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Charice Pempengco have gotten lots of criticism to the pokemon evolution of her hairdo almost every Saturday during her days as Judge in "The X Factor Philippines." She and her hair went through a lot after getting legally blonde in Hollywood and when she returned to sit as judge names like 'pancit canton' or the bride of chuckie buzzed social networing sites referring to Charice's new look. With Charice's evolution from an international singer with long locks and full make up to what we have seen in her "The X Factor Philippines" stint as a judge. However, the international singing sensation neither confirmed nor denied the speculations.

Anyways, as everyone's saying, her style is really horrible and she just looks like a mess. I'm mad at her style not because of her boyish look' but because I think she does not look at her best. I know she says she is happy, but that's not the point.

Can't she hire a stylist? Because let's be honest, her choices have been super bad. If she gets voice training to get her voice to be top-notch, why can't she get good advice on fashion?! She is not an expert in fashion. She makes really, really bad choices!

Some people just cannot dress or do not know their looks. In addition, her tattoo -- fine. Whatever. I just hopes she is making good choices for herself -- but seriously she needs good advice on fashion and her hair. Hope she gets her act together.

Hayz!

It's pretty obvious why Star Cinema find it so hard and took years for the third installment and the last in this romantic love story. It's really hard to do the conclusion of the story. The first two movies are both equally grandiose with surprises and kilig factor.

We all witnessed that the chemistry of Sarah and John Lloyd is remarkable, although they haven't had any special relationship off camera and people knew their love stories with other celebrities, everybody tends to follow and accept them as couple on big screen.

The story continues from 'a very special love' that both 'changed their lives,' Laida and Miggy will start to deal with their new selves in the same old company where their feelings started to blossom. The ex-sweethearts were transformed by the deeper emotional journeys that they both went through-from the simple and obedient executive assistant, the film reveals the braver, fiercer and career-oriented Laida; while the naughty bachelor Miggy will be seen now on a new phase in his life.

Anyways, I created a list 'Why people should watch "It Takes a Man and a Woman"' below.

Why do people need to watch this movie?

1. It's the first Filipino romantic movie with a trilogy format.
2. The first movie "A Very Special Love" broke records with Php179.25 million and became the highest-grossing Filipino movie off all time on that year (2008); the second installment broke the first record with Php 225.21 million gross. The two are now placed as Top 6 and 5 in the list of all-time highest-grossing local films to date respectively.
3. John Lloyd and Sarah are both individual artists (not just as loveteam) with very huge following.
4. It's Star Cinema.
5. It's directed by box-office director Cathy Garcia-Molina.
6. This is the conclusion of the trilogy. If you liked the first and second one, you'll surely love to see the conclusion.
7. ABS-CBN will air "A Very Special Love" and "You Changed my Life" this Holy Week so that those who haven't seen yet the movie will at least know the movie about.
8. This is not an indie movie but it speaks quality. I have a strong faith that this will prove that not all 'rom-com' movies (genre) are the 'so-so' movies. 

I'll be watching this movie after Holy Week because I'll be in Mindoro. I have a strong faith with this movie that this will surpass the first two records. Just like the cast of the movie, I am more excited now to watch the movie and I am sure you all do as well. And we'll see....

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Same as the film, "Himala" thematizes mass hysteria the rough the story of a young rural girl who achieves both divine and celebrity power as a faith healer. Describing the film's ambition in terms of the 'theatrical potential' of its setting, the 'histrionic stylizations' of its actors and the 'hysterical audience' before which the climactic scene was to be played.

Elsa (played by May Bayot), the central character whose poor origins, humility and unearthly talent for healing capture the zealous devotion of an unruly multitude, barely educated country girl" revered and idolized by millions as much for her miraculous rise to spectacular power. Set in a far-flung barrio, a lowly, plain looking lass claims that the Virgin Mary appeared before her during an eclipse. She becomes a faith healer and almost overnight the sleepy town transforms into a bustling community. Pilgrims and tourists troop to Barrio Cupang out of curiosity while the sick flock to the once-cursed place with the hope that the miracle will heal them. Among the people who gravitate around Elsa are her two fanatic followers: a childhood friend named Chayong, almost saintly in countenance, and a poor woman who places her devotion to Elsa on top of her priority list. Two other important characters come within Elsa's orbit: a struggling documentary film director who treats his camera as his God and a downtrodden prostitute. The story blurs, as they say, the line between real and reel life. And that blurring, because it falls on the side of the 'real,' gratifies and exhilirates the critical sensibilities.

This is one of the theater plays I've seen on stage that I would to love to see again and again. This stage musical is very faithful to its movie, though there are some changes because of the medium, but the message the film wants to convey stays. The central characters - May Bayot, Cynthia Guico, Isay Alvarez, and Dulce showed their powerful acting prowess on stage! I was moved my this play! I cried silently while seating on my seat. The experience of watching this play is pretty much an experience of a lifetime - as if I am also part of the mob.

I watched this movie with some Bloggers, and let me tell you right now, I wanna watch it again. It’s just that good, and I’m sure the Bloggers with me on that time, Ning, Flow, Morgy, Mau, would agree with me, as they caught the film with me.

Anyways, “Must Be Love” follows the the exciting love story of the school heartthrob named Ivan (Daniel Padilla) and his boyish bestfried named Pachot (played by Kathryn Bernardo). But what will Pachot if she starts falling in love with her bestfriend if for him he only sees him as one of the boys?

I watched the movie because it's KathNiel, they're really hot loveteam & it delivered, I was surprised at how Kathryn and Daniel have evolved into fine actors from their teeny-bopper roles & images of old, now they're primed for eventual stardom. Kathryn is definitely several notches above or is truly a cut above her peers. She is also gradually priming herself to be one of the important actresses of this generation as her comfort level with film material is getting better. Aside from being Philippines' teen hot hearthtrob, Daniel's performance in this film shows glimpses of a screen presence Filipino moviegoers would always want to see. Mayy I also add, Sharlene San Pedro's character is very much lovable.

More than the story, there are a lot of interesting lines in the movie that I could relate to. It’s true, you know?  Each of us tend to be blinded by love and we do crazy things for love. Such is the realities of life. I wish this movie was Star Cinema's movie offering for Valentine's Day but anyways, Valentine's is extended on March!  This is just a simple movie but it touches one’s heart. It definitely made me reflect on how I see love.  The actors were so believable too! I love the chemistry between Patchot and Ivan. The way their friendship progressed and how much of a martyr Patchot seemed at the start while being not-so-secretly in love with Ivan may seem contrived, but I’ve found myself in that situation often enough to know it can be very real.

Shot mostly in Cebu and Laguna, Must Be Love will surely offer everyone a love story we will always cherish during our high school years. I say, kudos to Star Cinema and of course more for Kathryn and Daniel for this great, great romantic movie! This is definitely worth watching!

RATING: 7/10

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"The Incredible Burt Wonderstone" takes audiences into that crazy world of rivaling magicians and, while not giving us anything remotely original in terms of plot details and cliched drama that is always put in comedies, gives off many laughs and some great performances, particularly from Alan Arkin and Jim Carrey.  Even though Steve Carell as 'Burt Wonderstone' wasn't as hilarious and great as it could have been, it was still an entertaining and funny comedy that manages to give off some of the best moments I've seen all year.

The idea behind the movie seems like it's "WTF", but the trailer was kinda interesting. So I watched, and I'm glad I did. I think a big part of it was that the crowd was very receptive, so it was much more enjoyable. Everyone kept laughing. It wasn't really a very special movie, but it was entertaining.

The story is about 30 years of friendship between Burt Wonderstone and Anton Marvelton who have practiced the art of magic so much so that they have a headlining show at Bailly's in Las Vegas.  Unfortunately, the name of their act "Burt and Anton: A Magical Friendship" is now an irony as the two magicians have become divas of their own and despise each other. When a new street magician named Steve Gray comes into the spotlight, Burt and Anton start losing ticket sales due to the people saying that they want the next big thing.  In order for the magic in their act to become new again, Burt and Anton must find the magic in their friendship and the wonder and awe that made them get into the business in the first place.

It was like I wasn't watching Steve Carell. Steve Carell was Burt Wonderstone. The actors in the movie are either really good, or they're just decent.  The two actors who fall under the decent category are Steve Carell and James Gandolfini. Jim Carrey was his old Jim Carrey self but it worked out in this movie. In almost every single scene he's in, Carrey finds a ridiculous and hilarious way to make the audience explode in contagious laughter. If they made a spin-off movie with just Jim Carrey's character, I bet it would be a lot funnier than this film overall. The acting is fine for the most part, but it's Jim Carrey and Alan Arkin who steal the show. Don't get me wrong, they were good in the movie. And another pleasant surprise: Olivia Wilde.

RATING: 7/10

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That's one of the things I always remind to myself. Everyday, everytime, everywhere! And this I think I would always remember - this thought, It's not the people that stand by you when you are at your best, but the ones who stand right there beside you when you are at your worst point of your life - these are what we call 'real friends.'

We always surround ourselves with so many and I have realized the importance of this in the past few months. This world is full of dramatic, angry, selfish, self-centered, pessimistic people. At times whether it's out of pity or wanting to help them, I find myself trying to bring them to the other side but quickly realize that its hard to change a person. Instead we end up stuck between them and the negative energy, not a place anyone needs to be.

Our life is too short to waste precious time with people who suck all the happiness out of you. If you are to be in someone's life, then they will make room for you. You should never have to fight for a spot in a person's life. There should never be a time in your life that you make yourself available to someone who continues to overlook what you are worth, whether it be family, friends, husband, girlfriends, church folks, etc.

Stop letting others bring you down to their level. Refuse to lower your standards to accommodate those who refuse to raise theirs. Stop wasting time explaining yourself to others. – Your friends don’t need it and your enemies won’t believe it anyway.  Just do what you know in your heart is right. Always remember, it’s not the people that stand by your side when you’re at your best, but the ones who stand beside you when you’re at your worst that are your true friends.

You know, those so-called 'friends' who make you feel bad about yourself with backhanded compliments or the ones who aren’t going anywhere anytime soon? Drop them, as soon as possible. We are directly affected by the people we choose to surround ourselves with, so don’t you want to be spending time with good-hearted, go-getters? And this includes the boy/girlfriend you know is bad for you.

At the end of the day, you’re the only one who has to live with your decisions. Be confident in the choices you make and don’t feel the need to constantly explain them to others. If you decide to go into teaching, own it. Don’t let someone tell you what “better” options you could be studying. The same rule applies to everything. If you want to dye your hair pink, don’t feel the need to explain your decisions to others. Simply because you like it, is more than reason enough.

GMA Network's "Pinoy Pop Superstar" season 3 finalist Bryan Termulo started a sensational career early in 2007 and soon released a self-titled debut album titled "Begin" when he transfered to ABS-CBN ans started singing theme songs for ABS-CBN teleseryes. After singing three teleserye theme songs, “Bihag,” "Pagdating Ng Panahon,” “Hanggang Ngayon,” “Dadalhin,” and “Kailan” for ABS-CBN’s most successful teleseryes “Walang Hanggan”, “Dahil Sa Pag-ibig”, “Kung Ako'y Iiwan Mo”, 100 Days to Heaven”, and “Ina, Kapatid, Anak”, respectively, he earned his tag 'Prince of Teleserye theme songs.' Aside from singing, he has also ventured in acting on TV. He has proven himself in his first appearance on TV in Aljur Abrenica-Kris Bernal starrer "All My Life" on GMA Network and on the succeeding ABS-CBN TV series "Wansapanataym," "MMK," and "Budoy."

He may be not the grand finalist of the singing competition he was discovered, Bryan worked harder for his name and established his name as an OPM artist. His rendition of Regine Velasquez' hit "Dadalhin" which really put him to where he is right now.

Talking about the concert, he opened it with a very energetic opening song and dance number. Nevermind the front acts. Anyways, in his debut concert, he showed how versatile he was and what he can do. He's not just another balladeer on stage, he can also do pop and do sing and dance. Anyways, his best performance of the night (fonr me) is when he sang Jason Mraz' "Word Play." His rendition was fantastic!

Guest performers at that night are Liezel Garcia, Bugoy Drillon, KZ Tandingan, Melissa Cantiveros and the surprise guest Angeline Quinto. His celebrity crush Sarah Geronimo surprised Bryan with a video greeting.

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These are some of the questions entered into my mind when I was asked lately about this 'utang na loob' thingy. It's my topic for over a week now because there is one guy who keeps on asking me about this. He's in a situation where he badly needs to return the favor somebody willingly gave it to him. That somebody is not asking for return but what bothers him is, he thinks that the person whom he has an 'utang na loob' really needs help. I hate to elaborate anything because some of my closest friends know something about this (for sure) and I might divulge something that's not appropriate to be written in my blog.

For me, in an absence of a chance to pay back in a similar manner an 'utang na loob,' it can be quantified. You can pay back in cash or kind. It is imperative that you have to give back in return.

Now in case a need arises after you have paid back in cash the person you were originally indebted to, you are still obliged to help him. It is only after then that it releases you of moral obligation. The cash or kind lightens the feeling of indebtedness if you dont get a chance to help back.
If there is no need to pay the person, i.e. he's rich, he doesnt need help, etc. you dont need to pay him. You can always pay forward.

Anyways, giving or helping is voluntary thus there is no need to be paid back. No need to withdraw or sulk in case the other person doesn't pay back, it is supposed to be his problem not yours. An acknowledgement however from the person you helped would always give feeling of satisfaction.

In other side of life, we can say that 'utang na loob' is still not an obligation in the point of view of the first person. But the second person, not really an obligation pero for goodwill man lang, wag n'yang kalimutan ang tulong na binigay sa kanya, in other way, in other time, in other place, the second person can give it back in return to the 1st person.

But always remember, the word 'utang na loob' is not considered if there's unlawful, illegal, immoral acts involved.

We were able to view it in 3D in Greenbelt Cinema, which really bought the story to life. The visuals are extraordinary and the 3D aspect was not only beautifully presented, but in a time where some films make me question why 3D is used, this film seemed to have been born for it especially on its opening credits. I felt like I was actually in the Land of Oz, and when I removed the 3D glasses, I was just a little sad to realize I really was just in a theater.

As far as the story goes, "Oz The Great and Powerful" was a great way to clear up questions and get to know the history behind the classic. James Franco plays Oscar, a carnival magician, and manages to enchant us right from the beginning with his stylish swagger, devilish smile and quirky sense of humor. He was made to be Oz. All of the actors were placed in roles that were meant for them and did a fantastic job staying true to the magic of the land of Oz.

Based on characters created by L. Frank Baum, Oz The Great and Powerful takes us back to the love we felt the first time we experienced "The Wizard of Oz." It’s set in the same Oz we viewed during Dorothy’s journey, filled with Winkie Soldiers, Witches, flying monkeys, The Emerald City and that famous yellow brick road. When you think about the name Oz, if you are anything like me, you picture a yellow brick road, ruby slippers and 'Somewhere Over the Rainbow.' Don't expect to see the lion, scarecrow, tin man in this movie. They're not in here though before I watched the movie, I was expecting for me to at least have a very brief background where they really came from.

The costumes and effects were spellbinding and the transition from the classic black and white to Technicolor takes your breath away. The 3D effects were very convincing, frightening my son just a bit during the Wizard’s trek through the Dark Forrest.

Bringing you into a world you’ve never seen is what Disney does best, and they have outdone themselves with this film.

It’s a family-friendly movie full of excitement, humor, and heart-felt life lessons.

RATING: 7/10

It's been a long time since I last attended a blog-con that concerns about the government. Usually my topic on my blog are about entertainment/lifestyle or about medical/health and this time, not politics but social welfare. What makes me go and very much concerned on this event is the 'anti-epal' launch which I trully support online.

Anyways, "Bawal ang Epal Dito" is a nationwide campaign in March that aims to protect the government’s conditional cash transfer program from being used by local candidates for their political campaign. Epal is short for “mapapel” or people desperately trying to do everything just to be recognized. Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago had filed Senate Bill 1967 or the anti-epal bill, which seeks to prohibit public officials from claiming credit through sign age announcing public works and other government projects.

On Bloggers chit-chat, we met a very calm Sec. Corazon 'Dinky' Soliman. She briefly explained about the 4Ps to us and how they came up with the list up to its termination. The 4Ps is a social protection strategy that invests in the health and education of poor children aged 0 to 14. As of Jan. 9, there are a total of 3,843,502 beneficiaries in 79 provinces nationwide. A total of 280,000 households are expected to graduate from the program in December this year. Sec. Dinky stressed that the beneficiaries should know their rights and to be vigilant of individuals or groups who plan to use the program for their personal gain by resorting to baseless threats to beneficiaries of the said program. She added that the campaign aims to empower the public especially the beneficiaries, by increasing their knowledge about the program mechanics and the methods of selection and removal from the program. She also said that through the DSWD’s Grievance and Redress System, beneficiaries continuously give feedback that politicians are allegedly claiming to have authority to enlist and remove them from the program.

Aside from online campaigns, DSWD would soon come out with infomercials on television and radio. It will also have tarpaulins and flyers that will be distributed to areas where there are 4Ps beneficiaries.

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I thought, I’ll be a loyal subscriber forever. For many times, I changed numbers, I lost phones, but not the network. Just last year, without a second thought, I jumped-in to the better network, not just said by me or just anyone but also the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) (See this article: Smart scores 4 out of 5 over Globe).

Globe never fails to disappoint me wherever I go – either in the province (Mindoro) and even here in Metro Manila (Mandaluyong). I have numerous report numbers from them regarding my load, dropped calls, texts arriving the following day, phone cannot be reached (even if you have signal), etc. Their service has been unsatisfactory. I also do not buy their network upgrade excuse because it has been that way even before their supposed ‘network upgrade.’

My personal twitter account (@MangyanBlogger) have lots of complaints against Globe last year. Almost everyday, my timeline was flooded with complaints especially with my internet connection especially when I was in Mindoro or out of the metro. What makes me feel annoyed, most of the times, they are ignoring my tweets, answering some but not mine. It feels like they can’t do anything on my case that’s why they ignore my tweets. That sucks!

I experienced the worst last year when I went to Dubai. Two hours before my flight, I loaded-up Php300 to my number and tried to send out an SMS for almost two hours but it kept resulting in ‘sending failed.’ I did everything, tried rebooting the iPhone, turned 3G off, and called their not-so-better-customer-service which hanged me up when I said “I only have 30 minutes left before my departure.” Imagine that? I needed it so much since it’s my very first time to travel abroad and I’ll be spending at least two days for my connecting flights since I requested to my sister that I want to roam around Brunei. Supposed to be, I’ll be meeting someone in Brunei but it doesn’t happen. Unlucky me!

If it weren't for my number, I would have switched to Smart already. This is way better surfing speeds and more consistent signal. I cannot even get a decent consistent signal on Globe. Not even in Mandaluyong.

I tried Smart on September last year. Thinking that they’re just the same, they’re not. Globe is now simply a joke on my circle of friends especially when we have meet-ups or events. Globe is now a verb about anything that concerns network problems especially when late. Funny!

For almost five months now, I’ve been using Smart Freedom plan, you will never see me ranting about my connection especially on texting and calling and also internet. I'm sticking with Smart now because I was assured that this is the real better network (Smart Communications Inc.'s network is officially better than that of rival Globe Telecom Inc., data from the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) showed). Besides, Smart treats me really well as a customer.


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I'm so glad that I stayed in Mindoro this long (for about seven to ten days), long enough to enjoy the province, to roam around, and to think of things that happened this year. There are lot of good things and some bad things, pero what's important for me is andito pa rin ako - smiling and can proudly say to the world that no one can put me down.

2012 has been a good year for me. I received a lot of good things - gifts, love, friends. I even went abroad for the very first time (Dubai) and met the cutest baby on earth - my pamangkin named Steven. I stayed in Dubai for only just three months but I am so much attached with everyone there. Well, that's really memorable sknce it's my first time. I even spent a day in Brunei and two days and one night in China. At least, marami akong mga tatak sa passport ko na marami na akong napuntahan.

Anyways, I know myself better than others. Pero syempre, may mga pagkakataong bulag tayo sa sarili natin. I mean, may mga bagay tayong nagagawa na pala sa iba na hindi natin nalalaman. Syempre, ibat-ibang tao, ibat-ibang perception sa mga ginagawa natin.

Since I don't think of a much better year-ender for my personal blog, para maiba, I asked some of my Blogger friends ang mga bagay na hindi kagandahan sa akin na dapat ay isantabi ko na at dapat ko nang baguhin for next year. Sila ang mga tinanong ko kasi sila 'yung madalas kong makasama lalo na sa mga events. Minsan nga, halos araw-araw na.

Syempre may mga sumagot at meron namang parang dumaan lang na paramg bula ang text ko. Anyways, sila ang mga sumagot sa tanong ko:

Jerhwin Hernandez of NiceGuyItachi.info:
"Lahat naman tayo may negative side :-) siguro ang masasabi ko jan ay ang "Temper", napansin ko kasi na pag may konting bad vibes nagiging hot tempered ka agad. Hehe, pero i appreciate your truthfulness, alam ko totoong tao ka :-)"

Morgan Zeanreah of Supermorgy.com:
"Moody ka minsan but you're sweet always"

Ning Buning of ShyGirlsOwn.info:
"Matampuhin ka masyado lalo kay Flow. 'Yung black ng mata mo nawawala. Iwasan mo 'yun frend kasi hindi magandang tingnan."

Mj de Leon of Lifestylehub.net:
"Alam mo na ang isasagot ko sayo. Patience and more patience. ;)"

Maraming salamat sa mga sumagot! Don't worry guys, I know all these things, it happened lang na nasa sistema ko na ang mga ugaling 'yan for so long kaya ang hirap tanggalin pero I promise na this year, maminimize ko.



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Ako naman bilang isang ninong ng halos 15 na inaanak (halos lahat diyan ay inattendan ko), may mga gifts akong inihanda para sa kanilang lahat. May mga remote controlled cars, barbie dolls, teddy bears, wallets (may laman sa loob), mga damit at sapatos, at iba pa. First time ko kasing magkaroon ng ipon for my inaanaks kaya effort ako sa pagbili ng mga regalo. Dati-rati kasi, 50, 100 or 200 pwede na sa kanila. This time, regalo talaga. 'Yun ang effort.

Anyways, maliban sa mga inaanak ko kasama si Mommy ko sa mga bibigyan ko ng gifts, isinama ko na rin sarili ko sa mga reregaluhan ko.

Noong isang araw lang ay bumili ako ng isang remote controlled toy helicopter. Nakita ko kasing sale sa ToysRus sa Trinoma kaya tumingin-tingin ako hanggang sa makita ko ang isang remote-controlled toy helicopter. 50% off kaya naman pinatos ko na. Minsan lang naman ito.

Noong bata kasi ako (mga 4years old) ay nakatanggap ako ng remote controlled toy helicopter din kaso since bata ako ay hindi ko naman naenjoy kasi ang gumagamit ay ang mga nakatatanda kong kapatid. Nung kaya ko nang magpatakbo ng isang remote controlled toy helicopter, sira na ito. Kapag nagpapabili naman ako, lagi nilang sinasabing nabilhan na ako noon kaso sinira ko lang. Hanggang sa lumaki ako... Nasa isip ko pa rin ang magkaroon ng isang remote controlled toy helicopter.

So ngayong pwede naman akong bumili ng isang remote controlled toy helicopter, kahit hindi na ako bata, binili ko pa rin. Iba pa rin kasi ang feeling na nafulfill mo ang isa sa mga pinakaaasam mo nung bata ka. Ewan ko ba, masasabi ninyong mababaw pero ang saya-saya ko nung sa pagbukas pa lamang ng kahon nito. At lalo pa akong naging masaya sa unang beses kong paliparin ito.

For now, nakakahon na ulit, dadalhin ko siya sa Mindoro pag-uwi ko ngayong Pasko. Dun ako magpapalipad ng helicopter. Para rin hindi ako masyadong mabored lalo na kapag wala na akong ginagawa.

May isa pa akong natipuhang bilhin na worth 7,000 na remote controlled toy helicopter with camera naman pero since mahal, next Christmas na lang. Pag-iipunan ko!


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