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The (Last) Buffet with Boss Razel

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I know this post is late, but it's better late than never. Here's a photo of the QA Team with our former boss. Photo taken at Citylight Hotel in Baguio City.


 In this photo: front (l-r): Boss Razel, Mhel, Theresa, Jessa, RJ and Patty. Back (l-r) Yours Truly, Lou, Aaron, Arjay, David and Lourdes. Farewell Boss Razel. 'Til we meet again.

Solo Backpacking and Exploring Paguriran Island in Bacon, Sorsogon

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Honestly, I have no idea that Paguriran Island exists in Bacon in Sorsogon City. I only learned about it when my sister told me that she’s been there with her college friends back in December last year. Because I am an “island-lover,” I decided to check the place but I only finalized my decision a day before my scheduled flight back to Manila. Unfortunately, I was alone when I checked the island because my sister had a class and I thought she wouldn’t want escaping her classes just to be with me. Haha! So there.

  I  don't know how this is called but this is where the seawater "comes in."
The Search for Paguriran Island
From Gubat, Sorsogon, I rode a Prieto Diaz-bound jeepney (fare is Php25.00 as of this writing), and the driver dropped me at the Prieto Diaz Public Market. Travel time from Gubat to Prieto Diaz is approximately thirty minutes. There’s no tricycle and jeepney going directly to Paguriran so one of the drivers told me to rent a tricycle for Php150.00 which I declined because I don’t want to spend “that much.” As much as possible, I want to travel without spending a lot. When I learned that there’s a tricycle going to a barangay (I forgot the name)“near” Barangay Sawangga, I bargained with the driver if I can pay Php80.00 for him to bring me to Paguriran. Fortunately, he agreed. We left Prieto Diaz Public Market past ten in the morning.

High tide. View of Pagurarin Island from the seashore. 
The rode going to Paguriran is “concrete” (I can’t think of the right term…haha) and there are only few tricycles and jeepneys “passing by.” It took us approximately twenty-five minutes to reach Barangay Sawangga.

Row, row, row your boats. Boats can be rented going to Paguriran Island if it's high tide. Unfortunately, there's no available boatman when I went there. 
It was high tide when I reached Barangay Sawangga and I only saw three high school students when I arrived at the beach. There are no other "visitors" aside from me (due to the gloomy weather.) Instead of going the the island right away, I decided to check the mangroves first and waited for low-tide so I can just walk to the island. I waited for the low-tide until two in the afternoon.

"Selfie" while waiting for the low-tide. I think I need to buy a tripod. Haha!
I was on my way back to the seashore when I saw three other visitors heading to the island. I joined them, and it was knee-deep when we went to the island. It took us approximately five minutes to reach the islet. I totally amazed! The lagoon is absolutely charming!

The water is soooo clear that so can you see what's beneath. Photo taken on my way to the islet. 
White sand greeted us when we reached the island. Paruriran Island is only a few meters from the beach. It was an easy walk. 
The lagoon. I didn't feel tired when I reached Paguriran. The trip was absolutely worthy. Swimming is allowed here. Water is not too deep. In my case, it's waist-deep. I stand 5 feet and 6 inches.   
Photo taken by Yours Truly at the island. Haha! See my outfit? Not really good for an "adventure" like this. Haha! Expect sharp corals at the island. It's highly recommended to bring aqua shoes or  a pair of "good slippers." 
That's me at the islet's lagoon. The water is so refreshing. 
View of the beach from the island. 
Another islet beside Paguriran Island. 
Eager to know what's on top of the rocky island, I decided to climb alone. Photo above taken from one of the big rocks at the island. 
One of my favorite photos taken at Paguriran.  I think that's a heron. Correct me if I'm wrong. 
Seawater is ankle-deep when  I went back to the beach. 
Paguriran Island is www.arisonlinenow.com certified. It is highly recommended. 
Paguriran Island can be a great potential tourist attraction in Bacon but I think , for this to happen, the LGU should make extra effort in “maintaining” the island. For now, here are my recommendations: (1) regular cleaning of the seashore to remove seaweeds and/or leaves and (2) cottage maintenance.

Spending Vacation at Dangkalan Beach in Ariman, Gubat, Sorsogon

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I spent Day 3 in Bicol at Dangkalan Beach in Barangay Ariman in Gubat, Sorsogon with my sister and cousins. It was a gloomy day because of ITCZ. It didn't rain but strong waves greeted us when we reached the seashore. Except for some fishermen and some "local surfers," I didn't see other visitors at the vicinity so we took the perfect spot for camping. We built our tent a few meters away from the shoreline.
It's a sunless day at Dangkalan Beach! 
I will not further "talk" about my most recent "beach escapade" because I'm extremely busy right now. It's end of month and I've got a lot of things to do. Let these photos below do the talking instead:

Umm...that's me. 
Reunited with my sister and cousins. I had fun with them. 

This is locally known as "kalasakas."
At the "rocky" part of the beach. This is where seashells (tagunhasun) are found. 
Our tent is "up!" Big thanks to Lazada Philippines for shipping my tent in a very good condition. 
With my sister. 
Umm..that's me. 
How to go to Dangkalan Beach in Ariman, Gubat, Sorsogon? If you're from Manila, you can ride via plane or via bus. Via plane: Cebu Pacific has flights from Manila to Legazpi City. From Legazpi Domestic Airport, you can hire a cab or a tricycle. Tell the driver to bring you to the Legazpi Grand Terminal (LGT).At LGT, look for a Sorsogon-bound air-conditioned vans. In Sorsogon, look for a Gubat-bound jeepney at the Sorsogon Grand Terminal. In Gubat , hire a tricycle and inform the drive to bring you to Dangkalan Beach. Travel time from Gubat town proper to Dangkalan Beach is roughly five minutes. Via bus: Philtranco, JVH, Elavil and other buses have daily trips to Gubat proper. Look for their stations in Pasay or Cubao.

Now Open: "Militar" at Porta Vaga Commercial Center Baguio

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If you're into military outfit and gears, then "Militar" is perfect for you. Militar is now open at the lower ground floor of Porta Vaga Commercial Center here in Baguio City. They are open daily from 9am to 9pm.

That's me at the "Militar." Big thanks to the lady-in-charge for taking the photo for me. 
Militar's entrance.
Following are some of the items sold at Militar:
Military bags, scarves, umbrellas, etc. are also for sale. 
Combat and tactical knives are sold at Militar. Price range: Php250 - Php350.
Military boots are also for sale. Current price: Php2600.00.
Military "models" for sale.  
Porta Vaga Mall (PVM) is a shopping mall located at ever-famous Session Road, the heart of Baguio City’s Central Business District and has been in the business since 2002. The mall is a blend of five traditional and modern buildings namely, Patria de Baguio, Porta Vaga Main, Porta Vaga Annex, Antipolo and the newly renovated Puso ng Baguio, all adjacent to the ever famous Baguio Cathedral.

Revisiting Tradisyon at Azalea Residences Baguio

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We were tired and "starving" and the only thing that we want to do is eat and nothing but eat. Problem is we don't know where so I thought of revisiting Tradisyon at Azalea Residences and, good thing Lourdes and Arjay  agreed. So from work, we headed right away to Leonard Wood where the now-famous "holiday haven" is located.
Inside Tradisyon. 
Unfortunately, brunch buffet isn't available at Tradisyon when we went their so we had a la carte instead. So far, we enjoyed the food and we left Tradisyon "full."
The food questors: Yours Truly, Arjay and Lourdes.
Aside from Pizza, Pasta and Salad buffet, Tradisyon also serves house-made freshly based Pizzas. 
Arjay's choice. Grilled Chicken Salad: Tender juicy breast meat grilled to perfection and served on a bed  of rocket leaves, mushroom, tomatoes, olives and parmesan cheese drizzled with honey-pesto balsamic dressing. Price: Php250.00. 

Exclusively for Arjay only. Mango Strawberry fresh fruit shake. Php120.00
My choice. Mushroom Chicken Piccata: Pan-fried chickenbreast in delicate mushroom, capers, lemon and cream sauce. Served with steamed rice and fresh garden salad. Php220.00.
That's my "gulaman."
Lourdes tried Pinoy Breakfast.  Chicken Tocino and Danggit served with cofee and fresh fruits in season. Php200.00
Fresh fruits included in Lourdes' breakfast.
Arjay and Lourdes.  They said that they like the food but they also recommended that there should be a designated place inside where smokers can smoke. 
Azalea Residences Baguio is located at Leonard Wood Road just across Teacher’s Camp in Baguio City, the Summer Capital of the Philippines. For more details and information, visit http://www.azalea.com.ph/ or like their Facebook Fanpage.

Video: Pagurian Islad in Bacon, Sorsogon

Facts About Philippine Call Centers Part 1

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Umm…naisip kong iblog ‘to dahil sa marami na rin akong narinig/naririnig na mga haka-haka o kuru-kuro tungkol sa Pinoy call center workers. Halos mag-aapat na taon na rin akong nagtatrabaho sa isang call center dito sa Baguio at sa loob ng apat na taon na aking ginugol dito ay marami na akong narinig at nabasang negative perception about call center workers. Minsan, nakalulungkot isipin na kung sino pa ang nararapat na may malawak na pang-unawa sa mga bagay-bagay ay sila pa pa ang may makitid na pananaw sa mga nagtatrabaho sa call centers. Marahil, hindi nila matalastas o maunawan ang tunay na mga kaganapan sa loob ng isang call center. Tunay nga naman. In the first place, they didn’t have “a taste” of what it’s like to work in a call center.

Francine's comment on call center workers "graveyard shift." I find it "insensitive." 
Ang mga sumusunod ay ilan lamang sa mga katotohanan sa mga call centers dito sa Pilipinas Sana’y magbigay aral at impormasyon sa mga taong mapanghusga nguni’t limitado lamang ang nalalaman sa BPO.

1. Ang call center ay hindi isang “sex farm." Hindi porket karamihan sa amin ay nagtatrabaho sa gabi ay sex farm na kaagad ang call center. Sa pagkakaalam ko walang survey na ginawa ang NSO para alamin kung ilan ang nagsesex sa mga kampanya dito sa Pilipinas. Therefore, walang documents na magpapatibay na ang call center ay isa ngang “sex farm.” Samakatwid, ito ay isang haka-haka.

2. Ang mag taga call center workers ay may pinag-aralan at hindi kami bobo. Hindi po BS Call Center ang course naminm gaya ng pang-iinsulto ni Francine Marreligh Velasco . Nagcollege po kami at hindi po kami bobo para tumambay at maging palamunin lamang. Matalino po kami dahil naisip naming magtrabaho sa gabi sa halip na tumunganga, “maghintay sa wala” o kaya humilata sa kama buong araw Common sense lang. Unemployment is all over the Philippines and we are smart enough to have jobs.

3. Hindi dapat nila-“lang” ang trabaho ng mga taga call center, lalo na ng mga ahente. Bukod sa pag-eenglish, we should also have the ability to multi-task and to understand the situation of our customers. Kelangan mag-empathize if necessary. Kelangang updated din kami sa mga bagong roll-outs para hindi mamarkdown sa FCR o kaya Procedure ng mga Quality Analysts. At higit sa lahat, kelangan mameet namin ang aming Metrics o KPIs para hindi matanggal sa trabaho at para hindi maredzone ang account. One more, karamihan po sa amin ay nightshift so prone po kami sa mga hold-uppers and rapists (for ladies).

4. Hindi po kami STD carriers. There are no supporting documents to validate this claim. (to be continued...)

The 2014 Baguio Flower Festival 2014 Grand Opening Photos

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Following are some of the photos taken at the recently concluded Panagbenga or Baguio Flower Festival 2014 Grand Opening Parade held on February 1, 2014 here in Baguio City:

The Baguio Flower Festival 2014 officially kicked off yesterday. Photo courtesy of Ms. Joni Catanglan. 
Baguio City Mayor Mauricio Domogan at the opening ceremony.  Photo credit: Karen Castillo
Baguio's Ultimate Models. Photo courtesy of Joni Catanglan. 
The Baguio Flower Festival Foundation Incorporated. Photo courtesy of Joni Catanglan.
Students from Dona Aurora Elementary School. Photo credit: Karen Castillo. 
Students from Kias Elementary School. Photo credit: Karen Castillo.
The Baguio Flower Festival 2014 Official Calendar of Activities.  Photo credit: Sunstar Baguio.
Panagbenga Festival (English: Flower Festival) is a month-long annual flower festival occurring in Baguio, the summer capital of the Philippines. The term is of Malayo-Polynesian origin, meaning "season of blooming". The festival, held during the month of February, was created as a tribute to the city's flowers and as a way to rise up from the devastation of the 1990 Luzon earthquake. The festival includes floats that are decorated with flowers not unlike those used in Pasadena's Rose Parade. The festival also includes street dancing, presented by dancers clad in flower-inspired costumes, that is inspired by the Bendian, an Ibaloi dance of celebration that came from the Cordillera region.

Now Showing: My Facebook Lookback on Blogger

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Facebook celebrated 10 years of its existence and they have decided to set up a program which compiles a personalized video which they call “A Look Back” and what others have been simply calling a “Lookback.” Facebook doesn't allow "direct download" from their website but I found a way how to do it. Here's mine:


After several attempts, I have finally found a way to download my Facebook Lookback in MP4 format and have it uploaded here on blogger.

Once Upon a Pirate: The Kick-off Party 2014

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Find below are some of the photos taken at the recently concluded AHOY kick-off party at the Baguio Country Club. It's pirate-themed party and  guess what? I've got a chance to be part of the "star of the night contenders" but I didn't make it to the Top 5. Haha!


Umm, well, it's no big deal actually. Haha! I thought of "mentioning" it here for my blog's sake. Haha! Anyway, included in these photos are yours truly, Sally and Theresa.

Presenting some of the contenders for the "Star of the Night:"

Spot me in you can!

Now Open in Baguio City: I "Heart" Fashion: Where Fashion is Closer to Your Heart

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When my fellow QAs Aaron, Arjay and Theresa asked me to join them and check my former boss' new business, I didn't have any second thoughts of not denying their invite. Aside from the fact that I'm too eager to know what I "Heart" Fashion is all about, I'm also craving for something "fashionable" and I haven't bought brand new clothes for the longest time ever. So, I thought I could probably get some new clothes there at a very affordable price. And, I wasn't wrong. I found what I have been craving to buy for the past few months.

Do you "heart" fashion? I "Heart" Fashion is now open to serve you here in Baguio City. 
And guess what? We were also given special discount for our purchase and our visit was truly not a waste of time! Isn't it fantastic?

To "heart" or not to "heart?" Of course, we "heart" I "Heart" Fashion, primarily because we were happy with our purchase and we were given special discount. In this photo (L-R): Yours Truly, Theresa, Arjay, our former boss and now I "Heart" Fashion owner Razel and Aaron.
I "Heart" Fashion caters to Men's Fashion...

Men's Polo are available at I "Heart" Fashion. Photo credit: I "Heart" Fashion FB Page.
...and Women's Fashion:

For all the lovely ladies out there. Photo credit: I "Heart" Fashion FB Page.
Unleash your desire for something fashionable! Visit I "Heart" Fashion (beside Bon Appetea) at 2nd Flr, Ecco Building, Gen. Luna Rd cor Assumption Rd, Baguio City. They are open from Monday to Sunday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. For more details and information, kindly like their Facebook Panpage.

By the way, that's me at the ongoing Porta Vaga "It's More Fun in the Philippines Photo Exhibit." I'm wearing the  long sleeve polo that I bought from I "Heart" Fashion. 

Raise Your Net Value with CCNP Certification from Cisco

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Network engineers dealing with Cisco systems technology may benefit from being certified by Cisco in the workplace. Starting the certification process for the CCNP certification would be to take the 642-832 Troubleshooting or/and Maintaining Cisco IP Networks test. Taking either exam allows qualification for CCNP certification. Studying this course will allow you to better prepare. Hands on experience of at least one year of work experience should be completed before taking this exam. Additional resources can be found via the Cisco Learning Partners or the Cisco Marketplace Bookstore.

Before you take your exam, a test preparation course may be advisable in order to refresh your knowledge base. The test has two subsections and is heavily weighted on the troubleshooting part of your base of knowledge. The Troubleshooting Multi-Protocol Networks and Device Hardening have the most weight in the test. Engineers can expect to be quizzed on items like IPV6 routing and must fully demonstrate their knowledge in dealing with troubleshooting issues and the appropriate protocol for handling issues like these. The second subsection of the test deals with monitoring and maintaining Network Performance. A sample test question from this area could read “What is the proper procedure for using IOS tools to perform network monitoring?”. Receiving this certification adds to your resume and is a benefit.

Check out our Lasa Fine Jewelry and Luxury Gifts store. Thanks Venus Illuminated Gifts.

I Love Lazada: A Positive Review About Lazada Philippines

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My first purchase with Lazada Philippines was several months ago, and because I could not find a second hand universal tripod for sale here in Baguio City, I decided to purchase from them again - without any second thought. Good thing the item (Gorillapod Black -Medium) is on sale so I did not worry about shelling out more than I have allotted for the item. I paid Php 638.00 inclusive of the shipping fee.

"Fast processing" is one of the best things that I like about Lazada Philippines. My merchandise was shipped a day after I made the order.
The good thing about Lazada Philippines is I always get a confirmation email immediately after the order was completed. The email comes with an order number and instructions on how to track the purchased item. Lazada also sends a text message confirming that the purchased item has been verified. I bought the Gorillapob yesterday and as of 11:14 am today, I got an email confirmation and a text message from Lazada that the item has been shipped. Their service is absolutely excellent. Knowing that my item has been shipped lessens my worries.

Here's the shipment confirmation message "Your order 30469**** items below have been shipped via LBC on 18/02/2014 at 11:14. Please expect your order to arrive within the following duration: Outside Metro Manila: 2-3 days after shipped date (may take longer depending on location) You may enter your tracking number 80006****** at the link below. Please allow 1 business day for LBC to update its records: http://www.lbcexpress.com/PH/TrackAndTrace "

If you are also a kind of person who is a bit reluctant in providing credit card and/or bank information online, then, Lazada is fit for you. Lazada offers Cash on Delivery (COD) payment method. Just make sure you have the exact amount ready upon delivery.

Thinking where to buy online here in the Philippines? I strongly recommend Lazada. Visit Lazada.com.ph or like their Facebook Fanpage for more details.

Panagbenga/Baguio Flower Festival 2014 Live Streaming and Coverage

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Looking for the 2014 Panagbenga or Baguio Flower Festival live streaming and coverage? Stay tuned for updates. Yours truly will cover the most awaited event here in Baguio City, the Summer Capital of the Philippines.


Meanwhile, click here to view this year's Panagbenga schedule of activities. See you here in Baguio!!!

Panagbenga 2014 Grand Street Dancing Live Streaming and Coverage

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Searching for the 2014 Panagbenga or Baguio Flower Festival grand street dancing live streaming and coverage? Stay tuned for updates. Yours truly will cover the most awaited event here in Baguio City, the Summer Capital of the Philippines.


Meanwhile, click here to view this year's Panagbenga schedule of activities and other surprises! See you here in Baguio!!!

Panagbenga 2014 Grand Float Parade Live Streaming and Coverage

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Searching for the 2014 Panagbenga or Baguio Flower Festival Grand Float Parade live streaming and coverage? Stay tuned for updates. Yours truly will cover the most awaited event here in Baguio City, the Summer Capital of the Philippines.


Meanwhile, click here to view this year's Panagbenga schedule of activities and other surprises! See you here in Baguio!!!

Live Update: Panagbenga 2014 Grand Float Parade Photos

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The Baguio Flower Festival Grand float parade will commence today and I'm pretty sure a lot of you are excited what to expect in the said parade. Here's are some of the photos that you should see at the parade later.
Early spectators pose at Smart's float. Smart Inc is the official partner of the Baguio Flower Festival 2014. 
GMA's float is one of the crowd's favorites. See the early spectators of the parade?
GMA's float.
Plants versus Pollution by NLEX. 
Float by Alcatel. "One touch. Smart move."
I could not recall who owns this float. 
7-Eleven's float. 
IPC's float.
Crowd's favorite. Le Monet Hotel's float.
A tourist poses in front of one of the "float entries."
It says Panagbenga 2014.
Give thanks to the Lord by National Praise Center.
"Live All Out" by Smart Telecommunications.
The crowd. This year's Panagbenga Grand Float Parade is expected to attract millions of visitors. 
Hope you like the pix. Happy Panagbenga Baguio City. I'll give more updates so please stand by.

DOH: "There is no reported case of ‘flesh-eating’ skin disease" in Pangasinan

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I logged-in on my Twitter account after editing my new website and I saw that #PrayForPangasinan is the number one trend in the Philippines. I learned that it's all about the rumored flesh-eating disease in Pangasinan. However, the Department of Health reported that it's a hoax. It can be recalled that the report came from ABS-CBN's Bandila. The link to the video is no longer working when I checked it a few minutes ago.
#PrayForPangasinan trended on Twitter .
Heres' the official statement from the Department of Health:

"The Department of Health today belied rumors about a “flesh-eating” skin disease, following reports of two alleged suspected cases in Pangasinan.

“There is no reported case of ‘flesh-eating’ skin disease in the country yet. Absolutely no reason for the public to panic,” Health Secretary Enrique Ona clarified, as he allayed fears that may have been caused by the reports.

Health officials reported that “Case (1)” refers to a woman, 21 years old, from Sta. Barbara, Pangasinan, who is on multi-drug therapy for leprosy at a regional health unit. Dr. Myrna Cabotaje, Regional Director (Region I), added that the said patient, who was initially treated in another private health facility, has now completed the treatment but may still need debridement for her skin lesions. The patient is now being assessed on current drug reaction and for work-up for tuberculosis.

The provincial health officer also checked on the second case reported, “Case (2),” from Villasis, Pangasinan. Clinical examination confirmed that the patient has a case of severe psoriasis, a chronic skin disease characterized by red patches covered with white scales.

 “There are a lot of diseases that may manifest through changes in the skin. It is good to consult our doctors or go to the nearest barangay health unit when we need medical advice and treatment. Let us avail of the free healthcare service in our health facilities,” the Health Chief reminded the public."

Launching of #WhenInBaguioCity at Kamayan sa Baguio

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The launching of my new website was successful, and big thanks to Aaron, Arjay, David, Lourdes and Theresa for joining me in the said event. Of course, big thanks too to Kamayan sa Baguio for the warm welcome. We had fun!

At Kamayan sa Baguio with Arjay, Theresa, David, Lourdes and Aaron. 
One more shot before we left Kamayan sa Baguio. In this photo (l-r): Yours Truly, Arjay, Theresa, David, Aaron and Lourdes. 
#WhenInBaguioCity is your number one online guide about Baguio City, the Summer Capital of the Philippines.

TV5's "One of the Boys" and "Confessions of a Torpe" Presscon at Mario's Restaurant

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The press conference for the Kapatid Network's two new shows "Confession of a Torpe" and "One of the Boys" held at Mario's Restaurant here in Baguio City was definitely a huge success. Some photos below:

The cast of "One of the Boys." (In no particular order): Henry Edwards, Daniel Marsh, Charlie Sutcliffe,  Michael McDonnell and Brian Wilson. "One of the Boys" is a comedy series which will star Eula Caballero and the half-Pinoy members of Juan Direction. 
In this photo (l-r): Eula Caballero (star of One of the Boys, Ogie Alcasid, Alice Dixon and Wendell Ramos. The three will star in Confessions of a Torpe. 
Some of the stars of One of the Boys and Confessions of a Torpe.
Confessions of a Torpe is a romantic comedy show which will be aired on TV5 tomorrow at 7:30 PM. One of the Boys is a weekly sitcom that will feature the five Fil-Brit hunks and Eula Caballero. Aside from the laughter and kilig the viewers can look forward to in One Of The Boys, the sitcom will also highlight unique Filipino culture and values—something that is not often seen on television shows nowadays.

TV5 (formerly known as ABC 5) is a major Filipino commercial television network based in Mandaluyong City, Philippines. It is owned and operated by the ABC Development Corporation, solely owned by MediaQuest Holdings, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of the beneficial trust fund of the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company headed by business tycoon Manuel V. Pangilinan. (Source: Wikipedia)
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