The Birth of Pampanga Trail Riders

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

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

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

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

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

Ride on!

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

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

The Honda Badge

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

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

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

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

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

MAFIA : Managerial Finance by Aesod.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Package Delivered

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

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

Plate Number Fever

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

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

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

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

Honda CR-V : The suspense is killing me!

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

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

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

Happy Birthday to me!

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

Dear Angels of Children’s Joy Foundation,

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

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

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

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

Happy Birthday to me!

Kuya DSL

M.I.3 Becomes a Reality

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

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

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

Dy's Ride : The difference between ACTUAL and TARGET

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

A Taste of Macau in San Jose, Tarlac

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

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

The HURT by Kalapana

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

Magic 3-2

Two weeks ago, our little boy B5 recently placed 3rd in their department’s Quiz Bee. Too bad I wasn’t able to watch the contest because of work requirements. He was chosen because he is rank no. 2 in class as of the 2nd quarter. His partner was the class’ rank no. 1.

Just last week, we got his 3rd quarter grades and we’re happy that he maintained his ranking. This despite sliding a bit from an academic average of 94.50 to 93.83.

Way to go, B5!

My tip to the newly married couple : C.U.R.E

My only sister got married last Saturday. The groom and I have a number of things in common; he's a Tarlaqueno, a Bosconian, loves cars and basketball, about the same height and physique. It was a beautiful wedding, en grande in Tarlac’s standards: very organized, cool venue, great food and well attended. It helped that my sister works for the Coconut Grill Resort in Capas, Tarlac where the reception was held. The venue is very memorable for me as this was where I surprised my parents 10 yrs ago and told them that I was going to get married. There were guests who came from Tarlac, Laguna, Metro Manila and a number of US based relatives. It was also a "show of force" because of the local politicians who attended the affair: Tarlac Gov Aping Yap & VGov Bogs Aganon, Board Member Amado Go and Pura Tarlac Mayor Boying Sawit who are close friends of my parents even before they joined politics. Here's my message to the couple:

To my little sister Boopie, I still remember the when you were 17 years old and you first told me that you had a boyfriend, it came as a surprise to me and I realized that my little sister is now a little girlfriend. You are now almost 31 years old and officially married. Thank God! We were worried that you idolized Lola Bukid and Lola Ondek so much that you wanted to be a spinster.

To my younger brother Mark, welcome to the family. This may seem like a small family but let me assure you it’s one BIG family. You actually married four barangays; Barangay Soliman, Brgy. Gococo, Brgy. Pasion and Brgy. Lacsamana.

To Mark & Boopie, there is no such thing as a perfect marriage. My wife can attest to that. From a 10 year veteran in marriage, my tips can be summed up in C.U.R.E. The acronym C.U.R.E. means COMMUNICATION, UNDERSTANDING, RESPECT and ENCOURAGEMENT. Congratulations and Best Wishes!

Box Type Wonder : Life in a Condo

We've been living in a condo for the past two and half years. The reason why we choose a condo over a house is primarily because of proximity. We don't actually fancy living in this type of structure but if we had a chance, we'd still repeat the same process. In my perspective, let me share the advantages and disadvantages of living in a box.

The Advantages:
* Brown out free (even during a nasty typhoon like milenyo)
* Great view of the metropolis (at least our unit)
* Guarded 24 hrs a day
* Amenities like a gym, swimming pool and a helipad (yes, a helipad, where a helicopter lands).

The Disadvantages:
* Limited or no green (plants)
* You have to carry the grocery and luggage from the parking area to your unit. (Even though there’s an elevator to assist you, this is the part that I hate most)
* You know when your neighbors are 'doing it'
* Place is too cramped hence it will test your creativity.

Budget dictates that the place will suffice for now. We still dream of living in a real house with a big garden and a 4 car garage. In the end, we'd rather have a 4 car garage which is fully maximized than have an underutilized helipad!

Is he for real?

This is the third time I heard Commission on Elections Chairman Benjamin Abalos being interviewed over the phone in the past two weeks. Now that "election fever" is up, he is considered to be THE MAN. In his interview today over DZMM, my favorite AM station, he said that he threatened to sue for libel a newspaper journalist for writing maliciously that “Comelec requested to print 49 million ballots when there are only 45 million voters.” The article seems to imply that the 4 million “buffer” ballot will be used for election fraud. Though I haven't read the newspaper today, the fact that the good chairman was bothered by the article and wanted to clear his name through legal or amicable means says well of his intentions.

In one of the interviews last week, he talked about wanting to leave a legacy. This coming mid term election is his last election and he wants to change the public's view about Philippine election. Election in Pinas is viewed to dirty both literally and figuratively. On the literal side, during the campaign period, election paraphernalia abound. I'd love to own a printing press before every election because I'd sure make a handsome profit. During election day, sample ballots practically changes the landscape in the polling venues. On the figurative-side, election is characterized by massive vote buying (before, during and after the election) and dagdag bawas or vote adding - shaving. That’s why nobody loses in a Pinoy election because everybody claims to be cheated.

Chairman Abalos was a 3 term Mayor of Mandaluyong City. He ran for Congressman but lost or rather, was cheated. He has the experience and the competence to put his planned legacy in action. Madali lang ang maglinis, Mister Chairman, hanapin mo lang ang madumi. The best cleaning agent…political will.

Farewell to CL

CENTRAL LUZON MONTHLY TEAM MEETING
Angelique Bldg., Dau, Mabalacat, Pampanga
May 2004

This may be my last time to address you as a member of the Central Luzon team. I have an opportunity that suits me too well to say no but I hope nobody thinks I am being disloyal to the team by making this move. The 5 years working with you was like a roller coaster ride, full of ups and downs. I will continue to apply the positive lessons that I learned from you and will take careful note of the negative lessons and try not to apply them.

Thank you for the lessons learned and for making me as tough as a nail. This team prepared me for the challenges that will come my way as I enter a new chapter in my life in Smart. Thank you for the unending support and please extend that level of support to our Central Luzon teammate Lhaydee who will now lead you to the realization of the company vision, the departmental vision and our team’s vision – to be the model region in 2004.

Run Rudy Run!

Ex-New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani declared recently his intention to run for US President. One of his closest rival is New York Senator and ex-First Lady Hillary Clinton. This is part two of the Guiliani - Clinton showdown because in Y2000, they almost squared off for the NY senate seat. Giuliani backed out for health reasons.

I read his Leadership by Giuliani book and learned a handful. He concocted a management strategy called T.E.A.M.S. or Total Efficiency Accountability Management System. In simple lingo, it encourages his department heads to look into the affairs of other departments and not limit himself to intra department business. For example, the Department of Education head shouldn't have qualms about giving his thoughts to the Department of Motor Vehicles. It's like an inter department affair whose vision is the betterment of the city. It sounds simple however teamwork is something that's difficult to achieve especially in a political environment.

We have 3 things in common or at least I'm forcing that we have these in common; we both have health problems (or at least used to), he's a lawyer by profession while I wanted to become one when I was younger and he became a NYC mayor (on his second attempt) while I want to become one in the distant future.

If given a chance, I'd vote for him. I believe in him, his capabilities and that he can deliver. However, I don't think he stands a chance against Clinton. It's a timing issue. Clinton is at the peak of her political career. She’s on a roll and it seems like she’s doing everything right. Y2001 was the height of Guiliani's popularity thanks in part to 9/11 which boosted him to worldwide fame and in the processed earned him TIME’s Person of the Year in 2001. If only his health conspired.

Comverse All Star

One little two, little three little Indians, four little five little six little Indians...plus an Asian lady and an American red head. This completes the Comverse All Stars. We'll be working with them directly (or indirectly) to deliver the requirements of K&N not later than end Y2007. I’ve always wanted to experience working with foreigners. Though this was not exactly how I want it but this will suffice. At least after the end of the project, I won’t be limited to working with Pinoys. It’s practically been that way all my professional life.

Busy Bee (1H 2007)

The first month of the new year just ended...Whew! That was fast! JANUARY started with me doing my regular branch visits, attending a conference and being tapped to handle a project which was good for a year. On the personal side, preparations for my sister's wedding next month, prep for my parents 'vacation' to their homeland and our kids birthday party. By the looks of it, we'll be breezing through the whole first half of 2007 as well.

In the love month of FEBRUARY, my sister and her fiancée Mark will be getting married in Tarlac reason why my parents, an auntie and my godmother will be in town. On the business side, we'll be preoccupied with appraisal preparations, national conference and the critical first month of project K&N.

In graduation filled month of MARCH, I will be graduating from the early 30s title and move to mid 30s. Happy Birthday to me! Related to that, I need to have my driver's license renewed. Work-wise, we should be wrapping up the appraisal requirements and build up steam for the project K&N.

APRIL fools day leads this month. I won't be fooling you if I tell you it will be a busy year. My measure is my notebook; I'm old school, PDAs don't work for me. I used only one notebook last year when my average is 3. I see another 3 notebook year. We're planning to go to HKG this month and look for hidden Mickey’s in Disneyland.

The summer month of MAY will hopefully bring us closer to owning our new home. This is the month that we're targeting to apply for a housing loan. The location has been chosen, we're happy living in Salcedo village so we're looking at getting a place here. On the business side, this marks the start of project K&Ns phase 2.

The rainy month of JUNE would mean a getting our dream machine. It's time to replace our trusty ol' Toyota Revo and welcome our first real SUV Honda CRV. We're also targeting to franchise a business this month. Donuts anyone?

Through it all, I hope that my health will conspire. These opportunities will be put to a standstill if something unexpected happens. Remember, GIGO - Garbage In, Garbage Out.

DSLs VL from SL

After using the 'First Time Last Year' as the title for the RM portion of the bulletin board for the month of January, my February title is 'DSL’s Vacation Leave from South Luzon.' I was tapped to work on a temporary however critical responsibility called Project K&N. In broad terms, K&N will replace the aging ICMS. How temporary is temporary? Chances are, this will be until end of the year. In the meantime, our winning South Luzon team will be under the care of ABV. She will handle the region starting Feb 2, 2007.

Please extend to ABV the same level of support you gave me in the last 2 1/2 years. Good Luck to all of us.