Short Vacation at New Orleans

We are supposed to be in Destin and Panama City, Florida today but, we put it on hold because of the incident happened last Friday night.
It was Tuesday when three of our friends from Orlando visited Mississippi and came to see us. They stayed at Hard Rock and the whole time, we were with them. We showed them the city of Ocean Springs and Biloxi. We let them try crabbing and we went fishing Thursday afternoon. During lunchtime, we had a good time having a picnic at Fort Maurepas. At night time, we went for a casino hopping. We even went to the farthest casinos Island View and Treasure Bay. By Friday, we went to New Orleans, Louisiana because everyone wanted to visit the French Quarter and dine in Cafe du Monde. We stop by at Pat O'Briens bar and have a little drink. We then went to Market Cafe and have our dinner. They went shopping but, my husband and I wanted to play at Harrah's Casino so; we decided to met them there.
Actually, it was only hubby who played the slot machines while I stayed in Starbucks. We were so exhausted when we travel home and planned to drop by at Beau Rivage Casino.

Phone rang and it was my sis in law informing us that FIL had a bad fall on a ditch. She brought him to emergency room (hospital is just 5 minutes away) and he was doing okay when we arrived home

We left our friends in Hard Rock that night with full of memories. We will be going to Destin this week but no over night stay.

Divine Mercy Sunday

Today is the Divine Mercy Sunday, a big celebration for Roman Catholics in the whole world. In the Philippines especially in El Salvador City, Misamis Oriental, pilgrims gather to give reverence to the mercy of God and its power. The pictures below were taken at Ulaliman, El Salvador City, Misamis Oriental, Philippines at the Divine Mercy Hill.
Divine Mercy devotion which is known today can be traced to a Polish nun and canonized saint, Sister Faustyna Kowalska. Just this week though, a tragic plane crash accident happened which ended the lives of 92 high ranking officials in Poland. Polish President Lech Kaczynski and his wife were among the casualty. This accident was believed to be the worst disaster in Poland since WWII. Today, is a day of mourning in Poland and the whole world join in prayers for the eternal repose of their soul. God's mercy will not be turned away from them.

Ten years ago, Pope John Paul II officially instituted the Feast of the Divine Mercy universally for the Catholic Church. It is done on the same day that he canonized St. Faustina. The Divine Mercy is also recognized and celebrated by the Universal Anglican Church and adapted the chaplet and the rosary.

The Image Symbolizes: Blood and Water

Paint an image according to the pattern you see, with the signature: Jesus I trust in You. I desire that this image be venerated, first in your chapel, and throughout the world. (Diary 47) -

source: ewtn.com

I promise that the soul that will venerate this image will not perish. I also promise victory over its enemies already here on earth, especially at the hour of death. I myself will defend it as My own glory. (Diary 48) -

source: ewtn.com

I am offering people a vessel with which they are to keep coming for graces to the fountain of mercy. That vessel is this image with the signature" :Jesus, I trust in You." (Diary 327) -

source: ewtn.com

The two rays denote Blood and Water. the pale ray stands for the Water which makes souls righteous. The red ray stands for the Blood which is the life of souls. These two rays issued forth from the very depths of My tender mercy when My agonized heart was opened by a lance on the Cross. These rays shield souls from the wrath of My Father. Happy is the one who dwell in their shelter, for the just hand of God shall not lay hold of him. (Diary 299) -

source: ewtn.com

Not in the beauty of the color, nor of the brush, lies the greatness of this image, but in My grace. (Diary 313) -

source: ewtn.com

By means of this image I shall grant many graces to souls. It is to be a reminder of the demands of My mercy, because even the strongest faith is of no avail without works. (Diary 742) -

source: ewtn.com

Jesus, We trust in You!

By The Beach

This is the Harbor in Ocean Springs, Mississippi. We have friends from Orlando who came for a short vacation here in Mississippi. They stayed at Hard Rock Hotel and Casino which is my favorite casino in this area. Spring Break season right? Supposedly, hotel rates are high but not in this area. They actually get an $89/night deal and their room is facing the Gulf of Mississippi. Thinking to have a vacation? Visit Mississippi and take your pick from these hotels: Hard Rock, Beau Rivage, Palace Resort, Grand Hotel, Imperial Palace, Treasure Bay, Island View and Hollywood Casino. Well, all of these hotels have casinos, and the buffet and steakhouse are fabulous. Free ads huh? LOL!.Here they are by the beach at the harbor area catching crabs. Beautiful scenery that your eyes can absorbed!
Aiming the scenery with my models, lol! This is my only regret when I hold the camera, I am not in the picture.
Here they are enjoying the view and having fun! What a beautiful people huh!
Wow, he caught one blue crab, amazing!
A happy face of an aspiring fisherman, LOL!
Such a beaotiful place to visit huh? Visit Ocean Springs and Biloxi, Mississippi to enjoy this wonderful view by the beach.
If you want a good restaurant to have your meals without leaving the area, Harbor Landing is a good place to hang out. The view from this deck is truly amazing!

You wanna know where we go from here? Casino hopping! One of the things that I love being in this place!

iLasik Video Contest by Abbott Medical Optics, Inc

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Incendia Health. All opinions are 100% mine.

Few months ago, Abbott Medical Optics Inc. which is known to be a global leader in laser vision correction launched an iLASIK Video Contest titled "You Gotta See This". Talented participants submitted videos of people with improved vision and showed how it impacted their lives. With so many entries submitted, the company announced the winners of the “You Gotta See This” iLASIK Video Contest. The Grand Prize winner is Alex who won $5,000 for his entry titled: “You Gotta See This Music Video”.

For Category 1 which is about "My Contacts Are Getting In The Way Of My Good Time", the first prize goes to the entry titled: “You Gotta Be Kidding Me! A True Story” by Robbo. He won an HDTV package worth $2,500. The entry titled “Contacts Stink” by windysail won the second prize. She received the Flip UltraHD camcorder worth $199.99.

Meanwhile, Category 2 is about "My Favorite Sport Or Activity Would Be So Much Cooler With Better Vision". The first prize winner is the entry titled: “iLASIK Would Make Surfing More Enjoyable” by jhbmw007. An HDTV package was given to the winner. For the second prize, the entry of Snowman won and the entry was “Foggy Riding”. Snowman won a Flip Ultra HD camcorder.

Finally for Category 3 which is about "You Should See Life After The iLASIK® Procedure", it was Danny V who won the first prize. His entry titled “Orbs Of Perfection” won an HDTV package.

Last but not the least, “Army LASIK” by ahowalton won the second prize and he won a Flip Ultra HD camcorder. By the way, this post is sponsored by Abbott Medical Optics Inc. (2009.12.01-IL1512). Congratulations to all the winners!

My Brick Garden

Winter had gone and I am ready for spring, and gardening. We bought this tulips flower yesterday to display for centerpiece on the table for Easter Party tomorrow. It will served as a double purpose because when the party will be over, this will be planted on the ground. I noticed that my tulips last year, survived the winter. So, this might last for the years to come to. Last February, my FIL received this orange tree as his birthday gift. Now, eventhough it is small, it bears so much fruit already.
Here is the plant, it is like 3ft tall and blooming with flowers.
On the right side, the center of our front yard is my little circular flower spot. Some of the flowers survived the winter and it is blooming. I took this picture just now, thanks to the clever innovation of technology.
This week, I just decided to landscape this portion using curve with arch bricks design. I only use 36 pieces and hey, you can buy it at Walmart with unbeatable price.
Well, I am not done planting as you can see some part of it is still bare. I will be posting pictures as it progress. Thanks for dropping by everyone. Happy Easter!

Spring Vacation at Branson

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Hiltons of Branson. All opinions are 100% mine.

Are you planning for a spring break vacation with your family? I recommend that you visit Branson, Missouri and stay in the luxurious rooms of Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing or in Hilton Branson Convention Center. The majestic and beautiful scenery of the river banks, lakes and golf course which are located nearby would entice your vacation moments. My cousin told me that the activities and entertainment in Branson is endless. If you love shopping, dining and enjoy a relaxing spa, Branson has all that for you. As my cousin showed me their pictures while staying at Branson, I was really excited to see the beautiful places that they have been.I would probably visit the museums and theme parks because they have so much fun in these places. Since Branson is the entertainment capital in Midwest, I am not really shock to know that Branson has 49 live entertainment theaters. I would definitely visit this place and watch Branson’s Best Boat and Recreation Show. That event would be exciting to see and mingle with the crowd. If you will visit Branson now, you will enjoy the Silver Dollar City’s Family Spring Break Day. That will be fun for the kids and they can also join the Young Christian’s Weekend activity. As for me, I would really love to see any live entertainment in the area, shop, dine out and take pictures. How about you? Visit Branson this spring and I might see you there too.

Employee Appreciation

According to some employees that I talked to, Boomtown Casino in Biloxi, Mississippi have an excellent employee-management relation for so many years. In fact, this casino does not have union because any employee has the access to voice out their grievances directly to their superiors. You do not need an appointment to reach out the President and other CEO. How amazing is that right?

March 29-30,2010 marked as a special event for the workers in the casino. The management sent a "Thank You" gestures to all the employees of the casino by gracing two days of special meals.

Less than a month ago, the casino hired a new Pastry Chef named Joseph. A lady cook told me that Joseph is a Filipino and he did all this decoration which employees adored so much. It is not the greatest and it may be simple to some but, for me, he really got the Thumbs up.
It is so exciting to know that another Filipino joined Boomtown family with artistic skills in decorating.
Chow!

Master of Arts in Teaching

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of USC. All opinions are 100% mine.

Teaching is a noble profession. I can attest to that being a classroom teacher for twelve exciting years in elementary level. It takes hard work, compassion and patience for a person to embrace this kind of profession. Are you a dedicated teacher? Are you planning to study further to become an educator with a masters degree? Check out the program information of Rossier School of Education's MAT @ USC because they offer a degree of Master of Arts in Teaching. Enroll today and become part of this prestigious offer from an elite research university where flexibility of studying online is an excellent opportunity.

One benefit of getting a degree online is the convenience of studying at your own space. It is an online interactive learning and combined with field based experiences too. This school offers tuition reimbursement, scholarship and the opportunity to become part of the elite USC Trojan Family. Take your Master of Arts in Teaching in this research institution which was awarded by AACTE for innovative use of technology in education. When you enroll, you will be recognized as full USC student with all the benefits. You can also participate in the commencement ceremonies and you can get a lifetime Alumni Association membership for free. Visit the link now.

Holy Week in Philippines

My mother is a very religious woman. She attends mass every Sunday; pray the rosary every 3 o'clock at dawn time; a member of Charismatic, Legion of Mary, Devine Mercy and other religious group. My mother is the greatest influence in every aspect of my life including my religious belief as a Catholic.

At a young age, I grew up attending mass and when we moved to a place where the church is just accross the street, we sort of devote half of our time involved in church activities. I missed those moments

Holy Week in the Philippines is truly HOLY. In my place

-there is a street procession (Way of the Cross) at dawn time
-there is a Passion play called the Sinakulo just to remind us how Jesus gave his life on the cross
-we usually keep the day solemn by not tolling the church bells especially on holy thursday up to Black Saturday
-noise is discouraged and some radio stations and television stations sign off
-some broadcast only Religious Programming
-businesses are close
-most Filipinos keep a prayerful life

This coming Monday is called Holy Monday which marks the beginning of the Pabasa or READING which is the marathon chanting of the story of Jesus' life, passion, and death

I usually stayed home and watch the TV about it or listen to the local radio

On Holy Thursday, we usually do the Bisita Iglesia (Church Visit) and pray the Stations of the Cross. On this day, the last Mass before Easter is also celebrated including the reenactment of the Washing of the Feet of the Apostles. Then, the Mass is followed by the procession of the Blessed Sacrament before it is taken to the Altar of Repose.

During Good Friday, we have the Way of the Cross procession which is the commemoration of Jesus' Seven last words or Siete Palabras and also Passion play called the Sinakulo.

On Easter morning we have a procession called Tabo or Salubong. We have statues of Jesus and Mary are brought together to meet halfway during the procession. It would mean the first reunion of Jesus and Mama Mary after the Resurrection. After the procession, Easter mass will follow.

Movie to Watch

This is a new movie to watch starring Leonardo DiCaprio. He portrayed a World War II soldier-turned-U.S. marshal as Teddy Daniels who investigates the disappearance of a patient from a hospital for the criminally insane. But his efforts are compromised by his own troubling visions and by Dr. Cawley (Ben Kingsley). Mark Ruffalo, Michelle Williams, Emily Mortimer and Max von Sydow co-star in director Martin Scorsese's plot twist-filled psychological thriller set on a Massachusetts island in 1954.

Cast:

Mark Ruffalo, Ben Kingsley, Michelle Williams, Patricia Clarkson, Max von Sydow, Emily Mortimer, Jackie Earle Haley, Elias Koteas, John Carroll LynchDirector:Martin Scorsese