2007 is just around the corner and I have yet to decide if I should be feeling excited or not. Last year, I set some goals for myself, resolutions you might say but I'd rather put it in a framework that has a process, an action plan, or a step by step program that would be "followable". I was able to do some of them, and I have attempted to achieve others, though to my disappointment did not produce results that are desirable.
Nonetheless, I will prepare that list again. I'll save it as a draft in my blog this time only to be revealed next year. :) To those who have helped me live well, reasonably ok, and "K K lng", a big thank you!
More blessings to all of us this 2007! Happy New Year!
Sunday, December 31, 2006
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
So this is Christmas...
...
The past 3 weeks was like no other 4 weeks I have had since. First week, I was on night shift and it was one of those critical days of the month. From Monday - Thursday, I was stuck working on issues after issues where end does not seem to be in sight. We had performance issues when accessing a database and we do not why the hell it was happening. We find out later in the week that it was due to some fiber channel from who knows where that was at fault. I mean, how the hell are we suppose to know that it was some hardware issue!
Everything would have been fine by Friday, but no! By Friday, I had a myriad of tickets asking me to kill sessions. And this is suppose to be the job of lower level teams. They can't do it because someone turned off the damn server where the tool is hosted. Yes, it's another hardware issue.
...
Good thing the next week was all party! :D We had the HP Christmas party, the BI/DW Christmas party, 2cube Christmas party and High school batchmates overnight. And as usual, I can never help getting not drunk. There is just a few times in a year that I get loose. :D Further, its always good to realize that you have good friends you can get drunk with.
Congratulations to the organizers of the events! Cheers to my office drinking buddies! Thanks to all those who took their time to buy me presents. Though I don't look like it, I really do appreciate your gifts!
...
The next week, I was on morning duty and it would probably be the worst morning duty I have ever been on. I rarely even worked! I was so hyped up on being able to go home to Cebu for Christmas and as the days get closer and closer, the more the yearning it was for me to want to get out.
The only good thing I probably was able to do was do a monthly review with by business counterpart and got good feedback from him, again. :D
...
I got home to Cebu and I am once again happy. My aunt from Toronto with her husband were here for the holidays after more than 5 or 10 years of absence. I met them last year when I was on a "business trip" and I am happy to see them again. I also got to bond with my cousins again. It has been awhile (one year) since we last met and everytime we meet, we seem to be always at ease with each other.
Funny that on the 24th, we got to go to church twice, one for Sunday and the other for Christmas. :p Good thing we did not have to pray the rosary when we got back home from the 2nd mass or I'll probably the holiest person alive. :p Kidding aside though, it was good getting to talk with my brother again. We also played basketball sometime during the afternoon. Man, me playing ball was so weird! Good thing I got to contribute a couple of points during the 1st game. The 2nd game when we were doing the whole court was hard! I had to run back and forth!!!! It's difficut enough to imagine me running but to be running back and forth! So weird but it was hell fun!
I also got a good haul this year. I got 2 pairs of slippers! I didn't realize that I needed more than 1!
We went to Nalusuan the next day for some swimming. It was a fun day too! I finally got to get back some dark color into me... I really wonder why other people want to stay white.
Last night, we had a drinking night off and what was pretty weird was that our parents agreed to the idea. :D We had 4 Red Horse Grande with shots going around and pack. We had fun and we still had a lot to talk about, none of which I would like to share here. It's stays within the circle.
Point being that, the holidays for me was a blast. As it has always been, I would really don't look forward to the day when I have to get back on that plane to fly to Manila.
Anyway, I hope everyone had a Christmas as fun and merry as mine and I hope we all would have a better 2007!
Pictures will be uploaded on my Multiply account.
The past 3 weeks was like no other 4 weeks I have had since. First week, I was on night shift and it was one of those critical days of the month. From Monday - Thursday, I was stuck working on issues after issues where end does not seem to be in sight. We had performance issues when accessing a database and we do not why the hell it was happening. We find out later in the week that it was due to some fiber channel from who knows where that was at fault. I mean, how the hell are we suppose to know that it was some hardware issue!
Everything would have been fine by Friday, but no! By Friday, I had a myriad of tickets asking me to kill sessions. And this is suppose to be the job of lower level teams. They can't do it because someone turned off the damn server where the tool is hosted. Yes, it's another hardware issue.
...
Good thing the next week was all party! :D We had the HP Christmas party, the BI/DW Christmas party, 2cube Christmas party and High school batchmates overnight. And as usual, I can never help getting not drunk. There is just a few times in a year that I get loose. :D Further, its always good to realize that you have good friends you can get drunk with.
Congratulations to the organizers of the events! Cheers to my office drinking buddies! Thanks to all those who took their time to buy me presents. Though I don't look like it, I really do appreciate your gifts!
...
The next week, I was on morning duty and it would probably be the worst morning duty I have ever been on. I rarely even worked! I was so hyped up on being able to go home to Cebu for Christmas and as the days get closer and closer, the more the yearning it was for me to want to get out.
The only good thing I probably was able to do was do a monthly review with by business counterpart and got good feedback from him, again. :D
...
I got home to Cebu and I am once again happy. My aunt from Toronto with her husband were here for the holidays after more than 5 or 10 years of absence. I met them last year when I was on a "business trip" and I am happy to see them again. I also got to bond with my cousins again. It has been awhile (one year) since we last met and everytime we meet, we seem to be always at ease with each other.
Funny that on the 24th, we got to go to church twice, one for Sunday and the other for Christmas. :p Good thing we did not have to pray the rosary when we got back home from the 2nd mass or I'll probably the holiest person alive. :p Kidding aside though, it was good getting to talk with my brother again. We also played basketball sometime during the afternoon. Man, me playing ball was so weird! Good thing I got to contribute a couple of points during the 1st game. The 2nd game when we were doing the whole court was hard! I had to run back and forth!!!! It's difficut enough to imagine me running but to be running back and forth! So weird but it was hell fun!
I also got a good haul this year. I got 2 pairs of slippers! I didn't realize that I needed more than 1!
We went to Nalusuan the next day for some swimming. It was a fun day too! I finally got to get back some dark color into me... I really wonder why other people want to stay white.
Last night, we had a drinking night off and what was pretty weird was that our parents agreed to the idea. :D We had 4 Red Horse Grande with shots going around and pack. We had fun and we still had a lot to talk about, none of which I would like to share here. It's stays within the circle.
Point being that, the holidays for me was a blast. As it has always been, I would really don't look forward to the day when I have to get back on that plane to fly to Manila.
Anyway, I hope everyone had a Christmas as fun and merry as mine and I hope we all would have a better 2007!
Pictures will be uploaded on my Multiply account.
Sunday, December 10, 2006
Welcome to the Black Parade
From Chemical Romance
When I was a young boy my father took me into the city
to see a marching band
He said 'Son when you grow up, would you be, the saviour of the broken, the beaten and the damned?'
He said 'Will you, defeat them, your demons, and all the non-believers, the plans that they have made?
Because one day I'll leave you a phantom to lead you in the summer to join the Black Parade.'
WHEN I WAS A YOUNG BOY, MY FATHER TOOK ME INTO THE CITY
TO SEE A MARCHING BAND!
HE SAID 'SON WHEN YOU GROW UP, WOULD YOU BE, THE SAVIOUR OF THE BROKEN, THE BEATEN AND THE DAMNED?!'
Sometimes I get the feeling
She's watching over me
And other times I feel like I should go
And through it all; the rise and fall, the bodies in the streets
And when you go we want you all to know:
We'll carry on
We'll carry on
and though your,
dead and gone belive me,
Your memory we'll carry on,
will carry on
And tell your heart i can't contain it.
The under world is waiting.
our romance sends you realing from decimated dreams.
Your misery and hate will kill us all!
So paint it black and take it back
And let's shout out loud and clear!
Defy unto the end we hear the call...
to carry on
We'll carry on
and though your dead and gone,believe me
Your memory will carry on
we'll carry on
And though you're broken and defeated
Your weary widow marches
On and on we carry through the fears(ooooooooh)
Disappointed faces of your peers(oooooooooh)
Take a look at me
Cause I could not care at all
Do or die
You'll never make me
Because the world,
will never take my heart.
And though they try
They'll never break me
They want it all
They wanna break this bone.
I won't explain
Or say I'm sorry
I'm not ashamed
I'm gonna show my scar
Give a cheer
For all the broken
Listen here!
I'm just a man,
I'm not a hero
Just a boy
who had to sing this song
I'm just a man
I'm not a hero
I don't care
We'll carry on
We'll carry on
And though you're dead and gone,believe me,
Your memory will carry on
You'll carry on
And though you're broken and defeated
Your weary widow marches on!
Do or die
You'll never make me
Because the world
will never take my heart
And though they try
They'll never break me
They want it all
They wanna break this bone.
Do or die
You'll never make me
Because the world
will never take my heart
And though they try
They'll never break me
They want it all
They wanna break this bone.
Do or die
You'll never make me
Because the world
will never take my heart
And though they try
They'll never break me
They want it all
They wanna break this bone.
(WE'LL CARRY ON.......!)
Thursday, December 07, 2006
Incoherence
Why do we hurt when other people are in pain?
Why do we even bother to cheer someone up when we know an ear is all they need?
Why do friendships fall apart when you least expect them?
Why do friends easily revert to being acquaintances without giving much effort to save the relationship?
Why is it so easy to give up on someone you thought so important?
Why is it easier to talk behind someone else's back rather than say it straight to their faces?
Why does every person have to matter?
Why do we even try to make a difference?
Life sometimes sucks bigtime.
Why do we even bother to cheer someone up when we know an ear is all they need?
Why do friendships fall apart when you least expect them?
Why do friends easily revert to being acquaintances without giving much effort to save the relationship?
Why is it so easy to give up on someone you thought so important?
Why is it easier to talk behind someone else's back rather than say it straight to their faces?
Why does every person have to matter?
Why do we even try to make a difference?
Life sometimes sucks bigtime.
Saturday, November 18, 2006
New Chemical Engineers!
New Chemical Engineers!
CHEMICAL ENGINEER LICENSURE EXAMINATIONRESULTS RELEASED IN ONE (1) DAY
1 ABRIGO, CHERRYS OLVIDA
19 AUSTERO, SHEILA BACO
55 CATALUÑA, PGIE SANTES
127 FRANCO, JOSE RODRIGO SAMONTE
307 VINSON, JEWELLA JAMNIA VILLAMOR
Congratulations!!!
Thursday, November 16, 2006
Pooh as Manny Poohcquiao in Wowowee
Here's a very funny video from YouTube. Watch it till the end. Thanks to Enzo for sharing.
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
Work-related: WTF?!
WTF?! You are just following the correct process and someone gets mad at you?!
I mean, hello! Raising a ticket is the correct process. It is an incident brought about by a mistake from their side. I did what I know is proper process and now, they get mad?! For *&%$ing pete's sake, review your ITIL processes before you say anything like this!
Total Bullshit!
Person... what is the idea behind the escalation
Person... are you trying to make carreer for yourself?
Michael Sepulv... sorry, i did not receive your email right away...
Person... I can not appreciate that at all Micheal
Person... not at all
Person... are you trying to make carreer for yourself?
Michael Sepulv... sorry, i did not receive your email right away...
Person... I can not appreciate that at all Micheal
Person... not at all
I mean, hello! Raising a ticket is the correct process. It is an incident brought about by a mistake from their side. I did what I know is proper process and now, they get mad?! For *&%$ing pete's sake, review your ITIL processes before you say anything like this!
Total Bullshit!
Saturday, November 11, 2006
Entry long delayed
I have been writing this entry since I got back from my EK part 2 but haven't found the time to finish it, until now of course. Hope this still has some relevance. :)
---
A lot of things are running through my mind these days.
But before anything, I'd like to thank my HP@EK part 2 buddies. It was a Sunday well spent and my thanks goes much to Daisie for starting up and organizing the entire thing! :) I hope that everyone who had pictures and videos and other whatnots, let us copy the files so that I can share them with the resot of my friendly folks. It was long and tiring but definitely a break from work that is very much well earned.
Congratulations to Enzo and George for finally returning to the kingdom after more than 8 years!
Congratulations to Patrick and Elvin for not suffering in the Rio Grande until the last (5th) ride. :p
Thanks to Seph, JC, Liz and George for the transportation and for keeping us safe. :)
To Lorence, Toffee, Ish, Becca and Ben for accompanying us the entire day (or most of the day for Ish), it was definitely fun and I hope we have more of these in the future... Paintball na ito! :)
---
First among the issues that are running through my brain is, well, work. I mean, who doesn't. And the recent series of resignations and the talks of some of my officemates being unhappy with their jobs does not help at all. I guess, each has a right to have their own points of view as I have my own as well.
Many people believe that if they were to pick a handful of people who see themselves building their careers in HP, then I would be one of those. Truth of the matter, I don't really see myself long term. That is a statement of fact but this is not because my company can not offer me the growth that I would want but rather I don't really feel that I am suited to work in the industry. Everyday, I try to brainwash myself into having myself think for the customer, for the business, bring in more money, save on operational cost, continuous improvement and all that when what I really want to do is create a more of a difference in a social sphere within my knowledge as a Computer Scientist / IT Professional.
Customer service has never really been my thing, most especially the thought that the customer is always right and they have the right to demand. Personally, I do like to serve. It has always been in my personal mission-vision statement. But the kind of service that I am looking for is the kind with more impact. Not just to a client or a specific individual.
Honestly though, I am happy every time I receive good customer feedback, every time my bosses or leader recognize me for a job well done, every time someone believes in my capabilities, but sometimes, I always feel that there is something more I can do and at the end of it all, I really don't see it happening with me if I continue working for the industry.
It's just that monetary and cost of living just makes things so biased.
---
Friendships. These are relationships that I still have a lot to learn. I mean, it is one thing that you make an effort to understand and get to know them and it's another when they want to get to know you. It has to be a 2 way relationship, right? But, at the same time, its not all the time that you want to let other people get in too much. It's painful when paths begin to go on different directions.
Another is deciding who or which group of friends you would want to spend more time with. I hate it when I have to choose and to make things worse, sometimes you are oblige to go to this "outing" because you have "committed" to it. When it is no longer fun unlike before and you prefer to just stay away for awhile...
---
I think that was what I wanted to write during those days. I can't actually remember the words I wanted to write but I guess that's that. As a brief update though, I have passed my first semester of taking my Masters. Not that it was with flying colors though. I have to make up for a lackluster performance that merited me a GWA of less than the maintaining grade. I just enrolled for the 2nd semester (I only need to pay the tuition before it becomes official) and I hope that I do a lot better.
Work has still been the same. I got a new manager though and I think the current set up for thr BI/DW business unit (that's what they call the bundle now) would be much better for everyone (or for most). I can't explain it in detail though but I guess the team's that need more focus from their manager is now given a more experienced and more exposed manager and the teams that use to be 2nd priorities (or so I feel we had to take the back seat due to much more critical teams) now have a dedicated manager to help them grow. I feel I have a better chance in growing as an IT professional and, in the same way, I feel that my team has a better chance for growth.
There is not much update on my personal life though. I don't want to be put down by a very good friend again. No guts no glory they say but sometimes it is hard to accept rejection after putting your head on the plate. It's been 9 months already though so I guess I should be over it by now. After all, I know I am too darn immature to get into something I know I am not ready for. It's hard to keep the butterflies down though every time we meet. :)
Wow, this is the first time I'm actually blogging about this. What the hell. It's time to move on, lesson learned.
That's that. Another dose of Mike Sepulveda's rants, don't be too harsh with your comments though. :)
---
A lot of things are running through my mind these days.
But before anything, I'd like to thank my HP@EK part 2 buddies. It was a Sunday well spent and my thanks goes much to Daisie for starting up and organizing the entire thing! :) I hope that everyone who had pictures and videos and other whatnots, let us copy the files so that I can share them with the resot of my friendly folks. It was long and tiring but definitely a break from work that is very much well earned.
Congratulations to Enzo and George for finally returning to the kingdom after more than 8 years!
Congratulations to Patrick and Elvin for not suffering in the Rio Grande until the last (5th) ride. :p
Thanks to Seph, JC, Liz and George for the transportation and for keeping us safe. :)
To Lorence, Toffee, Ish, Becca and Ben for accompanying us the entire day (or most of the day for Ish), it was definitely fun and I hope we have more of these in the future... Paintball na ito! :)
---
First among the issues that are running through my brain is, well, work. I mean, who doesn't. And the recent series of resignations and the talks of some of my officemates being unhappy with their jobs does not help at all. I guess, each has a right to have their own points of view as I have my own as well.
Many people believe that if they were to pick a handful of people who see themselves building their careers in HP, then I would be one of those. Truth of the matter, I don't really see myself long term. That is a statement of fact but this is not because my company can not offer me the growth that I would want but rather I don't really feel that I am suited to work in the industry. Everyday, I try to brainwash myself into having myself think for the customer, for the business, bring in more money, save on operational cost, continuous improvement and all that when what I really want to do is create a more of a difference in a social sphere within my knowledge as a Computer Scientist / IT Professional.
Customer service has never really been my thing, most especially the thought that the customer is always right and they have the right to demand. Personally, I do like to serve. It has always been in my personal mission-vision statement. But the kind of service that I am looking for is the kind with more impact. Not just to a client or a specific individual.
Honestly though, I am happy every time I receive good customer feedback, every time my bosses or leader recognize me for a job well done, every time someone believes in my capabilities, but sometimes, I always feel that there is something more I can do and at the end of it all, I really don't see it happening with me if I continue working for the industry.
It's just that monetary and cost of living just makes things so biased.
---
Friendships. These are relationships that I still have a lot to learn. I mean, it is one thing that you make an effort to understand and get to know them and it's another when they want to get to know you. It has to be a 2 way relationship, right? But, at the same time, its not all the time that you want to let other people get in too much. It's painful when paths begin to go on different directions.
Another is deciding who or which group of friends you would want to spend more time with. I hate it when I have to choose and to make things worse, sometimes you are oblige to go to this "outing" because you have "committed" to it. When it is no longer fun unlike before and you prefer to just stay away for awhile...
---
I think that was what I wanted to write during those days. I can't actually remember the words I wanted to write but I guess that's that. As a brief update though, I have passed my first semester of taking my Masters. Not that it was with flying colors though. I have to make up for a lackluster performance that merited me a GWA of less than the maintaining grade. I just enrolled for the 2nd semester (I only need to pay the tuition before it becomes official) and I hope that I do a lot better.
Work has still been the same. I got a new manager though and I think the current set up for thr BI/DW business unit (that's what they call the bundle now) would be much better for everyone (or for most). I can't explain it in detail though but I guess the team's that need more focus from their manager is now given a more experienced and more exposed manager and the teams that use to be 2nd priorities (or so I feel we had to take the back seat due to much more critical teams) now have a dedicated manager to help them grow. I feel I have a better chance in growing as an IT professional and, in the same way, I feel that my team has a better chance for growth.
There is not much update on my personal life though. I don't want to be put down by a very good friend again. No guts no glory they say but sometimes it is hard to accept rejection after putting your head on the plate. It's been 9 months already though so I guess I should be over it by now. After all, I know I am too darn immature to get into something I know I am not ready for. It's hard to keep the butterflies down though every time we meet. :)
Wow, this is the first time I'm actually blogging about this. What the hell. It's time to move on, lesson learned.
That's that. Another dose of Mike Sepulveda's rants, don't be too harsh with your comments though. :)
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
New Electronic and Communications Engineers!
Just wanted to send out my congratulations to friends who are also:
New Electronic and Communications Engineers!
140 AXALAN, NEIL MICHAEL LACEA
217 BELARMINO, LUIGI SUNGAHID
562 DY, MARIEN HUANG
717 GOMEZ, JAY CARLO CULTURA
1171 PAGONG, LARVIN VILLEZA
1198 PAR, ROMULO JR GALICIA
Congratulations!!!
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
Nokia N70
I lost my office phone Monday evening this week. Somehow it was able to creep out of my pocket in the taxi me and my mom took when I was bringing her back to her hotel. It was a Nokia 7110. We called the phone for the entire night. On the next day, we received a text message saying that we should no longer text the number since the person who got the phone is already in Bicol and that s/he would not be returning it any more. They also said thanks and greeted us Merry Christmas.
So there, I lost my Globe phone and had to block the SIM. All is not a loss. I got a new phone yesterday as well. It's a Nokia N70 and it has everything I would want/need in a phone: a radio, camera, call and text, and enough memory to carry small documents, spreadsheets and presentations that I can also view.
Anyway, I haven't started taking pictures and still exploring the features. Keep you guys updated. :)
So there, I lost my Globe phone and had to block the SIM. All is not a loss. I got a new phone yesterday as well. It's a Nokia N70 and it has everything I would want/need in a phone: a radio, camera, call and text, and enough memory to carry small documents, spreadsheets and presentations that I can also view.
Anyway, I haven't started taking pictures and still exploring the features. Keep you guys updated. :)
Saturday, September 30, 2006
Astrology: Numerology
I saw an article from Chiz Escudero again in the Transport newspaper 2 days ago. They had a feature below regarding Chiz's Life Path Number and Birthday Number. They also had a link in the article so I checked it out. Amazing what the stars can actually tell about you. :)
The Life Path Number
The Life Path is the sum of the birth date. This number represents who you are at birth and the native traits that you will carry with you through life. The most important number that will be discussed here is your Life Path number. The Life Path describes the nature of this journey through life.
The Life Path number is established from the date of birth. First, convert the month to a single number . Then convert the day of birth to a single digit . Next, add the total digits of year and reduce this sum to a single digit . The individual digits representing the month, day, and year, be they single digits, are then added together, as necessary to reduce the sum once again to a single digit 1 through 9.
So for me:
09 / 20 / 1984 => 9 / 2/ 1+9+8+4 => 9 / 2 / 22 => 9 / 2 / 4 => 9 + 2 + 4 = 15 => 6
6 (6, 15/6, 24/6, 33/6)
The Life Path 6 suggests that you entered this plane with tools to become the ultimate nurturer, and a beacon for truth, justice, righteousness, and domesticity. Your paternal, or maternal, as the case may be, instincts with a 6 Life Path exceed all others by a considerable margin. Whether in the home or in the work place, you are the predominant caretaker and family head. While the 6 may assume significant responsibilities in the community, the life revolves around the immediate home and family, for this is the most domestic of numbers. Conservative principles and convictions are deeply ingrained and define your character.
You are idealistic and must feel useful to be happy. The main contribution you make is that of advice, service, and ever present support. You are a humanitarian of the first order. It is your role to serve others, and you start in the home environment. You are very human and realistic about life, and you feel that the most important thing in your life is the home, the family and the friends.
This is the Life Path related to leadership by example and assumption of responsibility, thus, it is your obligation to pick up the burden and always be ready to help. If you are like the majority with Life Path 6, you are one who will willingly carry far more than your fair share of any load, and you are always there when needed. In doing so, you take ownership and often become an authority over the situation.
In romance, the 6 is loyal and devoted. A a caretaker type, you are apt to attract partners who are somewhat weaker and more needy than yourself; someone you can care for and protect. The main ingredient that must prevail in the relationship is complete harmony. You don't function well in stressful relationships that become challenges for you to control. It is the same with friends, you are loyal and trustworthy. But there is a tendency for you to become dominating and controlling.
It's likely you feel compelled to function with strength and compassion. You are a sympathetic and kind person, generous with personal and material resources. Wisdom, balance, and understanding are the cornerstones of your life, and these define your approach to life in general. Your extraordinary wisdom and the ability to understand the problems of others is apt to commence from an early age. This allows you to easily span the generation gap and assume an important role in life early on.
The number 6 Life Path actually produces few negative examples, but there are some pitfalls peculiar to the path. You may have a tendency to become overwhelmed by responsibilities and a slave to others, especially members of you own family or close friends. It's easy for you to fall into a pattern of being too critical of others; you also have a tendency to become to hard on yourself. The misuse of this Life Path produce tendencies for you to engage in exaggeration, over-expansiveness, and self-righteousness. Modesty and humility may not flow easily. Imposing one's views in an interfering or meddling way must be an issue of concern.
The natural burdens of this number are heavy, and on rare occasions, responsibility is abdicated by persons with this Life Path 6. This rejection of responsibility will make you feel very guilty and uneasy, and it will have very damaging effects upon your relationships with others.
The Birthday
The birthday is a supporting influence added to the Life Path. Think of it as a modifier to the Life Path. These are traits that you brought into this life much as with the more important and dominating traits shown by the Life Path. Here is your birthday and the modifying traits shown by it:
20
Your birth on the 20th day of the month adds a degree of emotion, sensitivity, and intuition to your reading. The 2 energy provided here is very social, allowing you to make friends easily and quickly. Yet you are apt to have a rather nervous air in the company of a large group. You have a warmhearted nature and emotional understanding that constantly seeks affection. You are very prone to become depressed and moody, as emotions can turn inward and cause anxiety and mental turmoil. It can be hard for you to bounce back to reality when depression sets in. When things are going well, you can go just as far the other way and become extremely affectionate.
The Life Path Number
The Life Path is the sum of the birth date. This number represents who you are at birth and the native traits that you will carry with you through life. The most important number that will be discussed here is your Life Path number. The Life Path describes the nature of this journey through life.
The Life Path number is established from the date of birth. First, convert the month to a single number . Then convert the day of birth to a single digit . Next, add the total digits of year and reduce this sum to a single digit . The individual digits representing the month, day, and year, be they single digits, are then added together, as necessary to reduce the sum once again to a single digit 1 through 9.
So for me:
09 / 20 / 1984 => 9 / 2/ 1+9+8+4 => 9 / 2 / 22 => 9 / 2 / 4 => 9 + 2 + 4 = 15 => 6
6 (6, 15/6, 24/6, 33/6)
The Life Path 6 suggests that you entered this plane with tools to become the ultimate nurturer, and a beacon for truth, justice, righteousness, and domesticity. Your paternal, or maternal, as the case may be, instincts with a 6 Life Path exceed all others by a considerable margin. Whether in the home or in the work place, you are the predominant caretaker and family head. While the 6 may assume significant responsibilities in the community, the life revolves around the immediate home and family, for this is the most domestic of numbers. Conservative principles and convictions are deeply ingrained and define your character.
You are idealistic and must feel useful to be happy. The main contribution you make is that of advice, service, and ever present support. You are a humanitarian of the first order. It is your role to serve others, and you start in the home environment. You are very human and realistic about life, and you feel that the most important thing in your life is the home, the family and the friends.
This is the Life Path related to leadership by example and assumption of responsibility, thus, it is your obligation to pick up the burden and always be ready to help. If you are like the majority with Life Path 6, you are one who will willingly carry far more than your fair share of any load, and you are always there when needed. In doing so, you take ownership and often become an authority over the situation.
In romance, the 6 is loyal and devoted. A a caretaker type, you are apt to attract partners who are somewhat weaker and more needy than yourself; someone you can care for and protect. The main ingredient that must prevail in the relationship is complete harmony. You don't function well in stressful relationships that become challenges for you to control. It is the same with friends, you are loyal and trustworthy. But there is a tendency for you to become dominating and controlling.
It's likely you feel compelled to function with strength and compassion. You are a sympathetic and kind person, generous with personal and material resources. Wisdom, balance, and understanding are the cornerstones of your life, and these define your approach to life in general. Your extraordinary wisdom and the ability to understand the problems of others is apt to commence from an early age. This allows you to easily span the generation gap and assume an important role in life early on.
The number 6 Life Path actually produces few negative examples, but there are some pitfalls peculiar to the path. You may have a tendency to become overwhelmed by responsibilities and a slave to others, especially members of you own family or close friends. It's easy for you to fall into a pattern of being too critical of others; you also have a tendency to become to hard on yourself. The misuse of this Life Path produce tendencies for you to engage in exaggeration, over-expansiveness, and self-righteousness. Modesty and humility may not flow easily. Imposing one's views in an interfering or meddling way must be an issue of concern.
The natural burdens of this number are heavy, and on rare occasions, responsibility is abdicated by persons with this Life Path 6. This rejection of responsibility will make you feel very guilty and uneasy, and it will have very damaging effects upon your relationships with others.
The Birthday
The birthday is a supporting influence added to the Life Path. Think of it as a modifier to the Life Path. These are traits that you brought into this life much as with the more important and dominating traits shown by the Life Path. Here is your birthday and the modifying traits shown by it:
20
Your birth on the 20th day of the month adds a degree of emotion, sensitivity, and intuition to your reading. The 2 energy provided here is very social, allowing you to make friends easily and quickly. Yet you are apt to have a rather nervous air in the company of a large group. You have a warmhearted nature and emotional understanding that constantly seeks affection. You are very prone to become depressed and moody, as emotions can turn inward and cause anxiety and mental turmoil. It can be hard for you to bounce back to reality when depression sets in. When things are going well, you can go just as far the other way and become extremely affectionate.
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
40 Valuable Lessons I've Learned
by RAJIV KUMAR LUV (Corporate Trainer)
1) Relationships don't end, they change.
2) You CAN make a living doing what you love.
3) Never spend all the money you have. Save money and it saves you.
4) In bad times everyone can't help you and in good times everyone isn't as happy for you. Learn how to discern and develop true friends.
5) Don't make promises to your children you can't keep.
6) God is always listening, be careful with your inner self-talk.
7) People and creditors have long memories.
8) The past has passed, let go of the pain, nostalgia, woulda, coulda, shoulda.
9) Practice everyday saying and/or doing something that is loving, helpful & purposeful.
10) Being too dependent on others doesn't allow you to know your own power to create what you need.
11) I am too blessed to be stressed, don't sweat the small stuff.
12) Most people are not bad or mad, they are just sad and don't know how to get the love and attention they deserve.
13) Everything you say and think has power to create its likeness.
14) Fear and procrastination are major enemies to success.
15) God loves me.
16) Don't ignore or mistreat people, everyone is important.
17) Don't give up 5 minutes before your miracle.
18) Good health is so valuable, fragile and a blessing. Drink a lot of water.
19) Don't take everything so serious, have a sense of humor.
20) People like to help or do business with people they already know, networking is critical. Meet and serve as many people as you can.
21) You didn't die from your mistakes, but you may have to repeat them, if you didn't learn the lesson.
22) We train other people how to treat us, self-esteem is NOT selfish, it's necessary.
23) Stay away from negative, critical, judgmental, gossipy people.
24) Spend as much time as possible around nature and beautiful environments.
25) Sometimes things you can't learn in a book or from a parent, teacher or pastor, you have to experience it for yourself.
26) Acknowledge your shortcomings and work to improve them. Acknowledge your strengths, be humble but don't diminish or deny them.
27) Stay focused to get a job done. Either do it, delegate it, or dump it.
28) I didn't die from the painful times in my life, they made me stronger.
29) Don't let a fool kiss you. Don't let a kiss fool you. Kisses aren't promises.
30) Have a life, don't depend on others to make you happy and fulfilled.
31) God is too big to fit into one religion, God is everywhere and in everything.
32) Marriage and parenting are serious commitments, don't be in a hurry.
33) Find ways to show appreciation to those you love and care about, not just on holidays or birthdays.
34) Pay attention to details and keep good records.
35) Prayer changes things. Trust God's divine plan.
36) If you take it, return it. If you break it, fix it. If you know it, live it. If you want it, ask for it. If you use it, clean it. If you wear it, hang it up. If made a mistake, take responsibility for it. If you have some, share it. If you own it, protect it. If you love someone, show it. If you believe it, you can achieve it.
37) Time is precious, live everyday to it's fullest, everyday is a special occasion.
38) Learn to enjoy your own solitude.
39) People come into your life for a reason or a season. They bring joy and lessons.
40) Always stay in the light in spite of any bad news or changes. This positive attitude will help you stay in peace rather than fall to pieces.
----
I know I am posting another forwarded email. Bear with me. :-) I find this very interesting...
1) Relationships don't end, they change.
2) You CAN make a living doing what you love.
3) Never spend all the money you have. Save money and it saves you.
4) In bad times everyone can't help you and in good times everyone isn't as happy for you. Learn how to discern and develop true friends.
5) Don't make promises to your children you can't keep.
6) God is always listening, be careful with your inner self-talk.
7) People and creditors have long memories.
8) The past has passed, let go of the pain, nostalgia, woulda, coulda, shoulda.
9) Practice everyday saying and/or doing something that is loving, helpful & purposeful.
10) Being too dependent on others doesn't allow you to know your own power to create what you need.
11) I am too blessed to be stressed, don't sweat the small stuff.
12) Most people are not bad or mad, they are just sad and don't know how to get the love and attention they deserve.
13) Everything you say and think has power to create its likeness.
14) Fear and procrastination are major enemies to success.
15) God loves me.
16) Don't ignore or mistreat people, everyone is important.
17) Don't give up 5 minutes before your miracle.
18) Good health is so valuable, fragile and a blessing. Drink a lot of water.
19) Don't take everything so serious, have a sense of humor.
20) People like to help or do business with people they already know, networking is critical. Meet and serve as many people as you can.
21) You didn't die from your mistakes, but you may have to repeat them, if you didn't learn the lesson.
22) We train other people how to treat us, self-esteem is NOT selfish, it's necessary.
23) Stay away from negative, critical, judgmental, gossipy people.
24) Spend as much time as possible around nature and beautiful environments.
25) Sometimes things you can't learn in a book or from a parent, teacher or pastor, you have to experience it for yourself.
26) Acknowledge your shortcomings and work to improve them. Acknowledge your strengths, be humble but don't diminish or deny them.
27) Stay focused to get a job done. Either do it, delegate it, or dump it.
28) I didn't die from the painful times in my life, they made me stronger.
29) Don't let a fool kiss you. Don't let a kiss fool you. Kisses aren't promises.
30) Have a life, don't depend on others to make you happy and fulfilled.
31) God is too big to fit into one religion, God is everywhere and in everything.
32) Marriage and parenting are serious commitments, don't be in a hurry.
33) Find ways to show appreciation to those you love and care about, not just on holidays or birthdays.
34) Pay attention to details and keep good records.
35) Prayer changes things. Trust God's divine plan.
36) If you take it, return it. If you break it, fix it. If you know it, live it. If you want it, ask for it. If you use it, clean it. If you wear it, hang it up. If made a mistake, take responsibility for it. If you have some, share it. If you own it, protect it. If you love someone, show it. If you believe it, you can achieve it.
37) Time is precious, live everyday to it's fullest, everyday is a special occasion.
38) Learn to enjoy your own solitude.
39) People come into your life for a reason or a season. They bring joy and lessons.
40) Always stay in the light in spite of any bad news or changes. This positive attitude will help you stay in peace rather than fall to pieces.
----
I know I am posting another forwarded email. Bear with me. :-) I find this very interesting...
Monday, September 25, 2006
Post 202 on my 22nd birthday
This is post is really nothing much. Just to let you know that it was my 22nd birthday last September 20. Yup, I'm 22 and should probably start acting like one. :p Anyway, my sincerest thanks to all you you guys you spent the time to greet me. You're emails, text messages, Friendster messages, YM messages and the other forms of greeting you did are very much appreciated.
Thanks to my family most of all for the time they spent with me when I took my leave to go home. Though short, it was special.
Thanks to the guys at the office for the cake. It was the best... I could have eaten the entire thing!
To those who may probably be expecting some sort of free meal... Let me earn back the money I spent during my vacation. I am close to broke right now... :)
As for me, I guess its another full year to look forward to. Wish me luck!
Thanks to my family most of all for the time they spent with me when I took my leave to go home. Though short, it was special.
Thanks to the guys at the office for the cake. It was the best... I could have eaten the entire thing!
To those who may probably be expecting some sort of free meal... Let me earn back the money I spent during my vacation. I am close to broke right now... :)
As for me, I guess its another full year to look forward to. Wish me luck!
Monday, September 18, 2006
Filipino Pride
I could not help but reposting this email I got from one of my groups. I just had a friend back over from Japan and he has sort of talked about how low other nations think about us as Filipinos! In fact, the Bangladeshi's are a prouder race than we are even we know as a fact that they are poorer. A sad truth but not one that we can't do anything about. For my part, reposting this is a start. I will be proud of being a Filipino everywhere I am in the world because, honestly, if I were the person below, you would have talked back to the guard...
-----------
I've been forwarned, the French are snobs.
When I alighted the plane from the Business Class section, we were told to line up to have our passports checked. I presented to the French Lady Guard my passport and my Business-Premiere Boarding pass for Mexico. She asked if I had papers for my Mexican trip (aside from the Mexican Visa on my passport). As I motioned to retrieve some papers from my bag, she told me to stand in one corner and wait for her. So I did.
I thought she would attend to me shortly after that, instead she finishedlooking at the passports of all passengers before she attended to those who were standing "at the corner"
My eyes scanned through the folks they set aside: Me, another Pinoy guy flying to the US from France,1 Chinese Girl, 1 Chinese guy on his way to Mexico and 1 Vietnamese lady. The Chinese girl had a French companion who talked to the guard, but the French companion was met with "You go, she stay". And so the French Companion left her Chinese friend, with the assurance that she'd wait for her by the Escalators.
Racial Discrimination is really the most stupid thing of all. Discrimination, in itself is bad, but when people discriminate against education attainment or status to choose a job, whereby a specific skill is required, you can probably be more understanding. But to sort people just by the way they look is really, really stupid.
Normally, I'd get pissed. But I was too tired. Besides I had a 4-hr lead time before my next flight. It was also interesting to see the widely regarded European Superiority Complex happening before my very eyes.
I thought. Hey the White Guy in tourist class had so many tattoos but he wasn't questioned. That other white dude in trashy clothes went through without hassle. They don't block black folks too cause there are black French and Americans-- they may be citizens of affluent countries. But oh... the yellows and browns...they are all poor.
Maybe they just want to sneak into Paris to be domestic helpers. Forget that she purchased an expensive ticket or that she's wearing a plush trench coat. Maybe they'll fly business class to Mexico so they can cross the border and get to the USA. She's brown and she deserves to stand in the corner.
So she bugs the browns and yellows for papers. The Viatnamese girl didn't speak English well. So the Guard was irritated. She increased the volume of her voice: "Paper! Paper!" Frustrated, the guard turns to me and asks
"You speak English?"
I was tempted to say, Way better than you do. But instead I replied with a simple "Yes."
She proceeds: "Why are you going to Mexico?"
Duh? What's in it to you anyway? I'm not going to France. I'll just use your airport. Besides the Mexican Consul already deemed me fit to enter their
country and granted me a visa so bug off! I didn't say that, of course. I just said: "I have a series of meetings in Latin America. Here's my email
correspondence with Coca-Cola Mexico. That's my itinerary for South America. And this is my company ID. I work for The Coca-Cola Company. You can call
Coca-Cola Mexico yourself if you like. The phone number is there"
Stunned, but still unwilling to humble herself, the lady guard asked: "What do you do for Coca-Cola?"
I swear I wanted to strangle her. Ano'ng pake mo? Di naman ako pupuntang France. But my better judgement told me to just pull-out my business card and hand it to her. The business card said: National Consumer Marketing Manager. And I told her: "I handle Marketing Activities for Coca-Cola in my country". With that, she let me go, but she didn't apologize for the inconvenience she's caused me. I don't know what happened to the Vietnamese Girl anymore.
Then I remembered what Tito Tony (Meloto) said about being Filipino. It doesn't matter where you migrate and make more money than you would here in Pinas. It doesn't matter if you amass richess in the Philippines and have you face plastered all over Lifestyle Asia and Philippine Tatler. Everyday when you wake up and look at the mirror, it's the same brown Filipino Face that stares back at you. The same brown Filipino Face the world looks down on. Sure you may get away with it sometimes. But chances are, you, any one of your family or close friends will be asked to "Stand at the Corner" by some White folk who doesn't know anybody.
So it's not enough to just make ourselves better. We should help make the Brown Filipino Face look better, by making the FACE of the Philippine Nation better. Individual Sucesses of Pacquiao and Lea Salonga are not enough.
* We need to improve the way people look at us and our country -- right in our own home.
* Reduce the slums by helping make suitable homes and livelihood for them. Sacrifice that Venti Double Esspresso Cafe Mocha once a week.
* Improve the quality of the Filipino Workforce by not stopping at learning.
* Eliminate corruption by resisting the temptation to bribe MMDA officials and take responsibility for your traffic violations
* Do not slack at work and always strive to deliver excellent results
Why do Pinoys have to migrate to show that we are excellent, hardworking people? Why do we have to leave the country to know that we have the capacity to be disciplined?
We don't have to go anywhere. We can do it at home--THE PHILPPINES -- our home.
-----------
I've been forwarned, the French are snobs.
When I alighted the plane from the Business Class section, we were told to line up to have our passports checked. I presented to the French Lady Guard my passport and my Business-Premiere Boarding pass for Mexico. She asked if I had papers for my Mexican trip (aside from the Mexican Visa on my passport). As I motioned to retrieve some papers from my bag, she told me to stand in one corner and wait for her. So I did.
I thought she would attend to me shortly after that, instead she finishedlooking at the passports of all passengers before she attended to those who were standing "at the corner"
My eyes scanned through the folks they set aside: Me, another Pinoy guy flying to the US from France,1 Chinese Girl, 1 Chinese guy on his way to Mexico and 1 Vietnamese lady. The Chinese girl had a French companion who talked to the guard, but the French companion was met with "You go, she stay". And so the French Companion left her Chinese friend, with the assurance that she'd wait for her by the Escalators.
Racial Discrimination is really the most stupid thing of all. Discrimination, in itself is bad, but when people discriminate against education attainment or status to choose a job, whereby a specific skill is required, you can probably be more understanding. But to sort people just by the way they look is really, really stupid.
Normally, I'd get pissed. But I was too tired. Besides I had a 4-hr lead time before my next flight. It was also interesting to see the widely regarded European Superiority Complex happening before my very eyes.
I thought. Hey the White Guy in tourist class had so many tattoos but he wasn't questioned. That other white dude in trashy clothes went through without hassle. They don't block black folks too cause there are black French and Americans-- they may be citizens of affluent countries. But oh... the yellows and browns...they are all poor.
Maybe they just want to sneak into Paris to be domestic helpers. Forget that she purchased an expensive ticket or that she's wearing a plush trench coat. Maybe they'll fly business class to Mexico so they can cross the border and get to the USA. She's brown and she deserves to stand in the corner.
So she bugs the browns and yellows for papers. The Viatnamese girl didn't speak English well. So the Guard was irritated. She increased the volume of her voice: "Paper! Paper!" Frustrated, the guard turns to me and asks
"You speak English?"
I was tempted to say, Way better than you do. But instead I replied with a simple "Yes."
She proceeds: "Why are you going to Mexico?"
Duh? What's in it to you anyway? I'm not going to France. I'll just use your airport. Besides the Mexican Consul already deemed me fit to enter their
country and granted me a visa so bug off! I didn't say that, of course. I just said: "I have a series of meetings in Latin America. Here's my email
correspondence with Coca-Cola Mexico. That's my itinerary for South America. And this is my company ID. I work for The Coca-Cola Company. You can call
Coca-Cola Mexico yourself if you like. The phone number is there"
Stunned, but still unwilling to humble herself, the lady guard asked: "What do you do for Coca-Cola?"
I swear I wanted to strangle her. Ano'ng pake mo? Di naman ako pupuntang France. But my better judgement told me to just pull-out my business card and hand it to her. The business card said: National Consumer Marketing Manager. And I told her: "I handle Marketing Activities for Coca-Cola in my country". With that, she let me go, but she didn't apologize for the inconvenience she's caused me. I don't know what happened to the Vietnamese Girl anymore.
Then I remembered what Tito Tony (Meloto) said about being Filipino. It doesn't matter where you migrate and make more money than you would here in Pinas. It doesn't matter if you amass richess in the Philippines and have you face plastered all over Lifestyle Asia and Philippine Tatler. Everyday when you wake up and look at the mirror, it's the same brown Filipino Face that stares back at you. The same brown Filipino Face the world looks down on. Sure you may get away with it sometimes. But chances are, you, any one of your family or close friends will be asked to "Stand at the Corner" by some White folk who doesn't know anybody.
So it's not enough to just make ourselves better. We should help make the Brown Filipino Face look better, by making the FACE of the Philippine Nation better. Individual Sucesses of Pacquiao and Lea Salonga are not enough.
* We need to improve the way people look at us and our country -- right in our own home.
* Reduce the slums by helping make suitable homes and livelihood for them. Sacrifice that Venti Double Esspresso Cafe Mocha once a week.
* Improve the quality of the Filipino Workforce by not stopping at learning.
* Eliminate corruption by resisting the temptation to bribe MMDA officials and take responsibility for your traffic violations
* Do not slack at work and always strive to deliver excellent results
Why do Pinoys have to migrate to show that we are excellent, hardworking people? Why do we have to leave the country to know that we have the capacity to be disciplined?
We don't have to go anywhere. We can do it at home--THE PHILPPINES -- our home.
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
Rest in Peace
To those who didn't know them, here is a simple tribute to my pair of rubber shoes.
You spent your first day with me going through the grassland by the Marikina river in a game of paintball.
You accompanied me through my first and only jog around the UP Acad Oval.
You were there during my first gym class in UP as well as my first work out in Gold's.
You danced with me from practice all the way to the competition during Indakan 2003.
You climbed 2 mountains with me and almost survived the last.
Thanks for giving me your strength.
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You spent your first day with me going through the grassland by the Marikina river in a game of paintball.
You accompanied me through my first and only jog around the UP Acad Oval.
You were there during my first gym class in UP as well as my first work out in Gold's.
You danced with me from practice all the way to the competition during Indakan 2003.
You climbed 2 mountains with me and almost survived the last.
Thanks for giving me your strength.
Monday, September 11, 2006
Pico de Loro - Conquered
Note: Pictures to follow.
Gone up Pico de Loro today with Kian, Martin, Mo and Gregg. Kian was the only person I know when the day started and I'm glad got the chance to meet the 3. They are good natured people and very friendly. People with beliefs and stand for them. I rarely find people like that.
Anyway, here is a run through of the things I realized during this experience:
1. Never ever NOT sleep before a climb. Don't drink, smoke and work a few hours before the ETD either.
2. Read the itinerary clearly. Prepare everything and make sure you do bring 2 liters of water when your asked to!
3. Rotting shoes will definitely give up when you push it to the limit. My poor shoes almost did not make it. Thanks to a good deal of plastic rope we found at the peak, my shoes survived the trip down.
4. Meeting new people is great! You learn a lot from them...
5. Pico de Loro means Parrot's beak and the peak indeed looked like a parrot's beak!
6. There are people who really work for a cause. Gregg works for WWF and I admire him for the being really passionate about it. He even know what each animal looks like. I saw a Lawin! (He confirmed it)
7. Not all people who speak straight English are intimidating and snobbish. Martin and Mo were very warm and friendly and their jokes and conversations are a ton of fun. I should have met them earlier.
8. Kian did not even get tired! I swear!
9. If your tired, wet and covered in mud, you would not mind water getting into your shoes. :p
10. I need to exercise more often if I am to go with Eric and Jan up Mt. Apo next year!
To sum, it was definitely an experience I would like to go all over again, except of course the shoes and water and food and sleep problems. I enjoyed getting wet due to the strong rain and I enjoyed not caring whether I am wet or not. The peak felt like pure bliss!
Can't wait for the next but for now, got to get read of the cramps in my entire body!
Friday, September 01, 2006
Till next time...
Yesterday, Vlam and Glenn resigned from HP. One to take over their family business while the other to pursue their career interests. Both great people, and both have helped me at some point in my HP life.
Glenn was my manager and he has helped me with the problems I have had with the application I own. He may be tough sometimes but I guess it comes with the job description. He has recognized even the smallest of my efforts to make a difference and to continuously improve on my performance.
Cheers to Glenn!
Vlam was friend and a buddy. Even in non work related activities, Vlam never fails to care and put in that extra mile for anyone. It will be hard to imagine the office without Vlam but I guess business must go on.
Vlam, we wish you all the best of luck and hope you don't forget us when you have extra cash to spend! God speed!
Glenn was my manager and he has helped me with the problems I have had with the application I own. He may be tough sometimes but I guess it comes with the job description. He has recognized even the smallest of my efforts to make a difference and to continuously improve on my performance.
Cheers to Glenn!
Vlam was friend and a buddy. Even in non work related activities, Vlam never fails to care and put in that extra mile for anyone. It will be hard to imagine the office without Vlam but I guess business must go on.
Vlam, we wish you all the best of luck and hope you don't forget us when you have extra cash to spend! God speed!
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
React: Gonzalez: UP breeds destabilizers, naked runners
Wow! It's been 11 days since my last post and to think the last post was a forwarded email message! Well, I think it is about time to dust away the rust and cobwebs of this blog and start over again. :)
I received an email about an article in the Inquirer about Gonzalez talking that UP breeds destabilizers and naked runners. First thing that came into my mind was that "WTF?!" What the hell does he know about UP?
Anyway, after calming downa and rethinking, I decided that the best way to deal this tackle the issues he raised with objectivity. :p (naks!)
Here are 5 points that I am raising and I won't even try to destroy his person (even if there is so much of his person that is so easy to destroy).
1. The state is not paying for UP students schooling, its the tax payers.
2. World class education? We have no budget and no proof (see Top 500 Universities in the world) to say that we are getting world class education. We are getting the best education in the Philippines but not world class education.
3. UP students are at the forefront and that is what makes us UP students. It is because we owe it to the people who are actually schooling us to be aware, care about what's happening, and actually do something about it (I personally have to reach this part... :p ).
4. People running naked... so? Does it mean anything? What was the point of this point? :p
5. And YES, I do believe that UP people are the only ones who actually know how to run the country. :D
Oh, and by the way, its people like Mr. Gonzalez who is making the Madam look bad... :p hahaha! :p Did he know that his boss is from UP? :p
Just my thoughts though....
I received an email about an article in the Inquirer about Gonzalez talking that UP breeds destabilizers and naked runners. First thing that came into my mind was that "WTF?!" What the hell does he know about UP?
Anyway, after calming downa and rethinking, I decided that the best way to deal this tackle the issues he raised with objectivity. :p (naks!)
Here are 5 points that I am raising and I won't even try to destroy his person (even if there is so much of his person that is so easy to destroy).
1. The state is not paying for UP students schooling, its the tax payers.
2. World class education? We have no budget and no proof (see Top 500 Universities in the world) to say that we are getting world class education. We are getting the best education in the Philippines but not world class education.
3. UP students are at the forefront and that is what makes us UP students. It is because we owe it to the people who are actually schooling us to be aware, care about what's happening, and actually do something about it (I personally have to reach this part... :p ).
4. People running naked... so? Does it mean anything? What was the point of this point? :p
5. And YES, I do believe that UP people are the only ones who actually know how to run the country. :D
Oh, and by the way, its people like Mr. Gonzalez who is making the Madam look bad... :p hahaha! :p Did he know that his boss is from UP? :p
Just my thoughts though....
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
Stress Busters
An Angel says, "Never borrow from the future. If you worry about what may happen tomorrow and it doesn't happen, you have worried in vain. Even if it does happen, you have to worry twice."
1. Pray.
2. Go to bed on time.
3. Get up on time so you can start the day unrushed.
4. Say No to projects that won't fit into your time schedule or that will compromise your mental health.
5. Delegate tasks to capable others.
6. Simplify and unclutter your life.
7. Less is more. (Although one is often not enough, two are often too many.)
8. Allow extra time to do things and to get to places.
9. Pace yourself. Spread out big changes and difficult projects over time; don't lump the hard things all together.
10. Take one day at a time.
11. Separate worries from concerns. If a situation is a concern, find out what God would have you do and let go of the anxiety. If you can't do anything about a situation, forget it.
12. Live within your budget; don't use credit cards for ordinary purchases.
13. Have backups; an extra car key in your wallet, an extra house key buried in the garden, extra stamps, etc.
14. K.M.S. (Keep Mouth Shut). This single piece of advice can prevent an enormous amount of trouble.
15. Do something for the "Kid in You" everyday.
16. Carry a Bible with you to read while waiting in line.
17. Get enough rest.
18. Eat right.
19. Get organized so everything has its place.
20. Listen to a tape while driving that can help improve your quality of life.
21. Write down thoughts and inspirations.
22. Every day, find time to be alone.
23. Having problems? Talk to God on the spot. Try to nip small problems in the bud. Don't wait until it's time to go to bed to try and pray.
24. Make friends with Godly people.
25. Keep a folder of favorite scriptures on hand.
26. Remember that the shortest bridge between despair and hope is often a good "Thank you Jesus."
27. Laugh.
28. Laugh some more!
29. Take your work seriously, but not yourself at all.
30. Develop a forgiving attitude (most people are doing the best they can).
31. Be kind to unkind people (they probably need it the most.
32. Sit on your ego.
33. Talk less; listen more.
34. Slow down.
35. Remind yourself that you are not the general manager of the universe.
36. Every night before bed, think of one thing you're grateful for that you've never been grateful for before. GOD HAS A WAY OF TURNING THINGS AROUND FOR YOU. "If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31)
1. Pray.
2. Go to bed on time.
3. Get up on time so you can start the day unrushed.
4. Say No to projects that won't fit into your time schedule or that will compromise your mental health.
5. Delegate tasks to capable others.
6. Simplify and unclutter your life.
7. Less is more. (Although one is often not enough, two are often too many.)
8. Allow extra time to do things and to get to places.
9. Pace yourself. Spread out big changes and difficult projects over time; don't lump the hard things all together.
10. Take one day at a time.
11. Separate worries from concerns. If a situation is a concern, find out what God would have you do and let go of the anxiety. If you can't do anything about a situation, forget it.
12. Live within your budget; don't use credit cards for ordinary purchases.
13. Have backups; an extra car key in your wallet, an extra house key buried in the garden, extra stamps, etc.
14. K.M.S. (Keep Mouth Shut). This single piece of advice can prevent an enormous amount of trouble.
15. Do something for the "Kid in You" everyday.
16. Carry a Bible with you to read while waiting in line.
17. Get enough rest.
18. Eat right.
19. Get organized so everything has its place.
20. Listen to a tape while driving that can help improve your quality of life.
21. Write down thoughts and inspirations.
22. Every day, find time to be alone.
23. Having problems? Talk to God on the spot. Try to nip small problems in the bud. Don't wait until it's time to go to bed to try and pray.
24. Make friends with Godly people.
25. Keep a folder of favorite scriptures on hand.
26. Remember that the shortest bridge between despair and hope is often a good "Thank you Jesus."
27. Laugh.
28. Laugh some more!
29. Take your work seriously, but not yourself at all.
30. Develop a forgiving attitude (most people are doing the best they can).
31. Be kind to unkind people (they probably need it the most.
32. Sit on your ego.
33. Talk less; listen more.
34. Slow down.
35. Remind yourself that you are not the general manager of the universe.
36. Every night before bed, think of one thing you're grateful for that you've never been grateful for before. GOD HAS A WAY OF TURNING THINGS AROUND FOR YOU. "If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31)
Monday, July 10, 2006
Private Conversations
Just saw Francis Escudero in Boy Abunda's show, Private Conversations and I must say I was impressed not only with how he handled himself with the questions thrown at him (some which may oftentimes offend others) but also with how much open he is about himself and how much respect he gives to the people around him.
You can feel from the way he answers the sense of idealism and the spirit of nationalism still there, intact. I don't know if that is one gift he has being a politician and all (that's the cynic in me), but it is an admirable that we still have good politicians in office (and here is the idealist).
I like how he answered the question "What is you definition of a good politician?" in which his reponse was "someone who takes a stand and keeps it till the end and knows when to keep the politics out" (I paraphrased that).
He is smart, quick witted and someone worth emulating. Really, it is really inspiring to realize that someone with that caliber can actually use that intelligence for the good of our country and not exactly leaving for greener pastures.
"Brilliance" was his response to the question "What turns him on?" but he quickly adds "that is with the nice face and body which is a given..."
... well, that's just my 2 cents for the day. :)
Sunday, July 09, 2006
Free
Here is one good song for everyone:
And here are the lyrics:
Would you believe me if I said that we are the ones who can make a change in the world today?
Would you believe me if I said that all of thedreams in your heart could come true today? Yeah!
Would you believe me if I said that life can beall that you want it to be today? Yeah!
If I had wings I would fly
'Coz all that I need, You are
'Coz You're all that I believe
And the One that created me
Jesus, because of You
I'm free
Would you believe me if I said that God can make miracles happen today? Yeah, yeah!
Would you believe me if I said that you don't have to wait for the answers before you step out in faith?
Would you believe me if I said that nothing isever impossible for God? Yeah!
Just live your live
With God inside
You won't regret
One moment of it
Give all that you can for God
For God
Saturday, July 08, 2006
Being Twenty - Something
(Read The Whole Thing.... It's worth it.)
They call it the "Quarter-life Crisis." It is when you stop going along with the crowd and start realizing that there are many things about yourself that you didn't know and may not like. You start feeling insecure and wonder where you will be in a year or two, but then get scared because you barely know where you are now.
You start realizing that people are selfish and that, maybe, those friends that you thought you were so close to aren't exactly the greatest people you have ever met, and the people you have lost touch with are some of the most important ones. What you don't recognize is that they are realizing that too, and aren't really cold, catty, mean or insincere, but that they are as confused as you.
You look at your job... and it is not even close to what you thought you would be doing, or maybe you are looking for a job and realizing that you are going to have to start at the bottom and that scares you.
Your opinions have gotten stronger. You see what others are doing and find yourself judging more than usual because suddenly you realize that you have certain boundaries in your life and are constantly adding things to your list of what is acceptable and what isn't. One minute, you are insecure and then the next, secure. You laugh and cry with the greatest force of your life. You feel alone and scared and confused. Suddenly, change is the enemy and you try and cling on to the past with dear life, but soon realize that the past is drifting further and further away, and there is nothing to do but stay where you are or move forward.
You get your heart broken and wonder how someone you loved could do such damage to you. Or you lie in bed and wonder why you can't meet anyone decent enough that you want to get to know better. Or maybe you love someone but love someone else too and cannot figure out why you are doingthis because you know that you aren't a bad person. One night stands and random hook ups start to look cheap. Getting wasted and acting like an idiot starts to look pathetic.
You go through the same emotions and questions over and over, and talk with your friends about the same topics because you cannot seem to make a decision. You worry about loans, money, the future and making a life for yourself... and while winning the race would be great, right now you'd just like to be a contender!
What you may not realize is that everyone reading this relates to it. We are in our best of times and our worst of times, trying as hard as we can to figure this whole thing out .
Share this to your twenty-something friends...maybe it will help someone feel like they aren't alone in their state of confusion........
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
Bora Bora
Gone to Boracay over the weekend and it was F-U-N!
I was never really a fan of flat rates so instead of 10, here are 9 things I enjoyed about Bora:
1. The women - ok, so maybe just the people I was with but it was fun planning, going and staying in Bora with them.
2. D shops - I practiced my haggle skills coupled with some charms... *naks! hehehe... Speaking in Bisaya never fails to send a smile to the sales ladies (and lady-likes - I'm not proud of this though) in Bora...
3. The beach - It was beautiful. Well, compared to the other beach I went this year.
4. Parasailing! - Relaxation to the max! There is nothing like staying high up in the sky with your feet feeling the wind
5. Flying fish? - This one was stress! I tried my best not to fall but failed by four counts
6. The sunset I never got to see - The pictures are great though. I was either watching TV or earning money from Seph and BJ via a game of Tong-its during these times. :p
7. The food that we never got to picture
8. BomBom! - The picture below may not actually be what I was actually referring to. Bom Bom is a reggae club near our resort. It was a cool place and I enjoyed going there. I was not able to return on the 3rd night though. Just enjoyed the music and hanging around.
9. Picture taking - who doesn't!
Bora is fun and got me all worked up. I would surely like to go back in the near future but I guess for now, a short rest will do.
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
21 lessons
This is without a doubt one of the nicest good luck forwards I have received. Hope it works for you -- and me!
You have 6 minutes
There's some mighty fine advice in these words, even if you're not superstitious. This has been sent to you for good luck from the Anthony Robbins organization. It has been sent around the world ten times so Far.
Do not keep this message.
This must leave your hands in 6 MINUTES. Otherwise you will get a very unpleasant surprise. This is true, even if you are not superstitious, agnostic, or otherwise faith impaired.
ONE. Give people more than they expect and do it cheerfully.
TWO. Marry a man/woman you love to talk to. As you get older, their conversational skills will be as important as any other.
THREE. Don't believe all you hear, spend all you have or sleep all you want.
FOUR. When you say, "I love you," mean it.
FIVE. When you say, "I'm sorry," look the person in the eye.
SIX. Be engaged at least six months before you get married.
SEVEN. Believe in love at first sight.
EIGHT. Never laugh at anyone's dream. People who don't have dreams don't have much.
NINE. Love deeply and passionately. You might get hurt but it's the only way to live life completely.
TEN.. In disagreements, fight fairly. No name calling.
ELEVEN. Don't judge people by their relatives.
TWELVE. Talk slowly but think quickly.
THIRTEEN. When someone asks you a question you don't want to answer, smile and ask, "Why do you want to know?"
FOURTEEN. Remember that great love and great achievements involve great risk.
FIFTEEN. Say "bless you" when you hear someone sneeze.
SIXTEEN. When you lose, don't lose the lesson.
SEVENTEEN. Remember the three R's: R espect for self; Respect for others; and responsibility for all your actions.
EIGHTEEN. Don't let a little dispute injure a great friendship.
NINETEEN. When you realize you've made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.
TWENTY. Smile when picking up the phone. The caller will hear it in your voice.
TWENTY-ONE. Spend some time alone.
Now, here's the FUN part!Send this to at least 5 people and your life will improve.
1-4 people: Your life will improve slightly.
5-9 people: Your life will improve to your liking.
9-14 people: You will have at least 5 surprises in the next 3 weeks
15 and above: Your life will improve drastically and everything you ever dreamed of will begin to take shape.
A true friend is someone who reaches for your hand and touches your heart. Do not keep this message.
You have 6 minutes
There's some mighty fine advice in these words, even if you're not superstitious. This has been sent to you for good luck from the Anthony Robbins organization. It has been sent around the world ten times so Far.
Do not keep this message.
This must leave your hands in 6 MINUTES. Otherwise you will get a very unpleasant surprise. This is true, even if you are not superstitious, agnostic, or otherwise faith impaired.
ONE. Give people more than they expect and do it cheerfully.
TWO. Marry a man/woman you love to talk to. As you get older, their conversational skills will be as important as any other.
THREE. Don't believe all you hear, spend all you have or sleep all you want.
FOUR. When you say, "I love you," mean it.
FIVE. When you say, "I'm sorry," look the person in the eye.
SIX. Be engaged at least six months before you get married.
SEVEN. Believe in love at first sight.
EIGHT. Never laugh at anyone's dream. People who don't have dreams don't have much.
NINE. Love deeply and passionately. You might get hurt but it's the only way to live life completely.
TEN.. In disagreements, fight fairly. No name calling.
ELEVEN. Don't judge people by their relatives.
TWELVE. Talk slowly but think quickly.
THIRTEEN. When someone asks you a question you don't want to answer, smile and ask, "Why do you want to know?"
FOURTEEN. Remember that great love and great achievements involve great risk.
FIFTEEN. Say "bless you" when you hear someone sneeze.
SIXTEEN. When you lose, don't lose the lesson.
SEVENTEEN. Remember the three R's: R espect for self; Respect for others; and responsibility for all your actions.
EIGHTEEN. Don't let a little dispute injure a great friendship.
NINETEEN. When you realize you've made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.
TWENTY. Smile when picking up the phone. The caller will hear it in your voice.
TWENTY-ONE. Spend some time alone.
Now, here's the FUN part!Send this to at least 5 people and your life will improve.
1-4 people: Your life will improve slightly.
5-9 people: Your life will improve to your liking.
9-14 people: You will have at least 5 surprises in the next 3 weeks
15 and above: Your life will improve drastically and everything you ever dreamed of will begin to take shape.
A true friend is someone who reaches for your hand and touches your heart. Do not keep this message.
Thursday, June 15, 2006
Out of this World Announcement from Spiderman
Got an out of this world announcement from Spiderman from Carlos! This is way different kind of issue as Spiderman finally reveals his identity in front of the press as Peter Parker.
You can view the article from Yahoo News. The title of the article is Spiderman outs himself to the press. As a preview, here is a cut from the article.
You can view the article from Yahoo News. The title of the article is Spiderman outs himself to the press. As a preview, here is a cut from the article.
For a comic book hero, it's the ultimate taboo. In the latest edition of the Marvel comic "Civil War" on sale, Spiderman does the unthinkable and removes his Spidey mask to publicly reveal his hidden identity.
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
Kiss me... a different version
Could stop laughing over this one! :) Hope you enjoy this one too...
Have a break from the stress of the real world! :)
Sunday, May 14, 2006
I hate Caloy!
Caloy is a the name local weather experts used for the latest typhoon that hit the country. The estimated loss was at 300 million pesos and the death toll is raising rapidly. Caloy has finally reminded everyone that summer is finally over and that the rainy season is about to become its reign.
The death toll and the loss of profit are already good enough reasons to hate the typhoon but I have a more personal grudge against him. I had an entire weekend planned out for May 13 and 14. We were suppose to go up Mt. Daguldul and this has been planned for almost 2 weeks! Everything has already been set. The tents were ready, my schedules have been planned, people have been invited and some have already confirmed but it had to be cancelled the day before due to rising risk in the Batangas area.
Oh well, its a pretty petty grudge though but the next expected climb would be on July as the schedules of my mountain climbing friends are full for the entire June. I was hoping to get another reprieve from the busy life of the city but I guess it just was not meant to be. As the Alchemist said, if it was really meant to happen, then the rest of the world will conspire to make it happen. At least, I got to spend the weekend with my Mom who arrived last Thursday.
Btw, to all mothers and mother-like figures of my life and of yours, Happy Mother's Day!
The death toll and the loss of profit are already good enough reasons to hate the typhoon but I have a more personal grudge against him. I had an entire weekend planned out for May 13 and 14. We were suppose to go up Mt. Daguldul and this has been planned for almost 2 weeks! Everything has already been set. The tents were ready, my schedules have been planned, people have been invited and some have already confirmed but it had to be cancelled the day before due to rising risk in the Batangas area.
Oh well, its a pretty petty grudge though but the next expected climb would be on July as the schedules of my mountain climbing friends are full for the entire June. I was hoping to get another reprieve from the busy life of the city but I guess it just was not meant to be. As the Alchemist said, if it was really meant to happen, then the rest of the world will conspire to make it happen. At least, I got to spend the weekend with my Mom who arrived last Thursday.
Btw, to all mothers and mother-like figures of my life and of yours, Happy Mother's Day!
Thursday, May 11, 2006
Application form sumbitted
I have submitted my application form for MSCS at UP. I'm not sure if I would be accepted into the program, depending on the reccommendations that Vic and Maam Joyce gave me. I hope they're good feedback. :)Anyway, I will be doing the non thesis option and then specialize in Computer Systems. I was previously thinking of Information Systems and Software Engineering but I guess I can take those subjects as an elective.
We'll see what happens from this point. Take it as it comes, Mike. Just take it as it comes.
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
Decisions decisions...
Tick tock tick tock...
Call it a leap of faith, but by tomorrow everything will turn to reality. I'll be submitting my application form for a Master's degree in Computer Science. I'll be taking it at the simple University of the Philippines - that is of course, if they consider me good enough for the program.
Even if until now, I doubt that I can really put a lot of effort into the program despite the workload I already have (yes folks! I do have loads of work). Until this very moment, I have yet to decide as to what specialization I am going to take. It's a tough choice, but I am a complex person with many interests. It is very difficult to pinpoint or find the difference between what I really want or enjoy doing from what I really need to pursue my career.
The problem is I enjoy my job now and I can see myself in the medium term with the company I work for. The problem though is that working for a company or working for the industry in the long term is not dream. The simple fact that I do enjoy research and learning new things, despite the fact that I don't have the patience to code anything, is why I will return to the academe one day. I feel that the most important thing for me to do is to share what I have learned - not just as IT professional but as a person as well. Imparting the values that Pisay and UP has taught me. To pursue the things you enjoy most, and to enjoy seeking new things to learn.
However, you also have to understand that the "kaching kaching" also is very important for us to survive the real world. I could not spend one day without spending at least a hundred pesos. And I sleep on an empty stomach at that. I dread the times when I use to try my best to save a weeks worth of allowance just in case I don't get the next weeks allowance. Pride being a big part of me, I don't borrow or ask for a lot of food even if I'm pretty hungry already. And it is for this reason that I also want to establish the skills I need in order to push my career upward.
So, again, I find myself in the same situation I found myself a year ago. To decide whether to stay in the academe or to pursue an industry career.
The clock is ticking...
Call it a leap of faith, but by tomorrow everything will turn to reality. I'll be submitting my application form for a Master's degree in Computer Science. I'll be taking it at the simple University of the Philippines - that is of course, if they consider me good enough for the program.
Even if until now, I doubt that I can really put a lot of effort into the program despite the workload I already have (yes folks! I do have loads of work). Until this very moment, I have yet to decide as to what specialization I am going to take. It's a tough choice, but I am a complex person with many interests. It is very difficult to pinpoint or find the difference between what I really want or enjoy doing from what I really need to pursue my career.
The problem is I enjoy my job now and I can see myself in the medium term with the company I work for. The problem though is that working for a company or working for the industry in the long term is not dream. The simple fact that I do enjoy research and learning new things, despite the fact that I don't have the patience to code anything, is why I will return to the academe one day. I feel that the most important thing for me to do is to share what I have learned - not just as IT professional but as a person as well. Imparting the values that Pisay and UP has taught me. To pursue the things you enjoy most, and to enjoy seeking new things to learn.
However, you also have to understand that the "kaching kaching" also is very important for us to survive the real world. I could not spend one day without spending at least a hundred pesos. And I sleep on an empty stomach at that. I dread the times when I use to try my best to save a weeks worth of allowance just in case I don't get the next weeks allowance. Pride being a big part of me, I don't borrow or ask for a lot of food even if I'm pretty hungry already. And it is for this reason that I also want to establish the skills I need in order to push my career upward.
So, again, I find myself in the same situation I found myself a year ago. To decide whether to stay in the academe or to pursue an industry career.
The clock is ticking...
Wednesday, May 03, 2006
Beginner's Guide to Swimming
Paddle your way to a six-pack with this fat-scorching swim plan
By: Matt Bean
We're giving it to you straight: You're never going to swim like Michael Phelps. For starters, you're probably not 6'4''--and in the water, length means speed. Then there's your--by comparison --penguinlike wing span. Phelps's span is 79 inches, and it propels him through the water like a nitro-fueled speedboat. And the 45 miles of practice he puts in a week? Great for him, but you have commitments.
Now, the good news: All of this had less to do with Phelps's six gold medals and three world records at the 2004 Olympics than one basic in-pool principle that anybody can learn: "The longer and more streamlined you can make your body, the faster you'll go," he says.
"It's that simple."
Phelps and swimming guru Terry Laughlin, president of the New York-based swimming think tank Total Immersion (totalimmersion.net), helped us put together a step-by-step guide to leaving your lanemates behind. If you're a beginner, our plan will keep you from flailing about like you're being attacked by piranhas. If you're a pro, we'll show you how to shave seconds without having to shave your knees.
We're focusing on the freestyle stroke here, not only because it provides a killer cardio workout, but also because it works the most muscles overall--building core strength and carving your V. And it shreds calories. Blows them right out of the water, in fact. Phelps is as thin as an Olsen twin, yet he eats 8,000 calories a day. His average breakfast: two egg-and-cheese sandwiches, a bowl of grits, a western omelet, French toast, and a stack of chocolate-chip pancakes ("for dessert," he says). Being 19 doesn't hurt, of course, but if Phelps can keep his abs well groomed despite eating enough for four, you should be able to make sizable strides with just a modest amount of effort.
Here's our seven-step plan for leaving everyone in your wake.
1. Swim tall. "Water is 1,000 times denser than air," says Laughlin. "So the single most important factor is to slip your body through the smallest hole in the water." Imagine a central axis extending from the top of your head to the opposite end of the pool. Rotate your body along this axis with each stroke, stretching your leading arm (the one reaching out front) as far forward as you can. Keep the muscles in your lower back and abs taut as you power through the water--doing so will keep the propulsion coming from both your arms and legs and stop your midsection from sagging like an old first-mate's belly.
2. Drop an anchor. Swimming with just your hands is like jumping with just your feet. Instead, grip the water with your entire forearm and hand, holding your forearm at a right angle to your upper arm and digging in like you're gathering sand with a shovel. Keep your hands broad, flat, and firm. You're not pushing your arm through the water as much as anchoring it and pulling your body over it.
3. Put yourself on heavy rotation. Each stroke begins with your leading arm having entered the water, and that side of your body--the low side--pointing almost at the bottom of the pool. The other side of your body--the high side--should be raised, with the arm that just finished its stroke getting ready to return to the water. Power is triggered when you drive down the high side of your body, Laughlin says, throwing your high-side arm forward along the central axis into the leading position and forcefully rotating your hips and torso. Meanwhile, your low-side arm becomes the pulling arm underwater, working with your rotating torso to provide acceleration.
4. Keep your head down. Freestylers used to hold their heads high. That forced the rest of the body to drop, turning it into a high-drag plow. "I look pretty much straight down at the bottom of the pool," says Phelps. Not only does this technique cut drag, it keeps your torso high, reducing strain on your neck and lower back.
5. Find your glide path. In the pool, fewer strokes is better. Your goal should be a high DPS--swim-speak for "distance per stroke." Elite swimmers like Phelps can easily traverse a 25-yard pool in seven strokes (each hand entry counts as a stroke). Try to keep yours below 20 by conserving momentum. Pull yourself over your anchor and continue to glide forward with one arm forward and the other back. "You'll travel farther and faster with your legs streamlined near your axis," says Laughlin. When you begin to slow, start the next stroke.
6. Drag your feet. "If you're a good kicker, you're a good swimmer," says Phelps. The secret is turning your feet into fins. Here again, leverage rules: Your legs should be taut, scissoring you through the water, while your feet remain flexible. This will help them snap at the downstroke of each kick, adding oomph and helping twist your torso along the central axis. If your feet don't flex well, buy a set of kicking fins (we like the Slim Fin, forcefin.com) to add flexibility.
7. Don't waste your breath. Gasping for air every time your head nears the surface is a great way to drown. Instead, make each breath count. Emphatically exhale the air from your lungs (all of it, not just 90 percent) before snagging a quick, full breath on the high side. Beginning swimmers need to breathe after each stroke, but as your endurance improves, try breathing on alternate sides--that is, after three strokes. It'll reduce the strain on your neck and shoulders that results from always breathing on the same side.
By: Matt Bean
We're giving it to you straight: You're never going to swim like Michael Phelps. For starters, you're probably not 6'4''--and in the water, length means speed. Then there's your--by comparison --penguinlike wing span. Phelps's span is 79 inches, and it propels him through the water like a nitro-fueled speedboat. And the 45 miles of practice he puts in a week? Great for him, but you have commitments.
Now, the good news: All of this had less to do with Phelps's six gold medals and three world records at the 2004 Olympics than one basic in-pool principle that anybody can learn: "The longer and more streamlined you can make your body, the faster you'll go," he says.
"It's that simple."
Phelps and swimming guru Terry Laughlin, president of the New York-based swimming think tank Total Immersion (totalimmersion.net), helped us put together a step-by-step guide to leaving your lanemates behind. If you're a beginner, our plan will keep you from flailing about like you're being attacked by piranhas. If you're a pro, we'll show you how to shave seconds without having to shave your knees.
We're focusing on the freestyle stroke here, not only because it provides a killer cardio workout, but also because it works the most muscles overall--building core strength and carving your V. And it shreds calories. Blows them right out of the water, in fact. Phelps is as thin as an Olsen twin, yet he eats 8,000 calories a day. His average breakfast: two egg-and-cheese sandwiches, a bowl of grits, a western omelet, French toast, and a stack of chocolate-chip pancakes ("for dessert," he says). Being 19 doesn't hurt, of course, but if Phelps can keep his abs well groomed despite eating enough for four, you should be able to make sizable strides with just a modest amount of effort.
Here's our seven-step plan for leaving everyone in your wake.
1. Swim tall. "Water is 1,000 times denser than air," says Laughlin. "So the single most important factor is to slip your body through the smallest hole in the water." Imagine a central axis extending from the top of your head to the opposite end of the pool. Rotate your body along this axis with each stroke, stretching your leading arm (the one reaching out front) as far forward as you can. Keep the muscles in your lower back and abs taut as you power through the water--doing so will keep the propulsion coming from both your arms and legs and stop your midsection from sagging like an old first-mate's belly.
2. Drop an anchor. Swimming with just your hands is like jumping with just your feet. Instead, grip the water with your entire forearm and hand, holding your forearm at a right angle to your upper arm and digging in like you're gathering sand with a shovel. Keep your hands broad, flat, and firm. You're not pushing your arm through the water as much as anchoring it and pulling your body over it.
3. Put yourself on heavy rotation. Each stroke begins with your leading arm having entered the water, and that side of your body--the low side--pointing almost at the bottom of the pool. The other side of your body--the high side--should be raised, with the arm that just finished its stroke getting ready to return to the water. Power is triggered when you drive down the high side of your body, Laughlin says, throwing your high-side arm forward along the central axis into the leading position and forcefully rotating your hips and torso. Meanwhile, your low-side arm becomes the pulling arm underwater, working with your rotating torso to provide acceleration.
4. Keep your head down. Freestylers used to hold their heads high. That forced the rest of the body to drop, turning it into a high-drag plow. "I look pretty much straight down at the bottom of the pool," says Phelps. Not only does this technique cut drag, it keeps your torso high, reducing strain on your neck and lower back.
5. Find your glide path. In the pool, fewer strokes is better. Your goal should be a high DPS--swim-speak for "distance per stroke." Elite swimmers like Phelps can easily traverse a 25-yard pool in seven strokes (each hand entry counts as a stroke). Try to keep yours below 20 by conserving momentum. Pull yourself over your anchor and continue to glide forward with one arm forward and the other back. "You'll travel farther and faster with your legs streamlined near your axis," says Laughlin. When you begin to slow, start the next stroke.
6. Drag your feet. "If you're a good kicker, you're a good swimmer," says Phelps. The secret is turning your feet into fins. Here again, leverage rules: Your legs should be taut, scissoring you through the water, while your feet remain flexible. This will help them snap at the downstroke of each kick, adding oomph and helping twist your torso along the central axis. If your feet don't flex well, buy a set of kicking fins (we like the Slim Fin, forcefin.com) to add flexibility.
7. Don't waste your breath. Gasping for air every time your head nears the surface is a great way to drown. Instead, make each breath count. Emphatically exhale the air from your lungs (all of it, not just 90 percent) before snagging a quick, full breath on the high side. Beginning swimmers need to breathe after each stroke, but as your endurance improves, try breathing on alternate sides--that is, after three strokes. It'll reduce the strain on your neck and shoulders that results from always breathing on the same side.
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
Monday, May 01, 2006
Puerto Galera
I have just gotten back from a 3 days 2 nights Galera trip. It was definitely not the kind of experience I was hoping to get. Don't get me wrong. I enjoyed the company, the stories, the laughter, the secrets :p and the bloopers. I also will give Mindoro Sling the benefit of that doubt that it is a drink worth going all the way to Galera to taste (and get tipsy with). Yet, there are just some things that you can't get over without giving it a decent rant session in your blog.
1. For a long weekend, you'd expect a good number of people to be going out of the smog and hassle of the city for a vacation. But you would definitely NOT expect a mob of people going to the same vacation place! Meeting time was 4am at Buendia Station. We were fairly on time for the 4:30. However, there was a terrifyingly long queue of people waiting in line for the bus. My guess was if we did not think of an alternative mode of transportation, we might have arrived at Galera the next day.
The port in Batangas was no exception and the summer heat did not spare us at all. Arriving at White Beach in Galera, we had to look for a place as planned. We, however, did not plan to find tons of people also looking for a place to stay and hotel/motel/residential places were already filled up! Again, the summer heat did not spare us at least a breeze of comfort to dry the sweat and relax the fatigue we were already feeling. We were lucky to get help from someone who brought us to a resort (Talipanan) 2 barangays away from White Beach where we found a place to stay for the night. We planned to return to White Beach to scavenge for a place for the 2nd night.
2. We were successful with that but it costs us a lot which brings me to my second point. Everything costs something. Even when you go snorkeling, you pay 50 for the shoes, 50 for the mask, 50 for the floaters, and 50 for the boat guide. That does not count the 50 you would have to pay for the banig you'll use when you want to lay down on the beach. Too bad, the corals where beautiful and the fish were a sight. If only I was not paranoid with the things we left behind with the guide and if only I was not thinking of how much of a culprit that guide was having to make us pay a lot of money for the activity, then I would have certainly enjoyed it.
3. Finding a place to eat is like having Microsoft becoming a true open source. It was impossible! It was out of luck that we get to find a decent restaurant to eat. And that is after asking a dozen or more eating places. And again, it comes with a unfairly indecent price. Beggars can't be choosers and the hungry will just have to deal with it.
4. Coming from a place where going to the beach is a regular thing, it took me a while (and I am still trying) to understand what the is nice about Galera when you can't swim far enough or you'll get hit by an incoming boat or near to the shore since you would have to apologize for hitting someone else. In Davao or most of the beaches in Cebu, there is usually a port or a landing area for incoming boats to drop off beach goers and this port is far enough not to distrub the swimmers by the shore.
Well, it might be inappropriate to compare Galera with the beaches of Davao or Cebu most especially when I have only been to Galera once and have only seen the not so pretty side of things. I liked the resort in Aninoan or Talipanan though but I guess there wasn't that much to do for the rest of the group.
I usually go to the beach for some quiet time, away from the busy-ness of the rest of the world. It is there I forget that I am a slave to the corporate world and that there are a lot of worldly concerns that I have to resolve. The beach, and nature itself, is a nourishing place where I want to just stare blankly into the space, smell the breeze, listen to the waves and the slush of the leaves, and feel the sand and stone beneath your feet.
I guess concrete and glass has taken too much environmental space in my life that real nature is now just a small piece of the chart. I need to get out of the city a bit more.
1. For a long weekend, you'd expect a good number of people to be going out of the smog and hassle of the city for a vacation. But you would definitely NOT expect a mob of people going to the same vacation place! Meeting time was 4am at Buendia Station. We were fairly on time for the 4:30. However, there was a terrifyingly long queue of people waiting in line for the bus. My guess was if we did not think of an alternative mode of transportation, we might have arrived at Galera the next day.
The port in Batangas was no exception and the summer heat did not spare us at all. Arriving at White Beach in Galera, we had to look for a place as planned. We, however, did not plan to find tons of people also looking for a place to stay and hotel/motel/residential places were already filled up! Again, the summer heat did not spare us at least a breeze of comfort to dry the sweat and relax the fatigue we were already feeling. We were lucky to get help from someone who brought us to a resort (Talipanan) 2 barangays away from White Beach where we found a place to stay for the night. We planned to return to White Beach to scavenge for a place for the 2nd night.
2. We were successful with that but it costs us a lot which brings me to my second point. Everything costs something. Even when you go snorkeling, you pay 50 for the shoes, 50 for the mask, 50 for the floaters, and 50 for the boat guide. That does not count the 50 you would have to pay for the banig you'll use when you want to lay down on the beach. Too bad, the corals where beautiful and the fish were a sight. If only I was not paranoid with the things we left behind with the guide and if only I was not thinking of how much of a culprit that guide was having to make us pay a lot of money for the activity, then I would have certainly enjoyed it.
3. Finding a place to eat is like having Microsoft becoming a true open source. It was impossible! It was out of luck that we get to find a decent restaurant to eat. And that is after asking a dozen or more eating places. And again, it comes with a unfairly indecent price. Beggars can't be choosers and the hungry will just have to deal with it.
4. Coming from a place where going to the beach is a regular thing, it took me a while (and I am still trying) to understand what the is nice about Galera when you can't swim far enough or you'll get hit by an incoming boat or near to the shore since you would have to apologize for hitting someone else. In Davao or most of the beaches in Cebu, there is usually a port or a landing area for incoming boats to drop off beach goers and this port is far enough not to distrub the swimmers by the shore.
Well, it might be inappropriate to compare Galera with the beaches of Davao or Cebu most especially when I have only been to Galera once and have only seen the not so pretty side of things. I liked the resort in Aninoan or Talipanan though but I guess there wasn't that much to do for the rest of the group.
I usually go to the beach for some quiet time, away from the busy-ness of the rest of the world. It is there I forget that I am a slave to the corporate world and that there are a lot of worldly concerns that I have to resolve. The beach, and nature itself, is a nourishing place where I want to just stare blankly into the space, smell the breeze, listen to the waves and the slush of the leaves, and feel the sand and stone beneath your feet.
I guess concrete and glass has taken too much environmental space in my life that real nature is now just a small piece of the chart. I need to get out of the city a bit more.
Tuesday, April 25, 2006
One @ HP
Today, I celebrate 1 year of financial freedom. I celebrate the end of dependencies and celebrate the beginning of living.
Your own money
Your choices of expenses
Your pick on investment oppurtunities
The gains of the freedom to choose and the responsibility of choosing well.
Today, I am officially a year old as a professional in the IT industry.
Your own money
Your choices of expenses
Your pick on investment oppurtunities
The gains of the freedom to choose and the responsibility of choosing well.
Today, I am officially a year old as a professional in the IT industry.
Saturday, April 08, 2006
Life and Tech
A quote from the article "The secret of youth discovered" under the Highblood section of the Philippine Daily Inquirer. It was written by Tranquilino V. Quinto Jr.
"As I look around me day by day, I am troubled to see people ostensibly withering away when they should be enjoying the prime of their lives. So early the flame of their dreams and aspirations seems to be flickering off. Instead of stoking the embers that make it burn blazing and bright, they have left it to be extinguished by the destroyer of life: despair. Instead of getting up and moving on after a fall, they have chosen to stay down. And instead of learning from their mistakes, they have checked out."
Fulfilling your dreams or at least die trying. Pick yourself up after every mistake and move on. Do not fall into helplessness and hopelessness. This could very well be in perfect for our trying times - and this not pointing towards politics alone. I mean, all of us live day to day with dreams for something better. There is always that vision, that urge to strive to better ourselves, to better the conditions of our community, and if you are truly nonself serving, to the better of our country. To make a difference in the world, leave a mark, be remembered.
Oh well, that's life.
Anyway, to all you techies out there, here's a funny video about an Intel processor in a Mac. It came up in one forum that a friend sent through email about the recent news of Windows XP now running on a Mac. I think its pretty stupid though to introduce vulnerabilities into something that is already pretty good. And in the end, it was just a means to earn profit.
"As I look around me day by day, I am troubled to see people ostensibly withering away when they should be enjoying the prime of their lives. So early the flame of their dreams and aspirations seems to be flickering off. Instead of stoking the embers that make it burn blazing and bright, they have left it to be extinguished by the destroyer of life: despair. Instead of getting up and moving on after a fall, they have chosen to stay down. And instead of learning from their mistakes, they have checked out."
Fulfilling your dreams or at least die trying. Pick yourself up after every mistake and move on. Do not fall into helplessness and hopelessness. This could very well be in perfect for our trying times - and this not pointing towards politics alone. I mean, all of us live day to day with dreams for something better. There is always that vision, that urge to strive to better ourselves, to better the conditions of our community, and if you are truly nonself serving, to the better of our country. To make a difference in the world, leave a mark, be remembered.
Oh well, that's life.
Anyway, to all you techies out there, here's a funny video about an Intel processor in a Mac. It came up in one forum that a friend sent through email about the recent news of Windows XP now running on a Mac. I think its pretty stupid though to introduce vulnerabilities into something that is already pretty good. And in the end, it was just a means to earn profit.
Friday, April 07, 2006
New Naruto Starting Song
For all Naruto fans out there, there is a new starting song for Naruto. :) See video below...
Java Puzzlers
Here's something that every Java person (developer, architect, enthusiast, whatever) should get. It's a book that gives an example of code illusions we face in our everyday coding life. Very much like an optical illusion, there are times when we sort of think pieces of code is doing something that seems pretty obvious until we run the code.
Anyway, I haven't read the book yet but you can get a better review by visit the article I read here.
Also, the book has a website. Its worth a visit too.
Anyway, I haven't read the book yet but you can get a better review by visit the article I read here.
Also, the book has a website. Its worth a visit too.
Wednesday, April 05, 2006
Have a Happy Moment!
As we grow up, we learn that even the one person that wasn't supposed to ever let you down probably will.
You will have your heart broken probably more than once and it's harder every time.
You'll break hearts too, so remember how it felt when yours was broken.
You'll fight with your best friend.
You'll blame a new love for things an old one did.
You'll cry because time is passing too fast, and you'll eventually lose someone you love.
So take too many pictures, laugh too much, and love like you've never been hurt because every sixty seconds you spend upset is a minute of happiness you'll never get back.
You will have your heart broken probably more than once and it's harder every time.
You'll break hearts too, so remember how it felt when yours was broken.
You'll fight with your best friend.
You'll blame a new love for things an old one did.
You'll cry because time is passing too fast, and you'll eventually lose someone you love.
So take too many pictures, laugh too much, and love like you've never been hurt because every sixty seconds you spend upset is a minute of happiness you'll never get back.
Saturday, March 25, 2006
Talkback: Education
In the show Talkback with Tina Palma just this morning, there were 4 students (Marco of UP was one of them and a guy from Pisay) talking about the state of education and its value to help our country. It was a good discussion. There were some points that I thought everyone totally missed the point while in others they had points I missed.
There was one question that Tina raised about what value is most important for you. There were good points, love for learning, trust in God, however, they have forgotten the importance of the sense of nationalism and patriotism. And this is what I is what I want to change in this country, that, that every Filipino have that strong sense of nationalism without loss of hope and a continued vision for the betterment of our Philippines.
Heroes
Something coming from an episode in Justice League Unlimited Season 2:
It sort of sums up a definition of what a hero is. In a country that seems to be up for the dumps, we need to start being heroes in our own rights. We, as Filipinos, should start choosing what is right rather than what is easy. Each of us, doing our share. This may be too idealistic but considering the cynicism that envelops us right now, one idealist might make a difference, though small, but still a difference.
Just trying to do my fair share in nation building. Be a hero.
"Everyone in the league is good at their job.
But those 7, they are the best ever.
Not because they are the most powerful, they are.
All of them. Its not just because they are the first.
Its because they are special.
They have proven it time and again.
They make the hard choices.
They set the example.
They do what's right not what's easiest.
And they always come out on top."
It sort of sums up a definition of what a hero is. In a country that seems to be up for the dumps, we need to start being heroes in our own rights. We, as Filipinos, should start choosing what is right rather than what is easy. Each of us, doing our share. This may be too idealistic but considering the cynicism that envelops us right now, one idealist might make a difference, though small, but still a difference.
Just trying to do my fair share in nation building. Be a hero.
Thursday, March 23, 2006
You Can't Always Get What You Want
by Rolling Stones
[chorus]
I saw her today at a reception
A glass of wine in her hand
I knew she would meet her connection
At her feet was her footloose man
No, you can't always get what you want
You can't always get what you want
You can't always get what you want
And if you try sometime you find
You get what you need
I saw her today at the reception
A glass of wine in her hand
I knew she was gonna meet her connection
At her feet was her footloose man
You can't always get what you want
You can't always get what you want
You can't always get what you want
But if you try sometimes you might find
You get what you need
Oh yeah, hey hey hey, oh...
And I went down to the demonstration
To get my fair share of abuse
Singing, "We're gonna vent our frustration
If we don't we're gonna blow a 50-amp fuse"
Sing it to me now...
You can't always get what you want
You can't always get what you want
You can't always get what you want
But if you try sometimes well you just might find
You get what you need
Oh baby, yeah, yeah!
I went down to the Chelsea drugstore
To get your prescription filled
I was standing in line with Mr. Jimmy
And man, did he look pretty ill
We decided that we would have a soda
My favorite flavor, cherry red
I sung my song to Mr. Jimmy
Yeah, and he said one word to me, and that was "dead"
I said to him
You can't always get what you want, no!
You can't always get what you want (tell ya baby)
You can't always get what you want (no)
But if you try sometimes you just might find
You get what you need
Oh yes! Woo!
You get what you need--yeah, oh baby!
Oh yeah!
I saw her today at the reception
In her glass was a bleeding man
She was practiced at the art of deception
Well I could tell by her blood-stained hands
You can't always get what you want
You can't always get what you want
You can't always get what you want
But if you try sometimes you just might find
You just might find
You get what you need
You can't always get what you want (no, no baby)
You can't always get what you want
You can't always get what you want
But if you try sometimes you just might find
You just might find
You get what you need, ah yes...
[chorus]
I saw her today at a reception
A glass of wine in her hand
I knew she would meet her connection
At her feet was her footloose man
No, you can't always get what you want
You can't always get what you want
You can't always get what you want
And if you try sometime you find
You get what you need
I saw her today at the reception
A glass of wine in her hand
I knew she was gonna meet her connection
At her feet was her footloose man
You can't always get what you want
You can't always get what you want
You can't always get what you want
But if you try sometimes you might find
You get what you need
Oh yeah, hey hey hey, oh...
And I went down to the demonstration
To get my fair share of abuse
Singing, "We're gonna vent our frustration
If we don't we're gonna blow a 50-amp fuse"
Sing it to me now...
You can't always get what you want
You can't always get what you want
You can't always get what you want
But if you try sometimes well you just might find
You get what you need
Oh baby, yeah, yeah!
I went down to the Chelsea drugstore
To get your prescription filled
I was standing in line with Mr. Jimmy
And man, did he look pretty ill
We decided that we would have a soda
My favorite flavor, cherry red
I sung my song to Mr. Jimmy
Yeah, and he said one word to me, and that was "dead"
I said to him
You can't always get what you want, no!
You can't always get what you want (tell ya baby)
You can't always get what you want (no)
But if you try sometimes you just might find
You get what you need
Oh yes! Woo!
You get what you need--yeah, oh baby!
Oh yeah!
I saw her today at the reception
In her glass was a bleeding man
She was practiced at the art of deception
Well I could tell by her blood-stained hands
You can't always get what you want
You can't always get what you want
You can't always get what you want
But if you try sometimes you just might find
You just might find
You get what you need
You can't always get what you want (no, no baby)
You can't always get what you want
You can't always get what you want
But if you try sometimes you just might find
You just might find
You get what you need, ah yes...
Saturday, March 18, 2006
Random Things
I received a cool video made using Swish. It's fun. You can find the link here.
-----------
-----------
“Oh, why should the spirit of mortal be proud?
Like a fast-flittering meteor, a fast-flying cloud,
a flash of the lightning, a break of the wave,
He passes from life to his rest in the grave.”
—William Knox (1824)
—William Knox (1824)
Friday, March 17, 2006
10 New things...
... I learned about Green Lantern after sitting in Powerbooks last Thursday while waiting for some friends for in a vice binge:
1. The power of the Green Lantern ring does not work on the color yellow.
2. This is because long ago, before there was the Green Lantern Corp, the Guardians battled a evil being called Parallax.
3. Paralax can not be defeated and was therefore stored in the Central Battery where Green Lantern's ring get its power.
4. The only Green Latern that was not affected by this was Kyle, the Green Latern that survived Hal's destruction of the Guardians and the entire Green Latern organization.
5. How the Green Lanterns use their power depends on their perspective: John was an engineer which is why what he creates look like engineering designs. Hal was pure power. Kyle was an artist.
6. The first Green Lantern was Hal.
7. Batman hated Hal because Hal never knew fear. "... and what is Batman without fear. He is just a man."
8. Hal was possessed by the Parallax which is why he turned renegade and destroyed the Guardians and the Green Lantern Corp. He was chosen because he had the strongest willpower among all the Green Lanterns.
9. Hal was then possessed by the being known as the Spectre, God's spirit of vengeance. This was because the Spectre thought that he could help destroy Parallax.
10. Green Lantern and Green Arrow were great friends. So were generations of Green Lanterns and Flashes.
Green Lantern's Oath:
"In brightest day,
in blackest night,
no evil shall escape my sight,
let those who worship evil's might,
beware my power,
Green Lantern's light!"
Sunday, March 12, 2006
Friday, March 10, 2006
Blueprint for a Viable Philippines
Former UP President Dodong Nemenzo appeared on TV last night on ANC's The Big Picture. He was there to talk about his group, Laban ng Masa, and his group's pamphlet Blueprint for a Viable Philippines.
What kept me tuned to the program was the idea that, finally, here is someone or a group of people who are presenting to anyone who will listen a set of guidelines that are pointing to everyone the obvious problems of our country and setting and addressing these issues at point blank to the point of spoonfeeding these possible solutions. The program gave only a brief overview of what the book was about. It was basically like a mosquito bite that needed to be scratched. And so typical of me to go ahead with the scratching.
I spent half of my day at work searching and browing through the document that Nemenzo and a group of intellectuals, including Randy David, and in consultation with various sectors put together. It presented the ideas and action plans in a 3 step format that started of with the issue, then presented what government is doing, and lastly, what can and should have been done.
The point of the whole thing though was that the government should actively education the people and help promote an active and vigilant citizenry. Democracy is more than the institutions and the people who work in them but rather it is the about the people who elect those public officials into the institutions. A intelligent, aware, and involved citizenry who will actively participate in public dialougues and consultations, a citenzenry who knows of the issues and not afraid to give his piece of mind, a citizenry who values and is proud of his country and is willing to do everything to make it work.
Currently, I no longer give a damn as to what structure or form of government our country will take. As long as we have the freedom and as long as we are responsible for our freedoms, any system will work. A responsible citizenry will put into power a responsible leader, who in turn can make things together with the citizens, hell of a lot better.
What kept me tuned to the program was the idea that, finally, here is someone or a group of people who are presenting to anyone who will listen a set of guidelines that are pointing to everyone the obvious problems of our country and setting and addressing these issues at point blank to the point of spoonfeeding these possible solutions. The program gave only a brief overview of what the book was about. It was basically like a mosquito bite that needed to be scratched. And so typical of me to go ahead with the scratching.
I spent half of my day at work searching and browing through the document that Nemenzo and a group of intellectuals, including Randy David, and in consultation with various sectors put together. It presented the ideas and action plans in a 3 step format that started of with the issue, then presented what government is doing, and lastly, what can and should have been done.
The point of the whole thing though was that the government should actively education the people and help promote an active and vigilant citizenry. Democracy is more than the institutions and the people who work in them but rather it is the about the people who elect those public officials into the institutions. A intelligent, aware, and involved citizenry who will actively participate in public dialougues and consultations, a citenzenry who knows of the issues and not afraid to give his piece of mind, a citizenry who values and is proud of his country and is willing to do everything to make it work.
Currently, I no longer give a damn as to what structure or form of government our country will take. As long as we have the freedom and as long as we are responsible for our freedoms, any system will work. A responsible citizenry will put into power a responsible leader, who in turn can make things together with the citizens, hell of a lot better.
Saturday, February 25, 2006
Here we go again
Again, the Filipino attempts to do one of the most stupidest things. On the occassion that was suppose to celebrate the victory of the simple Filipino, some elements turn it to a political fiasco mixed with religious fanaticism.
First and foremost, you do not say that it is God's will that a president must step down nor do youa have the right to say that it is your moral obligation to bring down a cheater and a lier when in fact you yourself have your share of cheating and lying. He who has no sin will cast the first stone. I am no supporter of the current administration. They do some good and do some bad things. They are just human but, at the same time, they should also realize that the responsibility of having to run this country also lies in their shoulders. With that, the interests of the nation should be above their own.
Secondly, if you want to effect change in to the society we leave in, you have to start it with yourself and within your circle of influence. Going out to the street on what is suppose to be a proud mark of the Filipino spirit is simply not right. In the sense of the words of Sen. Raul Roco, God bless his soul, whe he started into politics, he wanted to change the world. As he grew older, we wanted to change the country. However, in the end, what he really wanted to change was himself. To create change is to be an example of change.
Finally, everyone has their own beliefs. You do not impose to other people what you think is right. Let the people decide independently what they think is right and then each must listen and respect what each has to say. Nothing can be said to be true until all sides of a story has been heard.
The 1986 People Power Revolution was a great moment for the Filipino. It made us to proud to be who we ar, what we are capable of, and what we, as a people, believe in. Please don't ruin the memory with for own personal agendas.
First and foremost, you do not say that it is God's will that a president must step down nor do youa have the right to say that it is your moral obligation to bring down a cheater and a lier when in fact you yourself have your share of cheating and lying. He who has no sin will cast the first stone. I am no supporter of the current administration. They do some good and do some bad things. They are just human but, at the same time, they should also realize that the responsibility of having to run this country also lies in their shoulders. With that, the interests of the nation should be above their own.
Secondly, if you want to effect change in to the society we leave in, you have to start it with yourself and within your circle of influence. Going out to the street on what is suppose to be a proud mark of the Filipino spirit is simply not right. In the sense of the words of Sen. Raul Roco, God bless his soul, whe he started into politics, he wanted to change the world. As he grew older, we wanted to change the country. However, in the end, what he really wanted to change was himself. To create change is to be an example of change.
Finally, everyone has their own beliefs. You do not impose to other people what you think is right. Let the people decide independently what they think is right and then each must listen and respect what each has to say. Nothing can be said to be true until all sides of a story has been heard.
The 1986 People Power Revolution was a great moment for the Filipino. It made us to proud to be who we ar, what we are capable of, and what we, as a people, believe in. Please don't ruin the memory with for own personal agendas.
Friday, February 24, 2006
Here we are again
Yes, I guess I am back to square one. Lost in the infinity of things. Just the previous days I had a game plan on how to play my life. Work well, study smart, live life and plan ahead. Things seemed bright and all. There were points when I was rewarded for doing a good job. Thing paid off well. I know I like what I am doing with my work. It's fun and enjoy the company of good friends at work.
It's just that it doesn't seems like everything is fulfilling. I try to get my mind off of thinking about the next 10 to 20 years. What would it be like after this and that? Am I being who I really am? Just a few days back, Torya mentioned that I have changed. I wouldn't know really. I feel like my old self only that I am able to do things I want to do. Maybe, things are starting to get into my head. I've heard comments that I am someone who likes to win. I guess that's true although I was never like that before (or so I thought that liking to win was a good thing). Maybe I am just starting to go over the edge. I feel like I'm getting overboard on how I deal with people, with friends. It seems like I'm turning into the kind of person I so used to hate.
Arrogance is such a strong word but I guess that there is arrogance in the words that I utter. Am I forgetting where I come from? I guess what they say that money is the most toxic poison (redundancy intended) of all is true. I know I earn more than my fair share and I feel like this suddenness of me having more than enough is making me loose the focus of what I really intend to do in life. Is it just a matter of earning and rotating the dough we have or is there something? I have always told myself that money is not the only thing that motivates me but its getting harder and harder to find anything else that will.
Darn, I am beginning to forget that the relationships that have always kept me going these past years are the relationships that I am starting to loose grip. God knows how badly I have to reconnect to my old self.
It's just that it doesn't seems like everything is fulfilling. I try to get my mind off of thinking about the next 10 to 20 years. What would it be like after this and that? Am I being who I really am? Just a few days back, Torya mentioned that I have changed. I wouldn't know really. I feel like my old self only that I am able to do things I want to do. Maybe, things are starting to get into my head. I've heard comments that I am someone who likes to win. I guess that's true although I was never like that before (or so I thought that liking to win was a good thing). Maybe I am just starting to go over the edge. I feel like I'm getting overboard on how I deal with people, with friends. It seems like I'm turning into the kind of person I so used to hate.
Arrogance is such a strong word but I guess that there is arrogance in the words that I utter. Am I forgetting where I come from? I guess what they say that money is the most toxic poison (redundancy intended) of all is true. I know I earn more than my fair share and I feel like this suddenness of me having more than enough is making me loose the focus of what I really intend to do in life. Is it just a matter of earning and rotating the dough we have or is there something? I have always told myself that money is not the only thing that motivates me but its getting harder and harder to find anything else that will.
Darn, I am beginning to forget that the relationships that have always kept me going these past years are the relationships that I am starting to loose grip. God knows how badly I have to reconnect to my old self.
Thursday, February 23, 2006
tag! I'm it!
4 jobs I had in my life
1. Big Brother / Eldest son
2. Fastfood table wiper / cashier / taga dispense ng coke
3. CS Representative
4. SM for HP Asia Pacific
4 movies I could watch over and over ..just from the top of my head..
1. Chronicles of Narnia
2. Lord of the Rings 1, 2 and 3
3. Harry Potter
4. Star Wars 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6
4 places I've Lived in..
1. Cotabato City
2. General Santos City
3. Davao City
4. Cebu City
(not yet counting Los Banos, Quezon City, and Makati City)
4 tv shows/channels I love to watch
1. Animax
2. Disney Channel
3. ETC
4. HBO
4 places I've been on vacation
1. Toronto (What business trip?)
2. Baguio
3. Mt. Maculot!
4. Davao-Cotabato-Davao-Cebu
4 websites I visit daily
1. wps.corp.hp.com
2. mail.yahoo.com
3. infobuilder.blogspot.com
4. narutocentral.com
4 of my favorite foods
1. Crispy Pata
2. Sizzling Sisig
3. Siomai
4. Chocolates
4 places I'd rather be by now
1. Davao
2. UP Diliman (Melchor Hall)
3. with my family
4. Sacred Hear Chapel at UP
1. Big Brother / Eldest son
2. Fastfood table wiper / cashier / taga dispense ng coke
3. CS Representative
4. SM for HP Asia Pacific
4 movies I could watch over and over ..just from the top of my head..
1. Chronicles of Narnia
2. Lord of the Rings 1, 2 and 3
3. Harry Potter
4. Star Wars 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6
4 places I've Lived in..
1. Cotabato City
2. General Santos City
3. Davao City
4. Cebu City
(not yet counting Los Banos, Quezon City, and Makati City)
4 tv shows/channels I love to watch
1. Animax
2. Disney Channel
3. ETC
4. HBO
4 places I've been on vacation
1. Toronto (What business trip?)
2. Baguio
3. Mt. Maculot!
4. Davao-Cotabato-Davao-Cebu
4 websites I visit daily
1. wps.corp.hp.com
2. mail.yahoo.com
3. infobuilder.blogspot.com
4. narutocentral.com
4 of my favorite foods
1. Crispy Pata
2. Sizzling Sisig
3. Siomai
4. Chocolates
4 places I'd rather be by now
1. Davao
2. UP Diliman (Melchor Hall)
3. with my family
4. Sacred Hear Chapel at UP
Friday, February 17, 2006
Johari Window
Hi guys,
Hope you can contribute to my Johari Window. Click on the link here -> contribute. Below is my latest Johari update. :)
Hope you can contribute to my Johari Window. Click on the link here -> contribute. Below is my latest Johari update. :)
Arena(known to self and others) friendly, idealistic, intelligent, observant, warm | Blind Spot(known only to others) able, adaptable, calm, caring, cheerful, clever, complex, confident, dependable, energetic, extroverted, giving, happy, helpful, independent, ingenious, kind, knowledgeable, logical, modest, organised, patient, proud, quiet, reflective, relaxed, religious, responsive, searching, self-assertive, self-conscious, sensible, sentimental, shy, silly, spontaneous, sympathetic, tense, trustworthy, wise, witty |
Façade(known only to self) nervous | Unknown(known to nobody) accepting, bold, brave, dignified, introverted, loving, mature, powerful |
Dominant Traits
67% of people agree that Mike Sepulveda is friendly
All Percentages
able (5%) accepting (0%) adaptable (23%) bold (0%) brave (0%) calm (11%) caring (11%) cheerful (44%) clever (14%) complex (2%) confident (8%) dependable (29%) dignified (0%) energetic (17%) extroverted (8%) friendly (67%) giving (5%) happy (20%) helpful (29%) idealistic (14%) independent (2%) ingenious (2%) intelligent (29%) introverted (0%) kind (20%) knowledgeable (17%) logical (2%) loving (0%) mature (0%) modest (14%) nervous (0%) observant (5%) organised (5%) patient (11%) powerful (0%) proud (5%) quiet (8%) reflective (2%) relaxed (2%) religious (2%) responsive (5%) searching (2%) self-assertive (2%) self-conscious (5%) sensible (14%) sentimental (11%) shy (5%) silly (11%) spontaneous (8%) sympathetic (5%) tense (2%) trustworthy (2%) warm (14%) wise (2%) witty (5%)
Created by the Interactive Johari Window on 17.3.2006, using data from 34 respondents.
You can make your own Johari Window, or view Mike Sepulveda's full data.
You can make your own Johari Window, or view Mike Sepulveda's full data.
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