Spurs Championship 2014 Banner, Ring Ceremony

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SCARY!!!

Filipinos offer prayers for the dead online

After visiting the above-mentioned news link, checking out their system on on line prayers for the dead, I was fortunately reminded to review my PayPal account.

Yes mate, I do have a PayPal Account. I think, I created it not for the purpose of paving online but for the reason of security. Having created my own, I have the feeling of security that no identity theft villain can create an account using my details that they can gather online. Add to that the personal information that I voluntarily gave in my application for loyalty cards among others. 

We are just not so sure where this details end up so be extra cautious giving out details especially thru emails and phone conversation.

Going back to reviewing my PayPal account, I just noticed that is is too easy to get that account stolen.

In the event that you have forgotten your password, all the details needed to reset your password are among the information that we have voluntarily given in our applications for loyalty cards and other stuff. I even remember that some required our cards photocopied front and back portion. And we are already aware of the fact that CSC cannot protect against phishing scams.

Having gave out all those details, the last piece to complete account theft is the email password. And these villain might be equipped to generate the correct password. It is better cautious than sorry.

I myself have voluntarily given my details, but today I hope to have fixed it by not linking my email address to all those personal details given out. 

Be extra cautious, the SCAMMERS are abound!!!

The spookiest places to visit in Asia

Your typical haunted houses? Hardly. We find five creepiest places in Asia to spend your Halloween



It shouldn't surprise you that Asia, with its colorful history, should be teeming with citizens of "another world" - and we're not talking about camera-toting tourists in Bangkok.

Ranging from the mythical to the sad, and to the downright creepy, their stories must be told.

Here are the five spookiest places in Asia to visit this Halloween that will put your local haunted house to shame. (Disclaimer: these are not for the faint of heart.)

1. Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, Cambodia

In the late 1970s, the Khmer Rough used Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, known then as Pol Pot's Prison, as a detention and torture centre. Out of the approximately 17,000 people who entered the complex, only a handful of them were known to have emerged alive.

So what exactly about this museum will send shivers down your spine?

The museum has been kept exactly the way it was in the 1970s, though it thankfully lacks the live graphic horror. Here you'll find skulls, pictures of former detainees and some torture paintings. It's rumored (of course) that the spirits of those who died there still haunt the museum.

2. Bhangarh Fort, India

What's better than a haunted house? A haunted city.

The ruins of Bhangarh Fort in Rajasthan, India are known as one of the most haunted places in the country. The warning signs located at the fort's entry points forbidding people from "Entering the borders of Bhangarh before sunrise and after sunset" only re-enforce the rumours.

There are a number of myths as to why the city was abandoned almost overnight, and never re-inhabited, but almost all of them conclude that it's due to a curse (although there are disagreements as to who put it there), and that ghosts now haunt the city.

One popular story goes that a magician, Singha Serva wanted to marry the fort's Princess Ratnavati, and when she foiled his plot to seduce her, he cursed the fort and all its inhabitants.

3. Lipe Island, Thailand

If you're skeptical about the existence of ghosts, trying spending your Halloween at Lipe Island in Thailand's southern Andaman Sea, and you might just become a believer.

Despite of the presence of a thriving modern tourist industry, the locals (known as Chao-le people) still take ghosts very seriously - they are, after all, neighbors.

Ask a resident if he's seen a ha-too recently (the Chao-le word for "ghost"), and he'll tell you he's seen many on the island - sometimes too many. Not only a belief held by the older generation, Chao-le kids are regularly seen tracking ghost prints left in the sand.

4. Himuro Mansion, Japan

Located in a rocky region just beyond Tokyo's bright lights is one of most haunted places in Japan: Himuro Mansion (sometimes referred to as Himikyru Mansion).

The complex is rumoured to be the home to one of the most gruesome murders in modern Japanese history. The members of the Himuro family, who were is said to be involved in their own dark rituals, were killed by their housemaster, who then in turn fell on his own blade.

Although the murders supposedly took place almost eight decades ago, stories still circulate that the family's spirits wander the grounds, and that fresh blood can often be seen on the walls.

5. Liu Mansion of Minsyong, Taiwan

A 90-minute drive north of downtown Chiayi stands Minsyong Haunted House (built in 1929), a mini tourist attraction for souls looking for a scare.

Although there are a number of conflicting tails as to why the now derelict mansion is haunted: all accounts agree that something isn't quite right there.

Some believe a maid who died in the mansion's well still roams the grounds, while others support the theory that the spirits of dead Japanese soldiers who lived near the mansion during World War II have taken up residence there. If you're in the mood to travel this Halloween, find out who's right for yourself.

Head over to Lifestyleasia.com for the full details on spending Halloween in Asia

Related articles:

If you are spooked out by the places in Asia to visit this Halloween, perhaps you should opt for a more light-hearted trip to Langkawi, Tokyo or Bangkok. 

5 of Asia's most overlooked cities

Sometimes the best times are had away from the tourist trails. Here are 5 lesser-visited Asian cities that provide just as much culture and fun as their more famous alternatives

By Tiffany Lam

Kagoshima, Japan

If you're so well traveled in Japan that you can tick off Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and Hokkaido, how about paying the quaint Kagoshima down south a visit?


With its balmy seaside breezes and mild sunshine, Kagoshima can pass for Naples on a summer day. No visit to Kagoshima is complete without a ferry ride to the massive stratovolcano Sakurajima, one of the most famous volcanoes in the country. And before you leave, be sure to sample Kagoshima's famous tonkatsu, a pork dish that is not breaded and deep fried as you'd expect from other parts of the country, but delicately caramelized.

Chengdu, China

Most foreign backpackers in China will be no stranger to Chengdu, a popular stopping point for travelers intending to journey up to Tibet. What many tourists fail to notice, however, is that Chengdu is worth much more than a one-night stopover.


Unlike other cities in this booming country, Chengdu possesses a laid-back vibe -- so much so that the Chinese have voted it the country's fourth most livable city. Locals are generally friendly and you're likely to bump into many like-minded tourists itchy for adventure and conversation.


Much of the local scene takes place at the sprawling People's Park, where the city's residents engage in their favorite pastimes throughout the day, be it tai chi, sipping tea by the lake, playing majong in the open or dancing. Entry to important archeological dig Jinsha Excavation Site may be steep at 80 RMB, but the huge number of artifacts there is well worth the ticket. At night, explore the bustling wine-and-dine area of Jinli Ancient Street for some after-dark action.

Kaohsiung, Taiwan

Taiwan is not just all about Taipei. Kaohsiung, the island's second-biggest city, is quickly outgrowing its reputation as an industrial and commercial hub to become a fascinating tourist destination in its own right.


Despite the wealth of historical buildings and the untouched forests in this sprawling city, for years Kaohsiung has been something of an underdog on the tourist circuit due to the city's reliance on industry, which polluted the city's waterways and air. But not any more. Recent efforts to clean up the city are finally reaping results: the romantically named Love River used to reek of sewage but is now the city's tourism focal point. A visit to Kaohsiung is incomplete without a sail on the river at night on a barge, with outdoor cafes and beautifully lit historical sights flanking the river on both sides.


Another great way to take in the city is to attend the annual Lantern Festival, a dizzying parade of fireworks, live concerts, lanterns and lip-smacking street food. The Lantern Festival is usually held in the middle of the Chinese New Year.

Daegu, South Korea

Neon-lit metropolises Seoul and Pusan may overshadow the quiet South Korean city of Daegu, but the latter deserves its own place in the spotlight.


For many Korean domestic travelers, Daegu's reputation for its sweet juicy apples and beautiful women is enough to warrant a visit. The city is also drawing visitors for its thriving traditional Asian medicine market. Check out the Yangnyeongsi herbal medicine market if you fancy bringing home some herbal curios back home.


With its textiles and clothing manufacturing industries going strong, the city is also positioning itself as a fashion hub in the Asia region in recent years. To see for yourself just how successful this rebranding has been, check out Daegu's central shopping district, Yasigolmok.

Sagada, Philippines

The Banaue Rice Terraces in the Philippines are practically a national symbol, synonymous with the Chocolate Hills and ube ice cream. But apart from the rice terraces there is little to see and do at Banaue.


Enter Sagada, a quiet town deep in the Mountain Province. The rice terraces at Sagada may be smaller than those of Banaue but is still photogenic and, better yet, there's plenty to do around town to keep you occupied for a day or two. Sagada's hanging coffins (coffins with mummified bodies hanging in a cave) leave quite an impression, while adrenalin junkies won't want to pass up the opportunity to hike at the Bomod-Ok falls or venture into the town's eerily beautiful caves.



Want more? Find out about: The best cities for singles in Asia


Tired of the same destinations? Forget Phuket, these are the next-gen Asian tourist hotspots


Also explore Asia's most sinful cities

 

Rice Monster

The long and short (grain) of it, really, is that Filipinos are actually Rice Monsters in disguise. Juice.ph lists the most popular sites for your rice cravings!

It’s been said before – Filipinos love their rice. We love it sticky, dry; in cakes, soup, noodles, and even juice. Maybe it’s because Filipino ulam is always so saucy. It would be unimaginable to serve adobo without rice. In the same way, the culture in the Philippines dictates that bread is for sandwiches only and does not serve as a substitute, one of the only customs we've rejected from the colonial West. The long and short (grain) of it, really, is that we are our very own Rice Monsters.Juice.ph lists the most popular sites for everything rice - restaurants that serve it in unlimited quantities and those that make you take it home in a little box - just for the Rice-zilla in you. 

*The Rice-to-Ulam Ratio is based on serving size, not taste and quality.
The ratings are based on 1 being the lowest and 5 being the highest.

Take-Out Rice Meals

1. Box O' Rice

This little nook offers a variety of rice toppings in the P70 price range, friendly to students along Katipunan Avenue. Featuring some pseudo-international toppings, the food is still served Filipino style with plenty of rice, some ulam, and enough sauce coating the leftover rice to keep you eating until the bottom. They deliver, too, so take down that number!

Rice-to-Ulam Ratio: 5:3
“Subo” Factor: 5/5
Must-Order: Mongolian Rice (vegetables, chicken, squid) and Beef Salpicao (sirloin cubes, garlic, mushrooms)

2. CANNAN Bistro

Graduating from school canteens and bazaars, the CANNAN Bistro now has an alumni of once-hungry customers forever satisfied with their menu of flavorful, home-style cooked meals. The chic,  two-storey restaurant (located above Copylandia, beside Bo's Coffee along Katipunan Ave.) is available for dine-in, take-out, and delivery services, so that you can have your rice fix when you need it (and more: don't forget to check their chef's weekly specials that feature side dishes and desserts, like a fried spaghetti dish!). The tasteful ambiance requires around P100 per meal.

Rice-to-Ulam Ratio: 5:5
"Subo" Factor: 5/5
Must-Order: SPAM Rice (comfort food) and Alipusta (aligue-pusit rice for you!)

3. RBX (Rice In A Box)

This is affordable fast food for the quick-but-big eater. Prices range from P40-P60 per rice topping meal. The food has a touch of Chinese to it, which makes sense knowing that the first branch was in Chinatown. They now have various kiosks and stalls located around the Metro, like in Farmer's Plaza in Cubao, Harrison Plaza in Pasay, "Hepa-lane" in R. Papa Street in Manila, and Binondo itself.

Rice-to-Ulam Ratio: 5:5
"Subo" Factor: 4/5
Must-Order: Seafood Bagoong Chowfan (that's right!) and Beef Terriyaki

4. Singkit

Sometimes what's better than Chinese food is Filipinized Chinese food! Singkit on Makati Ave. provides for just that kind of craving, with prices that range from P80 for dumplings and P120 rice toppings. Some dishes can serve up to 8 people, perfect for office lunches to-go.

Rice-to-Ulam Ratio: 5:3
"Subo" Factor: 3/5
Must-Order: Sweet and Sour Pork

5. Binalot

This is the way Filipinos used to do it; so, even if you're in your office barong or high heels, dig in. Wrapped in (biodegradable!) banana leaves, these meals pack a Pinoy flavor – with a side of salted egg and tomato – in their fast food for less than P100. Find your nearest Binalot stall or store here!

Rice-to-Ulam Ratio: 5:4
"Subo" Factor: 5/5
Must-Order: Fiesta Adobo and Anytime Inihaw na Baboy

All-You-Can-Eat Rice

It seems there's something about these Visayan grilled recipes that make them go perfectly with rice. Two big boys in the inasal industry make the choice for unlimited rice a true battle for the tummy and the taste buds!

1. Mang Inasal

With branches everywhere in the Metro and nationwide, Mang Inasal put unlimited rice on the map of hungry Filipinos. The recipe isn't actually your authentic inasal, but, hey, Jollibee's sweet spaghetti isn't Italian either. So, don't complain for a meal that's less than P100! Click here for their menu.

Rice-to-Ulam Ratio: 5:5
"Subo" Factor: 4/5
Must-Order: Paa with Rice

2. Chic-Boy

For P99, you get unlimited rice and a choice of juicy, well-cooked ulam to fill you up. And this is one lunch favorite that can actually boast of getting pretty close to that authentic Visayan barbeque flavor. There's also a nice bottle of chicken oil at each table to make your rice experience even more flavorful and genuinely Illongo. Click here for their menu.

Rice-to-Ulam Ratio: 5:5
"Subo" Factor: 5/5
Must-Order: Cebu Lechon Manok and Chicken Inasal

You might also want to check out these Dining articles:

Beer Belly
Anytime, Anywhere: ANDOK'S!!!
Quirky Pinoy Food Faves!
Cheapskate Food Date: Quezon City

Landmarks all over

Landmarks all over after 'Batangas' in Taal Volcano 

By Thea Alberto

Creative Pinoys are at it again.

After news broke that Batangas Governor Vilma Santos suggested a "Batangas" sign over Taal Volcano ala the iconic "Hollywood" in California, creative Filipinos are on a photo-editing spree again.

Photo from the office of the Vice Governor of Batangas

(As demonstrated by the Office of the Vice Governor of Batangas)

The Batangas landmark, which was reportedly approved by the Batangas provincial council through a resolution last October 5, paved the way to several new "ideas" for other tourist destinations.

Here are but a few altered photos found in the Hollywood Pilipinas fan page on Facebook.

Luneta, a famous tourist spot in the Philippine capital, offers a great park and houses several historical landmarks, including the monument of the National Hero Jose Rizal. (That sign may just be an added attraction, right?)

The majestic Mayon volcano is found in Albay. Known for its "perfect cone" shape, Mayon is among Bicol region's top tourist destinations. Again, this is an altered photo and the true Mayon does not have a sign over it.

The Kalayaan group of Islands is found off Palawan, and is part of the highly contested Spratly Islands, of which China and Vietnam, among other countries, claim to own. (Altered photo from Hollywood Pilipinas ).

The Philippines' largest and the world's third largest mall, this mall houses hundreds of stores. It's popular landmark, a huge globe, may just find itself competing with the new sign. (Again, this is an altered photo from Hollywood Pilipinas).

The windmills of Ilocos Norte not only provide electricity. It's also offers a picturesque view, to the delight of local and foreign tourists.
And here are more!

Photo by @Mackyp4 on Twitter

And here are some funny takes:

Oh, the DPWH guys are back! Bigger and better?

The unforgettable movie line from Ate Vi herself may just make it to Taal too!

Who needs to count when you have landmarks all over?

Who would've thought?

e-dalawin nyo naman ako

 

Send e-mail to skypemeinjailqcj@yahoo.com to set the schedule of online meeting.

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