I received a YM message today from my blogger friend Conrad Contreras. He asked me on how many visitors I receive a day. Apparently, he is seeking my help with this $20,000 college scholarship. When I read about the "college sponsorship" words, I immediately want to help this kid. Who doesn't want to help someone when it comes to education?

Conrad Contreras by the way is a 15-year old Fil-Am student that is now based in California, USA. His family migrated in the US in 2007. Conrad is now in his sophomore years at Everett Alvarez High School with an impressive 4.07 GPA. He is the current Salutatorian by 2011. University of California-Berkeley, Los Angeles, San Diego and Stanford University are his top choices for college. With his family just starting out in the US, he wants to help them by getting as much scholarships as he can.

So, how are we going to help Conrad? There is an ongoing State voting in Zinch.com wherein the top vote-getters will advance to the Regional round. All we need to do is to vote Conrad by registering at this link and clicking the Vote button located after his name. As simple as that. Conrad currently has 17 votes including my vote. His competitors are doing well with more than 100 votes, so we need more people to help Conrad. Voting period is from February 25 to March 4. I will give an additional 10 points (Big Mak Blog Contest) to those who will vote for Conrad.

Let us help our fellow Pinoy who wants a better education and future.

I made a post this month about the online podcast of Chico and Delamar’s radio program, “The Morning Rush.” Thanks again to Blue Ritz for the podcast. My day wouldn’t be complete without catching up to this radio program.

I noticed recently that “The Morning Rush with Chico and Delamar” has been extended to one more hour. From three hours it is now four hours, 6 A.M. to 10 A.M. According to a source, ratings of the “The Morning Rush” is extremely high that’s why after Chinese New Year, the radio program has been extended to one more hour. They also received requests from the Rushers to make the program longer.

I think this is the first radio program in Monster Radio RX 93.1 to have four hours of fun programming. I am glad it is extended. I usually listen to the program 30 minutes before the program ends. Now I get to listen one extra hour. Isn’t that cool?

Congratulations to Chico and Delamar!

Hello Big Mak participants! This is the third week of the biggest blog contest for the year 2009. Before I round down the top 15 contestants as of February 26, I just want to announce that I have tweaked the logo of the Big Mak Blog Contest. I would appreciate it if you would update your contest banners. Here are the new contest badge codes:

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<a href="http://www.makoyskie.com/2009/02/join-big-mak-blog-contest.html"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yYs0Lm7OO_o/SaVRHzjquyI/AAAAAAAAFeE/0ZRpXnVHIGY/s400/bigmakcontestnew200.jpg" alt="Big Mak Blog Contest" /></a>

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<a href="http://www.makoyskie.com/2009/02/join-big-mak-blog-contest.html"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yYs0Lm7OO_o/SaVPkHBp2eI/AAAAAAAAFd8/V2X5_BLlsKQ/s400/bigmakcontestEC200.jpg" alt="Big Mak Blog Contest" /></a>

Thanks again to all participants. I am happy that on the second week of this contest, there are already 22 participants. And just this week, we have additional 26 participants. A total of 48 contestants. I am optimistic that it could reach the 100 mark, I am hoping.

Now, here is the list of the top 15 contestants as of Week 3:
1. 723
2. 593
3. 355
4. 291
5. 237
6. 236
7. 144
8. 94
9. 57
10. 48
11. 45
12. 42
13. 38
14. 37
15. 36

Here are the official participants of the Big Mak Blog Contest. If you are not in the list, please drop me a message.

1. Aries
2. Astig316
3. Badong
4. BM
5. Brillie
6. Bryan Karl
7. Carnation
8. C'est La Vie
9. Denis
10. Derekgavin
11. Doll
12. Elvz
13. Fedhz
14. Femikey
15. Genejosh
16. Grace
17. Indocontest
18. Janelle
19. January
20. Jena Isle
21. Jes
22. Joey
23. Joy
24. Karun
25. Kcat
26. Michelle
27. Mys
28. Nedekcir
29. Nikky
30. Pinoy2com
31. RagingRev
32. Rechie
33. Revenue
34. Rhodilee
35. Richiem
36. Riza
37. Rolly
38. Rosa
39. Rose
40. Rosell
41. Sherry
42. shydub
43. suwari
44. Sweet Shelo
45. The Guru
46. vhingF
47. Webbielady
48. Wiehanne

Yesterday on our way home, my officemate and I saw this rainbow. Many were amazed and you can see them happy taking pictures of it. Here are some of the rainbow pictures:

Yesterday morning, I asked my other housemate the condition of my pregnant housemate. I was saddened to know that she had a miscarriage early dawn. According to my other housemate, the couple went back to the National University Hospital for the third time after she experienced another series of spotting. The third visit to the hospital was painful for the couple. The heartbeat of the baby was gone.

She was then scheduled to have her womb clean of the blood clot that night. Before the cleaning, she told us that she was still in denial and asked the doctor to check the baby if there’s still a heartbeat. The doctor told her that with that serious case of bleeding, there is no chance that her baby will be normal and there is no heartbeat anymore.

My housemates and I then decided to pay her a visit in the hospital. We bought fruits and also brought her clothes. We were fortunate that the cab driver that we took allow us five to ride his cab. Here in Singapore, only four passengers are allowed in the cab. It was a fun ride since the cab driver was so talkative and full of stories. I’m not in the mood though to talk to him.

The hospital honestly looked like a school. It even has a Kopitiam food court near the entrance. When we arrived there, we called up the couple so the guy can fetch us. It took him forever and we understood why because it was literally a long walk. When we got into the ward, we said our hellos and we began asking her questions. She’s more relaxed and calm. Maybe the visit of her other friends helped her.

After the short conversation, we were told by the nurse that visiting hours is already over so we have decided to home already. On our way down, my generous housemate told us that he will treat us coffee in Delifrance. We then stayed there until the boyfriend of my pregnant housemate saw us in Delifrance.

We tried our luck in hailing a cab but all of the cabs won’t allow us five to get in. We are then opted to take the bus and the MRT. Please pray for my housemate, she needs it badly.

They are thinking of filing a case against her Supervisor and the Doctor for malpractice. I just hope everything goes well.

Monday night was Oscars’ night. Here in Singapore, the primetime telecast was 11 P.M. over Channel 5. I decided then to watch it in our living room since all of my housemates were already in there room. I also brought my laptop with me so I can blog at the same time while watching.

Earlier that day by the way, I was saddened and shocked that my pregnant housemate was not feeling well, had spotting and was rushed to the hospital. According to my other housemate, my pregnant housemate was experiencing pain while in the office yesterday morning. She asked the permission of her supervisor to go home but her supervisor did not allow her. Since she was in terrible pain, she kept on crying that’s why her supervisor gave in and let her go in the afternoon. Her boyfriend then rushed her to the National University Hospital in Buona Vista. When her tummy was checked, the baby still has a strong heartbeat. The doctor then told her to go home and rest. On their way home she experienced spotting or bleeding then they went back to the hospital. On her tummy scan, the heartbeat of the baby was already weak

When I saw her that night, it was almost 1 A.M. already and I was watching the Oscars. She looked helpless and in so much pain. She seated on the stairs and waited for her boyfriend to get the pillows and blankets coz she would just sleep in the living room. I decided then to just sleep since I would disturb her sleeping. When I went to sleep, I prayed for her baby and her condition. I was honestly worried for her condition and the baby.

Top 10 Hollywood Movies as of February 22, 2009

1. Tyler Perry's Madea Goes to Jail
2. Coraline
3. Taken
4. He s Just Not That Into You
5. Slumdog Millionaire
6. Friday the 13th (2009)
7. Paul Blart: Mall Cop
8. Confessions of a Shopaholic
9. Fired Up
10. The International

The Oscars 2009 has finally ended . Slumdog Millionaire was the big winner with 8 Academy Awards. The winners especially Kate Winslet and Penelope Cruz looks stunning. Here are some of the quotes from the winners.

Kate Winslet, best actress for The Reader

"I'd be lying if I hadn't made a version of this speech. I think I was probably eight years old and staring into the bathroom mirror and this would have been a shampoo bottle. Well, it's not a shampoo bottle now."

"I want to acknowledge my fellow nominees, these goddesses. I think we all can't believe we're in a category with Meryl Streep at all. I'm sorry, Meryl, but you have to just suck that up."

Sean Penn, best actor for Milk

"You commie, homo-loving sons of guns. I did not expect this and I want it to be very clear that I do know how hard I make it to appreciate me often."

"For those who saw the signs of hatred as our cars drove in tonight, I think that it is a good time for those who voted for the ban against gay marriage to sit and reflect and anticipate their great shame and the shame in their grandchildren's eyes if they continue that way of support. We've got to have equal rights for everyone."

Danny Boyle, best director for Slumdog Millionaire

"My kids are too old to remember this now but, when they were much younger, I swore to them if this miracle ever happened, I would receive it in the spirit of Tigger from Winnie the Pooh, and that's what that was. Grace, Gabriel and Caitlin, my kids, and their wonderful mum, Gail - thank you so much for letting me be Tigger for so long."

"Finally, just to say to Mumbai: unending, inseparable, unborn. All of you who've helped us make the film and all those of you who didn't, thank you so much. You dwarf even this guy [gesturing to Oscar statuette]. Thank you very much indeed."

Simon Beaufoy, best adapted screenplay for Slumdog Millionaire

"There are certain places in the universe you never imagine standing. For me, it's the moon, the South Pole, the Miss World podium and here."

Kim Ledger, accepting the best supporting actor award for his son, Heath

"I'd like to thank the Academy for recognising our son's amazing work. This award tonight would have humbly validated Heath's quiet determination to be truly accepted by all you here tonight, his peesr within an industry he so loved."

Kate Ledger, Heath's sister

"Heath, we both knew what you had created in The Joker was extraordinarily special and had even talked about being here on this very day. We really wish you were, but we proudly accept this award on behalf of your beautiful Matilda. Thank you."

Penelope Cruz, best supporting actress for Vicky Cristina Barcelona

"This is not going to be 45 seconds, I can say that right now. Has anybody ever fainted here? Because I might be the first one."

AR Rahman, best original score for Slumdog Millionaire

"Before coming, I was excited and terrified. The last time I felt like that was during my marriage."

Do you know the Filipina girls Rin and Rox that was featured on The Ellen Degerenes Show? Rin and Rox famously known as Rin On the Rox in YouTube received sudden fame when they posted videos of them singing in their bathroom. And by the way, they are great singers and very pretty.

What's shocking is that Rin On The Rox YouTube account has been suspended without any notice from YouTube. It looks like the girls have violated the Copyright Infringement law.

If you love these girls and want their videos on YouTube, please sign a petition at this link.

Here are the words from "Rin On The Rox":

Our YouTube has been PERMANENTLY DISABLED! We do not know exact details or the reason for the suspension of our account, but usually when accounts are terminated, it is due to copyright infringing. We weren't even notified before the deletion of our videos and account. We do not understand why they have suspended OUR account because of terms of violation when a great percentage of YouTube users do not have copyright permission either. We are thinking that all of the fame we have gained from just singing on YouTube has forced them to act against us. We are deeply saddened by this whole situation, for YouTube is what started it all for us as far as music and singing goes and was also a way to communicate to our fans all over the world. Rin on the Rox will not end because YouTube is gone. We will have an original song up soon, and hopefully even a single. Our website is in the making and we will also be having more Rin on the Rox merchandise for sale soon. Please continue to support us throughout this whole ordeal. We are alive through you, our fans so please, please keep supporting.

Pinoy Big Brother: Teen Edition 11th placer is back again on the covers of men's magazine. This time she is appearing on Maxim Philippines' February 2009 cover.

After the Teen Edition of Pinoy Big Brother, she appeared on ABS-CBN's shows like "Da Adventures of Pedro Penduko", "Pedro Penduko at ang mga Engkantao", "My Girl" and "Your Song: My Only Hope." Recently, it has been rumored that she is transferring to GMA 7 after appearing to GMA 7's shows "All Star K!" and "Full Haus."

It has also been reported that she declined the leading lady role of GMA 7's upcoming action adventure "Zorro." The role now is given to Rhian Ramos.

Wowowee host and hot mamma Valerie Concepcion is back on the cover of Maxim Magazine Philippines. This is Valerie's second cover after her February 2007 issue. Does she even look like she has a child?

Valerie Concepcion as we all know was a talent before of GMA 7. She first appeared in GMA's "Click" and was followed with other TV shows like Majika, Atlantika and Fantastic Man. She transferred on ABS-CBN on 2007 and become the co-host of ABS-CBN's noon time show, Wowowee.

Aside from Wowowee, she also has a regular show in a comedy TV series, "Banana Split" with Angelica Panganiban, Roxanne Guinoo and Cristine Reyes.

Valerie Concepcion recently received an award for being the Best Female TV host for Wowowee.

Blogging for more than two years now helped me hone my writing skills and I also got to meet a lot of blogger friends in the Philippines and all over the world. Speaking of blogger friends, when I was still in the Philippines, I met online this Filipina blogger named Jade that is now based in Singapore. Maybe you know her more as Pinay Jade.

Pinay Jade just like me has lots of blogs including a personal blog, a photo blog and a soon to be launched new blog. That I have to see. So what makes Pinay Jade and her blogs interesting? Not only she blogs about the events in Singapore but she also blogs about her personal rants and raves. Recently, she blogged about her desire to get pregnant. She has been married by the way for more than six years. It would be nice to have a baby Pinay Jade and she’ll blog as early as 1 year-old, haha! Aside from getting pregnant, this expat’s wife living in Singapore and her husband will be moving to a new house soon. I was even invited to their house warming party, I can’t wait!

Other topic that I love in Pinay Jade’s blog is her travel pictures in Europe. I honestly envy her. How I wish I have the luxury of traveling. I would make that possible this year. Hong Kong, Indonesia and the United States, I hope! Back to Pinay Jade, she has traveled to Belgium, Italy, Germany and just recently in Batam, Indonesia. What’s more interesting is that they have lived in Holland before. Isn’t that cool? I just hope more travel pictures will be posted in her blogs. Make us more envious!

Working and living here in Singapore is not that bad after all. I even have a Filipina blogger friend that I disturb every time she is online. Kidding!

I am inviting everyone to visit my friend’s blog at PinayJade.com and be updated with the latest adventure of the expat's wife.

Today marks the 2nd week of the Big Mak Blog Contest, the biggest contest for 2009 with $200 cash prize, 108K EC credits and more. I was supposed to post the ranking for the first week but eventually forgot about it. Anyway, here is the current standing of the top 15 contestants. I won't show though the names to make it more exciting. From the figures displayed, it looks like a close fight for the top 7 contestants. I am excited on who will win the 1st prize.

1. 481 points
2. 480 points
3. 232 points
4. 218 points
5. 197 points
6. 140 points
7. 94 points
8. 48 points
9. 43 points
10. 42 points
11. 36 points
12. 34 points
13. 34 points
14. 33 points
15. 33 points

I have additional ways to earn points by the way. Here are the new ones:

1. Make a vlog entry in your blog answering this question: What "something big" are you expecting this 2009? (5 points) Say something about the contest and indicate the URL. Vlog should run from 30 seconds to 1 minute.

2. Submit Makoy's new posts in Digg = 3 points (your username should appear as the one who submitted the post)

3. Twitter Makoy's new posts for 2 points each.

Once again, thank you to all contestants. My hard work of inviting really works. I hope that more bloggers will join.

My housemate told me this story early this week but didn't bother to listen. Thank God it was featured on TV Patrol and I got to know more details. Alfie Patten at age 13 is now a father with his 15-year old girlfriend Chantelle Steadman. The young Brits are now parents to their 7lb 3oz daughter, Maisie. This dad at 13 by the way was on the cover of The Sun newspaper in Britain.

In the interview, Alfie expressed his excitement on being a father. He even said, "I know I’m young, but I plan to be a good dad." Both Alfie and Chantelle wants the best for their Maisie and hopes to be a good parent. Chantelle also said, "Alfie has been really good with her. He made the first bottle and then we took it in turns feeding her. He did the first bit with me." Both parents by the way change Maisie's diapers.

The latest development now of the story is that authorities want to test the DNA of Alfie and the baby to check if he is really the father of the child. This happened when a neighbor told that there are 3 boys that stays overnight with Chantelle. Sean Thomas, 20, claimed: "She is not a young innocent girl who got pregnant with the first boy who came along."

On the other hand, Alfie's sister is blaming their father for Alfie's current situation. If not for leaving them for a 19-year old girlfriend, this would not happen.

For me, let's just support Alfie and Chantelle.

Yesterday, I wore my new longsleeves that I bought in the Philippines. I like it a lot coz of the great fit and its simple design. I forgot though to take a picture of myself with that longsleeves. Anyway, even I wearing a good looking longsleeves, I felt ugly yesterday. I noticed again my receding hair and it doesn't look great.

That day made me think again of the hair transplant and the topical medicine Minoxidil. Yesterday, I also browsed the my email communication with Dr. Pineda, Dr. Belo and NuHart. It is really quite expensive. I am now thinking of buying Minoxidil online and try if it will work for me.

After work yesterday, I went to the 10-min barbershop here and had my hair cut. I felt good after that somehow my ugly face looked better with my haircut.

Here by the way are the known side effects of Minoxidil according to Wikipedia:
- acne on the area where it is being used as a topical solution
_ headaches and/or lightheadedness
- very low blood pressure
- irregular or fast heart beat
- blurred vision or other vision problems
- numbness or tingling in the hands, feet or face
- decreased sexual desire
- partial, or complete, impotence
- chest pain

Scary huh! And for some it doesn't work. Hair Transplant though is still the best option. What do you think? To Minoxidil or to Hair Transplant?

Purchase online your Minoxidil from the link below.

Top 10 Hollywood Movies as of February 15, 2009

1. Friday the 13th (2009)
2. He s Just Not That Into You
3. Taken
4. Coraline
5. Confessions of a Shopaholic
6. Paul Blart: Mall Cop
7. The Pink Panther 2
8. The International
9. Slumdog Millionaire
10. Push

Before I start the movie review, I want to say first what made me want to watch this movie. I honestly heard about this movie from the numerous awards and nominations it had received from the Critics' Choice Awards, Golden Globes, BAFTA Awards and the Academy Awards.

Now with the review. The movie is very impressive and was a bit shocking. I did not know that some parts of India are that terrible as shown in the movie. Some scenes though are very similar to the Philippine cinema and the real world like the illegal child labor that are being controlled by syndicates.

The story by the way was about a game show contestant named "Jamal." Before answering the last two questions for a whopping 20 Million Indian Rupees ($412,000), he was sent for questioning to the authorities. The host of the show (Who Wants To Be A Millionaire - India) suspected that he was a fraud. Jamal by the way had no proper education that's why the game show suspected that he is a cheat. How would be able to answer the questions, right? It's just amazing that he was able to answer all questions based on his troubled childhood experiences.

The movie was brilliantly sequenced. The story of Jamal and his two friends were told from their childhood to the present. On every story that was told, you get to feel how miserable their lives were. It was also exciting to watch that Jamal conquers its all. He never lost hope especially on finding his love, "Latika." Without this love as its theme, there would be no "Slumdog Millionaire."

Slumdog Millionaire so far is my favorite movie this year. I have to watch the other nominated movies though. This movie is just memorable and very unique.

The other day, I have finally started watching one of the Oscars 2009 movies, "The Reader." The movie was starred by Kate Winslet, Ralph Fiennes and David Kross. The Reader was actually based from the book of Bernhard Schlink from the same title. By the way, I have that book that's why I know the story already.

The movie by the way is about a 15-year old boy named Michael Berg (David Kross) who falls in love with an older woman named Hanna Schmitz (Kate Winslet) in post-World War II Germany. The movie is titled "The Reader" because Hannah loves to be read books by Michael. According to Hannah, Michael has the talent of reading.

Hannah then disappeared and during the pre-law years of Michael, she saw Hannah again as a Defendant of a war crime. She knows the secret of Hannah but kept mum about it. Hannah was then sentenced to life imprisonment for the crimes that she did not commit. Michael on the other hand became a lawyer and did not have the guts to visit her in prison.

This was my favorite scene of the movie. Michael sent a recorded voice tape of him to Hannah reading some of his books. Hannah was in tears when she learned that it was him.

I just love this movie. Love is indeed beyond age and status. I just have to warn you that most of the scenes of the movie contains love scenes of Kate Winslet and the young David Kross. Kate Winslet is such a great actress to bare and act beautifully.

Here are some of the pictures from the movie:

Last Wednesday night, I was lazy to cook my dinner. I then opted to just open a can of Century Tuna Hot and Spicy. Hot and Spicy by the way is my favorite variant for the Century Tuna. It was just shocking that when I opened the can its content was somewhat reduced to just half of its usual content.

Before two people can consume one can of Century Tuna, now it looks like you need two cans to fill up the hungry stomach of a guy like me. Because of that, I got some "Chicharon" from my roommates "pasalubong" from the Philippines. When I was still in the Philippines, I sometimes eat 2 "balut" eggs and chicharon with rice. That's not healthy by the way and I don't recommend that. Hehe.

There's a tuna brand here in Singapore called "Ayam," which has the same size as Century Tuna but its content can be for two persons. And Ayam tastes good also.

Valentine's Day here in Singapore was quite a normal day. In fact, I wasn't greeted by anyone from here. Awkward huh! Anyway, I started my day with my brunch. After that, I finally went swimming after a long time. I was able to use my new "Arena" swimming trunks. It was a good fit and I like a lot. I will just use my other new "Arena" swimming trunks next week.

My swimming was quite okay but I had a little problem since I forgot to bring my goggles with me. It was quite tiring though. After my swimming, I went to Fair Price to buy some grocery items. I was able to buy prawns, mongo beans, patola, tomatoes and a lot more. And oh, Yakult since my friend told me to drink since I was having tummy aches this week.

When I got back in our house, I immediately unpacked my groceries and placed the prawns to the plastic container. I also prepared my Valentine's dinner which is "Patola with Miswa and Beef Balls." I was supposed to buy some beef but it was quite expensive so I just bought the beef balls. Not sure though if it's 100% beef. Hehe. Taste good anyway. It was my first time to cook patola with miswa and I was very happy that it tasted good. Yummy!

Will go back on my Oscars 2009 marathon now. Just finished watching "The Reader." Happy Valentine's Day everyone!

Happy Valentine's Day from the Certified Pinoy Blogger!

I am a music lover and maybe from my posts, you might have figured that out already. When I was still working in the Philippines, my day wouldn't be complete without the radio on. In my department, I was always listening to the online streaming of Monster Radio RX 93.1. There were times though that it's hard to connect so I just listen to my MP3 songs.

Recently, I have found out that "The Morning Rush" show of Chico and Delamar in RX 93.1 has a podcast courtesy of fellow rusher, Blue Ritz. He has a blog wherein he compiles the daily Top 10's of the Morning Rush. You can listen to it directly to his music player or you can even download it and just listen on the go. Isn't that cool?

What's your favorite Morning Rush Top 10 so far? Mine, hmmm... Top 10 knock knock jokes. Hehehe.

You can listen LIVE 24/7 by the way on Monster Radio RX 93.1 via online streaming.

Listen to the The Morning Rush Epic Rap Off collection!

Finally yesterday, I was able to watch the 51st Grammy Awards. Here are some of the pictures courtesy of Getty Images.  I better do some screen shots of my mine from the performances.  Maybe tomorrow I can post it.  Congratulations again to the winners especially to Adele and Jennifer Hudson.