Gutierrez).
Will you sacrifice your happiness when your own happiness already found another joy? Will you still fight even if the leaves of your heart wither from pain and sorrow? Will you surrender your felicity for the sake of replenishing your sister’s own happiness?
Love, Betrayal and Sacrifice doesn’t always end with a good ending. In the end, destiny will find its way to bring together true love. But with whom?





THE GHOST WRITER

"The Ghost Writer" tells the story of a former British Prime Minister, Adam Lang (Pierce Brosnan), who is holed up on an island off the Eastern seaboard of the U.S. in midwinter, writing his memoirs. When his long-standing aide drowns, a professional ghostwriter (Ewan McGregor) is sent out to help him finish the book. The anonymous ghost writer is quickly drawn into a political and sexual intrigue involving Lang’s wife, Ruth (Olivia Williams) and his aide (Kim Cattrall). Hanging over Lang is the threat of a war crimes trial and a mysterious secret from his past that threatens to jeopardize international relations. The film is based on the Robert Harris novel "The Ghost."






CHARLIE ST. CLOUD

Accomplished sailor Charlie St. Cloud (Zac Efron) has the adoration of mother Claire (Oscar winner Kim Basinger) and little brother Sam (newcomer Charlie Tahan), as well as a college scholarship that will lead him far from his sleepy Pacific Northwest hometown. But his bright future is cut short when a tragedy strikes and takes his dreams with it. After his high-school classmate Tess (Amanda Crew) returns home unexpectedly, Charlie grows torn between honoring a promise he made four years earlier and moving forward with newfound love.





hope this helps you decide on what movie you would watch soon... Enjoy!!

WIDELY VISITED CATHOLIC CHURCHES IN THE PHILIPPINES

There are hundreds of churches in the Philippines alone and each has their share of miracles that has bestowed upon its parishioners and devotees. Whether this miracles are true or hoax, as a catholic, I believe that faith alone brings miracles in our life. I have made research on some Philippine Churches that are known to have given miracles and changes devotees' and their loved ones' lives.

THE MINOR BASILICA OF THE BLACK NAZARENE / ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST PARISH

(Quiapo, Manila, Philippines)

One of the most famous church in the Philippines is the home of the miraculous Black Nazarene. This church had undergone many catastrophic memories dating way back from the Spanish Era. In the late 1500 the first church in Quiapo was built by Franciscan missionaries with just bamboo and nipa but was burned in 1639. In 1787 the Archbishop of Manila at that time, Basilio Sancho de Santas Junta y Rufina ordered the transfer of the image of the Black Nazarene to Quiapo Church from San Nicolas de Tolentino. It was then rebuilt with much stronger materials but an earthquake in 1863 hit the church that caused it to be partially damaged. The church was then again rebuilt in 1899 from the contributions of the parishioners and the help of National Artist Juan Nakpil.
The image of the Black Nazarene came from Acapulco, Mexico aboard a galleon. The color was attributed from the fire that hit the ship that was carrying the image. Every year, on its feast( January 9), thousand of devotees gather to join the procession of the Black
Nazarene because it is known to give miracles such as healing from illnesses and granting wishes.

MONASTERIO DE SANTA CLARA

(Katipunan Ave. Quezon City/ Sariaya Quezon)

Originally established in Intramuros, Manila by Sister Geronima dela Asuncion but was then transferred to Katipunan Ave in Quezon City. Clare of Assisi is their patron. A church also named Monasterio de Santa Clara was patterned from the church in Katipunan Ave was in Sariaya, province of Quezon in the mystical Mountain of Banahaw.
This church was known for the offering of dozen eggs in exchange for prayer offerings by nuns which is unique for the congregation.  It is believe that offering a dozen eggs ( represents 12 months of the year) to St.Clare  in exchange for good weather really works. Others said the name of the saint is the reason for the traditional egg offering because Clara literally means fair weather in Castillan and in Spanish it means egg white.

SAN PASCUAL DE BAYLON CHURCH/ OBANDO CHURCH

(Obando, Bulacan)

One of the most oldest and historic church in the Philippines and the home of the Our Lady of the Immaculate Concepcion of Salambao. This church was founded by Franciscan Missionaries during  the Spanish Era. It is known for the 3days Fertility Rites which was held yearly during the month of May. Couples who has long been wishing to have been blessed with children dance inside the church known as the "SAYAW SA OBANDO" followed by a street procession. Others are joining the rites asking for a husband, wife, of for good fortune and fishermens who wishes for bountiful catch. The 3day rites were for the honor of St. Paschal, St. Clare and for The Lady of Salambao. (salambao is derived from the salambao net which was used by fishermens who catches the image of Our Lady of Immaculate Concepcion from the river).

OUR LADY OF MT. CARMEL CHURCH

(Lipa,Batangas)

Known for the mysterious raining of rose petals decades ago, Mt. Carmel church was founded in May 31, 1946 right after the WWII. The church was noted for it was claimed that numerous apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary happened here and identified herself as the Mediatrix of all Grace.

OUR LADY OF MANAOAG CHURCH / NUESTRA SENORA DEL SANTISSIMO ROSARIO DE MANAOAG

(Manaoag, Pangasinan)

Otherwise known as the Nuestra Senora Del Santissimo Rosario de Manaoag, this church is one of the most widely visited Roman Catholic church in the Philippines and is administered by Dominican Order. Our Lady Manaoag is known as the patroness of the sick, helpless and the needy. Our Lady of Manaoag came from the Augustinian fathers way back in the late 1500s and was transferred to the Dominicans. In the early 1600s the image was brought to the Philippines from Spain by Padre Juan de San Jacinto. The name Manaoag was said derived when a native of the province of Pangasinan was walking home heard a misterious lady's voice, he looked around and saw a lady with rosary on right hand and a child her left standing on a cloud. He then told the townsfolk of the apparition and
people called it Manaoag from the word "taoag" which means "to call". The exact place where the church was built was said to be where the Virgin has appeared.
Devotees from different part of the country were visiting the church for their pleads of good health or recovery from illnesses, good voyage and good fortune.
Among the noted miracles of the church is when the mountain tribes burn down the Christian villages and the Manaoag was spared. The city was set on fire and villagers set refuge on the church but not a single flaming arrow that hit it has cause it to be burned.  Another was on WWII when Japanese bombed the church and  hit directly on the roof  but causes no damage to the establishment and to the Shrine of Our Lady of Manaoag. Today there are several churches named after the blessed Virgin, One is in Tagaytay (Tierra de Maria), in front of the Development Academy of the Philippines.

ST. JUDE ARCHDIOCESAN SHRINE

(J.P. Laurel ,Manila)

Probably one of the prominent church in Manila. Donated by Arhcbishop Rufino J. Santos in 1958 and was blessed on October 23, 1960. Known as the patron of the impossible or the patron of hopeless cases,  Devotees come from far and wide including students, board examination reviewees, office workers, parish and others with all kinds of requests and seemingly hopeless problems.  Petitions on difficult problem are said to have been granted.  Huge crowds overflow the church into the church grounds every Thursday for Novenas, counselling and confessions.

NATIONAL SHRINE OF OUR MOTHER OF PERPETUAL HELP / THE REDEMPTORIST CHURCH / BACLARAN CHURCH

(Baclaran, Roxas Blvd. Paranaque City, Philippines)

One of the largest church in the Philippines that house the most venerated Marian image in the country, Our Mother of Perpetual Help. It draws many worshiper from across the nation. Devotees flock into the sanctuary every Wednesday including politicians and local celebrities to make the Perpetual Novena. The beautiful high altar was donated by the Ynchausti family from Malate, Manila.
Our Mother of Perpetual Help icon depicts the Blessed Virgin Mary wearing a dress of dark red with a blue veil and mantle and carrying Jesus Christ on her left arm,. Archangel Michael carries a lance on the left part of the image and Archangel Gabriel on the right, carries a 3 bar cross. 
The Feast day of the Mother of Perpetual Help is celebrated on June 27. A Novena of nine consecutive days precedes the annual celebration of the feast.