I’m not a fashionista but I was glad to be in Milan during Fashion Week.
Yes peeps! You read that right. I arrived in Milan last Sunday to attend a conference only to find out that it is Milan’s Fashion Week 2008. What gave me the clue? Well, first of all the hotel I am staying at is filled with models. Even before that, I was greeted at the airport by a HUGE Dolce & Gabbana billboard with half-naked models (men and women) in it! What a welcome ha?
Being glad to be in Milan during Fashion Week is one thing, celebrity hob-nobbing is another. By chance lang ang celebrity sighting – kaya view the pictures below to find out… I have been to Rome and Florence and I always loved Italy because of it’s history and it’s architecture, not to mention the fabulous art pieces that surrounds you. Kaya heto, medyo nalulungkot na ang ditse ninyo dahil patapos na ang fantasy week ko rito sa Milan. I will be leaving on Sunday to head back to the U.S. of A.
View pictures of my Milan Trip after the JUMP
ONE FANTASHADORA GO!!!!
Hahaha! Parang ABS-CBN! Kung meron silang One Kapamilya Go!, meron din namang ONE FANTASHADORA GO!! – ang Chuva Chienes dot com!!
I was chatting with my kumare online tonight (finally may internet connection na rin ako sa hotel)…at napag-usapan sino pa… mga crushes – - tulad ni Normand, ni Frondizi at sino pa? Si JOSHko!!! Hay naku. Na-mi miss ko talaga si JOSH. Baket? Eh fano ba naman, text lang kami ng text. Anovey?! Mahal ba niya talaga ako or what? Sobra na ang pakita niya ng atensiyon ha!! Grabe.
So sabi ko kay kumare…well – text kasi siya ng text::::
Chuva: “Ewan ko nga ba – text ng text!”
Kumare: “Eh pano, panay yata bigay mo ng LOAD!”
I cannot post any entry just yet – no internet connection at the hotel.
Sorry peeps. I haven’t established internet connection at the hotel yet. I have been jetlagged in the past few days and haven’t felt like dealing with the internet service at the hotel. I should have something by this evening.
They have this pre-paid card that they give you – - 50 euros for one month! Since I’m going to be here for one week, I went with the monthly access because it will cost me more to do the daily prepaid access.
So far – no trips outside the office and the hotel just yet. Planning to visit the Duomo by Thursday and will post pictures by then. I also understand that Da Vinci’s Last Supper is also housed here in Milan but obtaining tickets for it may be impossible. I will try.
See you all tonight with my new postings…
Cheers!
Chuva
Our heart goes out to Natalie Cole. She is battling Hepatitis C

I recently saw her on a television interview admitting that she is suffering from Hepatitis C. She said that the virus laid dormant in her system for 25 years stemming from her heroin use during those times. It was very brave of her to come out and say that even joking about her weight loss stating that she has never been a runway model size in her life so she is enjoying it.
It has been recently reported by Entertainment Online that Natalie Cole suffered a setback from her chemotherapy treatment to battle Hep C and was admitted to the hospital.
Our prayers go out to her for a full and speedy recovery. Natalie – - hang in there.
Let’s talk blog visibility.
I recently blogged about our new milestone. A half-a-million unique page visits. I am so happy to have reached that milestone in a little over a year in blogging. What does that mean to me? A lot! I worked very hard in spreading the news about my blog. I’ve joined social networks, submitted my blogs to different search engines and have been very creative in getting my blog noticed. I guess it worked!
Search Engine Optimization is no easy feat unless you go out and hire the experts who do this for a living. I’ve been lucky enough to have been able to utilize what I know and I’ve read a lot of blogs talking about how they made it work. If you’re a newbie and you don’t feel like tackling this yourself, join social networks like Pepperjam. They could assist you professionally and if you aren’t sure about it, go to their website and try their free offer. You can get a free analysis and proposal right from their website. They have been known as a world leader in SEO services. If you don’t know what meta tags or internal linking formulas – better leave it to the experts.
Good luck and happy blogging!
Another Josh entry. Please be patient with me.
It’s going nuts bords!! We’re getting to be too close. This is not good for my heart. (Read: Love is in the air!)
I am trying to avoid all things “love” in this whole situation. But show me a nice guy (who goes to church every sunday), add blonde hair and blue eyes with a killer bod… BINGO!
I get to have a break from working out with him for one week while I’m away. Please…please… don’t let me fall in love….
Senior romance? Who says you can’t?
Senior Dating is no longer uncommon these days. You have to remember, there are many baby boomers who are coming up in their retirement age. The idea of seniors dating used to be looked down upon. Honestly, would you like to see you grandmother dating a new beau? Maybe not, but things have changed. They need companionship as much as we all do.
Senior romance is ever possible. They have online dating sites specifically tailored for seniors so they could meet someone who can be a companion or even better, a life-long partner. Maybe the senior is divorced. Or maybe, their partner had passed on. Let’s give them a chance. Everyone deserves happiness and if it comes down to the fact that your grandmother wants to date, so be it.
Malen – what do you think of these beads?
I am very surprised at Malen’s talent really. Malen is a friend and a blogger like me. She has a specific website dedicated to beading called Beading 101. She blogs about the process and how to create jewelries using beads. She has done some wonderful creations with it. She has several blogs and the one that I really visit is her humor blog. I did notice however that she does have a great talent in creating jewelry design using ordinary beads. Not only can she make it look elegant, it’s quite simple to make as well. (so she says!) Haha!
I hope that one day, she will create a piece using gemstone beads. I think it will be fantastic! She already has the knack for design, yet I would like to see more of her creation using Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire or Diamond beads. It will probably catch a niche on the high-end market. Who knows? She may be the one to supply accessories to the famous Filipina couturier, Monique Lhuillier someday.
Could you imagine your creation adorning the likes of Celine Dion, Katie Holmes, Sarah Jessica Parker? Oh to dream huh?
So, Malen – if you’re reading this, check out precious gemstone beads for your creation at http://beadsofcambay.com. I guarantee you, you will be inspired.
Tie a yellow ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree..

OheMGee!!!! Bords, this was fascinating for me when I found out. Super chika to the maximum level talaga. Kasi nga, diba yung mga 80s kids diyan – ang trademark eh yellow and black. Kung nag-kolehiyo ka nung mga early 80s, after ng assassination ni Ninoy Aquino – you can relate to this. Remember the biggest thing then was to wear yellow and black.
Yellow was to represent the yellow ribbon tied around lamp posts all over the place in line with the song, “Tie a Yellow Ribbon” written by Irwin Levine and L. Russell Brown and recorded by Tony Orlando for the anticipated return of Ninoy Aquino from exile in the U.S. A yellow ribbon is a symbol with various meanings, mostly associated with those waiting for the return of a loved one. Interestingly in Singapore, the government has initiated an annual Yellow Ribbon campaign to promote giving ex-convicts a second chance in society. Typically, a person shows his support for ex-convicts by pinning a yellow ribbon on his shirt during the annual campaign. Ang shoray diba?!
This weekend, I leave for Milan. See you all when I get back!

Here we go again peeps!! It’s time for travel again. This should be my second-to-the-last travel this year. I still have Mexico City in the first part of October but that would simply be a three-day affair.
Global Integration is where the bet is at this time. To be completely global, our company would have to integrate to all different systems all over the world. It’s nice that I had gotten involved with this process since I like traveling and seeing the world.
Who wants to date a Millionaire?
Sorry Malen, this is for guys only!
Did you know that a record number of millionaires are being created every year now? According to the book, The Nexgt Millionaire by Paul Zane Pilzer, a vast amount of new wealth will be created in the next 10 years. That’s some good news with the way the economy is looking right now.
“From 2006-2016, U.S. household wealth will double to $100 trillion, and 10 million new U.S. households will become The Next Millionaires–bringing the total number of U.S. millionaire households to 18.5 million.” as quoted from the book.
I guess there is also better chances for you guys out there to meet Millionaire women. With this new influx of millionaires being created, chances are – the next woman you meet could already be one. How about that? I’m not saying be a bum and marry a millionaire.. but you could be one of the lucky ones. It’s like winning the lotto huh?
Dingdong Dantes open to working with Kapamilya stars in movies
It’s unusual to see two of the most popular hunky actors from rival networks in one project. But Dingdong Dantes and Piolo Pascual made it happen today, September 18, at the launching of Pond’s Pinkish White Dream Date at the Ruby Ballroom of Crowne Plaza Galleria Hotel in Ortigas Center, Pasig City.
Since this was a rare chance to work with other celebrities who are very much identified with the other network, Dingdong said, “Sa akin, it’s really a privilege.”
“Everything is under control.”—Gabby Concepcion
“Nagulat ako,” Gabby Concepcion said when asked about the P22-million civil case filed by talent manager Rose Flaminiano against him. His voice was calm, devoid of any strong emotion.
During the break of his photo shoot, PEP got the chance to have a five-minute phone conversation with him earlier today, September 18. His only request: “Stick to the issue, please.”
Ely Buendia of Eraserheads is alive and “doing well” according to his manager
chuvachienes on Uncategorized
Former Eraserheads and now Pupil frontman Ely Buendia is “fine and doing well.”
In a text message received earlier this afternoon, September 18, Ely’s manager Day Cabuhat disclaimed the nagging rumor circulating since yesterday saying that the legendary singer-songwriter passed away due to complications brought by his heart ailment.
Building a better business with a merchant account
Having a business takes a lot of hard work. The time you put in to map out the plan, come up with capital and finally setting up shop is the most exciting part of building a business. I know. I’ve done it many times and some were successful and some weren’t as successful. But regardless, the reward comes when you are able to attract the consumers that you intended to attract in the first place.
One thing about getting customers to purchase your product is that you, as a merchant must make it as easy as possible for them to purchase your items or services. During my early days on online retail, I’ve had many customers go away just because I do not accept credit cards. Most of the customers would like to be able to purchase from your store similar to the way they purchase from the big guys with online stores. For a merchant, credit card processing is a must. When you set up your shop, apply for a merchant account and make sure that you are able to process payments using more than one process. You can even accept online payment by checks these days. There isn’t a way out there to increase your sales other than advertising but once you get them on your site, you want to make sure that they are able to purchase your items without difficulty.
Onlinecheck.com offers a wide variety of payment processing. They will even give you a free merchant account with a free credit card machine! How’s that for a perk for small businesses? Taking your business to the next level means having that sale go through without a hitch.
Buy your books or DVDs online and save.
When I was living in California, I didn’t have many friends. It was such a transient state that anyone who lives there usually stays there for a couple of years and then moves on. Every weekend, I would walk to the Torrance Mall and have a cup of coffee at Borders and Books while I read either the newspaper or read a book that I’ve recently purchased. Looking back now, I could say that I miss those days. Those days are precious to me.
Borders have an online store too! I normally go there to shop for books and DVDs online and it seems ironic because they have a UK website as well and you will find uk books available on their site and they even have a section on banned books that you may purchase online as well.
My friend is a flight attendant and his boyfriend lives in London. I just saw on their website that delivery is free if you live in the UK with orders more than 15 pounds sterling. I want to order a few books from the site so I tried looking up Catfish and Mandala using their Spookily Accurate Book Suggestor. It was pretty amazing. I just typed in catfish and the page dynamically searched for any book with the word catfish in its title. I was floored! I really liked it a lot. So, I picked a few books including I know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou that he’s going to bring with him when he joins me on my Milan trip soon. I haven’t read a book this year and it’s time to catch up.
AIG.. got some kind of a Payday Loan from the Govt.
It’s all over the news. That is what’s on everyone’s mind. What if the biggest insurance company in the world falls into bankruptcy? That would trickle down to you and I in a way unimaginable. It would be unbelievably surreal and we all wouldn’t know what could happen after its collapse. The Feds showed its concern for the public and for the American people by giving AIG some kind of a Cash Advance if may. They were given an 85 Billion loan with 11 point something in interest. Yes, it’s quite a hefty loan but it gives AIG the chance to recover and hopefully come back out positive in the long run.
That is similar to a Payday Loan. It is an advance that is given to you in order that you may recover from whatever it is that is holding you back financially. Payday Loans are available nationwide and is advantageous for people who are looking to bridge the gap between paychecks. It’s not unusual. It happens to everyone. Emergencies do come and in these cases, you may obtain a loan to tide you over until the next paycheck. Let’s say you live in Arizona, there are Arizona payday loans available to you. Wherever you are in the U.S., you can find these loans to help you in this unpredictable economy.
Let’s hope that the bailout done by the Feds would provide AIG the means and the power to re-organize and get the company back on its feet. Fingers crossed!
Another milestone for Chuva Chienes! Can I run for for VP now?
Alright peeps! Here we are at another milestone. About a year-and-a-half ago, I created this blog with the promptings (*gun-on-head*) of Reyna Elena. She said, “It’s so lonely at the top. Blog with me!” I was hesitant because I had so much on my plate at that time. I started a blog during March of last year but it didn’t gain much momentum. I was originally inspired by this blog because of its honesty and plain old true-to-the heart stories. That blog is no longer in existence today and I miss reading it.
Ngayon, heto na tayo. Another milestone. The blog has reached a half-a-million unique hits two days ago and I was so thankful to the faithful readers here who keep coming back. This originally started as a personal blog, pero nahaluan ng celebrity news dahil kay KC Concepcion. Once I blogged about her, traffic skyrocketed. I realized then na Celebrity blogging ang calling ko.
Look at our stats on Sitemeter today:
Age spots? Nooooooooooooooooo…
That is probably the reaction you will get if you look in the mirror one day and find that you have started to show age spots. I wouldn’t be surprised. I wouldn’t want to have age spots as well when I get older. And the beauty of the technology these days, you can even have it removed or use the perfect combination of anti-aging products to get rid of it.
There are many anti-aging products in the market today, like Glominerals that help you maintain your skin’s glow by protecting your skin from UV rays, using minerals that will help correct and protect your skin from harmful elements.
I actually have an anti-aging blog as well and believe me, there is a multitude of products out there that could help you stay and look young. Keep your skin healthy and use only products that are harmless to your skin.
Chuva as painted by Boticelli. The face of an angel.
I was tagged by Chuvaness. Nag-enjoy ako rito mga bords. Kaso lang, hindi ko maisip na i-post dito yung piktyur na half chimp or old lady ang ditse ninyo.. baka ma-turn off yung mga manliligaw ko diyan! Hahaha!
I rarely do tags – yung mga malalakas lang saken ang pinapatulan ko. Kaya kapag ti-nag ninyo ako at ginawa ko, malakas kayo sa ken!
On that note, here’s the face of Chuva as painted by Boticelli.
Should I go back to DirecTV?
I had recently asked my satellite provider, DIRECTV to downgrade my subscription. I was subscribed to their basic channels plus the Filipino Channels like GMA and ABS-CBN. It was really taking a toll on me just because I was thinking of cutting expenses. With the prices going up like crazy these days (of anything!), I figured it would be good for me to trim down.
I calculated my expenses and as I visited the Filipino restaurant near my place over the weekend, I asked them how much they are paying for the Filipino channels that they have at the store. I was surprised to find that I can actually select the basic channels and the Filipino channels at half the price that I was paying before! I didn’t know that! I was paying a premium because I chose more channels to add to my subscription not knowing I can do an ala carte-type of choices with DirecTV.
Now, I’m thinking of having the channels switched back on. Let’s see how it goes when I come back from my trip. I may just re-instate my subscription to DirecTV.
Stupid Game Show Answers
I was talking to my previous boss over the phone simply trying to catch up on things. On the background, I hear his wife and daughter laughing their arses off. I had to ask him, “What are they doing?” He said that they discovered this website that features clips from Game Shows where the contestants were giving stupid answers. They were laughing hysterically including my previous boss, every time he hears one of the stupid answers given by the contestants.
It got me so curious that after I hung up the phone with him, I had to look it up. I had a blast watching the clips. They have compiled tons of them. I was watching it with a friend of mine and we were on the floor laughing. I thought I’d share it with you. If you are familiar with game shows here in the US like Wheel of Fortune, Pyramind, The Newlywed Game, or The Price is Right or even if you’re not – you will still enjoy these videos. Here’s one.
Watch more videos and get the link to the website after the JUMP.
Payday loans are in. Do you need cash?
You are probably wondering why the words Payday Loan appear on almost any blog or site on the internet these days. Well, it’s has become one of the most popular loans acquired by individuals today who basically need to bridge the gap between paychecks. A financial help most individuals need in this economy. The paycheck that used to cover all expenses are now short because of high fuel prices and basic goods.
Our economy is in bad shape really. Inflation grows faster than our salaries. Sometimes (at least until our economy recovers), we need a little help. That is why Payday Loans have become popular these days.
Do you need cash?
I feel like a high school girl right now!! Joshko!

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Uhuh! You’ve read my post earlier right? It’s my post called Love Does Find Its Way. Seriously, I wasn’t looking for anything right now. I have too much to worry about let alone add a relationship in there. Yet, my unexpected ‘crush’ came out of nowhere. Well, not really nowhere. Thanks to my maid for the workout referral. Our trainer turned out to be the best person who could possibly motivate me to go back to the gym and get fit. People normally go back to the gym before summer, I went back to the gym after. I want to lose a couple of pounds (more like a LOT of pounds) and get back in shape. I got more than what I bargained for. Read more
Don’t you just hate knowing that you’re not a computer nerd?
Sheesh! Folks, listen. I didn’t work for I.T. to know all the code and languages in the world. I only work as a PM, that’s all. The problem is, every time I am asked what I do for a living, I get asked a million different questions about hardware and software stuff right behind it. I work for I.T. but I am the least technical person you ever want to speak with.
The last time I got a phone call at work from a user in our Chicago office asking me what Error Code 39 means? After I got my composure back, I simply told her nicely that she really should contact our Technical Support department or look it up on line. They have libraries out there that provide what those errors are and resolutions as well. I’m not a technical guy but every time I get errors on my PC at home, I don’t just go calling all support around the globe – I do my research first. 99 to 1, the answer is online. I, being a non-techie person resolved my PC issues without calling anyone. Do some research first. That answer is there.
Hunks get wet and wild in 2008 Cosmo Bachelor Bash
Guests of the 2008 Cosmo Bachelor Bash were equipped with plastic water guns that came in handy during the wet-and-wild themed party last night, September 11. The A. Venue Events Hall in Makati City was full of fun, fearless females all excited to see this year’s Cosmo bachelors and celebrity centerfolds hand-picked by the staff of Cosmopolitan Philippines Magazine.
At around 9:45 p.m., sexy games were facilitated by Eri Neeman and Gina Pangan of Wave 89.1. The spotlight then focused on Eric Tai, a model/actor/host who wowed the predominantly female crowd with his flexibility and breakdancing moves. Steamy guys joined him on stage as they all walked down the T-shaped ramp built in the venue.
View the 25 hot pictures after the JUMP
Billy Crawford not comfortable going sexy, prefers wholesome image
International singing sensation Billy Crawford ang isa sa featured centerfolds ng Cosmopolitan magazine sa Cosmomen issue ngayon. In fairness kay Billy, unlike other featured celebrities sa centerfolds, dumating at rumampa siya sa stage at nag-perform pa.
Yun nga lang, kung inaasahan ng mga kababaihan, and even gays, na magta-topless man lang si Billy, it didn’t happen. Balot na balot ito ng damit. Bukod sa suot niyang shirt ay may vest pa siya.
Toni Gonzaga and Vhong Navarro team up again in Star Cinema’s “My Only U”
i’ve always liked Toni Gonzaga. I think she can play a lot of good romantic comedies than any other leading ladies in Philippine showbiz today. It’s always been a treat. Although I am not a particular fan of Vhong Navarro (I just hate the over-acting), I think this team-up has its audience and will be a successful one. I think there is a good chemistry there but we’ll have to check the movie out… GO TONI!
After three years, ilalabas na ng Star Cinema ang bagong pelikula ng matagumpay na tambalang Vhong Navarro at Toni Gonzaga. Pinamagatang My Only U, kahawig ng email icon na smiley ang letter “U” sa title. Ang My Only U ay bahagi pa rin ng 15th anniversary offering ng Star Cinema.
Matatandaan na unang nagtambal sina Vhong at Toni sa blockbuster movie na D Anothers sa direksyon ni Bb. Joyce Bernal nung 2005.
Get in touch with friends from your past.
I never had to do this (and I do hope there wouldn’t be a need for anyone to do this on me – hehe!). What information is out there about you? Do you know? If not, did you know that public records are available online to find out any public information about you? Uhuh! That’s good in a way if you’re trying to find out more information about a new friend or someone in your past that you need to connect to. There’s actually an old boss that I really liked whom I lost touch with that I wanted to look up just to see what he’s been up to lately. Since there were a few of them with the same name, the search results provided the age as well so you can tell which one is closest to the person you’re searching for. Neat huh? I have yet to give him a call though. I don’t want to give him a heart attack.. haha!
Love does find its way…

Okay bords, here’s the scoop. I missed my workout last Tuesday with my cute, handsome and well-build trainer JOSH. I called him to tell him that I will be postponing to Wednesday, which was last night. He said he was going to punish me for canceling…. jokingly.
Last night, it took all courage and strength for me to go to the gym cause I know that although he was joking, he was going to kill me with the workout. And that he did!! I was so sore after the workout… but.. but.. but..after he gave me the “much awaited post workout stretch”, we talked for an hour.. he was showing me his Ipod Touch and all the applications in it. To be honest, I was feeling uncomfortable because he kept talking and talking..
















