Breakup Manual - Part One

I had the chance to go through my old stuff last weekend as I was trying to declutter before the holidays. I was surprised to find my old "Breakup Manual" that I made around 20 years ago. It was actually a compilation of short stories, poems, and songs that helped me get through when my heart was aching. 

I'm happy to share this with you. Unfortunately, I have no information about the source or the names of the original author. In case you have information, kindly let us know so we can give proper attribution for this post. 

If you are confused or frustrated with your current relationship because you feel your partner is not "romantic", please continue reading below.  

This one is entitled TRUE LOVE. 

My husband is an Engineer by profession, I love him for his steady nature, and I love the warm feeling when I lean against his broad shoulders.

Three years of courtship and now, two years into marriage, I would have to admit, that I am getting tired of it. The reasons of me loving him before has now transformed into the cause of all my restlessness.

I am a sentimental woman and extremely sensitive when it comes to a relationship and my feelings, I yearn for the romantic moments, like a little girl yearning for candy. My husband is my complete opposite, his lack of sensitivity and the inability of bringing romantic moments into our marriage has disheartened me about love.

One day, I finally decided to tell him my decision, that I wanted a divorce.

“Why?” he asked, shocked. “I am tired, there are no reasons for everything in the world!” I answered. He kept silent the whole night, seems to be in deep thought with a lighted cigarette at all times. My feeling of disappointment only increased, here was a man who can’t even express his predicament, what else can I hope from him? And finally, he asked me: "What can I do to change your mind?”

Somebody said it right, it’s hard to change a person’s personality, and I guess, I have started losing faith in him. Looking deep into his eyes I slowly answered: “Here is the question, if you can answer and convince my heart, I will change my mind, Let’s say, I want a flower located on the face of a mountain cliff, and we both are sure that picking the flower will cause your death, will you do it for me?” He said:” I will give you your answer tomorrow….” My hopes just sank by listening to his response.

I woke up the next morning to find him gone, and saw a piece of paper with his scratchy handwriting, underneath a milk glass, on the dining table near the front door, that goes…. My dear, “I would not pick that flower for you, but please allow me to explain the reasons further..” This first line was already breaking my heart. I continued reading.

“When you use the computer you always mess up the Software programs, and you cry in front of the screen, I have to save my fingers so that I can help to restore the programs. 

You always leave the house keys behind, thus I have to save my legs to rush home to open the door for you. You love traveling but always lose your way in a new city, I have to save my eyes to show you the way. 

You always have the cramps whenever your “good friend” approaches every month, I have to save my palms so that I can calm the cramps in your tummy.

You like to stay indoors, and I worry that you will be infected by infantile autism. I have to save my mouth to tell you jokes and stories to cure your boredom. 

You always stare at the computer, and that will do nothing good for your eyes, I have to save my eyes so that when we grow old, I can help to clip your nails, and help to remove those annoying white hairs. So I can also hold your hand while strolling down the beach, as you enjoy the sunshine and the beautiful sand… and tell you the color of flowers, just like the color of the glow on your young face. 

Thus, my dear, unless I am sure that there is someone who loves you more than I do… I could not pick that flower yet, and die.. ”

My tears fell on the letter, and blurred the ink of his handwriting… and as I continue on reading… 

“Now, that you have finished reading my answer, if you are satisfied, please open the front door for I am standing outside bringing your favorite bread and fresh milk…"

I rush to pull open the door, and saw his anxious face, clutching tightly with his hands, the milk bottle and loaf of bread.

Hongkong Disneyland to Open the Castle of Magical Dreams

Today, we got a sneak peek at Hongkong Disneyland's latest attraction - The Castle of Magical Dreams through their official Facebook page. 

Since 2018, Hongkong Disneyland is undergoing major renovations and expansions which includes saying goodbye to the Sleeping Beauty castle and replacing it with a new castle. The new one will feature a mix of architectural styles inspired by different cultures, while paying tribute to the multiple Disney princess stories, including Snow White, Cinderella, Aurora, Ariel, Belle, Jasmine, Pocahontas, Mulan, Tiana, Rapunzel, Merida, Moana, and Anna, and Elsa. 

And now after the long wait, Hongkong Disneyland will be reopening the reimagined castle on November 21 as it officially celebrates its 15th anniversary. This is also in time for the special kick-off event of the resort's "A Disney Christmas" 

What can expect from the Castle of Magical Dreams? 

• The Castle of Magical Dreams offers something special for every guest with its many towers and spires embracing iconic patterns, textures, colors, and ornamentation unique to each story.
• Guests will be able to admire these features both up-close and afar, against the idyllic backdrop of the lush landscape of the surrounding mountains.
• Witness the castle’s magical transformation.
• Guests can visit the “Building a Dream: The Magic Behind a Disney Castle” exhibition, and embark on a visual journey that goes behind the magic, discovering the Walt Disney Imagineering process of reimagining the beloved castle, and gaining insights into the transformation from concept and design development to the innovative building techniques, interpretation of the Disney Princesses and Queens’ stories in partnership with Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar Animation Studios, and upcoming entertainment offerings. 

Since most of us won't be travel and visit the happiest place on earth, you are invited to celebrate this historic milestone and join the virtual countdown to launch starting November 6 via Hongkong Disneyland's official website and Instagram account (@hkdisneyland)

JBL Strengthens Audio Expertise with Enhanced Line of Headphones and Speakers

"Turn up the volume. Close your eyes and let the music take over your soul." - Anonymous 

A name to recall when it comes to audio expertise, JBL, a brand under Harman, has brought in the Philippines the latest addition in its wide array of home audio and personal audio offerings. 

Val and I have been using JBL for over 10 years and can personally attest to its excellent performance and why it's worth every penny to invest in a good headphone or speaker. When you use the JBL brand, you'll see the difference as you enjoy music on a whole new level. As an online professional and freelancer, I also have a better audio experience whenever I am in a meeting and I don't really mind wearing it for a long time since it's really comfortable. 

Thus, we can't help but be excited when they launched their new offerings. 

JBL PartyBox On-the-Go: Take the party with you   

 

A year after JBL first introduced the JBL PartyBox 1000, a powerful, bass-heavy party speaker with easy plug-and-play guitar input plus an illuminated DJ launchpad with built-in sound effects comes the JBL PartyBox On-the-Go, a portable version with improved audio features.

The JBL PartyBox On-the-Go appeals to the karaoke-loving Filipinos as this portable party speaker come with two JBL wireless microphones with a 10-meter range good for sing-along sessions with family and friends. Similar to its siblings in the JBL PartyBox line, it delivers music with a powerful bass courtesy of JBL’s 100W Pro Signature Sound that’s complemented with a synchronized light show and carries the same plug-n-play mic and guitar inputs.

Since it’s designed for users to take the party anywhere they go, the JBL PartyBox On-the-Go has IPX4 splash-proof protection making it the ideal audio buddy for beach and poolside parties. What makes the JBL PartyBox On-the-Go even more interesting as a party speaker is its shoulder strap which has a bottle opener attached to it.

The JBL PartyBox On-the-Go also offers continuous and convenient music playback with its 6-hour battery life and Bluetooth and USB port music sources.

The JBL PartyBox On-the-Go retails for P20,999 and will be available by the end of 2020.

JBL PartyBox 310: Portable party machine

Another addition under JBL’s PartyBox line is the JBL PartyBox 310, a bigger variant of the JBL PartyBox On-the-Go. While the JBL PartyBox On-the-Go has a strap for easy portability, the JBL PartyBox 310 has wheels and a handle for smooth transport.

Leave it to the JBL PartyBox 310 to spice up any party with its 240 watts of JBL Pro Sound delivered through its two 2.5-inch tweeters and two 6.5-inch woofers. Its synchronized party lights have five modes that can be customized through the JBL Connect app, and its buttons are backlit to allow easy DJ control even in the dark.

The JBL PartyBox 310 also comes with dual-mic and guitar inputs, in addition to its Bluetooth and USB inputs. Users can also wirelessly connect two JBL PartyBox 310 for a combined sound through its True Wireless Stereo feature. For durability, JBL has equipped the PartyBox 310 with IPX4 splashproof protection.

The JBL PartyBox 310 is now available in the market at P28,999.

JBL Xtreme 3: Never run out of music

JBL has likewise launched in the Philippines the upgraded JBL Xtreme 3 which now has four improved drivers plus two JBL Bass Radiators, providing a powerful sound in a sleek form factor.

This speaker has a 15-hour battery life and comes with a built-in power bank which can simultaneously charge devices through its USB-C power input. Its Bluetooth v5.1 feature allows up to two devices to be connected to the JBL Xtreme 3 to take turns in playing their favorite tunes delivered with JBL Pro Sound.

The JBL Xtreme 3 can also be connected to speakers compatible with the JBL PartyBoost app for an amplified music experience. For rugged portability, the JBL Xtreme 3 comes with IP67 protection making it safe from dust and water splashes.

The JBL Xtreme 3 retails for P16,999 and will be available by the end of 2020.

 JBL Go 3: Small package, big sound

The well-loved JBL Go speaker also has a new version in the form of the JBL Go 3, a pocket-sized portable speaker that doesn’t compromise in audio performance. Veering away from the previous straightforward cube design of the JBL Go and the JBL Go 2 variants, the JBL Go 3 now has a rectangular form factor with rounded edges dressed in a mesh outer cover for added aesthetics and protection, on top of its IP67 waterproof and dustproof rating.

This petite yet powerful speaker can deliver non-stop music with punchy bass, clear mids, and outstanding highs for five hours straight through its Bluetooth v5.1 connection. Also an upgrade from the previous JBL Go speakers are the inclusion of a USB-C connection for faster and steadier charging.

 The JBL Go 3 retails for P2,399 and will be available by mid-November.

JBL BoomBox 2: A blast from the past

JBL’s own take on a symbol of music from the past, the JBL BoomBox 2 is designed reminiscent of cassette tape-bearing portable music players with a futuristic take not just on its outer look but also on its audio performance. The JBL BoomBox 2 is the loudest BoomBox JBL has made to date,  and this can be proven with its monstrous bass.

This speaker offers 24-hour music playback and allows users to charge their devices with its built-in power bank. Just like most JBL speakers, the JBL BoomBox 2 is compatible with the JBL PartyBoost mode which means users can connect more JBL speakers for an all-out music-filled party. Made for outdoor entertainment, the JBL BoomBox 2 is IPX7-rated, meaning it can survive being submerged in water up to three-feet deep.

The JBL Boombox 2 retails for P23,999 and will be available by the end of 2020.

JBL Club Series: Eye-catching music

Apart from the portable speakers, loyal JBL fans and customers in the Philippines can now also enjoy the much-awaited premium line of JBL headphones, the JBL CLUB Series comprised of the JBL CLUB ONE, JBL CLUB 950NC, and the JBL CLUB 700BT.

First announced at this year's Consumer Electronics Show (CES), the JBL CLUB series is the first line of JBL headphones inspired by touring musicians.

Among the JBL CLUB Series high-end features include its High Res certified graphene drives, True Adaptive Noise Cancellation (ANC), and SilentNow listening capabilities which makes the audio experience a hundred times better than normal over-ear and on-ear headphones.

On top of these, the JBL CLUB Series also has Google Assistant services and is the first line of headphones to carry Harman's Personi-Fi technology which allows users to customize and calibrate the headphones according to their preferences.

These Bluetooth headphones can also be used with their package-included 1.2m audio cable and microphone. For utmost ergonomics and premium-looking aesthetics, the JBL CLUB Series comes clad in sleek black leather.

The JBL CLUB Series is now available in the market at P19,599 for JBL CLUB One, P13,799 for JBL CLUB 950NC, and P8,599 for JBL CLUB 700BT.

JBL 115TWS, JBL Tune 125TWS, and JBL Tune 225TWS: Hassle-free listening experience

JBL Tune 125TWS

When true wireless earphones gained traction among audiophiles, one of the brands to embrace the demand for new products is JBL. The firm has come a long way to meet the preferences of TWS users and this is evident in their latest line of TWS devices which carry functions not just for a hassle-free listening experience but also with the signature JBL sound.

First on the list of the new true wireless earphones to be available in the local market is the JBL 115TWS. Carrying the JBL Pure Bass Sound, this pair of comfort-fit cable-free earphones boast a combined battery life of 21 hours -- 6 hours from the earbuds and 15 hours from the charging case. This also has the Dual Connect feature which allows users to utilize either earbud in stereo or mono mode. For ease of use, the JBL Tune 115TWS promotes hand-free calls and quick access to Voice Assistant.

The JBL Tune 115TWS will be available in PH by the end of 2020 for P4,699.

The JBL Tune 125TWS, on the other hand, is among JBL's first products to have the Fast Pair feature, which allows the earbuds to instantly connect to a music source right after they're taken out of the case. This pair also has the Dual Connect feature which gives users the freedom to listen with either of the earbuds. With this, users can save the battery life of the JBL Tune 125TWS to further prolong its 8-hour music playback capability. This is on top of the 24-hour battery life this device has stored in its charging case.

Apart from the signature JBL Pure Bass Sound, the JBL Tune 125TWS has a range of features for ease of use including hands-free calls, a built-in microphone, and accessible controls on both earbuds.

The JBL Tune 125TWS retails for P5,999 and will be available by the end of 2020

The JBL Tune 225TWS, on the other hand, carries the same features as the JBL 125TWS. While the JBL tune 125TWS is designed in a small circular physique, the JBL tune 225TWS comes with a stem wherein users can access audio controls like switching to the next or previous tracks, or increasing and decreasing volume. The JBL Tune 225TWS offers a combined battery life of 25 hours from the pair of earphones itself and its pocketable charging case.

The JBL Tune 225TWS retails for P7,199 and will be available by the end of 2020.

Now, here's the best part? You can get a free limited edition JBL Go 3 Squad speaker through the JBL #SquadGoals holiday promo

For every purchase of selected products under the JBL’s portable and radio speakers, headphones, and home entertainment offerings, customers are entitled to get a free limited edition JBL Go 3 Squad speaker. 

Qualified customers must register at www.harmanwarranty.com with their complete name, contact number, complete mailing address, email address, store/ branch where the item was purchased, product model and serial number, purchase date, and upload the official receipt. 

The promo will start from November 1 until December 31, 2020. So, you might want to wait a couple more days to purchase your new JBL speaker. 

Get to know more about JBL’s wide array of audio products through its official website: www.jbl.com.ph. For more details about pricing and availability, visit JBL Philippines on Facebook and @jblph on Instagram. 

Go Hotels special flash voucher sale happening from October 29 to November 1, 2020.

Here's a special treat from Go Hotels as they celebrate their 10th anniversary

If you have been following our blog, you'll know how much we love Go Hotels and how we look forward to all their promos. 

The good news is starting today (October 29) until November 1, 2020 Go Hotels will be having its SampWhoa promo, a special flash voucher sale where you can book a hotel stay for as low as ₱1,000 at select Go Hotels branches around the country.

We know that travel might be limited for now but this doesn't mean that we can't make travel plans early. These vouchers are valid from the date of purchase up to September 30, 2021. 

The SampWhoa promo is a great way for every Juan to satisfy their wanderlust after the long community quarantine period, as participating Go Hotels can be found in several key tourism destinations around the Philippines. These include Bacolod, Butuan, Dumaguete, Iligan, Iloilo, Lanang (Davao), Puerto Princesa, and Tacloban. For would-be travelers outside Metro Manila who wish to visit the nation’s capital, or maybe even Manila-based folk who desire a worry-free staycation in the city, the essential value hotel chain has outposts in Mandaluyong, Ortigas Center, Otis (Manila), Manila Airport Road (Pasay City), Ermita, North EDSA (Quezon City), and Timog(Quezon City).

Plan your well-deserved trips now and be a part of the local tourism industry’s rebirth. As our tourism destinations gradually reopen, every Juan can play an important part in the renaissance of Philippine tourism.

The best part is, when you stay at Go Hotels, you can trust that your health and safety are always a priority. All Go Hotels implement the “Circle of Clean”, an elevated standard of hygiene and cleanliness based on the new normal protocols recommended by the World Health Organization and the Department of Health. While the Circle of Clean helps ensure guests’ health, safety, and wellbeing, you must also do your part and be a safe and responsible traveler, by maintaining good hygienic habits (such as frequent hand washing), practicing physical distancing and the wearing of face masks. You may also check in advance the health and safety protocols of the destination you are visiting, as these may differ from what you are familiar with. 

When you’re ready to travel and use your Go Hotels Voucher, don’t forget to reserve the hotel room at least one week before your intended date of stay, as the use of the voucher is subject to room availability. Should the hotel be fully booked or not available on your chosen date, don’t worry, as you can enjoy unlimited rebooking at the same hotel, until September 30, 2021. 

Sounds good? It’s an offer that’s too good to miss!

For complete Terms & Conditions, visit http://bit.ly/GoHotelsSampwhoaFlashSale