Thursday, July 16, 2009

a day in a life of another


An opportunity like this doesn't happen everyday. Since things are still in limbo in my own workplace, I might as well grab the opportunity of getting myself out of all off the hype and be somewhere else. I texted Catherine for help and she was very much willing to take me with her in her work out of town. Everything was set.


I just enjoyed being just there for the ride. Having to live a life of a med rep made me appreciate the work and how hard these guys are doing their job. Its never a bad thing to also learn some rep lingo such as "balikan", "sleeping" and "ins" and "outs". It was interesting to eavesdrop to their conversations while still trying to digest "consciousness" and "presence" from Ekhart Tolle's "A New Earth".

Tat felt sleepy on our way back so I tried reading to her some pages. There were some ideas that we tried to reflect on and I think the whole thing made Jason sleep in an instant.

Monday, July 13, 2009

who am i to break down?

"Here I am with all the pleasures of the first world
Laid out before me who am I to breakdown?

Everyday I wake up,I choose Love
I choose Light
And I try, it’s too easy just to fall apart"

Listening to the Submarines constantly reminds me of the events that will unveil in the next month. I'll try my very best not to fall apart then.

I had a good start for the week today. Even if there was a local transportation strike today, I still was able to go to work on time. I also found the classes today very light and open. Something tells me the students have a light disposition and they are very open to learn and participate today.

One can only hope this gets better everyday.


Saturday, July 11, 2009

i so envy jon's passion



I think I'm still not done with Coldplay fever. Jon Schmidt's interpretation is so moving. I hear the upright piano in the sala now screaming, "What are you waiting for? Get the score now! Play it on me, please!"

Yeah right! Like I could play like him, I just wish.

Friday, July 10, 2009

what tweaking does

Trying to tweak my phone wantonly, I thought of trying to change its password. You see, my phone has this password feature that you could keep your pictures, music and messages safe from potential scandal providers. Now this feature can be accessed in the phone settings which also includes PIN check and Phone Lock. I got it all messed up and ended up changing the PIN... thrice. Then the worst thing happened to a prepaid subscriber who has not kept his PUK. I have definitely lost the battle. It was like my adrenaline was maximized and woke me up from my then stupid state to the sad reality that I will not be able to use the number anymore. I searched the web for consolation, called up their hot line with the person on the other line not even trying to keep his American twang (since he's sure he takes local consumers).

I have had a quite similar experience (does losing a phone count?) with the other network and they were able to give me a new SIM but I retained my phone number with it. This network, on the other hand, said they don't "recycle" numbers. I was just making the person on the other line realize that it would be quite tedious on my part to get another SIM and tell my more than 500 contacts that I have just changed number. I got a "just-read-this-line-if-the-consumer-is-annoying" response saying "We are very sorry about that, sir... Blah, blah, blah." My efforts were futile.

The next day, I was in the mall trying to figure out if I my new number would have a 6 on it (I just think its a lucky number for me). It didn't.

And then the sad attempt to let all 500 know about how one day I was reckless started.

Thursday, June 25, 2009

sesqui night

Xavier University celebrated the sesquicentennial (150 years) celebration of the return of the Jesuits to the Philippines. The event started with the Mass of the Holy Spirit in the afternoon and the Closing of the XU@75 Celebration. I got to work out the scripts for the narrators of the show. I don't know with Direk Bart, I ended up as one.

Adlai, Maxine and TJ were the student narrators of the show. Gil Macaibay made these stunning wardrobes.

Angie and Chevy were part of the faculty narrators. I'm the odd man out. I must have been just a replacement for someone who didn't show up. Haha!

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

love it!


Met my brother Darwin at the Terrace and ate dinner. He then introduced me to Gelatissimo. He said I should try it. I got Choco Hazelnut and Tiramisu. A lot of people were getting their flavors. I suggest you try one too.


Christie, Jessa and Melanie got to try the Edge Coaster at the Regency. They got to have certificates too.

I got the call from the Embassy. I am to report on June 5. One more step.

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

visited the queen


The Queen City of the South that is. I think everyone will agree that I consider Cebu to be one of the places in the Philippines where you can really sense religion through its people and places.



Sunday, May 24, 2009

the next page

I wish I was able to tell you about what I really feel. Never had the chance after that last day in school. Its been what --- years and I can still say to myself that I never got that chance to move on and work my way out of this situation. This might just sound so absurd and meaningless for you. This was never what you thought it would be. I am stupid not to have done anything about it. I can't always make you an excuse, as I have always done. It has been very convenient on my part and yet it hasn't been helping me grow. I have to give up the role I have labeled you. This is not good for the both of us.

Just today, I bumped into something I shouldn't have gotten into. But then I did because I wanted to know how it was for you to be loved. I discovered all the bitter pills I need to take.

I need to get to the next page of my life. I need to write and continue exploring what life awaits for me. I have been always breathing in and not breathing out.

In the next few pages, I will let go of you.

Friday, May 22, 2009

tabemasho!

Teriyaki Boy opened in SM City Cagayan de Oro and if you have been to their other stores you would realize it has a different feel. A little reseach reveals that Teriyaki Boy hired Kuni Philippines to redesign and update the store ambiance. It feels more like a resto than a fastfood shop. The space is a little bit claustrophobic but you still have some good breathing space.


I might be wrong as I am just speculating, but it seems like they took inspiration fromUma Thurman's attire (reference to Bruce Lee) in Kill Bill and made it in a living space. Haha!

I need to have more of their Kani salad.

Friday, May 15, 2009

one step at a time


Having to personally meet people I have been dealing in the last few months during the application process, I was more anxious than excited to attend the Pre-Departure Orientation sponsored by the Philippine-American Educational Foundation to all 2009-2010 grantees of the Fulbright Scholarships.

I got to meet the PAEF people for the first time and I think the feeling of anticipation was mutual. Glad to meet Dr. EC and she was very warm in welcoming me to the PAEF office. Ms. Yolly kiddingly said she finally met "the scholar that was very hard to make contact with" - well that was me. Every time they wanted to contact me - I was either mobile or into something else.


Met 34 other grantees from all over the country. There were only three of us for the FLTA program. Janeth will be in Stanford University, Language Center and Alawi in Skyline College. Both of them get to stay in California, way far from where I will be.

Thursday, May 14, 2009

walled city coffee

I got to visit Intramuros for the second time, this time just for some break before the start of my orientation the next day.

I hope everything goes well tomorrow. I'm just plain anxious.

Drus, you have just been of great help. Even this drink will hopefully put me to sleep.

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

finding one's way

The map looked way too easy. If I had to find my way on my own (of which I should have done considering I'm going to do that most of the time in the near future), I couldn't have finished it before the sun could set.

Thanks Drus! Everything went well.

Friday, May 1, 2009

scared the hell out of me

Ouch!

What was that all about Blogger? Did I just almost lose this blog? Its May 1 not April 1!

Nope. It wasn't a bad dream (since I still have problems getting sleep). It did happen. Blogger wasn't able to display my blog. Good thing I was able to get some help from Google.

I was actually tinkering with my widgets and I got that message (so I thought that caused it) until a fellow blogger experienced the same thing and said other blogs also experienced that same thing that happened to me.

Whew!

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

you're welcome!


I opened my email today and got a letter from the World Wildlife Fund.

0910 bc

I never thought I would be able to go to Mallberry Suites on time for the Planning Meeting of the British Council Teachers' Club. It has been a year since they were able to come back here to meet the teachers here in Cagayan de Oro City. Although they was suppose to the be a transport strike (which I never actually felt that day) I still was able to go and good thing Myki (unexpectedly) was also there. Although I'm not very good at getting along with new people, I was able to know and be acquainted with fellow educators both young and veteran.

The almost whole day brain cracking session made us come up with activities for the whole year. I just hope all the activities would come out well. There's one coming up this May.

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

ask your doctor about it

If all else fails, ask the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Sniff.

Monday, April 27, 2009

niga higa laugha

Just encountered Ryan Higa on Youtube and boy, this guy can really make me laugh. This 18 year old comic genius has parodies and comedies up his sleeves and he can surely deliver. Just watch his videos and you'll agree with the rest of his views (more than seven figures and counting). He has come up with movie in minutes and this one is niga higa's take on Twilight.

Saturday, April 25, 2009

and the camerlengo is ewan

"Here it is." A student of mine handed me a book that looked bloated I never realized it was mine. "But, what happened? This was definitely not in this condition before." I blurted my quick response. Seeing me disappointed, the student said his apologies. He was not the person who I lent my Dan Brown's Angels and Demons, he actually got it and made the mistake of getting it wet - a worse thing you could do with a paperback (there are a lot of other ways - like burning it). He was actually waiting for the hand of God (my hand for the matter, considering that I could have made his school life worse for this simple mistake of ruining my book) to punish him but I don't remember doing anything like that. I considered it more as an accident. I just remember how disappointing it felt that day. I even thought of getting myself a new copy (which I never did since I still have the bloated paperback with me).

I always thought this story was better than that story about a codex that "shook" the world (how come? there isn't even a key?) . While reading it, I even had a scene in mind where the camerlengo encourages everyone to pray (I hope I am not going to be disappointed this time).

Why Ewan? No offense, I don't have anything against this guy. I must say this guy has talent! (no pun intended) when he did Moulin Rogue, The Pillowbook and Starwars. I just had someone else in mind.

Anticipating for its opening in cinemas, I was thinking of reading the book once more.

Oh, the kid failed to graduate that year and I have absolutely nothing to do with it or was it because of the book. Really.

This photo is by Photo By: Zade Rosenthal. © 2009 Columbia Pictures Industries, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Thursday, April 23, 2009

booklat - children's storytelling

I got to be invited by the Culture and Arts Office to participate in their storytelling program in celebration of Book Day. The way to the Learning Center in Zone 12 Upper Carmen was a bit challenging and we had to some uphill walking. We got very excited to see that there were many kids waiting for us that morning.


I got to share with them the story of the Three Little Pigs and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. We even got to dance and count and act (the list goes on when you're telling stories for children)


Thanks Sandre and Vic! I had fun working with you guys.

Monday, April 20, 2009

the winner stands alone


Be careful what you wish for. I remember wanting to get a book to read and this beauty appeared in multiple copies on the display window of National Bookstore. My hands were itching to have one. I got out of SM with it.

Saturday, April 18, 2009

i want the whole world to know about my infinite mercy...


What would you have done if Jesus asked you for this favor?

We got to the shrine before the mass started. Call it a miracle, I was never grumpy when they woke me up even if I slept at around 2am. I didn't even doze off while we traveled from the city to El Salvador where the 50 foot Shrine of the Divine Mercy stands and overlooks the Macajalar Bay.

There were already a lot of people so we decided to stay where we could still breathe air (that says a lot about the pictures). The mass songs naturally echoed through the hills and made me sing (wait, it made me sing... the repertoire is so familiar) I sms (sorry) Jake -

"Are you at the Divine Mercy Shrine? Are you conducting the choir today?"

There was something about the mass (the people and the sacrament) that made the event solemn. I just appreciated Msgr. Monsanto's sermon that sounds more like a classroom lecture which comes complete with a ppt presentation (hey, if you want to learn more about your religion, might as well get it from a "teacher", right?).

I tried to get my way around the shrine (I had my camera with me, that was my excuse) to take some shots around. Again, the mass overwhelms me with their reverence. It wasn't the Malasag bedlam I had in mind minutes before we arrived.

An hour ago it was still dark with the stars and the moon above us, an hour later the sun bathed everyone as it rose from the bay.

When we left, a family friend we tagged along said something about the mass and how it felt good having it to start the day. That made me think I haven't been attending masses early morning. Something about starting the day right, I guess.

After the mass Jake replied with a "Yap. How was it?"

I said "It was lovely, it was so familiar. Afar, I could see the conductor's hand move I swear it was you."


Tuesday, April 14, 2009

future reads

I havent been reading lately. Would someone please recommend me a good book to read? Yes, I have some books unread or half-finished but there is something about just having a new book (smell the fresh crisp paper) and what new adventure it holds in store for the reader.  I was going over the old books I have in the library and I have this volume 1 of a 1959 hardbound book "A Treasury of Great Science Fiction" which had short stories of fiction writers who have the eye for what the feature has in store. It has with it a story by Philip K. Dick which was odd because it involved aliens (recall: Men in Black - the farm guy whose body was used as a skin by an alien? yeah, that one)

Microsoft has presented what it thinks the world will be in 2019. Now so far distant future. Please dont tell me you dont see some similarites with Minority Report (which in fact was also by Dick)


Monday, April 13, 2009

things to discover

Okay, Discovery Channel is where I would usually stop and be a couch potato when I have the remote in my hands (though its not the only channel I get to dwell). Well, the world is really awesome and everyday you get to learn more and more things about it. So what if some things are not as necessary for you to live by, but then again, it would'nt hurt to know about things, right? 

MythBusters is just such a great watch that every episode is never a bore. Adam and Jamie try all these myths, urban beliefs and legends etc (things we just hear or even talk about but dont try to really verify it) and try to make it work to see if they are busted or confirm. Grant is such a great guy in the show with his knowledge of robotics.  Tori and Kari have also been coming out with their own investigation and probing to some myths, and they even learn from what viewers have to say and do them again.


Whether in a forest or a desert, Bear Grylls seems to survive every time with his skills and techniques in Man vs Wild. You'll never know when you'll be needing those survival skills (if you get lost or something). Of course he has aids with him in the show (duh? who takes the camera shots?).

I wonder if Discovery Channel will still have another season for Most Evil. I like what Dr. Michael Stone has done in his research in his "scale of evil". Creepy but still makes me want to watch it. 

Friday, April 10, 2009

lost contact

Im turning off my phones starting today. I decided to turn it on all on Sunday. A little sacrifice won't hurt. My apologies to those who I wont be able to reply to.   

Thursday, April 9, 2009

suddenly i see

Just when I thought I would end up in the house the whole week (not that I'm complaining) Cathy called me up and invited me to hit the pool. She wanted to celeberate her birthday with her friends and we all ended taking a cool swim at Basamanggas. 

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

staple diet for the week

I just wish I don't get so weak I couldn't raise a finger as the week comes to an end. The people here at home have this and I just wish I could have more than suman and mangga. They're preparing binignit for the next few days. Let's just say its not something I really crave for. I should have started my fasting weeks earlier so that I be able to endure the week's fasting. 

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

look, a present!


I went to Fr. Pen's office to discuss matters about my plans for the next year and he gave me this cute little stuff that actually made me smile the whole day. I never expected to have been given this present from a friend at Xavier School, Ma'am Je. I brought it with me all afternoon and showed it to people I encountered in school. I think the note says it all (I got a little bit artsy and made it camera ready). Some special people also got what looked like strawberry, flower and I got this shark note clip ready to attack on anyone who tries to mess up already messed up cubicle.

Monday, April 6, 2009

do not kill the messenger who comes to tell the truth


Why are We a Nation of Servants?

By F Sionil Jose

Here we go again, some inconsequential columnist in Hong Kong takes a cheap shot at our unhappy country, calls us “a nation of servants” and immediately an uproar, and magma feelings of hurt are unleashed. Editorials, columnists, politicians are outraged — they demand apology as if one would really salve the bone-deep insult. It was the same sometime back when an English publisher defined “Filipina” as a housemaid. Such insults hurt profoundly but the pain fades quickly and soon after all that enraged outburst, we settle down to the same complacency, we continue sending more of our women abroad to be raped by Arabs, demeaned by Malaysians and Chinese, heckled by the Brits. What has our sense of outrage brought us?

Go to Hong Kong, to Singapore. Visit the Star Ferry environs in Hong Kong or Lucky Plaza, and Singapore’s Orchard St. And there, on Sundays you will see them, hundreds of Filipino domestics, yak-yaking, socializing on the sidewalk, having a pleasant respite from their work.

To the visitors, tourists and the natives, they are a piteous sight, illustrating so clearly and so well how this country has sank. As a Filipino, having witnessed such, I am utterly shamed. I do not blame our poor women for their sorry condition, for I know only too well their plight is the only way by which they can help their families at home and survive.

It is such a boring cliché now, but back to the not-so-distant past: Filipinas was the second richest country in the region, next only to Japan; our universities attracted students from all over Asia, and we had the best professionals, the most modern stores and hospitals.

And what was Hong Kong then? There were slums crawling up those hills on Victoria island, and slums all over Kowloon. Singapore as an English naval base was like old Binondo, with its small squalid shops and equally small houses.

But look at Singapore and Hong Kong now, then look at our country and people.

Sure, you can find in Makati magnificent mansions, the biggest luxury cars, the tony restaurants, skyscrapers. But elsewhere the ugly sprawl of slums, the very poor who now eat only once a day. We must ask ourselves that question, why we became “the hewers of wood and drawers of water” of the world. What happened to us, a very talented and heroic people with a revolutionary tradition?

Once we have answered this question, then we should no longer wonder why there is a continuing diaspora of our brightest people, of our women. It is then the time for us to be truly enraged — not at that Hong Kong columnist — but at the creators of this dismal miasma we call Filipinas. Do not kill the messenger who comes to us to tell the horrid truth about us. Ingest his message, then turn all that outrage, that vehemence, to the Filipinos who turned this beautiful country into the garbage dump of the region: the oligarchs, the Spanish mestizos, the Chinese Filipinos and the treasonous Indios who sent their money abroad instead of investing it here in industries to create jobs for our people. Then it is time for us to rail and condemn the crooked politicians who are the allies of these wretched rich who permitted the relentless hemorrhage of this nation’s capital.

Revolutionary tradition? Ask those rebels why, after 40 years, these leeches are still feasting on our blood!

The Philippine Star

Sunday, April 5, 2009

magnolia ice cream is back! even better!

I got the chance to drop by the local supermarket and to my surprise I got hold of what every little kid during my time wanted. Magnolia is definitely back to bring all of those who love ice cream back to their childhood moments (remember Anton Ego having his taste of Ratatouille). I was suppose to get any classic flavors they still have but then something better caught my eyes. I got the tub (paid for it) and almost ran like that kid who wanted to show his mother the stars in his hands after a good day in school. Chocolate Creme Brulee is a Limited Edition but I hope I could get more of this.

It does bring back all the good memories. I even recall having enjoy ice cream with a burger in the Magnolia Ice Cream Parlor inside Gaisano City.

Saturday, March 28, 2009

earth hour in cdo 2009

Hosting for Earth Hour 2009 was all fun! I got to be with Chevy again and I also got to meet and work with Maxine. CDO did it! The lights were off but the festivities and fun went on and on.


Thursday, March 26, 2009

for the last time

The team got to be together for the last time and even if we never got to where we really wanted to be, we were all present and got to appreciate each other's company for the last time for this year.

Sunday, March 22, 2009

lazy sunday

I think I'm going to get more of these. I must try to have more lazy days. I had much of Shiro Inu's wet tongue all over my face. The alpha dog wants me to play with him all afternoon. I always find him quite imposing and demanding. I acutally havent done that much research on japanese spitz but this guy can be very noisy and loud. I wish he was as low key as Max, the terrier in the house. But then again, I guess, just like people and their personalities these dogs have their doggienalities I have to deal with. 

Saturday, March 21, 2009

may the lord bless you

They always say its the bride that looks the prettiest during her wedding. You can really see how happy and radiant a bride is in a very special day in her life. Thank you very much dear Alice for having me in your celebration. I must say it was one of the most intimate and lovely weddings I have been in to.

Friday, March 20, 2009

i know every mile has been worth my while

I would like to grab that line from this batch's graduation song. I would like to think that this year, that is what I felt throughout the school year. These are just some of the snapshots I got from the graduation.

Jessa and Nicole, Chair and Vice -Chair of the Light Cavalry Leadership Community 08-09. It was a pleasure working with both of you.

Mc, thanks for the inspiration and idea (magis welcome remarks) and the music (bagong umaga).

The parent of the awardee, (joke!) Ms. May is the OIC for the department.

My other boss, Mr. Gomez. Thanks for the compliment. Although you always teased me about my career path, you have always been the most sane person in school.

Lera and Jinny are the best buddies to be with (when I just have so much of work).

The four conductors - on tour (you see the vessel at the background? LOL). Thats actually our school.