THE ELEMENTS

Kian's Playlist

2012-01-22T16:52:00.000+08:00

My 2-year old son seems to be quite the music lover; drumming his fingers and bobbing his head whenever he hears a tune. When he was a few months younger, all he would want to hear when we rode the car was the song "Just the Way You Are" by Bruno Mars. He has a funny way of requesting songs, like for example he would tell you to play "Face".

(The word "face" is part of the song's lyrics; "...when I see your face..." it was the only word that stuck to his mind that time.)

His playlist has now expanded, and we now listen to 6 songs whenever we go out.

"Face"

(Just the Way You Are - Bruno Mars)

"Supa Bass or BoomBoom Bass"

(Super Bass - Nicki Minaj)

"Teach Doggy"

(Teach Me how to Dougie - Cali Swag District)

"Manny Manny"

(Price Tag - Jessie J)

"Party Wak"

(Partry Rock Anthem - LMFAO)

"Yeyeyeh"

(Yeah 3x - Chris Brown)

Movie Preview: Beautiful

2012-01-17T10:33:00.000+08:00

Cast:

Tahnya Tozzi - Suzy
Sebastian Gregory - Danny
Asher Keddie - Jennifer

Sunshine Hills seems to be the perfect urban neighborhood. Beautiful landscapes and a serene atmosphere. And then there is house number 46.

This place has a history of young girls being abducted and found murdered after a few days, but one girl remains missing till this day. It has been years since the last abduction and suddenly another girl goes missing. One of the teenage girls, Suzy, takes interest in the latest abduction and convinces Danny to investigate house number 46, where a woman named Jennifer lives in the said house. But Suzy strongly feels she has something to do with the abductions.

But then every bit of mystery that unfolds, things just gets weirder and weirder, and now Suzy went missing as well.
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Elements Bits number 1:

Minding our own business. I would understand if within us we have that heart to help people out, try to solve others' issues and problems, be a peacekeeper; I should know because working in Human Resources is just about that. But there are certain things that I don't meddle with. If it's not within the scope of my jurisdiction or if the Company has no involvement with the concern, then there is no need to intervene. Friends would reach out to us for advise, you are free to give them. But if the concern does not affect you in any way, an advice is all you should provide, period. It's their lives, their decisions to make, not yours.
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Memorable Quotes:

Jennifer: "The past catches up to you. Eventually you come back to the place that you've left."

Featured Clips of the Day: Other Side of Batman

2012-01-12T14:33:00.000+08:00

Can you imagine the actual Dark Knight acting like this...

Batman testing his Voice

Batman Interrogation

Batman Vanishing Act

Office New Year's Resolutions

2012-01-12T10:48:00.000+08:00

Year after year we promise ourselves that we will do this and do that. Here are some funny New Year's resolutions in the office environment...

Stop stealing the stapler, ballpen and Post-its from the table next to me.
Flirt less with the officemates. (Simply because most of them are guys.)
I will no longer use the company's colored paper to practice Origami.
Not stare at my computer monitor simply because I don’t have anything worthwhile to do.
To use the Nap room for it's intended purpose...to take a nap and not sleep for 12 hours.
I will think of a password for my computer other than “password.”
Stop watching movies using the conference room projector screen.

To view my opinion on New Year's resolutions, kindly click here: New Year's Resolutions

You can also check out this link, that generates a New Year's resolution for you, if you can't think of any: New Year's Resolution Generator

Featured Clip of the Day: Move

2012-01-09T09:10:00.001+08:00

If I had the time, I'd MOVE and travel the world too...

Movie Preview: Ip Man 2

2012-01-09T06:20:00.000+08:00

Cast:
Donnie Yen – Ip Man
Sammo Hung Kam-Bo – Master Hong Zhen Nan

After a grueling fight with the Japanese commander and after surviving a gunshot wound during the 1st movie, Ip Man managed to flee Foshan and start a new life in Hong Kong, which was under the British rule at that time.

Ip Man plans on putting up a martial arts school to teach Wing Chun. But in order to do so, there is a rule in Hong Kong that other martial arts masters may challenge Ip Man to test the effectiveness of Wing Chun. If Ip Man wins, he may proceed with putting up the school but with another condition; he has to pay monthly dues to the martial arts organization, which Ip Man does not have the money to do so.

Things are not looking good for Ip Man. To make matters worse, a crazy competition is held by the British to test the skills of martial arts against the brutal force of western boxing. In one fight, Master Hong Zhen Nan succumbs to a brutal defeat in the hands of the boxer.

Ip Man now vows revenge.
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Elements Bits number 1:

The Art of Fighting. Fists and kicks are not always the solution when faced against adversity. A real fight can be won even without bloodshed or a thrown punch. Some martial arts such as combat aikido are defensive in nature, wherein the philosophy is not to initiate the infliction of bodily harm but to protect oneself by immobilizing the aggressor by means of a defensive stance and using the momentum of your opponent against them.
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Memorable Quotes:

Ip Man: “Though people have different status in life, everybody’s dignity is the same. I hope that from this moment on, we can start to respect each other.”

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Video Clip from Ip Man 1

Biography Snap Shot

Also known as Yip Kai-Man, he introduced the art of Wing Chun to the famous Bruce Lee.

A Simple New Year's Celebration - 2012

2012-01-02T08:45:00.000+08:00

No fancy restaurants, no out of town adventures, no splurging on expensive fireworks, just a steady New Year's Eve-family-get-together at the house. Totally stress free.

On the menu we had roast beef (c/o my cousin-in-law who was celebrating her birthday as well.), cold cuts & cheese, nachos, Lapid's chicharon, pasta in olive oil and garlic, rosemary chicken, my Tita's famous clam chowder, and of course the desserts.

Johnnie's Reserve

I was so happy to see my 2-year old son enjoying the fireworks. We just spent about 1,800 pesos for some sparklers, noise markers, roman candles and traditional fountains. Besides, all the other neighbors had wonderful fireworks in their cache.

We also lit up a Chinese lantern...but miscalculated the lift off and it got stuck in a tree.

Looking forward to a better and brighter 2012.

"An optimist stays up until midnight to see the new year in. A pessimist stays up to make sure the old year leaves.” - Bill Vaughn

Enter the Water Dragon

2012-01-01T07:21:00.000+08:00

Today marks the 1st day of 2012, the year of the Water Dragon.

(I was actually born on the year of the Fire Dragon.) People say that if it's your year, great things will come your way.

According to a study, the Dragon is actually the mightiest of all the Chinese Zodiac Signs. They are very independent and live by their own rules. Passionate, driven for success, willing to take risks, and does not fear challenges set forth before them. Oh, and they have a crazy temper that can flare up real fast. No surprise in that as I admit to having a very short fuse in the past. But given that this is the year of the Water Dragon, water calms fire.

There are five elemental Dragons; Metal, Water, Wood, Fire and Earth.

Metal Dragon - determined and will fight for what they believe in.

Water Dragon - are able to see things from a different perspective.

Wood Dragon - tend to be creative and innovative.

Fire Dragon - aside from the things mentioned above, the Fire Dragon tends to be too aggressive which may lead to reckless decisions.

Earth Dragon - are down-to-earth and level headed.

I do hope this year will be my year. Happy 2012 to everyone!!

Ocean Park Adventure

2011-12-29T00:54:00.000+08:00

One of the benefits of working in my company is having a wonderful partnership with certain commercial establishments that offer great promos for employees, and the discounted passes in Ocean Park brought happiness to me and my family.

At a very low price, we were able to enjoy the Ultimate Package which includes the Sea Lion Show, A Habitat Journey of the Sea Lions, the Jellies Exhibit, the Oceanarium, a Fish Spa, and the Musical Fountain show. (Unfortunately we didn’t get a chance to experience this since it was at 7 in the evening and we were there since morning, and we had to leave already)

Sea Lions' Show

Jellies Exhibit

Oceanarium

Included in the discount were the passes for the Trails to Antarctica, which featured an ice slide, the wintery Snow Village and of course, penguins!

Being employed in this year’s BPO Company of the Year truly has its benefits.

For more information on Ocean Park promos, check out their website: http://www.manilaoceanpark.com/

Movie Preview: Limitless

2011-12-25T07:02:00.000+08:00

Cast:

Bradley Cooper – Eddie Morra
Robert De Niro – Carl Van Loon
Abbie Cornish – Lindy

Down and out of luck writer Eddie Morra may have hit rock bottom. He cant even put a single word for his book. He’s separated, broke, and always drunk at 3 in the afternoon.

One day he bumps into his ex-wife’s brother, who claims that he works for a pharmaceutical company and offers him a new drug that boosts our brain cells and can provide super human abilities. A bit hesitant at first, he takes the drug and suddenly he sees things more clearly and just like that his IQ seemed to have hit the highest mark.

The next morning though, he is back to his old self. He locates the ex-brother in law to get more of the brain enhancing drug, but finds him dead instead. It seems that he is not the only one after the drug. Whoever killed Vern, was not able to find the drugs, and luckily for Eddie he found the whole stash. But would this indeed be good luck for Eddie?

A tablet a day, and Eddie seemed limitless in everything he does. He was able to finish his book in 4 days, learned to play the piano in three, spoke different languages just by listening to a conversation, and learned how to take on a gang of thugs by watching Bruce Lee movies. But to Eddie, this was not enough, so he took it to a new level and brought his newly acquired mathematical brain and plunged into the stock market.

Any information, any data that is plugged into Eddie’s brain, it gets processed and retained, and utilized for future use. That’s how the drug works. It broadens the brain capacity to hold enormous amounts of information and at any point, Eddie is able to organize and access these in a snap for whatever purpose he needs.

Everything seems to be going his way and then strange things start to happen to his body, and someone is now after him for the remaining pills. The plot just thickens towards the end. Who is after the pills? Who makes them and how will Eddie get through this.
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Elements Bits number 1:

Greed. Sometimes when we get to taste the good life, we are not satisfied and yearn for more. Of course, we do want to have the good life forever but when is enough? When are we contented with what we have? As Frederick Keonig said, “We tend to forget that happiness doesn't come as a result of getting something we don't have, but rather of recognizing and appreciating what we do have.”

Elements Bits number 2:

Every individual is unique and each of us has our own God given gift. To accentuate on certain skills is not a crime, but when you cheat the process, I believe it’s not right. Ever heard of performance enhancing drugs?
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Memorable Quotes:

Eddie: "I don’t have delusions of grandeur. I have an actual recipe for grandeur."
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Carl Van Loon: "You don’t know how to assess your competition because you haven’t competed. Don’t make me your competition."

Rainy Tagaytay Sunday

2011-12-24T16:09:00.000+08:00

A few weeks ago the family went on a day-trip to Tagaytay to accompany Mom with her guests who visited the Philippines recently. They wanted to see the view of Taal Lake, so we chose the Taaleña Restaurant, which has an unobstructed view of the scenery.

The fog was thick at a certain point and it covered the view since it rained every now and then. But when it settled, it was a good feeling to set sights on one of Philippines’ natural wonders.

One thing is for sure; my 2-year old son enjoyed it very much.

After lunch, we headed to the Ilog Maria Bee Farm. Well known for their natural products, from aromatherapy oils, bath soaps, royal jellies, and my favorite, the virgin honey which is very hard to come by that’s why it costs so much. You are actually only allowed to buy 1 bottle per visit; aside from it’s natural vitamins, one tablespoon can help all kinds of stomach problems: indigestion, reflux, and diarrhea.

You can check out their website here: Ilog Maria

Movie Preview: Wrong Turn 4 - Bloody Beginnings

2011-12-08T13:02:00.000+08:00

A group of college students obviously takes a wrong turn while on their way up a mountain cabin. It’s getting late and the freezing snow storm is not helping at all. Fortunately for them, they find an abandoned hospital where they seek shelter…or is it an unfortunate fate? Little do they know, the place is not totally deserted.

The group does some exploration and discovers some disturbing things, including the story about three children who ate their parents and were admitted in the said mental institution.

The next morning, one of the guys from the group disappears, so they decide to split up in an attempt to find him. Wrong turn, wrong decision.

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Elements Bits number 1:

If not all, most guys have this ego that we know everything. We are men and we don’t ask for directions. No matter how lost we are, we make it seem as if we know where we are going and if it ends up a dead end, we can blame the others for nagging us that’s why we got confused and made a wrong turn.

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When we hear the term cannibalism, the first thing that comes to mind would be monsters and zombies that wander aimlessly in search of flesh to satisfy their hunger. But historical data would share with us that, even educated and refined humans are capable of this practice.

Through my searches in the Web, there are 3 reasons for cannibalism;

Famine

Cultural practice

Insanity

There were even movies made to depict the educated man that is deluded into believing that they become stronger and wiser when they devour the organs of a particular individual.

Fictionally, ever heard of Dr. Hannibal Lecter in the movie the Silence of the Lambs?

Or Colonel Ives of the movie Ravenous?

In our real world, what went into the minds of these people:

Top 10 Cases of Human Cannibalism

Makes you wonder…are we safe in our own civilization.

Birthday Kicks

2011-12-04T20:22:00.000+08:00

Got myself two pairs of Nike lows for my birthday, care of the 13th month pay; best part of it, they were both on sale hehe....

Backboard SL

Dunk Low

By the Numbers - December 2011

2011-12-01T05:08:00.000+08:00

So what's happening this month of December 2011...

Julianna Kassandra will be 2 months on December 7
I will be thirty-something on December 14
December 25 falls on a weekend, so that's a bummer, no extra holidays
December 31 also falls on a weekend, double whammy
Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will implement the vehicle tagging scheme on all non-metered AUVs, shuttle, and tourist buses starting December 12. (As if that will help the traffic jams during this Holiday season.)
2.34 million vehicles pass through EDSA highway on a daily basis; that number usually doubles during the Christmas rush.
The average KPH of a vehicle plying EDSA on a normal day is 36 KPH; that speed may be halved during the Christmas rush.
There are about 7,000 buses clogging up EDSA every day, when it can only handle 2,000.
Bottomline, don't use EDSA during Christmas season.
Will be going to Ocean Park, my company has a very good discount, 500.00 pesos per head for the whole package. (An additional 300.00 pesos for the Antarctica attraction)
Company Christmas party is on December 10. (I was supposed to be part of a dance presentation, but unfortunately, I injured myself during the championship game of our Sportsfest, too bad. hehe) Raffle prizes galore! (Though I never win)
Victory party is on December 3, for winning the basketball tournament in the SPi CRM Olympics.
Will be getting a full 13th month bonus on December 5; Wohoo!!
The family usually goes out of town with my Dad, but since Julia can't travel that far, will be spending the holidays in Manila with Mom.
Will probably gain 10 pounds during this holiday season. Crap. (But will be playing in 3 teams this coming ABL season in January 2012, so majestic ham and ensaymada with hot choco, bring it on!)

Movie Preview: Setup

2011-11-21T04:45:00.000+08:00

Cast:

50 Cent – Sonny

Bruce Willis – Biggs

Ryan Philippe – Vincent Long

Long time buddies Sonny and Vincent move in on a score, but after the heist, Sonny is caught by surprise, when he is betrayed and shot by Vincent. Sonny survives the hit, and vows to take revenge. There’s only one problem, Vincent has gone underground and the only way to find him is to go through the ruthless mob boss Biggs.

But it’s not that easy to just go and ask help from a mob boss, so Sonny is tasked to do the mob’s dirty work first by reclaiming 2 million dollars from a group of Russians that belong to Biggs. But Sonny’s problem does not end there. The people they stole from during the 1st heist are out to get them as well.

So what does Sonny do? He devises a setup of his own.

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Elements Bits number 1:

It’s really hard to trust people nowadays. Even your closest friends can be your worst enemies, (especially amongst thieves.) So is it better not to trust anyone? If you’re too trusting, they call you gullible. If you don’t trust that much, they call you paranoid. Click here to view my opinions about trust: Circle of Friends

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Memorable Quotes:

Biggs: “You managed to piss off a very important group of people that I make money with. That means you owe me now.”

Sonny: “Is that right?”

Biggs: “Yeah that’s right. Everything I say is right.”

Priest: “If everything was perfect, then you wouldn’t be on earth, you’d already be in heaven.”

Movie Preview: Zookeeper

2011-11-21T04:38:00.000+08:00

Cast:

Kevin James – Griffin Keyes
Rosario Dawson – Kate
Leslie Bibb – Stephanie

Griffin has been a zookeeper for the longest time. He never felt this to be an issue up until his marriage proposal was turned down by his girlfriend Stephanie. According to Stephanie, she doesn’t see herself with a man that does this kind of job for a living.

But Griffin loved the zoo so much, and decided not to pursue things anymore. One day, Griffin’s brother was going to get married and during the pre-wedding party, Stephanie was there and Griffin seems to be determined to change his life, leave the zoo and be with her again.

Here begins the crazy part. The zoo animals overhear Griffin’s plans and divulge their secret to Griffin that they can talk to humans, and that they decided to help Griffin win the girl of his dreams if he stays with the zoo.

Talking animals giving advice about love? It’s not your usual chick flick movie, but more of a kids’ film. A few laughs here and there, but nothing that really keeps me glued to the story.

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Elements Bits number 1:

Love is a very tricky and backstabbing feeling. There seems to be no perfect formula for it. It gets even more complicated when you add your friends’ advices to the mix. (Especially if you’re getting an advice from a monkey, just like in the movie) With so many opinions and ideas, you will most likely be unable to coherently decide on what you should really do in a situation that involves love. So who or what should you listen to? Follow your heart or heed to your mind?

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Memorable Quote:

Kate: “Did you know that the female eagle is attracted to the male that can fly the highest. Soar with me.”

Babe Battle

Rosario Dawson vs. Leslie Bibb

Raintree - Teapresso Blends

2011-11-16T12:48:00.001+08:00

We live in an area that seems to be a traffic hub in this part of the city. But the upside to it, there are a lot of commercial establishments right outside the village. There are so many coffee lounges around, and Raintree provides an alternative to caffeine cravings.

Located at 141 Katipunan Avenue, St. Ignatius Village, Q.C., they are open from Monday to Saturday, 11:00AM to 11:00PM. (I do hope they open up during Sundays; this is the one day of the week that we want to kick back and relax before another week starts.)

Honey Grapefruit Nippy

and Dreamy Kiwi Tea Float

Almond Joy Milk Tea

Vegetarian Panini w/ Mozzarella Cheese

Their Strawberry Fields Pearl Tea Float is superb. (It has a scoop of Vanilla ice cream; yes I know, it defeats the purpose of drinking healthy tea, but I don't care, it tastes great!) And their Lime Pie hits the spot.(The pie is a bit expensive though) But the drinks are reasonably priced.

Thank you Raintree for being there, you are indeed my cup of tea.

Pacman at The Garage - 11.13.11

2011-11-14T05:03:00.000+08:00

Spent my Sunday with the family watching the Pacquiao vs. Marquez fight at our uncle's house. Since everyone is talking about how ugly the win was for Pacman, I'm riding the bandwagon and giving my thoughts on it as well;

It all boils down to the statistics. Based on the official scorecards and punch count, Manny was more aggressive than Marquez. JM Marquez being the challenger, he is expected to be the aggressor. On video you will see that indeed the punches landed by Marquez connected harder, but a punch is counted as one (1) hit regardless of hard hard it lands. (Unless that one punch knocks your opponent out.) According to CompuBox, Pacquiao landed 176 of 578 punches, while Marquez connected on 138 of 436 punches.

I know it's not a convincing win. People were probably used to Pacman either knocking the lights out of his opponents or they leave the ring bloodied and bruised all over and head to the hospital right after the fight. Some say he has gone soft, some say he can't balance boxing and being a congressman, and some say a win is a win. Regardless of what our opinions are, one thing is for sure...Pacman is 30 million dollars richer.

So we ended the day sharing our thoughts with Johnnie, Avion, Absolut and Smirnoff;

Movie Preview: Captain America - The First Avenger

2011-11-13T05:56:00.000+08:00

Cast:

Chris Evans - Steve Rogers (Captain America)
Hugo Weaving - Johann Schmidt (Red Skull)
Hayley Atwell - Peggy Carter
Stanley Tucci - Dr. Abraham Erskine
Tommy Lee Jones - Colonel Chester Phillips

Steve Rogers wanted to serve his country by joining the army in the fight against the Germans, there's only one problem, he is as frail as a matchstick. He tried committing fraud by enlisting at different military centers, hoping that he will somehow get through. To his surprise, he passes the screening with the help of Dr. Erskine, the scientist behind an experimental formula that turns a brittle boy into a super soldier.

On the other side, Hitler's obsession in acquiring godly artifacts prompted the expedition to locate Loki's cosmic cube. Led by the Red Skull, the Nazi Research Division - HYDRA, focused on harnessing the power of Loki's cosmic cube, in their efforts to finally achieve global domination. So it is up to the First Avenger to lead the alliance and stop the Red Skull.

(I just love watching Marvel films. Aside from bringing the comics to life, the hidden scenes at the end of the credits, gives you a preview of what the next film may be. It's seems like all Marvel stories are intertwined.)

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Elements Bits Number 1:

Determination. Strong-willed. Not all of us were born with a physique that can make us join or compete in activities that require huge amounts of energy, strength and mental toughness. Having to deal with the frustration of being feeble, we push ourselves into becoming someone (Or something; when people use performance enhancing drugs. It just doesn't seem natural) in order to be able to prove to ourselves that we can achieve anything, even altering our physical state, if we put our minds to it.

Elements Bits Number 2:

Each and every individual has it's own set of skills and abilities. Even superheroes have their limitations and weaknesses. We just have to know our roles. When we focus on what skills we have, we are able to specialize and make ourselves invaluable. Sometimes it's not all about brute force; for example, being very persuasive is a powerful skill to have. Conflicts can prevented if you can convince the opposing force to surrender. (Or you can try mastering the art of the Jedi, and control the minds of others)

Memorable Quote:

Dr. Erskine: "Because a strong man who has known power all his life, may lose respect for that power. But a weak man knows the value of strength."

Featured Clip of the Day: MW3 - The Vet & The Noob

2011-11-09T09:50:00.000+08:00

There's a soldier in all of us, Hooah!!!

Legend of Shangri-La

2011-11-07T16:54:00.000+08:00

I am pretty sure we have always dreamed of our own Shangri-La. A mythical place that surpasses paradise. A sanctuary where our worries and problems are kept outside the barriers of peace. A destination of retreat from the bad Elements of life.

Documentation (Both fiction and non-fiction) states that Shangri-La is a mythical and harmonious valley, wherein it's actual location cannot be officially determined. Claims have been made that it secretly lies in the Himalayan region, the Kunlun Mountains, Tibet, and Bhutan. It's inhabitants are almost immortals, where their life span is extended and physical aging seems to be at a stand still.

Whether there is historical proof or not, of this fabled "Garden of Eden", it seems that this place will continue to elude us mortals for all eternity. There is even an article that relates how National Geographic funded an expedition to find Shangri-La. click here: Shangri-La Caves.

In this age, there may be no earthly place that can come close to the tranquility and serenity that Shangri-La can provide. People live most of their lives on a quest to find inner peace, maybe it was meant to be that way, one's journey of self realization rather than a destination easily accessible to all.

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Words that bring you Peace

Solace

Comfort in sorrow, misfortune, or trouble; alleviation of distress or discomfort.

Mollify

To soften in feeling or temper, as a person; pacify; appease.

Soothe

To tranquilize or calm, as a person or the feelings; relieve, comfort, or refresh.

Grace

Moral strength.

Revivify

To restore to life; give new life to.

Click here to know more: Words To Bring You Peace

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Recommended Books:

Julia turns One Month

2011-11-07T15:29:00.000+08:00

My baby princess turns one month old today.

This is all I do, sleeeeep

With Manong Kyle and Kuya Kian

With Kuya Kian and cousin Baby Natalia

(Kian sometimes mixes up their names and calls them Baby Tulia)

Belief vs. Trust - by Gan Chennai

2011-11-07T09:19:00.001+08:00

Belief vs. Trust

by Gan Chennai

Belief is Doubtful, Trust is Certain

Belief is from Mind, Trust is from Heart

Belief is lip service; Trust is heart felt

Believe many; Trust only a Few

Believing is Easy, Trusting is Hard

Belief scores 50%, Trust scores 100%

Belief is Ordinary; Trust is Extra-ordinary

Belief is start point; Trust is end point

Belief is limited; Trust is infinite

Belief is shaking hands, Trust is embracing

Belief keeps control; Trust gives up control

Belief is jumping opportunities; Trust is staying

Belief is not time tested; Trust passes tough times

Belief is Partial; Trust is Complete

Believe in Thoughts; Trust your Intuition

Belief in God is attempting; Trust in God is surrender

Belief is Important; Trust is Essential

Movie Preview: Your Highness

2011-11-07T08:43:00.005+08:00

Cast:

Danny McBride - Thadeous
James Franco - Fabious
Natalie Portman - Isabel

There is a prophecy that every 100 years, two moons will eclipse one over the other and the child that is born during this time will bring forth such evil to the land. An evil sorcerer who is a descendant of those who have sought to make this prophecy come true in the past but failed, has been terrorizing the land as well, in efforts to fulfill this prophecy.

Prince Fabious has been searching for the evil sorcerer, Leezar. On one quest, Prince Fabious was able to rescue a fair maiden, Belladonna, from the lair of Leezar, and plans to marry her. But on the day of the wedding, Leezar appears and recaptures Belladonna. Leezar plans to fulfill the prophecy by using Belladonna as the host to give birth to this evil.

On the quest to save Belladonna, Prince Fabious enlists his no good lazy brother to aid him. Along the journey they are betrayed by one of Prince Fabious' most trusted companion. They are now on the run and must need to seek other help if they plan to continue their quest, which requires them to obtain the enchanted blade of the Unicorn, the only sword that can kill Leezar.

As fate would dictate it, they cross paths with Isabel. The last descendant of the Harshbarger Order and of the Golden Knights. Will Isabel be enough to end this evil sweeping across the land?

(All throughout the movie, slapstick comedy is portrayed but fairly succeeds. Surprisingly the CGI effects and medieval scenery mimics that of the Lord of the Rings.)

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Elements Bits number 1:

I admit, I tend to be too trusting. Only to find out that some elements use that trust for malicious intent. Sometimes it is taken for granted when they do things behind your back and they seem to be so convincing that nothing is happening. It's just like politics...you don't know who your true friends are. You just have to watch your back Jack.
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Memorable Quote:

Prince Fabious: "Boremont, you dare to betray me twice?!"
Boremont: "No. It's the same betrayal as before, it all just counts as one."

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Battle Ready Babe:

You wouldn't want her setting her sights on you with that thing pointing towards your way...

Featured Clips of the Day: Funny Halloween Commercials

2011-11-02T14:32:00.000+08:00

Just Take One

Why Sport?

HalloWeek-end 2011

2011-11-02T14:13:00.000+08:00

This year was an exciting Halloween experience for my 2-year old son. He was able to attend three Trick or Treat events, one in our village, at my office and the other one in Magallanes village. (We were supposed to attend as well the event in Ayala Heights where my dad lives, but we just didn’t have the time for it.)

We had difficulty finding a costume for him, since he felt uncomfortable with the pumpkin costume and we couldn’t get him to wear the vampire outfit. Luckily for us we were able to find this fire truck costume. (He really goes nuts with fire trucks, buses and trains.)

His eyes really lit up seeing all the goodies in his loot bag. My worry now is that he may be taking in too many sweets and this gets him all hyped up. (He is already full of energy even without the sugar, so can you just imagine adding more coal to a steaming locomotive)

Blue Ridge B

Office

Magallanes Village

Looking forward to next year, and this time, little Julianna will be joining already.

Movie Preview: Bad Teacher

2011-10-26T16:25:00.000+08:00

Cast:

Cameron Diaz - Elizabeth Halsey
Justin Timberlake - Scott Delacorte
Lucy Punch - Amy Squirrel
Jason Segel - Russel Gettis

Teacher Elizabeth Halsey has one goal in her life...to marry a rich man and live happily (for herself) ever after.

After spending a year teaching in JAMS, John Adams Middle School, Elizabeth finally meets the man of her dreams...a wealthy gullible bachelor. Unfortunately for her, this bachelor seems to be a mama's boy and the mother senses that Elizabeth is just one gold-digger, and convinces her son to break up with Elizabeth.

So Elizabeth ends up teaching in JAMS again, setting a new priority wherein she would need to earn bucks for breast implants (thinking that this may be the key to land another wealthy fiancee); this includes a Charity car wash with Elizabeth bathing herself with a hose, and pulling all the strings to make sure her class tops the state exams, because the teacher with the highest overall class score will receive a bonus.

Then one day, substitute teacher Scott Delacorte walks into JAMS, who apparently is the grandson of a wealthy watchmaker. Elizabeth now sets her sights on Scott but encounters some competition with co-teacher Amy Squirrel. Amy then senses that Elizabeth is not just trying to steal her man but has some skeletons in her closet and plans to reveal these to the principal and the school superintendent.

Will Elizabeth succeed, or will her dreams (breast implants) be deflated?
-----------------

Elements Bits number 1:
What are your goals in life? Clearly the lead in the movie Bad Teacher has her priorities all messed up. We have so many goals and targets that we want to achieve but there seems to be so little time for everything. Unless you are the happy go lucky type and just goes with the flow. It is actually your choice. My opinion is that setting goals is better and you have that consolation of experiencing that actual sense of fulfillment once you've accomplished something that you really worked hard for.

Elements Bits number 2:
Being educated by someone or Self-Learning? I believe both have its advantages. Of course the elementary years are most important to have someone teach the basics, the values and provides the necessary guidance. When you reach college, you have that choice as to what you want to pursue. You then grow eager to obtain more knowledge from different mediums and at various capacities, and this is where you do research and utilize self-learning books. Of course you would still need to apply everything you've learned to actual hands on, before you can truly say that all those hours studying, finally paid off.
-----------------

Memorable Quotes:

Gym Teacher Russell: "You're out of your mind. There's no way that Lebron will ever be Jordan!"
Shawn: "Okay. Lebron's a better rebounder and passer!"
Gym Teacher Russell: "Will you let me finish!? Call me when Lebron has six championships!"
Shawn: "Is that your only argument?"
Gym Teacher Russell: "It's the only argument I need Shawn!!"
----------

Elizabeth: "Things are about to change around here. Recess is over!"
--------

Elizabeth: "I don't need a blackboard or a classroom, to set an example."

Featured Clips of the Day: School is Out

2011-10-24T12:35:00.000+08:00

Taking the Test

Bom Chicka Wahwah

Best Math Teacher

World's Most Scenic Cruises - by Fran Golden

2011-10-21T16:21:00.000+08:00

I always dreamed of going on a cruise vacation, but I just have this fear of being miles away from land. Though I would take that risk if it were on one of these cruises...

Antarctica and the South Shetland Islands

Galapagos Islands

Madagascar

Milford Sound

Greek Isles

Click here: for more of the World's Most Scenic Cruises

Movie Preview: Horrible Bosses

2011-10-21T15:48:00.000+08:00

Cast:

Jason Bateman - Nick Hendricks

Charlie Day - Dale Arbus

Jason Sudeikis - Kurt Buckman

Kevin Spacey - Dave Harken

Jennifer Aniston - Dr. Julia Harris

Colin Farrell - Bobby Pellitt

Jamie Foxx - Dean Jones

It's not often that you have a movie with this kind of mix in a cast; it's loaded and hilarious.

Nick works for Dave Harken and hopes to land the position of Senior Vice President in their company. Only problem is, his power hungry boss, who is already the president of the company, names himself as the SVP. Where else do you see a boss who tricks you into drinking scotch at 8 in the morning then blackmails you that you are an alcoholic and is not fit for the SVP position.

Dale works as an assistant to Dr. Julia Harris who is a dentist. Seems like a harmless job. Until J.Aniston starts talking dirty, seduces and harasses Dale. Up to the point wherein she too would blackmail Dale, that if he doesn't have sex with her, she will tell Dale's fiancee that they have an affair.

Kurt actually loves his job and his boss Jack Pellitt (Donald Sutherland), until Jack dies of a heart attack. So then Jack's son, Bobby Pellitt takes over the family business. A drug crazed womanizer, Bobby's only intention for the company is how he could milk every dollar for himself and his luxuries.

So the three decide to kill their bosses, but they would not want to leave a trace that would eventually lead to them. So they look for a hitman to the dirty work. Guess who they tap for the job? Jamie Foxx's character, Dean Jones. But after paying off the service fee, to their surprise, Mr. Dean Jones refuses to do the hit and just gives them these crazy advices on how to do it themselves. To make matters worse, Mr. Dean Jones isn't a hitman but a video pirate.

Now how will these three live with their bosses on a daily basis while plotting on how to get rid of them?

----------------

Elements Bits number 1:

Be your own boss or be a schmuck. Being an employee is really not that bad; it would probably depend on the type of work you have. And besides, even if you are a president of the company, you still have to answer to the board of directors or the owners of the company themselves. Being your own boss means you have full control of what and when to do things. It surely has it's advantages but I feel that there is no real set of protocols that would govern your work life; unless you are very disciplined and you pretty much have your work ethics laid out.

There are certain limits when following orders from your boss. You may ask yourself the question if it is just and right before actually doing it. To share with you my opinions on this, click here: Following Orders vs. Following Principles

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Memorable Quotes:

Dave Harken: "I own you. Don't walk around thinking you have free will because you don't. I can crush you anytime I want. So settle in because you are in for a long haul."

Featured Clips of the Day: You're Fired

2011-10-19T12:47:00.000+08:00

How to deal with your boss...

5 Things you shouldn't do

Remote Control

Bud Light Boss Attack

Beat'Em Up Babe of the Day: Priestess (Maggie Q) / Priest

2011-10-18T05:20:00.000+08:00

In the war of vampires and humans, their only hope was the order of the Priests. And among them was the Priestess. Not to be taken lightly just because she is a female, she is highly trained and deadly. Even in a match against 5 brutes riding on motorcycles, the Priestess manages without breaking a sweat.

Wasteland war:

Movie Preview: Priest

2011-10-18T05:06:00.000+08:00

Cast:

Paul Bettany - Priest
Cam Gigandet - Hicks
Maggie Q - Priestess
Lily Collins - Lucy
Christopher Plummer - Monsignor Orelas

For centuries, vampires and humans waged war. In hopes to finally end it, the Church forms a legion of Priests to purge the said menace. Said to be blessed by the Almighty himself, the Priests are combat trained and manages to wipe out the horde of vampires and those who remained, where locked up in different reservations across the land.

Then one night, a family was attacked outside the outskirts of the Cities, known as the Wastelands. The unfortunate family was that of the Priest (Paul Bettany), he later found out at that her niece was abducted by the vampires, so he vowed to avenge the death of his brother and plans to rescue Lucy. But the Church denied reinstating the authority of the Priest. Saying that if he refuses to follow these orders, it is like going against God. And so he went against it.

The Priest is joined by a local sheriff named Hicks, as they set forth in rescuing Lucy and find out what the vampires are up to by abducting Lucy. Aside from the vampires, they had to deal with another problem since the Church has ordered the reinstatement of the other priests to hunt them down.

----------------
Elements Bits number 1:

Righteousness. In the great words of the late US President Theodore Roosevelt, “If I must choose between peace and righteousness, I choose righteousness.”

Given the choice, would you do something that in the eyes of others is wrong, but in reality it is the right thing to do for the situation? Not all actions are deemed noble. (Especially in politics.) To prevent war, sometimes the course of action to take is to eliminate the threat before it even has a chance to execute it's plans. Does it promote peace? No. But is it right? To view my opinions about righteousness, click here: Following Orders vs. Following Principles.

Memorable Quotes:

Priest: "Dear Father, forgive me. It was never my intention to offend you. I would like to firmly resolve with the help of your grace, to sin no more, and to avoid the near occasions of sin...but I can't."

Hicks: "I may have not seen the war, but I know the look a man gets when he likes killing. IT comes easy to you."
Priest: "It just comes. Easy's got nothing to do with it."

Orelas: "The sanctity of these walls is absolute. And the citizens of the cities have complete faith in the Church's ability to keep them safe. You will not shake that faith.
Priest: "What good is that faith when it's a lie?"

Featured Clips of the Day: For the Booze

2011-10-16T21:54:00.000+08:00

All this effort for a bucket of booze with friends...

Captain Morgan

Andes Teletransporter

Movie Preview: Journey to the Far Side of the Sun

2011-10-16T21:50:00.000+08:00

Cast:

Roy Thinnes - Colonel Glenn Ross

Ian Hendry - John Kane

Patrick Wymark - Jason Webb

Tired of CGI heavy movies? This 1969 classic is a breather from how sci-fi movies are made today.

When the EuroSEC - European Space Exploration Council, discovers a planet that seems to be habitable based on data that shows it may have an earth-like atmosphere and is in the same orbit around the Sun but on the opposite side, they send a 2-man crew to venture where no man has gone before... to the far side of the Sun.

Funded by the Americans, they insist that Colonel Glenn Ross leads the expedition, alongside British scientist John Kane. The space trip would take 3 weeks to reach the said planet, and another three weeks going back to Earth. Upon reaching their destination, the crew suddenly encounters a terrible entry into the planet's inner atmosphere, and crashes into a mountain ridge.

Upon waking up from the crash, the Colonel is surprised to find out that he is back on Earth. The Director of EuroSEC, Jason Webb, seems more surprised that the mission has failed and wonders why the astronauts came back to Earth after 3 weeks. During the debriefing, Colonel Ross insists that they made it to the new planet and is confused as to why they are back on Earth.

A day later, Colonel Ross thinks he is going crazy or constantly hallucinating because everything seems to be in reverse. The writings on his passport, the light switch of his room used to be on the right side now it's on the left, and other signage that needs to be read opposite a mirror for you to be able to understand what it says. (Just like an ambulance when you see it from a rear view mirror, without looking through the mirror, the word ambulance is inverted.)

So has the colonel gone mad, or did they really reach the newly discovered planet, and everyone around them is just a doppelganger?

----------------

Elements Bits number 1:

Life beyond Earth. Are we really alone in the galaxy? Do you believe in aliens? Well, not unless you have been a witness I guess. Area 51, Roswell, Planet Nibiru, and many other conspiracy filled theories; I have always been fascinated with the universe and the mysteries it holds. Though I have yet to fully believe in it, I have seen some strange lights in the skies, but it seems that there would always be a scientific explanation for it.

There is so much information on the internet right now with regards to this, but recently, the 12th Planet, Nibiru, is what has been circulating on the Net. That it exists.

-----------------------

The Earth Chronicles

If you are interested to know more, a great series of books to read would be the works of Zecharia Sitchin.

Click here to check out his website: Sitchin.Com

Featured Clip of the Day: Pregnancy Test

2011-10-10T17:53:00.000+08:00

I didn't know that the iPod shuffle had one of these...

Julia's Day

2011-10-10T06:54:00.000+08:00

October 7, 2011

10.07.2011

9:00AM

We started to get ready to proceed to the Asian Hospital near Alabang, where my wife was scheduled to give birth. Prior to this day, we were contemplating if we will proceed with the October 7 or October 12 delivery date; though it was going to be a normal delivery, my cousin who was our OB-GYN, mentioned that we can have the delivery on either days.

Not to rush things, but the hospital was a long drive from the house and when we saw the final ultrasound last October 6, Julia was really cramped inside the womb already and a portion of the umbilical cord was hovering a bit above her neck.

That's when we decided to just push through with October 7. Aside from it being the feast of the Holy Rosary, which I felt was a good blessing to be born on that day, we didn't want to risk that umbilical cord tightening around Julia's neck.

12:00PM

My wife officially started labor at around noon with just a 3 centimeter opening of her cervix, and we were hoping for a safe and smooth delivery at about 8 or 10PM. around 5PM, she was at 5 centimeters; a bit slow and it kinda got us worried already. Then at around 8PM, she was still at 5 centimeters, then we really had to decide to go with a C-Section already. (As explained to us, there should be an increase of at least 1 centimeter per hour)

9:00PM

When she was brought to the operating room at around 9PM, I started praying the rosary, still asking for a normal delivery. Suddenly my cousin bolts out of the door at about 10:15PM and said that we might have normal delivery instead.

They were literally about to initiate the procedure (my wife even signed a waiver for the C-section and the medical supplies for the C-section was paid for already, so there's really no refund for it?) when my wife mentioned that she felt like taking a leak, that's when my cousin checked and was surprised that my wife's cervix was already at 10 centimeters! They didn't have time anymore to switch rooms and had to do the delivery immediately as the head of Julia was about to pop out already.

So at 10:35PM, little Julianna Kassandra was born.

Julianna Kassandra

2011-10-09T19:04:00.000+08:00

Finally...my little princess is here...

The Road Less Traveled - by Kit McCallum

2011-10-05T06:15:00.000+08:00

How often we must bear the challenges of life;

The endless roller coaster between happiness and sorrow;

The constant ups and downs of daily strife.

And always the question remains .... why?

Life is not an easy road for most;

It twists and turns with many forks in the road,

Although always, and inevitably, we are given a choice ...

Do we turn to the right ... or the left?

Do we take the high road ... or the low road?

Do we take the easy path ... or the difficult one?

Decisions are not easy for those struggling for direction ...

And sometimes the many choices and signs become overwhelming.

While standing at a crossroads in life,

The urge is to take the most comfortable path;

The road with least resistance ...

The shortest or most traveled route.

And yet, if we've been down that comfortable road before;

Have gleaned its lessons in life, and learned from our experiences;

Do we yet again follow the known?

Or does our destiny lie in another direction?

The fear of the road less traveled is tangible and all too real;

It manifests itself in many ways,

And tends to cloud the issues that might otherwise be clear.

It is in these times of confusion,

That we must seek peace and solitude;

Time to contemplate on our life,

Our experiences and our choices past;

Time to look back, and reflect on what we have learned

Without fear or confusion.

For only each of us knows our own personal thoughts;

Our unique past and personal history;

The experiences that brought us to the crossroads we now face.

We can always learn a small degree from others experiences,

And yet ... no one person can walk in our shoes,

Others know not, the trials and tribulations faced in private ...

For each is individual ... unique ... and personal.

And that is why ... while standing at a crossroads,

Only "we" can formulate the decision for ourselves;

The true direction that lies within;

The choices we must deliberate on with clarity and wisdom.

For it is only through personal reflection,

That we can now choose our destiny;

... Our next adventure;

... And the future we will embrace.

Featured Clips of the Day: Video Game Commercials II - With the Stars

2011-09-28T13:24:00.000+08:00

Don't you love it when the stars come out to play...

FIFA 12

Black Ops

Check out other gaming commercial clips, click here: Clip of the Day - Video Game Commercials

Movie Preview: Pirates of the Caribbean - On Stranger Tides

2011-09-28T12:40:00.002+08:00

Cast:
Johnny Depp – Captain Jack Sparrow
Penelope Cruz – Angelica Teach
Geoffrey Rush – Captain Barbossa
Ian McShane – Captain Blackbeard
Astrid Berges-Frisbey – Syrena
Sam Claflin - Philip

After stealing the mysterious map of Captain Sao Feng in the last movie At World’s End, Captain Jack Sparrow set his course on a journey to find a fabled grotto that gives man immortality as to whom drinks from its waters.

On Stranger Tides, the film’s plot is revealed with a scene that shows an old man scooped up from the ocean and turns out to be a crew of the Spanish expedition of Juan Ponce De Leon, who ventured the world 200 years ago from that time, in search of the Fountain of Youth. As the myth goes, a ritual must be performed in order to achieve immortality, and for it succeed, one must have the two silver chalices located on board the ship of Ponce De Leon, and a drop of a mermaid’s tears. The one who drinks the water off the silver chalice that contains the mermaid’s tear will gain extended life, while the one who drinks from the other chalice will have its life sucked dry.

Word gets out that the myth is true and everyone is in the hunt. Even the Spanish have revived their quest to do so, but their king has other plans for the fountain. What is even more intriguing is that someone was impersonating Captain Jack Sparrow and recruiting a crew to join in the search for the fountain.

And so Jack’s adventure begins, as they seek out the chalices and go fishing for mermaids.

-----------------

Elements Bits number 1:

Immortality. Would you rather be a vampire and suck blood for all eternity? How about being an elf and live for hundreds of years? Clone yourself? Is one lifetime not enough?

Immortality doesn’t necessarily mean living forever physically. There are some who are considered immortals, even after they have passed away, their legend still lives on. One good example is the King, Elvis Presley. Even after 34 years since his death, you still have people impersonating him, performing in Las Vegas and all around the world. How can that not be immortality?

Or like my favorite quotation from the movie Sweet November…"All we have is how you remember me, I want that memory to be strong and beautiful, if I know I am remembered that way, I can face anything...don't you see? You're my Immortality." It may not be literally living forever, but immortality can be considered as what makes you live on in one lifetime.

(Because if Ponce De Leon can’t find the fountain, what makes you think you can?)

Memorable Quotes:

Blackbeard: "Twice in one day, I find myself in bewilderment."
Philip: "You are not bewildered, you are afraid. You dare not walk the path of righteousness, the way of the light."
Blackbeard: "No sir, the truth is it be much simpler than that. I am a bad man."
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Salaman: "You are either for us of against us!"
Philip: "I am neither with you, nor am I against you!"
Salaman: [to Jack] "Can he do that?"
Jack Sparrow: "He's religious, I believe it's required."
---------

Jack Sparrow: "Better to not know which moment may be your last. Every morsel of your entire being alive to the infinite mystery of it all."
---------

Syrena: "Philip, I can save you. You need only ask."
Philip: "I seek but one thing."
Syrena: "And what is that?"
Philip: "Forgiveness. Were it not for me, you would never have been captured."
Syrena: "Ask."
Philip: "Forgive me."
---------

Swimming with the Mermaids

Mermaids are often depicted in literature as manipulative creatures, as they try to captivate you with their angelic singing voice and mesmerize you with their stunning beauty, and whilst you are in their trance, they lure you into the sea. And only myths and legends can tell you what happens next…either they eat you alive or bring you deep into their water kingdom.

But who can blame us men, when mermaids On Stranger Tides are as bewitching as these;

Syrena:

Other Mermaids:

If You Want It, There’s a Way. If You Don’t, There’s a Reason.

2011-09-24T06:40:00.000+08:00

Not too long ago, an old friend approached me and asked about how he could win the heart of this girl that he always wanted. I told him that you must have mistaken me for the love guru or Hitch, because up until now, I myself am still mystified as to how the minds and hearts of women work. (Hitch is a movie starring Will Smith, where he would help other men, as they sweep the woman of their dreams…off her feet.)

He said that as far as he remembered I used to have so many cheesy lines that even if it was so embarrassing, it still caught the attention of the opposite sex. I told him, Bro, I am turning 35 years old, if I use those lines now, I’d get my ass kicked. Just to share with you how reckless and far out these pick lines were, here is a sample;

Me: Excuse me, I see that you’re studying in ****** university, I think I have a friend there; I just want to know if he is still studying there.
Girl: Sure, what’s his name?
Me: Any chance that you know anybody by the name of JP Pimentel?
Girl: Hmm, sorry I don’t know him.
Me: I see…well by the way, I am JP Pimentel. Now you know me.

I swear I was such an idiot back then. But hey, it worked. I wanted to meet the girl, and I found a way didn’t I? Let’s move on to a more sensible discussion, shall we?

We are all familiar to the old saying, “If there’s a will, there’s a way”. Please do not confuse it with the spoof, “If there’s a will, there’s water.” (will = well)

We have that capacity to try everything just to get what we want. No matter the cost or consequence, it is something that we are willing to make a sacrifice on. We find so many ways, that even the tightest situation, as long as air can pass through it, we manage to squeeze through and grab whatever it is that we are after. Bottom line, if we want it that much, there is indeed always a way.

Also recently, another friend came to me for advise, on how she could brush off this guy who was courting her but not hurt his feelings. (Hmm, now could this guy be my other friend who was asking how to win the girl’s heart? That would surely be a predicament) Anyway, since she was not really into this guy, she was asking me what reason can she give to cut short the courtship of her admirer. Seriously? You are asking me? No offense intended, but women have like spiels ready for these kinds of scenarios;

My parents are strict.
I’m not ready for a commitment.
We are better off friends.
I want to concentrate on my career.
It’s not you, it’s me.

No matter how much persuasion, conviction, or persistence is applied, if the mind and heart does not want it, there would always be a reason to decline, push away or refuse.

Another example of how creative the human mind is when it comes to reasoning would be when employees who fail to call in sick, and is unable to inform their supervisor that they will be absent on that particular day.

Here is a comparison;

Creative: I had an employee who failed to call in sick and this was his reason; I was actually on my way to the office, but then I suddenly felt sick, so I decided to try and call in, but then my phone died, so I stopped by a convenience store where I can charge my phone, but unfortunately the mobile phone charger they had was not compatible to my phone unit. I then went home but the phone lines in our area were cut, and when I was able to charge my mobile phone, it had no signal. It was too late to knock on my neighbors’ doors to see if I could borrow their phone, because I was working on a graveyard shift, and it was already midnight. I didn’t leave my house anymore because I was so dizzy and tired from my condition.

Simple: The employee did not have any telephone or cellular phone, and she did not want to get any disciplinary actions for not calling in, so she went to the office to personally ask permission if she could go on sick leave. And she lived 2 hours away from the office.

So, will you Find a Way, or Look for a Reason?

Movie Preview: Sanctum

2011-09-22T13:04:00.000+08:00

Cast:

Richard Roxburgh - Frank
Ioan Gruffudd - Carl
Rhys Wakefield - Josh
Alice Parkinson - Victoria

A group of explorers goes on an expedition to unlock the secrets of the intricate cave network of the Esa’ala, Papua New Guinea … (In the movie it is depicted as the largest cave, but it is actually the Cave of Swallows in Mexico that is shown in the film, and in reality, the largest discovered cave is in Vietnam named Hang Son Doong.)

The suspense starts when a typhoon hits the island and the group is trapped hundreds of feet below the surface as water starts to fill the caverns. They now must venture deeper into unexplored areas in order to find a way out. They also had to deal with occasional disorientation since it has been days when they last seen the sunlight and the thin air only makes you more incoherent.

Frank must now keep the group together and make critical life and death decisions in order for the remaining explorers to survive, which includes his son, Josh. Will he succeed?

-----------------

Elements Bits number 1:

Adventurous. Taking it to the limit. There are so many extreme things that you wish you could do; skydiving, mountain trekking, scuba diving, base jumping, and many more. But for some apparent reason, you just can’t.

Is it Fear? Being precautious? Is it something that you wouldn’t just want to risk your life on? For some extreme junkies, this is the life for them. As the saying goes, you ain’t livin’ if you don’t live life to the fullest. Life can be about taking risks. They would always say, there is no harm in trying, else you might regret not doing it later on. You can check out my thoughts on this by clicking on this link: The What Ifs, What Might Have Beens, and the If Onlys

------------------

The Caveman

A quick snapshot of some of Nature's Wonders...

(courtesy of the Net and National GEO)

Cave of Swallows

(The elliptical opening is 160 by 250 feet, and has a drop of 1,220 feet, and is the 11th deepest cave shaft in the world)

Hang Son Doong

(For more information, please click: World's Largest Cave)

(The small figure with the light is actually a human)

Featured Clip of the Day: Nick Fury does some Recruiting

2011-09-19T14:58:00.000+08:00

Here comes the New Avengers...

Food Camp

2011-09-19T14:31:00.000+08:00

There are a lot of great burger joints in the Metro, but Food Camp gives me more reason not to venture far away from home. (Plus the prices are not that steep), a regular 1/3 pound single patty cheeseburger only costs 99.00 pesos!

But of course, I went all out...1/3 U.S. Angus beef burger. (I already tried the Wagyu burger in my previous visit)

And on the side, Jalapeño Sticks and Mozzarella Bombs.

Don't be cruel to yourself. Satisfy your cravings.

Change in My Life - Leap of Faith

2011-09-15T13:22:00.000+08:00

Standing cold and scared on top of blue hill,

There came one moment, when I lost my will.

I prayed for mercy, please lord take me away.

Oh give me sunshine where I only see grey.

My past had a hold on me, it can't be denied,

And the changes don't come easily.

I've been lonely, I've been cheated, I've been misunderstood

I've been washed up, I've been put down,

And told I'm no good

But with you I belong, cause you help me be strong,

There's a change in my life, since you came along.

Now I don't mind working so hard every day.

And I don't pay no mind to what people say.

'Cause after all the pain I've been through

Lord knows I'd give up everything just to love only you

All my life I'd held my head bent in shame,

But now I've found you, and with you

I'll remain.

A man gets crazy when his life is all wrong,

And a heart gets weary when it doesn't belong.

When the road gets rocky Lord

You've got to keep on.

Let the new light come shining on through.

I've been lonely, I've been cheated, I've been misunderstood

I've been washed up, I've been put down,
And told I'm no good
But with you I belong, cause you help me be strong,
There's a change in my life, since you came along.

Featured Clip of the Day: Next Gen MMA

2011-09-13T12:20:00.000+08:00

Ouch, now that hurts...

Movie Preview: Fast Five

2011-09-12T07:29:00.000+08:00

Cast:

Vin Diesel - Dominic Toretto
Paul Walker - Brian O'Conner
Tyrese Gibson - Roman Pearce
Jordana Brewster - Mia Toretto
Gal Gadot - Gisele Harabo
Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson - Luke Hobbs
Elsa Pataky - Elena Neves
Sung Kang - Han Lue

If you're a fan of the series, you already know that this movie has a lot of cool cars, fast action and bodacious babes.

Dominic, Brian and Mia are now on the run after orchestrating a daring jail break to free Dominic who was handed down a 25 year sentence for his past crimes. (At the end 4th film, Fast and Furious) They fled to the country of Rio de Janeiro, in hopes of surviving and eventually disappearing from the radar of the US Federal agents.

But in order to survive, they had to make money by boosting cars. Unfortunately, the heist goes awry, and they are now being hunted by the most ruthless drug lord in Rio de Janeiro and Federal agent Luke Hobbs. (The cars they boosted were initially siezed and is the property of the DEA)

Curious as to why the drug lord was persistent in getting the boosted car, Dominic and Brian finds out that a microchip hidden inside the car's GPS unit, had information about where the drug lord's troves of cash were stashed away. With this information, Dominic and Brian now decides that they will steal the drug lord's money, which amounts to over 100 million dollars, and then disappear forever.

In order to achieve this feat, they call in the rest of the team, and the fast and furious fun starts.

----------------

Elements Bits number 1:
Would you give up your freedom for 100 million dollars? Living as a fugitive for the rest of your life, the paranoia of always looking over your shoulder, knowing that the money you have was not honestly earned. Indeed, it is a lot of money, and who knows, with that much cash, you may be able to buy your freedom back. Mo' money, Mo' power, right? But you have no guarantees. so would you rather say...Mo' money, Mo' problems?

----------------

Memorable Quotes:

Luke Hobbs: "You come prepared."
Elena: "I'm motivated."

Roman: " You only live once...let's do it."

Dominic: Money will come and go. We know that. But the most important thing in life, will be the people in this room...right here...right now. Salut de Familia.

Luke Hobbs: "If I were you, I'd use the time. Make peace with whatever demons you got left. Because come tomorrow, I will find you.

Babe Battle:

Jordana Brewster Gal Gadot Elsa Pataky

F&F Timeline: (Spoiler Alert)

If you were able to watch all the parts so far, below is the chronological order as to when each movie falls into a particular timeline:

1. The Fast and The Furious (2001) - 1st film release

2. 2 Fast 2 Furious (2003) - 2nd film release

3. Fast and Furious (2009) - 4th film release

4. Fast Five (2011) - 5th film release

5. The Fast and The Furious: Tokyo Drift (2006) -3rd film release

The reason why it happened in this order is because in Fast Five, Han Lue was still alive, when in fact he already died in a car crash in the 3rd film release, Tokyo Drift.

CSI Lessons: The Three Furies

2011-09-11T17:27:00.000+08:00

It’s not all the time that you pick up something interesting or good in whatever you are watching on the tube. Conservative and traditional parents would often say that watching too much television is not good for you; it corrupts the mind and pollutes it with nonsense and violence.

I admit I have been watching way too much CSI, but I did pick up a couple of “learnings” in some of its episodes; which for me is not nonsense at all. Thus, I would like to share with you…

The 3 Furies

(Including Dike, the Goddess of Justice)

I am a huge fan of Mythology, ever since it was introduced to me in my 1st year of high school. I loved the fantasy of Gods and Goddesses, how their powers shaped the destiny of mankind. That is also why I enjoy watching movies like, Clash of the Titans, 300, Prince of Persia, Jason and the Argonauts, and the Odyssey. I also spent hours playing the God of War video game series.

In this time and age, we are plagued with crimes that remain unsolved or without justice. This has even resulted in some of us losing confidence in our government and the local police and would often hope for a vigilante intervention.

Come forth, the Three Furies and Dike.

The Three Furies; Alecto, Magaera and Tisiphone = Anger, Jealousy and Vengeance. Surely a very deadly trio. Viewed as the protector of ethical laws, they would even be guardians of the poor and punish those who even commit petty theft. And when I say punish, they do it without mercy, relentlessly tormenting them, and no amount of prayer to the Gods or a pool of tears can stop them from hammering down their wrath. If they encounter any difficulty in a particular criminal, they call on Dike, the Goddess of Justice, to bring forth a hard and swift judgment.

So in the end, Justice is always served. Unfortunately, we don’t live in a mythological world.

Thus, I will just leave you with a passage from the Bible…

Ezekiel 25:17

"The path of the righteous man is beset on all sides by the inequities of the selfish and the tyranny of evil men. Blessed is he who, in the name of charity and good will, shepherds the weak through the valley of darkness, for he is truly his brother's keeper and the finder of lost children. And I will strike down upon thee with great vengeance and furious anger those who attempt to poison and destroy my brothers. And you will know my name is the Lord when I lay my vengeance upon you!”

Featured Clip of the Day: The Matrix runs on Windows XP

2011-09-11T08:54:00.000+08:00

Hmm, makes me want to upgrade my PC...

Restaurants with Spectacular Views - by Budget Travel

2011-09-11T02:07:00.000+08:00

No sandy beaches, no long trekking experiences, just a quiet meal with a soothing view...

Pierchic, Dubai

Ithaa, Rangali Island, Maldives

OUB Centre, Singapore

Kuklos, Bernese Alps, Switzerland

View Hotel, Monument Valley, Utah

For more Restos with spectacular views, click here: Restaurants with Spectacular Views

How about watching the sunset while you dine: Restaurants to Watch the Sunset

CSI Lessons: Maslow’s HON

2011-09-09T16:00:00.000+08:00

I admit I have been watching way too much CSI, but I did pick up a couple of “learnings” in some of its episodes; which for me is not nonsense at all. Thus, I would like to share with you…

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

Abraham Maslow, a psychology professor during the 1930s through 1950s, studied and theorized the human development, focusing on the stages of the fundamental needs of an individual, which led to the theory of the Hierarchy of Needs.

The pyramid above depicts the different levels of needs that one person can or cannot live without. This shows what the fundamental needs are at the bottom and what “needs” are somewhat developed or acquired at the higher tiers.

1st Level: Physiological Needs

The air we breathe, the food and water we consume, clothing and shelter. These are “needs” that we literally require for us to survive. If these “needs” are not satisfied, our bodies will cease to function properly. (Obviously without air, you’re dead)

2nd Level: Safety Needs

Since we’ve already met the requirements of the 1st level, we then proceed to obtaining safety and security needs. Generally these would pertain to having financial stability or a source of income, medical insurance or health coverage for you and your family members, and the overall well-being of a person.

3rd Level: Love and Belonging

The Need to love, be loved, to be accepted in a society, to belong. We try to maintain that sense of acceptance and belonging by giving significance to relationships we have such as friends, families and loved ones. We strive to be socially accepted as well, by probably joining sports events, clubs, weekend parties, office activities and the like.

4th Level: Esteem

Respect. Recognition. Achievement. Building up on your self-esteem and reputation is the next level. You now seek fame and glory and for other to respect you. There are actually two sub-levels of Esteem; the 1st sub-level is the need for the respect of others, the need for recognition, establishing a high status of fame or prestige, and drawing attention to yourself. The higher sub-level is the need for self-respect, inner competence, self-confidence, independence and freedom. The higher level means that there is already that “need” to embark on a quest for better knowledge.

5th Level: Self-Actualization

Obtaining your full potential, becoming what you can really be. The desire to achieve the greatest excellence in one’s being. In order to attain this level, one must not just fully achieve and understand the lower-level needs, but one must have a mastery of it.

“What a man can be, he must be.”

– Abraham Maslow

To view my opinions on this subject, click on the following links:

** What I Want, What I Need

** The Life we Live

I would also like to recommend the following books:

(To have a spiritual perspective of what your purpose in life is)

The Celestine Prophecy

The Tenth Insight

Featured Clip of the Day: Noob Boyfriend

2011-09-08T13:56:00.000+08:00

So I guess it's time for more multiplayer action...

Life is Like a Cup of Coffee - Author Unknown

2011-09-06T11:55:00.000+08:00

A group of alumni, highly established in their careers, got together to visit their old university professor. Conversation soon turned into complaints about stress in work and life.

Offering his guests coffee, the professor went to the kitchen and returned with a large pot of coffee and an assortment of cups - porcelain, plastic, glass, crystal, some plain looking, some expensive, some exquisite - telling them to help themselves to the coffee.

When all the students had a cup of coffee in hand, the professor said: "If you noticed, all the nice looking expensive cups have been taken up, leaving behind the plain and cheap ones. While it is normal for you to want only the best for yourselves, that is the source of your problems and stress.

Be assured that the cup itself adds no quality to the coffee. In most cases it is just more expensive and in some cases even hides what we drink. What all of you really wanted was coffee, not the cup, but you consciously went for the best cups... And then you began eyeing each other's cups.

Now consider this: Life is the coffee; the jobs, money and position in society are the cups. They are just tools to hold and contain Life, and the type of cup we have does not define, nor change the quality of life we live.

Sometimes, by concentrating only on the cup, we fail to enjoy the coffee. Savor the coffee, not the cups! The happiest people don't have the best of everything. They just make the best of everything. Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly.

For more Spiritual Stories, click here: http://www.spiritual-short-stories.com/

Movie Preview: Arthur

2011-09-06T11:34:00.000+08:00

Cast:

Russell Brand - Arthur Bach
Jennifer Garner - Susan Johnson
Greta Gerwig - Naomi Quinn

What do you do if you are the sole heir to a multi-billion dollar corporation with an inheritance of 950 million bucks? Buy the Bat Mobile, a floating magnetic bed, a golden camel, shut down Grand Central Station for a dinner date for two?

Apparently, Arthur did it, done it, have them all. A nightly drunkard, who has wild parties and spends extravagantly. Her mother is now worried because investors are afraid to put their money in the Bach Corporation if Arthur would inherit it. So Arthur's mother gives an ultimatum to him that if he does not marry Susan Johnson (Jennifer Garner), who is the company's career driven executive and is likely to take over once they get married, that Arthur will not receive his treasure chest of gold and will be cut off.

Arthur agrees to this, but then Arthur meets Naomi.

So what would he choose now? Marry the woman who dominates and scares the living hell out of him so he could have his 950 mil? Or be with the girl he loves truly and live simply for the rest of his life?
----------------

Elements Bits number 1:
For Love or for Money. Just like the 1993 movie of Michael J. Fox, "For Love or Money", where he was given a choice to leave the girl he fell in love with if he wanted to fulfill his dreams of finally having his own hotel. We are all familiar with the cliche, "Money can't buy you love", so would you give up Nine-Five-O million for the girl of your dreams? Or with that much money, who cares about love; I'm rich, I can do whatever I want, and I'm married to Elektra.

----------------

Memorable Quotes:

Police Sergeant: "You're drunk again Arthur."
Arthur: "No... I have remained drunk since our last encounter."
---------

Interviewer: "Do you know how to use Excel?"
Arthur: "No."
Interviewer: "Powerpoint?"
Arthur: "No."
Interviewer: "Outlook?"
Arthur: "Generally positive. You know, I mean, I have down days, like anyone..."
---------

Susan: "Most marriages devolve eventually. This is all it is, a business partnership with the added benefit of attraction."
Arthur: "Undeniably, you have got something dark and twisted in you."
---------

Naomi: "Could you leave?"
Arthur: "Could I stay here for a minute please?"
Naomi: "Why?"
Arthur: "Because it will reduce the proportion of my life that I spend feeling utterly miserable."
----------

Arthur: "What I came here to say to you Naomi is that I'm sorry. I'm sorry that I lied to you, I'm sorry that I hurt you, and I'm sorry that I asked you to take care of me, when what I want more than anything in the world is to take care of you."

Featured Clips of the Day: NBA Lockout Professionals

2011-09-05T07:18:00.000+08:00

What odd jobs would you do if you were in a lock out...

Blake Griffin, Kevin Love and Metta World Peace

Kobe Bryant and Turkish Airlines

Movie Preview: The Resident

2011-09-04T18:51:00.003+08:00

Cast:

Hilary Swank - Juliet Devereau
Jeffrey Dean Morgan - Max

When Juliet decided to get a new apartment, she didn't expect that it came with another resident. A psycho-suspense flick that shows how sick and twisted one can be when an obsession goes to the max.

After breaking up with his ex, Juliet went out to look for another place to stay. She then receives a call from Max, who is both the landlord and owner of an old apartment in New York City.

Juliet instantly falls in love with the place and could not believe the low rental costs. But then Juliet would often wake up late for work and could not understand how she dozed off completely the night before. Little does she know that the apartment holds a dark secret.

---------------

Elements Bits number 1:
Obsession. How do you control it? We understand that some obsessions, if not properly suppressed, can lead to a disastrous end. If you let those thoughts and desires overwhelm you, you may be heading to a point of no return and may regret the actions that you take, if you are not careful. To view my opinions about Obsession, click Suppression of the Obsession.

Elements Bits number 2:
Trust and Secrets. Should secrets remain secrets? To whom do you share it with if ever? It takes a really long time to build or gain Trust. Even if someone was referred by a good friend, I dont' think it is that simple to just be sharing those secrets with them. There are certain limitations in what you should divulge depending on how you treat these acquaintances, and where they are in your circle of friends. You can check out my entry about Trust and Secrets, click here: Circle of Friends.

---------------

Memorable Quotes:

Sydney: "You were enough, you are enough, you are more than enough." (Telling Juliet to move on after her ex cheated on her.)
--------

Max: "I will not really want to be a text message twitter crowd. Technology seems to be about telling everybody your deep dark secrets. I don't know, I guess, I think secrets should remain secrets."

Saturday Sale

2011-09-04T05:40:00.000+08:00

We went to this sale yesterday, where the ad said that there will be discounts up to 90% (on selected items), the ad catches your attention because there are a lot of brands such as Nike, Lacoste, Esprit, Sebago, Kenneth Cole, TechnoMarine, and Power Mac. But unfortunately, it didn't live up to it's expectations. Most of the items from these well known brands were only at 10 to 20% off.

In fact, for Lacoste, Esprit, and Kenneth Cole, they were only selling sunglasses. The inventory was limited, there was not that much variety on their items. (Was 50 bucks entrance fee worth it?)

Well luckily for me I got myself two pairs of Gola sneakers for just 1,500.00 pesos. (And take note, for you to avail of the buy one take one sale, the pairs you need to purchase must be size 12s.) And my kid got a steal from the DC shoes, from an original price of 4,700.00 pesos, we got it for 1,100.00 only.

Gola Fear

Gola Chorus

Suppression of the Obsession

2011-09-03T18:11:00.000+08:00

The thoughts. The ideas. The persistent preoccupation of the desire and feelings that may eventually drive you mad.

It can be similar to Addiction but Addiction is leaned towards the physicality or the enslavement of one person to a particular habit. Psychologically, it can be an Obsession if your mind is habitually dominated by these desires.

So is it bad to be overruled by an Obsession?

For me, an Obsession can either be good or bad. We can’t deny that we had at least one in our life, a lingering impulse that we might have had that urge to actually put these ideas into action due to that obsessive state. What we want to do is to suppress the Obsessions that may have severe consequences in the end. Anything or any thought for that matter can be an Obsession. If you are consciously, constantly thinking about it, and cannot totally let go, and either it already caused you anxiety or satisfaction, you may call it an Obsession.

Let’s try to analyze a “good” Obsession.

A creative thinker. A strategist. One who devotes so much time in “thinking out of the box” to provide solutions or breakthrough mechanisms for the continuous improvement of the company. Day and night he/she would brainstorm on ideas and paradigms, countless hours, sleepless nights, all because there is that passion and desire to achieve perfection of the company’s framework. Sounds good, right? But if you factor in an individual who has a very strong value for his family, time can be of an issue. Your Obsession may drive you farther away from your family. Does it sound good now?

Now let’s try to delve into the world of a “bad” Obsession. Do I dare say, Love?

Well, what simpler and yet universally complex example is there. The Obsession of love is like entering a cave of wolves with sheep’s clothing. It will be an emotional and mental massacre for you if you don’t suppress it. For me, there are “stages” wherein you can actually hold off on these desires so as not for it to evolve into an Obsession;

Infatuation.
Attraction.
Adoration.

Infatuation. We all experienced that foolish love-at-first-sight feeling. And more often than not, this feeling does not last. You think about it for a couple of days or weeks, but then your feelings move on. So no harm really. But then….

Attraction. It's like a magnet, you are drawn closer and closer to the opposite sex. You now do things to please, to captivate and eventually sweep them off their feet and fall into your arms. But does it stop there, how do you sustain it, will it be enough, or do you go overboard and...

Adoration. You are totally devoted and put him/her on a pedestal, worshipping them as if they are Gods or Goddesses. The expression of you deep and undying love, and the things you do that are way out of the ordinary just to prove that there can be no other that can provide such. Before you know it...

Obsession. Where extreme sacrifices are made with total disregard of the repercussions it may bring, for as long as you keep coming up with thoughts and ideas on how to ensure that he/she remains with you forever.

So, be prudent, supress it.

"Cure for an Obsession, get another one."

- Mason Cooley

National Heroes Zoo-Day

2011-08-31T05:09:00.000+08:00

Continuing the long weekend here in Manila, the family decided to go to Ark Avilon in Tiendesitas. This would be the first time our youngest son would see his favorite animals up close.

Although he was scared of the real tiger, he kept asking me to go back to it.

One of the many birds in the Ark Avilon Aviary

The Arapaima Fish. They were like mini-sea monsters, and they went wild when we threw in the chicken heads.

Kodak moment.

Feeding time.

And finally, some fish foot spa for Kian.

The Garage - Low Budget Lounging

2011-08-29T06:31:00.000+08:00

Another stressful week at work. Check.
Long weekend. Check.
Injured my pinky finger in a bad loss yesterday, and wants to dwell on it. Check. (We almost had that Team Aquino)
Ready to drink. Check.

But wait, no Goose, no Johnnie, no Jose, no Absolut, no budget.

It's been awhile since I last had drinks at The Garage, and I wouldn't let this pass. So what's on the drinks list...

Antonov Vodka with C2 Apple Juice

Boracay Rum Cappuccino on the rocks

For the pica-pica, there were no beef tapas, no hungarian sausages or cheese platter, and no spicy salami. On the menu was just Boy Bawang cornick, Growers peanuts and Nagaraya nuts. And to cap it off, we went to Hassan's shawarma and steaks.

Not bad for a low budget lounging. I'd still take it.

Going Medieval

2011-08-28T04:43:00.000+08:00

The rain has been pouring the past two days, had to even cancel our overnight stay in Mandarin Hotel. (The family was planning to have the kids go swimming but the weather has been terrible.) Will just probably go mall-hopping since I would expect that a lot took advantage of the long weekend due to the holidays on August 29 and 30, so I am guessing the likes of Megamall and Greenhills won't be too crowded.

But if that won't work out and I have to stay home, I bought 2 new sets of TV series, Game of Thrones and Camelot.

How Much Do You Make an Hour?

2011-08-25T10:48:00.000+08:00

How Much Do You Make an Hour?

- Author Unknown

With a timid voice and idolizing eyes, the little boy greeted his father as he returned from work, "Daddy, how much do you make an hour?" Greatly surprised, but giving his boy a glaring look, the father said: "Look, son, not even your mother knows that. Don't bother me now, I'm tired." The boy insisted, "But Daddy, just tell me please!? How much do you make an hour?"

The father finally giving up and replied: “Twenty dollars per hour." Then the boy asked, "Okay, Daddy? Could you loan me ten dollars?" Showing restlessness and positively disturbed, the father yelled: "So that was the reason you asked how much I earn, right?? Go to sleep and don't bother me anymore!"

It was already dark and the father was meditating on what he had said and was feeling guilty. Maybe he thought, his son wanted to buy something. Finally, trying to ease his mind, the father went to his son's room.

"Are you asleep son?" asked the father. "No, Daddy. Why?" replied the boy partially asleep. "Here's the money you asked for earlier," the father said. "Thanks, Daddy!" rejoiced the son, while putting his hand under his pillow and removing some money. "Now I have enough! Now I have twenty dollars!" the boy said to his father, who was gazing at his son, confused.

Then his son said, "Daddy, here is twenty dollars, could you sell me one hour of your time?"

I make it a point that no matter how tired I am, how angry, frustrated and stressed out I may be when coming home from work; I still find time for my kids. I work to make a living, and my family is what I live for.

Featured Clips of the Day: MTV Awards Promo

2011-08-23T13:03:00.000+08:00

The Hurt Locker vs Justin Bieber

Leighton Meester vs Laughing Gas

Dirt Shampoo

Beat'Em Up Babes of the Day - Sucker Punch

2011-08-23T12:32:00.000+08:00

Baby Doll, Sweet Pea, Blondie, Rocket and Amber, are some sort of an elite commando unit in a war-torn fantasy dream world, sent on several missions to retrieve items that would help them escape a mental institution in real life.

From gargantuan samurais, zombies, orcs, dragons, and robots, they exemplify combat indestructibility and annihilate all that stands before them.

Zombie Battle Scene:

Samurai Fight:

Movie Preview: Sucker Punch

2011-08-22T06:50:00.003+08:00

Cast:

Emily Browning - Baby Doll
Vanessa Hudgens - Blondie
Abbie Cornish - Sweet Pea
Jena Malone - Rocket
Jamie Chung - Amber

The story starts when young Baby Doll is admitted in a mental institution by his abusive stepfather, who even coerces with the institution's lead orderly to lobotomize Baby Doll so she would not remember a thing. The mental institution is actually a front for underground exploitation of young girls who are groomed to become showgirls for their so called "high-rollers".

But Baby Doll has plans of her own, and seeks the help of the other girls to escape the institution. They need to secure 4 items to successfully bolt out of this nightmare, and by doing so they need to distract certain key individuals, in which the only way to do it is when Baby Doll starts to dance. (For some reason, those who witness the said performance are caught in a trance.)

The movie then shifts from the real world to a war-torn fantasy world that illustrates how the girls portray an elite combat unit and are sent on several missions to secure the said items. And this is where the action starts.

Sucker Punch is a CGI-rich type of movie, from Zack Snyder, the director of 300 and Watchmen. So expect to be awed by the graphical fight scenes and computer generated artwork.

-----------------

Elements Bits number 1:
Perseverance. In order to achieve our goals, one must have the motivation and determination by completing certain tasks. On some occasions we actually lose hope or focus and tend to just abandon the current situation. But some of us are very persistent even to a point of stubbornness, just to get that sense of fulfilment in achieving a particular goal. Or like me, I may persevere to prove a point.

Elements Bits number 2:
Selflessness. Would you be willing to step down, stand aside, sacrifice your own dreams for someone else? Are you in a state wherein you've unlocked your 10th Insight and know what your human destiny is.

------------------

Memorable Quotes:

Dr. Vera Gorski: "You see, your fight for survival starts right now. You don't want to be judged? You won't be. You don't think you're strong enough? You are. You're afraid, don't be. You have all the weapons you need. Now fight."
--------

Wise Man: "If you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything."

Adidas, Adidas, Adidas

2011-08-21T20:14:00.002+08:00

After 3 grueling weeks of office work, by chance, I took advantage of the mega shoe sale at the Mega Trade Hall in SM Megamall, as my reward.

I'm not an Adidas fanatic, it just happened that I didn't see any Nike designs that I liked, (There was one, the Cortez, but it didn't have my shoe size.) or even with the discount it still carried a 4k to 5k tag price; and Puma didn't have anything nice either.

So it had to be Adidas.

Adidas Campus

Adidas TR 2010 - Germany

Adidas Blindside 5

World's Most Amazing Hotel Pools - by Sean O'Neill and David Farley

2011-08-21T07:17:00.000+08:00

In my early years up to my adoloscent life, I wasn't really a fan of taking a dip in the beach or in any swimming pool for that matter. But I sure would want to spend hours lounging in these majestic and peaceful pool settings...

Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, Cap d'Antibes, France

Hotel Caruso Belvedere, Ravello, Italy

Qasr Al Sarab, Abu Dhabi.

San Alfonso del Mar, Algarrobo, Chile

Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur, India

For more Amazing Hotel Pools, click here: World's Most Amazing Hotel Pools

Whistlestop

2011-08-21T06:55:00.000+08:00

Last week, we had dinner at Whistlestop along Jupiter St. in Makati, before watching the musical play Sweet Charity.

It's been years since we last ate here. A couple of decades ago, there was one branch in Eastwood, actually, there was no Eastwood City during that time! (It was a field of long stemmed grass shoots.) It was the time when the "blackouts" stretched for as long as 6-8 hours from 9:00pm onwards, and Whistlestop would be filled with residents from the nearby villages. It was like going to a celebrity event since a lot of actors and actresses where actually hanging out there up to the wee hours or once notice was received that the lights went back on.

My favorite was the Morning Heavyweight; Corned Beef Hash, Fried Eggs, Garlic Rice and sliced tomatoes. Nothing fancy really. On other days, it was the the Whistlelitto - beef salpicao in a bun or the Nasi Goreng Fried Rice and an order of Calamares. (But they no longer serve the Calamares). They also used to have the Whistlestop Iced Tea, which was really refreshing.

On this particular night, we ordered the Chili Cheese Sticks for starters, and the Pork Sisig and Hainanese Chicken Rice for the main course. The cheese sticks were really spicy, I had to take out the green peppers later on as it was too much for me. The pork sisig was delicious, it was not the traditional sisig, it had like small bits of chicharon in it. (Yup, cholesterol level surely went up this time) but I'm really having dinner there again one of these days.

Unfortunately, I don't have pictures of these dishes...hmm maybe it's time to get me one of those Nikon cameras.

Featured Clips of the Day: Discover Card - Peggy

2011-08-19T09:31:00.000+08:00

So what kind of customer service does your credit card have...

Hold

Transfer

Replacement

Circumstantial, Substantial, Documentary

2011-08-17T11:30:00.000+08:00

The past two weeks have been very exhausting for me at work. And it’s not because of any extended hours rendered or clearing tons of workload, but there are certain tasks that may be considered as mentally draining. And when the mind is fatigued, the body reacts as well.

So what is it? Disciplinary Cases.

Handling a case is not that easy as just deciding if the employee is guilty or not. There are analytics involved such as trying to understand why they committed such act if indeed found liable, auditing and reviewing pages of data and evidences and how it can be prevented in the future, trending, mitigating and aggravating factors to consider.

I always base my recommendations on the facts and evidences in a case. There are several types of evidences but in my line of work, we just usually have the circumstantial, substantial and documentary evidences.

The challenge for me is that when evidences presented are merely circumstantial. There is little to build on and when validation is done, it does not yield any concrete findings if the alleged act can warrant a disciplinary action. Circumstantial evidence usually implies that there may be a violation committed but does not in itself prove it. It is often just backed up by probable reasoning.

Ideally working with Substantial and Documentary evidences should be a case closer, but unfortunately there are rare occasions when these too can be inadmissible or lacks merit in a case investigation.

Substantial evidences are often considered as undisputed and overwhelming, wherein a particular alleged act can be proven beyond reasonable doubt based on the validity or authenticity of the data or evidence. Documentary evidences are usually presented in any type of media form. May it be a written statement, a video recording, as long as it is a medium by which factual and accurate information can be preserved.

Doing a thorough sweep and analysis of the evidences can be taxing enough, and there is the duty of serving the notices to explain and eventually termination letters to the accused. How would you handle terminating someone who is a friend either professionally or personally? That’s just one of the things that make this job emotionally and mentally torturous.

I’ve been called the judge, jury and executioner, been labeled as the Terminator, perceived as a messenger of Death, and branded as the Harbinger of bad news. I have to live with those impressions for as long as I am in this field. What saddens me is that HR practitioners try to build a reputation as being someone who you can run to in times of trouble, grievance or pretty much anything under the sun. But unfortunately it is overshadowed by the judgment that we are a police force that does not protect and serve, but rather to punish and execute.

It is a burden sometimes that carries over for a couple of days, bothering me in a sense that as much as I don’t want to be serving any notices or memos, the evidence does not lie. It may be contested but the burden of proof now lies with the accused.

I am fair, just and unbiased, and I let the circumstantial, substantial and documentary evidences speak for itself.

Investigation may be likened to the long months of pregnancy, and solving a problem to the day of birth. To investigate a problem is, indeed, to solve it.

- Mao Tse-Tung

Featured Clip of the Day: Movie Trailer Voice-Over

2011-08-16T12:17:00.000+08:00

Have You ever wondered who owns the voice that does one of those movie trailer voice-overs...it belongs to Hal Douglas. And below is a hilarious spoof of the trailer for the movie The Comedian starring Jerry Seinfeld.

Comedian Movie Trailer

Movie Preview: Under Siege 2: Dark Territory

2011-08-15T14:23:00.003+08:00

Cast:

Steven Seagal - Casey Ryback
Katherine Heigl - Sarah Ryback
Everett McGill - Marcus Penn
Eric Bogosian - Travis Dane

Casey Ryback, a decorated Navy Seals captain turned cook, takes a train ride with her niece for a vacation but the train is later on boarded by mercenaries with the plot to acquire a top secret satellite that can fire particle energy through the subterranean crust of the earth to create earthquakes.

Casey must now stop the terrorists before they unleash the energy over the Pentagon and wipe out the population of Washington and everything within a 100-mile radius.

If you grew through the 90's I'm pretty sure you've seen at least one of the many action films of Steven Seagal. In real life, he holds a 7th Dan black belt in combat Aikido, and unlike other martial arts fighting styles, where you tend to rain a flurry of punches and kicks, Aikido is using your opponent's energy and body weight in executing several choke holds, body throws, and locking up on him to incapacitate him. His style was so much different from the Bruce Lees and the Van Dammes, the reason why he was probably a hit during this era.

Check out this scene from Hard To Kill. Action starts at the 2:00 minute mark.

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Elements Bits number 1:

Technology is dangerous to our privacy. "Weather satellites" (as how they claim it to be), that can look down on us at a very detailed magnification, or a particular web browser update that logs personal information, mobile phone tracking system, or concealed miniature video recorders, there are just some of the hundreds of ways on how technology can be used to invade our privacy.

No wonder some folks would like to live in the mountains or far off places where technology cannot reach them. (Though I know a couple of folks who can keep out of touch or remain hidden even in the highly-populated Metro.) We would just have to exercise prudence in how we keep a part of our lives privy only to ourselves.

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Memorable Quotes:

Travis Dane: "Chance favors the prepared mind."

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Casey: "Nobody beats me in the kitchen."

Sweet Charity

2011-08-14T05:49:00.001+08:00

Last night, was a Sweet Charity Saturday. We got to watch the musical play of 9 Works Theatrical (Who also introduced RENT last year), at RCBC Plaza featuring Nikki Gil, Kris Lawrence, Shiela Valderrama-Martinez, Ciara Sotto and surprisingly in the cast was Sheree, who was once part of the Viva Hot Babes.

A love story/comedy production about a dancer who unfortunately, always gives her love to the wrong man. I extend my congratulations to my buddy Lorenz Martinez, who is the Assistant Director in this light and bubbly musical experience.

You can still catch the performance as they will have shows till the end of August. To inquire about the tickets, you can contact TicketWorld at (63 2) 891-9999.

Be Unsinkable - by Lead Out Loud

2011-08-10T13:07:00.000+08:00

Be Unsinkable

At times life brings us challenges,

How you deal with those challenges determine how long the pain will last.

It doesn't have to be so "hard",

It's OK to feel the sadness, anger and frustration,

Release it.

Don't resist what is happening,

It will only last longer...

Accept it.

You may be unable to see the bigger picture right now,

Have faith...Believe...

It's all happening for a reason,

This too shall pass.

Learn the lessons,

and grow.

Great things are waiting for you around the corner.

The journey will be worth it,

Be patient.

Be unsinkable and be happy.

Movie Preview: The Company Men

2011-08-08T18:07:00.003+08:00

Cast:

Ben Affleck - Bobby Walker
Tommy Lee Jones - Gene McClary
Chris Cooper - Phil Woodward
Kevin Costner - Jack Dolan

A couple of years back, almost every country may have been hit by the recession in the United States.

Huge global enterprises downsizing, financial institutions going bankrupt, and mid-sized companies folded up. Several companies around the world had to adapt and make drastic changes to ensure that they stay afloat with the industry they are in and to be at pace with the competition.

The Company Men tells the different lives of men who strive to support their families after being part of a redundancy exercise at their previous employer. All were not spared. Even the characters of TLJ and CC, (Gene and Phil), who are senior executives in this major corporation, were eventually fired.

The movie shows what the struggles are in finding a job, how Bobby (Ben Affleck's character) must lower his pride by taking a position with lesser pay or even two levels down from his previous job title, and eventually ending up working as a carpenter for Kevin Costner. (Bobby's brother-in-law) But it was not that easy for Gene and Phil since they were pushing beyond their golden years already, and although they are seasoned and well-experienced, the market demands for younger, more robust individuals for their companies. And hard labor was definitely not a viable option for the both of them.

Watch how one overcomes unemployment while another one loses hope and explores the thought of ending all his miseries, how one never gives up and continues what they have been doing for so many years. How each family show their support in times of need.

----------------

Elements Bits number 1:
What are you willing to sacrifice? You will probably recognize the drama of the movie since most of us may have experienced this once in our lives. The reality of giving something up, such as a lifestyle you have had for many years just to be able to put food on the table. Living within your means. It's not about maintaining a certain social status anymore by still paying expensive memberships in prestigious golf clubs and mortgages for vacation houses along beaches and in the countrysides. You have to face reality and go down to the bare necessities so you can be able to provide for your family.

Elements Bits number 2:
Jack of all Trades. It doesn't hurt to learn a few tricks here and there. If there are opportunities or training available for you to be able to broaden your skill set, it's best you grab it. It also doesn't hurt to be able to do the grunt work. This way you are well-rounded and can be considered as an asset and an integral part of the company. Worst case scenario, if you are part of a redundancy, you can easily shift from one department or position to another with your diverse sets of competencies.

----------------

Memorable Quotes:

Gene: "Well, what is the criteria for getting canned this time? Gary Hunt's put on a few pounds, maybe we should let him go. And I hear Jill Carter has cancer, we could save a bundle on her insurance premiums, hmm?"
---------
Paul: "I'm confident all of these dismissals will stand up to outside legal scrutiny."
Gene: "What about ethical scrutiny?"
Paul: "We are not breaking any laws, Gene."
Gene: "I guess I always assumed we were trying for a higher standard than that, Paul."
---------
Bobby: "I will win. Why? Because I have faith, courage, enthusiasm."
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Bobby: "We work as hard in here everyday as we did trying to get a job, we are gonna be all right. What's the worst thing they could do? Fire us?"

Restaurants to Watch a Sunset - by The Daily Meal

2011-08-08T11:50:00.000+08:00

Surely, having a romantic meal at these restaurants is more than enough, but why not top it off by savoring it while the sun sets at the horizon...

The Oasis, Lake Travis, Texas

Plantation House Restaurant, Maui

George's at the Cove, San Diego

Sundowners, Key Largo, Florida

Sunset Terrace, Asheville, N.C.

For more information, click here: Restaurants to Watch a Sunset

Movie Preview: Just Go With It

2011-08-07T20:39:00.003+08:00

Cast:

Adam Sandler - Danny Maccabee
Jennifer Aniston - Katherine
Brooklyn Decker - Palmer

Adam's character, Danny, bails on his wedding day because he overheard his fiancee discuss with the bridesmaids a couple of disturbing facts about the real reason for marrying him. He ends up in a bar and hot a chick sits beside him and drops her purse, so Danny tells the girl that you dropped your purse, but the girl lashes out to Danny thinking that he was trying to do some pick up lines. And the girl notices that she indeed dropped her purse and saw the wedding ring on Danny's hand. So the girl asks about the wedding ring but Danny didn't want to sound like a loser bailing out on his wedding day, so he concocts a sad story about how he does so many things for his (imaginary) wife and is not appreciated. The girl then feels sorry and viola!! Danny ends up bringing home the hot chick!

This now gave him an idea on how powerful this One Ring is.

Present day; Danny is a successful plastic surgeon who has Jennifer Aniston as his secretary, Katherine, who is divorced and has two kids. So Danny continues with the charade of picking up girls and women, using different sad stories about his make-believe marriage, but one night he hooks up with Brooklyn Decker without using any of the One Ring stories. They end up making out and the next morning they talk about how this could be a good thing, so when Brook D asks how she can contact Danny, he said that he has one of his calling cards in his pants pocket. But instead of the card, Palmer (Brook D's character) pulls out the wedding ring. So Palmer feels disgusted and tells Danny never to see her again.

But Danny tries to reconcile things with Palmer, but instead of telling the truth that he uses the One Ring to pick up girls, he lies even more and tells Palmer that he is indeed married but is in the final stages of a divorce because he caught his wife cheating on him with another man and is hooked on some kind of purple colored pills. This pacifies Palmer and Danny thinks he is in the clear, but to his surprise, she asks Danny that she wants to meet the so-called ex-wife. So Danny ask Katherine (Jennifer Aniston) to pose as his lustful and drug-crazed divorcing wife.

And this is where the chaos starts. Sooner and later, the lies kept piling up and they all ended up taking a vacation in Hawaii, along with the 2 kids of Jennifer Aniston, who by now is the make-believe children of Danny and Katherine.

And it's a bowlful of laughter from then on. Danny trying to claw himself out from the grave he dug with all these lies. So, will Danny just go with it and try to maintain the deceptions or will he let the stack of bricks come crumbling down with the truth.

--------------

Elements Bits number 1:
Divorce. Is it really that easy? Like a reset button that you can press anytime when things are so messed up beyond repair, so let's punch it in and start fresh. (I will not go into the legalities of this matter.) Of course, there are indeed a couple of serious grounds for it to be consummated just like in the movie when the alleged ex-wife committed adultery. But can irreconcilable difference really hold water? Hmm.

Elements Bits number 2:
Using an unsuccessful marriage or relationship as a scapegoat. Really?
Both men and women may tend to do so, trying to be the chivalrous knight but always unappreciated or the damsel in distress. Maybe trying to win the hearts of others by ranting how the worse half has destroyed their lives and why they can't move on. (But not really to pick up men or women in a bar? Does that even really work towards the opposite sex who are single? Sympathy? Pity maybe?)

Elements Bits number 3:
White Lies. Telling the truth will not set you free, but telling the lie will not hurt the other party either. It's like adding gasoline on a campfire when your intentions is to really put it out but you really can't, so you just have to be tactful and contain it. Harmless, painless, if you manage to pull it off, yet still a lie. So here's a situation, would you lie about something if it meant saving a life? If you tell the truth that person dies. What say you?

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Memorable Quotes in the movie:

Danny: "I love your smile. That smile is the magic. It starts my day...that smile."
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Katherine: "Are you there? Do you understand?"
Danny: " I guess."
Katherine: "It's an awful lot of guessing coming through this phone. I've been divorced, I have two kids, I don't have time for guessing."
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Maggie: "The first rule of improv is always accept the information. If someone says something, just go with it. No negating."

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Babe Battle:

Jennifer Aniston or Brooklyn Decker

Movie Reviews

2011-08-07T18:03:00.001+08:00

It's no secret that I love watching movies. I even post on this blog what were the recent ones that I watched, and I do have a huge collection. I don't have a specific movie genre, I actually watch them all. From brutal bad-ass action to cheesy chick flicks to hair-raising horrors.

When people ask me if the movie is any good, I don't really have a straight forward answer. It's because I am not really a movie critic and I just love watching them. I usually answer by saying, "Well if you're into comics you would love the Marvel collection." or "If you believe in aliens you would appreciate Contact."

I was actually always scared in doing a movie review. I feel like I'm not qualified for it. (If there is such a thing.) But it recently popped into my mind...oh what the heck, let's give it a shot.

But unlike other movie reviews wherein you would discuss entirely about the plot, how the acting was done, screenplay, supporting cast, and all those, I was just thinking of making it light and with a twist by sharing my thoughts and opinions on how the Elements of the movie, it's bits and pieces, would actually play out in the real world. (Of course without giving away the ending or including spoilers along the way.)

So, my first two projects are the movies "Just Go With It" and "The Company Men".

So...wish me luck. Will be posting the reviews soon:

Movie Review: Just Go With It

Movie Review: The Company Men

Featured Clips of the Day: Video Game Commercials

2011-08-07T08:03:00.000+08:00

Oops...wrong game

PSP

We want your Weapons

PS3 Job Resume

Gran Turismo Cars

PS3...Good for the Family

Multiplayer Madness

2011-08-07T07:12:00.000+08:00

I will repeat myself several times when asked about my justification as to why I am so eager in playing these online multiplayer games in the PS3 and PC whenever I have the free time to do so...and that's because I never had these type of interactive games when I was a kid and it's a good way for me to relieve stress, so please let me be.

I just enjoy playing cooperatively and competitively with other online players around the globe. I don't consider myself as the champion of champions of online gaming and in fact I consider myself as a forever NOOB. (A term used in the online world as you being referred to as a newbie, someone who lacks intelligence and common sense when playing the game.) I was actually kicked out by a host yesterday in a game I was playing because my character was excessively dying so soon and so many times.

That's because I play for competitive fun and play occasionally, I don't really build a career out of it. If you see my Call of Duty user profile level at 50, that is just because I've been playing for quite some time now and is not a reflection of how good I am.

I alternately jump from one game to another, but below are the titles that have kept me raving about online gaming.

PS3:

PC:

Game On!!

OC Mode

2011-07-31T17:10:00.000+08:00

Doesn’t it bother you when you can’t find a particular item in your room when you know that you always keep it in the same place as before? Or when you open a drawer it so full of junk that something might be living inside it already? Or when you arrange things a certain way, then when you get home, it now has a different setting?

For quite some time now I haven’t been on my OC mode. (And we are probably talking about 2 years) it’s just that there is too much work and I do lack the time to be on OC mode. On every spare time I get, I’d rather do something else. Just a sample of my “OCness” is that for my DVDs, I had custom-built a library shelf and organized the DVDs into categories and are labeled in numerical order in each category. (Please don’t ask why not alphabetically, I just might do it. It was easier to do the labeling since it is numbered to the most recently purchased and watched)

But lately, I just couldn’t take it anymore. I feel like my surroundings are in total disarray.

Whenever I come home from work and go up to the 2nd floor, the first thing I would notice is the family room. I bought this TV/DVD remote holder so that when nobody is watching, you put back the remote in the holder. But for some apparent reason I always see the remote on top of the TV. Most of the electronic appliances such as TV, DVDs and computers have voltage regulators or AVRs and surge protectors that you can switch off when you are not using it, but again, for some reason it’s left on.

As simple as turning the lights out when not in use sometimes ticks me off. So I keep reminding everyone that if you are not using the lights, then turn it off. So the funniest thing happens every now and then, when it’s my turn to use the bathroom and I am in the middle of either brushing my teeth or taking a shower, suddenly the lights go out. Or when I am inside the room and they leave the room, they turn off the lights. Ah, hello??

It also bothers me when something is borrowed but never returned. I have this vanity kit, (yeah, yeah, so what if I am vain) it has nail cutters and all. I swear I am getting everybody vanity kits for Christmas because it used to have like 7 pieces, now it’s missing four. I bought myself a set of scissors, but behold I can’t find them anymore. So I bought each room their own sets of scissors, thinking that would put a stop to it, but oh my God, I am chaining that damn scissors to the desk.

Putting things in order doesn’t necessarily mean you have an Obsessive-Compulsive behavior. It’s not literally a bad habit either. I mean, having order makes things simpler, right?

Ok, I have to admit, it may seem petty but that’s just how I want things to be. Just like how I organize my computer table. I want the PC speakers parallel to the monitor, beside the right speakers would be the iPod dock, beside the left speakers is the family picture, and underneath the monitor is a pen and a flash drive. I have that sense of peace when things are in that order. But most of the time when I come home, the speakers are behind the monitor, the iPod dock is underneath the monitor, and the family picture is on top of the scanner.

There is so much clutter right now and it will take hours and days to get things in the right order, which I don’t have the luxury to do so. Especially with the new baby coming in 3 months, things really need to be organized. That’s when I came up with the idea to do my OC Mode on a staggered basis. I did one drawer today, tomorrow probably one shelf. At the same time making sure that the areas that I already “OCified” are maintained…

How boring.

“Order is never observed; it is disorder that attracts attention because it is awkward and intrusive.” – Eliphas Levi

Featured Clips of the Day: Find your Beach

2011-07-31T17:02:00.000+08:00

How I wish everyday I can have this steady chillax feeling....let's all find our beach.

Having a Flu is Good?

2011-07-26T11:41:00.000+08:00

The past week I have been suffering from fever and mostly cough and colds. Up until now I am still taking medications. It may be the sudden change in weather, or an unknown virus that just wouldn’t want to go away. Was literally immobilized last Wednesday when the fever and height of the coughing happened. (I wouldn’t want to go through that ever again), didn't play any basketball either during the weekend, totally sluggish and exhausted from the coughing.

Anyway, I got so bothered with the cough and colds; I did some research on what actually causes the phlegm and mucus. (Yes, gross, I know, but I was so pissed at how I was feeling, I wanted to find out what I can do to prevent it from happening again.)

To my surprise, did you know that phlegm and mucus are actually vital for good health??

Mucus is a defense mechanism of our body that protects us from allergens, viruses and bacteria. We may have been under the assumption that having a clogged/runny nose and non-stop cough or phlegm is actually the virus itself; it’s actually the mucus that helps us get better faster.

Mucus is a substance consisting of 95% water and 5% carbohydrates, fat, salt and proteins. The mucus captures and traps harmful substances through our nose to prevent it from making their way to our lungs. And to be more scientific, the mucus contains antiseptic enzymes and immunoglobulins that help fight these viral infections.

When we have a prolonged runny nose, the reason for this is that the mucus has not effectively cleared out the infectious particles, thus our system pumps up the production of more mucus in an attempt to flush out the infection; If it is a virus or bacteria, our immune system responds by increasing the blood flow, which can cause the surrounding tissue of the nasal area to swell. The mucus may thicken and get stuck behind the swollen nasal passage and that’s when we experience a clogged nose.

Indeed, these are the wonders of the protective Elements of our human body.

Featured Clip of the Day: Baby Got Back - Sir Gilbert and Sullivan Style

2011-07-16T09:31:00.000+08:00

There have been so many remakes in the music industry, but for me, this 90's rap hit remix really tops them all...Har har har.

Baby Got Back - Sir Gilbert and Sullivan Style:

Baby Got Back - Sir Mix-A-Lot Original:

Recruitment Goobledygook

2011-07-16T07:44:00.000+08:00

Here are some funny Recruitment jargons that I came across on the Internet, and thier possible true meanings...

"COMPETITIVE SALARY"
- We remain competitive by paying less than our competitors.

"JOIN OUR FAST-PACED COMPANY"
- We have no time to train you; you'll have to introduce yourself to your coworkers.

"IMMEDIATE OPENING"
- The person who used to have this job gave notice a month ago. We're just now running the ad.

"SELF-MOTIVATED"
- Management won't answer questions

"SEEKING ENTHUSIASTIC, FUN, HARD WORKING, PEOPLE"
...who still live with their parents and won't mind our internship-level salaries.

"FUN WORK ENVIRONMENT"
- Your coworkers will be insulted if you don't drink with them.

"A DRUG-FREE WORK ENVIRONMENT"
- We booze it up at company parties.

"MUST BE DEADLINE ORIENTED"
- You'll be six months behind schedule on your first day.

"SOME PUBLIC RELATIONS REQUIRED"
- If we're in trouble, you'll go on TV and get us out of it.

"SOME OVERTIME REQUIRED"
- Some time each night and some time each weekend.

"FLEXIBLE HOURS"
- Work 40 hours; get paid for 25.

"DUTIES WILL VARY"
- Anyone in the office can boss you around.

"MUST HAVE AN EYE FOR DETAIL"
- We have no quality control.

"COLLEGE DEGREE PREFERRED"
- Unless you wasted those four years studying something useless.

"SEEKING CANDIDATES WITH A WIDE VARIETY OF EXPERIENCE"
- You'll need it to replace three people who just left.

"PROBLEM-SOLVING SKILLS A MUST"
- You're walking into a company in perpetual, systemic chaos.

"GOOD COMMUNICATION SKILLS"
- Management communicates, you listen, figure out what they want and do.

"ABILITY TO HANDLE A HEAVY WORKLOAD"
- You whine, you're fired.

Don't Quit - Author Unknown

2011-07-13T16:08:00.000+08:00

When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,

When the road you're trudging seems all uphill,

When the funds are low and the debts are high,

And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,

When care is pressing you down a bit,

Rest, if you must, but don't you quit.

Life is queer with its twists and turns,

As every one of us sometimes learns,

And many a failure turns about,

When he might have won had he stuck it out;

Don't give up though the pace seems slow--

You may succeed with another blow.

Often the goal is nearer than,

It seems to a faint and faltering man,

Often the struggler has given up,

When he might have captured the victor's cup,

And he learned too late when the night slipped down,

How close he was to the golden crown.

Success is failure turned inside out--

The silver tint of the clouds of doubt,

And you never can tell how close you are,

It may be near when it seems so far,

So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit--

It's when things seem worst that you must not quit.

Featured Clip of the Day: Samsung Profile Pictures

2011-07-11T05:48:00.000+08:00

Can you really trust those profile pictures?

Most Beautiful Lakes in the World - by Beth Collins

2011-07-11T05:12:00.002+08:00

Though you can't really swim in most of them, but the sight can be breathtaking and relaxing...

Lake Atitlan, Guatemala

Lake Garda, Italy

Taal Lake, Philippines

Plitvice Lakes, Croatia

Lake Malawi, Malawi

For more beautiful lakes, click here: Beautiful Lakes in the World

My Little Princess

2011-07-05T15:27:00.000+08:00

Having two boys, we were praying to have a baby girl. Just last week, our prayers were answered.

I can't wait to hold you in my arms, my little princess, Julianna Kassandra.

Featured Clip of the Day: Too Much CSI

2011-07-05T15:06:00.000+08:00

Interrogations can be fun....

Father's Day Triple Treat

2011-07-04T12:59:00.000+08:00

After hours and hours of work during the weekdays, you really look forward to that weekend to relax. Last June 17 to 20, was one of those weekends that I would really cherish.

Technically June 17 and 18, I was attending a 2-day HR Congress, though it seems that it sounds like work, it wasn't for me. The talks were able to enrich my mind with knowledge about my job and the teambuilding activities were fun. (More on my HR Congress experience: First Pacific HR Congress)

On the eve of Father's Day, my family treated me dinner at Isabelo's Garden. (Here is their website: Isabelo's Garden) The food was delicious but what really caught my taste buds was the Key Lime Mini Pie. (What can I say, I'm a sucker for sweets.)

Orange Herbed Chicken

Pugon-baked Porkloin

Double Smoked Bacon and Quattro Formaggio Pizza

Watermelon Sorbet

Key Lime Mini Pie

On Sunday, We had a steak dinner at my Ninong's house and the usual drinks of course at the Garage.

Mmm...Rib Eye Steak

Cold Cuts & Cheese Platter

And to cap the night, Finlandia Lime Vodka

But it does not stop there. Post Father's Day, my Mom had a couple of free lunch buffet vouchers at The Escolta in Manila Peninsula Hotel. Talk about gaining a few pounds over the weekend.

Sushi Bar

Seafood Bar

Mmm...Prime Rib

Life's Little Sweetness

Thank you to my family for such a wonderful Father's Day treat.

"You don't choose your family. They are God's gift to you, as you are to them." - Desmond Tutu

Beat'Em Up Babe of the Day - Tao / District 13

2011-07-04T06:21:00.001+08:00

A group of street gangs try to stop a government from dropping a neutron bomb on their district. They enlist the help of Tao, who at first, her unit helped them out by hacking into some data, then later teamed up with the gangs to infiltrate a base of operations for the said government, and in one scene, Tao kicked the living hell out of 4 soldiers.

Tao Fight Scene - Preview

Featured Clip of the Day: Smart way to have a Sibling

2011-06-27T06:29:00.000+08:00

In a few months Kian will either have a brother to play with or a sister to look after...

Turning Two

2011-06-26T06:20:00.000+08:00

Teddy bears and seas of blue, Smiling in honor of you

An infant, not long ago, Now, two candles are aglow

You are growing up so fast, How quickly time has passed

You are special, sweet, and wise, A present before our eyes.

For two years, I've watched you shine, An angel I can call mine

Sent from Heaven, just for me, Filled with hope and dignity

A blessing, now and always, You brighten all of my days

Precious child, I love you so, More than anyone could know.

Baby's breath and sun-filled skies, Ladybugs and lullabies

Starry nights and bright moonbeams, Tender hearts and lasting dreams

Each, a gift within your view, During this time, made for you

May only good things come your way, On this, your 2nd birthday.

(Anonymous)

Smile Kian, you're turning two!!!

Featured Clips of the Day: FedEx, How to Get Work Done

2011-06-23T17:22:00.000+08:00

All Over It

Stolen Idea

How Fast can you Work

First Pacific HR Congress – Day 2 Teambuilding

2011-06-22T17:26:00.001+08:00

The highlight for Day 2 was the teambuilding activity. I don’t know with the other congress members if they got the memo, but on my end, I was never told on what was going to happen. My mistake was that I had too much to eat for breakfast.

The theme was sort of an Amazing Race / Survivor challenge; and there were several stations set up for the teams, across a 10-acre compound. Initially, our team, Purok 8 – Yellow team, had the least members, we started with just 5. When the facilitator asked who wants to transfer teams, no one was actually volunteering, which prompted us to say that, it doesn’t matter, we will show everyone what productivity is. (Putting into play the talk given by one of our speakers during the 1st day, that being productive doesn’t mean having more workers) Eventually our team grew to 9 members. (The late comers were our new members)

Each team was given a map and score sheet where it was indicated on what the next challenge was and which station to run to. May I repeat myself, we had to RUN to the next station. And behold, the first challenge was to eat a stick of "banana-que", 2 pieces of “puto” and 2 quail eggs...without using your hands! After that you had to take a shot of “lambanog”. And it was 9:00 in the morning!!! Not only that, you were pressured to consume all of these within a few minutes! What a way to start the day.

2nd station; we had to fill an empty pail at the end of the road (A distance of about 30 feet) with water. But the challenge was, the water was fetched by using a “palayok” and putting it on top of your head and walking towards the pail. Simple enough, but wet all over afterwards.

3rd station; we had to paint our own masks and follow the dance steps of the Ati-Atihan Festival shown on the projector screen.

4th station; five members of the team had to jump rope five full rotations in order to complete the challenge. Timing was crucial, but we managed to clear the course in about 5 minutes.

5th station; I don’t really know how to describe this challenge, but 5 members of the team had to step onto two planks of wood with ropes on them, where the team had to synchronously lift the plank that we were stepping on and walk towards the end line. It took quite some time for us to reach the goal. But we felt that we were still doing well.

6th station; It was fairly easy; two team members just had to be blindfolded and hit the piñata with a 2x2. After enduring all that, guess whose team was crowned with the most stars…. Purok 8, the Yellow team. (The number of stars depended on how well the group showed camaraderie, teamwork and of course completing the challenge) I'm pretty sure all the others who had a chance to join our team earlier is feeling it.

So this ends the 2-day HR Congress, and I am looking forward to the next.

Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success. ~Henry Ford

check out: First Pacific HR Congress - Day 1 for insights on HR Discussion

check out: First Pacific HR Congress - Funny and Funky

First Pacific HR Congress – Funny and Funky

2011-06-22T17:12:00.001+08:00

"Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look once in awhile, you could miss it." Ferris Bueller's Day Off, 1986

Thanks to the First Pacific HR Congress, I had the chance not only to pause and have a better understanding of my HR purpose, but to unwind. After the lectures and discussions, we had dinner at The Pavilion in MMLDC. (Meralco) The night started with the introduction of our host, stand up comedian and singer, Dax Martin.

He was hilarious. In a stand up comedy routine, the style is not to sit way up in front or too far back, because the comedians tend to grill those who think they are not afraid to be grilled and those who shy away from the spotlight. Unfortunately for our table, we were smacked right in front of the stage. (because there were no other tables available.)

After that we experienced an interactive comedy hosted by SPIT.

SPIT is a comedy Improv group who has been performing since 2002 and has even represented the Philippines in the Los Angeles Comedy Festival in the USA. To give you a clearer picture of what an Improv group is, they are like the British improv group from the TV hit show “Whose Line is it Anyway” (The one hosted by Drew Carey)

Basically, the audience gives the group the ideas and themes for their next performance or skit. The concept is that it is totally unrehearsed and the participation of the audience makes it funnier.

And the night does not stop there. Next up was SILK.

From the classics of the 70’s, to the new wave and dance hits of the 80’s, and to the party pop hits of the 90’s and 2000, almost everyone was on their feet dancing. (I wasn’t really dancing, I was like Will Smith in the movie Hitch, you just step from side to side and the occasional fist pumping in the air.) There was also this dance instructor, now I don’t know if he was part of the band, but I swear, the dance moves were fun but you will get the momentary laughs because it was so corny and awkward. But it was all good.

And if that was not fun enough for any of the congress members, Day 2 was the teambuilding activity which had an amazing race – survivor type theme.

check out: First Pacific HR Congress – Day 2 Teambuilding

check out: First Pacific HR Congress (For insights on HR Discussion)

First Pacific HR Congress

2011-06-22T16:10:00.002+08:00

Last June 17 and 18, the company I am currently working for joined 15 other subsidiaries under the MVP Group of Companies, in the First Pacific HR Congress at the Meralco Development Center in Antipolo.

As you all know, the President and CEO of this MVP Group is no other than Manny V. Pangilinan, probably the most successful businessman in the whole of Southeast Asia. Parts of his conglomerate are companies such as Meralco, Smart, TV5, Maynilad, PLDT, Makati Medical Center, Cardinal Santos Medical Center, Metro Tollways, to name just half of it, and if you will notice, these companies’ businesses are basic commodities. Can you imagine having control over all these utility giants and medical providers? For MVP, it’s no longer an imagination.

I idolize the man for his work ethic and vision. In a story shared by Mr. Butch Jimenez Jr., who is the SVP and Head for HR for PLDT, every time he walks into the office of MVP, he sees this framed quote saying, “You have all Eternity to rest…when you die.” (Which probably is a reflection of the work ethics of MVP.) Meaning that during this life time, you have to devote, commit, and dedicate all your time and effort in your work and your family, because when you die, you will have all eternity to rest.

Another thing I loved about this HR Congress, are the visions and experiences shared by the other CEOs. We were graced by the presence of Jose Lim – President and CEO Metro Pacific, Augusto Palisoc Jr. – President and CEO MPIC Hospital Group, Ramon Fernandez – President and CEO Metro Pacific Tollways, Ricky Vargas – President and CEO Maynilad, and Oscar Reyes - COO Meralco.

They all agreed that there is only one question that matters to the employees...Are they happy? That is what HR is about, making employees happy with their jobs. They also shared insights on how important it is to focus on strategic and operational issues, succession planning, crisis management, honesty and transparency, how to build a high perfromance credibility and a culture of winning.

But what captured my attention the most, was the motivational-inspirational talk of Mr. Butch Jimenez Jr. on the topic of Current and Future Response to the National Human Resource Agenda. (How we as HR practitioners can contribute to the country; jokingly aside, he said that this is all a bunch of crap and the reason for the HR Congress is so that the HR folks of the MVP Group of Companies can prove that we are not card boards and can party!!) – Which I will share later on, on how we enjoyed the evening and the team-building activities the next day.

In Mr. Jimenez’ talk, for me the focal point of the discussion is the concept of productivity. In the example that he gave; which would be more productive, if a company has 10 workers that can produce one pencil a day for a the price of 100 pesos per worker, or a company who has 5 workers that can produce 2 pencils a day for the price of 200 pesos. The total cost of the salaries paid are the same, the production output is the same, but who do you think is more productive? Thus, it is not the number of workers you have, but the quality of work that they give you, with this, you can put premium on their salaries for their competencies, correct? And to ensure that productivity continues, there are 3 things that you must do; Constant Monitoring, Incentivize and Inspire.

We also had a Breakout session where we were grouped into several committees, to tackle different facets of Human Resources. Our group discussed several aspects of Leadership Development and Succession, which was led by Mr. Ramon Segismundo and Mr. Rufino Rodriguez. We brainstormed on what the best practices were, current and emerging issues, proposed and key solutions, which later on was presented to the rest of the congress members.

Of course, after a full day of lectures and discussions, we had the opportunity to unwind that night in a Funny and Funky way.

check out: First Pacific HR Congress – Funny and Funky
check out: First Pacific HR Congress - Team-Building

Featured Clips of the Day: Life Comes at You Fast

2011-06-15T13:43:00.000+08:00

Don't blink, or you may lose your chance hahaha....

Proposal

The Bride

Child Education

Child's Future