GLOBE AND ITS TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE PROMOS

This week saw me and my good friend Shiela ranting about how GLOBE Telecom and its supposedly promos has been deceiving its consumer for quite some time. Well for some reason we have been disappointed of how GLOBE has been offering promos which does not really live what it promises its consumer. And I just realize that promos from GLOBE are just too good to be true and that somewhere in between the glossy promo posters and the enticing commercial with a prestigious endorser promoting the product has its pitfalls.

THE LIMITATIONS

I have been constantly disappointed with the promo of Globe because of the limitations that it is imposing. Here are the two common instances that I wished I should have switched to SMART:

1) SUPER UNLI. What I hate about Super Unli is that when you register they have this reply which just states that the users of the promo has reached it's full limit and the registration will have to wait until there are free slots for the promo.

Come on GLOBE, are you kidding me?! This is a promo and from the very start the company should have expected that most of its loyal users will really take advantage of using the promo but then what happens?! It seems that GLOBE was overwhelmed with the number of users using the promo? Did they really prepare for this promo? Or 25 pesos of 24 hours unlimited calls and texts from 1 million plus users isn't enough for them?! They need earn more!

2) SUPERSURF. This is totally unfair. For all prepaid users out there. Don't be deceived that it really is super surf because when you reach to a total of 1 GB upload for the day, GLOBE will be temporarily deactivating your surfing as according to their FAIR INTERNET USE POLICY again and then a message then goes that if you want to enjoy unlimited access, one may want to try postpaid. What is fair in there?!

What then is being fair here?! Yes there maybe a premium of being in a postpaid line for internet but that doesn't make any difference. A user paid 50 pesos for the convenience of using internet the whole just to end realizing that he cannot use that 50 pesos anymore due to a cap of 1GB per user. Again this is the wonderful hidden secret of Globe's promo. And by the time you are able to use the super surf promo again, the registration for the promo expires. What kind of fairness is there?! Is it a question of allocation again?!

I am writing this since I have been a GLOBE user since I first got a 5110 phone back in high school and tough competition in the telco industry calls for catchy promos for the brand to capture the market. But then again, do not be deceived after all marketing is just packaging a big lie into a gift which is too good to be true..

Oh it's the Christmas Season....

I am seating here in a coffee shop at The Podium while enjoying a cup of tea and cinnamon bread in a cold and rainy afternoon. I was wondering what are those people singing in the activity area. I plucked out my ear plug and tried to listen intently to what they are singing and then I realized that they are singing Christmas carols already and then I realize the Christmas season is already here.

Christmas in the Philippines is the longest and the most anticipated event. It is celebration which lasts for months. Christmas starts as early as September and ends January in the Philippines wherein there are still some events that is being celebrated by Filipinos especially in terms of traditions.

And yeah, its Christmas again here in the Philippines..... Merry Christmas everyone! :D

OF OFFICE PRESSURE, SANDWICHES AND VANILLA ICE CREAM

Whew! Thank God I was able to come out of this week alive well maybe with a little scratch emotionally and some physical damages yet here I am alive on a Sunday pondering on what the hellish week I had last week.

Pressures are at work are often present, it is not something that we can just simply ignore because somewhere just around the corner there will be something that will eventually push you hard to the limit - of your patience, of your character and of your attitude.

I was thinking that last week was just another week at work well in fact I really thought so when I started Monday but things started to sing a different tune during the latter days of the week. I was caught off in between some issues that I believe both parties claim to be right in their own right. But sometimes in being between of some problems makes you a shock absorber for both parties that I myself most of times cannot handle well and eventually ends in some uneventful. Well lucky me that the week did not end uneventful but things were a bit resolved.

Thank God for the wonderful sandwiches and vanilla ice cream which made me sane all throughout that week. When I usually feel so burnt out, it's the vanilla ice cream which perks me and makes things moving again. I don't know why but it becomes my addiction.

Tomorrow's going to be a holiday. And yes am clapping knowing that it's a 4-day work week again. And as I close this entry, I am hoping for all of us who works our asses out in the corporate world a cool and calm week ahead. :D

REMEMBERING A WOMAN I TRULY LOVE

I may have not been vocal about this but most of the time if not some of the major nightmares that I am having is about her and how I lost her in my life. She was the woman that I have adored and have been my constant inspiration in my life. She was the woman who each and every step of my life was there. She was the witness of my successes. She suffered with me during my failures and loss.

I am talking about my late grandmother Justina Rendaje-Cayot. This week is her birthday week, October 17 is the exact date. When I think of October 17, her last birthday was a bit uneventful knowing that she is in pain as she struggles with pancreatic cancer and she barely could remember our names - the people whom she loved. Nevertheless, all of us whom she really loved and gave her time was there to be with her. It has been years since we loss her and yet there are still those times when I feel the sting in my heart and with wishful thinking that I still need my Lola. I want her to see how I have become and I know with her signature hugs and kisses, she'll be so proud of me.

I never questioned God's will in our lives but today I just remember that woman whom I really loved and until this very day has a very space in heart - my Lola Tina. Her faith. Her passion. Her endurance. Her love. As I her memories run in my mind, I smile and thank God for the Lola Tina He has given me.

INSATIABLE WANTS

Economics tell us that the needs of men are insatiable but then again I think, are the needs really insatiable or at the wants insatiable? Last year, I bought myself a new mobile phone since I badly need a new phone after three phones of mine were stolen in 2009 alone. I told myself that since I got a good phone for myself and all things that I need from a mobile phone can be well provided by the phone I bought, I thought to myself that by this year I do not need to buy a phone anymore. Fastforward today, I am again in the dilemma of saving money for buying a new mobile phone.

Sometimes we often think that things all around us are needs and not having them will eventually cause dissatisfaction in our lives. But to think about it, it is never our needs which are insatiable, it is our wants that are insatiable. We continuously work hard for what we want and not for the things that we need. We fail to realize that we have all the neccessities.

Then again I bang my head on the wall telling myself that you do not need to buy the mobile phone and I start to tame this insatiable want in me. I do hope that before the year ends, this will be tamed. :D

LA UNION

I have always thought of travelling to this place when I got here in Manila, the problem is nobody was willing to go with me and the expenses shoot up especially if we plan to go to this place during summer. One thing I never thought was that I can go to this place without vacation mainly in mind but for business. Last week, I was able to see amazing La Union for 2 days. And guess I really enjoyed because I am now planning of ways to go back to that place some time soon.

The trip to La Union took about 6 hours via land going there with two stops for some snacks and taking a leak and as per checking today there are some airliners offering flights to and from La Union at a re

asonable price too (good thing, I may not endure that long trip again going to La Union).

After the 6 hour trip, we finally arrived at La Union and th

e place really took me by surprise of how

lovely the

coastlines are and the place just simply mesmerized me. Of course, main objective to be there was WORK so I had to work first before anything else.

We stayed at Thunderbird Poro Point and man, the resort was just beautiful. It am in Santorini! Though the prices were a bit steep to but I guess the place is just too good to deserve to be paid with a good price.

Almost all the things that I want from a resort was there. A clean blue pool, a long stretch of coastline to bask under sun should I start to get bored with the pool and oh, add up the wonderful food that they can offer to please the palate.

I really did enjoy the two-day work-outing. Thanks to all the people who made this trip possible.

P.S. Side trip at Isdaan in Tarlac and others to follow... :D

THE DAMASO OF TODAY

DISCLAIMER: Nothing against Catholics, the religion and it's priests.

Let me put it this way, I am not a Catholic and I do not know many things about what the "religion" but it seems I cannot stand anymore how what they call as "church" and more so "religion" has been interfering with the affairs of the state.

THE ISSUE

It has been an issue for quite some time already regarding the Reproductive Health Bill which is still remains to be a bill until this very day since there are many contradictions that come from the church -- specifically the Catholic church. I was silent during the earlier days of this Bill not until this week when Pres. Aquino who was vocal in supporting the bill was threatened by the Catholic church to be excommunicated and they will be planting civil disobedience in case he continues his support with the said Bill. The issue reached it peak when Carlos Celdran, a tour guide at Intramuros walked in wearing a Rizal costume in a church in Manila carrying a placard with the word DAMASO in it. It was his own way of relating what he feels regarding the current issue facing the church and the state again. It may not be the best means to do it but DAMN IT, I SALUTE THIS MAN. You nailed it dude! Mr. Celdran, your message came across and know I too realize that Padre Damaso of Rizal's saga was not merely a caricature of how Spanish era priests were acting but until this day there are still Padre Damaso's around in a holier-than-thou look wearing white robes.

THE DAMASO OF RIZAL AND THE DAMASO OF TODAY

Rizal's Damaso talked of a supposed to be religious person who should be looking of the spiritual health of his people but then he was greedy, self-righteous, sloth, corrupt and even immoral. Padre Damaso can do anything during his time. He was feared rather than respected. He was an issue for a gossip and no blessing can be held in his name.

Today's Damaso hides themselves in several molestations complaints around the world (which I believe was covered by their own churched and even by the Pope himself). These Damasos are those who just receives donations of each church goer but never spared a dime for the needy. These Damasos out there are those who just stay in the comfort of their own convents not knowing that there is the big need for them to handle the spirituality of their flock. These Damasos are just around who tend to speak of holiness and morality but are those in the dark do things which will never please the god that they serve.

You ask me what difference it is that they make? What difference do they have from Rizal's Damaso to some of today's priests? NONE.

SEPARATION OF THE CHURCH AND THE STATE

It has been a continuous debate in our country with regards to the separation of the state and the church. Whereas some other countries were very successful to implement but our country seems just cannot get over the Spanish era wherein priests have something to say the government. But then think again, this is not the olden times anymore. Year is 2010. A lot has changed. And the government is solely dependent and NO CHURCH CAN EVER DICTATE NO NOT EVEN ONLY A CERTAIN RELIGION on how one should run the affairs of the state. This is my greatest disappointment here in our country how one sect can just threaten to incite civil disobedience just because they do not like a bill which I believe will not hurt anyone but timely. The church is there to remind its people that there is a God. The church is there to make sure that its men and women are growing in a relationship with their God. The church is their to provide place for faith to grow and NOT TO INTERFERE WITH THE AFFAIRS OF THE STATE. The church serves as the conscience to its people and nurtures its people's spirituality reminding them of what is right and wrong. I believe that this the main purpose why we have churches. It doesn't matter what things the government does leave it to the government and if the church finds anything wrong and finds the decisions inequitable, it's not for them to threaten the government with civil disobedience but its for them to pray for that our good Lord will guide our government and lead the in the right.

YOU ASK ME AGAIN IF MR. CELDRAN DID THE WRONG WAY OF CONVEYING THE MESSAGE. I still would say NO.

THE CHALLENGE OF PARENTING: GRU'S GREATEST CHALLENGE

I never thought that I would love Despicable Me so much that I watched the movie thrice already. Maybe because of the witty punchlines that the movie offers or even the adorable Agnes and her fluffy unicorn or the despicable villain, Gru. I do not need to go through telling the synopsis of the movie here in my blog anymore (to excite those who haven't watched the movie yet) but for those who have watched the movie. Here's my two cent's worth:

In the end, it is in the hands of the parents to raise their children with constant encouragement and love, taking pride in their own peculiarity without comparing them to anyone. the role of a parent plays a vital role on how a child will turn when he grows old - a loving person or a despicable villain.

P.S. I want my own minions too!!! And how I love Agnes, she's so adorable.

:D

Have a good day everyone! :D

PREPARE FOR INCOVENIENCE: My DFA Passport Renewal Experience

Today I got the change to personally have my passport renewed and for the first time here in Metro Manila. I never thought that I could come to this day wherein I will be doing all by myself through a different crowd. That is the reason why at first I was a bit hesitant of of applying for passport renewal here in Manila since I do not want to be inconvenienced at any point.

The time I got my new passport, it was like a breeze. I happen to know a friend in Cebu whose aunt works for DFA and I had all the fastest treatment ever. I was there to personally appear but then it did not even take more than 30 minutes at DFA Cebu. Having this in mind, I thought of not having my passport renewed unless I do it in Cebu where everything could be that fast and there is someone who "knows" me already. But considering that I am off to some place next month and I badly need to have my passport ready earlier, I nevertheless applied for passport renewal here in Manila.

SETTING THE APPOINTMENT

Since its MRP/E-Passport nowadays, I guess everything was like touch and go and so as the appointment system by DFA. I logged in to their website www.passport.com.ph. Setting the appointment was a breeze. Nonetheless due to so many applicant the closest schedule that I could get was October 2nd week but last week I was informed that my scheduled appearance at DFA would be earlier than scheduled which is today. I was happy since I will be able to process my requirements earlier to prepare for any thing that my happen to my trip.

TODAY IS THE DAY

My appointment was scheduled at 8:30am. I woke up at 6am and started compiling my requirements making sure that it is complete. I arrived at DFA Aseana an hour earlier around 7:30am and was able to get things going already. I got in to DFA presenting my appointment notice to the guard who pointed the area for the 8:00am applicants then I sat on the area for my group applicants. About 30 minutes later we were ushered to a verification table to confirm our appointment once we were confirmed that we have an appointment. We went inside the main building already to wait for the processing officers to check our requirements. Processing of documents opened at around 8:30am, the windows opened with just some officers to check the requirements of both new and renewing passport applicants. It took me another hour or so in the queue for my documents to be checked and verified. After verification, off I go to the 2nd floor to pay for processing fee of Php 1,200.00 (rush processing for 10 working days, 950 for regular processing of 20 working days). Then I was given a number for the counter which will take my picture and will update my profile. I was given No. 1404 and the number was still 1100. I had to wait and seeing that the booths that are processing are not yet all opened I went out to grab a breakfast and coffee. When I returned around 10:30, the number is quite near already and so I waited. Then came my turn they just verified the details and took me a picture, thumb print, etc. Once ok, sign the details and the voila! the process is alsmost done. Around 11am, I piled in the queue of those who wanted to have their passports delivered to their addresses, it cost another Php 120.00 but then it saves you time from going back to DFA to claim the new passport. It seems like it took me almost 3 and a half hours to go through the whole process.

WHAT I NOTICED

I must say that the system DFA implemented was quite commendable from the appointment system to the way the processing at DFA Aseana was handled though there are still some things that I find still quite alarming maybe because of the procedures or maybe because of what we are Filipinos. Here are some:

Time is of the essence. Document evaluation windows and so as the data capturing booths opened with just few staff and yet the number of people is already increasing. And also for other applicants who keep complaining because they cannot still be accommodated that is because it is not still their turn yet, come on, I must admit that we all want to finish as early as I had in my mind also but give yourself leeway to be inconvenienced since their is a large number of people applying. BE PATIENT. WAIT FOR YOUR TURN. YOU WILL HAVE YOUR TURN. Also prepare all necessary documents, is possible before leaving home all documents are all in a folder with all the forms filled up properly. Sometimes it takes time when you are at windows already and still there you are filling in the information in the forms. There are still some special treatments though - come on stop that in government agencies! And most importantly I would like to reiterate that prepare to be INCONVENIENCED (if this can be even such a word).

Overall, I'd give this experience an 8 out of 10. :)

THE COST OF EDUCATION

I can say that I am a privileged individual knowing that I have finished my education and I have a career which sustains me and say my family. Indeed, earning a degree and an education is a very vital step for one to become a successful person in what ever field he or she may pursue. I can say that the privilege was mine when I got to go to a topnotch school in our province and educated.

But sad to say it seems that education nowadays aside from being a necessity has become an expensive commodity in the market. People pay for the best education there in the country today and there is no doubt that there is that big difference on how education is being offered in the suburbs and to the rural areas in our country. Most public schools in the country do not have enough funding, and most students who go to these aren't that privileged enough. And the Philippines is such a complex country wherein even the remotest place in the country, there are number of people living there. As our government responds to the needs of educating even the minorities, still the minorities do not have it all to prepare themselves to be educated. No matter how one student from some depressed areas in our country today are ecstatic about going back to school last June still some of them lacked even the simplest armor to prepare them for school.

Our office together with the Black Pencil Project responded to the call upon seeing this need. The Black Pencil Project aims to to share school supplies to the depressed areas in our country wherein these places cannot be easily reached by a daily transportation and families earn less than a dollar a day and may not be able to provide the basic needs for the education of their children.

The places were Sto. Domingo and Sta. Ines in Tanay, Rizal. Yes Rizal in Manila. A place that sometimes for me is quite near Metro Manila but then when we took the challenge of going to these barangays it seems like it took forever in reaching these barangays. A ride to Tanay proper and a jeepney ride which almost took and hour and a half passing farms, crooked roads and a number of rivers.

It was a relief when we reached the first site for the distribution of the school supplies, children were running towards the jeepney that took us to that place. It was indeed a joy to see that you will be sharing and will be doing something for the greater good of this children who nobody knows will become a greater good for our country in the next few years to come. We prepared games, and other activities for both barangays where we distributed the school supplies. Seeing the joy in each child receiving a bag and school supplies is priceless. Their excitement to start schooling is fueled by the school supplies that they received at the start of the school year. And also kudos to the principal and the teachers who took the challenge to teach in this remote parts of Rizal. Who took the risk, who thought of others before themselves. See the place is so remote that the transportation is just about thrice a week and two intervals per day. The jeepney can carry a load even on its top just to accommodate commuters.

After the event, I realized how priceless education is to these people. Here in the Metro, most if not all take for granted the education that they have and even take for granted the abundant school supplies, we take for granted the comforts that we have in getting educated like our school buses, our baons, etc. whereas in some parts of the same land where we are there are people who will even write on a banana leaf, who will walk not just a few kilometers but even more than what we can imagine, who will eat just camote to get them to school and get educated.

Indeed the cost education is priceless.

Thank you to the Black Pencil Project for this experience and until the next project! :)

THE END IS ALMOST HERE...

I have that happy feeling but at the same time I feel sad. The end is just around the corner. I am talking about Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. After almost 10 years, the worldwide phenomenon is finally coming to a conclusion.

Harry Potter has been a part of my childhood in all sorts of media from the books (both print and audio) and also the silver screen. I feel happy to see what's in store for the fantards visually through the two-part movie and how they will depict the fascinating scenes from the books.

As one blogger said, ACCIO November! Can't wait for that movie! :)

King of Anything by Sara Bareilles

I was able to tuned into the radio this past week and lo and behold, I was struck by this wonderful song and I fell in love with the wonderful rendition and of course, the lyrics. And yeah, am no King of Anything...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qmIu4sV1y8s

:))

JUBILATION, HOPE AND FAITH, RELUCTANCE

In less than 12 hours from now, history will once again unfold in our country which claimed freedom more than a hundred years ago and yet seems to be still struggling for freedom until this very day. June 30th of the year 2010 will mark another milestone as each Filipino will welcome the inauguration of Benigno Simeon Cojuangco Aquino III as the 15th President of our Republic. Noy-noy (as he is fondly called) or P-Noy's (as he assumes office tomorrow at high noon) inauguration symbolizes something to each and everyone of us - for some it is a joyful occassion, a brilliant jubilation, to some they look forward with anticipation and as they hope for the best and with faith they cling on to the promises made by Noy-noy during his campaign sorties, and to some there is that reluctance in their hearts as to the capacity of Noy-noy to lead the country towards the change that he promised.

BRILLIANT JUBILATION. Nine years and finally the rule of the Iron Woman - Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. For some they consider tomorrow's inauguration as a celebration that after those nine years of GMA's rule, change will finally come. Nine years of lies to the people, deception of what the truth us, stealing the people's money, gratification of only themselves, injuastice, inhumane decisions, corruption. Isn't tomorrow's inauguration of P- Noy indeed a jubilation for all Filipinos who saw how the country has suffered and how the country has been to put shame in the international arena? Indeed, tomorrow is a celebration of a successful practice of the people's right for suffrafe who also for the first were able to vote through an automated election. It is indeed something to celebrate! We were able to conclude a somehow successful election maybe free of doubts. It was never an we easy task to hold the first automated election. Some doubted the capability of our country to do so, some questioned the machines, some questioned the results, and some until this very cannot accept the defeat. And yet, I believe we have emerged victorious in this quest to automate the elections, though it still a work in progress to iron out some issues and yet we did it! Tomorrow, will be indeed a celebration of victory, of freedom, of change, of being a TRUE FILIPINO.

HOPE AND FAITH. Each and every Filipino is hoping that P-Noy will do greater things for this country and change the face of politics in our nation. With much reforms and a major overhaul in the way our country is being run, the challenge is for P-Noy to prove himself worth of the people's votes. People are hoping and they have great faith in this man that he can and he will make all the efforts to make the lives of every Filpino comfortable or at least bearable. From inequality to injustice to human rights violation to taxation to public transport, P-Noy needs to make the right calls in order to move this country forward. Each and every Filipino is hoping for that those promises that he made will nor remain as promises but these will be implemented and each one will feel that the man they voted for has really made a change. It also matters that P-Noy is the son of the Democracy Icon - Pres. Corazon Aquino and martyred Sen. Ninoy Aquino both died with the country in their hearts. A tough lead indeed to follow but the people have that faith in him and so they look forward that for the next six years, P-Noy will not fail them.

RELUCTANCE. On the other side of the coin, other people are reluctant especially with the capability of the incoming Chief. They think that this man has not proven himself enough in the lower and upper house wherein he was a member for quite number of years. They question his capacity to lead. They question the reforms that he is about to make. The question the choices that he made especially with choosing his cabinet members. They question the decision that he made especially with those executives who were said to have accepted the midnight appointments. They question his lifestyle which included smoking which might not be good for the country's chief. They question they way his family intervenes with his decisions. They question his ability to separate himself and be fair especially when it comes with the issues of land distribution. They question his ability to stand alone and not be influenced by other people.

P-Noy's inauguration tomorrow will indeed mark another part ikn our country's history. A man who promised change and the right way. A man who promised to irradicate corruption in the country. Yes, there are many who may be reluctant and may be doubtful about how he will manage the country based on his experiences. Yes, there are some who may be already criticizing him even before he sets foot in the Palace. But June 30 brings us the change as a country to unite and rally behind the new Commander-in-Chief. We are hoping that he will do his best for his country and none for his personal gain and with faith not on the person but on our God we pray that the man He appointed for this daunting task will strive and persevere for the people who not only voted for him but for the country who deserves to have a leader with a passion for excellence, commitment for truth and love for our country.

CHANGE AND MOVING FORWARD: Toy Story 3

Heraclitus, a Greek philosopher clearly stated it - "Nothing endures but change." Translated into a more present wording - "The only constant thing is change." It seem that Disney Pixar's Toy Story 3 took the challenge of reminding us of this philosophy once more though I believe each and everyone of us has experienced this somehow and at some point in our lives. Yes, change - be it expected or unexpected. Change is something that we have to deal with.

Disney Pixar treats us to this delightful movie treat as they cap the saga of the toys and their friend Andy. The story takes off years after the Toy Story 2. After years these toys have been played with, Andy has finally grown and is ready to face the new chapter in his life - entering college. As such the toys are already feeling the change that has come to Andy since they were rarely picked from the pile to be played with. And worst, they are facing the dilemma of being thrown away, donated, and completely forgotten by the boy that they loved and who now is a young gentleman who is about to go to college. The movie takes us to ride of emotions as they get entangled in a series of events meeting new toys at a Day Care center which ends up to be a place of cruelty too. The ride continues as they escape the Day Care where they are treated differently and at the same as they struggle to be with each other amidst the eminent disaster that they are facing. The toys go on a ride to finally get home to Andy and just to realize that Andy had enough of them already. Enough in the sense that he indeed is a grown young man and he is to face things without them for now.

I though the movie was so heartbreaking and so dark not for kids to watch. The plot at the Day Care center with those kind of toys with hatred is so dark for me and yes, has a very touchy issue. Over all I learned from the movie two things. 1) Change is something not to be feared. Yes, change is something which will eventually blow your mind off as you think of what might happen. But it is in taking the challenge of a new chapter wherein one's character will be molded and new discoveries can be made. 2) Move forward. I believe moving on is different from moving forward. Sometimes you move on but we still have those heartaches in our heart or even hatred which still has a strong grip. These things will never bring us anywhere and make us successful if we continue to hold on to these things. Let go and move forward.

(Spoiler Alert) I felt so bad with Andy letting go of all his toys (you read that right, all including his well-loved Woody). And yet when we realize that through this change, he has made someone happy. And so as with Woody, Jesse, Buzz, Mr & Mrs Potato, Hamm, Rex and the rest of the gang. The story touched home as sometimes each of us doesn't know that we have been clinging so much on to something not realizing that it's time to let go already.

It's 2-thumbs up for this movie and for Disney Pixar - I am in awe by the kind of movies that you make! For now I am letting go Toy Story and rest assured I will seek to defy gravity and aim for infinity and beyond! :)

LIFE's 23 LESSONS :)

Well this has been a series in my status message but due to popular demand and by request by some friends who were not able to keep track with my 23 lessons in life countdown. Here's the full list of lessons that I learned......

It's a bit edited from the status message but I tried to keep some verbatim.

1) THANK THE LORD FOR ALL HIS BLESSINGS. No amount of words can equal to how good our God is. He is still the same and He will never change. His promises are you new every morning. All we need to do is to completely entrust our lives to Him knowing that our lives is in His hand, and He is the same Yesterday, Today and Forever. There may be some uncertainties in life, all we need to do is to trust Him with our whole lives knowing that He holds us in the palm of His hands.

2) DO THINGS THAT YOU CAN DO TODAY DO NOT WAIT FOR TOMORROW FOR TOMORROW MAY NOT COME ANYMORE. (a)Tell the people close to you that you love them, let them feel how blessed you are to have them. (b) Do things now which will eventually impact your future. Do your assignments, research on your report, beat deadlines if possible. In doing so, you build your future.

3) LOVE AND BE LOVED IN RETURN. Friends, lovers, family, countrymen. Love as you love yourself and love will just come abundantly. As Ashton Kutcher from Valentine's Day stated it - LOVE is the only shocking thing left in the world! Share the love! But most importantly love God, for in doing so - you learn to love yourself and you learn to share the love abundantly and unconditionally.

4) AIM FOR THE BEST, CHOOSE THE BEST -- BE THE BEST! Let's face it, one should aim for the best and choose the best to be the best. From choosing your school, choosing the things you'd like to use -- choose the best and do not settle for anything less. Be the best in anything you do cause for sure best things will follow. And if today doesn't provide you with the best, BE THE BEST in your field for tomorrow will offer you the BEST in what you do BEST today.

5) CHANGE TO MAKE YOURSELF BETTER AND NOT TO PLEASE SOMEONE. We need to realize that we change because we want to make ourselves the best in anything we do in our lives. You opt to change because there is still something better that you can offer to others rather than our selfish ambitions. When we change for the better or even the best - make sure also that you don't step on someone else.

6) DETAILS ARE VERY IMPORTANT. Review the contract properly, ask who's calling and what they need, inquire if you don't know what to do in the task given. It's all about the details which can make or break your work.

7) CASTE SYSTEM IS A TOPIC LEFT IN THE HISTORY BOOKS TO DISCUSS. If possible let's do away with the first three letters of the alphabet in dealing with people. Each person is unique in their own way, deal with them as one dignified individual. Equality may be something hard to achieve nowadays but then trying your best to treat everyone equal is one virtue you can be proud of.

8) ON FOOD and DINING, some restaurants from the outside looks intimidating but then when you make the move to enter, take your seat, you will realize -- its awesome to dine there! If you have worries with menu, ask the waiter he'd be more than willing to help you choose your dish which will eventually satisfy your cravings! And remember, making reservations in advance if possible. (thanks to Ate Ysa for sharing this lesson to me)

9) LOVE THE EARTH. Let's make Mother Nature happy by keeping our earth clean even in the simplest way of throwing our garbage in the right place, stop sticking those chewing gum under the chair, use recyclable materials. Do something now to keep our earth a home for the future generation worth staying. The onslaught of calamities and other devastation in our nation cannot be blamed to anything else but of our own doings.

10) LOVE YOUR COUNTRY. No matter how you cover up the way you look, the or the way you do things - you are FILIPINO! No matter what, be proud. No country is flawless and yet we deserve to love our country amidst anything. It doesn't matter where you are around the globe but always remember that you are and will always be a Filipino and be proud! Speak of things that will lift our country up and not only of the ills that we see. Remember no country is perfect, we maybe flawed but then its the our diverse culture which makes me proud as a Filipino.

11) SHOPPING AS A PAST TIME WILL EVENTUALLY TURN YOU INTO A BEGGAR SOONER OR LATER. Well if you have all the means to shop till you drop then go for it but if you intend to max out all your plastic cards, think again. There are the right time to use your plastic card or to purchase in cash so before handing out your card - think and think again.

12) GET ENOUGH SLEEP. Either you'll end up stressed the whole or your mind will not function to the fullest when you lack sleep. Take time to sleep and make naps or even power naps during break time. It'll somehow help you regain "real" consciousness especially when you are at work!

13) IN MUSIC, LEARN TO LOVE THE CLASSICS AND THE THEATER. Cool songs are not those with heart throbbing beat, a deafening bass or a ra-ra-oohh-lala. Learn to appreciate the classics, from Moon River, Phantom of the Opera, Think of Me and many more! You'll realize these classics are something worth listening - soothing to listen after a tiring day.

14) MAINTAIN THAT POSSITIVITY IN LIFE. Looking at the glass half full always matters. The way we see things impacts the things we do, we say and even think. From our deepest problems to the the daily worries, always think positive for as the saying goes "each cloud has a silver lining."

15) "IT'S WHO YOU KNOW" WON'T ALWAYS WORK. Stuff your brain and gear yourself for the challenges. Never trust people in "high places" to get you there. If ever you experienced being rejected in any opportunity for someone else who has the connection rather than the brains - shrug it off and thank God that you have the brains and enough preparation for your future job.

16) PACK LIGHTLY. As a flyer, when after packing and you see that you still have a luggage and two extra hand carries, you ain't packing lightly. As FBAs is a scarcity in domestic carriers here in 'Pinas, avoid stuffing everything into your luggage if you want to save from the burden of paying overrated prices at the airport.

17) EACH PERSON IS TAGGED AS A "WORK IN PROGRESS". And Stephen Covey puts it, seek first to understand than be to understood. Well i guess, this one is a continuous challenge for all of us.

18) GO FOR AN ADVENTURE, TAKE THE RISK. A road trip to Pagudpud or trekking Benguet or scuba diving in Apo Island. Climb the peaks of Mt. Everest, swim the deep abyss of Marianas Trench. Nothing beats the thrill that you feel when you abandon yourself and set up to some unique adventures you'll only experience maybe once in your lifetime.

19) CHOOSE YOUR FRIENDS WISELY. A friend is someone who shares their time, understands and at times reminds you that what you are doing is wrong.A friend may at times make or break your personality so choose wisely! And so let me at this point, thank all my friends (you know who are you guys) for as one of my favorite songs from Wicked states ------ "I have been changed for good." :)

20) FAILURE, REJECTION & HARDSHIPS - they won't last. Try and try and try again until you make it! Do your best that the next time around, you do the same thing, you learned the lesson and you avoid the things which will make you one big failure.

21) EVERYONE IS BUSY ON THEIR OWN RIGHTS. Take things seriously and yet take time to pause and smile, crack some jokes to ease the yourself from the busy-ness, eat some snacks and then you will realize all you needed is a word REST.

22) READ AS MUCH BOOKS AS YOU CAN. Enjoy each word of the book you are reading and well if you can't understand the word, Mr. Webster would be more than willing to help. Read read read and read (special thanks to my Auntie Mona for instilling this value to me...)

23) BOOK EARLIER. Once a confirmed receipt of airline booking has been received file VL for the dates (agad kahit nasaan ka pa as long as may net, file agad). And most of all, if possible avoid any domestic carrier that starts with letter "C" if you want to avoid headaches on the actual travel dates.

remembering "AC" - it's been a year :)

It's been a year now since AC left us and yes at times, there is still that wishful thinking for him to be still with us. But thinking of all the things that happened, AC is in a place way better than ours.

We remember you AC...

Miss you and we will be seeing you soon... :)

the anguish of studying, the thrill of passing and the wreck in failing....

It's almost a week now after those torturous days for "Purchasing" professionals I dare say or for a more suffocating term I mean sophisticated term Supply Chain Professionals since we took the challenge to take the ITC's MLS Exams on March 15-16, 2010 at BT in Taguig. And just so everyone will know, I am one of those who was tormented from the past days studying -- keeping my eyes wide awake in the night just to finish the modules after all the hard day's work. Whew! Just imaging the anguish I felt cramming all the way to put everything into my biological memory card -- the brain. Stacking everything up into your memory and as if your brain shouts to stop! I have had enough for the day. Let me sleep. But then, I need to study or else the well coveted pay increase for the next year will be forgone if I don't get that certification. Jeesh!

THE ANGUISH of STUDYING

I study. I read. I analyze. I rationalize. I summarize. This is the anguish of studying the modules. And this is how my brain absorbs what I study. Whew! I wanted to convince myself that reading and memorizing this by heart is for my own good but it seems like reading an HP book or Inkdeath was way better. I study until the wee hours of the morning and by the time the alarm rings in the morning for work, I hit the snooze button again not realizing I will be late for work.

THE THRILL IN PASSING

Results. Everyone is so excited to get the results of the exam. To see if they passed or failed. It takes almost 3 months before the results are released and of course I do feel that deep thrill in me wishing I will see that percentile score in green or blue with a word next to it passed. Each day we get so crazy checking the internet and logging onto to the site to see if the most coveted scores are already there. Oh the thought of me having the advanced certification is something already (something indeed! hmm....)

THE WRECK IN FAILING

Well actually failing isn't that fun but take it from an experienced failure. Yup, failed three modules all in all... Hahaha... Nah, its because I haven't reviewed that much due to so much work. And what makes the feeling so bad is that, I'm almost there... Almost passed.... Almost... And yet I failed. Jeeesh! If only I can go to Switzerland and defend my essay to this ITC guys, I would! Hahaha.... Anyways, failing? Its just up to you on how confident you are with reviewing the Modules and how good you reviewed and spent time reviewing your modules. After all, its is you who answers the exams!

The anguish, the thrill and the wreck....

Exams are finally over and yet the thrill of waiting for the results continues... :))

KEEPING MY FINGERS CROSSED!!!

It Doesn’t Really Matter

I have been wondering for quite some time how many people make it to a point to strive hard and yet at the end of the day when their hair becomes grey, they realize that they did not reach anything. Everything was rubbish and without value. They toil for a penny and when they grow old -- after all investments have been made and ROI’s have been calculated -- they do indeed have a house but never a home. An irony in life that has continuously bothered me throughout the 22 years of my life here on earth. We work so hard while we were young disregarding even our health and yet when we get paid off, we just spend thousands of our money into getting ourselves well and healthy once more (thanks to the hospitals!). And yet the cycle goes on and on and on and on and on. STOP! Somebody shouts and yet no one hears.

Being in a company who values return so much, investments are something that we are very particular about. Making it sure that in everything that we do we are getting the right amount and expected value of return or else the investment is deemed a dead-end.

Life has its one greatest challenge for everyone of us, and I think it just to live our lives to the fullest. And yes, fullest is not a matter of earning high returns on our investments, bagging an award, reaching the highest peak of our careers because at the end of it all, it is not that matters. It’s how we lived that life that we had.

There is something more rewarding than concentrating on gaining personal wealth or ambitions (of course, we have to do that too) but as I always tell myself – leave something for yourself. Don’t burn yourself like a paper that everything will be ashes soober. That one day when our hair turns gray, we still have a piece of us to share and not ashes from our burnt life slowly fading throughout the year. Live out, live free, enjoy life to the fullest. It doesn’t matter how we do this but always remember that we only have one life, and we have families, relatives, friends, officemates, classmates, and oh, enemies too -- to share the marvelous beauty of life with!

Till then!!!