Gabzki's Lair

Don't judge someone by his looks

2008-09-26T09:00:00.013+08:00

Here's an inspirational video about a shy, humble guy who has great talent to show to the world. His name is Paul Potts, "a little lump of coal who turned into a diamond".

Secrets of the Millionaire Mind: Differences of Rich and Poor People

2008-08-06T09:56:00.035+08:00

I'm sharing these wonderful points from Harv Eker's groundbreaking book, "Secrets of the Millionaire Mind" and his brief explanation why only a few people achieve financial success. If you believe you are happy and satisfied with what you currently have, you must be doing the right things. But if you've been working hard your entire life but never achieved wealth, then you must be doing something wrong and CHANGE is what you need, my dear friend. A change in mindset, that is.

"Secrets of the Millionaire Mind" reveals the missing link between wanting success and achieving it. Eker does this by identifying your "money and success blueprint." Furthermore, this book encourages readers to adopt mental attitudes that facilitate wealth.

1. Rich people believe "I create my life."
Poor people believe "Life happens to me."

If you want to create wealth, it is imperative that you believe that you are at the steering wheel of your own life, especially your financial life. If you don't believe this, then you must inherently believe that you have little or no control over your life. Therefore, you have little or no control over your financial success. This is NOT a rich attitude.

Instead of taking responsibility for what is going on in their lives, poor people choose to play the role of the victim.

How can you tell when people are playing the victim? There are 3 obvious clues:

Victim Clue #1: They Blame

Victim Clue #2: They Justify

Victim Clue #3: They Complain

Sound familiar? Have you ever seen anyone behave like that? Blaming, justifying and complaining are nothing more than stress reducers; misguided attempts to alleviate the stress that comes from failure. Think about it: if a person were not failing in some way, would they need to blame, justify or complain? The obvious answer is NO!

By the way, have you ever noticed that there's no such thing as a really rich victim?

If you have chosen to seek wealth in life, it is imperative that you choose your thoughts and words wisely.

2. Rich people play the money game to win.
Poor people play the money game to not lose.

Do you see the difference? Poor people play the money game on the DEFENSE rather than on the OFFENSE. Let me ask you: If you were to play any sport or any game strictly on the defensive, what would be the chances of your winning the game?

The answer: SLIM and NONE!

Yet that's exactly how most people play the money game. Their primary concern is seeking survival and security instead of creating wealth and abundance. So what is your goal?

Keep this in mind, if you shoot for the stars, you'll at least hit the moon!

3. Rich people are committed to being rich.
Poor people want to be rich.

Have you ever heard the saying: "the number one reason most people don't get what they want is that they don't know what they want?" In my experience, this is absolutely true!

Commitment comes from knowing exactly why you want to become rich. Rich people are clear that they want wealth and they are unwavering in their desire. They are fully committed to creating wealth. As long as it is legal, moral and ethical, they will do whatever it takes to create wealth.

Most people would never truly commit to being rich. If you asked them, "Would you bet your life that in the next ten years you will be wealthy?" most would say, "No way!" That's the difference between rich people and poor people. It's precisely because people won't commit to being rich that they are not rich, and most likely never will be.

It's interesting to note, however, that once you do commit, the universe will bend over backward to support you!

4. Rich people think big.
Poor people think small.

One of our seminar trainers went from a net worth of $250,000 to over $600 million in only 3 years. When asked his secret, he said, "Everything changed the moment I began to think big."

I refer you to the Law of Income, which states, "You will be paid in direct proportion to the value of what you deliver according to the marketplace."

It is important to know that 4 factors determine your value in the marketplace: supply, demand, quality, and quantity. In my experience, the factor that presents the biggest challenge for most people is quantity. The quantity factor simply means how much of your value do you actually deliver to the marketplace?

Another way of stating this is: how many people do you actually serve?

Small thinking and small actions lead to being broke and unfulfilled. Big thinking and big actions lead to both money and meaning. The choice is yours!

5. Rich people focus on opportunities.
Poor people focus on obstacles.

It comes down to the age-old question, "Is the glass half empty or half full?" We're not talking positive thinking here, we're talking about your habitual perspective on the world. Poor people make choices based upon fear. Their minds are constantly scanning for what could go wrong in any situation. Their primary mind-set is "What if it doesn't work?" or, more often, "It won't work."

Middle-class people are slightly more optimistic. Their mind-set is "I sure hope this works."

Rich people, as I mentioned in a previous e-mail, take responsibility for the results in their lives and act upon the mind-set, "It will work because I'll make it work."

Rich people expect to succeed.

6. Rich people admire other rich and successful people.
Poor people resent rich and successful people.

Poor people often look at other people's success with resentment and envy. They snipe, "They're just lucky," or whisper under their breath, "Those rich jerks."

You have to realize that if you view rich people as bad in any way and you want to be a good person, then you can never be rich. It's impossible. How can you be something you despise?

The Huna people of Hawaii have a philosophy that says, "Bless that which you want."

If you resent what people have, you can never have it.

7. Rich people associate with positive, successful people.
Poor people associate with negative, unsuccessful people.

Successful people look at other successful people as a means to motivate themselves. They see other successful people as models to learn from. They say to themselves, "if they can do it, I can do it."

Rich people are grateful that others have succeeded before them; drawing up a blueprint to follow that will make it easier to attain their own success. Why reinvent the wheel? There are proven methods for success that work for virtually everyone who applies them!

8. Rich people are willing to promote themselves and their value.
Poor people think negatively about selling and promotion.

Robert Kiyosaki, bestselling author of Rich Dad, Poor Dad (a book I highly recommend), points out that every business, including the business of writing books, depends on selling. He notes that he is recognized as a bestselling author, not a bestwriting author. One pays a lot more than the other!

Rich people are usually leaders, and all great leaders are great promoters. To be a leader, you must inherently have followers and supporters, which means that you have to be adept at selling, inspiring, and motivating people to buy into your vision. A skill otherwise known as selling.

Generally speaking, it is the leaders--those who can promote themselves and their products or services--who are able to amass great wealth.

Learn to sell and watch what happens to your net worth.

9. Rich people are bigger than their problems.
Poor people are smaller than their problems.

Poor people will do almost anything to avoid problems. They see a challenge and they run. The irony is that in their quest to make sure that they don’t have any problems, they have the biggest problem of all... they’re broke and miserable!

The secret to success, my friends, is not to try to avoid or get rid of or shrink from your problems; the secret is to grow yourself so that you are bigger than any problem.

If you have a big problem in your life, it simply means that you are being a small person.

10. Rich people are excellent receivers.
Poor people are poor receivers.

If I had to nail down the number one reason most people do not reach their financial potential, it would be this: most people are poor 'receivers'. They may or may not be good at giving, but they are definitely bad at receiving. And because they are bad at receiving, they don't receive!

The main reason people are challenged by receiving is that they feel unworthy or undeserving. This syndrome runs rampant through our society. I would guess that over 90 percent of individuals have feelings of not being good.

The reality is, if you think you're worthy, you are. If you think you're not worthy, you're not. Either way, you will live into your story!

11. Rich people choose to get paid based on results.
Poor people choose to get paid based on time.

Poor people prefer to be paid a steady salary or hourly wage. They need the 'security' of knowing that exactly the same amount of money is coming in at exactly the same time, month in, month out. What they don't realize is that this security comes with a price, and the cost is wealth.

Living based in security is living based in fear. What you are actually saying is "I'm afraid I won't be able to earn enough based on my performance, so I'll settle for earning just enough to survive or be comfortable."

Rich people prefer to get paid based on the results they produce. Rich people usually own their own business in some form. They make their income from their profits. Rich people work on commissions or percentages of revenue. Rich people choose stock options and profit sharing in lieu of higher salaries. Notice that there are no guarantees with ay of the above.

Rich people believe in themselves. They believe in their value and their ability to deliver it. Poor people don't. That's why they need 'guarantees'.

12. Rich people think "both."
Poor people think "either/or."

Rich people live in a world of abundance. Poor people live in a world of scarcity. Of course, both live in the same physical world, but the difference is in their perspective. Poor and middle-class people come from scarcity. They live by mottos such as "There’s only so much to go around," "There’s never enough," and "You can’t have everything." And although you may not be able to have everything, as in all the things in the world, I do think you can certainly have "everything you really want."

Do you want a successful career or a close relationship with your family?

Both!

Do you want to focus on business or have fun and play?

Both!

Do you want money or meaning in your life?

Both!

Do you want to earn a fortune or do work that you love?

Both!

Poor people always choose one, rich people choose…

Both!

13. Rich people focus on their net worth.
Poor people focus on their working income.

Rich people understand the huge distinction between working income and net worth. Working income is important, but it is only one of the four factors that determine your net worth. The four net worth factors are:

Income
Savings
Investments
Simplification

Focus on all four net worth factors: increasing your income, increasing your savings, increasing your investment returns, and decreasing your cost of living by simplifying your lifestyle.

14. Rich people manage their money well.
Poor people mismanage their money well.

It may not be the most glamorous of topics, but it comes down to this: the single biggest difference between financial success and financial failure is how well you manage your money. It's simple: to master money, you must manage money.

And remember, the habit of managing your money is much more important than the amount being managed!

What's stopping you from managing your money?

15. Rich people have their money work hard for them.
Poor people work hard for their money.

It comes down to this: poor people work hard and then spend all of their money, which results in their having to work hard forever. Rich people work hard, save, and then invest their money so they never have to work hard again.

The trick is to get educated. Learn about the investment world. Become familiar with a variety of different investment vehicles and financial instruments, such as real estate, mortgages, stocks, funds, bonds, currency exchange...the whole gamut. Choose one primary area to begin with and become an expert at that type of investing. Later, you can diversify into a broader portfolio.

Rich people see every dollar as a 'seed' that can be planted to earn a hundred more dollars, which can then be replanted to earn a thousand more dollars!

16. Rich people act in spite of fear.
Poor people let fear stop them.

Fear, doubt and worry are amongst the greatest obstacles, not only to success, but to happiness as well. Therefore, one of the biggest differences between rich people and poor people is that rich people are willing to act in spite of fear. Poor people let fear stop them.

The biggest mistake most people make is waiting for the feeling of fear to subside or disappear before they are willing to act. These people usually wait forever.

It is imperative to realize that it is not necessary to try to get rid of fear in order to succeed. Rich and successful people have fear, rich and successful people have doubts, rich and successful people have worries. They just don’t let these feelings stop them!

17. Rich people constantly learn and grow.
Poor people think they already know.

At the beginning of my seminars, I introduce people to the three most dangerous words in the English language: "I know that."

So how do you know if you know something? Simple. If you live it, you know it. Otherwise, you heard about it, you read about it, or you talk about it, but you don't know it. Put bluntly, if you're not really rich and really happy, there's a good chance you still have some things to learn about money, success and life.

When I was broke I was fortunate to get some advice from a multi-millionaire friend of my father's. He said to me: "Harv, if you're not as successful as you'd like to be, there's something you don't know." Fortunately, I took his suggestion to heart and went from being a "know-it-all" to a "learn-it-all". From that moment on, everything changed!

Credit: www.peakpotentials.com

Wordpress, oh la la

2008-07-25T12:25:00.004+08:00

Are you a blogging freak and die-hard Wordpress fanatic in one? Pay attention. A bunch of Wordpressers is coming up with the first ever Wordpress bootcamp in South East Asia labeled as WordCamp Philippines 2008. This nationwide event is free of charge so you have an excuse NOT to miss this shot. But mind you, the seats are very limited.

Switching to a new blog platform, this event came in perfect timing to personally catch up with the Wordpress wave hitting the blog-o-sphere. (Of course, I ain’t need to kiss goodbye to other blog publishing systems--I still love Blogger, you know!). Learning and discovering the power of Wordpress directly from its enthusiasts, developers, advocates and users is too good to be true.

Excited? Get off your butt and register now!

This event is supported by Mindanao Bloggers and hats off to the following sponsors:

Myanmar Cyclone Appeal: An ad campaign for a cause

2008-06-13T10:31:00.011+08:00

Cyclone Nagris which hit Myanmar on May 2, 2008 brought thousands of families to their knees. Several organizations have already expressed their emergency assistance, initiated relief operations and extended their support to alleviate the sufferings of families facing the massive crisis brought by the disaster. But what they have isn't enough.

So in order to spread the awareness for additional assistance, the good guys from Distilled initiated an ad campaign. Distilled's Big PPC Competition hopes to spread the word about the Myanmar cyclone appeal and eventually help increase the amount of donations and support going for the victims in Burma.

Not to mention the prizes are great. So, if ever you win, it's like hitting two birds with a stone.

The following are my entries:

Myanmar Needs Your Help
A Single Act of Kindness Can Create
Ripples of Hope. Donate Today!
www.WorldVision.org.uk

Save Myanmar Families
Help Victims Rise from the Calamity
The Power is in Your Hands. Act Now
www.WorldVision.org.uk

Myanmar Cyclone Appeal
No Donation is Great or Small
A Single Cent Can Make a Difference
www.WorldVision.org.uk

Pssst, watch what your visitors are exactly doing on your website

2008-05-30T08:54:00.016+08:00

For amateur to small-time bloggers, I know you all love Statcounter. As web marketing analyst, Google Analytics is our daily bread. These two are popular and widely used because they come for free but to acquire a paid analytics tools means you get much more accurate and reliable data. But no, I won't be recommending any of those on this post. I'll give you something quite interesting.

Clicktale is an in-page web analytics that records your visitors' every action, what they click and how far they scroll down as they browse your website. You do not get only numbers, graph or figures about your visitors but you watch their every activity visually while inside your webpage. Yes, it lets you put your vision on your visitor's eyes.

If your blog is not really for a large-scale online business, you may want to try the free version or you can get started for free and change your plan at any time. No software is required to be installed and setup takes less than five minutes. It's very easy!

That's why I would know if you're reading this post, my dear readers, what you will click next and where else you will go afterwards. There's a camera recording your every move. ;)

P.S. Just a bit of a spoiler, I hope this post gives you a hint of what my new site will be all about. :)

Where in the world is Osama Bin Laden?

2008-05-14T20:10:00.013+08:00

The guy who brought the controversial and much-lauded film, Super Size Me, showing the health effects of eating McDonald's food three times a day, every day, for one month is coming with another intriguing documentary film that will undoubtedly spark a few heated debates, elicit interesting response and capture everyone's wit.

Where in the World is Osama Bin Laden? is about the pursuit of the globe's foremost terrorist by the documentarian himself, Morgan Spurlock, as he travels country by country attempting to unravel the mystery of Osama's whereabout and tracking him down at his hide out.

Will Spurlock be successful? That's what we need to find out.

Gabzki.com is coming to town soon!

2008-05-13T08:55:00.022+08:00

Whether you like it or not, I bought this domain name and it's awesome to have your own.

Oopps. Let me rephrase the above statement.

Whether you like or not, I got gabzki.com for FREE. Now does it sound like I want to make you envious because I got it for gratis (or without charge)? :P

I couldn't think of a better name so I stuck with gabzki.com. I believe a handful of bloggers knows me as Gabzki. Unlike Santa Clause, we'll not wait for Christmas before it'll be fully running. All I need is spare time (which I'm always deprived of) to do the hosting, set up and all. Of course, I won't forget to 301 this blog so as not to lose the precious links I've built for two years.

The site will be more focused (I mean, no personal stuff--I swear) on a certain category. I thought of weekly blogging tips, product marketing (as I'm about to enter a huge business--talking about monetization!) or something of sorts. Well, for sure, I'll let the whole world know once it's ready.

See you soon then!

Google PR update today!

2008-04-30T17:58:00.017+08:00

The smell of latest Google PR update scatters around the web today. I immediately googled to confirm the news and everyone's in revelry with the result. So without much ado, I checked my blog's Page Rank to see how much it improved (or maybe worsened). Luckily, it jumped by a single notch from PR 3 to 4. A round of applause. Okay. It's good but I wasn't really surprised you know. :(

I'm not bragging but the first time I put the blog up it ranked big time--PR 4 right away in a matter of six months. Awesome, I said. But time didn't allow me to make constant update so it was left in the dust for 10 months which caused the PR to plunge. It was lately, however, that my interest to blog and return to blogosphere rekindled for some reasons. (One reason that I could point at is that the blog virus inside my system has awakened or something.) After a few fresh posts and link exchange over a short period of time, it reverted to PR 4. Sounds okay, right? So what am I complaining about?

If not for the long hiatus, the PR could have been higher. Tsk, tsk, tsk. Come on, who doesn't crave for high PR? It's another reason to brag your blog about, right? :)

So how did your website fare with the latest update?

Ass-kicking kung fu combo

2008-04-21T17:58:00.048+08:00

I was optimistic to watch The Other Boleyn Girl yesterday. You know, my excitement reached its zenith after I missed to see it a week ago. So after returning back from a trip to Batangas, my cousin and I hastily headed toward SM Megamall. We then hurried to the cinema to sneak which time is best to see the movie.

We arrived at the cinema floor and checked the movie schedule board. WTF? We couldn't find the film in the movie rundown. This is insane! The film ran for a week only and was stopped. Terrible. My excitement mood suddenly turned into immense disappointment. However, one thing that kept my spirit hopeful: a smell of piracy. Haha! ;)

Okay, okay, okay. Maybe the film didn't gross that much that's why it was hideously removed. I don't wanna think that it's a bad movie though.

We found ourselves watching The Forbidden Kingdom instead. Ahah! The Jackie Chan-Jet Li starrer is being simultaneously run in three cinemas. Now we knew what happened to The Other Boleyn Girl. I would be delighted if they took Manay Po 2 off the movie list. Peace. ;)

In regard to the film, I give it two stars. Okay. Let's make it three. The trailer didn't stir up a thrill in me so I didn't expect that much and I ended not disappointed at all. That simple. I've heard it dethroned the chart's top blockbuster hit during its first week. I don't think it would have happened if the film is starred by either Jackie Chan or Jet Li alone. The team up of the two martial arts superstars is what the audiences anticipate. Perhaps, big chunk of the budget was invested to bringing these stars together that the production came out unimpressive. :P Well, we can't blame if the movie wasn't produced by giant film outfits.

Anyway, the movie has a blend of action and comedy which makes it fun and entertaining. The battle scene of the two main stars is the most anticipated and interesting part. In fact, for almost five minutes I was completely sent to a state of awe, or artistic arrest. It's their first ever fight scene in their first ever movie together. Who isn't compelled to hold on to his seat?

Despite the positive reviews it has received, the OC in me captures the not so-nice things in the film. Let me count them.

1) The scenes at the top of Five Elements Mountain was obviously taken in a set. The lightings just don't match to what it's really like atop a mountain.

2) The Monkey King reminds me of Son Goku from Dragon Ball. Later, I learned they are inspired from the fabled warrior Sun Wukong of the folk legend.

3) Jet Li sounds corny when he cracks a joke. ;P

4) Predictable plot.

5) Bad accent.

It's an "okay" film for me. The one with the right amount of action and humor. Although shallow in story, it surely gives us an ass-kicking kung fu pleasure.

Poetry 101

2008-04-17T10:26:00.027+08:00

This is my first try to introduce a poem here. See, this blog is not only stuffed with my selfish rants about mediocre and nonsensical things. It's time to showcase the creative writer in me. Haha! Pathetic.

I almost forgot this poem until I managed to retrieve some files from an "ancient" CD inside my seeming treasure chest. Then I discovered a couple of self-written (and trying hard) poems that was unpublished way back in college. I'll be posting them one by one starting today. ;)

This one's dedicated to my dear friend, Jodie, who always imagines herself as the powerful "Storm" from X-men. And for making me inspired with her wonderful literary pieces.

------------------------------------------------------------------

Storm

I could not stand its fury.
Devastating, killing.

My vulnerable self was left in shambles
When the thunder struck
And my bones scattered.

I tried to hold on from the raging wind
That dragged me to eternal darkness
But nothing was left for me to hold on.

The rain attacked me endlessly
Without my umbrella I melted
And my missing body was nowhere to be found.

I cried for help
I struggled to put the pieces of my body back.
Hopeless.
Nobody was around
It destroyed me already.

I called someone
And I picked from my pocket
The beaded stones in neon green.

I uttered words I once spoken
While kneeling in front
Of a wooden statue.

Suddenly a light shone on my face
Someone reached my grasp
From where I was left wrecked.

I asked why I was lent a hand
He answered:
“Because you have survived My storm.”

Halo-halo, anyone?

2008-04-10T13:19:00.017+08:00

It's summer time once again! Excited to wear that skimpy swim wear of yours and flaunt your drop-dead body in Boracay under the sultry sun? Or ready to hit Baguio to escape from getting unwanted sunburn? Btw, I'm not your ultimate travel guide so don't expect a list of must-go summer destinations, alright? Let's talk about some refreshment. Something that keeps us cool this hot season. Something like halo-halo? Yes. And sunblock, of course. ;)

In fact, a colleague sitting beside me has started devouring a cup of halo-halo taken out from Chowking. Did he ever know that, at this very moment, I was writing about this summer's cooler? The law of attraction is in the works! Haha!

Last night, I chanced upon our neighbor preparing halo-halo in her stall right in front of our apartment. (FYI, I prefer dirty halo-halo rather than the kind served in some local fast food. Dirty halo-halo is still the best!) Anyway, it was already past 7 in the evening yet next-door neighbors still flock to her.

The steps (and ingredients) are simple. First, she scooped a cup of crushed ice to a bowl, then added kaong, macapuno, caramelized saba banana, ube yam, kidney beans, langka, leche plan and sprinkled with sugar. And for the finale, condensed milk was poured into the mixture. No brainer. (As if I've never seen how it is prepared before.) Depending on one's preference, ice cream and fruit toppings may also be included to make that sweet and creamy dessert. Slurp. ;)

Btw, halo-halo is one traditional dessert popularized by Filipino. Halo means "mix". So it's up to you what ingredients will compose your own halo-halo. ;)

'Til here. Just a piece of advice: Be sure to enjoy one before you kiss summer goodbye!

A Letter from Bebang

2008-04-04T11:00:00.010+08:00

I first stumpled upon this article from the blog of my former colleague, Time (pronounced as ti-mé) which I find very hilarious. I've read this post for n times already yet I can't still remove the grin from my face every time I read it. I believe this letter deserves to be reposted and read by all Filipinos who experience such misfortune (and absurdity) in real life. Read on, and be amused by the silliness of this funny yet biting reality.

Her name is Bebang, a registered nurse in L.A. who brought her mother there for some much-needed medical treatment. Unfortunately, her Nanay did not survive. In order to save from further expenses, however, Bebang decided to stay in LA and just send her deceased mother's remains back to the Philippines.

Back home, and as soon as the coffin arrived, family members noticed that dead Nanay's face was fixed tightly on the glass like it was picture-framed. So they opened the coffin in order to re-position the corpse. To their surprise, a letter was stapled on Nanay's chest. The following was its content:

Mahal kong tatay at mga kapatid:

Pasensya na kayo at hindi ko nasamahan ang nanay sa pag-uwi riyan sa Pilipinas dahil napakamahal ng pamasahe. "Ang gastos ko pa lang sa kanya ay mahigit $10,000 na. Ayoko nang isipin pa ang eksaktong halaga. Anyway, ipinadala ko kasama ni nanay ang mga sumusunod...

Nasa likod ni nanay ang dalawampu't apat na karnenorte at isang dosenang spam. Ang adidas na suot ni nanay ay para kay tatay. Ang limang pares ng de-goma ay nasa loob ng dalawang asul na Jansport na backpack na inuunan ni nanay. Tig-iisa kayo.

Ang iba't-ibang klase ng tsokolate at candy ay nasa puwetan ni nanay. Para sa mga bata ito. Bahala na kayong magparte-parte. Sana'y hindi natunaw. Ang pokemon stuffed toy na yapos-yapos ni nanay ay para sa bunso ni ate. Gift Ko sa first birthday ng bata. Ang itim na Esprit bag ay para kay Nene.

Ate, nasa loob ng bag ang pictures ni inay, japanese version ng pokemon trading cards at stickers. "Suot ni nanay ang tatlong Ralph Lauren, apat na Gap at dalawang Old Navy t-shirts. Ang isa ay para kay Kuya at tig-iisa ang mga pamangkin ko. Maisusuot ninyo ang mga iyan sa fiesta.

Suot din ni inay ang anim na panty hose at tatlong warmer para sa mga dalaga kong pamangkin. Isuot nyo sa party.May isang dosenang NBA caps sa may paanan ni nanay. Para sa inyo, itay, kuya, dikong, Tiyo Romy. Bigyan nyo na rin ng tig-isa 'yung mga pamangkin ko at 'yong isa ay kay Pareng Tulume.

Ang tigdadalawang pares ng Nike wristband at knee caps na suot-suot din ni nanay ay para sa mga anak mo, diko, na nagbabasketball. Tigdadalawang ream ng Marlboro lights at Winston red ang nasa pagitan ng mga hita ni nanay.

Apat na jar ng Skippy Peanut Butter, dalawang dishwashing liquid, isang Kiwi glass cleaner at tig-aanim na Colgate at Aqua Fresh ang nakasiksik sa kilikili ni nanay. Hati-hati na kayo, huwag mag-aagawan.

Isang dosenang Wonder bra (Victoria's Secret ata ang tatak) gustong-gusto ni Tiya Iskang society natin, suot-suot din ni nanay. Alam kong inaasam-asam nyo 'yan, tiya. Anim na lipstick lang ang kasya sa bra. Ang Rolex na bilin-bilin mo tatay, suot-suot ni nanay. Nakatakip sa Nike na wristband. Kunin mo agad, Itay.

May isinisik akong zip-loc sa bunganga ni Inay na naglalaman ng $759 dollars. Hindi na ako nakatakbo sa ATM. Puede na siguro sa libing iyon.

Iyong tong na makokolekta, i-time deposit niyo Kuya para pag namatay si Tatay may pambili na ng ataul. Ang hikaw, singsing at kuwintas (na may nakakabit pang anim na nail cutters) nagustong-gusto mo, ditse, ay suot suot din ni nanay. Kunin mo na rin agad, ditse. Ibigay mo ang isang nailcutter kay Jay bakla sa kanto.

Tanggalin niyo ang bulak sa ilong ng inay, may isiniksik ako 3 diyamante sa bawat butas. Ibangon niyo lang si inay at tiyak na malalaglag na ang mga iyon. Konting alog lang siguro ng ulo.

Marami pa sana akong ipaglalalagay kaya lang, baka mag-excess at si nanay pa ang maiwan. Basta parte-parte kayo, tatay, kuya, ate, dikong, ditse. Para sa inyo lahat ito. Bahala na kayo kay nanay. Pamimisahan ko na lang siya rito.

Balitaan ninyo na lang ako pagkatapos ng libing. Alam ni ate ang email ko. Paki-double check ang lista kung walang nawala sa mga ipinadala ko.

Nagmamahal,
Bebang

This article is originally from Jeanne Tan Te of Sun Star Iloilo dated Monday, August 28, 2006.

Did the Earth Hour make a difference?

2008-04-02T09:03:00.012+08:00

I was supposed to join the "Earth Hour" thing which globally took place last Saturday night. As a concerned citizen (ehem!), I'd like to contribute something to fight global warming by being involved in such movement. Anyway, it's only for an hour so I didn't mind.

The hell is, it was blotted out of my memory. Some hours prior to that event, I was in Divisoria bustling over ukay-ukay and was already distracted by the cheapest bargains and oblivious from my mission to turn off the lights come 8pm. Well, how would I even remember since all the places my friends and I went to had all their lights on? A total blackout across the metropolis didn't happen as expected. Gee. Seems nobody really care. ;)

Realizing that I missed to take part in this precious hour, a question pops out in my mind: Did not using electricity for an hour really make a difference? To save energy, maybe. But merely in those places who participated and take note, only for an hour. The benefit would have been more valuable if it lasted for a day, a week, a month or a year. But that's a different story, I know. A nice campaign on reducing energy consumption in our DAILY routine is a lot better. Of course, such initiative should also start in our own backyard.

So there. After an hour of shutting lights off, everything went back to normal and everyone started to utilize the electricity AGAIN--just like the normal stuff before the earth hour--still consuming the same amount of energy. Or even more!

Pirate's unfinished business

2008-03-18T10:04:00.012+08:00

Piracy can be as quick as Manny Pacquiao's blow on Marquez. While everyone revels over Manny Pacquiao's sweet victory against Juan Manuel Marquez, our eye-patched friends with hook and bicorne hat hustle over their "unfinished business". Pirated dvds of the bout reached every bend and corner of Quiapo just a day after the celebrated fight.

Thanks to our very tight guard against piracy.

Advertise your blog through Entrecard

2008-02-07T08:49:00.002+08:00

I subscribed to Entrecard today. I was so entertained that I left some shitload of tasks in my end unfinished. Nice. That didn't concern me though, especially when the daily grind in the office already gets to you.

Anyway, back to Entercard, I really enjoy the first time I joined. I know it's too late before it was introduced to my vocabulary but my appreciation goes to Maline who, as per her advice, suggested that I try it. It's somewhat like Blogmad or Blog Explosion when it comes to the scheme. I'm a fan of these sites when I want to increase visit to my blog. You can earn credits by surfing other member's blog, by exchanging banner ads, by winning the lottery or by mere generousity of a beloved blogger-friend who wants to share their credit earnings. Then you use these credits in any way you want to earn traffic.

But Entrecard is far more interesting with its simple advertising setup. The free exchange network platform is an innovation to bloggers who want their site advertised through other's blog. A fair play is ensured in the process so everybody gets their fair share of the credit. If you're a beginner, Entrecard is a pretty good startup to introduce your site and gain readership.

Check it out yourself. You'll see how fun that drop-your-card-or-advertise-on-a-widget thing is.

Logo credit: Entrecard.com

The Backcountry.com experience

2008-02-04T15:52:00.000+08:00

I got bored at one point this morning that I thought of browsing the website of Backcountry. I already miss working for this website and our boss, Tim Meikle, during my stint in Eversun Software Philippines back in Iloilo City.

Backcountry.com is an online retail store of outdoor and backcountry gear. It carries over 250 top brands like The North Face, Black Diamond, Petzl, Mountain Hardware, Arc Teryx, Salomon, and more, with nearly 50,000 products. If you're scouring for best made gear including backpacking, camping, skiing, snowboarding, rock climbing, kayaking, mountaineering gear and more, on the planet, look no further because Backcountry.com is the perfect store.

Don't miss to visit their other online shops, too. If you're a real snowboard junkie, you'll find the biggest names in snowboarding at Dogfunk.com. Meanwhile, if skiing is your action, Tramdock.com is your ultimate local skiing shop. The newest, sweetest, highest quality ski gear is very affordable from this site. Avail also of last year’s gear at insanely low prices from Backcountryoutlet.com.

Our job then was to optimize keywords. We sort and find for the best keywords used by customers to search for the products in these sites and in top search engines as well. These keywords and the product's URL must also be regularly updated so customers are led to the right product (with fewest clicks) during query. Well, I don’t need to elaborate those other technical processes. What was exhausting then is that we’re dealing with hundreds and thousands of keywords everyday. It’s part of their search marketing after all.

Anyway, there’s nothing big that’s changed in the website. It’s still has the same look as before—only cleaner (and with smaller font) this time. And oh, by the way, did I mention that Backcountry.com is included in Internet Retailer Best of the Web Top 50 Retail Sites and awarded with Bizrate’s Circle of Excellence Award for four times in a row?

Logo credit: Backcountry.com

A nicer Simon in American Idol 7

2008-02-01T12:35:00.003+08:00

I’m not a huge follower of American Idol. Although I know who the winners in the past seasons were, it's only when the 7th season premiered that I started to hook with its every episode. The latest was they were in America's southeasternmost resort city--Miami, Florida--to scout for the next Idol. The tropical hot spot were bound by thousands of hopefuls desiring to get that golden ticket to Hollywood and become America's next singing superstar.

Well, who could forget about the three judges? Sometimes, or most of the times, I'm more entertained with the judges than with the contestants. Simon Cowell, notorious for his unsparingly blunt and often controversial criticisms, insults, and wisecracks about the contestants, is more forgiving this time. Many aspirants received the very rare "Yes" from him during the audition.

I enjoy every time Paula and Randy agree but Simon doesn't. The judging sometimes falls from a debate to a two-against-one riot. Meanwhile, I find Paula's antics very cute. I remember her dancing in front of the audition room while a certain Renaldo Lapuz, who by the way is a Filipino, sang his own piece, "We're Brothers Forever" for Simon. His audition created some buzz and I bet he'll make it big--not in Hollywood--but in Youtube, I guess. Remember William Hung? Fame didn't require him to sound (and look) good. On the other hand, Randy is the nicest among the guys.

The series of audition for this season is filled with different colors and characters. I can't help but laugh when some desperate auditioners beg for another chance or some sort of psycho or drunkard, dressed in comical character or with weird fashion sense, go there just to embarrass their selves or try to get some attention. At least, their silliness makes us entertained.

It's still a long way before a new Idol can be proclaimed. A series of elimination is yet to be held. Many aspiring singers from different key cities are still waiting to be discovered. I hope another Filipino will make a name again (after Jasmine Trias who made it to the final three). We'll see more of the best and worst auditions in American Idol season 7.

SEO Specialist post

2008-01-31T13:31:00.004+08:00

A few days back, I received a call from an SEO company. An HR asked if I'm interested for SEO Specialist post. "Why not?" was my quick reply. She told me she got my contact number from Jobstreet and, later on, invited me for an interview. I didn't refuse the invitation of course.

Right away, I googled for some company information. I learned that DirectWithHotels helps hotels maximize the performance of their website. They "seo" their client's site to reach a wider and targeted audience by promoting via web. This only indicates that a large chunk of budget is alloted by some hotels for Internet marketing. It's a good idea most especially that competition, nowadays, is very tough and given that Internet is a powerful marketing tool.

Directwithhotels go beyond plain SEO actually. When a website receives overwhelming traffic or tops some search engine sites, it doesn't limit there. It's important for them to make visitors book. We know that they won't be earning a single cent even if their site gains billions of visitor but none makes a booking. So they aim to convert "lookers" into "bookers".

As with the invitation, Link Popularity Specialist (LPS) was the second offer should I don't get the SEO Specialist post. Well, it's not quite bad for a trying-hard SEO like me. Haha.

Participate in 2008 Philippine Blog Awards

2008-01-30T15:02:00.000+08:00

In line with my unlikely comeback this year, I'm sort of announcing something for promotion. I may not be involved or participating in this event, but I’d like to spread the word about the 2008 Philippine Blog Awards which I first learned from Karla. I believe this year is the second of its series and I hope it'll turn out successful as well. Let’s help recognize who’s good in what when it comes to Pinoy blogging.

Watch out for his unwitty comeback

2008-01-24T14:27:00.000+08:00

I'm finally out of the cocoon! I almost lost my enthusiasm towards this endeavor but the good thing is, I'm back. This is my looooongest break ever since I started blogging two years ago. As you may have noticed, I was out of the blogging scene for almost ten precious months. It feels great to be back in the blogosphere.

If you'd thought I was dead, no. I wasn't so totally distant from the blog world either. Hibernated? Maybe. In fact, I'm completely aware of what's new with what's happening around the blog universe. I miss those times when I went crazy to drive traffic to my blog, hop from one blog to another, tag somebody or link to someone's interesting blog and all. These what make me "bloggy" right now.

My apologies to fellow and dearest bloggers whom I failed to update for some time. It's bad to see how the number of your visitors drastically plunged. But it hurts even more when your Google PR drops. Ouch!

I know there are bloggers who are temporarily inactive from their usual blogging business. But there are some who don't sleep at all because they blog round-the-clock (kidding, I've yet to hear one). And those who stop blogging--for good--because they shifted interest or focused on some important things or whatever. But hey, who says blogging isn't important?

Without further agitation, I'm thinking of moving to a new one or recover this inactive, spiritless blog. The former will be a choice of buying a certain domain or creating via another blog host, say, Wordpress. The latter would include reformatting the look and feel of my first ever weblog. That means a major overhauling is going to happen. (And yes, I swear to rip out those distracting adverts.) I prefer the second option, for now. By the time I could seriously spend more time blogging, that's the time I'll try purchasing a domain (and place many ads). See, it's all about money-making. Lol.

Anyway, one change I've done so far was renaming this blog from Blogger's lair to Gabzki's lair. This is my blog in the first place. Another was removing irrelevant ads for speedy download.

That's all for now. Care for blogsome welcome?

Ramblings on 300

2007-03-15T09:29:00.000+08:00

Fam and I were hesitant to watch 300 at first. I was convinced by his "feeling" that the film is a crap (only by judging from the trailer) although I've anticipated to view this one. Well, how would we know if we don't see it for ourselves? Here's what I can ramble about the film:

A visually entertaining war film loaded with blood splatter, gory & violent scenes. Plenty of slow-mo shots would send you to boredom though. Nothing's really original but the director has combined different cinematic styles in his own discipline. The storyline is pretty basic & the film favors less in humanizing the characters. But it doesn't make it at all crap. Historical inaccuracy is quite obvious, nudity and sexual content were done significantly and artistically (hence, the PG-13 rating), and the casting is swarmed by men (by the way, it somehow had homosexual undertone). However, it didn't fail to provide a superb visual treat. The graphics is just marvelous! And the film has a distinct cinematographic look artfully duplicating the imagery of a comic book.

300 is a 2007 film adaptation of the graphic novel 300 by Frank Miller about the Battle of Thermopylae. The movie is under the direction of Jack Snyder.

Pre-election rants...and more rants

2007-03-05T16:16:00.000+08:00

Summer's hot, and so is the coming election.

As much as I loathe to talk stuff about politics (especially the been-dirty election junks), I have to because I have declared myself a good and responsible citizen of this country and do believe that my vote will make a difference to the future of all Filipino people. Gee, I have to keep my fingers crossed then. How in tarnation shall I determine if my vote will be counted, anyway?

Five days ago, I was surprised to receive a mail from a senatorial candidate. I mean, who am I to be sent a letter from the Office of the Senate? Such letter, I believe, was mass produced and delivered randomly. But as to how I was included in one of the addressees, I never cared to figure out.

Anyway, the incumbent senator generally asserts in the letter his authored laws in education, health, agriculture and social welfare, and other major legislative measures he is currently pushing through (which I basically prefer not to elaborate here). The content opens about returning thought at the more significant events of 2006--both positive and negative--pointing to the turbulent Philippine political atmosphere and some moments of economic upturns. On the other hand, the end part tackles about his optimism to reducing poverty and uplifting our nation's living standards, and that he will remain our partner in working towards a stronger Philippines and a better life for all Filipinos. Yadah, yadah yadah!

Now, what are these blabberings all about? I supposed you're sooooo stupid if you missed the point he is trying to punch to. If you happened to receive this letter, you would say he simply wants to be seated in the senatorial post. Well, this is not entirely mockery. I still believe of hardwork and achievement that's kept yet for a good cause rather than letting the whole damn world know about them!

In this vein, I also detest watching those political ad campaigns that harass our supposed-to-be television viewing pleasure. Those infomercials provoke the freak of me. Don't you just hate those crappy jingles? Don't they titillate your spines? And where are the decent platforms? Let's see whose promises are just mere facade.

Hitching in the political wagons are actors, magicians, exhibitionists and what-not. Even celebrities (who happen to be the politician's sister, best friend or wife) become endorsers in their campaigns. You know, popularity is the only investment to be more appealing. You see, the more tricks they know, the better are their chances of bringing home the bacon. Now where are the competent and credible people (should I say the messaiah) we've been looking for to salvage us from eternal damnation?

Am I asking too much? Or are they just doing very little? Be my cynicism forgiven.

Oink, oink! It's year of the Yin Fire Pig!

2007-02-16T13:09:00.000+08:00

Kung hei fat choi!

The Chinese all over the world will be once again celebrating their colorful New Year festivity, hoping that the year of the pig will bring them endless harmony, more luck--and money.

Chinese months are ushered in by the lunar calendar, with each month beginning on the darkest day. Traditionally, New Year festivities begin on the first day of the month and continue until the fifteenth, when the moon is brightest. As for how an animal like the pig came into play, legend has it that in ancient times, Buddha asked all the animals to meet him on Chinese New Year. Twelve came, and Buddha named a year after each one. He announced that the people born in each animal's year would have some of that animal's personality traits.

Those born in the Year of the Pig are believed to have excellent manners, make and keep friends, work very hard, and appreciate luxury. They are very loving and make loyal partners. Sounds like someone you want to paint the town red with, right? If your friend or partner is a pig person, or if you’re simply feeling festive and want to be in solidarity with our Tsinoy countrymen and women, check-out some places where celebrations abound this Chinese New Year.

Source: http://www.clickthecity.com/metro/?p=1511

Crazy for chocolates this Valentine's?

2007-02-08T18:05:00.000+08:00

It's exactly seven days before Valentine's Day. In this month of heart, the god of love will be sending forth his battalion of cherubs and once again, the town will be painted in red. Don't you wish to be hit by a cupid's arrow? Oh, love is in the air. However, I will not speak of love in all its splendor.

Let's go straight to business. I mean, chocolate cake business.

My friend's sister and her amigas come out with a simple business venture this Valentine's season. We know that aside from the demand for roses, chocolates is the next all-time favorite gift. But they won't be reselling chocolate bars; instead, they will home-bake chocolate cakes, only with a twist. For only P135, you get to choose from seven varieties: rocky road, vanilla brownies, mocha brownies, german choco, choco mint, orange creme and mini choco cupcake. It comes in square shape (12"x12") which you can have it sliced into 12 pieces (except for the cupcake). You can also request for customization.

But here's the catch: A postman will deliver the cake straight to the recepient for FREE! Isn't that sweeeeet? It's perfect for busy people who want to surprise their loved ones despite time constraints come Valentine's day.

But if your budget is limited, you may place an order for a three-piece chocolate rose which only costs P75 . This awesome edible gift can be your simple way of saying 'I love you' without worrying about spending some pennies. Compared to real roses (and with proper storage), the chocolate may last for a couple of months--including the memories.

**********************************************

Wishing everyone a wonderful Valentine's season.

Snowfall in the Philippines?

2007-02-02T10:26:00.000+08:00

Forgive my illusion that winter is coming to the Philippines. Or that Christmas breeze is a month delayed. But with frosty weather that we nowadays experience soon after the sun would bid good night (in irony of the torrid daytime condition), who will not think that snowfall is far from impossible?

Yeah. I know it's impossible.

You know, only in "ber" months that the country's weather would normally go cold. But it's February and summer is supposedly greeting us. Not unless you live in the City of Pines (Baguio City) or Tagaytay, then cool climate is an all-year round grace. And besides, we have only two seasons. We expect nothing more than rain or shine.

Is this a reverse of cycle in the state of atmosphere? Or a phenomenon of sudden and inevitable weather change? One news informed that this is caused by the melting of ice in Siberia. Another hearsay told North pole snow thaws. To whether they are true or not, I could not be certain. However, it is said that this chilling effect will last only until March.

Oh, by the way, I gotta slip on my thick-layered coat before darkness fall. It'll be an open refrigerator out there!

My blog got PR 4!

2007-01-31T19:13:00.000+08:00

After a month-long hiatus, finally, I'm back! Just for the record, for the past month I was preoccupied with heavy workload, newly discovered interests and all. Another year has just commenced and what can I say but to hope--again--for a better future. Well, I guess it's not too late to utter a New Year's resolution.

Anyway, I feel pathetic about myself of not being able to update my blog for 40 days. It was a surprise in disguise though. My frustration was practically over. My blog got PR 4. (Just a single notch lower than Bryanboy's "faggotry" blog). Isn't that a call for a celebration? The last time I knew was that it doesn't have a page rank.

To give your site a 4/10 ranking in a matter of six months isn't a short-term endeavor, knowing that I don't have the time in the world to work my ass off blogging. I know I'm exaggerating but I think my effort deliciously pays off. In fact, I didn't expect to rank that much because in the first place, this blog was born for mere reasons of monetizing from the ads and, what else, but to find a place to rant and ramble.

So to all my fellow bloggers, I'm still alive!

The 10 Christmas Commandments

2006-12-21T16:36:00.000+08:00

I don't have a lengthy Christmas message in mind for everyone. It's because the important thing, they say, is that it must come from the heart. Oh, come on. I dislike being mushy.

Meanwhile, I was entertaining thoughts of what's in store for me this Christmas season when I came across with this list of 10 Christmas Commandments. I just found out that it does exist. So before I get hyped at jumping off to a long Christmas vacation, let me share this thing to you. This is in replacement of my supposed-to-be selfish wish list or foolish blaberring--again!

"The following item appeared in a church newsletter and contains some good advice that will help us keep selfishness in check this Christmas:

You shall not leave ‘Christ’ out of Christmas, making it ‘Xmas.’ To some, ‘X’ is unknown.

You shall prepare your soul for Christmas. Spend not so much on gifts that your soul is forgotten.

You shall not let Santa Claus replace Christ, thus robbing the day of its spiritual reality.

You shall not burden the shop girl, the mailman, and the merchant with complaints and demands.

You shall give yourself with your gift. This will increase its value a hundred fold, and the one who receives it shall treasure it forever.

You shall not value gifts received by their cost. Even the least expensive may signify love, and that is more priceless than silver and gold.

You shall not neglect the needy. Share your blessings with many who will go hungry and cold if you are generous.

You shall not neglect your church. Its services highlight the true meaning of the season.

You shall be as a little child. Not until you become in spirit as a little one are you ready to enter into the kingdom of Heaven.

You shall give your heart to Christ. Let Him be at the top of your Christmas list.

Anyone keeping these commandments is sure to have a blessed Christmas."

Credit: http://www.appleseeds.org/Christmas-quotes.htm

Christmas sickness--I mean literally!

2006-12-07T17:04:00.000+08:00

While Christmas day is only a few counts of fingers away, some viral attack has crippled my celebratory mood. I'm getting sick these days. I'm not allergic to Christmas, I know. In fact, it's my favorite time of the year. But for four agonizing days already, I've been running a mild fever. More hostile are the cough, sore throat and runny nose that accompany it. Couldn't they come only one at a time? Well, I blame my lame body resistance. Ughh!

However, I could still manage to report to office or go to public places and mingle with "healthy" people. (Just minus the ice bag and thermometer in the mouth.) But the treatment I receive is like that of a cast-away. Every time I sneeze or cough (like a machine gun firing in spurts), all heads would turn to me. I'm dreaded by everybody as if I carry the deadliest virus ever discovered. And from time to time, I have to look for a restroom when I need to discharge those disgusting slippery substances out of my nasal cavity. Ewwww... Now I have to find ways to regain my composure!

Anyway, I can already feel the cool breeze Christmas brings. For those who haven't yet picked out a Christmas present for me, (be a generous Santa!) a new Nokia N80 will perfectly do. It's better to give than to receive. You know that! ;)

I look forward to attending dawn masses or "nine mornings" and keep my fingers crossed that our request for a long Christmas vacation be granted. A blessed Christmas season to one and all!

Get ready for Spidey 3

2006-12-02T16:54:00.000+08:00

Juice up your excitement as I give you the trailer to the much anticipated Spiderman 3.

Beware of Friendster theft

2006-11-18T12:25:00.000+08:00

WARNING: Friendster account theft at large!

This is to warn everyone to be very careful in keeping your personal password. Many of my friends have already experienced this: their profile was allegedly manipulated by some wackos after having a full access to their Friendster account. They freaked out upon learning that their profile information and photos have been maliciously altered, making a sabotage of their real identity to their friends. Worst is, they couldn't anymore log in to their account since their password has been changed by some dumbass.

PLEASE DON'T forget to log out every time you visit your account. If you happen to open it in an internet cafe, make sure that you've completely logged out (you should see the message 'You have logged out of Friendster' on your screen) before leaving. In case of power interruption prior to your signing out, Friendster doesn't guarantee a complete log out from your account so it is best that you check it again as soon as the power is back. ALWAYS click the 'Log Out' link (DO NOT just directly close the browser) once you're done. This will securely keep you away from trouble. Or else you give some half-ass losers an opportunity to play a "sasko" of your profile.

Don't become a victim of this Friendster "scam". Remember that Friendster doesn't have a high security feature of preventing this theft. After all, we are smarter than any computer systems.

Today is my...

2006-11-07T12:53:00.001+08:00

Glittery texts by bigoo.ws

Not a SMART idea: A bad news to texting addicts

2006-11-06T17:12:00.000+08:00

SMART did a nasty thing again. And they did it just a couple of weeks ago.

I'm talking about the unlimited texting promo of Smart network which has been running for quite a long time. So what's the fuss then? It's a big disappointment for my part (and basically to every Smart user) when they started the exclusivity of unlimited texting service to each network. Great--this means that Smart subscribers who are registered in unlimited texting could apply the promo only to another Smart user. This also works to Talk n' Text users. No wonder, one time, when I heard that displeasing "Check Operator Service" sound while I was sending a series of text quotes to my friends even though I was "unlimited". Worst is, there was no announcement from the network of the said adjustment. If there was, it wasn't that effective.

It's a downright insincerity to their advertising line SMART UNLIMITED TEXTING GETS EVEN BETTER! Weren't they earning enough from the previous setting? They seemed to have patterned this from Globe wherein subscribers are entitled to take advantage of the unlimited texting only for Globe to Globe or TM to TM. But to think that they lead the country's competition in the field of telecommunications with the biggest numbers of subscribers (and still growing), do you think they would suffer a multi-million peso loss without doing such move?

I admit that I could save a hefty amount of load from Smart's previous promo. Now, I'm spending too much, and the network is earning a shitload of money. This time, I will be forced to spend an extra load to text my friends who are Talk 'n Text users aside from the Globe ones. Meanwhile, I've also started to notice that their service gradually bugs down. Is this still part of their upgrading?

My problem for now is how to identify which numbers in my phonebook are Smart buddy or Talk 'n Text lest I message each one of them and end up with a zero balance.

Now I ask: Are these simply amazing?

Waaaaaah!!!! I'm back!!!!

2006-11-03T16:36:00.000+08:00

I hate this. Two weeks na at hindi pa ako naka-post ni isang entry. Para sa mga ka-blogger ko diyan na nagtatanong bakit nawala ako sa ere nang matagal, eh may mga sagot ako sa tanong ninyo. Hindi naman talaga ako nawala, dito lang ako sa office nagtatrabaho (as usual boring yung work ko), nag-bablog hopping, nagbabasa ng mga nakakaaliw na mga post at nag-aabang sa shoutbox ko ng mga bagong bisita. By the way, heto ang mga rason ba't hindi ako nakapag-post:

*Una, nagkasakit ako at sinipon in almost a week, so nasira yung concentration ko sa pagsulat. Instead na mag-isip ng idea, pahid-sipon yung inintende ko. Yucky, dba?
*Second, ang daming trabaho na nakatambak. Career pa rin kahit walang ka-challenge-challenge. Kung may spare time man ako, hindi ko na magawang magsulat kasi lupaypay na yung katawan ko pati utak ko.
*Third, imbes na magsulat, na-didivert yung attention ko sa friendster, atbp.
*Fouth, tinatamad lang talaga ako minsan.

Sa totoo lang meron akong mga entry na naka-save as draft lang kasi hindi ko matapos-tapos. From time to time, may mga naiisip akong bagong topic kaya ayon, pending lahat. May mga pre-halloween horror story sana ako dito, eh tapos na kaya ang halloween, so save ko na lang yun for next year. bwahaha

Tsaka pala, ito na yata ang kauna-unahang entry na naisulat ko sa Filipino (maliban na lang sa last entry ko na isang text quote), pero pasalamat ako kasi andaming nag-post ng comments. Hindi ko sinubukang magsulat dati sa Filipino kasi mostly yung readers ko global so baka sumakit lang ang ulo nila. Who cares ba naman? Ang reason talaga ba't ako napasulat sa Filipino, kasi mas dumami yung Filipino readers ko--mga kapwa Pinoy blogger ba. Kaya ayun, Tagalog naman.

At ngayon balak ko namang palitan yung template ko. Aside sa bored na ako sa hitsura nito, nagrereklamo yung mga friend ko kasi ang tagal daw mag-load ng page (yan kasi dial-up lang ang gamit niyo *grin*). Pasensya na, ang dami ng ads ko at wala akong balak alisin ang mga ito.

So paalam na, ngayong alam niyo na. At tsaka overtime na ako dito sa office. Baka next week, maka-post na ako regularly. Tsaka nga pala ulit, birthday ko na next week. Sa hindi pa nakabili ng gift para sakin, may four days ultimatum pa kayo! Waaaaaahaha.

Straight from my inbox

2006-10-17T17:28:00.000+08:00

This one should be sang...

Nakakita ka na ba ng white lady sa Balete drive?
O matusok ng ice pick sa paglakad sa Tondo?
Naka-pick-up ka na ba ng callboy sa Quezon Av?
Napag-tripan ng mga tambay sa Sampaloc? O mapa-rambol sa Sta. Ana?
Nadukutan ka na ba sa Divisoria? O na-isnatchan ng bag sa Quiapo?
Naholdap ka na ba sa Recto? O naagawan ng celphone sa Moumento?

Tara na biyahe tayo,
Nang ating makita ang ganda ng Pilipinas at
ang galing ng Pilipino?

Loyalty to Filipino foods

2006-10-17T16:39:00.000+08:00

We feasted over Japanese cuisine last friday. It was our officemate's idea to treat our taste buds with something new. So she, having tried the Japanese buffet from this new hotel, never stopped us from nagging to go with her for her nth time. Although japanese foods don't appeal to me a slightest bit (aside from that is expensive), my reluctance to accompany her ended in failure. This has been our plan for three weeks already but would always be postponed.

So there we were. Despite the stormy weather, we managed to reach the hotel. It was messy because no vacant taxi was available at that time. We had to commute via two jeepney rides. And take this note, there was only one umbrella for the four of us. But what the hell.

Anyway, upon our entry to the restaurant, my feeling of hunger doubled as if the course right in front of us are screaming, "What are you waiting for dork? Get a table, take your plate and devour me!" Or was it really the cause of hunger?

Of course, original japanese specialties such as the sushi and sashimi were overflowing. One of us tried them and he never liked it. And guess what? I never touched them. You know, I don't eat raw dishes (remember, you eat uncooked meat fish, though the bad smell is removed, the stink lingers in your mouth). My choice was more of Filipino so what I put in my plate were only those with Filipino touch. I just kept filling my plate with some helpings of rice, steaks, desserts for, I think, three times. The only Japanese stuff my tongue had discerned, I guess, was the shrimp tempura. After realizing that my tummy was about to give up, I also gave up. By that time, I already knew the value I had consumed was more than what I paid for. Just getting my money's worth.

Talking about my preference for traditional foods, my tongue would only look for Filipino dishes. My top favorite is pork sinigang, followed by pork adobo. Also in my hotlist are dinugu-an, pork nilaga, pancit, tinola, the famous litchon, the spicy ones and other high cholesterol-content Filipino favorites.

However, I still admire the Japanese way of cooking. It intends to serve fresh and nutritious dishes. Looking for aphrodisiac? Don't underestimate their seafood meals.

My celebrity look-alikes

2006-10-07T15:55:00.000+08:00

Boredom and a new template

2006-10-07T11:35:00.000+08:00

I have nothing good to write today. Aside from being bored, my body demands a weekend rest or a quick spa pampering. I work six days a week and that's very tiring. But what I'm doing right now is indulging myself of eating. This makes me forget monotony in my daily routine in the office.

Anyway, after those times being bothered by how boring (another boredom) my blog look, I've managed to change its template for a new look and feel. This is courtesy of isnaini dot com. I hope this one's catchy for my readers.

An exhausting week that was

2006-09-25T15:30:00.000+08:00

It's been more than two weeks since I posted my last entry here. I've had a lot of topics that waited to be written. But heck, I have no time in the world to write them off.

I was supposed to write something about some educational and very interesting topics from an early primetime program on a local TV station. Yes, there's no other way to kill my time on a weekend night but to glue my eyes on boob tube while munching my favorite chocolate-coated almonds. (That's what you get when you don't have a cable at home--you get to stay tuned only between two channels, not minding how mediocre the programs are). Of course, your time is not totally wasted when you do learn something from it.

I had a shitload of work last week and will have more this week. I'm not good at stealing my time but not today as I've managed to post an entry at least. My exhausting experience last week consisted of:

1. A broken chair (It gave me a stiff neck and backache.)
2. Poor internet connection (Which resulted to a low productivity in my work.)
3. Lagging PC (It made my patience run out)
4. Adsense account disabled (The death of adsense is true to me. Care for condolences?)
5. Insomnia attack (I had to fight back my sleepiness during the daytime while at work. I'm already overdose with caffeine.)
6. Heavy rain for a week (The typhoon Milenyo was indeed a hassle.)
7. Lost Bowel Movement (It's a gross one but who's to blame me if my tummy would sometimes give up?)

This weekend I can't wait for another relaxing massage at the new spa near our place. I want to begin the day next week with a stress-free and rejuvenated kick off.

One thing that pisses me off today

2006-09-14T17:51:00.000+08:00

Today just totally sucks!

I can see how impatient everyone is. Just to open a single site, it takes some lightyears away. I thought we'll rejoice with a very fast internet connection now that some of the PCs in the office are connected to a new Internet Service Provider. It doesn't make any improvement. Not even a little. I could have killed those liars behind the deceptive TV commercials who claimed that their service offers a smooth, fast internet access at a very affordable price.
Great. I bet snails are much faster than their internet transmission.

ANYONE CARES FOR A LITTLE CURSING ON THIS THING?

Merman found in Cebu, Philippines

2006-09-13T09:13:00.000+08:00

This one was sent to my email yesterday and I couldn't help but share to everyone. It's up to you to believe if this sea creature really exists or is just another hoax made by some wacky folks.

Commemorating the 9/11 attack

2006-09-12T10:01:00.000+08:00

September 11, 2001 was the day...

...when evil wrecked havoc to the most powerful country in the world.
...that showed terrorism is not just limited to a few barbaric areas of the world; it's just around.
...that proved terrorists could choose to kill anyone, anytime.
...when thousands of lives were claimed.
...that broke into pieces our false sense of security.
...when we witnessed how evil could inflict devastation simply through our own weakness.
...that forever changed our lives and the way we see the world.

Let us salute the people behind those heroic deeds who have saved innocent lives amidst the rubbles and debris from the wrecked twin towers, and for those families who have lost their loved ones from this condemnable terrorist outbreak.

Let's pray for peace not hostility, compassion not indifference, reconciliation not revenge, and love not war.

And we may learn our lesson from this incident.

Happy birthday Virgin Mary!

2006-09-08T17:23:00.000+08:00

September 8 is Mother Mary's nativity.

Let's devote a little of our time for praying or hearing a mass today.
The birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary announced joy and the approaching salvation of a lost world. The one predestined to be the Mother of the Savior.

Beta trouble

2006-09-08T15:06:00.000+08:00

Now that the Blogger Beta version is fully available and should be capitalized by every blogging freak (including me I supposed) on the planet, here I am fixing the holy mess from upgrading to beta version. Yes, I'm on beta right now but was forced to revert to classic template--my original template that is-- since changing to a beta version template was an outright ordeal for me. I had problems placing my banner ads again (if you can see I don't have just one, two or three ads on my site; it's ad invasion actually!).

I'm used to placing a banner's HTML code to the blog's main HTML file. It's kinda sweaty, I know (because I have to do some trial-and-error tests just to make sure I've placed them in the right spot). I absolutely have no idea with HTML programming, you know.

Oh well, maybe I just need to reconcile my self of beta's no-sweat customization, while still earning green bucks from my ad-infested blog! hihi

We're funny!

2006-09-07T09:28:00.000+08:00

If money doesn't grow on trees then why do banks have branches?
Why does a round pizza come in a square box?
Why doesn't glue stick to its bottle?
Why do you still call it building when it's already built?
If it's true that we are here to help others, what are others here for?
If you aren't supposed to drink and drive why do bars have parking lots?

We are a bunch of people, living in a seriously funny world!

Ha-ha-ha of the day!

2006-09-05T08:47:00.000+08:00

One day, a bus driver was offered a handful of peanuts by an old lady, which he gratefully munched up. The old lady repeatedly gave peanuts to the driver eight more times. But on the ninth time the driver asked the old lady why she didn't eat the peanuts herself. The old lady replied that it was not possible because she had no teeth. "Why then do you buy them?" the driver asked, puzzled. The old lady answered, "I just love the chocolate around them!"

A cup of love

2006-09-04T14:36:00.001+08:00

I hate how coffee turns into addiction and how it keeps you up all night. How it burns and makes your heart beat fast. Especially how it makes you crave for its rich and sweet promises of grains, milk and sugar. Moments later, it puts you into a melancholic mood of coldness. Before you realize, it has consumed you before you should have consumed it. Empty. Hollow. Bitter. Then again you crave for another cup. Just like love.

I got a bottle of 'sleeping pills'!

2006-09-04T11:45:00.001+08:00

Grrrrr. I hate what I'm feeling right now. I know that being drowsy will mean low production of today's work. Worst is, be reprimanded of the terrible errors I might overlook. A cup of coffee won't work to perk me up anyway.

Okay, I blame these tablets of vitamins I got from my Aunt. Perhaps she assumed I'm still her skinny nephew whom she would give an advice on how to get fat! Two weeks ago, she sent me a bottle of orange tablets which would help improve one's appetite and eventually help one gain more flesh. Unfortunately, I've already overcome being "malnourished" in which she has no idea with. I've been eating triple my usual dosage and would crave for foods even if I don't feel starving. It's no wonder why my abs has turned into a bulk of fats. Now, I'm facing an issue of hitting the gym or going on a "diet" just to get rid of this flab around my waist.

Back to the vitamins. I tried one tablet a day (though the prescribed dosage is 3 to 4 tablets for adults). And the drawback? SLUMBER! Yes, it would make you doze off amid your work. At first, I was very grateful that at last, my chronic insomnia problem was solved! I would fall asleep at no time. But it made me a lethargic, inactive employee who would always feel sleepy despite the rush of work. My eyes would effortlessly close (the strong radiation emitted by the PC right in front of me is not even enough to stop me from getting lulled) thanks it would happen every time when my boss is not around. :)

Simply put, the Hong Kong-manufactured medicine didn't deliver any benefits for me.

And so I stopped taking the drug. One lesson that I've learned:

DON'T TAKE AN APPETITE-IMPROVING VITAMINS IF YOU HAVE A COMPLETE CONTROL OF YOUR APPETITE AND IF IT WARNS TO CAUSE DROWSINESS, IT REALLY MEANS DRIFTING YOU OFF TO DREAMLAND.

What's your phobia?

2006-08-12T09:22:00.000+08:00

ARE you afraid of ghosts, snakes, or heights? If you are, you’re not alone. These are some of the things most people are afraid of.

I know somebody who has claustrophobia, the fear of being confined in enclosed spaces. For instance, in a church with overcrowded people, he wouldn’t go out as soon as the mass is over because he cannot tolerate being cramped in the middle of congested people at church doors. He feels being squeezed and wrapped, making him feel suffocated. I have also a friend who is phasmophobic—afraid of ghosts. She doesn’t like reading horror books or watching films with ghost themes. We make fun of her during Halloween because she never goes out nor head to the cemetery every 1^st of November.

According to Bessie Head, a South African writer, “the terrible thing is that, those who fear are always in the majority.” The phobia, however, that majority of the people have, is the fear of heights known as acrophobia. We could see in reality-based TV shows like the defunct Extra Challenge that most of the show’s contestants admit that they don’t like jumping off from the top of the building nor attempt skydiving when given such tasks. But some faces their fears by defying challenges. On the other hand, in a foreign TV show like Fear Factor, we could see different challenges that would ultimately confront the fears of the challengers. For example, one contestant would continue eating disgusting worms although he looks like he would cry and he wants to puke. Some may also endure being piled up by hundreds of snakes and bugs creeping at their legs and neck. That’s why they believe that fear is not a factor and winning because of luring green bucks is obviously their motivation.

Other phobias that are common to many are cynophobia, the fear of dogs; arachnephobia, the fear of spiders; and xenophobia, being afraid of strangers. If you have hematophobia, don’t dream of becoming a doctor because it is the fear of seeing blood, or don’t take an engineering course if you're numerophobic because you would probably hate numbers. If you smell a friend who is stinky, assume that he is aquaphobic, afraid of water. I believe that people with genophobia are certainly safe to acquiring STDs because it is the fear of having sex. If you are insomniac, for sure you have clinophobia, the fear of going to bed. Thanatophobia I think is the most fearsome; that is the fear to die. Loveless people have philophobia and they fear falling in love.

Remember that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself.

Mind-freezing reads at Friendster

2006-08-08T18:37:00.000+08:00

I'm sitting in front of a blue screen ready to strike the address of Yahoo website when I found myself logging in at different address—in the Friendster, that is. Anyway, it didn't bother me since it reminded me of the fact that my last visit with my account was already three months before. At least I saved it from being crashed to termination.

I know I'm not a Friendster addict. But who knew during my visit that time let the piece of bulb appear on top of my head when I read an article posted on the bulletin that undoubtedly stuck to my mind. Let me share it to you.

John, who was about to graduate, is the only child in a wealthy family. He topped his class and received several awards for his academic achievements; he was the most intelligent student among his batch. Expecting to receive the highest honors during his graduation, his father proudly asked him what reward he wanted. John was silent for a while. He decided to demand an expensive car he's been dreaming to own. No heck, since they have all the money in the world anyway. Back at home after the graduation day, his father handed him a gift. John was excited to open it and expected to receive a car key. He was surprised to see a Bible. John was disappointed and threw it in front of his father. John ran away from home and never returned for years. While keeping his resentment with his father, he lived alone, found work, and eventually brought the car he wanted. One day, he received a call from his mother informing him that his father died. When he got home, he saw the Bible his father once gave him. He opened it and a car key fell to the floor. He just cried.

If you assumed the role of John, how much money in the world is needed to bring your father's life back? See, regret comes in the end. You can blame no one but your materialistic ego. When somebody loses his life, we begin to realize how much pride we have kept in ourselves, and the pain it leaves. In the case of John, imagine how discontented a person he is considering his God-given intelligence and abundance in his family while not many of us could have them. Intelligence will mean nothing without God's faith and guidance. Some say it's better to have less brain because you tend to follow your heart's desire while being intelligent is useless when your brains go to your head. But to maintain a balance, both must co-exist with each function.

In the story, the Bible will forever mean the existence of God that he must be above everything and the car key, a hidden grace that we must discover ourselves in good or bad disguises. So, start saying “I'm sorry” to the person you've hurt or “I love you” to the ones you've failed to tell because life is indeed short.

The worst of times

2006-08-08T13:03:00.000+08:00

ANOTHER political hullabaloo has swept the entire nation in total muddle. Everyday, we wake up as onlookers of massive uprising for PGMA’s ouster, endless bickering of trapos and jumping fences of politicians in an attempt to stay in power. All these contribute to the unceasing hardships of the common tao; everyday, we see the nation plunging into a deeper crisis.

It started with the exposure of the controversial “Hello, Garci” tape which contains the wiretapped conversations between President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and COMELEC Chairman Virgilio Garcillano. According to the opposition, it was PGMA’s attempt to rig the 2004 Elections in order to lead by more than one million votes over the opposition candidate. Eventually, the scandal triggered various groups and political affiliations to form massive rallies calling for a full investigation of her alleged election fraud. And despite PGMA’s “I’m sorry” statement, Filipinos were not convinced of her sincerity and moral ascendancy to lead the country. As a result, the country is now divided into two opposing factions: the ‘pro-GMA’ who still believes in her administration and the ‘anti-GMA’ group which demands for her immediate resignation.

Now, amid the worst scenarios where extreme government and financial crisis drags us into a deeper quandary and where prices of commodities as well as oil and fare hikes rise due to deregulation, liberalization and privatization policies, can we afford to remove a president? Do we have a commendable, if not better, alternative who deserves to replace PGMA? Are the Partido ng Manggagawa’s call for Transitional Revolutionary Government or the debated Charter Change (Cha-Cha) effective solutions to the political crisis?

The answers depend on our own decision and actions. Politicians we put in positions during the election are showing their true colors after shifting sides and capriciously taking advantage of the situation. Their lusts for sheer power is always clear as crystal. They are the same fat cats who grow immensely fatter from tireless corruption. We, the major players in every revolution must think a hundred times of the consequences of our own actions. Let's not just put the blame solely to our leaders since we abet in the burden of the country. In fact, the mistake begins from us and we tend to repeat it over and over again. We must hope and cooperate for economic reform and exercise democracy at its advantageous form. Let not our personal interests hinder us from preserving good and honest governance. After all, we are all Filipinos and we live in the same country.

(Published in The Augustinian, July 1-Aug. 15, 2005)

Day of the dead

2006-08-02T13:03:00.000+08:00

I FIND it entertaining to swap horror stories with comrades during Halloween. It’s even less frightening to hear their ghastly real-life experiences at the cemetery. I would usually the first one to relate some stories and the rest would just grippingly unveil theirs. Afterwards, we would play some sort of prank like spirit of the coin, and see if lost spirits wandering around would cooperate.

Maybe, just maybe, I’m gutsy enough because I’ve never in the flesh encountered paranormal creatures or supernatural elements. As to admit that I’ve seen one, for skeptics I might sound stupid; but to say ‘I believe’ even without even seeing one, for me it sounds more stupid. You see, none of those ‘true’ stories from my close peers would convince me that these unearthly beings exist. Unless there is an apparition of a dead neighbor with a knife stuck on his chest who jeers me at 12 midnight sharp, or a quick catch of a floating coffin passing by the peripheral of my eyesight, I won’t be scared. I’m not your average scaredy-cat, but gee seeing is believing.

I wonder how our lolo visited me on November 1st (I assume he paid me a visit since I had failed to light a candle on his grave, or at least uttered him a prayer during ‘their’ day). Perhaps, I don’t like the idea of going out on that date to avoid the stampede of visitors flocking to and from the cemetery.

While they did, I was chilling out myself scoffing some helpings of suman and valenciana while drastically abusing my eyes from blockbuster hits and horror movies at home. You know, I barely had a rest and this was my typical idea of spending a semestral break, whereas some people I knew were having the time of their life at the hottest night spots in town. In my case, I just relaxed at home.

Halloween, which falls on the eve of All Saints’ Day, is also known as Allhallows or Hallowmas, a holy day in the Roman Catholic Church. Hallow means to make sacred.

Well, it’s funny to note that many could still afford to have fun and go party-crazy on that ‘holy day’ while they forget to remember the dead ones on their resting grounds whose spirit would want to commune with the living. The occasion would even translate as bread to some. While taxi drivers, hotel owners and disco bars are excessively squeezing partygoers’ pocket from their trick-or-treat publicity stunts, some of our business-minded folks are peddling their overpriced flowers, candles and jack-o’-lanterns in various sidewalks.

Paying homage to the dead must be done not only during this time but everyday in our lives.

(Published in The Augustinian, Oct. 1- Dec. 31 issue)

Of Chinese feng shui

2006-08-01T15:42:00.000+08:00

We, Filipino people, are believers of astrology when it comes to cosmic alignment of the stars and the planets, positions and movement of astronomical bodies, horoscope reading, fortune telling, palmistry, zodiac signs, and the most interesting of all, the Chinese feng shui. Good fortune, luck year for the whole family, and acquisition of positive energy are the most common reasons why people spend their money in purchasing feng shui paraphernalia for their home.

However, do you really have an idea of the origin of Chinese feng shui? As defined, it is a Chinese art of arranging an environment. Feng shui works on the principle that people should be in harmony with their surroundings. Feng shui (pronounced “foong shway”) means “wind and water”, and originated in China about 3,000 years ago, but is based on the philosophy of the I Ching (Book of Change), which is about 6,000 years old. It was first used to determine the best position for burial sites, but was gradually extended to other spaces, and can in fact, be used in any space—home, garden, room, office, restaurant, or car, to name only a few examples. Since then, even the West adopted the beliefs.

More than the supernatural explanations behind these things are our attitude, faith and positive goals in life. Instead of displaying that red octagon-shaped mirror before our door to shoo away the bad spirit, what if we shun first our bad attitudes from ourselves. Surely, the good within us is more than a protection against any invasion from wickedness and bad luck.

House of Flying Daggers: My favorite martial arts film

2006-08-01T15:27:00.000+08:00

From the star of the Academy Award-winning Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and the director of the most expensive film in Chinese cinema history, the fantasy epic Hero, comes a spectacular Chinese love story set in a conflict a long time ago in imperial China’s history—House of Flying Daggers.

“House of Flying Daggers” or “Shi Mian Fu” in Mandarin, which literally means “an ambush from ten sides”, is the second contribution of director Zhang Yimou’s to the Chinese swordplay or wuxia film genre. It features a bamboo martial arts sequence better executed than the one in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon; computer generated flying daggers; a jaw-dropping fight scene; adrenaline-pumping sword-fights; and a story centering on two men in love with the same woman. Plenty of moments send the audience into a state of awe, or artistic arrest.

Basically, a simple “love triangle” was created among the main characters. This time Zhang Ziyi’s portrayal delivers a stunning performance but not as impressive as in Crouching Tiger where her strong character as a fighter is impressive. Pretending as blind at the beginning of the movie looks convincing bringing the audience into surprise when she was actually not. The way she acted the impeccably choreographed Echo Game really proves her real-life artistic feat in modern and folk dances plus, her beautiful aura stands out.

Another remarkable thing in the movie is the shooting place where thousands of flowing flowers in the background are breathtaking.

The resulting House is an astonishing work of cinematic beauty; filled with strong primary colors and evocative storybook forests of green bamboo or autumn leaves. The sound design is remarkable, staging a series of ritualistic combat scenes that are stunning in brevity.

Conclusively, House of Flying Daggers tells of a passionate emotional journey, in which three people suffer for love—it tears them apart, yet they are willing to sacrifice everything for it.

I need somebody to help me answer these questions

2006-08-01T15:24:00.000+08:00

1. Does Jennifer Love Hewitt?

2. Where did Vicent van Gogh?

3. Why is Norman Black?

4. Where did Sandara Park?

5. Is Chow Yun Fat?

6. What did Henry Sy?

7. Is Lucio Tan?

8. When will Orlando Bloom?

I don’t know the answers really. I’m sure Wilma Doesn’t, too!

What’s wrong with the world?

2006-08-01T15:20:00.000+08:00

THE chart topping hit “Where is the Love?” of the Black Eyed Peas say so much that we should understand more than just sing along. Before we completely overlook the wicked things that could possibly bring us to hell, let us open our eyes and realize first that the world is not anymore a better place to live in. This cruel reality is much feared; what if the countdown for the end of the world begins now? But before I give you the scenario of the likes in the Revelation, let me dissect the lines of the song and why also should we need to cry out loud Michael Jackson’s “Heal the World.”

People killin’, people dyin’. Children are hurt and you hear them crying. Indeed, people kill their neighbors—even themselves and their own children. Within the month of September alone, turning on the TV and catching morbid scenes of brutal killing of a life or worst of hundreds of lives, will make you lose your appetite. First, the incident of a father who committed suicide, carrying his year-old son, by leaping off from a skywalk is an unspeakable act of cowardice. In this world of economic crisis, poverty and pressures there is a great suicidal tendency in many. The equation is simple: hopelessness + despair = suicide. What about the life of the child that was lost in a split second?

Second, the terrorist encroachment in Beslan, one of the schools in North Ossetia, Russia that kept the young students-hostages for days was a deliberate attempt to end the lives of innocent children, treating them as toys without food and scaring them with guns and explosive bombs, causing a traumatic ordeal to the surviving kids. The terrorist group led by two Chechen leaders, executed their rebellious authority after the Russian government failed to free them and their land. They would rather barter the lives of the children for $10M ransom. As soon as the hostage-taking was over, at least three hundred of the victims were recovered dead and the remaining were physically wounded and emotionally shocked. More families, and the world once again, were brought to their knees after the condemnable terrorist outbreak.

Can you practice what you preach? And would you turn your other cheek? If only people are considerate we wouldn’t experience devastating incidents. I have recently read in Time magazine that the failure to check the passengers and their baggage caused the explosion which tore down the Superferry 14 last February 26 and claimed a hundred or more lives. The perpetrator of the attack hurled a cardboard box containing a TV set packed with 3.6 kg TNT and was able to slip away just before the ferry cast off. It was a scenario of floating inferno when the bomb exploded and fire engulfed the ship. What’s wrong? The security officials failed to check the ferry-passenger lists which could have set off deafening alarm bells because the person responsible for the assault is an Abu Sayyaf who used the name of the group’s former member and who is also notorious for carrying previous attacks.

Father, father, father help us. Send us some guidance from above. These are mere indications that the world is like a bomb triggered by a timing device ready to explode anytime. A portrait where terrorists continue to rampage around, people kill their own fellows and where lives are not given freedom to exist. Just when you thought you live with security and safety, think again. It’s either you join the countdown for the end of the world or do something to turn back time. Then, you ask, where is the love?

(Published in The Augustinian, September 15, 2004 issue)

Puppet show, anyone?

2006-08-01T14:30:00.000+08:00

SO don’t treat me like a puppet on a string coz i know how to do my thing. If you’re familiar with the lyrics of MYMP’s “Waiting in Vain,” you’re not an alien to this line.

When I was a kid, puppet shows on TV used to amuse me. Call it curiosity, but I would wonder how puppets comically move and talk since they’re lifeless. According to grandma, they “are made up of mere wood pulled by strings behind curtains by people called puppeteers.” Oftentimes, my grandma would bribe me with her kitchen-made ice cream every time I’m hooked to my favorite puppet show in exchange of her lackluster worship program.

Being rowdy, I would simply break figurines and flower vases once our favorite shows will be aired simultaneously on different channels but mine is not preferred to be watched. But I would win with my personal choice since I was only a kid. Anyway, that was several years ago. I’ve completely realized that puppets are being manipulated by other people as if they’re moving and talking before the audience in a show. Yes, they don’t have a mind and life of their own.

Nevertheless, I will not be talking about Pinocchio or Jim Henson’s glove puppets in The Muppet Show. I want to share some thoughts that we, humans, can become puppets too. See, regardless of a stage, strings and audience, one can put up a moronic puppet presentation.

Anybody can become a puppet, are you? Literally, of course, you won’t encounter a friend walking in the street with strings attached on both ends of his arms and feet. Simply put, there are people who allow themselves to be used by other people with or without knowing their intent. Unfortunately, people who are opportunists take advantage of the weaknesses of others for their evil plot.

Human puppetry is like slavery. However, don’t mistake puppetry with witchery where a person is under a magic spell or for instance, possessed by the disturbed spirit who happened to be his terror professor. Human puppetry willingly suppresses his prudence and deceives others by his malicious acts. He becomes a direct replica of the persons behind him. When he shows off as a monster, then he’s under the command of his master.

There is agony in every puppet. Even Pinocchio did want to be emancipated from being “puppeted” by his villain. Like him, all puppets want to break free from being subjugated. Perhaps there are inevitable circumstances in their lives that the let themselves succumb to such rebellious act and perpetrate damages to their enemies. Sometimes, they steal center stage and divert others’ attention. How stupidly pathetic!

Puppets are not anymore a mere form of entertainment; far from the values my grandma has taught me. Now, I simply started to hate puppets.

A summer to remember

2006-08-01T14:28:00.000+08:00

FORGET the raging political war, it’s time for me to scribble my latest summer experience. I don’t qualify myself as a globetrotter since I don’t travel a lot. I just love going to different places. And every time I get home, I’d make sure that my adventure box is chokeful of experience.

It was a stroke of luck going with the class in a ten-day educational tour last April. I thought it was impractical (thinking that I would be spending thousands of pesos while I can content myself by conducting my OJT here and could purchase a new camera phone instead). Anyway, the main reason for holding the trip was to visit manufacturing plants, semiconductor and telecommunications companies in Metro Manila and the nearby provinces such as Laguna and Cavite. One thing that I knew about Laguna was the cornucopia of hot springs and private swimming pools that some residents made business out of. Luckily, the resort where we checked in was opportune to have a giant pool which relieved our body from the exhausting all-day sitting in the bus. The visit to Laguna was never exciting without the exhilarating ride-all-you can at the Enchanted Kingdom.

Thanks to the strategic location of our hotel while in Manila, we never missed to stroll in Baywalk at Roxas Boulevard, the aromatic cuisine from the flanking night bistros in Malate and the historical glimpse at the Luneta Park. Also an anticipated destination in our itinerary was Baguio City; even the previous meningo outbreak didn’t bother us from nibbling sweet strawberries, rowing at the Burnham Park and bustling at the famous ukay-ukay. The climb to the Grotto located at the top of an almost 300-step stairs was a tiring yet worthwhile experience and the side trip to Benguet provided us the chance to hand-pick fresh strawberries at the Strawberry Farm. In Benguet, we ventured on a rare mine tour where we experienced real dynamite blasting while inside the Balatoc mining tunnel.

The astonishing sights and relaxing climate at the Palace in the Sky in Tagaytay didn’t fail to amaze us while some of us satisfied themselves with taking pictures and scurrying over the best souvenir buys hoping to keep a memento of the place. What a rare opportunity also to see endangered, exotic flying foxes inhabiting the trees and brown monkeys dwelling within the lush forests in Subic. My vacation did not end when the pack went home. For two months, I experienced the life in Manila when I stayed to conduct my OJT. But I knew that the first week of June would spell another escapade for me here; I wished I could return earlier!

The usual Boracay getaway by the Pub Pipol during summertime had its change of plan this time. The three-day Nagarao Island trip in the southern part of Guimaras was the place of our annual evaluation and strategic planning this year. It’s a fascinating place blessed with bountiful mini-forests and the serene ambience, private luxury, and the mouth-watering seafood could make you feel the wonder of nature. It was fun being with the Pub Pipol breaking the tranquility of the place with our boisterous laughters.

Last on my adventure list was the unexpected visit to Roxas City. An hour away from the city, we took advantage to clamber at the peak of Mt. Agtalin in Pilar, Capiz to see the 85-foot Blessed Mary statue, the tallest Marian Statue in Asia.

Truly this is one unforgettable summer, a break from the usual hustle and bustle at school and a story that is of envy to my friends.

(This article was published in The Augustinian, Aug 16-Sept 30, 2005 issue)

Culture of reading

2006-08-01T14:16:00.000+08:00

THIS is my first column for this year and unfortunately, my second to the last. But it took me one sleepless night to brood over a sensible topic while being preoccupied by late-night haunting of deadlines. Worrying over tons of unfinished academic tasks prior to graduation is equivalent to drinking five cups of coffee in succession within one hour–the high dose of stimulant is strong enough to bleed “everything” dry inside my head and leave nothing but an accumulation of caffeine.

I remember that last December, I came across with a book entitled Stacking in Rivertown by Barbara Bell, aside from a tech-oriented magazine and two more novels which I haven’t managed to finish reading. I owe the former from a close friend, as a sacrificial gift, during our kris kringle. It tells about the tragic story of a part-time writer-cum-prostitute, her painful love affair with a sadistic pimp, how she overcomes the recurring memories from haunting her, and how she ends up finding requited love in another woman.

Now, I won’t talk so much about the book. I mention this novel because for one, it’s set against the backdrop of Valentine’s celebration, and two, I want to emphasize that reading is a healthy and enjoyable mental exercise. But take note: about 2.8 million Filipinos could NOT read and write according to the Functional Literacy Education and Mass Media Survey (FLEMMS). Imagine the number of “unhealthy” minds not being treated! Perhaps, an average Filipino’s lack of devotion and time or laziness in reading concerns with this figure.

I have classmates who are “loyal” when it comes to Hollywood’s giant productions such as the LOTR trilogy and Harry Potter series. They would not miss watching those all-time literary classic and contemporary ones as adapted on the big screen. One time, I asked one of them how they could appreciate the films rather than the book, and he said, “The movie versions are great but I don’t read the books. Para ano nga showing sila sa sinehan?”

Nevertheless, this is just a sad reality. For example, during weekends, if you try to compare the number of students reading a book inside a library and the number of students (yes “students” since you see them in their school uniform) in a nearby Internet cafe that offers online games, for sure you will see the disparity in numbers, having the heavier weight in the latter case. Then again, we blame this defect to the Filipinos’ reading culture, either because of poverty or technology, or even both. Poverty, because a large number of children which belong to poor sector of society could not go to school and learn how to read; and technology, because of, well, its diversionary effect.

Whatever the reason is, we should bear in mind that reading is a habit. As early as in childhood, a person must be trained to read so that s/he would get accustomed to reading and consider it as a way of life. If a person grows old without enjoying the pleasure of reading, he will die without dreaming of opening a book.

(Published in The Augustinian, Jan 1-Feb 15, 2006 issue)