The GIANT comeback

I'm back on the saddle after over a year of dormancy. My first mountain bike ride this year last Sunday was a 30+ kilometer 80% off road over lots of single tracks in Brgy. Sampu, Tarlac. My ride buddy was Joey Mendoza who I've ridden with a couple of times in the past. In fact, I bought my second bike - a Schwinn Moab hard tail from him years ago.

I intend to actively go back to riding my mt. bike. I used to ride 60kms a week when I was still based in Pampanga. We’d ride every weekend even up to 3 times a week. Then every quarter, we'd go on out of town rides like in Montalban Rizal, Mt. Samat Bataan and Dueg San Clemente Tarlac.

I started mt. biking in 1996. It's been my ultimate stress reliever, gives me a break from work. That I get a big work out is just a plus. The most important impact of mt. biking for me is that it let's me be myself. Let the riding begin!

The Terminal

I was watching HBO NYC last Saturday and playing was The Terminal starring Tom Hanks as Viktor Navorski and Catherine Zeta Jones as Amilia Warren. I can’t help but reminisce because d movie was filmed in JFK International Airport in NY. It was around this time last year when I experienced the city.

In the movie, Hanks was tourist from Krazozhia while Zeta Jones played an ultra pretty 39 y.o. flight attendant. The story revolved around the fact that Hanks wanted to enter the US and dig this "get an autograph of jazz sax player Benny Golson at Ramada Hotel." It really seems unbelievable reason why he was endlessly refused entry by immigration. He was stranded in the airport temporarily taking shelter in gate 67 for 9 months. He couldn't go back to native Krakozhia because of the civil war that erupted. During that period, he befriended almost everybody in the airport and touched their lives, reason why he was like a star when he was finally "allowed" to leave the airport. While his wait time to gain entry took quite sometime, his official one day trip was fulfilling as he met his objective of getting an autograph from his father's idol.

For me, the movie was like the new Honda CR-V. It's a so-so movie in fact the ending was lousy but it was directed and produced by THE Steven Spielberg, starred by award winning actor Tom Hanks and Catherine Zeta - Jones so people watched the movie. I did. The new CR-V is so-so SUV in fact the exterior is unimpressive but it's a Honda and it's a CR-V so that alone will make people buy it. I will.

Top Ten information that you need to win in a local election

The election fever Y2007 is about to die down. While most of the uncontested local positions have been proclaimed already, the national election remains untouched. The next major election is in May Y2010. Do you want to run for mayor in your town? You'll probably need an army of supporters, dozens of consultants, about P30 million bucks and you may find these information helpful:

1. Electoral Process: The first thing you need to know is how the entire thing works, officially. What’s the end to end process from step 1 which is the filing of candidacy until the last step being your first day in office.
2. Comelec Org: What does the Commission on Elections table of organization look like (from the highest national chairman to the lowest ranking election officers tasked to man the precincts)? It’s a must that you know their names and their profiles. This will give you a leverage on how to communicate with these characters. Hello Garci?
3. Voter’s Demographics: You’ll need the number of voters per barangay; a list of voter’s would surely be a big help and the history of the voter’s turn out.
4. Town Profile: You’ll need at least the ff: Population, Headcount per family, the family names of the “big” families, Per Capita Income and Source of Income (livelihood). If you can cull the data on a barangay level, that would be a big plus.
5. And the Winner is: You’ll need the profiles of winning candidates. Do the constituents vote for first time mayors? Returning mayors? His father is a mayor? Wife of a mayor? A vice mayor nearing its expiry date? Ex-Congressman? Ex Governor? Just like playing baccarat, it would help if you study the trend.
6. Survey Says: Questions like “Who will they vote for Mayor?” “What are the traits that they look for in a Mayor” “What are the top problems of your community?” can be best captured by a survey. You’ll need this to draft your platform, assess your chances of winning and give you an idea how much money that you have to spend.
7. Barangay Captain who? : This is probably the most important requirement in any election bid. I’d say 25% of your chance rests on your level of affiliation with the Brgy. Captain. In fact, they can easily provide the information required from numbers 1 to 6.
8. Media Outlets: If you advertise it, they will come (meaning the votes). Know the list of radio and TV stations, local and regional newspapers. This would be a good time to meet new (journalist) friends, not fiend. In this new media revolution, a website is a must. Check out this URL in year 2025: http://www.dylac4mayor.com/.
9. Local and National Organizations, official and unofficial: Yes, you will definitely need divine intervention. Aside from priests who maintain a direct line to the One, there are evangelists like Erano Manalo of Iglesia Ni Cristo, Bro. Mike Velarde of El Shaddai, Bro. Eddie Villanueva of Jesus is Lord, et al. who delivers bloc votes, almost solid. It would be wise to affiliate with organizations like Jaycees, Rota Club, Lions Clubs and any local official clubs you can find. The unofficially clubs would also boost your candidacy. You may want to try Lad Lad. No pun intended.
10. Top Election Concerns – The last thing you need to know albeit one of the more important requirements is the top election concerns. Specifically, know how cheating is done and either ride with the wave (if you can stomach it), go around the system or grab the bull by the horn. A seasoned politician like Peping Cojuangco chose the latter when he ran for Tarlac governor in the recent election and miserably lost to a green horned son-of-the-gov Vic Yap.

Now if these info does not help you get the coveted seat, it only means one thing - you were cheated. Nobody loses in a Philippine election but it’s a clear signal that says ”ENJOY YOUR PRIVATE LIFE!

Foto Me by MC

My 3 year old daughter is into photography! A bit too young you say? Well, yes. Let me post some proof for your appreciation. Her camera of choice is her father’s Nokia N70 which takes 2 mega pixel shots. Last Friday, when it was time to sleep, we tucked her in bed and went outside to watch news. When I woke up the following day, I checked out my phone and saw about 40 new pictures which I didn’t take. I was with my JML in the living room around that time and her Kuya was on vacation in Tarlac so the cute culprit has been identified.

Toyota is on top, again.

The motoring news in a local daily this week shows that the top vehicles sold during the first quarter of the year 2007 are the ff.
1- Toyota Innova
2- Toyota Vios
3- Toyota Avanza
4- Honda Civic
5- Toyota Fortuner

This has been the picture for at least two decades. It’s no surprise that on the road, out of the 10 vehicle, 7 to 8 are Toyotas and at one point, I noticed that 5 are Toyota Revos.

In the vehicle industry, the Toyota trade name has been synonymous to trustworthiness. So it’s no wonder that one of Toyota’s tag line says “The world in mine.”

Blessing in the GenSan Sky

Our pambansang kamao, Emmanuel “Pacman” Pacquiao, all pumped up at 5’7” and 130 lbs. of raw power got knocked out in the early rounds by a petite dusky female looker named Darlene Magnolia Antonino.

Incumbent South Cotabato Congresswoman Darlene Antonino – Custodio is well on her way to her third term after flooring congressman wannabee Pacman. A fellow La Sallite, she belongs to a family of politicians – her grandfather was a former senator, father was an ex-mayor and ex-congressman and her mother served in congress as well. At 33 years old and with already a 6 year experience in congress, she is the one of the youngest representatives if not the youngest in the history of the lower house.

Internet gossip says that Pacman spent P100 million pesos in his failed attempt to snatch the title from Representative Custodio. In a recent interview, he said it would require him at least three months to recover the energy that he squandered while campaigning (although only one fight to recover the money he wasted).

His next fight is with WBC super featherweight title-holder Juan Manuel Marquez in October this year. The people from South Cotabato can now breathe a sigh of relief because their two gems are not squared with each other and instead each doing what they do best – Darlene in the lower house and Manny in the boxing ring.

T.O.P. Investment : The Oriental Place

I hope EIGHT is really a lucky number as we just made our first real investment today, May 18. The Chinese folks believe that 168 is a lucky number reason why Philippine motor vehicle plates with 168 numbers are quite pricey – in the range of P30,000.

We discovered the place while fuelling up in Shell gas station along Pasong Tamo avenue since it’s en route to our favorite mall Waltermart, my son’s school and our church Don Bosco Makati. The real estate project is called The Oriental Place condominium and it’s managed and developed by Federal Land Inc., a member of MetroBank Trust Company group. The selling price of a 1 bedroom 24 sq.m. condo is in the range of P1,8M but of course we don’t have that amount and instead we’ll mortgage it.

Here’s the deal: They call it 10-15-75 scheme. We paid P50,000 as reservation fee; after a month we have to pay the balance of the 10% down payment. From months 3 to the 33rd month, we have to pay P9,000 a month (interest free) only which accounts for the 15%. The remaining 75% will be paid P15,000 a month for 15 years.

We’ve done our math and it shows a potential ROI in 6 years if rent is aggressively priced or 10 years if rent is just right. Worse case scenario is we lose our deposit, down payment and first 30 months payment. If my computation is correct, the deal is better than placing your money in time deposit at 4 percent per annum.

I hope and pray that we made the right decision.

Rebel Yell

Two rebels are poised to win the mid-term senatorial election, if all goes out well for them and their lawyers do their jobs. Ex-Colonel Gregorio “Gringo” Honasan who led a number of coup attempts in almost all the post martial law regime and Lieutenant Senior Grade Antonio Trillanes IV who led the Magdalo group in the infamous Oakwood mutiny is part of the magic twelve as of this writing.

Ex-senator Gringo Honasan is a veteran lawmaker, coup maker and ultimate escape artist except the last time wasn't as successful. I was able to see him up close and even shook his hand in Tarlac City when he first ran for a senate seat. He arrived in style as he was chauffeured in white Bell helicopter. He was a political neophyte then with full of idealism and Don Bosco alum reason why I voted for him that time.

Navy Lieutenant Senior Grade Antonio Trillanes IV was first in my list of senators. I only voted 11 legit senators and 1 kicker that was singer Victor Wood. With a little over 10% of precincts processed, he is in the 11th spot. In Philippine election history, the 11th and 12th spot is the best candidate for dagdag bawas. The subtle harassment that he has been getting from the government seems to work in his favor brought about by public sympathy. His one liner during a televised forum was a talk of the town. He was asked if he would apologize to the government for leading the mutiny and his reply was simply NO. This is one astig na mambabatas.

The fact that all quick counts shows that 8 genuine opposition, 2 independents and only 2 team unity senatoriables are leading the race suggests a rebellion against the present administration. If you can't beat them (via a coup attempt), join them (as the only government body in the Philippines that wants GMA ousted).

3Ps: Popularity, Power or Pera in Pampanga

Pampanga’s political landscape this mid term election is at its best. The hotly or holy contested gubernatorial post is a battle among a lahar quarry lord, a gambling lord and a man of the Lord. Twenty four hours after the May 14 election, Father Ed Panlilio is lording it over his main rivals Board Member Lilia Pineda and incumbent Governor Mark Lapid with 20000 plus votes compared to the two “government officials” with 8000 plus a piece. The profiles of the 3 candidates can be analogous to the blog’s title: Popularity, Power and Pera.

The Pera: My aim is to be worth P200M by the time I reach 65 years old. That way, I can put our money low risk time deposit and just LOI or Live On Interest. Board Member Lilia Pineda may be worth at least 10 times that amount. I won’t be surprised if the figure is 100 times or P20B and that’s no exaggeration. BM Pineda is married to suspected gambling lord Bong Pineda who owns a fortress of a house in Lubao, Pampanga (the hometown of GMA) and is suspected to have financed the candidacy of my fellow Kapampangan GMA. Incidentally, I voted for her last election.

The Power: A political dynasty is in the works in the province of Pampanga. Now Senator Lito Lapid, occupied the post for 3 terms before passing the torch to his son Mark Lapid. I reckon he is the youngest Gov of the province at age 25 years old. Prior to holding the highest position in Pampanga, he was a Barangay Captain who easily got a seat in the Provincial Board for being the province’s ABC President, which was largely due to his father’s influence.

The Popularity: Among Ed Panlilio, the parish priest of Minalin, Pampanga was in the right place in the right time. Or was it a calling? How many active parish priest do you know decides at a moment’s notice to throw their hat in the dirty world of politics. I’m sure this was not how he dreamed his life to be. Amongst the 3 candidates, it’s pretty obvious Among Ed has the least resources and influence. Much if not all his resources are from contributions. If I was still a Pampanga resident (lived in Pampanga from Y1999 to Y2004), I’d definitely chip in. The only mortal power that he has is the power of prayers. The fact is Kapampangan’s want real change and they felt that a man of God is the best alternative.

Would YOU go for Pera, Popularity or Power? For the other two candidates, aside from Pera and Power, because of their action, they are already assured of a seat in another “P” that is Purgatory. Actually, Among Ed won (rather, is winning unless he gets cheated) because of a “4th P” and that is Prayer.

Graduating from D.A.U. is not a guaranteed ticket for success

I graduated from De La Salle University in September 1994. It was around that same time when I had my first taste of employment with SMT, my current employer. Rewind to my senior year high school in Don Bosco Tarlac, my choices for college then were De La Salle University, Ateneo de Manila University and University of the Philippines (D.A.U.), in that order of preference. I flunked the UP college entrance exam, was waitlisted in Ateneo and successfully passed La Salle's entrance exam for College of Engineering. Fast forward again to my fifth year in college, I learned of an opening in SMT thru a newspaper print ad. The ad wasn't actually impressive since it was a start up company selling cellular phones but I submitted my resume anyway. I sent my resume to Marubeni and Abbott as well. I found out later that the last remaining slot in our department was a toss up between me and another candidate from UST. I met the candidate during our final interview and he was "wearing a red Chicago Bulls shirt." I like his shirt being Jordan fan but thought it was inappropriate. I got the job so I guess the final interviewer was not a Jordan fan.

My superior for over a decade is a Thomasian (University of Santo Tomas grad) but she didn't get the Jordan fan wearing a Bulls shirt and instead hired the Jordan fan who was properly dressed wearing a long sleeves and tie during the interview. I can't actually fathom why I was chosen. I’m quite certain it has nothing to do with my looks. In my professional life, I’ve come to realize that the advantages of being a LaSalista are exuded in these ways:
1- Networking
2- Projection
3- Finance Focused
4- Communication
5- Entrepreneurial

To save myself from boredom in Y2000, I took the University of Philippines entrance exam for Masters in Management and redeemed myself from the earlier failed attempt to enter this school, passed the exam and completed the course. During my 3 years as a Peyups, I’d like to think I developed the following traits:
1- Critical Thinker
2- Open Minded
3- Resourceful
4- Go Getter
5- Career Oriented

In conclusion, an education in DLSU, ADMU or UP is a big plus but not an assurance. Regardless where you finished your undergrad course, thou shall not wait for opportunities, as they will NOT be served in a silver platter. And just like looking for a needle in a haystack, you have to FIND that opportunity and SEIZE it.

Top Ten Household Must Have Tools and Practical Items

Not every one is a Mister Handyman at home but everybody should have at least these ten useful items:

1- Hammer (Buy the Stanley brand curved claw hammer. It’s a bit pricey but a good investment)
2- Wood Nails (Buy 20 pieces each of 1 inch and 2 inches.)
3- Cable Ties (Buy at least 10 pieces each of 3 inches to 6 inches)
4- Wire Cutter (It’s called a wire cutter but it has many uses like cutting cable ties)
5- Pliers (There are at least 6 types but for practically reasons, just buy the slip joint type)
6- Screwdrivers (There are at least 9 types however get the slotted or flat and phillips type which are commonly used)
7- Electric wires (Buy the 300 volt flat cord at least 5 meters. Pls. handle with extreme care. If you're not confident, don’t even try to splice a wire.)
8- Bulb (Buy the most used wattage in your house. If you’re clueless, just buy at least 15 watts for replacement)
9- Packaging Tape (Buy the two inch width heavy duty type. This has gazillion uses, just use your imagination.)
10- Heavy Duty Fastener (Buy the Arrow brand model T-50M).

I just realized I can name 20 useful items but these are the most useful. All these ten items may cost in the range of $ 150 (less than p 7,000) but it sure beats paying somebody $100 each time you need to hammer something.

SPIDERMAN 3 : Three’s a crowd

In New York, there is this pace, a feel. The audience knows they are really in New York – you can see it.” Ari Arad, Marvel Studios Chairman and CEO

I watched Spiderman 3 last May 3 at Glorietta 3. I'm not the movie buff type and am actually trying to avoid writing a movie review because my view in watching a movie is like eating - not everybody likes Chinese food. I'm writing this just to atone with Mr. Arad and to highlight the fine lines in the movies.

This trilogy is my first Spidey movie post US trip where I had the chance to see the Big Apple. While watching, I saw the Bow bridge and Flat Iron bldg. The Bow bridge is what Mary Jane Watson referred to as "Meet me at the bridge" which is located in Central Park, NY. The Flat Iron bldg. is where the Daily Bugle was housed.

In Spider 1, who can forget the line "With great power comes great responsibility." In this 3rd installment, the super arachnid is faced with 3 kontra-bidas (nemesis) and they are: New Goblin, Sandman and Venom. The quotable quote for me would be the line by Flint Marko a.k.a. Sandman delivered towards the end of the movie "I'm not asking you to forgive me, I just want you to understand."

The movie Spiderman 1 was good, the second one was better and the third one is so far the best. I have to find a superlative to describe the fourth edition.

SEMPCO : It’s show time!

It’s official! I won a seat in SMT Employee Cooperative (SEMPCO) board of directors. I decided to run only last April 20, the last day of filing. The election campaign period was from April 21 to 24 and election was last April 25 to 30. Technically, I was only able to campaign aggressively last Apr 21 Saturday because we were off to HK the ff. day until Apr 26. It helped that I asked the endorsement of my fellow managers within and outside our department. Kapalan na rin ng mukha as I texted our Mancom members and asked for their endorsement.

My platform (DSL’s FOUR EYEs platform) includes the ff:
1. Increase number of members
2. Increase member benefits
3. Improve loan packages
4. Increase cooperative profit

To put the platform into play, initially, I have the ff. projects in mind:
1. Travel Lite
2. Club Tie Ups
3. Primera Segunda

I joined the foray to expand my network, load up on experience and try to inject what I learned within and outside Smart in a different setting.