Muscat Festival 2008.. in pictures.

Muscat Festival is an annual celebration of Oman’s traditional arts, culture and heritage. It is organized by the Muscat Municipality, and is usually held at the beginning of every year, to provide the people of Oman, expatriates and tourists fun, adventure, excitement and entertainment. It is the country’s most spectacular tourist attraction, and has played a very significant role in building and supporting the country’s flourishing tourism and hospitality industry.

Tatlong babae sa sauna

Isang dalaga, isang hot momma, at isang senior citizen, ang nakaupo ng hubo’t-hubad sa sauna. Nagkekwentuhan sila ng biglang may narinig silang nag-’beep’.

Pinindot ng dalaga ang kanyang siko at huminto ang tunog. Napatingin ang hot momma at ang senior citizen sa dalaga na parang nagtataka.

Premyo sa pagbabantay

Mamimigay ako ng mga sumusunod:

1. Libreng konsultasyon at paggawa ng Header Image (maximum of six designs)
2. 160 gigabyte iPod classic with all my mixes (even the ones I haven’t shared here yet)
3. Overnight stay sa kahit anong motel na gusto nyo (may kasama pa partner)
   
4. Brand new iPhone na may kasamang telephone numbers ng mga chicks na hindi na kailangan ligawan (kung babae naman, telephone numbers ng mga lalaking galante)
5. Brand new Canon 450D w/ battery grip, flash unit, prime lens, telephoto lens & tripod
6. House & lot, brand new car at round trip ticket to any destination of your choice

Deadly Duo

Hindi ko alam kung matutuwa o maiinis sa usapan namin kanina ni Mrs. Azrael. Nakakatuwa dahil syempre, nakakakwentuhan ko si misis at nakikita pa sa webcam, na parang hindi rin kami magkalayo. Yun nga lang, hindi ko man lang natsa-tsansingan nahahawakan. Pero ok na rin yun, At least updated kaming dalawa sa mga nangyayari sa aming paligid. Nakakawala ng pagod at talaga namang nababawasan ang aking pagka-miss sa aking pamilya. Kasama rin nya kasi si Aila na nakaupo sa kanya, at sabay kaming tumatawa kapag nagpapakitang gilas ang aming prinsesa sa harapan ng webcam.

Ang tipo kong babae…

Ang tipo kong babae.. ay ang mga sumusunod:

1. Beautiful and so damn proud of it - Eto ang type na alam nilang may itsura sila at dahil dyan, halos ipagsigawan sa buong mundo ang kanilang angking kagandahan, kahit na hindi naman interesado ang mundo sa kanilang itsura. Malakas ang loob na sabihin sa lahat kung gaano sila kaganda. Masanay ka na, na pag naguusap kayo, out of the blue bigla sasabihin, ‘byutipul ako talaga grabe!’. Maghanda ka na ng matinding gamot dahil sigurado na sa araw araw na ginawa ng dyos na naririnig mo ang ganitong papuri nila sa kanilang sarili, hindi lang suka ang gagawin mo, sasabayan mo na rin ng pagtatae.

Some buying tips for soon to be parents

Kausap ko si Ann kanina. Excited na si pasawife sa paglabas ng baby nila ni hubby. I can relate with her excitement coz I’ve been there. So, we touched this certain topic, and she asked me questions here and there. Akala yata ni Ann eksperto ako pag dating sa usapang ‘babies’. Oo, sa gawaan magaling ako.. Ah uhmmm.. back to the topic. Ang kanyang inquiry kay expert daddy? What’s the best stroller for babies. I remember giving her advices in the past on which brands to consider, and where to get them, that’s why I decided to make my own tips and recommendations on what couples should go for and buy for their soon to be bundles of joy. Wait.. hindi lahat ha. Tungkol sa strollers at feeding bottles lang ang tatalakayin ko.

Hindi ako eksperto pagdating sa mga bagay na ito. I don’t work nor have tie-ups or contacts with brands that cater to baby needs, pero I feel that since I am a father myself, and have been with Mrs. Azrael overseeing the growth and development of our baby daughter for quite a while, and in fact have decided on most of the purchases, I am in a position to recommend and share a few pointers that might actually be of help to expecting moms and dads. So without further delay, here goes AZRAEL’s tips and recommended brands for purchase:

STROLLERS - Strollers can be a parent’s best friend, but choosing the wrong baby stroller could spell trouble and inconvenience. These are the factors that should be considered before buying one for your baby:

1. Safety: It must be stable and of rigid construction. Hindi lahat ng gawa sa metal ay matibay, mayroon din gawa sa plastic at light metals na ok at mas safe gamitin dahil hindi kinakalawang ang ibang parts. A five point harness is a must. This harness should go over the baby’s shoulders, na parang naka-seatbelt sya na parang piloto ng fighter jet. Yung tipong may support sa magkabilang balikat, sa bewang, at sa crotch. Make sure there are no sharp ends, and exposed screws and bolts that might injure you or your baby.

2. Wheels and Handles: Before buying one, you need walk the stroller first and have a feel if it’s comfortable or not. Tandaan na hindi lang baby ang dapat komportable sa stroller, dapat pati rin ang nagtutulak. Handles should be adjustable in height and I would recommend one that can be tilted forwards so that the baby faces you. Wheels should turn smoothly on corners, and your feet shouldn’t hit them when walking at a faster pace. A locking mechanism, which is standard in most strollers available, should be checked if it really remains locked when engaged. Meron mga strollers na plastic ang locking mechanism at hindi maganda ang placement. Locked na ang wheels kuno, pero the stroller still moves forward (or backwards) when in a slightly angled position.

3. Convenience features: Some strollers come with basket trays underneath, parent organization trays, toy bars, snack and drinks holders, rain hoods, mosquito nets and many more. It all depends on what your baby would be needing. If you carry milk bottles and diapers on a separate bag, then there’s no need for a baby basket. You should also consider how fast and convenient a stroller system can be folded, and how much trunk space it will occupy.

There are different types of strollers available in the market. There are the Lightweights, Standard, Jogging Type, Travel Systems and even Multiple strollers (yung pang-kambal). Depende yan sa pangangailan nyo at ng inyong baby. I would also advise that you bring along your baby with you when buying a stroller. Iupo nyo muna. Testingin kung ano ang plakado sa pangangatawan nya. Hindi lahat nga sanggol pare-pareho ng body built. Alangan naman bumili ka ng multiple type na sing-laki ng hummer at kulay black, eh ang anak mo naman eh isa lang at babae pa. Or baka naman bumili ka ng Travel System complete with car seat, eh wala ka naman kotse. Over yan!

Brands that I would recommend are GRACO, MCLAREN, PEG PEREJO, CHICCO, INGLESINA and COSCO JEOBY. All of these brands are available in the Philippines, except for INGLESINA. Expensive? Yes. Siguro pinakamura makikita mo is about 7 thousand. Some go as high as 30k. But believe me when I tell you, with these brands, you can never go wrong.. Worth every single peso dahil talagang matibay! Kahit sumakay ka pa!

FEEDING BOTTLES - Hindi lahat ng bote ng gatas pare-pareho. Kahit na bote, lid, at tsupon lang yan, magkakaiba pa rin yan. Although they may look and function the same at first glance, the difference lies in the material and the shape of the nipple and the bottle itself. Aila have tried at least 5 brands of feeding bottles which include The First Years, Pigeon, Playtex, Gerber and Avent. I will not go into details and make a comparison regarding these brands dahil hindi naman ako ang dumede eh, kaya hindi ko alam kung ano ang masarap supsupin at dedehin hmmmp! Anyway, Mrs. Azrael and I decided to stick with AVENT as Aila’s main feeding bottles, and PIGEON as a back-up. And here are the reasons why. Kasama na rin ang mga tips.

1. When you consider the “less air and more flow” options, these two brands shine hands down. Mahirap kabagan ang mga babies. Hindi sila makareklamo, iyak sila ng iyak. And I have observed that Aila is happy feeding on Avent and Pigeon. The nipple system is superb. May ilan brands na after 1 or two weeks, magpapalit ka na ng tsupon dahil flat na, or kulay puti na (milk residue that sticks?) pero with these two brands, alangya… isang nipple lang parang pang-habang buhay na yata. Matibay ang nipples and even the bottles itself, kahit ilan hugas at microwave na, makintab pa rin, hindi nagagasgas, at hindi nabubura ang print. Di tulad ng Evenflo (oops sori okray time), ilan beses mo pa lang nahuhugasan burado na ang print sa bottle at hindi na evenflo nakasulat.. “even if” na.. ok korny.

2. Wide Mouth Bottles - The main advantage of this type of bottle is it’s easier to clean and fill. Importante yan dahil hindi sa lahat ng pagkakataon eh pwede mong i-microwave ang bote. Paano kung walang microwave sa pupuntahan mo at ng iyong baby? Obligado kang linisin at hugasan gamit ang iyong mga kamay. Mas madali nga naman hugasan kung malaki ang opening di ba? At mas madali rin maglagay ng tubig at milk formula korek? Kailangan pa ba i-memorize yan???

3. Interchangeable Bottle System - When you buy Avent and Pigeon bottles, you don’t have to hunt for a matching nipple or cap. They both have sealing discs that fit in the ring in place of the nipple if you need to refrigerate or freeze milk. Lamang ng konti ang Avent brand dito dahil with Avent, you can attach the manual breast pump to the bottle, totally eliminating the problem of spillage. Kapag medyo malaki na si baby at ready na para sa sippy cup, pwede na rin derecho ikabit yung handled sprout sa bote kaya.. walaaaaaaaaah! Magic! Ang galing!

It all boils down to one thing.. PRICE.. mahal ang Avent. Around 750 pesos yata yung 10 or 12 oz (not sure on the bottle size) at yung Pigeon wide neck naman eh 350 yata. Pero kung gusto mong masaya ang baby mo at hindi ka binibigyan ng sakit ng ulo, go for these brands.. Idadagdag ko na rin pala, If you will decide to buy the most expensive brand, invest more on the biggest bottle size available. Wag na wag bibili ng isang dosenang 4 oz na bote dahil pag lumakas na ang consumption ng milk ni baby, hindi na papakinabangan yan. If I will rate these two bottle systems, I’ll give AVENT a 10 and PIGEON a 9. The rest mentioned above, 6 below na sila. at yung cheapy brands like Farlin, I’ll give it a 1 na may kasama pang simangot.

Tapos na tips and recommendations ko yehey! Strollers at Bottles lang eh di ba. Pero teka, nasa mood pa ako dumaldal, and since we’re on the topic of baby essentials, idadagdag ko na nga rin ang mga ito..

WATER - Depende sa recommendation ng pediatrician yan. Some say distilled water is best and not mineral or boiled water. Pero I say, DR. EDWARDS sterilized drinking water is definitely the best and thus recommended. Bakit kamo? Kasi ang Dr. Edwards meron silang water for 6 mos up, na may kasamang fluoride. At para saan yan? To strengthen the teeth of your baby, kahit na hindi pa sya tinutubuan ng ngipin. Kung gusto nyo makatipid ng konti, go for Wilkins. Haluan nyo na lang ng toothpaste para same effect. Ok, forget I said that.

PLAYPEN/CRIB/FEEDING CHAIR/WALKERS - Go for GRACO, CHICCO and COMBI. Madami brands na ok, even the ones made in China but these three have the most extensive lineup to choose from. Maganda ang construction at materials na ginamit. At syempre pa, visually attractive. Yun nga lang, mahal. Again, just like the strollers, depende ulit yan sa pangangailangan ng inyong baby.

DIAPERS - Nothing comes close to PAMPERS ALL NIGHT. We’ve tried almost all available brands in the market and we got totally disappointed in some, but definitely thumbs up for the ‘All Nights’.. Why? They are really all-nighters that’s why. Si Aila matutulog ng 9pm at magigising ng around 8am, pag-check namin ang diaper nya pagkagising, walang leak, she’s still dry, and most of all, she’s still comfy with it. Wag lang poopoo ha. Pag ebak na usaban wala pang diaper na naiimbento para tumagal ng ganyan katagal nyahahaha!

RASH CREAM - Huwag na huwag gagamit ng pulbos pag may rashes ang baby lalo na sa bandang singit or pwet. Use DRAPOLENE, or any other recommended cream by your doctor. Subok ang Drapolene. Si Aila never nagkaroon ng rashes dahil we make sure after her nappy change, naka-Drapolene na agad sya. Sinubukan ko rin kasi mag-apply sa singit at betlog ko nun eh. I swear, nawala ang kati at naging wrinkle free betlog ko nyahahaha! Joke lang. Wag gagayahin. Bad yan.

INFANT/BABY WEAR - Hmmm.. Hindi ko gaano namalayan kung ano ginamit ni Aila noong sobrang baby pa sya. Ang nakita ko lang na ginamit nyang brand sa mga lampin at damit, ENFANT. I don’t know much about this brand but I think it’s ok. Ilan labahan na, pero hindi pa rin gutay-gutay at visible pa rin ang tatak. Now that Aila is already 7 mos, at malaki na syempre pwede na sya pumorma. Gingersnaps at Baby Guess syempre. Japorms!

MILK FORMULA - Madami ang ok dyan. Depende sa rekomendasyon ng Pediatrician. Aila is on ENFAPRO A+ by MeadJohnson. When we asked her pedia for an alternative brand in case magkaubusan ng stock ng gatas sa counters or sa shelves (which happened to us by the way), wala siya iba ni-recommend. Either Enfapro is really the best, or kasama sya sa payroll ng mga ahente ng gatas na yun nyahahaha! But nothing beats mother’s milk ika nga. Mother’s milk is best for babies.. And best for hubbies as well!

Just remember, Good parenting does not solely rely on how good and expensive your baby’s things are. It’s about how much you love your precious little angel and how practical and smart you should be in making her grow happy, content and well taken care of. Nothing beats the feeling of seeing your baby happy and satisfied. Kapag ikaw nangitian ng ganito, ewan ko lang kung hindi gumaan ang pakiramdam mo.

I hope this post will help the soon to be moms and dads out there. AZRAEL, MRS. AZRAEL and MARIA AILA YSABELLE wish you and your baby the best of health!

All photos modelled by Maria Aila Ysabelle. For bookings, engagements and special apperances, please email angkyutkyutko@dahilpogiangtatayko.com nyahahaha!

DISCLAIMER: I am not endorsing any brand here. If you feel I have dissed a certain brand and have caused a decline in sales.. Sue me and kiss my aZZZZZZZZZZZ!

SQUELCH: DJ Robin Mendoza’s first for 2008!

SQUELCH defined

a: to fall or stomp on so as to crush
b: to completely suppress
c: to emit or move with a sucking sound
d: to splash through water, slush, or mire
e: to supress noise

This is my first mix made available for 2008. Although I haven’t been posting entries for a while, I made sure that this blog stays true to its name and reputation.. Of being the only (I think) Pinoy Blog that shares the talent of a real life DJ and shares original mixed compilations for free, at the same time ranting and raving about personal stuff. Unique di ba??

SQUELCH is a mixed compilation of aggressive, deep, dark, fierce, filthy and pumping tracks guaranteed to make you dance. Sa tagalog.. Agresibo, Malalim, Maitim, Matapang, Madumi at Bumabayo.. Parang ako nyahahahaha! I have shared this mix recently to a non-clubber, and after listening to the mix, the words “DAMN! Ang galing! Kahit di ako marunong sumayaw, napapasayaw ako wooohoooooooo!” were said. I’m pretty sure you will react and utter words somewhere along these lines when you hear it (winks)

Squelch is my favorite mix right now. Hindi lang dahil ito ang pinakabago. Dahil na rin sa ito talaga ang type ng Electronic Music na gusto kong patugtugin, in case na active pa ako sa pagiging DJ.

Teka muna. Hayaan nyo muna ako magkwento. Sandali lang to. Ang hindi magbasa at dumerecho sa download link PANGET!!!

I was recently invited by a local FM radio station to guest on their weekly Friday show, which highlights the DJing skills of locals and expatriates alike. Yes oh yes. Middle East man ito, madami din aspiring DJs at Electronica Music lovers dito. The station I’m talking about is Hi-FM. This is no ordinary Muscat based Radio station. It is being managed and run by people from London, who I heard were once connected to Ministry Of Sound and BBC Radio. These people know what clubbing music is all about I tell you. The station will have its official launching sometime in March, and a big Rave or party or whatever you may want to call it is being organized to coincide with the launch. They will be flying-in world renowned DJs and regional artists and guess what.. I am on the list, and will be playing alongside them hehe. Hindi man ako sumikat at gumawa ng pangalan sa pinas, malay nyo.. Baka madiscover ako dito at maging daan ito para sa aking pag-yaman nyahahahaha! Kase yung mga mixes ko free eh.. Wala ako nakukuha kahit singkong duling hmmmp!

Enough of the kwento.. It’s download time! Yehey!!!! Masaya na naman ang mga mahilig sa libre! Nyahahahaha!

DJ Robin Mendoza presents

 

squelch

 

click image to download

(total running time: 91:08 - 83.45 mb @ 128 kbps)

TRACK LISTING:

1. Intro: Fuck Me - Dean Roberts and L. Jordan
2. Fuck Me (Workout Mix) - Noir presents Black Magik
3. Party Alarm 2008 (Virtual Groove Remix) - Aquagen
4. Punk Rock Electro (Manuel De La Mare Bleach Mix) - Nino Anthony
5. First Class (Electro Mix) - Enzo Mori & Stephanie Clark
6. Sweet Harmony (Spoon & Talk Mix) - Liquid
7. Feel The Hard Rock (Eiko & Maiko Remix) - Hardrox
8. When The Sun Goes Down (Bassdown Remix) - Arctic Monkeys
9. Dance 4 Life (Sander Van Doorn Remix) - DJ Tiesto feat. Maxi Jazz
10. The Bass (Wardt Remix) - Sander Van Doorn
11. Insane (Steve Murano Remix) - Dark Monks
12. Do You See The Light (Steve Murano 2008 Remix) - Snap vs. Plaything
13. Let Go (Alex Kunnari Remix) - Paul Van Dyk
14. Scream (Rebellion Mix) - TDR
15. Dark Roast (Original Mix) - Sander Van Doorn
16. Electro Body Music (Eskimo Remix) - Silicon Sound

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If you find my mixes cool, please support me by putting a banner on your blog’s sidebar. It will be much appreciated.

here’s the banner code:

<p align=center><a href=http://azrael666.wordpress.com/the-dj/><img src=http://img110.imageshack.us/img110/4400/azrael02e2sg9.jpg border=0 alt= AZRAEL width=180></a></p>

 

I just had to add these: Videos of some of the tracks above, courtesy of youtube. Check them out.

Paul Van Dyk feat. Rea Garvey - Let Go

DJ Tiesto feat. Maxi Jazz - Dance 4 Life

Dark Monks - Insane

 

 

 

 

The official “I’m Back” entry

I’ve been gone for 2 months. Kababalik ko lang galing sa pinas, at eto na naman ako sa bansang Oman.. Nagbalik para magtrabahong muli. Iniwan pansamantala ang aking pamilya, para mag-ipon ulit dahil magastos sila, sobra nyahahaha!

2 months ako nawala sa sirkulasyon. 2 months iniwan ang blogosphere at kinalimutan ang pagiging blogger at sa halip, nag-concentrate sa pagiging isang anak, kapatid, asawa, ama at siga sa kanto.

Alam ko na kahit paano, mayroon ako responsibilidad bilang isang blogger at pagiging miyembro ng blogging community. Noong nasa pinas pa ako, minsan ay naiisip ko rin kayo, ang aking mga kaibigan. Nakatulala sa kisame habang pinapanood ang pag-aaway ng mga butiki, at binabalikan ang mga nakaraang experiences noong ako ay super active pa sa blogging. Nangingiti ako kapag naalala ko ang palitan ng mga mensahe sa comments section, ang pang-ookray ng mga walang kwentang tao, ang pagtarantado sa mga kasumpa-sumpang nilalang, at mga kalokohan na aking kinasangkutan.

In spite of the good memories, blogging has also been the reason why I became non-active. Huwat?? Naging inactive sa blogging dahil sa blogging?? Anlabo anak ng teteng! Hayaan nyong ipaliwanag ko. Dahil sa pakiramdam ko, I owe some of you, if not all, an explanation on why I suddenly disappeared from the limelight. Ganito kasi yan….

I was excited to show Mrs. Azrael my blog and my writings. Inakala ko na kapag nabasa nya ang aking entries, matutuwa sya at mabibigyan ako ng matinding yakap at halik (na maaring mauwi sa romansahan), dahil sa galing kong magsulat (Ok… feeling magaling pala). Hindi ko inaasahan na imbes na matuwa sya, ito pala ay mauuwi sa away. I swear, muntik na ako makalbo sa sabunot at nagmistulang ‘rudolph the red nosed reindeer’ ang aking ilong sa sobrang pitik. Eh paano nga naman ako hindi aawayin, eh buking na buking ako sa kalandian ampft! Oo na.. Kasalanan ko ng lahat. Tao lang ako. Nagkakamali. Nadarapa. At nahuhulog sa kumunoy.

In short, nanahimik ako sa blogging dahil ayaw ko ng dagdagan pa ang inis sa akin ni Mrs. Azrael. Kasama na rin nito ang pangako sa kanya na sa aking pagbabalik, hindi na ako lalandi at hindi na magpapalandi kahit kanino. Friendship na lang kasi please??

With what happened, I had a different perspective on life and it’s complexities. Maganda na mailahad mo ang iyong nararamdaman kahit na gaano pa ito ka-brutal pero minsan, ang pagiging vocal sa mga bagay bagay ay nagiging sanhi rin pala ng hidwaan at hindi pagkakaintindihan. I learned a lesson or two from this experience and I am hoping… No.. I am promising that the same mistake won’t ever happen again.

Kaya para sa inyo dear readers and followers of my blog, pasensya na ha. Sorry kung hindi man lang ako nakapagparamdam noong nasa Pinas ako. Madami akong binalak noon. I was even hoping to join our fellow bloggers from WordPress Pinoys for their Christmas outreach program. I don’t know if that one pushed through, but if it did.. I’m sorry for not taking part. Humihingi din ako ng paumanhin sa mga napangakuan ko ng pasalubong na camel. Actually meron talaga eh. Kaso mo sa sobrang galit ni Mrs. Azrael, pinakatay lahat ng camel at pinamigay sa mga tambay sa amin para gawing pulutan.

Sabi nga nila.. “With great looks come great responsibility (nyahahaha!)”.. Responsibilidad ko na magpaliwanag sa inyong lahat. Responsibilidad na sabihing… Eto na ulit ako. Nagbabalik.

Hindi man ako makapag-post ng mga nakakakiliting entries ngayon, sisikapin ko pa rin na mag-update ng blog on a regular basis. Expect more mixes, more rants (definitely more rants), more work related experiences, and more posts and pics from home.

AZRAEL IS BACK! Halleluiah!

P.S. - May nagsabi sa akin noong isang araw lang, mababawasan na raw image ko dahil hindi na raw ako ladies’ man.. Ok lang.. tangina mang-aaway na lang ako!!!

Ok.. sino uunahin natin??

 

Missing You

Miss na kita. Wala pa akong tulog mula ng bumalik ako dito. Hindi makakain. Laging naluluha kapag naiisip at naaalala ang ating pinagsamahan sa Pinas. Those were the best 2 months of my life. I lost touch with the outside world and completely focused myself on you, and I have no regrets. Kapag naiisip ko ang mga oras na nagkakantahan, naglalaro, naglalandian, nagyayakapan at naghahalikan tayo, hindi ko mapigil ang pagtulo ng luha ko. Tangina maga mata ko ngayon alam mo ba?

Nakakalungkot lang isipin na ang tagal kong naghintay para makita ka lang, at eto na naman ako.. Muling magbibilang ng araw at magmamarka ng ekis sa kalendaryo para makasama kang muli. Pitong buwan ang bubunuin ko bago tayo magkita ulit. Basta papakabait ka ha? Always remember that I LOVE YOU SO MUCH…

Bakit naman kasi sobrang ganda mo eh… HMMMP!!!!