I made a mistake so please give me a break!

If only the bakasyonistas at the Tarlac Provincial Jail can say this line to their accusers then at least one problem is solved - prison overcrowding. This December, on the list is 246 inmates; 80% male, 12% female and the balance, well they haven't decided yet. Age range is from 18 to 73 yrs. A great majority belong to the lower income bracket. Top reasons for incarceration include rape, murder & drug pushing. Now here's the clincher, majority of them claim to be innocent. The plea: Not guilty, your honor!

Escape from Baras Baras.

"Yours is a unique community service." – Darwin Flores, Smt Public Affairs Manager.

Last December 25 marks the 46th year we served Christmas breakfast for the Tarlac Provincial Jail inmates. The penitentiary is located in Brgy. Baras-Baras, Tarlac City. Come to think of it, the Soliman family's annual routine is leaning towards the extraordinary. While most extend their arms to the underprivileged youth, our family opts for delinquent adults. You might say, they committed a crime so why feed them. Well, its a choice... an underprivileged is an underprivileged no matter what angle you look at it. They made a mistake, graver than most individuals, so let's cut them some slack and pamper them at least once a year. Christmas IS a time for giving.

The day starts with the breakfast preparation. This year, the menu was torta, 3 pandesals, an egg and hot coffee. Compared to the P40.00 daily meal budget for the bakasyonistas, the meal served was relatively a feast. This is then followed by a program with majority of the time spent on parlor games. The games hep-hep, trip to jerusalem and paper dance are permanent fixtures. Since Y2002, this blogger has been providing free calls worth P2,000.00 and that’s equivalent to 60 - 80 calls. Teamwork among the family is at play at least during the activity. There's a group that handles food preparation, free calls, games, emcee and prize custodian.

The program usually caps around 12nn. Then its see-you-again-next-year for most of us. The Baras-Baras community service unifies the family at least during this special day. Indeed, Christmas is a time for giving (and forgiving).

Michael “Air” Jordan: He’s all over

There's Michael Jordan and then there is the rest of us. – Magic Johnson

Michael Jeffrey Jordan is my basketball idol. In his prime, they say that either you’re a Jordan fan or not. When I was younger, one of my must-do-before-i-die list was to watch my basketball idol play a game. Now that he has retired, my list has been modified and it now states that I should meet him in person, shake his hand, have a picture taken and ask for his autograph. I hope that’s not asking too much.

While MJ is no longer playing basketball, it no surprise that he’s still active in the basketball world. He partly owns Charlotte Bobcats. With the wealth that he amassed during his playing days, he probably can buy his own ball club. It’s pretty obvious that he is managing his resources very well. When I was in NY this year, I saw his Michael Jordan’s Steakhouse in Grand Central Station. And while searching the web, I noticed that he has a Michael Jordan’s Nissan car dealership in his home state North Carolina.

He’s not only my idol in basketball but also in managing his financial resources.

Wrong car, right car: Using Factor Rating in choosing

My inspiration for this blog entry came from Top Gear Philippines magazine. They have a portion called “Wrong car, right car” by Botchi Santos.

When I took my Masters in Management in UP Clark, Pampanga from Y2000 to Y2003, one of the important lessons that I learned is a management decision technique called Factor Rating. Factor Rating has numerous applications such as choosing a school for your child, to accept or reject a job offer or when choosing your new car. The steps below will hopefully aide you in your decision:

1. Identify your requirements. For example, when choosing a car, what are relevant to you: vehicle type (sedan, wagon, SUV), transmission (automatic, manual), body color (red, white, black), displacement (1600, 1800, 2000), safety features(airbags, abs). You should have a minimum of 4 factors. There’s no maximum number of factors however it gets a bit complicated if you exceed 10 factors.
2. Assign a weight per requirement. Using the example above, which requirement is the most important? Personally, my table will look like this: vehicle type 30%, transmission 25%, safety features 20%, displacement 15% and body color 10%.
3. List down your choices. Let’s say your choices are Toyota Corolla, Chevrolet Optra and Honda CRV.
4. Using a point system, 10 being the highest, identify the points per requirement. For this exercise, we will focus on the Toyota Corolla column and my scores will be: vehicle type = 7, transmission = 9, safety features = 10, displacement = 10 and body color = 7.
5. Multiply the weight with the score and get the sum of each choice.
6. The vehicle with the most number of points wins!

Fundamentally, the approach of Top Gear is the same in factor rating with a dab of mathematics. Still too complicated? Send me an email dslhummer2002@yahoo.com and i'll send you a template. I'm sure that would help.

Love ko Busko

I have a statement shirt that says “Love ko Busko.” I like it so much that I gave my father and all my uncles the same shirt. I just hope they won’t wear it at the same time lest it be mistaken as a family reunion shirt. The shirt was probably copied from the Bench shirt collection with “Love ko Bench” printed on it.

Busko is a street name for Don Bosco where I finished my elementary and high school. I should have received a loyalty award for that achievement. Anyway, I have a conduct award and perfect attendance award to boast. Being a Bosconian is in the family. My father, uncles, cousins, brothers-in-law are all Bosconians. That can be attributed to the fact that in Tarlac City where I grew up, there are only a handful of good school and arguably Don Bosco was the best. I used the word WAS because I heard that Tarlac Montessori, Bayanihan Institute and College of the Holy Spirit (yes, that exclusive girls school opened its doors to male students) are giving DB a run for their money.

Personally, I still believe in the Don Bosco system that’s why when it was time to choose a school for my son, Don Bosco was a unanimous choice. When we got married, we made sure that the officiating priest was a Salesian. When I need a padrino because of a problem that beset me this year, we turned to a Salesian priest. Don Bosco and the Salesian community will always be a part of my life.

Deal or No Deal?

Pa says go, Ma say no. My wife and I were undecided. The title connotes a difficult question that faced us this year. While in search for the answers: opinions varied, factor rating didn’t work and divine intervention gave us unclear signs. In the end, we said “no deal!” Did we make the right decision? Let's wait until the last brief case opens.

There is Money in Comedy

What are the common denominators of Dolphy, Mr. Bean and Jay Leno? They make people laugh and they drive expensive cars. While checking out the net for the most expensive cars in the world like the Ferrari Enzo (P50M sans tax), Saleen S7 Twin Turbo (P30M sans tax) and Mercedes Benz SLR McLaren (P23M sans tax), I saw the names of Rowan Atkinson and Jay Leno as proud owners. Rowan Atkinson, more popularly known as Mr. Bean is an English comedian while American talk show host Jay Leno is the star of The Tonight Show. In the local scene, the King of Comedy septuagenarian Rodolfo “Dolphy” Quizon drives a fleet of Mercs. I saw him about 4 times in person already and the last time was last year at the Fort. He was chauffeured on his Ford E-150 Mark III custom van which cost around P3M.

My mother once said that the prudent Chinese businessman would invest on a certain car only if he had 10 times as much in the bank. Therefore if a Chinese drives a 2006 Honda CRV, that means he has at least P10M cash on hand. If we follow this ideology, that means Dolphy is at least worth P30M, Mr. Bean about P230M and Jay Leno P500M. I’m pretty sure they are worth more than that figure. And I’m also sure that despite having Chinese blood running through my veins and driving a 2002 Toyota Revo, I don't have P4M in the bank!

A Few Good Men

“Majority rule only works if you're also considering individual rights. Because you can't have five wolves and one sheep voting on what to have for supper.” – Larry Flynt

U.S. Marine Lance Corporal Daniel Smith was convicted to reclusion perpetua last week in a Philippine court. He’ll be locked up in a cell a maximum of 40 years. Whether here in tropical Pinas or cool climate USA is still a big question mark. He reminds me of Private First Class Louden Downey portrayed by James Marshal in the 1992 hit movie A Few Good Men. He is one of the co-accused and being defended by Lt. Daniel Kaffee played by Tom Cruise.

Anyway, I though of the title because of the circus that I watched on TV in the lower house the past 3 days. It was a virtual show of force for the administration congressmen. They controlled the session in a manner similar to an aquarium filled with starved piranhas with just a guppy to share or a formula one race with a beat up Volkwagen Beetle entry (even if Michael Schumacher was driving it). The item being tackled is the con ass whose output should be the shift to the parliamentary form of government. My thoughts about this is that it won’t change a thing, graft and corruption will still continue. To borrow a famous adage, what we need is not a change of men, but a change in men.

It could be the milk

BRIGHTWOODS SCHOOL COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES
Fontana Leisure Park, Clarkfield, Pampanga
March 2003

Speech for B5’s Prep Graduation

Good afternoon to my fellow parents, Bright Woods School educators and the star of today’s program, the prep graduating students.

Today is a very special day for all of us. For the parents of B5, no words can describe how happy we are for our child and his achievement. We are extremely delighted at the fact that our little boy is the only prep student in his class that got the award and is the latest addition to this core group of prep students. We were told that the 6 other students received the award last year. Until last night, JML and I can’t still figure out where B5 inherited his academic competence. The best scholastic achievement we received during our school days was a “Best in Conduct” for me and my wife received a “Loyalty Award.” We’re starting to believe the Gain Plus milk TV commercial featuring 3 fathers in a vehicle, arguing that their son’s achievements can be credited to the genes. Then finally one of them said, “It could be the milk.” Genes. Milk. Come to think of it, it could be the school.

Speaking about “the school”, let me just share with you why we chose Bright Woods over the other schools in Angeles City. There’s this Decision Making technique called factor rating where you identify a set of factors then you put a weight for each factor. The factors we identified then where: 1- school background, 2- student teacher ratio, 3- proximity to our house and 4- comfort of our child (such as air conditioned rooms, school bus availability). From a list of 5 schools, we narrowed down our list to 2 and these were - OB Montessori and Bright Woods School. The fact that I am speaking to you right now means that we picked the better school. I hope I won’t eat my words later on, right teacher Ana?

To Bright Woods School, we have 3 requests: First, please continue to make education your primary concern and making profit last on the list. Secondly, feedback, from students, parents and teachers, is a key factor in the growth of your business. Your receptiveness to feedback and reaction to our son’s unfortunate experience during his kindergarten days was very much appreciated. Pls. maintain that trait. And lastly, please continue to “make learnings fun and lasting” as your tag line suggests.

To Teacher Naomi and Teacher Kim, thank you for tapping into the academic potentials of our son B5.

To my fellow parents, let’s continue to work hard and guide our children into responsible future citizens and make our country, a more meaningful place to live in.

To my wife JML, majority of the credit should go to you as B5’s mommy. If not for your patience in teaching him every night, he may not have received the academic excellence award.

To our son B5, we are very happy for you. We love you very much, with or without this academic award.

To the prep graduating students, the star of today’s show, congratulations to all of you.

Thank you.

Reming’s Wrath

The Bicol region is just recovering from typhoon Milenyo who visited the region in late September packing winds in excess of 140 kph when it was again hit by a pumped up typhoon called Reming with winds in excess of 200 kph. Everybody had their own description of the devastation: it’s reminiscent of the tsumani that hit Asia 2 years ago; it’s like a scene from the movie Twister, it’s similar to the lahar in Pampanga but the sand deposit is black in Albay.

I’ve been to Legaspi City at least 7 times the past 2 years. In those 7 visits, I probably saw the Cagsawa ruins in Tobacco, Albay 3 times and Mayon volcano with its perfect cone (sans the clouds) about 4 times. I was told that the pictures that I have of the ruins are worth keeping since the ruins are now literally, totally ruined. It was covered by the mudflow last December 1 which was caused by the typhoon. That’s so sad. There’s really no stopping mother nature when she’s on a roll.

Double or Nothing!

When I was in college, I read a book which was specifically for teenagers about setting personal goals. You must center your efforts, skills & competence building and actions towards the attainment of your objective. When I was in my teens, a goal that I set was to be the Mayor of Tarlac when I reach 40 years old. I’ll be 40 in 6 years time and I don’t see myself close to that goal at least financially. There are also other factors I have in mind that makes me say that the goal is unrealistic at this point. But who knows, funny as it may seem, I might just give a shot at it in Y2013!

I’m setting a more realistic personal goal, that by Y2010 our supplemental earnings should be equivalent to my monthly salary. As of this writing, one supplemental source of income is the agri-farm in Tarlac which merely gives around 5% of my current salary. At least, it’s better than zero. How do I plan to achieve my new goal? Through small business franchises, partnership with friends or relatives, maximizing existing resources and trading. Too general for the reader? Check my laptop, the details are all there. The question now is if the ideas will work. Then again, I wouldn’t know if it will work if I don’t try.

Just in case my superior reads my blogsite: Don’t worry boss, I won’t let my performance down. And I know better than not using the resources of the company to meet my goal.

How to stop a bully

“You bullied me back in college.” I was appalled by this statement a few days ago when I came across an old acquaintance. Thinking about it, maybe I was bully, maybe I still am and probably every one of us experienced this at least once in our life whether as the bully-er or the bully-ee. Bullying comes in many ways; an older sibling throwing his might over a younger one, a tenured employee delegating his responsibilities to a newbie, an oversized kid overpowering a pint sized kid, the list goes on.

I’ve encountered bullies throughout my life and probably almost everyday. The earliest recollection was in grade school when as a pint sized kid, this overpowering, oversized, bird brained kid had a knack of head locking me. My mother wrote a letter to my teacher, the bullying temporarily stopped but continued after a few days, this time with a mama’s boy label. This bully who was always wearing oversized “short pants” or was it undersized “long pants” (laging bitin ang pants niya) finally stopped after I accosted him and shouted with all my might to stop bothering me.

Here are some anti bullying strategies that I employed that seemed effective for me:

1. Fight fire with fire. If he calls you names, throw your hat in the ring and call him names too. It’s always the case, good teasers easily gets teased. Ang pikon, talo. Give him a dose of his own medicine.
2. Buy his friendship. Befriend the bully and either tell him that there are other individuals he can bully or engage him in a responsibility that would keep him busy and not bother you.
3. Offer your other hand. If he teases you, laugh with him and offer him another funny part of you. If he sees he’s not earning your ire or his wicked ways is not effective, chances are, he’ll stop.
4. Tell the authorities. Assess the situation properly before employing this tip because it depends on the environment. If there are measures in place that will protect you, by all means report him to the authorities (like a superior, a teacher) however if you feel uncomfortable, trust your instinct and try another approach.
5. Ignore him. Pretend that he doesn’t exist. Chances are, he’ll get fed up doing his non sense thing and find another person to bully.
6. Shout to the top. As shared earlier, accost a bully. Without batting an eyelash, as serious as possible, shout to him at the top of your lungs, “Stop bothering me!”
7. Pray for him. Pray that he gets enlightened and channel his obnoxious ways into more productive means, like doing his assignments or focus on how to continuously improve his job.

The reality is that you’ll face a bully every point in your life so it’s best that you be always prepared. In general, you should be one step ahead of a bully to be able to stop one.

Max Soliven retires

I had the privilege to meet the late Maximo V. Soliven twice. The first was in the 80s in Tarlac City and the second was in the 90s in Manila Peninsula Hotel.

The first meeting was not so special for me because I was very young then probably in my early teens so his name didn't ring a bell however I'm pretty sure his presence was very special for my father. He was the guest of honor during my father's inauguration as the president of Tarlac Lions club. After the inauguration, he had coffee at our house in San Rafael, Tarlac City. I recall asking for his autograph. When I when find time, I shall look for that yellow notebook where he signed his name complete with a dedication.

The second meeting was more significant. I was in my early 20s and a customer care officer for a telecoms company and he was a company VIP. The company gave him a Nokia celfone and I was tasked to deliver the phone and explain the phone features. The brief meeting was in the lobby of Manila Peninsula Hotel in Makati City. I nervously introduced myself and told him that I met him already in Tarlac City about a decade ago and I was happy that he remembered (not me personally) but my father and the occasion.

Manong Max has now retired. He didn't voluntarily retire or was forced into retirement but he passed away doing what he loves best. What a fitting end to his 77 year life story.

(Max Soliven is the publisher of the Philippine Star)

Pacquiao in 3, B5 in 2!

The whole nation is in euphoria! The pride of the Filipino people, Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao knocked out Eric “El Terrible” Morales in round 3 while the pride of his parents B5 ranks 2 in the 2nd quarter with a general academic average of 94.5. B5, a nickname he coined himself, improved from 93.5 (1Q) to 94.5 (2Q). What a spectacular win for Pacman and a stellar performance for B5. Til the next fight!

Larry Bird: Confessions of a Michael Jordan fan

Thank you to my teammate Benson Panga for the Larry Bird, A Basketball Legend DVD which he gave me for Christmas last year. I was never a Bird fan. His playing style is BORING. He takes lots of jump shots, rarely drives to the hoop and probably dunks the ball once every season. Unlike HIS AIRNESS, Michael Jordan, at one point in his career dunks 25% of his shots, has a wide array of hang time moves and hustles like it’s the last game of life. However, after watching the DVD, my respect level to Larry Legend shot up tenfold. Here are some quotable quotes:

Larry Bird plays with the passion of an underdog. - Narrator

He was our best passer, our best rebounder, our best defensive player not necessary the leading scorer but he did all the other things that made other people look better. – Jim Jones (high school coach)

By Larry practicing playing 100%, he demanded that you play 100%. He demanded that you take a charge or you dive after that ball because he would do the same thing. – Bob Heaton (college teammate)

He is the most self motivated player that I ever saw. – Red Auerbach (Boston Celtics coach)

I fear no one but Larry Bird because if you keep it close and he has the chance to win it, he’s gonna win the game. – Magic Johnson

Larry Bird never quits, he never says die and he always feels he has the chance to win the game. –Danny Ainge (Boston Celtics teammate)

He wants every advantage whether it be a technical advantage or physical advantage but more importantly a psychological advantage. -Announcer

While accomplishment-wise, MJ has the edge, I tip my hats off to Larry Bird because I think he would have been a better manager if he joined the corporate world. In fact, his coach of the year award in 1998 and his current position as Indiana Pacers President of Basketball Operations only proves that he’s a better leader than my basketball idol.

Mountain Biking in Pampanga

Mountain Biking and the natural environment in the province of Pampanga are made for each other. We have every conceivable trail in the mountain bike bible such as downhills, single tracks, pure off roads, semi off roads and roads. Then again why will you go into mt biking if you will use it on the road? To compliment the numerous trails that we have in Pampanga, there are at least 20 bike shops selling low end to hi end mt bikes.

Mt Biking is relatively a cheap sport. You can go into the sport for as low as P2,700.00. You can buy a mt bike for P2,000.00, a helmet for P500 , a pair of gloves for P200.00 and you’re off to explore the natural trails in Pampanga. What makes the sport costly is the frequent upgrades on the parts. After a couple of rides, you realize that you will enjoy the ride better if you upgrade to a suspension fork so you spend about P 1,500.00. A couple of rides further and you realize that an 18 speed drivetrain is not enough so you decide to upgrade to a 21 speed drivetrain, thus spending another P 1,000.00. It’s an endless cycle and before you realize it, you’ve completely upgraded your bike and already spent P 15,000.00.

We have a long list of mountain bike trails, thanks in part to Mt Pinatubo for wreaking havoc in 1991 and in the process improving the natural landscape in the province. The Clark area alone has at least 20 discovered trails and a lot more left to be discovered. One of my favorite trails is called Aquino’s Point located in Sacobia. The starting point is usually at Clark main gate. The trail is about 35 kms. long with 40% off road. The off road portion used to be longer but the Clark management introduced improvements in the last 2 years. It is called Aquino’s point in honor of the former President Cory Aquino. The place is a lahar watch tower and it is about 1,800 feet above sea level. Image pedaling your way up to the top of the mountain for 1 hour. The scene is breath taking and the climate is cold especially if you’re there between 5 to 7 in the morning. Going down is the best part, what took you 1 hour to climb will only take than less than 4 minutes to descend.

Munta na kayu Pampanga, mag bike tamu! (Go to Pampanga and let’s ride a bike!)

A Well Traveled T-Mobile Cellphone

I've visited North America once since May 2006 but my T-Mobile TOGO cellphone has been to the country thrice already! I bought a Nokia 6110 phone last May in a T-Mobile store in Santa Monica, Ca for $50 with a $15 airtime load. The same phone retails for about P5,000 ($100) in Pinas. I used a total of $100 in airtime load during my 25 day trip. My computation shows that if I used my Philippine based cellphone during my trip, I would have spent P15,000 ($300) therefore my actual savings is about P10,000 ($200).

My friend Raymond brought the phone to his US trip last July then my Uncle Reggie brought the phone last October. The deal is so good that my Uncle, who has been to the US at least 10 times already, bought his own T-Mobile phone.

Biyaheng Bicol

My teammates and I just got back from a grueling 11 hour drive from Bicol region visiting Daet, Naga City, Legaspi City & Sorsogon City. The “long and winding” Quirino highway (which was recently renamed Andaya highway) seemed endless. The trip was one for the books as it was the first time a South Luzon team meeting was conducted outside Makati or Tagaytay. While the trip was generally tiring, the team bonding was worth it. I’ve always believed that teamwork is an important factor in the performance of a group of individuals. There should be a balance between work and fun. As they always say “hard work should be fun!”

Fast and the Furious

As a certified car nut, I’ve watched the Fast and the Furious at least 10 times; 2X in the cinema, 3X in HBO movies and the balance on VCD.

I especially like the line delivered by Brian O’Connor (Paul Walker) and Dominic Toretto (Vin Diesel) during a drag race scene about 10 minutes into the movie. Dominic won and Brian came in last. Despite the lousy finish, Brian mustered enough guts to say that he almost beat Dominic, who was considered the “king” of street racing. Here are excerpts from the movie:

Before the race:
Brian: So check it out it’s like this…I lose, winner takes my car, clean and clear. But if I win, I take the cash and the respect!
[the crowd says “respect?” Then laughter]
Brian: To some people, that’s more important.

After the race:
[Brian was smiling despite losing big time and thrashing his car]
Brian: Dude, I almost had you!
[Laughter]
Dom: You almost had me? You never had me - you never had your car... Granny shiftin' not double clutchin' like you should. You're lucky that hundred shot of NOS didn't blow the welds on the intake! You almost had me?
Extra: You Tell him Dominic. Get out of here
Dom: Now, me and the mad scientist got to rip apart the block... and replace the piston rings you fried.
[closes bonnet of car]
Dom: Ask any racer. Any real racer. It don't matter if you win by an inch or a mile. Winning's winning.

It’s a matter of perspective. For Brian, respect means a lot. Even if he “almost” beat Dominic, it was an accomplishment for a novice racer like him. For Dominic, it’s an on and off thing, it’s either you win the race or not. Another way to look at it is the experience factor. As you gain experience, your standards increase. You progress from being satisfied with almost meeting your objective to getting addicted to the prospect of always exceeding your set objectives.

Hangover: Lines I will never forget when I was on vacation

Five months after my US vacation, I must admit I still have a hangover. I'd like to share with you the lines I will never forget:

“Wow! Are those Oakleys? They are expensive. Those are pretty cool!!!” – from a T-Mobile representative in New York City while I was purchasing airtime load (Actually, I got mine on sale in Pinas)

“You’re in New York, son. They don’t give free refills in this part of town.” – from a Russian sounding waitress at a New York Diner after I asked for a Coke refill

“Jeffrey’s toy store is just around the corner. It’s the only toy store in the whole of San Francisco.” – from a 60-ish information guy at Nordstrom San Francisco

“I don’t mean no trouble, just give me a dollar.” – from a 6’10” black guy in a New York subway who can pass off as an NBA center

“You are in Manhattan! Where do you want to go?” – from a white guy who’s sexual preference doesn’t match mine while I was asking for directions

“Excuse me? Do you know where the Brooklyn bridge is? – from an Italian sounding tourist in New York who was asking me for directions

“You mean you walked from the Empire State to Central Park? That’s a long walk!” - from a seemingly busy yuppie in New York while I was asking for directions

“You have to ask the tourist assistance counter” – from a very compartmentalized Grand Central Station information employee when I asked how to go to ground zero

“You have to ask the information counter” – from a very compartmentalized Grand Central Station tourist assistance employee when I asked how to go to Path Station (which was located at ground zero)

“You’re going to buy your wife a Coach purse? Oh, that’s so sweet.” – from a 50-ish sales lady cum cashier at Saks Fifth Avenue in Torrance, CA

Tip for the day: Don’t be afraid to ask questions.

Politics: Love it or live with it

We live in a politics crazed country, a trait that is difficult to escape. It is what our current Philippine President does best reason why she is staying in power. It is present in practically every nook and cranny of our society – government, corporate, sports, entertainment, socio civic. It is a reality that we have to embrace if we want to survive in this culture. If we have to live with it, might as well work on a guide:

1- It’s who you know that’s important, not what you know. Work on your PR skills. Be a master the art of small talk. Continuously build your network.
2- Make the right connection. It doesn’t matter if more than half of the organization hates you as long as you invest on a relationship where it really matters. To borrow a former superior’s line, this is not a popularity contest.
3- It’s all a matter of projection. Master the art of communication, doesn’t matter if it makes sense or not. Chances are, the audience won’t question you anyway. Speak in English, you’ll be questioned less. Project a tough stance. Show the world you know what you’re talking about.
4- Learn to compromise. Say yes even if your stand is no. You have to weight options and protect your interest.
5- Learn to cover your behind. As Milli Vanilli’s song goes, blame it on the rain. Cause the rain don’t mind and the rain don’t care. You have to blame it on something.
6- Hear ye! Hear ye! Your good performance will not speak for itself, you have to announce it to the whole world. At most, the glory of a good performance will last for a day. On the second day, you have to market it.
7- Flower Power. You went fishing and you caught a tilapia but describe it as if you caught a tuna. The key here is learn to hype and while you’re at it use flowery words.
8- Effective Delegation. To borrow the HSBC ad tag line, life is a matter of perspective. If you’re an optimist, the term is called delegation. If you’re a pessimist, the term is called bullying.
9- Choose your battles. A more apt term is select your projects. Volunteer to projects that will make you look good. If it won’t make you look good, refer to number 8.
10- What’s yours is mine and what’s mine is mine. It is a wife’s perspective of their income. It’s also a leader’s perspective of initiatives. If it is his subordinate’s idea, at top level, that is usually diluted and ends up his idea. But if it is his idea, he’ll fight tooth and nail to make sure it’s acknowledged.

I can’t believe I’m writing these down. Much more, I can’t believe I have to follow these guide. Then again, I’d be ‘plastic’ if I said I never practiced some of these traits. Probably, it’s just a matter of frequency in applying it and if you want to embrace it eternally. However way you look at it, life is a game called survival of the fittest.

Solitary Confinement

Last October 9 to 13, I underwent a therapy (Radio Active Iodine) at St. Luke’s Medical Center. It was a ‘doctor imposed’ solitary confinement cum therapy to correct the misbehaving cells inside my body. The result of the therapy was positive because the medicine and the misbehaving cells met and are now in the process of challenging each other. The battle will take 3 to 5 months and I pray that the medicine wins the battle.

Let me tell you about the therapy process. A patient has to drink a specific amount of radio active stuff then you have to flush it out of your system as fast as you can. Sounds weird, huh? You drink a medicine that aims to cure you but you have to flush it out of your system asap! You are confined in a room where nobody can visit you until the radiation level is safe for other human beings. Sabi nga nung intern “Sir, how does it feel to glow in the dark?”

How did I keep myself busy for 5 grueling days? I watched TV, prayed the rosary, watched TV, read magazines, watched TV, slept and watched TV. By the way, did I say I watched TV? I watched so much TV that I think I used up the remote control battery. Of course that’s exaggeration raised to the Nth power. I prepared myself to watch TV that I printed out the program schedules of HBO, Cinemax, StarTV, ESPN, Discovery Channel, NAT GEO, et al.

During my last day, the doctor said that I had to stay 1 more day because the test result was flawed and they had to do another test. I said 1 more day in this hospital will drive me nuts so I told him that I’ll just come back the following day and do the re-test. Sheesh! He wants me to watch more TV! I wasn’t prepared for this, I printed out TV skeds until Oct 13 only. Besides I miss my family already so I just had to get out of that joint, pronto!

What do I want to be when I grow up?

Okay, so this question hounded you when you were still studying. We used to write tons of essays about it and I recall writing different responses. When I was in elementary, I wanted to be a boxer. Yes, a boxer ala Manny Pacquiao. So this skinny guy wants to be a boxer, you say?!?! The closest I got to this ambition was a boxing session at Red Corner abt 3 years ago. I wasn’t up to it and the feeling was mutual.

Then I wanted to be an air force pilot. During my time, every kid wanted to be a pilot. I read in the dailies recently that air force pilots are moving to commercial airlines for economic reasons so I guess I made the right choice of not joining the military.

In high school, I wrote in my yearbook that I wanted to be a rally car driver. I still want to be one but more as a hobby or a sport but definitely not a full time career. It’s an expensive sport so I have to earn big time to finance my caprichos. This will happen in time.

At 34 years old, I’m considered a grown up by 65% of the population. I never imagined I’d work for a telecom firm as one of the operations managers. There’s this adage that says “Find a job that you enjoy doing and you’ll never work a day in your life.” At this point in my career, I completely enjoy what I’m doing so it seems like I found what I want to be when I grow up.

Past Cars, Fast Cars.

I have reached the 180 kilometers per hour (kph) mark twice! The first was using a cousin’s 1976 Ford Mustang powered by a 3.0 V6 engine and the second was on a 1993 Mitsubishi Galant MPI that I used to drive. Car aficionados may argue that the stock speedometer is NOT accurate. Well, accurate or not, 1- the speedometer still reflects 180 kph and 2- this is my blogsite so give me a break. The Galant MPI that I had was a bandido car. The set up was completely stock but I’d say it was well maintained for a then 8 year old car. The midnight gray (almost black) color perfectly matches the executive sedan body while the 4 speed AT tranny provided the convenience.

The first car that we purchased out of our blood, sweat and tears was a 1992 Toyota Corolla XE. It was a very practical car; easy to maintain, abundant and cheap parts, fuel efficient and easy to sell. It doesn’t go as fast as the Galant but it gets you from point A to B at half the gas consumption. I recall my fastest run on this car is about 120 kph.

I also had “hand me down” cars from my parents, a 1989 Mitusbishi Lancer GLX (140 kph) and a 1969 Toyota Corolla Sprinter (120 kph). If I have extra money in the future, I plan to buy a first generation Toyota Corolla 2 door (1969 to 1972) and set it up stock. That would be a nice Sunday car.

I’m currently driving a 2002 Toyota Revo GLX. I’m very much happy with my ride. In fact, I don’t intend to sell it and have lined up a couple of business ideas by next year when I’m qualified to get a new one. My top speed in this pseudo SUV is 140 kph.

In conclusion, as you mature (read: as you age), you tend to drive more carefully and less aggressive, focus less on accessorizing the vehicle and be practically in your car choices.

Boracay Bound

Just got back from Boracay with my officemates. This my 7th visit & the 6th straight year that I've been to the place. The trip is mostly work related but not actually doing work. Sounds strange, huh? This year, I took tons of pix just to practice my skill. The posted pix is the best shot for me. Allow me to share my Love - Hate analysis of the island located on southern part of the Philippines.

LOVE:
• Going to Boracay via Caticlan airport
• Boracay Regency Hotel - nice family rooms beside the pool, good food, within walking range from most frequented areas.
• Mountain biking on the beach
• Admiring the beauties of nature
• Powdery white sand
• Snorkeling
• Fact that everybody feels like they are sexy when they are in Boracay

HATE:
• Going to Boracay via Kalibo airport
• Foreigners with teenage partners
• Lousy mountain bikes
• Makukulit na hawkers
• Exorbitant prices of regular products
• Merchants abusive to tourists
• Fact that everybody feels like they are sexy when they are in Boracay

To borrow my college friend Johnny G’s line, it’s not actually the place that makes the place memorable but the people you’re with.

DL’s 4 point expectation: A RIOT of color!

I’ve been handling teams of different sizes for the last 11 years and I’ve been guided by this 4 point expectation which I usually discuss with my teammates. I’d like to share it with you.

RESPECT – This is something that is earned and usually takes time. This can’t be done overnight and can’t be mandated. We don’t issue a memo and tell everyone that “This person is your new leader so you have no recourse but to respect him asap.” This is probably the most difficult expectation to measure or achieve. You may have a high respect level at one point and drop to a low level just by a word or a phrase that you uttered. While mostly erratic, the key is to maintain the respect level constantly at a high level and quickly rebound from an incident that presents a low level of respect.

INITIATIVE – The dictionary defines this word as “doing the right thing without being told.” About 80% of what we do is done without supervision. Responsible and mature individuals do not need supervisors to tell them what to do as long as the objective is clear. As one of my former supervisors told me, “give me the end objective, monitor my performance, call my attention if get off track and I’ll see you by the end of the year with a performance that will be mutually beneficial for us.”

OPENNESS – Funny, we work in a telecoms company and we have numerous media to communicate (telephone, email, sms, instant messenger, letters or notes) but this is one department that needs improvement in a relationship. The JoHari window model says that personal awareness is represented by four quadrants: open, hidden, blind, and unknown. The interaction progresses as we moved from one window to another. Read about it in the internet or psych books and learn from it.

TEAMWORK – This is probably the most prominent management tool however the most difficult to implement. Every man is unique. Life is an array of perspectives. The key is to find the common denominator and rally this group of individuals to a common cause. The best acronym of TEAM for me is Together, Everyone Achieves More.

Let’s engage in a quiet RIOT.

JoeLac, BoyLac & DyLac

My grandfather JoeLac recently joined our creator at age 94. I still recall his patented smiling face. He smiles to everybody regardless if he knows you or not. I’m pretty sure he outlived most if not all his friends. He has a cool pet name that my father & I adapted. His friends in Tarlac City fondly call him JoeLac and his real name is Jose Lacsamana Sr. I heard his other friends are JoeTor (Jose Torres) and JoeMac (Jose Macapinlac). Seems like in the early 1900s, parents have a thing about Jose's.

My father is Jose, Jr. and his nickname is Boy hence the pet name BoyLac. My father's nickname used to be a challenge for me when I was still based in Tarlac City. I used to be called, Dylac, "Ang anak ni BoyLac." I wanted my own identity but just couldn’t shake off the tagline.

When we transferred to Angeles City in ‘99, only then did I start to have my own identity. I was called DyLac, "Yung regional manager ng Smt." Oh well, looks like you just can’t easily get away with tag lines. To borrow John Maxwell's words, "You don’t need a title to be a leader." That’s exactly my aim, to be known as DyLac, the [insert appropriate adjective here] leader

Cartoons forever!

I was watching cartoons with my 2 ½ year old daughter MC this morning. I just had to sit beside her for a while before going to work as her “Dads, tabi tayo?” line said in a very, very sweet and irresistible manner had to be acknowledged lest I break her heart.

I remember my Papa BoyLac watching robot cartoons with us when we were young: Voltes V, Mazinger Z, Dungard Ace, Balatac, etc. It was a pretty sight so it was my time to watch Dora the Explorer, Hi-5, Blue’s Clues and Wonderpets!

I realized that you learn a lot from watching cartoons. Some of the management lessons are learned early in life. It’s all a matter of application. In the cartoon show called Wonderpets which features 3 cute animals: Linny, Tuck and Ming-Ming, the song goes like this “We’re not to big and we’re not too strong but when we work together, we got the right stuff…What’s gonna work? Teamwork!” and indeed the show is about cooperation or equally dividing the responsibility. Lesson learned: TEAMWORK and EFFECTIVE DELEGATION. In the show called Blue’s Clues, the star of the show Steve picks ups some clues and analyzes them. He goes to the “thinking chair” and sings “Let’s sit down on the thinking chair and think, think, think! When we use our mind and do it one step at a time, we can do anything that we want to do.” It might sound elementary but the key learning here is effective DATA GATHERING and ANALYZING. On one of the more famous shows and my daughter’s favorite Dora the Explorer, this cute and lovely 7 year old Latina always packs a backpack wherever she goes and despite the obstacles that she encounters, the troll or Swiper the fox, she maintains an amiable aura. There was even a show that, surprisingly, it was even Swiper the fox who helped her out of the peril. The key learning here are PREPARATION and always possess an AMIABLE aura no matter how difficult is the person you are dealing with because they may just be able to help you in the future.

MC wt MC! More Cartoons with my daughter, MC!

Typhoon Millennium

I think that at least 90% of the blogging community will write about the recent typhoon that hit our country – Milenyo. I shall confine myself to using the title and this short introduction and instead focus on a fear that I had in college about turning 26 years old. I can’t actually recall why I feared that age or number but it stuck to my mind so I just thought of writing something about that year. Actually, I made a wrong computation. I thought I was 26 years old at the turn of the millennium. Anyway, here’s the highlights my Y1998, the year I turned 26.

That year, the most important highlight was the birth of our B5 in January. JML and I celebrated our first year wedding anniversary in June. (Are you good in math? What did you find out?). It was also in that year that Tarlac Telecenter, which I headed, was top in postpaid sales region-wide & top 3 nationwide and acted as an OIC for North Luzon Telecenter Operations for my then superior Bing Payumo.

In conclusion, it was not actually a year that I should fear but more like a year that I should embrace as it was year that jumpstarted a lot of important events in our lives. One of the most important jumpstarts was that the following year, I was chosen to head the spin off Central Luzon Telecenter Operations. That started my now 7 year old experience in regional operations management.

What do I want to do when I retire?

When I’m 65 years old (that’s about 3 decades from now) and the word retirement is a reality that I have to face, I’d like to be in social class upper B at least and live an amazingly simple life. I look up to people who are secure about their financial position in society that they don’t have to hide behind their brand new cars, big houses and branded clothes and tell the world how rich or successful they are. After reaching that financial objective, I’d like to teach management to college students.

As my son B5 put it during his Preparatory Graduation rites, he said; “when I grow up, I want to be a teacher” even if he said previously that he wants to be: 1- the President of the Philippines, 2- a bus company owner, 3- a doctor, 4- a priest and a 5- a barber. As for me, when I grow old and have to face retirement, I want to be a teacher. Sana kunin ako ng Tarlac State University as a lecturer pag tanda ko teaching management subjects. The salary would be the least of my worries kasi nga I should be financially stable by then. Pang gasolina ko na lang yun sa BMW X5 ko. :) The teaching aspiration is my way of giving back to the community what I learned and will learn in the years to come. Young people sometimes only realize the value of what they learned years after somebody taught it to us. My mother used to teach at College of the Holy Spirit so it’s “in the genes.” Also, being an effective leader, something that I’d like to believe I am or at the very least, I’m on my way there, one of the key traits that you should possess is to be a good teacher.

Express Yourself!

This blogging is great! I don’t give a hoot if nobody reads my blogsite as long as I can write what I want, continually challenge myself in expressing myself as objective as possible and play around with new words, terms, phrases that I meet everyday.

Let me tell you about my high school teacher. I heard, kinuha na siya ni Lord pero I learned a lot from him in fact still apply what I learned constantly. He thought us to apportion a part of your notebook and write down ALL THE NEW WORDS THAT YOU ENCOUNTER, then check out the lexicon (pinahirap na word for dictionary) which he fondly calls, my good friend Mr. Webster, then use it in a sentence, then use it wherever applicable. Nowadays, I have an ms word file which contains the new words that I meet and constantly update this file. Apart from my resume, this is probably the file most accessed in my hard drive.

So if the name MR. RONALD PEROY rings a bell to you, I thank him for being a true educator.

On Health : A common denominator between man and computer is GIGO!

The computer term GIGO or GARBAGE IN, GARBAGE OUT was first introduced to me 2 decades ago by my high school computer teacher which we fondly call PREKEK. I’m not actually sure how that monicker was born, either he mispronounced free kick (a penalty shot in soccer) or an output in computer gone wrong.

As I write this journal, I have 2 misbehaving cells inside my body which are driving me nuts. I’m determined to delete them from my system soon before they recruit more of their kind. Come to think of it, it was really I who placed them there through the food that I eat. It can’t definitely be attributable to my lifestyle because I’d like to believe that I live a relative sports centered lifestyle.

For the past 2 decades of my life, despite my parents ultra frequent reminders to eat healthy food and my wife’s same level of reminders, I still continue to eat “earth friendly food” (a term I concocted which means bringing you closer to earth at a faster pace). I’ve always placed inside my head the “I’m still young and I can eat whatever I want” attitude. It’s time to wake up, Mister DyLac!

As my lovely wife puts it, let’s go for the most appropriate medical treatment, proper diet and regular family prayer. My equally lovely mother completely agrees to this.

My game plan is simple: let’s annihilate those batardos!!!

CRV or GV?

It’s a battle of 3rd Gen compact SUV for us. Our choices are down to two: the Suzuki Grand Vitara or the Honda Comfortable Runabout Vehicle. The only determinant left is the price specifically for the CRV since it will be commercially released tomorrow Sept 28 in the US. If they offer a base model CRV in the range of $20,000, there’s a good chance the price will be P1,2M in Pinas. Like the new Civic, the release of a new model is just a few months delayed in the Philippines. If the price is equal or price diff is in the range of P50th max, we’re going for the more popular & more common CRV. Practicality and prestige wins over style and a “nice to have” 4WD system. If more than P50th, hello ladder framed wonder.

Toddler Talk 101 : According to MC

Our daughter MC is 2 yrs, 8 months and 1 day old today. She already has a vocabulary of words and we’d like to share some of them.

I. Persons:
Meymi Yowe – M C
Huya – Kuya
Dobee Bee Five – KB B5
Teacher Beff – Teacher Beth
Don Bosto - Don Bosco

II. Characters:
Babab – Sponge Bob
Kitty Nono – Hello Kitty
Doya – Dora
Superment – Superman
Fay Five – High Five
Manang Martin - Lighting McQueen

III. Items:
Tameya – Camera
A Jachet – Jacket
Tomputer – Computer
Bastetboy – Basket ball
Dupit – Gupit
Umbush – Toothbrush
Stool Bus – School Bus
Sioton - Lotion
Pipers - Slippers
Wubber Socks - Socks
Wowers - Flowers
Swim Soup - Swim Suit

IV. Phrases:
One moch time – One more time
I fatted – I farted
Hatch – hot
Papit – Stop it
Fastoy – Faster
Doo Moning – Good Morning
Best Fends Tayu – We’re best friends
A you Otey? – Are you okay?
Sotay – Okay
We a you? – Where are you?
Weytap – Wake up
Chachor body – Shake your body
Hi duys – Hi guys
A wainbow – A rainbow
Doonight – Good night
Be HHHIND you – Behind you
Masayap – Masarap
Tamama – Tama na
Oh my dosh – Oh my Gosh
Pene – Pahingi
Oba De – Over There
Oba Hee – Over Here
Once upon a chime – Once Upon a time
Soyee – Sorry
Rain, rain, dow away – Rain, rain, go away
Tandoy – thunder
Tey Ta Bath – Take a Bath
I hap u - I'll help you
It's tinty - It's stinky
It's a specia day - It's a special day

V. Food:
Yatut – Yakult
Yodart - Yogurt
Joyabee – Jollibee
Hambudoy - Hamburger
Suprise – French Fries
Shup – Soup
Yayce - Rice
Ice peem – Ice Cream
Mido – Nido
Juice Mamam – Water
Dede mo – Milk
Apoy – Apple
Japes - Grapes
Bana – Banana
Omeynge Bamba – Orange
Chichen – Chicken
Adug – Hotdog
Booder Steak – Burger Steak
Watoy - Water
Gapes - Grapes
Chochoyate - Chocolate
Vita imin - Vitamin

VI. Fave Expressions:
Oh men!
That’s me!
Ayayayah!
It’s amazing!
Uh oh!
Meow!
Whaa! Whaa! Whaa!
Never! Never! Never!
Teypispurts to tetitup

B5 ranks 2 in Q1.

My son loves basketball. He has so much information about the players and the games in the NBA, PBA, PBL, UAAP & NCAA that sometimes it leaves me in awe. I’ve installed small bball courts in every place that he frequents: my office (the court is more for me :)), our condo and his grandparents place in Tarlac. Almost every Sunday, we shoot some hoops at his fave Timezone.

Last Sunday Sept 16, we got his first quarter grades and as good as he is in shooting hoops, he has a general average rating of 93.50 which is good for rank number 2. He has high grades in Math 97, Reading 95, Filipino 93 and Language 93. He needs to work on Sibika 92 and Science 91. He always talks abt being challenged by the rank number 1 in their class of 45 students that’s why he aims to study harder. We told him that if he wants to make it his personal goal, then he should work harder to attain it but his parents are already happy with his academic achievements.

We always tell him that it’s better to live a balanced life: good in academics (not necessary topping it always), engaged in a sport (of which basketball is the clear choice), exposure to technology (he surfs the internet and his favorite site is Time For Kids), critical thinking (that’s why he loves devouring information and sometimes engaging his parents to mini debates) and the religious aspect (he recently joined the Knights of the Altar).

My Hats off to you B5!

A Car Nut drives a Toyota Revo???

A car nut can be classified into 3 categories: 1- no financial capability, 2- limited financial capability and 3- unlimited financial capability. I fall under category number 2 but aim to be in category 3 anytime during my lifetime or at least in my dreams.

Since we have limited funds at the time of purchase (and until this day), we have to choose the most appropriate vehicle to fit our requirements hence the Toyota Revo GLX A/T. It’s a very functional car. Cost effective to maintain. Good re-sale value though we don’t have plans of selling it when it’s time to get a new one. I’m a minimalist so during the first week of the Revo, the emblems just had to go. Now, non car aficionados or car dummies bother to ask what type of car I’m driving because they always rely on the car emblem. Heck! I can tell them I’m driving a Toyota LC Prado and they’d probably believe it. Of course, that’s exaggeration to the Nth power.

In less than a year, it will be time to replace my trusty ol’ Toyota. We’re definitely going the SUV route and we’ve narrowed down our choices to 5 SUVs and these are Toy Fortuner G, 3rd gen Suzuki Grand Vitara, 3rd gen Honda CRV, Subaru Forester 2.0X and Hyundai Tucson. A factor rating that I prepared shows that the Fortuner is leading the way by a few points but Suzuki GV (3G) and Honda CRV (3G) are close behind. Oh well, I have 3 quarters to think about it.

If I belong to category no. 3 at this point in my life, my car stable will have a BMW X5, a Hummer H1, a 90s red Ferarri Testarossa and a BMW 325 for my lovely wife.

In the meantime, our Revo comfortably brings us from point A to point B.

Drive safely, mi amigo!

GIANT NRS is a real GIANT!

I got my GIANT NRS frame via a swap deal in Y2003. I am extremely happy with that move. My immediate project then was to copy the Y2002 NRS 1 set up in Giant Bicycles website and I’d like to believe my set up is at least 50% better part per part comparison. Simultaneous to that was the objective of keeping the bike under 28 lbs. The “world record” for the lightest NRS bike is a feather weight 24 lbs which I think is not trail worthy. I’ve been successful at keeping it at 28 lbs without sacrificing strength. A light bike is useless if you need to carry it home due to parts that surrender to the tough trails that it is exposed to. The bike is staying with me for a long time unless somebody offers to purchase it at a very irresistible price.

Ride on!

USA Trip Synopsis

The Time For Kids.Com says that the Top 5 Cities Favorite Tourist Destinations are: 1- New York, 2- Los Angeles, 3- Miami, 4- Orlando & 5- San Francisco. I was able to visit 4 out of 5 in 25 short days. It also says that the Top 5 States Fave Tourist Destination are: 1- New York, 2- Florida, 3- California, 4- Hawaii and 5- Nevada. I went to majority of it plus had the chance to see New Jersey and a stop over at North Carolina en route to SFO (NorCal).

I endeavored to complete this US trip journal 3 months after my travel primarily for myself and my family. For my relatives and friends who are interested to read it, you’re most welcome.

In all, I had a wonderful 25 day US trip. I spent $3000 (thereabouts) but the experience, lessons learned, realizations, bonding moments and memories are priceless.

USA Trip Day 25 / June 4, 2006 Sunday

I learned that ErWong is a mountain biker like me. Erwin and Mark used to do the trails in San Jose. The place is like a haven for MTBers. We visited a couple of stores one of which was Performance Bikes where I sometimes get bike parts on line. My Giant NRS mountain bike is like a “chopsuey” because some of the parts I purchased online in the US, some via HKG bike shops however most of the parts I purchased in the Philippines. We had lunch at Santana Row. This is like a strip of high end stores and restaurants where 80% of the cars parked are high end. Check out the picture and you’ll know what I mean. The airport was about 2 hours away so more time to trade stories and catch up on old times with ErWong. Goodbye US! The flight time to the Philippines was about 16 hours but I guess the PAL pilot was in a bit of hurry so we made it in 14 hours. We arrived in Manila around 5AM, two hours ahead of schedule so I had to wait for my ride since my family came from Tarlac City. The US trip was great but there’s no place like home!

USA Trip Day 24 / June 3, 2006 Saturday

During my last day in SFO City, I checked out more places – Yerba Buena Garden, Sony Metreon, the Fashion District, did a little more shopping (entered my at least 10th GAP store), went to “the only toy store in the City of San Francisco” Jeffrey’s Toy Store and bought MC her now favorite Dora the explorer castle, checked out Nordstrom, Ross for Less (my kinda store) and Neimann Marcus (nagpapangap na may bibilhin). They had Chloe denim jeans on sale 40% off. The sale price was $500. Read again, $500 sale price. Lunch was with Ronnie again. Come on, Ronnie, let me foot the bill this time! In vain. He drove me to my college friends in San Jose. We went to Julienne Bernardo – Aquino’s house. I met his hubby and their cute li’l boy who was abt my li’l daughter age. Then we brought some stuff at the mall before proceeding to Erwin Wong’s place where I stayed overnight. The get together with college friends called LSC Boys included of course ErWong, Julienne and Mark Bumatay. People really mature. Well at least normal people do. When we were in college, parties would last until the wee hours of the mornings (sometimes just in time for the start of the 7AM ROTC) and everybody goes home drunk. This time, everybody was like a Cinderella who needed be home by 12MN. The last time I saw my college friends was 12 years ago so I just had to see them. Originally, SFO was not in my itinerary.

USA Trip Day 23 / June 2, 2006 Friday

I stayed at Savoy Hotel along Geary St. just 2 short blocks from Union Square. The hotel bell hop Mang Ricky is a Cabalen from Angeles City Pampanga and he was a big help. I had this day all by myself so I went back to some of the places that we went to the previous day and took my precious picture. First stop was Union Square. A trip to SFO would not be complete if you didn’t ride a cable car. Kala ninyo sa Pinas lang sumasabit sa jeepney, pwede rin sumabit sa cable car! I rode the cable car from Union Square to Fisherman’s wharf. I wanted to go to Alcatraz but the queue was too long. The earliest available ferry was at 4PM. After buying some souvenirs, some shopping, checking out museums, taking tons of pictures in Pier 39, the next stop was Lombard Street again. I just had to take more pictures of the crookedest street. Then I checked out more places like the Chinatown, Office of the California Governor, the elegant SFO City Hall, a row of high end auto dealers along Van Ness, Grace Cathedral and Fairmont Hotel again. The beauty of staying at a downtown hotel (though a bit pricey) is that you can unload the stuff that you purchased and rest a bit. I had dinner with Ronnie again at an Italian resto in SFO. Afterwards, we have a few drinks at a bar in Daly City where 95% of the patrons where Filipinos.

USA Trip Day 22 / June 1, 2006 Thursday

T’is the last leg of my US trip. I had mixed emotions; sad that I was leaving my parents and would probably take years before I see them again but happy that I’ll be seeing my kids and my lovely wife very soon. I miss them already. I committed a major blunder today. As a self proclaimed organized person, I thought that my flight from Orlando to SFO was on June 1 via United Airways. My ticket showed that my flight was via US Airways on June 2! After numerous calls, speaking to 3 frontline staff, practically losing my composure, I was finally on my way to SFO. That mistake cost me $100. I was met at SFO airport by a good friend from Tarlac Ronnie Pagaduan. I’m proud of this guy, he has come a long way. He is an epitome of a hard working person. He has 2 RJP Phonemart stores in Daly City. RJP Phonemart first started in Tarlac City. He just photocopied his business model in Tarlac and applied it in Daly City. He showed me around SFO and Daly City. During our first day, we saw the Golden Gate bridge, Union Square, Coit Tower, Lombard Street better know as the crookedest street in the world and passed by Fisherman’s Wharf. Dinner was at Fairmont Hotel where Al Capone used to dine.

USA Trip Day 21 / May 31, 2006 Wednesday

I was the driver designate again for the 2 hour trip again from Kissimmee to Orlando. My navigator was cousin Nikko. Lunch was at Burger King, Aloma Bend Plaza near Unc Dan’s residence. We met Papa Boy there. We had a chance to go around Orlando, TD Waterhouse Centre where the Orlando Magic plays basketball, downtown, Macy’s where cousin Ace Ligon works and spent some time there just window shopping. I wanted to get a book but prices are pretty much the same back home.

USA Trip Day 20 / May 30, 2006 Tuesday

The Happiest Place on Earth. It was very nice of my cousin Nikko to join me in Disney World though I know it was the Nth time he has visited the place. There are 4 theme parks in Disney World which is considered to be the biggest Disney amusement park. We had a one day pass so we breezed through 2 parks – EPCOT center and the Magic Kingdom. Ideally, you need 4 days to enjoy and maximize the park. We tried some of the rides and checked out some of the museums. The best ride being the TEST DRIVE. Sponsored by GM, a car nut like me would love this place. It gives you an overview of what happens in a testing plant e.g. testing the brakes (with and without ABS), a 60 miles per hour loop, 0 to 60 MPH acceleration. It also has a nice display of GM cars. It would be cool to drive home a bright red Hummer H3. That time, my mom’s Hyundai Accent would provide the transpo. While Disneyworld is the happiest place on earth, the trip back home was one of the saddest because we got lost. My learning that day was that you should not trust mapquest always, learn to modify. And modify we did so we were back on track in no time. Dinner was at the townhouse that we stayed in Island West Resort, Kissemmee.

USA Trip Day 19 / May 29, 2006 Monday

The college sweethearts! My parents and I had eat-all-you-can lunch at a nearby resto called Whistle Junction. T’was my last day in DeLand. The plan today was to see the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral and stay overnight at Aunt Aida’s beach house in New Smyrna. I was really, really looking forward to seeing this site however it would not be my destiny. There were a number of bush fires along the high way hence numerous re-routing so it was not really a good idea to push through with the trip. Instead, my mom and I decided to drive to Orlando and see Uncle Dan, Auntie Baby & my cousin Nikko. In Orlando, we had dinner at Uncle Dan’s very nice house by the lake (which was not alligator infested) with my cousin Lyette Ligon and her kids, Uncle Rene Ligon and Aunt Baby’s friends. In the evening, Nikko and I had a chance to watch the movie X-MEN : The Last Stand.

USA Trip Day 18 / May 28, 2006 Sunday

More sight seeing! I always see in the internet and in package tours ads saying “See St. Augustine.” I often wondered where THAT place was and today, I would discover the beauty of this place in Florida called St. Augustine. From DeLand, it was nearly a 2 hour drive. My tour guides today were my aunties Aida and Suet. The sites to see in St. Augustine include: Fountain of Youth, Mission of Nombre de Dios, St. George’s Row (where you can find the oldest wooden schoolhouse in USA), Lighthouse Museum, Flagler College, Castillo de San Marcos, Ancient City Baptist Church and Lions Bridge. Aside from seeing the place, another highlight that day was lunch at Florida Cracker Cafe where they serve alligator meat. It tastes like chicken on steriods. Dinner was at a steakhouse near Daytona International Speedway. And balikbayans say that all they do in the Philippines is eat, eat and eat.

USA Trip Day 17 / May 27, 2006 Saturday

Papa’s work starts at 12NN so he accompanied me to more shopping. I got a dozen baseball caps for a $0.25 each. Twenty five cent baseball caps! Where in the world can you find a better bargain! He showed me downtown DeLand so I had the chance to see Stetson University and DeLand Museum of Arts. In the evening, I joined Aunt Suet, Aunt Aida and Uncle Rene Capulong at a dinner dance. It wasn’t really my cup of tea but I tried it just the same, at least one dance. I learned early in life that I’m not a good dancer. In fact, I dance bad and that’s even an understatement.

USA Trip Day 16 / May 26, 2006 Friday

Again I woke up early but returned to sleep after everybody left. It was my chance to rest my complaining body. After 16 days in the US, today was my first time to watch TV. Our cable TV back home has about 70+ channels and I only use about 40% of the channels. The cable TV of Aunt Suet had 500+ channels! In the afternoon, I checked out a couple of malls down the block. I got a lot of stuff from the Dollar Store. Some of the items that I got I really didn’t need pero they were cheap so I just had to buy them. Aunt Suet and I met at the mall and went to nearby Volusia Mall (abt 45 minutes drive). Finally, I saw the John Cena action figure that my son Kobe requested after checking out at least 7 toy stores in SoCal, New York and Deland, Fla. I asked the store manager why it was SO DIFFICULT to find this action figure and he said he's the hottest WWE star and when he was rumored to have passed away, all his items sold like hotcakes. That's why I bought 2 John Cena action figures, just to be sure. As programmed, I’ll do ALL my shopping in Florida where the sales tax is lower.

USA Trip Day 15 / May 25, 2006 Thursday

I really didn’t want to wake up early because I didn’t need to but was up early anyway. It’s in my system already so Papa just showed me around DeLand. We went to Aunt Aida’s H-O-U-S-E. That’s one BIG house on a BIG lot. She was on the phone so I didn’t get to talk to her. I saw Winn Dixie were Papa works and Wal Mart where Mama works. Papa left me at Wal Mart so I did some shopping from 2PM till 9PM. Yup, that was 7 hours of shopping. I couldn’t believe it myself. The funny thing was, around 845PM, I was in a hurry to bring all the stuff that I got to the cashier only to find out that Wal Mart is open 24 hours! Papa picked us up and we had dinner at home.

USA Trip Day 14 / May 24, 2006 Wednesday

Back home, I’m used to waking up early because I have to bring my son B5 to the school bus pick up point. I look forward to those moments because that’s one of our father and son bonding moments. While on vacation, waking up early is common because time is SO PRECIOUS. We left Lawrenceville around 8AM and passed by Butchoy Salanga’s house before proceeding to Newark for our flight to Daytona, Fla. In Daytona, my dear father excused himself from work for a while to pick us up. Hello washing machine and dryer! Finally, I was able to wash my 2 weeks worth of clothing. Not much pictures taken today because it would be weird to take picture while doing the laundry. Dinner was in Auntie Suet’s house in DeLand, Fla with Aunt Suet, Mama & Papa.

USA Trip Day 13 / May 23, 2006 Tuesday

Just when I thought that I would not see the Statue of Liberty up close, lo and behold, my mom and I were riding a ferry to Liberty Island via New Jersey courtesy of Tita Cynthia Munar, my mother’s high school friend. I just realized that Liberty Island is “closer” to NJ than NY. We also had a nice picture of the NY skyline through NJ. Lunch was at a Filipino resto where the waiters were, you guessed it, Filipinos! Sayang, I wanted to see my college friend Johnny Garcia but seems like he was so busy. Tito Venus & Tita Susan Jordan from Tarlac City now living in Lawrenceville, NJ picked us up in the afternoon. We had dinner at their cool new home in NJ then had a tour of their Dunkin Donut outlets in NJ. I was surprised to find an old BMX buddy Jun Magdangal. I used to BMX a lot during my elementary and early high school days and Jun was one of the guys I hanged out with. Later I found out that he is a kinakapatid (My father is his godfather).