Embrace the Night (Christmas 2011)

May this inspiring poem embrace you and your family as you welcome Christmas 2011.

Embrace the Night
Family poem by Clay Harrison

Embrace this night in Bethlehem,
A night like none before,
For Heaven touched the earth tonight
Through the Christ Child Mary bore.

The Prince of Peace is born tonight
In a stable far away
As shepherds come to see the sight
And Wise Men come to pray.

The King of Kings is fast asleep
In a manger filled with hay
While angels break the silence deep
With songs of Christmas Day.

Love and Joy abound tonight -
Light the torch and ring the bell,
For the Prince of Peace reigns tonight
In sweet Emmanuel!

Embrace the night and feel the glow
That comes from Heaven above
For Heaven touched the earth below
And filled our hearts with love! 

Every Day Is Christmas

Quotes about Christmas

I got the title from a cute family poem for children that I found, the kind of inspiring poem that we need as we celebrate the season while parts of the country have been badly hit by a recent typhoon. While the nation prepares for all the festivities that the season brings, two cities in the south that are rarely hit by storms were slammed by Typhoon Sendong over the last weekend. To date, death tolls continue to rise and people struggle to survive and recover from the devastation that was left behind. Yes, we can still celebrate Christmas, for I don't believe that the meaning of the season is confined only to a particular time of the year. We can still celebrate with a lot less trimmings and more of the meaning. ^_^ May this lovely poem inspire you... Have a truly blessed Christmas with your loved ones and family!

 Every day is Christmas
When you have the kind of mind,
That stores up all the goodness
And the sweetness it can find.
When you don't need an occasion,
To spread a bit of cheer,
But just keep on a-giving,
Of yourself throughout the year.

Every day is Christmas,
With a gaily wrapped surprise,
When you've learned
To see the friendship,
In someone else's eyes.
When you try a little harder,
And complain a little less,
Holding fast to all the fervor
Of the faith that you possess.

Every day is Christmas,
When you've found that you can be
More concerned with words like "you"
And less with "I" and "me".
When it's fun to do a favor,
And to lend a helping a hand,
When being understood means less,
Than when you understand.

Every day is Christmas,
With a beauty deeply cast,
When you find it doesn't matter,
If you're first or if you're last.
When you can face your conscience,
And be glad of what you are,
Then every day is Christmas,
With a stable and a star.

KC Concepcion -- I Love Her New Hairstyle!

I know I've mentioned before that KC Concepcion is my fave local artist. I can't help but blog about how I love her new hairstyle. I know she's an image model for Palmolive and so usually sported a really long straight hair. Nonetheless, her shorter hair is such a welcome sight! I'm a huge fan of short hair for women. LOL! ^_^

I read that KC has signed a contract with Viva Entertainment. I guess she's ready for a new start. It does make me wonder if she's moving to TV5 too after her mom, Sharon Cuneta, signed an exclusive contract there. I would surely miss watching her on ABS-CBN Kapamilya channel. But I will always be a KC Concepcion fan.

I hope that she finishes her teleserye project ALTA. I'd love to watch her in another TV project after Lovers in Paris. Plus, since Viva Entertainment has come out with successful film projects for this year, I'm excited to know what KC's future projects would be. So far, Viva has proven itself as a starmaker with the likes of Anne Curtis, Sarah Geronimo, and Cristine Reyes.

Midnight Mass Starts Today! (Christmas Season 2011)

Wow! How time flies indeed! Yep, it's another Christmas season. ^_^ Midnight mass, or Simbang Gabi as we call it in the Philippines, starts from December 16 and ends on December 24. The mass is usually held early in the morning (in some cases the night before like in Binondo Church). I love the Simbang Gabi as for me this is the only thing I look forward to during the Christmas season. It's like a nine-day novena. Most folks still believe that if you have completed these nine days, your wish would be granted. I won't refute that or validate that. I guess it really depends upon the person who's attending these masses. But I do know that each season won't be complete if I didn't take part in it, even if I'm the only one in the family who does. LOL! With much blessings that we receive each day, I have not much reason to complain. I suppose my decision to have a positive outlook on life also has a lot to contribute to all the good blessings. For me, Christmas is a season to show much gratitude for all the wonderful blessings that one has received. As for the sharing part, I don't believe that sharing or caring is reserved only for the season. It should actually be practiced all year round. As for the shopping, surely those expecting gifts from me won't be happy, because I'm not too fond of going Christmas shopping. I actually dislike the commercialism that comes with the season, but understand that perhaps more people make more money during this time. Nonetheless, let us remember the true meaning of the season! Always remember to take time out to share with family and loved ones! ^_^

2011 Top 10 Hottest Gifts List: Gift Cards and eGifts

With the holidays drawing nearer each day, some may be too busy with shopping and planning for gifts for loved ones and friends. Here is another list from VigLink. This time it's on the top 10 hottest gifts - gift cards and e-gifts. For those who don't have time to spare, online shopping is a good alternative. And yup! it's the biggest online shopping month of the year.

1. Amazon Gift Card ($20)

With four delivery options (Email, Facebook, Print and Mail), Amazon gift cards offer maximum convenience -- and a wide array of redemption options.

2. Amazon Kindle Gift Card ($40)

The explosive launch of the Kindle Fire make this the gift of the most-wished-for product on Amazon. Can be redeemed for a device, accessory, or eBooks.

3. iTunes Gift Card ($25)

An iTunes Gift Card lets you shop for anything at the iTunes store - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

4. Apple Gift Card ($40)

Treat a loved one to a new iPhone, iPod, computer, or Apple accessory.

5. eBay Gift Card ($75)

Pick from millions of gifts on eBay with one of these gift cards.  

6. Applebees Gift Card ($25) 

Give the gift of a good meal: join your neighbors at Applebees for delicious food, friendly service and a hometown atmosphere.

7. BP Gas Gift Card ($100)

Help friends and family save on holiday travel costs with a BP Gas gift card!

8. Gamestop Gift Card ($50)

With over 6,100 stores throughout the world, Gamestop is like Disneyland for gamers everywhere. 

9. Kohl's Gift Card ($65)

Give the gift of great style at practical prices with a Kohl's gift card!

 

10. Walmart Gift Card ($50)

All the essentials and more -- give the gift of a Walmart gift card.

2011 Top 10 Hottest Gifts List: Mobile Devices

Yes, yes, yes... I suppose that's what's on everyone's mind at the moment. Holiday shopping, that is! In line with the demands of the season, here's another list of Top 10 Hottest Gifts from VigLink.

TOP 10 HOTTEST MOBILE PHONES, DEVICES & ACCESSORIES 

1.  Kindle Wi-Fi 6" E Ink Display

The least expensive Kindle is Amazon's #1 best seller and has the most 5-star reviews of any product on Amazon.

2.  iPhone 4S

Just when you thought a smartphone couldn’t get any better, it just did — the iPhone 4S is sure to change the way you communicate.

3.  HTC EVO Phone

  

HTC EVO 4G is a snazzy-looking Android touchscreen phone that houses a 1 GHz Qualcomm QSD 8650 processor for the smoothest mobile multi-tasking experience ever.

 4.  iPod Touch

 

Enjoy watching videos on the 3.5-inch Multi-touch Retina display of the iPod touch 4G at a stunning resolution of 960x640p. 

5.  Earphone Headset for iPhone 

Light Weight, compact, stylish, replacement headset for all iPhones!

6.   HTC Sensation   

"HTC Sensation 4G is a fashionable touchscreen phone that houses the dual core Snapdragon 1.2 GHz processor."

  

7.   iPhone 3G/3GS

The inexpensive iPhone.  The 3GS with a full 3.5-inch screen, the iPhone 3GS cell phone gives you a clear view of all the contents and applications.  

8.   Motorola Droid 

The popular Smartphone powered by Android 2.0 developed in partnership with Google and Verizon wireless.

9.   iPod Nano   

The Smallest iPod - A 1.54-inch color multi-touch display makes navigation unbelievably fast so your music is just a tap away.

10.   iPad 2   

Movies, games & books come alive on the stunning 9.7-inch widescreen LED Multi-Touch display of the Apple iPad 2. 

Well, enjoy your holiday shopping! Just remember to spend only within your budget! ^_^ 

2011 Top 10 Hottest Gifts List: Kids' Toys

This list is awesome! It's courtesy of VigLink -- a list of the ten most popular toys this holiday season!

1. Barbie Dolls & Accessories

This classic from Mattel is still tops: Live the fab life with Barbie Dolls & Accessories!

2.  Hot Wheels Cars

Hot Wheels are still incredibly popular, and are a must have gift for the little auto enthusiast on your list this holiday season.  

3.  Transformers Action Figures

The popular movie comes alive with all the Transformers action figures. 


4. Star Wars Lego Sets

Star Wars Lego Sets are galactic fun for kids of all ages this holiday. 


5. Disney Pixar CARS 2 Shu Todoroki #22

Cars 2: With authentic styling and details, this popular character is die cast, and perfect for recreating all the great scenes from the movie.

6.  Disney Pixar CARS 2 Miguel Camino #23

Another one of your favorite characters from the Disney Pixar film, CARS 2, in 155th scale.
 
7. Harry Potter Lego Sets

Bring Harry Potter play alive with these popular Lego sets. 

8.   Air Hogs Real Lightning McQueen

Get the real deal with the real Lightning McQueen. Watch his eyes and mouth come to life with amazing impulse projection technology.

  9. Air Hogs R/C Hawk Eye Blue Sky

Get in the pilot’s seat of the air hogs camera plane for an adrenaline pumping ride full of high-action video.

10.  Disney Pixar CARS 2 Lewis Hamilton 

Special Cars 2 character featuring Formula One Driver Lewis Hamilton, with actual rubber tires.

It's a few days before Christmas.. better work on that holiday shopping! ^_^ 

Shop Amazon's Holiday Toy List