Alright, let’s face it. The past few days have been calorific – if you know what I’m saying. All those bacons, hams, chocolates, fruit cakes, pastas, lechon and leche flan from last week’s Christmas parties up to the actual Christmas day feast have gotten our stomach full like never before. The aftermath? Weight gain. So to negate that excess weight, I’d like to share some tips on how I plan to burn all that extra energy in our bodies. You might want to share your tips too.

1. Hit the gym or exercise today

This will surely be a part of my to-do list. Since there is no school or work, we all need to do some sort of physical activity instead of just sitting around the house doing nothing. I suggest you hit the gym, exercise, clean the house or even stroll the malls again to burn up the food before it becomes fat.

2. Bring food intake back to normal

While I understand that there are several leftovers after that great banquet, it’s time to take control again of one’s food intake. I know it’s pretty hard when you have delicious food around but think of this: In 3 months, summer is coming – how do you want to look?

3. Get back to fruits and veggies

Sounds cliché? But here’s the thing: I find it really difficult to get back to fruits and veggies after that sumptuous Christmas feast filled with meat and sweets. So the sooner we all get back and get used to eating these healthier foods again, the more advantageous it is for one’s health and body.

4. Watch out for the New Year

History repeats itself doesn’t it? Just a week from now I’m sure we will have another round of overindulgence on food as we celebrate the New Year. There’s no problem with that. Just make sure to eat only as much as you think you’re metabolism can burn. As a guy, I’m sure that we no longer want making the same New Year’s resolution of getting a beach body year in and year out right?

So how about you? What’s your plan in losing those few extra pounds gained over the holidays?

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Image credit: Dilipm | License

I saw two types of these watches. One is made by ODM:

And the other is made by Levi’s:

I’m not sure if “Jelly watches” is the correct term to call it. So if anyone knows the correct name, post a comment right away.

Anyway, I’ve heard that the one made by Levi’s is being worn by a famous Asian actor so I see it being worn more often here in the Philippines. Out of curiosity, I asked a friend of mine how much these are and he said it was something like 4,000 Pesos? Quite expensive I must say!

But then again, if the cost isn’t an issue to you and you love the style, why not? The only thing that bothers me is that if this is just a fad in the country at the moment, you may find the watch difficult or inappropriate to wear a few months later. Well, that’s fashion after all. Now it’s in, the next day it’s out!

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Image credit: StuffForSale | Sulit.com.ph allows this image to be embedded

Today we explore the Top 4 Pinoy Vices with PGG writer Jessie. See if you have one of these vices and let us know how you got that vice.

VICE/VICES – noun -
an immoral or evil habit or practice
immoral conduct; depraved or degrading behavior: a life of vice.
sexual immorality, esp. prostitution.
a particular form of depravity.
a fault, defect, or shortcoming: a minor vice in his literary style.
a physical defect, flaw, or infirmity: a constitutional vice.

Smoking
- Ice cold fact about the cigarette that you just smoked a while ago: Nicotine is far worst than Heroine in terms of addiction level. Pinoys just don’t think it affects them because, in reality, the effects of smoking related illnesses only manifests when you’re already at your worst condition (read: dying). I’m not here to preach on why you should lessen the sticks that you puff everyday. I am a smoker myself. I call it ‘express therapy’. I use it to pass time and earn extra patience when I’m having a rough day. But if you smoke two packs (or more) a day with your conscience intact – then you better make sure you have enough money in your bank account to keep you alive for at least 72 hours once you hit rock bottom.

Alcoholic Beverage
- Men are blinded by alcoholic beverages. It can either make or break a man. If you go out with the gang and drink your guts out – you’re in. You’re part of the circle. But if you reject an invitation or two – expect a lot rumors involving your sexuality spreading around the next day. Pressure is the element that turns a lot of Pinoys into beer drinking zombies. Drinking is a way of life. I drink. I’m sure you, Mr.Reader, downed a bottle or two at least in your lifetime. But like the saying goes; anything done excessively is wrong. If you drink at least twice or thrice a month. You’re OK. Congratulations. You will get to see your grandson play basketball in your backyard. But if you’re the guy who’s been part of every single drinking sessions of your peers, you have a very serious problem coming your way.

Online Games
- Aaaah, online gaming. One of the best inventions man has ever come up with. Back in the day, I used to be an ‘arcade’ guy. I used to be that alpha male who buys only one token, challenge a guy wearing that stupid NY Yankees cap, beats his ass in Super Street Fighter II using Guile, and beating the game itself in one seating. While a dozen of token-less guys gather around to watch. But all that magic happens AFTER school. Online gaming has taken the addiction of ‘killing’ someone, somewhere out there, to a whole new level.

Nowadays, students would often miss class to play DOTA, CS, Ragnarok, Diablo and all the games available in internet cafe’s around schools. Try going to the nearest school zone in your area and you will most likely encounter an internet and gaming cafe filled with teenagers in school uniform, screaming and yelling as they scour for more power ups and annihilate some guy’s home base with brute force. Its fun, affordable and the moxy you get when your the last man standing and yet your team still won because of your heroics is irreplaceable. But please – learn something in school. Something. Anything. Before you blow people’s head off with your sniper.

Workout
- There’s nothing wrong with working out. It takes a lot of discipline and hard work to be in good shape and it pays off in the long run. But there are guys out there who just can’t get enough of being with plates and exercise equipments. Guys who would go straight to the gym right after class or shift, ignoring everything that also matters in this life. Overexercising can lead to insomnia, depression, fatigue, and anxiety. When you’re sole motivation to work out is to have that Christian Bale physique to impress the ladies (and those fake scouts looking for new ‘talents’), then you are definitely hooked to the bones in all the wrong ways.

* other notable pinoy guy vices includes: women, shoes and Poker

How about you? What are your vices? Are you doing any efforts to stop them for the better?

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Image credit: Smarlo | License

Aren’t you guys sick and tired of the usual TOP 5 HOT CELEBS list that you encounter anywhere? Well, we are!

Here’s how you could help change things:

1. Go to your MULTIPLY, FRIENDSTER, FACEBOOK, MYSPACE etc accounts

2. check your friends list

3. pick a GIRL or two who you think is HOT (should not be a celebrity or a model in any way). As much as possible you should know the girl because I might send an email interview through you.

4. Gather some very basic information about the girl then send me the link of her account and her photo at my email: pinoyguyguide[at]gmail[dot]com

5. PGG will be collecting the data after receiving some responses

6. Then we’ll have a TOP 5 NON-CELEB HOTTIE LIST

7. Don’t worry, its not stalking, we’re actually going to make them very popular – and most girls would love that idea! We will of course ask permission from her if she’s willing to be featured here.

If all works out, then this would be awesome! As for the person who nominated, you may even get a token of appreciation from Pinoy Guy Guide!

So hurry, send your nominations to pinoyguyguide[at]gmail[dot]com

Image credit: Teducation | CC License

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Whoever is pushing the latest trend on Pinoy Shirts to the mainstream market and retail stores should get an award. I have never before seen Filipino men and women wearing Filipino-themed shirts out loud and proud!

I think that it is definitely time for us to be proud of our country. So instead of wearing the usual “foreign” shirts with letters spelled out as “USA”, “Los Angeles”, “Atlantic City”, “Singapore” and several others, why not be proud and wear our very own Philippine shirts?

I remember this phenomenon started with the Adidas Philippine Track Jacket, then the “I AM NINOY” shirts and now, it has become more diverse and widespread than ever. There are even some graphic tees containing three stars and a sun, photos of Rizal and several other famous Filipinos. It’s really nationalism at its finest.

I hope that this style will continue to make us Filipinos proud of our culture and make the world aware that we can start our very own style and fashion statement! So guys out there: buy and support our very own local shirts!

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Christmas is just around the corner. Best time of the year to shop like crazy. I noticed that a lot of guys out there are clueless when it comes to buying gifts for their queen. Let Pinoy Guy Guide help you out! Read on to know what’s inside the mind of girls this holiday season.

Guys shopping | Image credit: Asimulator

Before anything else, you need to know this: Lots of guys shop as much as girls do. I firmly believe that and that’s nothing to be ashamed of. Just because we males don’t go to Ayala/SM malls doesn’t mean that we don’t like to shop for stuff. We do it in our own private way. We’re pretty low key when it comes to splurging our hard-earned money on stuff that we like. We don’t walk around flamboyantly carrying 6 different paper bags around our shoulders when we shop. We get in, get our stuff, and get out. That’s how we roll. But girls are the best when it comes to shopping, so if you can get your sister, close friend or female co-worker to join you in your gift-hunting escapade, the better!

GADGETS

- If you have the money/credit to buy your girl a cool new device, go for it. Guys are tech freaks by default so shopping for a ‘techie’ gift won’t be a problem. Cellphones are always numero uno on the list. MP3 pillows are also a hot commodity. But if you really want to push it to the next level – a brand new laptop can bring tears into their eyes. Awww…

BAGS/SHOES/COSMETICS/PERFUMES

- This combo doesn’t always work for girls. Disaster may strike if you picked the wrong shoe size or chose a ‘not-so-favorite’ bag color, but if you did some research and you know the details, you’ll be able to pull it off. If you’re still hesitant to do the shopping yourself then it’s better to give them a gift card to their favorite store than giving them something they wouldn’t be caught dead wearing.

Shops to visit: Topshop, Bayo, F&H, Kamiseta, Nike Women, Mango, People are People and Rustan’s
For cosmetics: Nars, Shu Uemura, Philosophy and Mac

DAY AT THE SPA

- Truth be told, women love to be pampered. Taking them out to a fancy spa of their choice can mean a lot to them. But please guys, don’t go cheap on women. They have a way to know. Give them all-access to the spa! Then a nice dinner at Fridays after her relaxing time at the spa ain’t so bad. In my opinion, the best spa in the country right now is still ‘The Spa’. They have branches spreaded all over the region which provide the widest variation of services for different types of people.

VACATION PACKAGE

- Another kind of gift that needs a lot of moolah and preparation. But the rewards are very high and it serves both the giver and the recipient well. Pick a destination that SHE likes. Believe me when I say this, but girls are natural born beach bums. Boracay and Siargao can be a little too cliche for her (and its definitely jampacked at this time of the year) so going someplace else is worth giving a shot. Wherever it is, what’s important is you BOTH have a relaxing and memorable time together.

Places to check out: Puerto Del Sol (Bolinao, Pangasinan), Talipanan Beach (Puerto Galera, Batangas), Club Serena (Lapu-Lapu City), Aguirangan Island (Camarines Sur)

Guys, pick your poison wisely. Girls always remember what they got for Christmas.

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Image credit: Sony Ericsson

I bet that a lot of guys out there never switch their home or car’s radio to the AM frequency band. Don’t worry, I’m one of them. Let’s face it. It’s boring. I’d rather listen to music than listen to radio news. But don’t get me wrong, I get news info from other sources – TV, newspapers and even the Internet. But just not on my music player or even my cellphone. It’s just not my thing.

However, Sony Ericsson seems to have revolutionized radio for our mobile phones especially for those who love news on the go.

So let’s meet the SE R300 – a cellphone unlike the ordinary. It has both AM/FM radio frequency band. So whether you’re a music lover or a news town crier, you’d surely love having both frequencies! If I’m not mistaken, it’s even the first mobile phone to have a built-in AM Radio and it’s very suitable for a lot of students who are always wishing for class suspensions during the rainy days.

Here is a list of other features of the R300. It’s really a minimalist yet unique phone!

-2G Network
-Polyphonic Tones
-1000 contacts
-8 MB internal memory – no memory card
-Bluetooth
-VGA Camera
-Music player
-FM/AM radio recorder

There’s also the SE R306, also a mobile phone with AM/FM radio but the only significant improvement to this is that it has a clearer, 1.3 Megapixel camera instead of a VGA one.

Question is, do you really need an AM radio in your phone?

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If you have ever passed by apparel retail store “Mint” or “Human”, you may have probably seen these so-called shutter shades a.k.a. Venetian sunglasses as popularized by Kanye West.

It’s pretty obvious why they were named as such. See, they actually look like the Venetian blinds which we use for our bedroom’s windows. PGG Forum member Jayvee, was kind enough to share how these glasses look on him when worn. If you would notice these shades come in two types. One, which only has shutters (as seen above) and another, which has shutters plus the glasses like Jayvee’s below.

These shades are really for style so it doesn’t matter if you wear it even when the sun is not way up high.

How about you? Do you think you can pull it off?

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Image credit: MaxiAdrian | License

Today, I was emailed by an Italian-American reader who stumbled upon Pinoy Guy Guide while he and his Filipina girlfriend were searching about Filipino pop-culture and lifestyle. It was very alarming when he told me that the Philippines has no originality when it comes to style and fashion. I’d like to quote an excerpt of his exact message to me below:

“…I studied history in college, so I know a deal about countries who have been under colonial rule. I always just wonder to myself how much more culturally rich and vibrant those countries would be if they didn’t continue to follow in the footsteps of their colonizers, even after gaining independence.

The Philippines, and other countries formally under colonial rule, have so much potential in their artistic and cultural talents. Yet, what ends up getting publicized are the latest fashions from abroad. I know foreign trends are inevitable, but even highly American-influenced countries like Japan, Brazil, and Australia still try to break away from the mold. They themselves have set global trends that Americans now copy. I believe the Philippines can do the same…”

Alarming isn’t it? But what he pointed out is correct. If you have noticed, Western countries are starting to adapt style influences from Asian countries like Japan and Korea. As a matter of fact, I have received several emails from American and even European guys asking me how to style their hair the Asian way. If you even take a look at the bottom part of this blog, one of the most viewed items is my first PGG post which is about Gatsby Hair Wax – a Japanese hairstyling product.

Even male scarves which I featured recently is a style from the Middle East (also a part of Asia). They are now being worn by Kanye West, Justin Timberlake and other popular icons from the West. As you can see, the West is now starting to adapt Asian trends.

The list could go on and on but wouldn’t it be better if there is a worldwide trend which we can proudly say is started by the Philippines?

As what was pointed out by the reader who sent me an email, influences from foreign countries are inevitable but like him, I also hope that a day will come when the world can say that: “Oh that style was started by the Filipinos”.

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Image credit: Alyanna | Creative Commons

It’s the first time that PGG conducted a poll to come up with the Hottie of the Moment. It’s no surprise that in the first poll at the Pinoy Guy Guide – Forums, hottie Anne Curtis has been voted as PGG’s Hottie for November-December 2008.

Anne Curtis, a Filipino-Australian model/actress in the Philippines is every inch a gorgeous woman. Currently, the 23-year old hottie can be seen in the TV Series “Dyosa” of ABS-CBN.

Want to a chance to vote who will be the next PGG Hottie? Join the PGG Forums to discuss and vote!