Subject: Burnham Park
Location: Baguio City
Date: March 2007
Camera: Sony Cybershot T-1
Monday, September 17, 2007
Photography 101: Burnham Park
Subject: Burnham Park
Location: Baguio City
Date: March 2007
Camera: Sony Cybershot T-1
Photography 101 : Sunflower
Subject: Sunflower
Location: Baguio City
Date: March 2007
Camera: Sony Cybershot T-1
Photography 101: Lover's Quarrel
Subject: A couple in Burnham Park
Location: Baguio City
Date: March 2007
Camera: Sony Cybarshot T-1
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
The Complete Photography Book
“Whatever your experience has been, you can use this book as a source of information and also as a springboard for your imagination. Treat it as invitation to open your eyes, to think laterally, to bend the rules, to experiment, improvise and customize. View the camera as a tool which can shoot wonderful pictures. But it is the eye – the ability to see a good picture – that will make you a good photographer. " from Michael Joseph and Dave Saunders
I recently got hold of a very comprehensive photography book from my brother-in-law. I learned that the owner of the book is my father-in-law. The book is copyrighted 1993 and it is always mentioned in the book that digital cameras have a few more years to mature. Digital cams have arrived and conquered the photo world. The paradigm has shifted since the book was launched and it’s just a matter of time before film cams become extinct. In under a decade’s time, film cams would be relegated to museum artifacts.
I recently got hold of a very comprehensive photography book from my brother-in-law. I learned that the owner of the book is my father-in-law. The book is copyrighted 1993 and it is always mentioned in the book that digital cameras have a few more years to mature. Digital cams have arrived and conquered the photo world. The paradigm has shifted since the book was launched and it’s just a matter of time before film cams become extinct. In under a decade’s time, film cams would be relegated to museum artifacts.
My father-in-law is a camera buff. He’s also into farming, likes traveling, a gun and car enthusiast, used to devour piles of books. These are the things we have in common. It’s just too bad that he’s indisposed right now and I’m hoping and praying that he recovers soon. It’s no wonder that his obra maestra inside their house are of fine quality. I learned from my wife that he has an armament of photography devices, Nikon at that. Too bad he’s not exposed to the internet as I would have shared my precious shots to him. I’ll probably print a couple of pictures then share it with him so he can marvel at my shots or critic then if necessary.
Name Game
In a meeting last week, one of the department heads mentioned that I had a unique name and asked if I like poetry and I said no. He then asked what was the pronunciation of my name “dee-lun” or “die-lan” to which I replied that the pronunciation doesn't matter as long as the spelling is correct. He further said that two of the greatest poets are named Dylan. I said I only know one – Dylan Thomas. I can’t recall the name of the other Dylan poet and can’t seem to find him in the internet too.
From the internet, I learned that the name Dylan is a Welsh name, from the Welsh elements dy, meaning "great" and llanw, "rising tide". A given name in Wales, where the first syllable is pronounced closer to "dull" than to "dill", it is now also a surname in other parts of the world.
My mother who is an English major is fond of poets reason why I was named after the Wales native. My father on the other hand used to listen to Bob Dylan music. The connection between the two, Dylan Thomas and Bob Dylan, seem to be the fact that they’re both good writers. In fact, Bob Dylan’s influence is Dylan Thomas reason why he used the screen name Bob Dylan when his real name is Robert Allen Zimmerman.
DYK
Did you know that Bob Dylan's most recent album "Love and Theft" was released in September 11, 2001.
Tuesday, September 04, 2007
Let's Meet Halfway
My son B5 is 9 y.o. while my daughter MC is 3 y.o. Their average age is 6 y.o. and this is the rendezvous age where the siblings meet.
B5 the kuya most of the time plays as the protector. One time while in the park playground, he told the kids trying to bully his sister 'hey, it's my sister's turn'. On the other hand, he would get mad at her sister for being makulit when if fact he started the kulitan.
The bunso MC, angelic looking at three, can be the ultimate terrible three when in the mood. She would shout 'Huya!' when in pikon mode even if she was the promotor. Then there are days when the only hand that she'll hold (while walking in the mall) is kuya's hand.
My mother was right when she said we will be amazed by the difference of personalities of our offspring. My wife shared that we sometimes abhor certain traits of our children when in fact these are the traits we want to scrub off our system. This is just the tip of the iceberg and we'll learn more from our kids as time goes by.
B5 the kuya most of the time plays as the protector. One time while in the park playground, he told the kids trying to bully his sister 'hey, it's my sister's turn'. On the other hand, he would get mad at her sister for being makulit when if fact he started the kulitan.
The bunso MC, angelic looking at three, can be the ultimate terrible three when in the mood. She would shout 'Huya!' when in pikon mode even if she was the promotor. Then there are days when the only hand that she'll hold (while walking in the mall) is kuya's hand.
My mother was right when she said we will be amazed by the difference of personalities of our offspring. My wife shared that we sometimes abhor certain traits of our children when in fact these are the traits we want to scrub off our system. This is just the tip of the iceberg and we'll learn more from our kids as time goes by.
Photography 101: False Falls
Photography 101: JoeLac's Vineyard
Subject: Vines @ my Grandpa's place
Location: Mabini, Tarlac City
Date: January 2006
Camera: Sony Cybershot DSC-T1
Photography 101: Banana ako!
Subject: Ornamental Banana
Location: Puerto Princesa, Palawan
Date: January 2006
Camera: Sony Cybershot DSC-T1
Photography 101: BMW One
.jpg)
Subject: BMW One Series
Location: Powerplant Mall, Makati City
Date: September 2006
Camera: Nokia N70
Photography 101: Mix Pix
Subject: Balanti Farm
Location: Brgy. Soliman, Tarlac City
Date: May 2005
Camera: Sony Cybershot DSC-T1
Saturday, September 01, 2007
Cherokee Chief
Bombay. Indian. Pana. Five Six. Whatever you call them, they seem to be in the offing to rule the world. Just give them a generation or two. If you have not figured it out, I’m taking about Indians (from India).
Here are some proof:
1. Graduate School –A handful of universities in the US offering MBA has a significant percentage of Indians. Check out the net and you’ll discover that they have an extensive information support system for their fellowmen.
2. Executives – My new job exposes me to Indian nationals. Not much white guys. But they’re now occupying the positions that used to be reserved for white guys.
3. Richest Persons - The top 20 richest person list shows 25% Americans, 15% Indians and only 5% Chinese. In the population story, China is rank 1, India is rank 2 and United States is rank 3.
You may say that they own the second most populous country title so there’s a higher probability of them making it. The statement may be true for India but not for China and the US.
Now while we are busy calling them names, they are busy conquering the world.
DYK: Did you know that the total earth population of 6.5 billion.
The Road to Three-Peat
“Saying goodbye is not an easy thing” sabi nga nung kanta. Let me start my farewell to this super team by saying that I was irked by a fellow manager’s remark sometime in mid 2004 that SL team was a more mature group compared to CL. Hindi talaga ako pumayag at pinaglaban ko ang CL. Who wouldn’t: CL was MY BABY and we just came from a Model Region runner up finish and the usage award. Right now, I’d like to go back to that manager and tell her that maybe she was right. When I joined SL, I was just armed with a work management model. I simply copied the model that we “nearly perfected” in CL, pasted it in SL and voila! The result is a usage award in 2004 and 3 model region awards (2004, 2005 and 2006).
The experience and lessons I learned from this group in 2 and half years is more than what I learned in graduate school. Like I shared in one of our MTMs was that MY PERSONAL GOAL is to make a significant impact on your careers in my own little way and I’d like to think I was partially successful in that aspect. Just remember the lessons that you learned like R-I-O-T, our management tips, tech tips, operational experiences, teamwork brought to the hilt. Use them as if your own. The best success indicator of my personal goal is if you apply what you learned from this team. Ang sabi ko nga sa email ko “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.”
Allow me to take a few more minutes to recall some memories in my 31 months as a member of the South Luzon team:
Allow me to take a few more minutes to recall some memories in my 31 months as a member of the South Luzon team:
ABV – Your rendition of “Girls Just wanna have fun” which made Cyndi Lauper’s version sound like a gospel song.
ARR – Your butterfly costume during our natcon in Boracay. It fits you to a tee. Fly high butterfly and see you at the top.
BDT – Your numerous surprises like our last PA discussion and your new nose.
BFG –Mountain Bikes? Guns? Photography? Basketball? We have so many things in common.
BOP – Attorney Panga, I will never forget your passion matched with subtle persistence.
BPS – I will never forget our loooooooooong conversations. And that singing voice which will give Jed Madella a run for his money.
CBC – Parang complete blood count. It still puzzles me up to now why a UP Dil graduate (with honors) matched with an AIM diploma would want to experience life in Smart.
CDV – Your whistle bait figure. Have I told you that you remind me of a Jim Henson muppet?
DDG – Click is the sound that a camera makes and it’s also a term that I’d like to use to describe our professional relationship.
GMP – Your job interview was mostly in English. Halos mag nose bleed na ako. That was the last time I spoke to you in English. At any rate, what’s important is that you survived the “ex-banker’s test.”
GCO – Our professional relationship is not the fairest of all but the learning is immeasurable.
GCL – Silence is your virtue. You speak up only when it matters.
HVH – Your experience in OQA delivered the goods for you. I wonder if it is also the reason why 3 out of 7 ladies in South Luzon would like to be your “reserve” partner.
JDH – You gave justice to the term COPC catalyst.
JDP – Our lunch date sometime 1Q 2005 in Frio Mixx, Rob Sta Rosa. You know what I mean.
JPB – Our non stop kwentuhans during long trips along Maharlika Highway.
LSV – The key to success is in business…lotto-in mo na.
MEA – Your sugalera stance during our sessions. And for drinking your heart out during our natcon in Clark.
MOB – It was a fine day in April 2005 then suddenly things turned turbulent. Not to worry, I learned a lot from that experience.
MRM – That you beat me in “My heart will go on” singing contest.
PCP – Ang ninong ng bayan! Tell me the truth, pare mayroon ka bang hindi kilala sa Batangas?
RMG – Obviously, mompo ang kinalakihan mo at hindi tequila. Don’t forget your house keys.
RTS – I have to admit mababaw lang ang pinag samahan natin kaya wala pa akong ma-isulat but let me assure you that you will easily fit in the team the way I did.
ARR – Your butterfly costume during our natcon in Boracay. It fits you to a tee. Fly high butterfly and see you at the top.
BDT – Your numerous surprises like our last PA discussion and your new nose.
BFG –Mountain Bikes? Guns? Photography? Basketball? We have so many things in common.
BOP – Attorney Panga, I will never forget your passion matched with subtle persistence.
BPS – I will never forget our loooooooooong conversations. And that singing voice which will give Jed Madella a run for his money.
CBC – Parang complete blood count. It still puzzles me up to now why a UP Dil graduate (with honors) matched with an AIM diploma would want to experience life in Smart.
CDV – Your whistle bait figure. Have I told you that you remind me of a Jim Henson muppet?
DDG – Click is the sound that a camera makes and it’s also a term that I’d like to use to describe our professional relationship.
GMP – Your job interview was mostly in English. Halos mag nose bleed na ako. That was the last time I spoke to you in English. At any rate, what’s important is that you survived the “ex-banker’s test.”
GCO – Our professional relationship is not the fairest of all but the learning is immeasurable.
GCL – Silence is your virtue. You speak up only when it matters.
HVH – Your experience in OQA delivered the goods for you. I wonder if it is also the reason why 3 out of 7 ladies in South Luzon would like to be your “reserve” partner.
JDH – You gave justice to the term COPC catalyst.
JDP – Our lunch date sometime 1Q 2005 in Frio Mixx, Rob Sta Rosa. You know what I mean.
JPB – Our non stop kwentuhans during long trips along Maharlika Highway.
LSV – The key to success is in business…lotto-in mo na.
MEA – Your sugalera stance during our sessions. And for drinking your heart out during our natcon in Clark.
MOB – It was a fine day in April 2005 then suddenly things turned turbulent. Not to worry, I learned a lot from that experience.
MRM – That you beat me in “My heart will go on” singing contest.
PCP – Ang ninong ng bayan! Tell me the truth, pare mayroon ka bang hindi kilala sa Batangas?
RMG – Obviously, mompo ang kinalakihan mo at hindi tequila. Don’t forget your house keys.
RTS – I have to admit mababaw lang ang pinag samahan natin kaya wala pa akong ma-isulat but let me assure you that you will easily fit in the team the way I did.
I hope I didn’t miss anybody but definitely, I will miss everybody. The pessimist in me says “Good things don’t last” but the optimist in me says “All things happen for a purpose.” Thank you for the rich experience and wonderful memories. Good luck to all of us.
Monday, August 27, 2007
The First 200 Kilometers
It's pasyalan blues once again, this time targeting the Province of Cavite. The day started with the family attending the 10am holy mass at Don Bosco Makati. That was shortly followed by the blessing of our new ride. The celebrant was Fr Manny Domingo who hails from Paniqui Tarlac (a small world indeed).
Then it was off to cool Tagaytay City for lunch at Leslie's Restaurant. Their specialty are bulalo, crispy pata and pinaputok na plapla but we only had the latter and sisig. Aside from the good food, the restaurant had a great view of the Taal Volcano.
Next up was Kawit town of Cavite to check out the Aguinaldo Shrine. The last time I saw the shrine was almost 10 years ago just 5 months after B5 was born. Traffic on the way there was moderate to heavy on a Sunday but it was worth it because my son was yearning to see it.
Our Cavite trip pretty much wraps up the first 200 kilometers of our new ride. More pasyal to come.
DYK:
1- Did you know that Taal Volcano is the world's smallest volcano? It's also one of the few volcanoes with a lake in its crater.
2- Did you know that Emilio Aguinaldo was the First President of the Philippines at age 32?
Then it was off to cool Tagaytay City for lunch at Leslie's Restaurant. Their specialty are bulalo, crispy pata and pinaputok na plapla but we only had the latter and sisig. Aside from the good food, the restaurant had a great view of the Taal Volcano.
Next up was Kawit town of Cavite to check out the Aguinaldo Shrine. The last time I saw the shrine was almost 10 years ago just 5 months after B5 was born. Traffic on the way there was moderate to heavy on a Sunday but it was worth it because my son was yearning to see it.
Our Cavite trip pretty much wraps up the first 200 kilometers of our new ride. More pasyal to come.
DYK:
1- Did you know that Taal Volcano is the world's smallest volcano? It's also one of the few volcanoes with a lake in its crater.
2- Did you know that Emilio Aguinaldo was the First President of the Philippines at age 32?
Sunday, August 26, 2007
CRaVing at a new toy
Finally, we got our 2007 Honda CRV 2.0 AT after 2 months of waiting and almost 2 years of dreaming. The body color is Alabaster Silver. Honda CRV has 3 shades of silver and for us, this is the best among the crop. It's like a bright silver, almost white. The other 2 silver looks like gold from an OFW na galing Saudi while the other looks like a light shade of talong.
This is our first real SUV as our previous car is more like a psuedo SUV or a poor man's SUV. But despite these comments, we love that car (the Revo). In fact, we’re thankful that my parents-in-law bought it from us hence we’ll still see our former ride. The CRV retails for more than a million and 65% of it was paid by the company. The balance is our equity. The deal is that I have to stick it out with the company for 5 years then I get to buy it for 20% of the book value. Talk about motivation.
We got almost all of what we requested from Honda Makati: free fog lamps, free back up sensor, free 3M tint, a full tank, free rust proof, the usual keychain-doormat-umbrella-windshield visor freebies. Though we paid for it, the front lower grille was painted with body color so that the “toothless look” of the new CRV was eliminated. The icing on the cake is the plate number *KE 118 which is close to our son B5’s name matched with his birthday January 18.
Like a little boy with a new toy, I got the car from the company's vehicle dispatch center at around 10pm last night (August 24), went on a joy ride with my family (who were are excited as I was) around Legaspi Village and The Fort and woke up at 7am to play with Asimo’s sibling (ASIMO is a humanoid robot created by Honda Motor Company. The name is an acronym for "Advanced Step in Innovative MObility). Tomorrow, we’re off to Tagaytay for more joy ride!
This is our first real SUV as our previous car is more like a psuedo SUV or a poor man's SUV. But despite these comments, we love that car (the Revo). In fact, we’re thankful that my parents-in-law bought it from us hence we’ll still see our former ride. The CRV retails for more than a million and 65% of it was paid by the company. The balance is our equity. The deal is that I have to stick it out with the company for 5 years then I get to buy it for 20% of the book value. Talk about motivation.
We got almost all of what we requested from Honda Makati: free fog lamps, free back up sensor, free 3M tint, a full tank, free rust proof, the usual keychain-doormat-umbrella-windshield visor freebies. Though we paid for it, the front lower grille was painted with body color so that the “toothless look” of the new CRV was eliminated. The icing on the cake is the plate number *KE 118 which is close to our son B5’s name matched with his birthday January 18.
Like a little boy with a new toy, I got the car from the company's vehicle dispatch center at around 10pm last night (August 24), went on a joy ride with my family (who were are excited as I was) around Legaspi Village and The Fort and woke up at 7am to play with Asimo’s sibling (ASIMO is a humanoid robot created by Honda Motor Company. The name is an acronym for "Advanced Step in Innovative MObility). Tomorrow, we’re off to Tagaytay for more joy ride!
Photography...Not!
Somebody recently said that I don't have the license to use the word photography (as a hobby) since I am not good at it. Well it is partly true. On a scale of 1 to 10, I'd say my skill level is at 5 or 6. Ika nga ni Joe Pring, madami ka pang kakaining bigas.
I'd like to think that I've moved to level two with my purchase of an entry level SLR and the almost 1000 shots that I've logged. This type of skill is not learned overnight. It is analogous to wine- the aging process is the key factor. I recently got hold of materials from generous sources, photography books from a fellow camera buff, Tita Liza Flores. She was doing spring cleaning and came across circa 80s book and instead of disposing them, gave them to me. That's a good example of "one man's thrash is another man's treasure."
A perfect blend of theory and application should do the trick and my skill level will increase in time. Now, as I progress, I’d like to share shots which I think are extraordinary. The timing is just right because my blogging (especially the long entries) may take a back seat because of the work load that my new job requires. Less words, more pictures.
Mister Excitement gets excited
Ex-PBA Star Forward Paul “Bong” Alvarez is in hot water. Yesterday (August 21), he was in boxing mode and chose a taxi driver and a lady reporter as punching bags. His name is all over the news again after consistently hugging the sports headlines in the late 80s until the 90s.
Mister taxi driver was all black and blue. It was a mismatch from the start, the 6’1” hunk of a basketball player versus a plump shortie. The next match was with ABS-CBN field reporter Gretchen Malalad. Physically, you would still call it a mismatch as the 5’8” Malalad doesn’t measure up to Alvarez’ height and might. But her black belt in taekwondo did the trick and she got off with a kick and a punch to the face of Alvarez. Poor guy but it suits him as she should have respected the Mister taxi driver and Miss black beauty taekwondista.
The moral of the story: Save while you’re sikat so you don’t have to ride the taxi when you’re drunk. :)
Mister taxi driver was all black and blue. It was a mismatch from the start, the 6’1” hunk of a basketball player versus a plump shortie. The next match was with ABS-CBN field reporter Gretchen Malalad. Physically, you would still call it a mismatch as the 5’8” Malalad doesn’t measure up to Alvarez’ height and might. But her black belt in taekwondo did the trick and she got off with a kick and a punch to the face of Alvarez. Poor guy but it suits him as she should have respected the Mister taxi driver and Miss black beauty taekwondista.
The moral of the story: Save while you’re sikat so you don’t have to ride the taxi when you’re drunk. :)
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Survey says! 15 out of 400
Majority of Pinas' population are dreaming of owning a BMW X5 and I'd probably be first on the list. An X5 cost in the neighborhood of P5 million.
Today, the Pinas government will trash a P5 million beauty in line with their "E smuggle mo, sirain ko" program. The program title is my own concoction but the concept is completely theirs. What a waste of resource. The government can sell that at half the price and there would still be takers. If I had P2,5 M in disposable income, I'd join the bidding. I reckon I can easily sell that for P3 M even after a year or two. Then again I can keep it and thereby increasing by tenfold my pogi points.
Per DZMM radio announcers Anthony Tabernas and Gerry Baja, the 15 imported vehicles that will be burned today is part of the 400 smuggled rides that will be improperly disposed. The lot contains other high end cars like a Lincoln Navigator, a BMW 3 series, a Mitsubishi Pajero and the balance being mortal cars Toyota Hiace, Nissan Terrano and Chevy Astrovan.
Now talking about a wasted resource, placing the X5 for auction which will probably equate to P2,5 M in income. This income can be used to pay our country’s debts (though figure is measly and won’t even cause a dent in our IOUs.), build 10 classrooms, build 3 health centers, a small bridge and a host of other benefits. But NO! The game plan is to burn these potential income generators to teach smugglers a lesson.
Today, the Pinas government will trash a P5 million beauty in line with their "E smuggle mo, sirain ko" program. The program title is my own concoction but the concept is completely theirs. What a waste of resource. The government can sell that at half the price and there would still be takers. If I had P2,5 M in disposable income, I'd join the bidding. I reckon I can easily sell that for P3 M even after a year or two. Then again I can keep it and thereby increasing by tenfold my pogi points.
Per DZMM radio announcers Anthony Tabernas and Gerry Baja, the 15 imported vehicles that will be burned today is part of the 400 smuggled rides that will be improperly disposed. The lot contains other high end cars like a Lincoln Navigator, a BMW 3 series, a Mitsubishi Pajero and the balance being mortal cars Toyota Hiace, Nissan Terrano and Chevy Astrovan.
Now talking about a wasted resource, placing the X5 for auction which will probably equate to P2,5 M in income. This income can be used to pay our country’s debts (though figure is measly and won’t even cause a dent in our IOUs.), build 10 classrooms, build 3 health centers, a small bridge and a host of other benefits. But NO! The game plan is to burn these potential income generators to teach smugglers a lesson.
New Job, Old Company
It’s official, I have a new job in our existing company. My permanent job starting August 1 is called New Business & Global Support and Special Project. I shall continue my temporary job called Project Customer Relationship Management and Kenan (It’s a bit long so I renamed it Project CK One Team) until first quarter of Y2008. I don’t have a name for my new responsibility yet. I was thinking of naming it G&B team for easier recall. G&B? J&B? For my fellow whiskey lovers, J&B should have a strong recall because of the famous scotch whiskey. Although it maybe a bit infamous for women especially married because the act of drinking tends to steal precious time from family.
Now about my new job…It sounds exciting – New Business & Global Support and Special Projects. The exciting part ends after reading the title because I have to set up the group from ground up. I’m looking at 12 month to 24 months before we deliver results but I know that’s not realistic and in fact goes against the company’s culture of delivering results. Hence, I have to do a Harry Houdini and deliver results in 4 months time! Or at most 10 months. That’s my personal challenge. And what do I get if I deliver? Hopefully, a GC from SM.
Postscript: My new team’s acronym is GBS. It may mean Giorgio Brutini Shoes or Group B Streptococcus Screening or God’s Bible School but it really means New Business & Global Support and Special Projects.
Now about my new job…It sounds exciting – New Business & Global Support and Special Projects. The exciting part ends after reading the title because I have to set up the group from ground up. I’m looking at 12 month to 24 months before we deliver results but I know that’s not realistic and in fact goes against the company’s culture of delivering results. Hence, I have to do a Harry Houdini and deliver results in 4 months time! Or at most 10 months. That’s my personal challenge. And what do I get if I deliver? Hopefully, a GC from SM.
Postscript: My new team’s acronym is GBS. It may mean Giorgio Brutini Shoes or Group B Streptococcus Screening or God’s Bible School but it really means New Business & Global Support and Special Projects.
Friday, August 17, 2007
What the ???
Clap! Clap! Clap! Some of the PAL passengers in our Manila - Cebu flight applauded after the Boeing 747 touched down in Cebu International Airport's tarmac. This also happened in one of the domestic US flights last year. What's all the fuzz? I have some assumption why certain individuals have a knack of clapping when a plane lands:
a. Applauding the pilot for a job well done safely landing the plane. Come to think of it, it's their job lest I won't have a chance to do this blog entry.
b. They liked the airline food so they are showing their appreciation.
c. They wanted more drinks so they were calling the stewardess - water, juice or coffee?
d. Wala lang.
To each his own hence they can do whatever they want as long as it is within the bounds of the law and they are not bothering me.
DYK?
DID YOU KNOW that eight hours combination of walking, standing, clapping and cheering will use anywhere from 1500 to 2000 calories.
a. Applauding the pilot for a job well done safely landing the plane. Come to think of it, it's their job lest I won't have a chance to do this blog entry.
b. They liked the airline food so they are showing their appreciation.
c. They wanted more drinks so they were calling the stewardess - water, juice or coffee?
d. Wala lang.
To each his own hence they can do whatever they want as long as it is within the bounds of the law and they are not bothering me.
DYK?
DID YOU KNOW that eight hours combination of walking, standing, clapping and cheering will use anywhere from 1500 to 2000 calories.
Thursday, August 09, 2007
Three Cars and a Camera
We got a 2002 Honda Civic (7th generation) last August 3. We bought it from an officemate/friend who disposed the vehicle because she upgraded to a spanking new Mit Outlander (2nd generation). In 2002, when I was in the process of selecting a vehicle, a green Honda Civic LXi then priced at P700,000 was one of our options together with a green Isuzu Crosswind XTi and a blue Toyota Revo GLX which we eventually got.
The 2002 Toy Revo (5th generation) is still in our stable as of press time. Originally, the plan was not to sell it. The plan was to have it rented out. Luisita Industrial Park in Tarlac has a number of Japanese companies which employ their “ka-baro” for short term and long term assignments. The 6 or 12 month contract will give you P25,000 to P30,000 per month. Sounds like a good deal. However, we’ve come to a realization that it might not be the best idea because we’re talking about laspagan blues and we might just not be able to sell it at an ideal price. Our Asian Ute is now up for sale to a family member.
The Honda CR-V (3rd generation) is already available. It’s in Honda Cars undergoing some mods which I requested. The last concern (and most important) being the car registration and plate number release which may take two more weeks. The timing is just right because the reality is we do not have parking for three vehicles aside from the fact that we don’t need three rides…two will be more than enough. Actually, we can survive with one 4 banger.
Therefore, by end August, we’ll have two Hondas and a Nikon SLR camera.
The 2002 Toy Revo (5th generation) is still in our stable as of press time. Originally, the plan was not to sell it. The plan was to have it rented out. Luisita Industrial Park in Tarlac has a number of Japanese companies which employ their “ka-baro” for short term and long term assignments. The 6 or 12 month contract will give you P25,000 to P30,000 per month. Sounds like a good deal. However, we’ve come to a realization that it might not be the best idea because we’re talking about laspagan blues and we might just not be able to sell it at an ideal price. Our Asian Ute is now up for sale to a family member.
The Honda CR-V (3rd generation) is already available. It’s in Honda Cars undergoing some mods which I requested. The last concern (and most important) being the car registration and plate number release which may take two more weeks. The timing is just right because the reality is we do not have parking for three vehicles aside from the fact that we don’t need three rides…two will be more than enough. Actually, we can survive with one 4 banger.
Therefore, by end August, we’ll have two Hondas and a Nikon SLR camera.
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
Davao Diary
I was born in March 1972 and my parents were married in June of 1971. They had their honeymoon in Davao Insular Hotel making me officially a statistic called “honeymoon baby.” I learned that Davao Insular Hotel is now Waterfront Davao Insular Hotel- same hotel, new owner.
Last July 30 was my first time to go to the Philippine island of Mindanao. I was in Davao City for business. This is what you call, perks of the job. The business conference was in the hotel where I was conceived. I was probably just a thought and Davao City paved the way for my existence, if you know what I mean.
I have long idolized the Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Durterte for his “no non sense” style of leadership except for the perceived executioner part. It has been said that there are days that he idolizes the grim reaper and would like to take matters in his own hands. All told, I still idolize him.
I didn’t get the chance to go around the city as much as I want to, probably the downside of an official trip. I had planned to see my college friends (Jigger & John) but time and opportunity was not on my side. We just saw the airport (of course since we flew in from Manila), Davao Insular Hotel (the site of the conference) and two SMT wireless centers (the city has FOUR WCs).
Maybe the next time I go to Davao, it will be on a leisure trip with my family. I'll definitely check out their beaches like Pearl Farm, Mt. Apo and have dinner or something with the LSC boys Jigger & John.
Last July 30 was my first time to go to the Philippine island of Mindanao. I was in Davao City for business. This is what you call, perks of the job. The business conference was in the hotel where I was conceived. I was probably just a thought and Davao City paved the way for my existence, if you know what I mean.
I have long idolized the Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Durterte for his “no non sense” style of leadership except for the perceived executioner part. It has been said that there are days that he idolizes the grim reaper and would like to take matters in his own hands. All told, I still idolize him.
I didn’t get the chance to go around the city as much as I want to, probably the downside of an official trip. I had planned to see my college friends (Jigger & John) but time and opportunity was not on my side. We just saw the airport (of course since we flew in from Manila), Davao Insular Hotel (the site of the conference) and two SMT wireless centers (the city has FOUR WCs).
Maybe the next time I go to Davao, it will be on a leisure trip with my family. I'll definitely check out their beaches like Pearl Farm, Mt. Apo and have dinner or something with the LSC boys Jigger & John.
Saturday, August 04, 2007
Alpha or Avida?
Alpha or Avida? The decision point is analogous to buying a BMW sedan. The question is do you go for a ten year old BMW 5 series or a brand new BMW 3 series. Each has it’s advantages and disadvantages and there is never a correct decision because factors vary depending on the buyer.
1997 BMW 525i / The Pro:
o Mid sized (therefore not too big and not too small)
o Luxury features (just like living in the lap of luxury)
o Safety is key (for its class, car safety is basic unlike in low end models)
o Stable resale value (by this time)
1997 BMW 525i / The Cons:
o Second Owner (hence not sure about how it was used)
o Gurgles gasoline (the bigger the engine, the more expensive it is to run)
o High maintenance (cost of service, parts, insurance, registration).
o Low resale value (10 more years down the road and you’d have a hard time selling it)
2007 BMW 320i / The Pro:
o Brand New (as in never been kissed and never been touched).
o Service galore (no headaches on service since warranty covers for it)
o You can choose the color and other options.
o The financing is budget friendly. You can go for a low down payment or low monthly.
2007 BMW 320i / The Cons:
o Size (might be too small for a family of 5 with a dozen grocery bags).
o Luxury is incomparable to a 5 series.
o Considered low end by 5 series and up owner
o High acquisition cost and probably low resale value (esp. if you’re desperate)
Sabi nga nila, nothing beats brand new. So we’re going for Avida.
Footnotes:
1. We didn’t buy a BMW. I’m just dreaming.
2. If you want to know what I’m talking about, check out www.avidaland.com
Friday, August 03, 2007
Forest Hills Foray
We discovered a place in Subic Bay called Forest Hills Resort located in El Kabayo Road, Binictican Heights – thanks to the internet. The cost of a one 3 bedroom house is a mere P4,800 during weekdays. The price increases to P6,800 during weekends. The house is relatively BIG and can comfortably fit 3 small families or a barkada of 8. It’s complete with a carport, 3 bathrooms with hot and cold shower, a kitchen, laundry area (washing machine & dryer) and centralized air con.
The drawback of it is the place is bare in the sense that it doesn’t come with hotel-like amenities (no towels, toothpaste, etc), the exterior of the place needs sprucing up, no stores in sight and it’s at least 12 kms. from the main gate. The interior is a different world and for me, that’s what matters. The exterior is mainly for photo ops while the interior is more experiential.
In case you’re on a budget and would want to explore, you may check out Travel Smart @ T# 02 8978709 C# 0927 4037826 or an agent’s website: www.travelsmart.net
Enjoy a retreat in Subic Bay for an economical price of P600.00 per head!
Sunday, July 29, 2007
CRV, Malapi Na!
Nakita ko na nung biyernes ang pang apat naming sasakyan sa aming isang decadang buhay pamilya. Natural nagagalak ako ngunit sinilip ko siya dahil naninigurado lamang ako sa kundisyon niya. Yung pangatlo naming sasakyan na 2002 Revo ay may kaunting diperensya nung nakuha naming ngunit huli na nung aking nahalata – na pinturahan yung bandang harapan ng hood. Hindi man siya halata kung tutuusin subalit kung mahilig ka sa sasakyan tulad ko ay mahuhuli mo ang pagkakamali. Sinabi ko nga sa Toyota yun pero ang sabi sa akin ay natural lang yun. Natural man o hindi, sisiguraduhin ko na sa susunod naming sasakyan ay hindi na mangyayari ito.
Palagay ko makukuha naming ito sa susunod na lingo kaso mga dalawang lingo pa bago naming makuha yung plaka ng kotse. Umabot ng mahigit isang milyon ang sasakyan ngunit 62 porsiyento nito ay sinagot ng kumpanya. Masaya ako dahil nakakuha kami ng P25,000 na diskwento at mga P40,000 halaga ng libreng gamit tulad ng pang atras na sensor, ilaw pang ulap, punong tanke ng gasolina, 3M mahiwagang tint at kalawang proof.
Napakatagal ng hintayang ito para sa isang mahilig sa sasakyan tulad ko pero sa wakas, malapit na din!
Palagay ko makukuha naming ito sa susunod na lingo kaso mga dalawang lingo pa bago naming makuha yung plaka ng kotse. Umabot ng mahigit isang milyon ang sasakyan ngunit 62 porsiyento nito ay sinagot ng kumpanya. Masaya ako dahil nakakuha kami ng P25,000 na diskwento at mga P40,000 halaga ng libreng gamit tulad ng pang atras na sensor, ilaw pang ulap, punong tanke ng gasolina, 3M mahiwagang tint at kalawang proof.
Napakatagal ng hintayang ito para sa isang mahilig sa sasakyan tulad ko pero sa wakas, malapit na din!
Friday, July 27, 2007
A Ferrari on Fire
Guess what’s wrong in the picture?
a. It’s daytime and the driver forgot to turn off his headlights.
b. A man is walking in South Luzon expressway on a rush hour.
c. The car is burning rubber (and steel and composite material).
d. The car is a super smoke belcher.
e. All of the above
The picture above is genuine and it happened last July 23 along South Luzon expressway. A Ferrari F430 was literally “on fire.” The car which cost in the neighborhood of P20 million caught fire because of an unknown cause. Forum flicks says it was caused by an engine overheating flaw in that particular Ferrari model. This was confirmed by my cousin "Big DST" who works in Top Gear Ph mag and my favorite portal wikipedia.
No wonder they call the color variant as Ferrari Fire Red.
a. It’s daytime and the driver forgot to turn off his headlights.
b. A man is walking in South Luzon expressway on a rush hour.
c. The car is burning rubber (and steel and composite material).
d. The car is a super smoke belcher.
e. All of the above
The picture above is genuine and it happened last July 23 along South Luzon expressway. A Ferrari F430 was literally “on fire.” The car which cost in the neighborhood of P20 million caught fire because of an unknown cause. Forum flicks says it was caused by an engine overheating flaw in that particular Ferrari model. This was confirmed by my cousin "Big DST" who works in Top Gear Ph mag and my favorite portal wikipedia.
No wonder they call the color variant as Ferrari Fire Red.
Monday, July 23, 2007
The Crossover Story
Presidentiable Senator Manny Villar is keeping his Senate President post in the 14th congress. This came after crossing over for the Nth time from the opposition to the administration just less than 3 month after the May midterm election.
I've seen Senator Villar twice already. The first was in Tarlac City when he inaugurated his now defunct Capitol Bank. He was a congressman of Las Pinas then. The second time was in Baguio City while we were on vacation. We were in Mile High inside Camp John Hay and along came Senator Villar.
In 2001, then House Speaker Villar ran for the senate under the administration ticket. In between ‘01 to ‘07, he became Senate President, had a falling off with GMA for her stance in the con con, ran for senator under the opposition wing and now he's back in GMA's arms. This just goes to show that some politicians will go through all means to push their 'hidden' agenda. And for Mr. Sipag at Tiyaga, this equates to mastering the crossover move.
I've seen Senator Villar twice already. The first was in Tarlac City when he inaugurated his now defunct Capitol Bank. He was a congressman of Las Pinas then. The second time was in Baguio City while we were on vacation. We were in Mile High inside Camp John Hay and along came Senator Villar.
In 2001, then House Speaker Villar ran for the senate under the administration ticket. In between ‘01 to ‘07, he became Senate President, had a falling off with GMA for her stance in the con con, ran for senator under the opposition wing and now he's back in GMA's arms. This just goes to show that some politicians will go through all means to push their 'hidden' agenda. And for Mr. Sipag at Tiyaga, this equates to mastering the crossover move.
Saturday, July 21, 2007
Duped by ALI
I was ‘duped’ into attending a Wealth Management seminar yesterday (July 19) at Peking Garden Restaurant in Glorietta last night. The invitation was for a 6PM seminar but started almost 8PM. It was hosted by Community Innovations, a subsidiary company of Ayala Land Inc. (ALI) I must admit I attended the seminar because of the catchy title knowing too well it was just a ploy to sell The Columns Legazpi Village condominiums to prospective buyers. I was invited by one of their Property Specialists a.k.a. real estate agents.
The speaker for the seminar was Rex Mendoza who was their Vice President for Sales and Marketing of Community Innovation. Actually, the speaker sounded like a foreign bred or at least foreign exposed Pinoy who was probably in his late 40s or early 50s. The guy was good. I guess he is a financial planner first then a real estate person. The seminar actually ran for 1 hour but only 5 minutes was allotted to selling. The top things that I learned from him that night include:
I. The Three Stages in a Person’s Financial Life
1. Man @ Work
2. Man & Money @ Work
3. Money @ Work
II. Last Will & Testament Writing Tips
Acronym is ACTS meaning:
A – Adoration
C – Confession
T – Thanksgiving
S – Supplication
These are the types of seminar I’d like to attend: crisp, straight to the point, just enough examples and no autobiography. I learned a lot during my one hour of listening.
The speaker for the seminar was Rex Mendoza who was their Vice President for Sales and Marketing of Community Innovation. Actually, the speaker sounded like a foreign bred or at least foreign exposed Pinoy who was probably in his late 40s or early 50s. The guy was good. I guess he is a financial planner first then a real estate person. The seminar actually ran for 1 hour but only 5 minutes was allotted to selling. The top things that I learned from him that night include:
I. The Three Stages in a Person’s Financial Life
1. Man @ Work
2. Man & Money @ Work
3. Money @ Work
II. Last Will & Testament Writing Tips
Acronym is ACTS meaning:
A – Adoration
C – Confession
T – Thanksgiving
S – Supplication
These are the types of seminar I’d like to attend: crisp, straight to the point, just enough examples and no autobiography. I learned a lot during my one hour of listening.
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
My blog site turns one!
Time flies when you’re having fun! And fun equates to meeting my target of 2 blog entries a week. Although I may be a bit amiss on the Top 10 (or 5) tips which I initially targeted 2 entries per month but I hope I am forgiven because it takes more time to create those types of entries although more meaningful for the general readers.Happy 1st year anniversary to my blog site!
And thank you, dear reader, for patronizing my site.
DyLac
Monday, July 16, 2007
Abe's, A Ribbitin’ Resto
Abe (ah-beh), noun. Capampanagan word for friend, companion and getting together; nickname of a beloved son of Pampanga Emilio Aguilar Cruz (1915 to 1991), a writer, editor, painter, connoisseur, bon vivant and legendary eater outer.
Sunday lunch last weekend was at Abe’s Restaurant in Serendra, The Fort. T’was my second time to dine at this restaurant. The first was with my officemates and this time I was with my family. Initially, we thought that the place was owned by Maritel Nievera of Cabalen but later found out that it’s owned by Larry Cruz of LJC group.
Our meal of choice included the following gastronomical delights: batute (edible frog legs), lengua (ox tongue), sisig (parts of pig's head), gising gising (spicy beans) and suam na mais (corn soup). We almost completed the food groups.
So what does Kermit taste like? It tastes like chicken!
Quiapo Quest : The 30K D40
My fancy for photography just went up a notch last Saturday when I purchased my first single lens reflex (SLR) camera. Since I was on a tight budget (P30,000), I looked into the pool of entry level SLR digital cameras but took careful note of a friend’s advice, to invest on lens and other accessories. That way, if you upgrade in the future, you can still use the lens and accessories.THE CHOICE. The battle of the entry level SLR digicam was a toss between Nikon D40 and Canon 400D. The big differentiator was the weight and the price. The D40 weighed 475 gms while the 400D weighed 510 gms. The weight weenie in me is at work. The 400D has its advantages like 10MP compared to the 6MP of D40 but I won't be needing extra MPs or megapixels.
THE PRICE. I got the D40 unit for a bargain price of P 23,000 and the package includes a camera bag and a 2GB multimedia card worth about P 2,000. Before finally making my purchase, I surfed the net for great bargains and found some but the catch is the shops are all based in the US and shipping would be a problem. In our beloved Pinas, D40s sell for P35,000 in malls and authorized Nikon dealers. In Hong Kong, the range is about P40,000 but that includes a 200 mm Nikon lens which cost about P 9,000.
THE STORE. I got mine at the “camera capital of the Philippines” in Hidalgo St., Quiapo, Manila. The lucky store was Mayer Photo. We went to other stores but Mayer had the best bargain for D40s. The location is not the cleanest or safest in the neighborhood but what the heck, for savings of at least P10,000, I’d go there anytime!
THE NEXT STEP. Just like a little boy with a new toy, I played around my new gadget the whole Saturday night. I read the manual from cover to cover but have yet to apply what I read. The next step is to PRACTICE, PRACTICE and PRACTICE!
Friday, July 13, 2007
History Repeats itself…on another generation
By the looks of it, history will repeat itself for the Pimentels however this time on another generation. The 12th senatorial slot is about to be filled up and the announcement is expected to come out in a few days. In a sudden twist of faith, 3 termer Bukidnon Representative Migz Zubiri (Team Unity) is leading the race in a photo finish fashion. As of yesterday, he leads senatoriable Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III (United Opposition) with only 18,372 votes. Quite a slim margin indeed and makes you wonder if operation dagdag bawas was in effect.
In election Y1995, Aquilino “Nene” Pimentel Jr. ran for a senate seat but lost or rather was cheated (source: wikipedia). He elevated the concern to Supreme Court and was awarded victory in Y2004. That’s a full nine years after the election and the funny thing is, he was a sitting senator since he ran in the Y1998 election and won a 6 year mandate. This gives you an idea about the pace of the justice system is in our beloved country.
While the nation awaits Senator Zubiri’s proclamation, it may be short lived because if a protest is filed in the Senate Electoral Tribunal, the numbers in the senate are opposition friendly and they can easily unseat Zubiri and install the younger Pimentel. While it may take some time but definitely not nine years!
In election Y1995, Aquilino “Nene” Pimentel Jr. ran for a senate seat but lost or rather was cheated (source: wikipedia). He elevated the concern to Supreme Court and was awarded victory in Y2004. That’s a full nine years after the election and the funny thing is, he was a sitting senator since he ran in the Y1998 election and won a 6 year mandate. This gives you an idea about the pace of the justice system is in our beloved country.
While the nation awaits Senator Zubiri’s proclamation, it may be short lived because if a protest is filed in the Senate Electoral Tribunal, the numbers in the senate are opposition friendly and they can easily unseat Zubiri and install the younger Pimentel. While it may take some time but definitely not nine years!
Monday, July 09, 2007
Seven Seven Seven
For some people, 7 is a lucky number and not 8. Last Saturday, the date was July 7, 2007 expressed 7/7/07 and everybody was scrambling to have a special event in their lives so the date will be forever etched in their memorabilia. San Antonio Spurs guard Tony Parker wed Desperate Housewives star Eva Longoria in Paris that day. My cousin Bubbles’ son Kenzo was baptized that day and I was one of the godparents. Aside from the baptism, 7/7/07 was a typical day for me.
The number 7 is my favorite number. This is not because I am a big fan of Robert Jaworski, his choice of number and mine are just coincidental. I am also not a fan of ex-Calauan Mayor Antonio Sanchez who was obsessed with the number seven- from his house number, the number of flights in his stairs, his cars, etc. I hope he got 7 life sentences for committing a heinous crime. I wonder if his son won as mayor of their town last election?
My semi-obsession with the number 7 extents to the cellular phone number that my wife used to have (0918-8227777) during the analog days. Now that we’ve gone digital almost a decade ago, we’ve changed her number to her favorite number. Then there’s our next car’s plate number. Initially, I thought of spending P30,000 to get a CRV 777 plate number then realized it might just be a waste of money plus the trouble you have to go through to get that number so I just decided to get a “sandwich” plate number like 787 or 757 and just shell out P2,500. Hope to get that by next month.
Okay. So there are days when you have difficulty connecting your thoughts and you just dabble and write anything that comes to mind and hopefully it reaches 500 words. It’s 11PM 7/8/07 and I’m a bit sleepy. Time to park my pen or rather park the keyboard (and mouse). Good night.
PS: By the way, my blog entry reached 1,777 characters! How’s that for coincidence.
Discovery Adventure
I watched three books this weekend. That’s right, I watched three books! Well, sort of. Watching Discovery channel on TV is pretty much like reading a very interesting book. You figuratively and literally get glued to the tube, enough to get your spouse irritated because you seem to mix up your priorities that is TV over lunch or dinner.
I watched three interesting shows on Discovery last weekend and these were: (1) Man vs. Wild, (2) Everest : Beyond the limit and (3) How do they do it?
Man vs. Wild. The one hour show was hosted and starred by Bear Grylls. Don’t know the guy and t’was the first time I came across his name. I reckon he was either named after a mammal or a fish but what’s more important is what I learned from him which I am hoping I won’t be able to use. The show I watched was filmed in Colorado Rockies. It started when he jumped from an airplane and landed in the middle of the forest. With just a set of clothes and minimal outdoor gear, his target was to find his way out of the forest. It goes without saying that he conquered the forest else it won’t be a TV series.
Everest : Beyond the limit. I never dreamed of scaling Mount Everest. Losing my fingers because of frostbite is not my idea of an adventure. And that’s good news. The bad news is that you might just lose your life. In 2006, eleven climbers did not only see the world’s highest peak, they also saw the gates of heaven. They weren’t as lucky as the other climbers. Mount Everest is the world’s highest peak at 28,251 feet. It is located in the border of Nepal and Tibet. I guess everybody knows that. What you probably don’t know is that climbers are aided by sherpas (The term 'sherpa' is used to refer to local people employed as porters or guides for mountaineering expeditions in the Himalayas. They are highly regarded as experts in mountaineering and their local terrain, as well as having good physical endurance and resilience to high altitude conditions.).
How do they do it? Have you ever wondered how footballs are made? How about airplane propellers? And marbles? Ship engines? Amplifiers? Neon signs? All of these were features in a 30 minute show called How do they do it? After watching the show, you’d be saying “ganun pala.”
I used to love reading the contents of http://www.howstuffworks.com/ website but it gets pretty boring sometimes just like reading a book. There are times that you just want to laze around, watch TV and hopefully catch some sleep along the way.
I watched three interesting shows on Discovery last weekend and these were: (1) Man vs. Wild, (2) Everest : Beyond the limit and (3) How do they do it?
Man vs. Wild. The one hour show was hosted and starred by Bear Grylls. Don’t know the guy and t’was the first time I came across his name. I reckon he was either named after a mammal or a fish but what’s more important is what I learned from him which I am hoping I won’t be able to use. The show I watched was filmed in Colorado Rockies. It started when he jumped from an airplane and landed in the middle of the forest. With just a set of clothes and minimal outdoor gear, his target was to find his way out of the forest. It goes without saying that he conquered the forest else it won’t be a TV series.
Everest : Beyond the limit. I never dreamed of scaling Mount Everest. Losing my fingers because of frostbite is not my idea of an adventure. And that’s good news. The bad news is that you might just lose your life. In 2006, eleven climbers did not only see the world’s highest peak, they also saw the gates of heaven. They weren’t as lucky as the other climbers. Mount Everest is the world’s highest peak at 28,251 feet. It is located in the border of Nepal and Tibet. I guess everybody knows that. What you probably don’t know is that climbers are aided by sherpas (The term 'sherpa' is used to refer to local people employed as porters or guides for mountaineering expeditions in the Himalayas. They are highly regarded as experts in mountaineering and their local terrain, as well as having good physical endurance and resilience to high altitude conditions.).
How do they do it? Have you ever wondered how footballs are made? How about airplane propellers? And marbles? Ship engines? Amplifiers? Neon signs? All of these were features in a 30 minute show called How do they do it? After watching the show, you’d be saying “ganun pala.”
I used to love reading the contents of http://www.howstuffworks.com/ website but it gets pretty boring sometimes just like reading a book. There are times that you just want to laze around, watch TV and hopefully catch some sleep along the way.
Monday, July 02, 2007
Top Five Reasons why employees leave their jobs
In one of the trainings that I attended, a trainer shared a survey that says there are generally five reasons why employees join or leave a company. I have been using this survey and sharing it since I discovered it years ago. Allow me to share it with you:
1. Pay – It pays to be paid well. The key word here is right remuneration. The question is, how much is enough? The survey says people resign or join a company because of the salary. This seems to be the number one reason.
2. Company – Fresh grads would do anything to join P&G, Accenture, Ayala, SGV and recently Smart. It’s probably partly because of reason number one but then again a bigger portion is because of the company culture, the trainings that these companies offer and the experience that you’d gain from working in these companies. Often, they use the employment as a springboard to higher positions in another company.
3. Job – So you finished a B.S. Nursing degree and an R.N. (Registered Nurse) but you work for a company’s IT department. Sounds strange huh? You study hard to be a nurse (and probably hope to work abroad) but happen to enroll in a computer course and realized that you actually love working with computers. This just supports the adage: “Find a job that you love doing and you’ll never work a day in your life.”
4. Peers – Birds of the same feather flock together. If you’re a sheep, then you’re the odd man out and chances are, you’re going to find a group where you’d be most comfortable working. That may mean moving to another department or another company.
5. Superior – No leader will accept this reason but second to pay, this is probably one of the top reasons why people leave – the bossy boss. There’s this thing called chemistry and a superior-subordinate is the hardest concoction to mix. There isn’t one formula for all and the probability is at least one of your staff hate your guts. The good thing (or bad) is that he’ll eventually leave you.
The result is not actually in that order. The good thing about is that when I tested the theory, it was 99% accurate. And the one percent? It accounts for a staff who resigned from his previous employer because of her ex-boyfriend. Probably, the ex-boyfriend was his ex-boss who she wanted to avoid. Did I mention that the ex-boss is married?
1. Pay – It pays to be paid well. The key word here is right remuneration. The question is, how much is enough? The survey says people resign or join a company because of the salary. This seems to be the number one reason.
2. Company – Fresh grads would do anything to join P&G, Accenture, Ayala, SGV and recently Smart. It’s probably partly because of reason number one but then again a bigger portion is because of the company culture, the trainings that these companies offer and the experience that you’d gain from working in these companies. Often, they use the employment as a springboard to higher positions in another company.
3. Job – So you finished a B.S. Nursing degree and an R.N. (Registered Nurse) but you work for a company’s IT department. Sounds strange huh? You study hard to be a nurse (and probably hope to work abroad) but happen to enroll in a computer course and realized that you actually love working with computers. This just supports the adage: “Find a job that you love doing and you’ll never work a day in your life.”
4. Peers – Birds of the same feather flock together. If you’re a sheep, then you’re the odd man out and chances are, you’re going to find a group where you’d be most comfortable working. That may mean moving to another department or another company.
5. Superior – No leader will accept this reason but second to pay, this is probably one of the top reasons why people leave – the bossy boss. There’s this thing called chemistry and a superior-subordinate is the hardest concoction to mix. There isn’t one formula for all and the probability is at least one of your staff hate your guts. The good thing (or bad) is that he’ll eventually leave you.
The result is not actually in that order. The good thing about is that when I tested the theory, it was 99% accurate. And the one percent? It accounts for a staff who resigned from his previous employer because of her ex-boyfriend. Probably, the ex-boyfriend was his ex-boss who she wanted to avoid. Did I mention that the ex-boss is married?
Will Mitsubishi Fuzion zing past Toyota Innova?
Good thing Mitsubishi decided to re-brand their AUV initially called the Zinger to Fuzion lest it be mistaken for a Kentucky Fried Chicken product. At least the new name sounds like a science project or a cocktail drink.
While the name game is a first step towards beating the Toyota Innova, the design is in the shades of the recently released second generation Mitsubishi Outlander. Non car aficionados would swear it's an Outlander from inside and out.
While the name game is a first step towards beating the Toyota Innova, the design is in the shades of the recently released second generation Mitsubishi Outlander. Non car aficionados would swear it's an Outlander from inside and out.
Is styling enough to beat Innova whose forefather is the late seventies released Tamaraw? I don't think so. My estimate is that Toyota is at least ten years ahead of Mitsubishi in the AUV race. Let's see how the Mitsubishi Fuzion does. Waiter, isa pa ngang round!
Monday, June 25, 2007
Maria Flor De Luna's Demise and the ABS-CBN stock price increase
What a sad way to end a telenovela, the star of the show passes away. To use my daughter’s fave expression “This is the worst day ever!” Everybody was expecting the evil troika of General Gary Alvarado, Dona Brigida and General Torres to die but all three were just side swiped by bullets. I have to hand it to ABS-CBN, I reckon more than half of the Philippine population was watching the show last Friday (including us) and half of that half was sobbing to death (excluding us).
The show ran for 2 hours and was a heyday for advertisers. It seems like there were more commercials than the actual TV show run time. The TV station probably raked millions that day and it was definitely a spike in their cash flow. I should monitor these types of telenovela endings in the future and probably invest in stocks the day before. Maybe, just maybe, these scenarios may have an impact on their stock price and I can do a Jesse Livermore and make money overnight.
Footnote: Jesse Livermore is considered to be the world's greatest stock broker. In 1907, he made $3M in one day.
The show ran for 2 hours and was a heyday for advertisers. It seems like there were more commercials than the actual TV show run time. The TV station probably raked millions that day and it was definitely a spike in their cash flow. I should monitor these types of telenovela endings in the future and probably invest in stocks the day before. Maybe, just maybe, these scenarios may have an impact on their stock price and I can do a Jesse Livermore and make money overnight.
Footnote: Jesse Livermore is considered to be the world's greatest stock broker. In 1907, he made $3M in one day.
Top Ten Credit Card Tips
According to HSBC’s ad, life is a matter of perspectives and I couldn’t agree more. A credit card may be a boon or a bane to every individual. It used to be a bane for me especially when I had difficulty paying the bills but nowadays a credit card is becoming my best friend. I’ve been a credit card user since I was 18 years old when BANKARD gave us free credit cards with a P5,000 credit limit and all you have to do was be a DLSU student and give your ID number. Here are tips coming from an almost 2 decade old credit card user.
1- Non believer. Yes, there is still a good chunk of the (Philippine) population that don’t own a credit card and it is a choice. The practically rule is: don't get one if you don't need one. If you’re a farmer who buys everything in cash then what do you need a credit card for?
2- Stick to one. If you already have one, just maintain one card at a time. If you have two cards, try disposing the other one. The practical arrangement is that you have a credit card and a cash card like Smart Money (http://www.smart.com.ph/SMART/Value+Added+Services/Smart+Money/)
3- Info Load. The most important information that a card holder must know are the following: credit limit, monthly interest rate and cut off dates. Having high credit limit translates to confidence in spending hence request for a limit that is within your means. The monthly interest rate is the ultimate budget killer hence you should know this figure. The cut off date tells you when to pay your bills to avoid paying interests.
4- That’s nice. The nice to have information include: amount to earn loyalty points, target points per item and their hotline number (and if they operate 24 hours a day).
5- Gun-less society. You should be a transactor, not a revolver. A transactor is a card user who pays the whole amount due or a big part of it and a revolver is the one who pays the minimum amount due. The revolver is the money making engines of credit card companies.
6- For me? What’s in it for me? What benefits do the card company give you. If your card company gives one point for every P50 and you use P4000 a week on groceries, would a electric griller worth P2000 be a reasonable remuneration?
7- Promotions. For every $10 spent abroad entitles you an electronic ticket where you get a chance to win a free trip to Hong Kong. Cool! What have you got to lose? You’re going to spend anyway since you’re out of the country so why not use your credit card. It makes sense.
8- The Annual Fee. “Sir/Ma’am, we’ll give you the credit card FOR FREE. And you don’t have to worry about paying the annual fee because it’s eternally free.” Oh, by the way, we charge 3.5% interest every month. Don’t be easily lured by free stuff. You might not like what’s at the end of the line.
9- Then what? You should know about the company’s after sales services like procedures on how to deactivate your card in case of loss, disputed purchase complaints, how to claim loyalty points and where to pay my bills.
10- Link it. The beauty of technology. You can now check your balance inquiry ANYTIME (although not yet real time) using your cellular phone. And eventually (some of the cash card companies are already doing this), credit card companies may offer push text message service for every transaction. That would be a great way to monitor your transactions.
1- Non believer. Yes, there is still a good chunk of the (Philippine) population that don’t own a credit card and it is a choice. The practically rule is: don't get one if you don't need one. If you’re a farmer who buys everything in cash then what do you need a credit card for?
2- Stick to one. If you already have one, just maintain one card at a time. If you have two cards, try disposing the other one. The practical arrangement is that you have a credit card and a cash card like Smart Money (http://www.smart.com.ph/SMART/Value+Added+Services/Smart+Money/)
3- Info Load. The most important information that a card holder must know are the following: credit limit, monthly interest rate and cut off dates. Having high credit limit translates to confidence in spending hence request for a limit that is within your means. The monthly interest rate is the ultimate budget killer hence you should know this figure. The cut off date tells you when to pay your bills to avoid paying interests.
4- That’s nice. The nice to have information include: amount to earn loyalty points, target points per item and their hotline number (and if they operate 24 hours a day).
5- Gun-less society. You should be a transactor, not a revolver. A transactor is a card user who pays the whole amount due or a big part of it and a revolver is the one who pays the minimum amount due. The revolver is the money making engines of credit card companies.
6- For me? What’s in it for me? What benefits do the card company give you. If your card company gives one point for every P50 and you use P4000 a week on groceries, would a electric griller worth P2000 be a reasonable remuneration?
7- Promotions. For every $10 spent abroad entitles you an electronic ticket where you get a chance to win a free trip to Hong Kong. Cool! What have you got to lose? You’re going to spend anyway since you’re out of the country so why not use your credit card. It makes sense.
8- The Annual Fee. “Sir/Ma’am, we’ll give you the credit card FOR FREE. And you don’t have to worry about paying the annual fee because it’s eternally free.” Oh, by the way, we charge 3.5% interest every month. Don’t be easily lured by free stuff. You might not like what’s at the end of the line.
9- Then what? You should know about the company’s after sales services like procedures on how to deactivate your card in case of loss, disputed purchase complaints, how to claim loyalty points and where to pay my bills.
10- Link it. The beauty of technology. You can now check your balance inquiry ANYTIME (although not yet real time) using your cellular phone. And eventually (some of the cash card companies are already doing this), credit card companies may offer push text message service for every transaction. That would be a great way to monitor your transactions.
Friday, June 22, 2007
B5 for President, again
Our son B5 was elected grade 4 section 3 class president recently. He said it was a tight contest because he got 15 votes (out of 45 pupils) and there were 7 students nominated. The runner up had 12 votes and eventually became class VP.
When he was in grade 3, he was class secretary and in grade 2, he was class president. His being elected class president the first time in DB came as a surprise to us. Though we didn’t doubt his competence, the fact that he was a new student (who transferred from Bright Woods School, Angeles City) that year, he was the least “best candidate” for the position. He won via landslide against the previous year’s class president so that seem to suggest that his classmates finds something positive in him despite being the new kid on the block.
When he was in grade 3, he was class secretary and in grade 2, he was class president. His being elected class president the first time in DB came as a surprise to us. Though we didn’t doubt his competence, the fact that he was a new student (who transferred from Bright Woods School, Angeles City) that year, he was the least “best candidate” for the position. He won via landslide against the previous year’s class president so that seem to suggest that his classmates finds something positive in him despite being the new kid on the block.
Sunday, June 17, 2007
My Father's a Knockout
I'm not Eric Morales' son.
My father is much older but more handsome.
He is not a boxer but a farmer.
Thou he may not have made millions, he may have made a million people laugh.
He is ToyLac to my son and Papa Boy to my daughter.
Happy Father's day to my one and only father, BoyLac.
PS: Happy Father's Day to every Dad who's reading my blog.
My father is much older but more handsome.
He is not a boxer but a farmer.
Thou he may not have made millions, he may have made a million people laugh.
He is ToyLac to my son and Papa Boy to my daughter.
Happy Father's day to my one and only father, BoyLac.
PS: Happy Father's Day to every Dad who's reading my blog.
Of The Tipping Point and Maria Flor de Luna
“Maria Flor de Huya” says MC while her Kuya B5 says “Maria Flor de Taypee.” My family is currently fixated with the tele novella Maria Flor De Luna. Flor de Luna is a re-make of a late 70s Flor de Luna TV show of which the child actors and actresses are about my age, Herbert Bautista (now the Vice Mayor of Quezon City) as Reneboy and Janice de Belen as Flor. Their step mother was Laurice Guillen as Jo Espero - Alicante. Just writing this blog makes me quiver and shout “Ang baduy ko!” but I’ll continue to watch it anyway. It’s our family bonding time.
Now about The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell. I’m currently reading three good books and one of them is this one. I’m about 1/3 into the book and this gets parked often because of the other equally good books am reading. In his book, M. Gladwell mentioned about the Laws of Connectors and I will be attempting to put his theory into application using Maria Flor de Luna as an example.
The star of the show, Flor de Luna was first played by Janice de Belen whose estranged husband is John Estrada. J. Estrada is now General Gary Alvarado in the remake. Estrada was de Belen’s “tormentor” in real life while he is the “tormentor” in the reel life of the current Flor. His father is General Alvarado played by Johnny Delgado who is married in real life to Laurice Giullen who played Jo Espero – Alicante in the original version.
Whoa! That was a challenge. But wait, there’s more! Dona Brigida is played by Liza Lorena whose son Tonton Gutierrez lives in the same condominium that we’re staying in Makati. At least we’re living in the same building with the son, not the Dona Brigida herself. She won’t be bothering me while I finish reading The Tipping Point book.
Now about The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell. I’m currently reading three good books and one of them is this one. I’m about 1/3 into the book and this gets parked often because of the other equally good books am reading. In his book, M. Gladwell mentioned about the Laws of Connectors and I will be attempting to put his theory into application using Maria Flor de Luna as an example.
The star of the show, Flor de Luna was first played by Janice de Belen whose estranged husband is John Estrada. J. Estrada is now General Gary Alvarado in the remake. Estrada was de Belen’s “tormentor” in real life while he is the “tormentor” in the reel life of the current Flor. His father is General Alvarado played by Johnny Delgado who is married in real life to Laurice Giullen who played Jo Espero – Alicante in the original version.
Whoa! That was a challenge. But wait, there’s more! Dona Brigida is played by Liza Lorena whose son Tonton Gutierrez lives in the same condominium that we’re staying in Makati. At least we’re living in the same building with the son, not the Dona Brigida herself. She won’t be bothering me while I finish reading The Tipping Point book.
The Enchanted Rizal Adventure
Isn’t it a bit odd that you’re a Filipino based in the Philippines and you haven’t visited our national hero Jose Protacio Rizal’s shrine in Calamba, Laguna? It is even worse if you live in Laguna and you haven’t seen it. And Jose Rizal IS still our national hero and not Ninoy Aquino. Speaking about my kababayan Ninoy Aquino, funny, but I haven’t visited the Ninoy Aquino museum in Tarlac.
Last weekend, the game plan was to go to Corregidor. I’ve been yearning to go to that historical place since college but couldn’t find the time and the money. My family’s grand plan was to go to a thrift but fun adventure every quarter instead of logging hours in a boring and costly mall. My recollection brings me to a weekend in Tagaytay, a weekend in Lucena, a weekend in Subic, a weekend in Baguio and watching a UAAP basketball game.
This weekend, we went to Jose Rizal’s shrine in Calamba, Laguna. The travel time from Makati is about 1 hour sans traffic, twice the travel time if with the horrendous traffic. Personally, it was my 4th visit but t’was the first for my family so that’s what matters. The entrance was free. My realization was J.R. belongs to a buena familia. Imagine, in the 1860s, the Rizal family already had a two story house, a sprawling garden, a mechanical elevator and relatively high end furniture and fixtures.
Afterwards, we went to Enchanted Kingdom for more fun. E.K. is located just about 2 exits from Calamba exit via the South Luzon Expressway. This is my Nth visit and the same goes for JML. T’was the second time for B5 while it was the first for MC. The family had fun, a bit. Or at least the kids did. Probably, the wrong mix came from the fact that: 1- we were subconsciously (or consciously) comparing it to Disneyland HK which paled in comparison, 2- we’ve seen the amusement park quite a number of times and 3- it was so hot! The kids enjoyed the carousel which they rode 3 times, the choo choo train times two and the prehistoric looking playground.
The future plan for the quarterly escapades include: finally seeing Corregidor, check out Intramuros, a nature trip to La Mesa Dam, a weekend getaway in Laiya, Batangas, a long weekend Ilocos region trip, a drive to Bicol region (to see Mayon Volcano), museum hops like in National and Ayala museum, watch basketball games like UAAP (go La Salle!), NCAA, PBL and PBA. This beats going to the mall.
Last weekend, the game plan was to go to Corregidor. I’ve been yearning to go to that historical place since college but couldn’t find the time and the money. My family’s grand plan was to go to a thrift but fun adventure every quarter instead of logging hours in a boring and costly mall. My recollection brings me to a weekend in Tagaytay, a weekend in Lucena, a weekend in Subic, a weekend in Baguio and watching a UAAP basketball game.
This weekend, we went to Jose Rizal’s shrine in Calamba, Laguna. The travel time from Makati is about 1 hour sans traffic, twice the travel time if with the horrendous traffic. Personally, it was my 4th visit but t’was the first for my family so that’s what matters. The entrance was free. My realization was J.R. belongs to a buena familia. Imagine, in the 1860s, the Rizal family already had a two story house, a sprawling garden, a mechanical elevator and relatively high end furniture and fixtures.
Afterwards, we went to Enchanted Kingdom for more fun. E.K. is located just about 2 exits from Calamba exit via the South Luzon Expressway. This is my Nth visit and the same goes for JML. T’was the second time for B5 while it was the first for MC. The family had fun, a bit. Or at least the kids did. Probably, the wrong mix came from the fact that: 1- we were subconsciously (or consciously) comparing it to Disneyland HK which paled in comparison, 2- we’ve seen the amusement park quite a number of times and 3- it was so hot! The kids enjoyed the carousel which they rode 3 times, the choo choo train times two and the prehistoric looking playground.
The future plan for the quarterly escapades include: finally seeing Corregidor, check out Intramuros, a nature trip to La Mesa Dam, a weekend getaway in Laiya, Batangas, a long weekend Ilocos region trip, a drive to Bicol region (to see Mayon Volcano), museum hops like in National and Ayala museum, watch basketball games like UAAP (go La Salle!), NCAA, PBL and PBA. This beats going to the mall.
Friday, June 15, 2007
Two Reunions in Twelve Hours
Ah reunions. Time to reminisce. Catch up on old friends. Enhance your network. Unwind. I attended two reunions last weekend.
Last Friday (May 26), around 800PM, I met with some high school classmates in Dencio's Paseo Makati branch. We had dinner and a few drinks then moved to McDo near Makati Med for some coffee. In attendance were Eric Flores, Rommel Eser, Manny Orallo, Dax Kanapi and myself. The fave topic was without a doubt, our classmates.
At 700AM the following day, had a reunion ride with some members of the Pampanga Trail Riders, a mt bike group in Pampanga which I helped form. The pack contains about 15 riders but only knew about 30%. The rendezvous was Clark Parade ground and the 30 kilometer trail was called Radar which sits on top of a hill with a magnificent view of Clark Air Base from north side. I was supposed to ride again the ff. day but we had a pre-arranged plan.
Let’s have more reunions please!
Last Friday (May 26), around 800PM, I met with some high school classmates in Dencio's Paseo Makati branch. We had dinner and a few drinks then moved to McDo near Makati Med for some coffee. In attendance were Eric Flores, Rommel Eser, Manny Orallo, Dax Kanapi and myself. The fave topic was without a doubt, our classmates.
At 700AM the following day, had a reunion ride with some members of the Pampanga Trail Riders, a mt bike group in Pampanga which I helped form. The pack contains about 15 riders but only knew about 30%. The rendezvous was Clark Parade ground and the 30 kilometer trail was called Radar which sits on top of a hill with a magnificent view of Clark Air Base from north side. I was supposed to ride again the ff. day but we had a pre-arranged plan.
Let’s have more reunions please!
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
My Daughter's First School Day
My daughter who turned 3 years old last January is now officially a school girl. In her lingo, she’s a “stool dirl.” She's attending toddler school at a pre-school about a block from where we live. She's enrolled as a senior toddler and goes to school 3 times a week. Indeed time flies and our peso flies with it (devaluates).
I remember my parents telling me that my first day in school was a bit of a challenge for them because I didn't want them off my sight. Things are a bit different with my daughter because she cheerfully played with her new classmates who are mostly foreigners, probably children of expats and proudly displayed her new Disney backpack to her teacher and didn't stop until they acknowledged it. We slowly slipped off her sight and she didn’t notice a bit. And she calls her teacher “my boss.” It’s a bit too early preparing for the corporate world.
I remember my parents telling me that my first day in school was a bit of a challenge for them because I didn't want them off my sight. Things are a bit different with my daughter because she cheerfully played with her new classmates who are mostly foreigners, probably children of expats and proudly displayed her new Disney backpack to her teacher and didn't stop until they acknowledged it. We slowly slipped off her sight and she didn’t notice a bit. And she calls her teacher “my boss.” It’s a bit too early preparing for the corporate world.
When I was in college more than a decade ago, my semester tuition fee was less than P10,000 and since the university was a tri sem, my annual tuition fee was P30,000. Well, my tuition fee is just a third of my 3 year old daughter’s annual tuition fee. Sheesh! And she’ll be in college in 13 years time so how much would the annual tuition fee be P1 million?!?!
Monday, June 11, 2007
Jatropha, the wonder tree
Do you know what a Jatropha tree is? About two month ago, I didn't give a hoot what it was and what it does but I am now coming into terms with this plant that may-just-save-the-world. Too ideal you say? Think global warming, oil reserves and bio fuel law.
So what's the connection? It's a long story and this blog entry will be insufficient for me to detail it plus the fact that it will bore you to death. I just want to highlight these quick facts: 1- global warming is a big chunk caused by pollution, 2- oil reserves is concentrated in the Middle East countries and none in our beloved Pinas and 3- bio fuel law is already in effect.
Finally I met Mr. Jatropha last Saturday. It's a tree that grows about 8 feet and the fruit is processed to make the 2% mix in today's bio fuel. Today, the mix is currently at 2% but who knows the figure may increase in the next decade and maybe, just maybe, the tables may turn and it could be 98% bio fuel. That would probably happen but not in my lifetime.
So what's the connection? It's a long story and this blog entry will be insufficient for me to detail it plus the fact that it will bore you to death. I just want to highlight these quick facts: 1- global warming is a big chunk caused by pollution, 2- oil reserves is concentrated in the Middle East countries and none in our beloved Pinas and 3- bio fuel law is already in effect.
Finally I met Mr. Jatropha last Saturday. It's a tree that grows about 8 feet and the fruit is processed to make the 2% mix in today's bio fuel. Today, the mix is currently at 2% but who knows the figure may increase in the next decade and maybe, just maybe, the tables may turn and it could be 98% bio fuel. That would probably happen but not in my lifetime.
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Race for Space in 2010
Countdown 3 years to go before our second lady president in Phil history GMA steps down and turns over the reigns to the 15th prexy of the republic. This early, there are a handful of presidentiables jockeying for the position. Some are qualified and some may even win out of sheer popularity even if they are not qualified. Let's review them:
Loren Legarda - The newly proclaimed senator who topped the race is back with a vengeance. In 2004, after failing to get the endorsement of GMA to be her running mate and eventually allying with the late FPJ, she bitterly lost the VP race to fellow broadcaster Noli De Castro.
Mar Roxas - Mr Palengke's term as senator ends in 2010. He topped the senatorial race in 2004. I reckon he is one of the senators with a high degree of initiative and competence. That he belongs to the Araneta clan just proves how deep his pocket is. Will Korina Sanchez be eventually the first lady?
VP Noli de Castro - The housing czar didn't need to cheat in 2004 to beat Loren, she should accept this fact. Noli is just way too popular for her. Kabayan's popularity is just a few shades below Erap’s albeit his competence is better than the deposed president. I reckon he will be GMA's anointed one in 2010.
Jinggoy Estrada - I like the car that he drives, a cool Chrysler PT Cruiser. That's about it. If I were to be objective about it, he is a good candidate having served as mayor of San Juan for 3 terms and currently a senator. However, he is Erap's offspring so we can't be too sure if he will be "clean." Then again, is there really such a thing as a clean politician?
Ping Lacson – “Si Ping, ang kinabukasan.” This no non sense senator who recently won a fresh mandate has his eyes set on the presidency. He had a failed attempt in 2004 to snatch the presidency from GMA. He would have been a good president or could be, potentially the likes of Lee Kwan Yew.
The race has started and we'll know in 3 years who will be the victor. We should watch every wannabees action since this will tell if they are actually doing what they pledged to do in their current functions or just showing off in preparation for 2010.
Loren Legarda - The newly proclaimed senator who topped the race is back with a vengeance. In 2004, after failing to get the endorsement of GMA to be her running mate and eventually allying with the late FPJ, she bitterly lost the VP race to fellow broadcaster Noli De Castro.
Mar Roxas - Mr Palengke's term as senator ends in 2010. He topped the senatorial race in 2004. I reckon he is one of the senators with a high degree of initiative and competence. That he belongs to the Araneta clan just proves how deep his pocket is. Will Korina Sanchez be eventually the first lady?
VP Noli de Castro - The housing czar didn't need to cheat in 2004 to beat Loren, she should accept this fact. Noli is just way too popular for her. Kabayan's popularity is just a few shades below Erap’s albeit his competence is better than the deposed president. I reckon he will be GMA's anointed one in 2010.
Jinggoy Estrada - I like the car that he drives, a cool Chrysler PT Cruiser. That's about it. If I were to be objective about it, he is a good candidate having served as mayor of San Juan for 3 terms and currently a senator. However, he is Erap's offspring so we can't be too sure if he will be "clean." Then again, is there really such a thing as a clean politician?
Ping Lacson – “Si Ping, ang kinabukasan.” This no non sense senator who recently won a fresh mandate has his eyes set on the presidency. He had a failed attempt in 2004 to snatch the presidency from GMA. He would have been a good president or could be, potentially the likes of Lee Kwan Yew.
The race has started and we'll know in 3 years who will be the victor. We should watch every wannabees action since this will tell if they are actually doing what they pledged to do in their current functions or just showing off in preparation for 2010.
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
Recto bids goodbye to his presidential dream
Officially an ex-senator, Ralph G. Recto threw in the towel yesterday (June 4) during an upper house privilege speech. When he was a newbie senator, he expressed interest of eventually running for the highest position in the land. He wanted to surpass his grandfather Claro M. Recto’s achievement who served as a senator from the 30s through the 50s. Obviously, his Lolo didn't become president.
Co-Recto's downfall seem to be the e-vat. He was coerced by Malacanan to pass the controversial law which sparked radical street protests and that probably sealed his defeat. For co-Recto, who has 16 years of legislative experience under his belt, his contributions in congress was eclipsed by the debilitating four letter called e-vat and was a victim of right minus wrong. Obviously, he has to bid goodbye to his Y2010 dream to become the Philippine president.
Co-Recto's downfall seem to be the e-vat. He was coerced by Malacanan to pass the controversial law which sparked radical street protests and that probably sealed his defeat. For co-Recto, who has 16 years of legislative experience under his belt, his contributions in congress was eclipsed by the debilitating four letter called e-vat and was a victim of right minus wrong. Obviously, he has to bid goodbye to his Y2010 dream to become the Philippine president.
Monday, June 04, 2007
Dub shot
Dub shop was borne out of double two or a street name for twenty two inch wheels (22in diameter). Read Bling! Bling! These fancy car accessories actually doesn't impress me. Here's a 22 year old that's pretty impressive. Yesterday (May 31), Lebron "King" James led his Cleveland Cavaliers to a 107 - 106 win over the motor city boys, Detroit Pistons. He poured in 48 points or nearly 50% of the team's points and almost a triple double. The Cavs now lead the Eastern Conference finals 3 - 2.
The San Antonio Spurs are just waiting for the outcome of the east finals as they annihilated the Utah Jazz 4 - 1 days ago. It was a mismatch from day one. The east finals is a match made in heaven. I'd say this is better than the actual NBA finals as my guess is San Antonio Spurs will just roll over whoever wins in the east.
I'm rooting for Cleveland Cavs. From among the three "active" NBA teams, only Cavs is without a ring. They suffered so much during the Jordan-era. Remember "the shot on Ehlo" referring to the poor soul who had the unfortunate role to guard the Air Jordan.
King James has a lot of mileage in his 22 year old legs. His game last Friday was described to be one of the best in NBA history. In basketball TV, he owned the top 5 highlight plays off the week. Easily, he could have provided highlight for the top ten plays. The question is, if this 22 year old can handle the pressure. A lot rests on his shoulders.
The San Antonio Spurs are just waiting for the outcome of the east finals as they annihilated the Utah Jazz 4 - 1 days ago. It was a mismatch from day one. The east finals is a match made in heaven. I'd say this is better than the actual NBA finals as my guess is San Antonio Spurs will just roll over whoever wins in the east.
I'm rooting for Cleveland Cavs. From among the three "active" NBA teams, only Cavs is without a ring. They suffered so much during the Jordan-era. Remember "the shot on Ehlo" referring to the poor soul who had the unfortunate role to guard the Air Jordan.
King James has a lot of mileage in his 22 year old legs. His game last Friday was described to be one of the best in NBA history. In basketball TV, he owned the top 5 highlight plays off the week. Easily, he could have provided highlight for the top ten plays. The question is, if this 22 year old can handle the pressure. A lot rests on his shoulders.
Double you money in 5 years scheme
The double your money scheme usually given by rural banks is a dying breed. When I was younger, I recall accompanying my mother in Land Bank of the Philippines Tarlac branch to avail of this scheme. For a minimum of P100,000, you may entrust this amount to LBP, wait for 5 years and they’ll give you P200,000. No sweat. It actually is a good deal if you’re the type of person who is a risk taker yet conservative. Sounds contradicting? Allow me to expound a bit.
You are considered a RISK TAKER because investing your hard earned doe in a rural bank is not the wisest decision there is but if calculated properly, both quantitative and qualitative factors, there’s a very high probability you’d get your money back. Then again I may be wrong. That’s why it’s called a risk.
It is considered CONSERVATIVE because some brave soul would borrow P100,000 from a lending institution, pay an interest of 18% per annum and invest the money in a food franchise worth P60,000.00, cross his fingers and hope that he choose the right location and product. If his gamble proves to be right, then he’d have return of investment by 6 months, pay off his debt in a year and in a year or two more, he would have either more outlets or bought a second hand car.
Life is all about taking risks, that is calculated ones. Trusting your gut feel is applicable but should be exercised with extreme care in an investment.
You are considered a RISK TAKER because investing your hard earned doe in a rural bank is not the wisest decision there is but if calculated properly, both quantitative and qualitative factors, there’s a very high probability you’d get your money back. Then again I may be wrong. That’s why it’s called a risk.
It is considered CONSERVATIVE because some brave soul would borrow P100,000 from a lending institution, pay an interest of 18% per annum and invest the money in a food franchise worth P60,000.00, cross his fingers and hope that he choose the right location and product. If his gamble proves to be right, then he’d have return of investment by 6 months, pay off his debt in a year and in a year or two more, he would have either more outlets or bought a second hand car.
Life is all about taking risks, that is calculated ones. Trusting your gut feel is applicable but should be exercised with extreme care in an investment.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)