So my printer was being annoying. It keeps on saying that I already ran out of ink.( It refused to scan my pics which is totally un-ink related.) But if it was working perfectly fine one second and all of a sudden the cartridge is empty, I find that imposibru. There should be some fading first, right?

While brainstorming for ways to get the funds to buy all 4 cartridges, I remembered stumbling upon a cartridge hack for a different brand at 9gag. I did a quick research on Google and voila! I now have the perfect solution to my dilemma.

It seems that once the ink is below the transparent window in the cartridge, the sensors would signal the printer to say it is empty.


To fool my printer into thinking that there is still ink in that area, I covered it with something opaque. I used a masking tape to do this. It shut up the stupid prompt!

Once I was done, the printer was A-okay once again. Hurrah to me! I learned a new trick and saved money!

Vamoose!
Ma.Diwata

Filipino's are a superstitious bunch. If you want to acquire only good luck and blessings this 2013, here are some superstitions you must do:

1.Make a lot of noise.

As the clock strikes 12 in the morning, bring out the fireworks and bang your pots to drive away the eveil spirits and bad luck in your household.

2. 12 sweet tasting round fruits.

There is a debate whether it should be 12 or 13 pieces of round fruits to be prepared on New Year's Day.There is even an article  saying it should be 8 fruits only. Twelve represents for the 12 months in a year. Thriteen  is a lucky number for the Chinese while 8 is the symbol for infinity. The round shape signifies coins or prosperity for the coming New Year.
To save, buy or pick indigenous fruits like pomelo, atis, duhat, rambutan, santol, melon, calamansi, dalandan, lanzones, chico, langka, pineapple, mango, durian, avocado, mabolo, chesa, balimbing, aratilis, mangosteen, pakwan, bignay, dragonfruit, papaya, buko, granada, kalumpit, sampinit and yambo instead. 

3. Wear polka dotted clothes.
The polka dots symbolies coins but I don't want coins this new year. I want my money to come in bills and cheques. So I might be wearing a dress with rectangular patterns. Where can I find one?

4. Tikoy.

Being both sweet and sticky, tikoy symbolies unity within the family and sweetness towards each other.
This is a common gift among Chinese during New Year's.

5. Do not serve chicken.

They say that if you do, isang kahig, isang tuka ka. You'll be living 2013 in hardship and poverty.

6. Turn on the lights.
To have a brighter new year.

7. Let the air in.
Open the doors and windows to welcome good luck.

8. Jump high.

If you want to increase your height, jump 12 times.

9. Do not spend money.
Spending money on the first day of the year could mean that you will just spend without saving.

10. Line your wallet with bills.

To ensure that your money


There is no harm in trying these out. Right?

Have a prosperous New Year!

Vamoose!
Ma.Diwata

Bryan invited me to his Christmas Party last night. En route I passed by an Ukay Ukay and typical me, I was enamored by the cheap finds there. So much for trying to pay off all my debts before the year ends. More of it on my future posts.

Anyhoo, while waiting for Bryan to fetch me, a guy in his white pick up truck tried to give me a lift. Hahaha! Crazy!

So, this is what I wore for the party....

Thrifted shimmery blouse:   50Php
Thrifted tiered skirt:            50Php
Thrifted shoes:                 150Php

Note the shoes. This is one precious find from the Ukay Ukay yesterday. I had to switch from my Alberto's to this one because it was too darn cute and comfy!

Expect more ukay ukay lookbooks on my future posts because I'm dressing up more these days.

Merry Christmas everyone and to those grinches out there who wants me to be politically correct Happy Holidays!

PS. Sorry for the bare face. No make up handy during the party. =(

Vamoose!
Ma.Diwata

This is a super sweet dress from romwe I purchased with my 20USD coupon plus 4USD using my paypal account.

I love its vibrant color and light as air fabric. The downside though is having too many Marilyn Monroe moments with this. Just imagine crossing a street when a sly breee takes your skirt up in the air. I'm sure you would also fire expletives.

The prescription shades is free from Firmoo and th ebag is from Harajuku Lover.

Prescription shades:   free
Romwe dress:           20 USD coupon + 4 USD
Harajuku Lover bag:  2000 Php (I still haven't finished paying up for this)
Shoes:                        250 Php

I was crossing the street a few days ago when the traffic officer asked me where I was studying. I was giddy with laughter the whole day with that thought.

Here I was in my twenties and he still thinks I was heading out to pencil push. I blame it on my Japanese school girl look.


Thrifted white blouse:     50Php
Thrifted schoolgirl skirt:  50Php
Thrifted black stockings: 50 Php
Thrifted shoes:                100 Php
Total cost of the outfit:    250 Php

Update May 2013
Here is another version of this:

Thrifted Gold Blouse:        50Php
Thrifted Black Coat:         50Php
Thrifted Black Stockings:  50Php
Thrifted Brown Boots:     100Php
Gifted Bag
Vamoose!
Ma.Diwata

Filling up the time has been a challenge lately. That is why I've been doing a little pencil pushing and paint splattering these past few days.


This is a sketch of an old house located near the Tacloban pier. Just in front of the van terminal.



A ship ready to sail at sea. This is the first time I tried to paint a reflection.

An electric candle and vase at the office's altar. The electric candle is a commonly placed alongside an image of a saint.


The venerated Sto.Nino. You will find it in every Filipino altar this side of the Philippines.



Another of my Mehndi inspired Mandalas. I always love splatters of color.

Moshi moshi!

Sorry for my late post. I've been deprived of internet connection for so long. I only get to update when there is a free wifi like now.

Last Sunday, December 9, was the 16th Rare Job Tutor Gathering at Harold's Hotel in Cebu City. It was my first and the only familiar face I saw there was of Sir Semacio aka Tutor Bunny.

The tables had a ready pen and pencil for the ice breakers.
The hosts were so funny. No need to hire for a comedian.
Say Hello to Kato-san.
Kato-san was the most photographed in the event.
The food was delish! Since it was a buffet, you can still have seconds. I even went home with packed food because there were lots of left overs. Seems like some tutors chose Pacquaio's fight over the gathering.
This is a star shaped cookie personally handed out by Kato-san. I forgot about this already. (NOTE TO SELF: Must look for it in my cavernous bag and eat it.)
This is a cute tumbler I received after winning one ice breaker.
This is the token which we all went home with. It is a notebook and a pen emblazoned with the Rarejob name on it.

I can't wait for the next tutor gathering. Why?
1. Great gifts. They gave away iPod shuffle and a Cannon digicam.
2. Tutor awards. I hope I'll get to receive one net time but logging in for 100 hours per month is tough. I don't know if I can manage it.

I just hope that the next tutor gathering is closer to home.

I got a  bag from Love Pink in mint condition for only 250php at an ukay ukay. Is it a deal or steal? Neither! Because it is both.

 These are some of the cute puppies being sold beneath the underpass at Robinsons.

 Colorful dried bakawan or mangrove twigs. These are often used as christmas trees and when paired with Christmas lights and other decorations, it looks absolutely fabulous.
 Parols.
 Flowers. A whole street of them.
 Lots of people were crowding over this cart. My bestfriend Waw and I were really interested.
 A closer look at the shells. Can you now tell the species and genus?
 Wawaw modeling the different handicrafts.
 Lamps made from Capiz shells.
 Dyed Capiz wind chime.

 Simon mesmerized.
 Another parol.

 Emma and Simon trying to figure out the number of weaving done on this basket.
 Parols made from tin foils.

 These are the folk medicines sold on the street.
 Waw and I can't resist to take a bite of this fare. So the next time we encountered a food cart selling shells, we bought one for 5php and we loved it!
 Hohoho at Gaisano.
Sharpening your tools the old fashion way. This is a good exercise!