To Fitness: Five Minutes with Shaun T

Same old story every year; I am adding extra pounds during the holidays due to Christmas parties, dinners and chocolates as gifts. And to top it up, I can't seem to find time to do my usual workout at the gym because of how busy December can be. Anyway, 10 minutes ago, I have stumbled on this awesome Doctor Oz clip featuring Shaun T. Well, he always invites Shaun T on the show to demo the latter's new exercise routines - Insanity and Focus T 25. And this year, he invited him again to introduce a five minute routine that everyone can do. Well, if you can't follow him, you have no excuse because we have Tanya, the modifier, who can modify the moves and still gives you the result the routine promises. I just hoped I stumbled on this clip earlier but nothing is too late. We still have a week of non-stop gatherings and festive eating and doing this routine will lessen the blow. If one can't do an hour in the gym; or the 60 minutes Insanity Programme or the Focus T 25 - 25 minutes workout, I am so sure all of us have five minutes to spare for this routine. I even spend more than 5 minutes to soap my body and exfoliate. Just 5 minutes to burn fats - I think I can and you can too.  I guess, I have found my morning exercise routine. Thanks Shaun T. 

Pop it Up, Daniel (2014)

My December will always include checking out Daniel Kim's Youtube Page for his most awaited Pop Danthology. And here it is, the Pop Culture of this year in six awesome minutes. Even Elsa (Frozen) got featured.  

Kudos, Daniel. 

You always Pop, instead of You Rock. (yeah, lame joke! haha)

Happy Holidays Everyone!!

Daniel's Youtube Channel

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKhEl5o5IZgBGaX2Oxd_GMw

My Fave Christmas Glee

It's this time again of the year when Christmas Carols are being played everywhere. I never get tired of singing my hearts out to the tune of Jingle Bell Rock, Jingle Bells, Let is Snow and a whole bunch of carols. Though I am out of tune at times, I still need to belt out a Mariah Carey note as  it's Christmas, simple. For those of my friends who are tired of hearing me sing these jingles, good thing the popular musical TV Series always sing these songs during this season and keeping the melody intact but still beautifully new to our ears. 

Here are some of my favorite songs rendered beautifully by the blended voice of Rachel, Kurt, Blaine and the rest of the Glee Cast of McKinley High. 

Jingle Bell Rock

All I Want For Christmas is You

Let it Snow

White Christmas

Series: Homeland Season 4

A series that gets better every season. Or am I just being biased because I freaking love the current season? Anyway, the latest episode centers on Carrie being back on the ground in Islamabad trying to capture or kill Haqqani only to find out that he's alive. This simple sentence might sound so simple but from the Point A of trying to kill Haqqani with a drone to Point B of finding out he is alive is a long and interesting journey. So, don't be deceived by this simple sentence that I have because I am so sure that you would be left speechless with some of the episodes. 

Kudos to Homeland for making the story more interesting than that of the last. Can't wait for the next episode. 

More info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Drone_Queen

My Journey to Weight-loss: Healthy Choices I Made

I love food …. A lot! Maintaining my weight doesn't stop me from eating food. In some ways, it made me eat more. And this is the reason I was given the nickname, Muncher. Yeah, I eat a biscuit or two whenever I feel like it and still achieving my goal of maintaining the weight loss. Of course, I made some changes on what I eat – but not a drastic change; just healthier choices which I love.

Switching from White Bread to  Wholemeal Bread

My Kaya Toast is never the same again with a white bread. Gotta say, I am now digging the rough texture of the loaf and the benefits I get from it.

White flour and wholemeal flour are the two main types of wheat flour. In the production of wholemeal flour the whole grain is used. This type of flour has an extraction rate of 100%, which means nothing is removed during milling. White flour is refined. The bran and nutrient-packed germ are separated from the rest of the grain losing many nutrients. There are also different types of flour between these two main types. What is commonly called “brown flour” has a higher extraction rate than white flour. It contains more bran and this gives the flour darker colour. The wholemeal flour contains all parts of the grain: the fibre-rich bran (outer layer), the endosperm (middle layer) and the germ (inner layer). The bran provides fibre, B vitamins, minerals, protein and other phytochemicals. The endosperm contains carbohydrates, proteins and small amounts of B vitamins. The germ is packed with minerals, B vitamins, vitamin E and other phytochemicals. Whole grain foods are an important part of the diet because they provide many nutrients. The regular consumption of whole grain foods has been linked by researchers to a reduction of several diseases including heart disease and cancer, especially colon cancer.

Source: http://www.eufic.org/page/en/page/FAQ/faqid/difference-wholemeal-bread-white-bread/

More on the Benefits of Whole Grain Bread: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/08/10/whole-grains-health-benefits_n_5655022.html

 Refuel with Water 

It is never a myth that we need to drink water. Eight glasses may not be the rule of thumb, but a guideline as we lose water content in every activity we do. Plus, it is a fact that Water helps control the Calories.

More on this: http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/6-reasons-to-drink-water

 Roast/ Grill  over Fried

If I have the choice, I would always go for a roast over fried food. Apart from the taste, only thinking of additional fat on frying the food made me choose the roasted/ grilled version of the meat.

Munch with Nuts

Whenever I want to munch something during weekends, I stay away from the MSG filled Chips and instead go for nuts – almonds, cashew and peanuts. They are good source of antioxdiants with lower fat contents.

 Nuts for Weightloss- http://www.caloriesecrets.net/best-healthy-nuts-and-seeds-for-weight-loss/

Stay Tuned for More of the choices I made.. And remember this

Related Post: http://anapink18.blogspot.sg/2014/11/my-journey-to-weight-loss-first-step-gm.html

Repost: 5 Lessons from ‘The Voice’ on How to Grow Your Career

“You should feel like you’re carrying around a duffel bag with a heat-seeking missile in it.”

Taylor Swift gave this advice for how to own the stage and dominate the opportunity of being on one of the most successful TV shows today, The Voice. The singer-songwriter superstar has obviously broken the code on seizing the opportunity—and by the age of 24.

On the surface, The Voice is a reality singing competition that features famous judges and mentors, such as Swift, who offer advice to the contestants on their team. On another level, the show is really about grabbing the chance you’ve been given, coaching others to the next level, teaching them how to win, how to become a star.

While I genuinely enjoy the music each week, I have also gathered subtle lessons on creating an amazing career. Here are five:

1. Keep evolving and stay fresh.

The show appeared on the scene in 2011 when American Idol and X Factor were big, yet showing signs of a tired and fading format. The Voice held tight to the singing competition that audiences loved, but it embraced a more positive tone of coaching contestants. Rather than adopt Idol’s shtick of laughing at the weakest performers, it only invited those who deserved to be there. And with the new and positive twist of the judges’ chair turn for their favorite voices, The Voice anticipated the emerging views of the audience and beat them there with a fresh new take on a familiar concept.

Past success isn’t an indicator of future success. In fact, past success is just the reason to seek the next evolution and new perspective on your career. Don’t settle in just because you have initial success.

2. Opportunity has no timetable, so be ready.

The Voice contestants have one chance to make it to the live competition. They must seize the opportunity when it appears—they don’t get to choose the timing.

Business and careers are much the same way. If we wait until we are “ready,” the open door might close before we get to it. When you meet the right advocate, see an opening for a new business opportunity or find that your dream job has opened up, it’s time to move. Anticipate so that you are ready when you need to be, not when you want to be.

3. Don’t be fooled by age or experience.

Experience and age don’t equal wisdom and expertise. There are 15-year-old contestants who own the stage with musical instincts that defy logic. How can such a young and inexperienced person grab this unique opportunity with such ease? These young performers have confidence, an ability to tune out fears and distractions, along with incredible natural talent.

Yes, we need experts with deep know-how at times, but we need to learn to value the contribution, not the age or experience. In many fields, such as the arts, media and entrepreneurship, not having years of experience in “how it’s done” might just be the positive difference-maker.

4. Small things can be big things.

In The Voice mentoring sessions, you see the influence of an established artist’s advice to the contestants, even on matters that seem small at first. Changing up the musical arrangement, dropping the guitar, owning the stage or a Gwen Stefani makeover can significantly impact results.

Remember the small things, like keeping a positive workplace attitude, really listening to your clients and taking time to stay in touch with your network. These types of things don’t automatically pop up as top priorities on your to-do list each day, so they can tend to feel optional. But remember the small things—they hold substantial power in moving your career forward.

5. Be you everywhere.

If there is one common theme for me on The Voice, it’s that the judges and their team members who are true to themselves usually get the best results. Blake Shelton doesn’t hide his country roots and, as if he were family, he genuinely takes care of everyone on his team. Pharrell Williams, comfortable in his own skin, has a natural ability to connect with the new singers. And as a new judge, he built a great team by not relying on his success or ego but his ability to focus on the contestants, making it about them rather than him.

Walk in your own shoes. Being yourself will bring more success than trying to be someone else—and you’ll be a lot less exhausted.

By :Patti Johnson

Source: http://www.success.com/blog/5-lessons-from-the-voice-on-how-to-grow-your-career

My Journey to Weight-loss: First Step (GM Diet)

Three years ago when I first decided to start this journey in Singapore, I considered myself a lady with a slender body. Not the skinny type – because even if I wanted to, my body built wasn’t tailored that way. 

During the early days in this country, stress was sky high and being a stress-eater, it made me gain the pounds I never imagined myself gaining. It was apparent during my first visit back to Manila and my dear father told me with conviction that I gained so much weight. I could still hear on my mind how he told me “Ang taba taba mo na” (You are very fat). Yeah! It hurt like hell and I told myself that I would not go back home if I weigh the same and look the same.  

So my journey started with a series of diets and exercise. I’ve tried a lot – the After Six, no carbs diet. But I didn’t get fast result. A colleague of mine suggested the GM Diet. It’s a seven day program that promises the minimum 4 KG loss in a week. Sounds like it’s too good to be true, but I tried it anyway even if Day 2 is a disaster. True enough, I lost 4KG in a week. Of course, if you go back to your old routine, this loss would be gained back after 2 days.  However, I was concerned with the numbers then, I knew exactly that I needed to engage myself to physical activities/ exercise to maintain the loss.  After  I have achieved my ideal weight with 2 sessions of GM Diet, I started with the exercise and some changes in my eating habits and lifestyle. That would be another entry that I would be sharing. 

In my opinion, people lose the determination to slim down because of the slow result. Imagine working out in the gym for a month and still you weigh the same. How would you feel? Of course, you’d be disappointed. I totally agree that gradual change yields a long-term result in weightloss. But for most of us, we want fast results and once we see that change, then we build the discipline in us. It’s all about discipline and determination. Those 2 are the key ingredients to having the body you always want to have.

Anyway, here is the GM Diet for your reference. Try it out if you want to. Disclaimer: It worked for me. It might work for you too. 

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This plan can be used as often as you like without any fear of complications. It is designed to flush your system of impurities and give you a feeling of well being. After seven days you will begin to feel lighter because you will be lighter by at least 10 lbs. You will have an abundance of energy and an improved disposition.

During the first seven days you must abstain from all alcohol
You must drink 10 glasses of water each day

Day One 

All fruits except bananas. 

Your first day will consist of all the fruits you want. It is strongly suggested that you consume lots of melons the first day. Especially watermelon and a loupe. If you limit your fruit consumption to melons, your chances of losing three lbs. on first day are very good.

Day Two 

All vegetables. 

You are encouraged to eat until you are stuffed with all the raw or cooked vegetables of your choice. There is no limit on the amount or type. For your complex carbohydrate, you will start day two with a large baked potato for breakfast. You may top the potato with one pat of butter.

Day Three 

A mixture of fruits and vegetables of your choice. 

Any amount, any quantity. No bananas yet. No potatoes today.

Day Four 

Bananas and milk. 

Today you will eat as many as eight bananas and drink three glasses of milk. This will be combined with the special soup which may be eaten in limited quantities.

Day Five 

Today is feast day. 

You will eat beef and tomatoes. Eat two 10 oz. portions of lean beef. Hamburger is OK. Combine this with six whole tomatoes. On day five you must increase your water intake by one quart. This is to cleanse your system of the uric acid you will be producing.

Day Six 

Beef and vegetables. 

Today you may eat an unlimited amount of beef and vegetables. Eat to your hearts content.

Day Seven 

Today your food intake will consist of brown rice, fruit juices and all the vegetables you care to consume.

Source: http://www.iimahd.ernet.in/~jajoo/gmdiet.html

When In Singapore: Singlish

Going to Singapore, a simple visit or a big move, one will experience communicating with Singlish - Singapore's version of the English language. I can say that it's quite unique as the creole english phrases and expressions are a mix of Malay, Chinese and English. Being here for some time now made me pick up and understand a few of these phrases that at first found them interesting to translate and decode. 

Here are some words and phrases from an outsider's perspective - not mine. Singaporean friends, help me verify. Can? Just saw the article randomly on the internet, I found it interesting enough to share. Someday, I will have my own list and have another entry in here based on my own experience and conversation with the locals. 

Source: http://www.angmohdan.com/singlish-efficient/

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Singaporeans are efficient people, and prefer to take less time and words to express themselves.

Singlish is the creole version of English spoken in Singapore. Much of its grammatical structure comes from Chinese and a lot of its emphasis words (“lah”, “leh”, “meh”) come from Chinese and Bahasa languages. It is spoken super-fast, and super-compressed.

“Me go now, wait for you, lah?”
“Can anot?” (Will you or won’t you?)

When time is money, we really can’t afford to spend time on those extra syllables when it is possible to get our meaning across with far fewer words.

More of Singapore: http://anapink18.blogspot.sg/2014/11/when-in-singapore-picture-perfect-in.html

Movie: Interstellar

So, I have watched Interstellar twice last week and I was okay with it. Not a waste of money because to fully understand and appreciate the movie, one needs to watch it twice. The first one is follow the conversation and the second one is to enjoy the effects and the movie. It's not your walk in the park movie, it's something that you need to concentrate to because if not, you wouldn't really understand and appreciate the movie. It's one not to be missed. It's like the Titanic for the Romantics and  Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings for the Fiction Lovers. A MUST I repeat with 0% Humor Setting. (Ok, you will not get this lame joke if you haven't seen the movie yet)

"Do not go gentle into that Good Night"

For those who have watched, here is my favorite explanation of the Multi_Dimensional Movie. Reading it makes me want to watch it again. 

Here is long but a good read regarding the ending of the movie. Reading this makes me relive the Interstellar Experience. 

Source: http://screenrant.com/interstellar-ending-spoilers-time-travel

For those who want a snapshot of the movie. Here is the Infographic made and this totally makes sense. 

Source: http://www.nerdist.com/2014/11/rust-cohle-already-explained-the-ending-of-interstellar/

And of course, the trailer.

Probably, third time is a charm. Who's gonna join me? HAHAHA

When In Singapore: Picture Perfect in Marina

Whenever I have friends or relatives visiting Singapore for the first time, a walk around the Marina Bay area is a must. You see the magnificent Marina Bay Sands Hotel, the ArtScience Museum beside it and the Helix Bridge - the way to the Flyer, Esplanade Theatre and Merlion from the opposite bank of the river.  

And I can't help but snap a few shots of the area even if I see them everyday from my office window. You just can't ignore the beauty of these structures. So here are some of the shots I took of the Marina. I guess jogging around the area is a good idea too. Who wants to join me? Of course, we'll schedule it when the weather is good. As I am writing this article, it's raining cats and dogs outside. 

The MBS

The ArtScience Museum (Upclose)

MBS and the Helix 

More of Singapore: http://anapink18.blogspot.sg/2014/11/when-in-singapore-1-altitude.html

When In Singapore: 1 Altitude

Because this is what you are going  to see when you go to the highest Al Fresco Bar in the World - 1 Altitude. 

In the middle of the busy district of buildings after buildings after buildings lies this another tall structure that would give you the best view of the cityscape ever. No doubt, all of its visitors snap a photo or photos of the city from the viewing deck. Seeing the Marina Bay Sands from the 63rd floor, and watching its light show has rendered me still even though the band  was playing my favorite song. Yeah, the view alone is worth the entrance fee. However, this is not another viewing deck, it is a bar and when you visit this place, you would get good music and drinks. So this isn't your underground bar where in you will sweat like hell; this is the perfect place to get that fresh air while you enjoy the company of your friends over a drink with the perfect backdrop ever - the city full of lights. 

Information:

Address: 1 Raffles Place, 048616

Phone:6438 0410

Website: http://www.1-altitude.com/#!

Of course, I wouldn't miss the opportunity to have my photo snapped. Told yah, everyone will be snapping.. If you won't,  then something's wrong with you.. HAAHA

Jason Mraz: YES

So when I heard about Jason Mraz coming again to Singapore, I was all over Facebook asking my friends who wants to join me sing along with him and Raining Jane. When I missed the second chance - one years back in Manila and another one in Singapore, I told myself that I wouldn't miss another chance to see this artist pour his heart out. Good thing YES! was released, and here's the opportunity I have been waiting for. And the good thing is that, I like the new album alot. I checked this blog site and I even had 2 of his new songs being posted some time ago. That's how fond I am of this new album. So whether solo or not, I will be there singing his songs and possibly feeling every beat of every song. 

To excite myself and others some more, here are some of his songs. Feel the beat and say YES! 

Back to the Earth

When You Love Someone

Some more Jason Mraz on Chicsoul: http://anapink18.blogspot.sg/2014/07/jason-mraz-everywhere.html

And another one: http://anapink18.blogspot.sg/2014/06/jason-mraz-3-things.html

Throwback: A Night in Tokyo

As I prepare for the upcoming Halloween, my mind has suddenly drifted to remembering our Tokyo experience last 2012, sometime this year as well. And Dang! I do remember why the Japanese does everything cuter, more awesome and kawaii. Had I known about the Halloween @ Shibuya, I would have brought a costume with me. But well, even if I did, I could not be at par with their cuteness. 

So here goes some of the photos of one night to remember in Tokyo. 

I know these photos are not enough. I need to show some more. The more is with the series I will be making for my Japan Trip, in the coming days. But for now, I am sharing Our Japan Trip Video to get inspired and go to Japan - a lovely place for the crazy, the tourist, and the nature lover. 

JAPAN TRAVEL Video

More Throwback: http://anapink18.blogspot.sg/2014/10/throwback-series-bangkok-jam.html

Long Overdue

And this is all because of me now, or rather life after my big trip. First, it was the hangover and the jetlag. Second, the catching up with work. Third, my getting back to normal life. Lastly, my future endeavours. Yeah, concluding the series of the writeups for the fun shoot with a friend was kinda hard to give a time to because, let's be honest here -this series is kinda the #selfie to the nth level writeup with nothing but my photos. HAHAHAHA. I promise you guys, I'll be back to writing and sharing my inner self and deeper and probably intellectual thoughts. But right now, let me share with you some of the edited photos from the December shoot with my very talented friend, Yven. He's really talented that one of the shots from this series got featured on Surf Jux. HAHA. Or is it because of the model? *BIG COUGH*. Anyway, here are some of the photos for you to see - yeah, having a photographer friend is really an advantage. And for those who want to get my service, well, just message me then.. 

My Favorite Shot

The Playful One

The Serious One

And lastly, the featured one.

Thanks Yven for the Fun Shoot. 'Till the next time. You know I have the theme I always plan to do. 

Related Post:http://anapink18.blogspot.sg/2014/02/coming-now-behind-scene.html

Panic Monday: Boys Like Girls

Panic Monday is back and one of the things that keeps my cool is Music. Particularly those that you do head bang with. And please do not stereotype me with heavy eyeshadows, piercings and tats. Though they look sexy as hell, I'm no way near being a rocker. (Guess, I'm the one stereotyping now, ooooops!).

Anyway, one of the bands that I listen to and love is Boys Like Girls. From the moment I heard of their first single, the Great Escape, I have been an avid fan of them. It's just the lyrics and the beat I guess.
So, here are my all-time favorites from this band. I am literally banging my head now to keep my sanity in check. 

Great Escape

Thunder

Love Drunk

Hero/Heroine

Throwback Series: Bangkok Jam

For a couple of times this week, I was being asked if I've ever been to Bangkok. And just last night, I craved for a plate of Pad Thai and went straight to Bangkok Jam to have this craving satisfied. With these, I believe I have to share my Bangkok Jam experience. A lovely chaos every bit of my body loved.

It was back in 2012 when I stumbled on a good deal for a free and easy Bangkok Getaway. It was originally planned with my friend but with a change on her schedule, she couldn’t join me. As everything has been arranged, I went to check in my circle who would like to join me on such a short notice, and good thing another friend was willing to join my trip. This was our first time in the city, and dang, it was a great one.

Let me share with you some of our adventures in this city.

Tuktuk – The King of the Road

Getting around the city is best done with a tuktuk. You will just love the experience even if you’re practically stuck in the traffic and inhaling much of the smoke emitted by the cars and taxis around you.

 Buddha, Temple & Pagoda Everywhere

One thing you wouldn’t & shouldn’t miss when going to Bangkok is to indulge in their culture and appreciate their beliefs. You will get to see Buddhas, Temples & Pagodas everywhere. And how authentic it could be – you will get to see monks walking around. Of course, if you decide to visit their place of worship – you gotta respect the place by abiding to the dress code. So even if it was scorching hot when I went there, I needed to wear my sleeved shirt and some jeans to enter. I guess, I still got the fashion covered, but I was drenching after the day. 

Food – Inexpensive and Delicious Food

One thing that I always appreciate when travelling to a new place is their cuisine. And Bangkok didn’t disappoint me. In fact, if I ever go back again, sometime soon, I will just be eating and savoring their food. The way they cook seafood and they season pork and chicken - woah, it's a feast in my mouth. Thai Cuisine is definitely delectable and mouthwatering. And do not miss Pad Thai and their Milk Tea.

River Market

A must to experience in Bangkok. Just imagine this, you are in a boat in the middle of a river and stalls are on the side for you to select and buy whatever you want. How different this is compared to your usual walk on the street kind of shopping. 

Shopping Galore

The best place to buy good stuff with cheaper price. For all the Fashionistas out there would agree that Bangkok is a Mecca for Shopping real good but dirt cheap items. For 3 days, my friend and I never stopped buying something. As I add more fabrics to my luggage, my wallet got thinner and thinner. Sorry, there are no pictures for my shopping experience. I guess, I don’t need to explain why.
But, do go to Chatuchak to experience an incredible shopping deals. 

I wanna go back. Probably, I need to revamp my wardrobe to have the excuse I need to visit again and get lost in this city full of fun.