My Home Decor Blogs - www.homeandspaces.com

If you are not aware, I also blog about Home Decor. I guess it's my love for colors and balance that made me blog about this - not to mention my passion in interior decoration.

My articles are here:

Challenged with Small Space

The Doors

Color Your World

A Magic Carpet Ride

In Search of the Perfect Center Table (Series)

What You Need to Know When Looking for a Table Lamp

In Search of the Perfect Center Table (Week One)

Decorative Candles to Add Sparkle to Your Room

How to Spice Up You Hallways

Fake Windows Anyone?

Living Room Makeover in Jiffy

Fierce Find - Paw Parazzi (Grooming and Pet Supplies

Here is another Fierce Find that I can share - Paw Parazzi .

It's about time for our four-legged friends to be pampered.

My New Blog Domain - http://www.ericcapacia.com/

I finally did it!

It's been probably 2 months already that I have been thinking whether or not to purchase my own blog domain. Well, I have decided and went for it.

After 3 day, my blog site will now be http://www.ericcapacia.com/

So, what will change? Nothing really major. My blog site will still be called "Fierce Blogs." Well, except that blogspot was only removed from the my domain name.

I guess by doing this, I am officially an Internet dork. In a fierce way that is...

May the Fierce be with you!

Blogger Coconuter Finds it "Natural" for Manny Pacquiao to have an affair

I was blog hopping this morning and came across Coconuter's blog about Manny Pacquiao. The blog is all about the heroic accomplishments of the boxer and the pride he brings to our country. But then again, the blogger touched a very sensitive topic concerning morality.

Well... this is all about the alleged affair the famous Filipino boxer is having with Krista Ranillo (who is she, by the way) . I will not however dwell on that since Fierce Blogs is not about showbiz etc.

What really intrigued me was the comment made by Coconuter:

"Until something materializes, as he said in his Cotto post-fight interview, he plans on taking a break, getting some rest, and having some fun. I guess I would assume that this would involve time with his family and also time with his reportedly new flame--Krista Ranillo. To me, I can empathize with Manny regarding this issue, and I think that as long as he takes care of his responsibilities then he should not be restricted of his liberties. I find the situation quite natural and the instinct innate in the human male. I believe that it gives Manny added inspiration, motivation, and/or pleasure in his life, which is something that we all need in life to keep going. Thus, I feel that the media should just let it be." (Blog here)

Honestly, I read it 3 times just to make sure I really got the message right. I sure did!

Fierce Blogs comments on Coconuter’s views...

This is a classic example of the double standards we have in our society. It is but natural for fathers to fool around for as long as their function in their family is performed (crappy crap crap!). But then again, let's say.. the acts were reversed, the woman is just simply... IMMORAL . No questions, no defense and no way out of trouble.

Fierce blogs is not taking sides. Fact is, it should never be morally accepted to both sexes . If it is going to be acceptable to either, then let's all forget about the sanctity of marriage and promote living in set up to the children of the world.

To consider this act of men as innate in nature is lame and simply an excuse to rationalize one big ugly behavior." If committing adultery is something that will keep the male population inspired and motivated in life, I only have one thing to say... God save the Queens!

May the FIERCE be with you!

My Friendster Account - Should I Delete or Not?! (Series)

This has been my question for sometime already...

For some reason I could not decide whether to delete my account in Friendster or not. In fact, I have not accessed it for almost 3 months now. Unlike before, it was my means to re-connect with old friends and relatives domiciled abroad. But now; I really do not see the point of keeping it active.

Reason to keep it?

• Before Facebook, Multiply and all of these social networks emerged, it was only Friendster. Back then it kept us close to those people distant to where we are. Loyalty I guess.
  
• I started blogging because of this site realizing how easy it was to connect with people.
• There are still this few friends who are somewhat loyal to the site and prefers not to open an account with Facebook.
• Commentaries from close friends that are fun to read again and again.
  

Why I should delete?

• It is now very boring.
• It is full of porn. Its site moderation is very poor!
  
• Most users are unpleasant and
  
• Spam! Spam! Spam!
• It features got stuck in the 90's.
• Layout makes me yawn.
• I dont think there's goung to be an upgrade happening very soon.
• Does not really attract web traffic for my blog.
• Friendster is full of posers...
  

Will all of these being considered, I am giving myself a week to decide whether I will delete my account or not. If I eventually decided to keep it, then I should be active again and use it.

What do you think?

Fierce Blogs - New Blog Banner

After sometime, my new blog banner is now available.

Well, obviously this is not my work because of the heavy artistry involved. My new banner was created by my friend, Charley. The concept was mine but of course execution of colors and layout came from the artist. Overall, the artist was able to capture the essence of my blog theme - fierce with humor.

If you would like to hire the artist, you can get in touch with him thru this email address - dio_21@lycos.com.

Final Blog Banner

Irene Cara - Out Here On My Own

This song is one of my favorites for many reasons - melody, lyrics and artistry.

I guess I miss the songs I grew up listening to. Lyrics back then were so rich. Singer are really singers and not "celebrities". Records are sold because of musical brilliance versus today's publicity and marketing antics.

I am such an old school!

Video here.

- Thanks to bsedits for the video upload in YouTube.

Ice Cream Ad Gone Wrong!

I don't know about you but there is really something wrong with this picture! When I saw this ice cream ad, my stomach churned and I felt like getting sick.

I guess this is just one of the million things that have changed over the years, huh? Print ads have gone a long way from gorgeous celebs showing skin and what have you. This time they want to show the "other side of life"...

Those on a diet, you now have a reason to forget ice cream.

God save earth!

Thanks Ros for the photo.

Fierce Blogs Turns 1 – Happy Birthday!

Exactly 1 year ago a blogger friend encouraged me to create my own blog site instead of just blogging for other sites (www.sportingo.com, www.homeandspaces.com, etc). Honestly I thought the idea was really crazy! As it is, managing my time in the office plus going out with friends afterwards can be laborious already. The last thing I need is to add more pressure and deadlines to what I already have.

But obviously my friend talked me out of it and I have no regrets.

Conceptualizing the theme of my blog wasn’t really hard. I knew what I wanted at that time in terms of content. All I needed was a catchy and up-to-date adjective - nothing serious but spiky that will leave a mark to the readers! Then came the birth of “Fierce Blogs”.

My first ever blog here is about the crappy commercial of Piolo Pascual. I got quite a number of comments from readers that made me realize the importance of blogging mainstream topics. Something people can relate to so they can comment. That is why Fierce Blogs is categorized into three: A. Fierce Finds, B. Review and C. Travel.

A. Fierce Finds

This is where I feature products that are new and old in the market that I find worth sharing to readers. I purchase the product, use it and observe. Once it passes the mark of Fierce Finds, comes the blogging part. Since then, Fierce Blogs received a number of Product Review request. I decline most particularly those not falling to my comfort zone.

B. Review

Fierce Blogs review anything in general: from services, food, products, people and etc. The goal is to make sure establishments are aware of the faulty or good services they provide to us – the consumers. We deserve nothing but the best, ONLY!

C. Travel

Since the blogger travels whenever his schedule allows, places and experiences are shared. Again, the travel blogs here are reviews of places, restaurants and overall experience. This is where majority of my blog traffics and comments are coming from.

After a year, Fierce Blogs made a lot of friends – BUT MORE & MORE ENEMIES, really! Fact is… the blogger does not really mind those casual cursing and negative comments from his readers. For as long as the purpose of the blog is achieved, the site does not really mind comments coming from cyber morons here and there

Thank you to all my readers!

Now this is the part where I become showbiz.

Thanks to the following sites:

htt://www.blogspot.com/

http://gostats.com/

http://feedjit.com/join/

http://www.sonicrun.com/

http://freewebsubmission.com/

http://feeds2.feedburner.com/

http://www.blogcatalog.com/

http://www.freebielist.com/

http://networkedblogs.com/

Fierce Blogs Found Empadana Avenue – Homemade Empanada of Bulacan

On my way home last week, the service driver asked me if it was okay to drop by a store before bringing me home. Since it was early and I was in a cooperative mood, I nodded and gave him a quick smile.

Apparently he was hungry and wanted to get a quick fix for breakfast. He stopped by in front of this humble store selling empanada. The store is not that posh-looking and all but there’s something to it that made me check the scene. Well, I didn’t just check it really; I bought a box full of empanada for breakfast too!

Facade of Empanadad Avenue

I ordered 3 pieces of tuna and 3 pieces of chicken. Their empanada costs Php12.00 each ($0.20 each).

How was the experience? I love it and it’s another fierce find I can share to you guys. A single empanada will already satisfy your hunger because it’s not all-crust. Once you bite it, you will notice that your empanada is not about "a crust filled with air" (like others). You are really eating what you bought. No drama and hullabaloos - just a simple and delicious empanada for you to enjoy. And what I love above all, their empanada is not oily like most.

Mang Ed Ordering

Other flavors are ham and cheese, bacon and cheese and pork.

Empanada Box (6 pieces)

You can visit them at P. Binay Street (corner Dela Rosa Street) at the back of SM Hypermart South Super Highway extension. Or you can call them at 889-5769 for special orders. Unfortunately they do not deliver for the lazy people out there.

Another fierce product revealed

Blog Ranking and Other Statistics

I came across this website during my usual blog hopping activity. This web tool is really interesting and helpful for those who are really serious about their blogging.

The website is called Cubestart. What it does is calculate the statistics of your website - worth, page views, your revenue and a whole lot more. Even if out of pure curiosity, you can have your website analyzed.

It is as simple as typing your complete URL where the "Enter URL" bos is. Allow 5 to 10 seconds and you'll have your data.

I would like to share mine. My page stats is not much really. A lot of work needs to be done.

Fierce Blogs' Result

You can eventually check he progress of you blog site and see if your hard work is already paying off.

Good luck on your stats results.

Fierce Blogs - Bohol Philippines (Loboc’s Floating Restaurants and Bohol Bee Farm)

Three weeks ago I visited Bohol for the 2^nd time along with office friends. Honestly I was not really excited about the travel because Typhoon Ondoy happened a week before our scheduled trip. I was feeling a bit apprehensive because of utter fear of being stuck in an Island away from home – Makati, Philippines.

If there is one thing that I remember during my 1^st trip in Bohol was the warm and gentle breeze the island has. Not too strong and not too meek; just about right for you to enjoy. There was also that usual short drizzles in the afternoon which I find relaxing to steady the heat of summer tropics.

This time around...

The Air Flight

Our e-ticket says our flight was supposed to be 3:00pm of October 17 via Philippine Airlines. Along with me are my friends, Ros and Denise. We had talks before the trip that we wanted something new away from our busy work. Little did we know that we are up to a challenge on the day of our flight to Bohol.

(Phone call…)

Eric – "Hi Ros! I am already outside the airport. Can you meet me at the lobby because I don’t have a print out of my e-ticket."

Ros – "You don’t need a copy of the e-ticket. We got inside the airport without showing it. We’ll meet you at gate 3."

Eric – "Oh, okay. I’ll see you in a while."

I felt odd after we ended the call. “Gate 3 of Philippine Airlines Domestic Airport? I don’t remember PAL having gate numbers. They only have one main gate.” – I muse to myself.

(Another phone call…)

Eric - “I am not outside the main gate. Where are you?”

Denise – ”We are here inside. Ros will meet you there.”

Eric – "Okay. Hang on. Which terminal are you at? Terminal 2, right? Where PAL is?"

Denise – "Oh noh! But you said Terminal 3?"

Eric – Did I? I meant the airport where PAL flights are.

(In short it was my fault. Goof part)

This is the part where we became part of the reality show, “The Amazing Race”!

We sure made it to our flight. But it was full of drama and comedy.

When Ros and Denise arrived at the airport, it was already quarter to 3. I was not hoping we’ll made it but we did. We were directed by the lobby guard to the “Supervisor Counter” where we were told that we are late already.

“Ganon?!” Sige na please.” (What?! Can you please accommodate us?) – I pleaded (with my Academy award face) to the supervisor.

“May check in bags ba kayo?” (Do you have check in luggage?) – The irritated Supervisor continued.

“Wala!” (None!) – I gleamed.

My friends who took part of PAL Amazing Race (Ros and Denise)

That’s where the part I realized our trip to Bohol will happen.

I love PAL for being flexible to their late passengers. Five Fierce Points for this!

In Bohol

After our tiring experience at the PAL Airport, we were welcomed by the rest of the group who travelled via Cebu Pacific. When we got asked how was our trip, Ros, Denise and I laughed like there was no tomorrow.

***

Then it was time for our dinner. Our 1^st stop was Bohol’s famous Floating Restaurant – Loboc River Cruise.

I didn’t try this during my 1^st trip in Bohol. It was so hot that time and atop of us was the 12pm sun. Heat heat heat! Thus, we decided to dine where there is air-conditioning.

Since it was dinner, I thought it will be okay to join my friends.

How was the food? REALLY, REALLY BAD! For a buffet fee of Php500.00 ($11.00+), the food that was served to us was nasty as hell! The rice and vegetable were overcooked and rest of the food was bland. On top of the tasteless cuisine they offer, the food on the table was not enough for everyone. It was like battle of the fittest just to get enough food on your plate. I felt like being in the "wild" hunting for your own food and I was a novice.

I fought hard to get this on my plate and I don't get to eat it (Urgh)

Unless management changes the way they served their meal, the experience is pointless and plain ripped off.

A single Fierce Point for the floating Restaurant. A give them credit in creating the colorful ambiance along the river. Other than than, forget it!

***

Since we were totally disappointed from our dinner, we had to hunt for a more edible food. And it was DBR Grill who rescued us from hunger that night. It was one of those so-so grills you find along the road. But since we were in Bohol, that so-so grill is instead located near the beach.

DBR Grill may not be famous but their food is FAR better than the 500-worth buffet we had earlier.

The Grill Bar that Saved us from Hunger

Dinner at DBR Grill (we can now smile for the camera)

(From Left: Charley, Jed, Flor, Ros, Denise and the Blogger)

***

Bohol Bee Farm

I enjoyed my time here because the place is not pretentious. The experience was really relaxing and the food was something to enjoy and remember. From ambiance to the food they served on your plate, Bohol Bee Farm is a must stop when traveling to Bohol.

The blogger taking a rest at Bee Farm

Bee Farm is a villa dramatically housed on a cliff. It is one of those places where you get to be part with nature - too much of nature that is you’re also exposed to the insects. That’s why you need to bring those special lotions to keep the mosquitoes away. A must have!

What I really love about my experience here is how they combined good food and present-day pleasures. That is the ultimate service for me!

You can also visit their souvenir shop where you can buy their organic food.

Contact Information:

Address: Dao, Dauis, Bohol Philippines

Phone: +63 917 304 1491

Email: vickywallace@boholbeefarm.com

Other Fierce Finds - Reasons to Go to Bohol

Bohol Beach in Panglao Island

Bohol Beach in Panglao Island

An air-conditioned Toilet?

(Sure it is and it's cold! Too cold my balls shrank!)

Credits:

To rosedralin, thanks for allowing Fierce Blogs to post your photography here.

Fierce Blogs ' Latest Banner

After being away for almost 2 weeks, I'm back to blogging. Tonight I feel re-charge and ready to blog a lot of fierceness for my readers to enjoy. But before all that, I want to share my latest blog banner.

My latest blog banner is different this time because I personally designed it. Unlike my previous ones, it is either a friend or some web designer who created them. This time I wanted it to be more personal. It is not artistically 2 thumbs up but my blog banner is so me in hundred ways.

Credits:
- Photos were taken by Gerry M.
- Banner design by my hands.

Fierce Blogs - Back to Basics

I met up with friends last night over dinner. Darn! I really miss them. It was probably a month since I had the chance to be with them. Why? I am blaming the crazy weather we had in our country and nothing else! I mean, from Ondoy to Pepeng? Not only did they bring misfortune in our country, they also have a hideous name! Can we at least just follow the international names of these typhoons instead of changing it to a barriotic-sounding names? Please!

(Bloggers bubble thought, “Which leads me to wonder, may be Ondoy and Pepeng are long-time lovers who are having issues. Probably Ondoy slept with their neighbor, Morong and was caught in the act that lead to the whole disaster”)

We had Thai food for dinner and a whole lot of catching up with our personal lives - work, romance and the bad encounters we all had because of the recent typhoon. We all missed each other and everyone was hungry for bits of scoop over the other. We hardly ate, actually. A lot of rice, chicken curry and Pad Thai left on our table. In fact, we even had to ask our leftover food to be bagged – which we forgot to bring along with us (LOL). Call it senior moment!

After dinner we drove to Bonifacio, High Street where coffee and dessert await the gang. Oh! But not before we check the stores! Some shopped while most of us checked the hotties we see along “the zone”. As I told my friend, “Tonight is a good night! The crowd is infested with hotties”.

We ended the night in a very odd note, though. When we were about to head to the car park, we suddenly saw ourselves sitting (again) under the light post. May be we still don’t want to go. May be we wanted to chat more. But whatever it was, it was fun sitting at the drivers lounge with friends for more chatting.

It was really nice seeing everyone (even if we’re not complete). It was a refreshing change from the usual humdrums of our busy lives. These past few weeks have been tiring for me in many ways. I was wondering why? I mean, work is good. I don’t feel sick and all –but I feel somewhat restless from thinking of so many things.

I guess this is where the balance in life comes in. No matter how thorny things are, there is always a safe and sound side we can always go back to. It is a place close to our hearts but mostly ignored because of the demands of our individual roles.

Last night I went back to basics. It was the basic need of interacting to people who have known you all these years. It was that kind of company I was really longing for to take me away from a path I am not familiar with.

Some pictures using my Nokia E65 mobile phone (really back to basics, huh).

Oui Facebook-ing...

Gerry who is now addicted to "running"


Raqs - Soon to be worth millions (LOL)

And the blogger posing..still a narcissist...

Fierce Blogs - Inspiring People to Blog

I’ve been a blogger for quite a while already. I never expected though that I would be inspiring friends to be bloggers too along the way. That was never in my plan. All I wanted 4 years ago was to write and share what I have between my two ears – my craziness that is!

I still remember my very first blog. It created such a disturbance I had to delete it (but I kept a copy). Actually, it was more of a short gay-themed story about the writer. Some thought it was too personal for me to even write it. Others though it was funny and real. But just the same, I removed it and just retained a copy on my multiply account (toned version here).

But this blog is not about me (for a change). Today, I will feature the blog sites of my friends who I have “inspired” somehow.

Chi - Blurred and Hypoxic - "TAKE A DEEP BREATH ...close your eyes and hold your breath ... see the silence ... hear life ... then let go ... BLURRED & HYPOXIC ... unclear views ... devoid of air ... it begins with chaos .... ends with acceptance ... in the middle ... the clear TRUTH..."

You may think his blog is DDD. That’s Dark, Deep and Dangerous. In fact that was my comment to him when he asked my opinion about his blog. But as I read his posts, the more curious I became to connect his blog theme to his persona. Quite tricky at first if you ask me. Why? His madness can be damn scary – which is also the reason why I think his work is unique. He is a natural and passionate artist by heart and it shows a lot in his writing - Inspired by life’s realism engined by a kid’s imagination.

Ros – “Thought bubbles and rainbow-colored days”

I first saw her photography at Facebook. I instantly became a fan and was really amazed on how talented the lady is. Her eye for balance and color amaze me to this day (which by the way reminds me of my photo shoot with her very soon. Am I excited or what?!) But that’s not all she has to offer on her blog. Ros is one busy bee always on the loose looking for adventure and misadventure. While most of us enjoy sleeping for hours, this Wonder Girl tends to forget all about that. From one event to the other, our lady super hero will be there to blog it.

As her blog header says, her thoughts are indeed bubbles a floating a many; full of colors and wonders.

Fierce Blogs simply love it!

Lemon – “My Lifestyle – My Life – My Blog”

He is one of my friends who I can put under my list of G.A.P – Gay and Proud. For he really is! This flamboyant stunner may be new into blogging but never misses the “scene”. His larger than life attitude is infectious. He doesn’t like those “one-liners” because he is the headliner, so to speak.

Fierce Blog is honored to have coined his blog header, “My Lifestyle – My Life – My Blog”.

More featured bloggers on my future posts...