My 100th Blog Entry

I celebrate today my 100th blog entry. I've been posting blogs which is short for web log since July 2006. A blog is like an online journal or a diary which I used to have when I was in college. No people, diaries are not limited to ladies only. Real men write diaries or blogs too. Besides, I'm secure about my sexuality.

I decided to join the blog foray when I got back from my US trip. Most of my friends and family were asking me for stories about my trip and wanted to see my precious pictures. At first I tried to email the stories and pictures but later decided that it would be more convenient if I just posted the entries. My blog consultant Sherwin Mendoza was also a big help. So Shobe, if you're reading this, I thank you.

Some of my friends wonder how I find time out of my schedule to maintain a blog. The answer is time management and the power of technology. Here are the simple steps:
Step 1- It goes without saying that blogs should not be created during office hours hence word entries are done using my celfone. Ideas knows no boundaries and like my mother always say, write down your thoughts, don't rely on memory.
Step 2- Using MMS, email the word entry from your phone to your pc email.
Step 3- Copy and paste using Bill Gates' software to your blog site.
Step 4- Download a pix from the net or upload a picture from your database.

And voila! You have a blog entry. It's easy as one, two, three.

Hult!

I got a pleasant surprise tonight (March 27) though not much what I had hoped for. I got an international call from a representative of Hult International Business school, based in Boston, MA and they were following up 'my application.' They said they reviewed my profile and it fits their requirement. They asked some questions like if I took my GMAT already and when I plan to take my MBA. I sensed that they were a bit disappointed when I told them in 3 to 4 yrs time. They said that tuition fee is $70,000 and I can apply for a loan if I have a US based relative.

I'm definite they got my name from the World Tour MBA exhibit and seminar which I attended in July last year. I was shopping for something to do and their newspaper ad lured me to check it out. The tour had about 14 exhibitors and one of them was Hult. They have an intense one year MBA program. A typical MBA class is composed of: South America 25%, North Asia 25%, Europe 20%, Southeast Asia 20%, North America 8% and Africa and Middle East 2%. One of their known alumnus include Moon Yong Kwon, the mayor of Gangnam district, Seoul, South Korea. They are top ranked one-year MBA in the USA ranked by the economist.

It sounds grand but the ultimate dream killer is the $70,000 (P3,5M) pricetag. They said you can apply for a loan but a loan is a financial obligation that you have to pay within an agreed timeline. I was hoping that the call was to tell me that I was qualified for their scholarship program. Earth calling DieSeL!

Concert at the Park

Salcedo Park sponsored a concert last Saturday, March 24. An orchestra played from 8pm until about 11pm. Coffee talk says the conductor was even an Italian. So my question is: how many cities or towns in the Philippines have a concert with an orchestra led by an Italian conductor?

Jaime C. Velasquez park a.k.a. Salcedo park is located in salcedo village, brgy. Bel air. It's inside the famed central business district (Makati CBD). Led by brgy chairwoman Constancia Lichauco, it is one of the high profile barangays in the Philippines. I reckon the barangay's funding is greater than my hometown Tarlac City. Brgy Bel Air has a number of projects such as:
1- an ID system
2- free stuff and services for constituents like first aid kit, dental and blood pressure check
3- seminars such as martial arts, proper ethics for maid servants
4- their own set of security guards and
5- the 3 yr old salcedo saturday market.

Heck, they have their own ambulance built on a new Ford van typical of what you see in the movies. Like Metrobank's tagline, we're in good hands.

The Birth of Pampanga Trail Riders

Last 15th of February Y2004, fifty five mountain bikers from all over Pampanga converged in the parking lot of Clark parade grounds. Riders started building up around 6:00AM and rolled around 7:30AM. An intermediate trail called Manikayo would provide the venue for the event. It was a 25 kilometer trail which is 40% off road. The road part was a slow 15 kph cruise along the backyards of Clark: Centennial park, True North golf course, Expo, Centennial bridge to Sacobia. The off road part was a dusty uphill climb to Manikayo in Sacobia also inside Clark. The peak of the trail will give you a clear 180 degree view of the south side of Clark.

The mountain bikers came from all walks of life - students, medical and sales representatives, expats, businessmen, managers, doctors and retirees. Age range was from a young 11 year old to a still young at heart late 50s. Would you believe my father is even younger than these late 50s mt bikers. The average age was 32 years old. A good 80% of the riders are married (not only to their bikes but also to their spouses). A great majority of the riders are males and these gentlemen took good care of the 2 roses among the thorns. The bikes range from low end department store bikes to average priced GT Aggressor hard tails to high end Giant dual suspension bikes. All of the riders were in full battle gear and wearing the basic safety required helmets and gloves.

Usually, mt bike group rides range only from 5 to 20+ riders but this was a special day because we had a 55 rider strong trail ride. What makes it extra special is that Infomax cable tv from San Fernando Pampanga will feature the trail ride in one of their shows. They are one with us in promoting the sport in Pampanga and tagging it a mountain biker’s haven.

Although the demographics varies, the common denominator among these 55 individuals is the love for the sport of mountain biking and the genuine thought of unifying the mountain bike riders in Pampanga hence the birth of Pampanga Trail Riders.

During these times when politics is a hot topic in our country, coalition does not only happen in the political scene, it also happens in the mountain biking scene in Pampanga.

Ride on!

Postscript: This article was posted in a number of websites and published in Urge sports magazine in Y2004. Three months after writing this article in March 2004, I was a re-assigned in our Makati head office hence the mountain biking had to take a back seat. The plan is to be active in mountain biking again starting April 2007. Tuloy ang ligaya!

REFERENCE:
Pls. click here to view the video # 1.
Pls. click here to view the video # 2.

The Honda Badge

Finally, the 3rd generation Honda Comfortable Runabout Vehicle and I meet. It was more than a year of waiting; from endlessly surfing the net to have a glimpse of what it looks like and have an idea how much it cost to seeing the actual unit in Honda Cars Makati today. The 3G CR-V was officially launched March 23 at Bonifacio High Street at the fort. The 2.4L 4x4 automatic transmission variant cost P1,450M while our preferred 2.0L 4x2 auto tranny cost P1,250M.

Though I must admit I was not really impressed with the radical design, it still carries the Honda badge so that alone is a big factor. Feature-wise, it is a so-so vehicle. It doesn't have the fully automatic aircon system of the Toyota RAV4, the 4-mode 4X4 system (4 hi, 4 hi lock and 4 lo lock) of the Suzuki Grand Vitara or the paddle shifting feature of the Mitsubishi Outlander the but again, it still carries the Honda badge.

Our decision to get this vehicle by July this year is largely because of THE BADGE. Once we get it, the first things to do are:
1- Remove the http://www.hondamakati.com.ph/ sticker
2- Remove the i-vtec sticker
3- Install 3M magic tint
4- Install back up sensors [Part No: 08V67-SWA-131K]
5- Install a finisher exhaust pipe [Part No: 02F53-SWE-700]

Future projects include the ffg:
1- Install fog lamps [Part No: 08V31-SWE-700A]
2- Replace mags with 10 spoke 17in (European Version)
3- Steering wheel stereo control
4- Install a roof rack [Part No: 08L02-SWE-700X]
5- Install a bike attachment [Part No: 08L07-TA1-203]

For a certified car nut like me, the day after I got my Toyota Revo in July 2002, I was already shopping for a replacement. Hence, being excited is an understatement.

MAFIA : Managerial Finance by Aesod.

"Mr. DSL, This is not Philosophy. Finance is an exact science so please don't wiggle your way out of your predicament." This line was delivered by my professor when I was trying to justify a wrong answer. I just completed a course called FINANCE FOR NON FINANCE MANAGERS run by AESOD trainer Porky Calaquian. It was my 4th managerial finance course in my three and a half decade existence.

The first was in college since it was a major subject for my management degree at DLSU. While I did relatively well in math in college, I had trouble then with business analysis. Probably because I didn't take it seriously since getting drunk and playing basketball occupied my mind then.

The second encounter was horrible. As a then newbie manager, the company sent me to a Manager's Development Program at AIM. The professor was very good, a respected person in the academe. Unfortunately, his name escapes me right now. We were loaded with tons of case studies. It was a brain frying experience.

The third bout with managerial finance was during my masters in management days in UP. I was an average student who had average knowledge of the principles. I was focused in class 50% of the time and the other half was spent day dreaming. The class was then scheduled from 2 to 5pm hence considered the most challenging part of the day.

This is the fourth meeting. In all honesty, this is the managerial finance course were I learned a lot. I surmise that this can be due to the following: (1) this is my Nth encounter, (2) I have more than half a decade experience as a manager and (3) the facilitator is a good teacher first then a good accountant.

The AESOD trainer said she has 27 years of managerial finance experience. It seems like I have 20 more years to go to reach her stature. Happy computing!

Package Delivered

"One man's thrash is another one's treasure."

As promised, I gave my gift to the angels of Children's Joy Foundation today (March 19) which qualifies for within the month timeline. It's difficult to describe the delight of the children after seeing the present a.k.a. a balikbayan box neatly wrapped with a birthday theme. It was a labor of love because I packed and wrapped it myself. As pledged, the box contained used and new toys, used and new clothes, used books, new slippers and old but new premium items. I had mixed emotions; sad to see their current state, babies and toddler left by their parents because they can't take care of them; felt blessed because we are the ones helping and not the other way around and happy because this is my first birthday were I was the one who gave a surprise. I love the feeling, let’s have more of these!

Plate Number Fever

"Dad, How come it's called plate number when it has letters? It should be called plate letter and number." said my then 4 year old son referring to Philippine license plates which normally have 3 letter and 3 numbers. I like to check out vehicle plates. That's probably part of my being a car buff.

During my US vacation, I saw plates such as:
SAY CHS - I reckon this is not owned by senatoriable Chiz Escudero.
TURTLE - I'm sure the owner loves pets other than dogs.
MOMONEY - I not sure if he meant he wants more because he's already driving a Mercedes Benz coupe.
BICOL – Can you guess where the owner is from?
HUSTLER - Is he the owner of the men's magazine or this tells how he conducts business?

In the local scene, I chanced upon the following:
JVE 777 matched with a black Range Rover owned by San Juan Mayor JV Ejercito.
HMR 222 on a bright yellow first generation Hummer.
FUK 222 on a spruced up Honda Civic. I hope this is not owned by a whore.
LLL 777 on Loren Legarda Leviste's Mercedez Benz 190e
BMW 320 which is most definitely not on a Toyota.

My dream ride is a black BMW X5 with matching DSL 315 plate. Too bad that won't become a reality because I already saw that license plate on a stainless steel owner type jeep. Oh well. Ü

Honda CR-V : The suspense is killing me!

Paging Honda Philippines, it's time to release the 3rd generation Honda CR-V. Most of our neighbors in Asia have already launched the much awaited SUV. Internet forum talks show that 3 variants will be released; a 2.0liter 6 speed manual, a 2.0liter 5 speed automatic and the top of the line 2.4liter 5 speed automatic.

Since our budget is only P1,3M, we're eyeing the base model auto tranny. Here's a result of an internet research that I did about list price of our neighbors of the base model variant converted in Philippine peso:
Singapore P2,784,662
Malaysia P1,973,845
Thailand P1,726,960
Indonesia P1,485,000
Australia P1,292,964.

On the other side of the globe, US retails it for P1,119,650. I went to Honda Tarlac last month and they said that the price increase is only P150th from the 2nd gen models hence that would be sub P1,3M. Then again, I'd rather be killed by the suspense than the price.

Happy Birthday to me!

I’m celebrating my 35th birthday today. I want my birthday this year to be extra special! My plan is that I’ll give a gift to the angels of Children’s Joy Foundation (CJF) located in Calamba City, Laguna. Just a brief profile, CJF Laguna branch is a sub-branch of a better funded CJF in Metro Manila. They have about 30 less fortunate children. The youngest is just a baby while the eldest is about 15 years old. During our last visit to them in January this year, I told them that I’ll pool my personal resources and give them a gift this year. The gift will contain used children’s clothes, new and used toys, new and used school items and new slippers for everybody. I’ll wrap the box, place my note which you’ll find below and personally deliver it within the month. I hope this will make them happy…

Dear Angels of Children’s Joy Foundation,

It's my birthday today. I'm turning 35 years. I'm pretty sure that is more than double your age. When I was about your age, I used to look at 30+ year old people as very old. I now realize that I'm just halfway to an expected lifespan of a Filipino.

When you grow older, a birthday just becomes a regular day in your life. To make my 35th birthday special, instead of 'receiving,' I shall be 'giving' a gift to you. Like any present, it is neatly wrapped complete with a birthday card. I hope this will truly surprise you and you find the things useful.

My five wishes for you on my birthday are: 1- that you be able to finish your studies, 2- you find a job you enjoy doing, 3- earn to live comfortably, 4- be responsible citizens of our society and 5- help the less fortunate in your own little way.

My only request is that you pray for me especially my health, that I'd live long enough to see my children (aged 9 and 3 years old) graduate from college and be able to help more people.

Happy Birthday to me!

Kuya DSL

M.I.3 Becomes a Reality

The South Luzon wireless operations team recently won Model Region of the year (2006). This is the 3rd year in a row as they won the award in Y2004 and Y2005.

Critics says the first award in Y2004 was a fluke because this "whining" team was perceived to be a group of old dogs who ran out of new tricks. The second model region award in Y2005 proved that the accolades received were products of the region's vision which reads: T4 - Teamwork, Trust and Target Focused equals Top Region within the next 2 years (until Y2005).

The recent award was given during the Rewards & Recognition in Baguio Country Club. This 3peat only proved that the perceived whiners just needed the right direction to show that they are actually winners. The vision that guides this team says: To be the model region with the most significant contributions to Customer Care organization by Y2007. Now who ever said it's hard to teach old dog new tricks? Mission accomplished!

Dy's Ride : The difference between ACTUAL and TARGET

The utility vehicle on right is my ACTUAL ride while the one on the left is my TARGET ride. I just hope the vehicle is still in production when the time comes and I can afford one already. Swap tayo, auntie LST? :)

A Taste of Macau in San Jose, Tarlac

We went to hear mass in San Jose, Tarlac today with my parents, my family and my sister's new family. The new place which was inaugurated last January 31, 2007 is called Monasterio De Tarlac, Servants of the Risen Christ Monastic Community located in Eco-Tourism Park, Brgy. Lubigan, San Jose, Tarlac. It is about 30 kilometers west of Tarlac city and 308 meters above sea level. It literally sits on top of a mountain.

The church reminds me of St. Dominic church in Macau which I saw in Y2005. St. Dominic is a baroque Filipino style church built by the Spanish Dominican friars in the mid 16th century. The facade, color of the exterior, the altar and the grounds surrounding the church justify the similarities. I hope they can maintain Monasterio de Tarlac as well as St. Dominic church. My I take my hat off to Gov Aping Yap! Seems like the good governor found his purpose in life.

The HURT by Kalapana

"Are you hurt, Daddy?" my little girl asked me when she woke up this Friday morning. She was referring to the wound on my right ankle which I got last Thursday morning. I told her that Daddy's hurt but didn't further elaborate. I was actually hurt emotionally, a result of a Thursday meeting. Who wouldn't be, our team was supposed to win 7 out of 10 individual and group awards but now they are changing the rules of the game (two months after the buzzer has sounded) so that the awards will be equally spread among other groups. So much for a consistent whole year performance.