Breaking Free

It's raining good news!!!

2007-08-05T06:39:00.000+08:00

Wee! Yesterday was full of surprises and good news... I just don't know how to react to such news.. I just felt so excited that I forgot to post here on my blog! Nyahaha!

So here they go...

ARIA CLEMENTE from Malolos, Bulacan, a finalist of Little Big Superstar won 2007 World Champion in the recently concluded World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA) Junior Division held last July 28 until today, August 5. Wee!! We are uber proud of you!!

JOSHUA CADELINA, 1st runner-up of Little Big Superstar, will have his own fantaserye entitled KOKEY which will be shown on ABS-CBN2 right after TV Patrol World on the station's Primetime Bida. Please watch!

RONALD JAIMEER, the Little Big Superstar Grand Champion, will have his Maalaala Mo Kaya (MMK) stint on Friday, August 10. He will be the young Uleng. Please watch!

Please...

2007-07-28T15:11:00.000+08:00

Hi guys, last Wednesday, Tita Pauline and Tito Erick bumped into the idea of having our choir's first-ever US Concert Tour next year and this Thursday, it has been plotted out in concrete.. we will go!

With this, we are seeking your assistance - financial, promotions, etc - to help us make this come true. Should you know any persons/organizations/companies willing to help us through sponsorships (donations, concerts, etc), please let me know. Just leave a comment on this post. We thank you so much in advance!

You may want to listen to some of our recordings at this link.

Our official website is still under construction and we will let you know once it is up.

Of gartitude and never-ending thank you's...

2007-07-28T14:29:00.000+08:00

Wee!! Another new day! I just don't know why I woke up early this morning full of vibrant energy and positive outlook.. Hmm.. Maybe, because it's a Satuday and I do not need to dress up for the office? Or it could be because of the oatmeal cookies I had taken for my breakfast? Haha!

Of gratitude...
Inspired by my friend's blogpost, I am writing this gratitude post... Kung sino man ang hindi mabanggit, you know who you are and you all know how thankful I am of having you as my friend... Wag magtampo, sa mga next posts ko, kayo naman.. Hehe!

My Crystal ABAP teammates, you know that you are one of the major reasons why I am at Accenture. To my lead, Ms. Loida, thank you for believing in my skills and allowing me to dig into my leadership skills. To my sub-team, Edwin, Roger and Glenn, thank you for your utmost diligence and patience in resolving tickets! And woohoo, we again met our target, pizza next week!! Hehe!

My tropapips - Ken, Jay, Chris, Dave, Kua Ron, Mark - thank you for the friendship. It has been four months since it all started. I can't just simply believe it. Thank you for the trust. Hope our friendship will last a lifetime. Walang iwanan!

Tita Tek, Tito Jonnel and Aria Clemente, thank you for considering us (Mark and I) part of your happy family. Aria, we wish you the best of luck in your competition. Good luck! Conquer WCOPA! We are very proud of you.

Tita Jane and Joshua Cadelina, thank you for everything. You are one of the reasons who made me believe (again) in myself. Joshua, good luck in your upcoming fantaserye! We are always here to support you, no matter what! Go Bong! Lapit na ang Kokey.. Excited na ako. Haha! Good luck sa ASAP bukas..

Tita Jean, Tito Jimmy, Lovely and Ronald Humarang, thank you sa pag-ampon sa amin pag naliligaw kami dyan sa inyo.. Hehe! Thanks for letting us become part of your family! It is really fun to be with you guys, ang sarap-sarap jan.. Tara, laro ulit tayo Uno Stacko! Ang matalo, maghuhugas ng pinagkainan.. Haha! RJ, good luck sa yo, good luck sa future projects mo! I can't wait to see you perform again! Good luck sa ASAP bukas..

Tita Pauline and Tito Erick, thank you for the initiative and the perseverance to push our first-ever Guam-North America-Canada tour next summer! Wee! I am so excited! But, before all the excitements is the hard work. Hehe! Remember the quota! :)

My choir - CBM and SH - we had already talked on this matter, ayt? Let's all work together to make our dreams come true. Here we are, to conquer the USA! Wee! Thanks for the dedication to the group.. Keep it up! Sing! You are the reason why my vocal chords continue to reverberate the notes... :)

My family, thank you for all the understanding, love and trust. I know we are again back on our track.. I hope this will continue on and on.. Thank you sa lahat lahat, kayo ang dahilan bakit ako naririto.. hehe! You know how much I love you, and you know how much I am willing to give myself out for all of you.. Whatever may happen, let's continue to be one.. Uy, malapit na Silver Anniversary nina mama at papa, excited na ako!! Wee!!

Lord, thank you for all the people around me.. Sa mga nabanggit sa taas, at sa mga taong di ko pa nababanggit, maraming salamat! Sila ang mga tunay na taong humubog sa akin bilang ako ngayon.. Salamat po! Huwag po sana kayong magsawa sa paggabay at pagbigay ng biyaya sa amin.. Mahal namin kayo! :)

To anyone reading this post, thank you...

"7-7-7" - Lucky or what?

2007-07-07T21:34:00.000+08:00

Hey wait! I don't want to lose this chance of leaving a post on this 7th day of the 7th month of 2007 - the so-called "7-7-7" phenomenon, July 7, 2007. This is just once in a century (thanks to Jay for coining the phrase..Haha!). So what's with this number that most churches were fully booked with wedding ceremonies, casinos were jampacked with millionaire hopefuls and people feeling that they will be hitting the jackpot?

7-7-7. Many believe that this is a lucky number. Some say that it is the number of the Holy Trinity? Hmm, I'm wondering why and how come? For some believers, seven represents the Sabbath day - in the Bible, in the book of Genesis, God created the world in six days and rested on the SEVENth day. For mathematicians, the most stable shapes are triangle and square. Triangle has three sides and a square has four, adding them up, you get SEVEN.

Hmmm.. Remember during our primary and secondary schooling? Line of SEVEN is the most dreaded grade!!! I can still remember my mom saying "Mag-aral kang mabuti para hindi ka makakuha ng palakol! (Study hard so that you'll not receive a grade shaped like an ax!)"

So how come it's a lucky number? Join me as I recall how my "lucky" day went... and, oops! If you think I became luck at some point, give me a comment! I might just missed out on it...

6am. Wake-up time. I have to wake up this early on a Saturday? Yeah! I have to report to the office. So I ate my breakfast (as I can recall, it's Century Tuna in Olive Oil, haha!), took a bath, dressed up for work.

8am. Departure. I need to left now or else, I'll be late for the 9am call time. Good thing, I was able to catch a ride at once, got off at MRT North Avenue station, rode the train until Buendia Station (oh God, it's already 9:05am!), hailed a taxi and dropped off at the Makati Stock Exchange building.

9:15am. Late for work. Inside the conference room, the team is already starting with their testing, and I am just about to install the aplication components needed for me to execute my test scripts correctly. And there we were, I waited for my colleagues to finish first before I finally started, because I think I have a long script to test.. Hehe! So I decided to let them go first.

11:30am. Testing is officially over for me. At last, I finished my scripts. But I have to go back to our Pioneer office, need to help a colleague with her assessment. So, I hailed a cab from MSE to Pioneer.

12:15pm. Lunch!!! I guess this is one of the lucky points I have. Dianne treated me to lunch! Thanks, Dianne, for the Tokyo Tokyo lunch! Yum!! After lunch, we went back to the office to finish the business. Haha!

1:30pm. Left the office. I received a message from my "tropapips" inviting me to watch a movie. And so, we watched the local film "Tiyanaks" at the Gateway Cinema. By the way, my uncle, Erick, was the Production Designer of this show and my cousin Moki portrayed the Tiyanak role! Kewl! With me watching the movie are from my extended family. Though tired from work, this has relaxed me a bit...

5:00pm. Farewells. After the movie, we took our separate ways again, hoping that someday, somehow, we'll find another way to meet each other again... Naks!

So, that's how my day is... Nothing so special! Just one thing that I came to realize just now --- Each day can be your very own lucky day, it just depends on how you see things. I know I am lucky because another day has been given to me... I know I am lucky because I have food served for me to eat... I know I am lucky because I have work, something to be proud of... I know I am lucky because I have my family, my extended family, my berks, my friends around me...

No matter how small, no matter how far, no matter how we see things, always remember, you are lucky! Make everyday lucky! It's not bad to believe in such lucky numbers of astrology, they are our guide, we handle our own lives, we drive our own beliefs...

HAPPY LUCKY DAY... EVERYDAY!!! :)

Vote for Sam's first single!!!

2007-07-06T21:44:00.001+08:00

Sam Concepcion's self-titled debut album is now out in leading music stores nationwide. The much-awaited launch will be some time this July after their hit musical, High School Musical on Stage.

Last Wednesday, his music video for his carrier single, EVEN IF, premiered at the MYX Channel. Let us once again help in bringing this to the top spot.

To vote, key in:

MYX VOTE EVEN IF and send to 2366.

So, what are you waiting for! Make those thumbs do the voting once again!!! Don't forget to visit Sam Concepcion's official site for more updates.

Oh, and by the way, High School Musical is still on stage until July 15!!! Come and watch it! You'll definitely enjoy!

Everything and anything...

2007-07-06T21:08:00.000+08:00

June has been a very busy, exciting and fun month for me.

Busy.
Being the middle month of the year where businesses approach its midyear-end, lots of tickets (work requests) arrived for us to acknowledge and resolve. Whew! This month is also known as the wedding month for couples and lovers alike. Being a choir member, almost every Saturday, we have a singing engagement, providing songs to "love birds" in front of the altar. Indeed, a very busy month, but I see to it that I still have time for myself to enjoy, relax and have fun.

Exciting.
Since the start of the month, I have been into travelling - to places I have never been before. We went to Batangas to celebrate Ronald Jaimeer's victory (together with his sibling, Lovely Jane's birthday and victory of his Tito MJ in the councilor race). It was an exciting trip. We went to their place commuting by bus, and woah, it took as nearly 4 hours! Wee! Haha! It was an enjoyable weekend! Food, food and food everywhere. We also got the chance to go to RJ's lolo's place and catch fresh tilapia, enjoy! It was really a very wonderful experience worth keeping and remembering.

Apart from that, I was able to witness the taping days of Joshua Cadelina for an upcoming fantaserye, Kokey, and Ronald Jaimeer's for a teleserye. Though locations varied day-by-day, it was exciting to find their spots! I was able to find an orphanage in Mandaluyong, an orphanage in Marikina, an old house in San Francisco del Monte, a hut somewhere in Bulacan. Whew! I am starting to miss those times... I am starting to miss the kids... :)

Fun.
I was able to watch High School Musical on Stage starring Sam Concepcion as Troy Bolton at the Meralco Theater, not just once, but TWICE!!! Haha! If I will be asked to provide a review of the musicale, I must say that the play is superb! I really enjoyed watching the play, and if given another chance, I want to watch it over and over again! Why not give it a try? The show will last until the 15th of July. For sure, you'll enjoy the show as much as I did!

Last Saturday, we joined Joshua's family in celebrating his 10th birthday! It was indeed fun as we help in the preparation of the party. It was surprising to see Makisig Morales to visit his bestfriend on his birthday even if he has a mall show on that day. My jaw never stopped from moving - food and food everywhere! Haha! the day after the party is the most enjoyable day! Cleaning time!!!

And most of all... June is my birth month!

Through all these busy, exciting and fun month, I learned three important lessons:

1. Always try to make everyday enjoyable, exciting and fun. Upon waking up, look at the brighter side, as much as possible, do not look back to negative events that happened in the past, but instead look forward to what is to happen.

2. Being busy means that you have your brains active! An active brain means better memory. So keep yourselves busy everytime! But don't over-stress them. Our brain also needs rest as much as our body needs enough sleep.

3. Be thankful in everything you have.

That's it for now! Hope I will be able to update this blog from time to time. I promise, I will...

Enjoy!

Twenty-three long years... and counting!

2007-06-13T12:57:00.000+08:00

First of all, I wish to thank everyone who made my birthday extra special! I must admit, this has been the happiest birthday I ever celebrated. My deepest gratitude to all who expressed their warmest birthday greetings through personal messages, text messages, Friendster messages and comments, and all that. You all made me feel blessed! Thank you so much!!!

It has been 23 years since I was given the gift of life, and the question that bugs me everytime is whether I have lived my life to the fullest? Was I able to share who I am to everyone? Was I able to let others feel special? Did I touch other people's hearts? It has been 23 years now, am I living my life the way my Creator expected me to become? My friends, feel free to comment. :)

As I have mentioned earlier, this has been the happiest (and longest) birthday I have ever celebrated... To share my happiness with you guys, read on...

June 10-11. My Birthday Celebration.
On June 10, Sunday, Feast of Corpus Christi, I prepared a simple luncheon gathering at our house. I was so touched with the presence of my The Alumni family. They were the early-birds! Hehehe! And then came some of my relatives. There, we shared the sumptuous blessings that the Lord had given me. At around 3pm, my new-found family at Little Big Superstar came! I was so happy to see the whole "tropa" completed once again after the LBSS Grand Finals. After eating, we enjoyed the videoke. Ronald and Joshua rocked the house as they rendered several songs which wowed my family and friends. But, it's not only Ronald and Joshua who sang, but their parents and the "tropa" as well. Then came Tito Jonnel, Tita Tek and Aria, with my favorite cake!!! Wee!! I hope they all enjoyed as I did... :-) Hehe! Below is our LBSS family picture... :) Thanks to Ronald, Joshua, Aria, Tita Jane, Tita Jean, Tito Jimmy, Tito Jonnel, Tita Tek, Kuya Ron, Kuya Chebs, Lolo Dave, Kenneth, Jay, Nanax, Ate Do, and Mark for coming!!! You all made my birthday extra special!!! Sana maulit...

Again, thank you for celebrating my birthday with me... I am so blessed and thankful to have all of you with me!!!

It has been two years...

2007-05-23T21:08:00.000+08:00

Today, May 23, marks my second year in the corporate world. How time flies!

It has been two years...
...since I obtained my Bachelor of Science in Statistics degree at the University of the Philippines in DIliman.
...since I ventured into the world of interviews and the maze of job hunting.
...since I accepted the challenge of becoming a Software Engineer at one of the leading IT firms in the world, Accenture!

Ninuninuninu... Let's turn back the pages of time...

I can still remember my first day at work. May 23, 2005. I woke up as early as 5am, prepared my things and hailed a bus to MRT North Avenue Station, took the train from there until Ayala Avenue station and rushed through 6750 Building, and up to the 22nd floor. Whew! I just came in on time. It was a 2-day New Joiner Orientation. At first, I was culture-shocked, every person I was seeing were on formal or business attire (which I was not used to seeing. As you know, at UP, we attend classes wearing anything comfy, sometimes even with shorts and slippers).

Hey! We were then assigned to our respective capabilities. Luckily, I was assigned with the ERP-SAP group (where nice people and wise people meet, haha!) I was afraid because I have only a little background in programming. Back in college, we only have Visual Basic and SAS (Statistical Applications Software). This is what we call challenge!! Hmm.. And there, we attended a SAP-ABAP Bootcamp, an internal training to learn the how-to's of ABAP programming. It was a 4-week training - free breakfast, free lunch, free snacks! Hehehe!

After the training, we were then assigned to our specific project assignments. I, together with Dianne, Jasmine and Warren, was assigned to Project Crystal. Whew! The people were so nice, they were all approachable and easy-to-be-with, a little different from what I had expected. They were all so cool, laughters echoed the office area every so often, food paraded the corridors almost everyday. This is life! Ahaha!

We were then introduced to our team - the Crystal ABAP team! With Loida Berico, our mother superior, the team welcomed us very warmly. And then we were given our tickets (work assignments). Nervous! After resolving one, success and satisfaction! And then, it just went on and on everyday...

Of course, in the span of two years, people close to you come and go. The project expands, the team expands as well, work load is also getting heavier. It was expected. It is a sign of maturing (hmm, CMMi).

For two years, I may say that Accenture had given me the opportunity to discover what's in me. It made me believe in myself. At first, I thought that two years is far too long, but it's not. With Accenture, I learned to accept challenges. The project taught me a lot of things - from software processes, ABAP programming, admin stuffs to daily jokes and "special" trips and gimmicks. The team honed my ABAP programming skills. In the span of two years, there are so many people behind which formed me into an ABAP developer I am now. I admit, there are still a lot of things to learn and discover...

The door has just been opened... A new milestone has been achieved... A new tomorrow is yet to come...

It has been two years...

...and still counting! :-)

---------------
To my startgroup (Abby, Ice, Jazz, Dianne, Icar, Karen, Jill, Arvin, Ganie, Harlie, Ed, Louie) congratulations for making it this far! Thanks for the time out together earlier this lunch, it was so nice to be with you all again. I was so full, Sbarro indeed made my lunch! Hahaha! :) A long journey still awaits us... Hehe!

To my team, thank you for trusting and believing in my skills. There is a long way to go for us!

Happy Birthday, Red!!!

2007-05-19T13:31:00.000+08:00

May 18, 2002. My youngest brother was born and named John Raphael aka Red. And now, after 5 years, he is a very bibo kid - energetic, intelligent, but sometimes moody.. Ehehe! To you, Red, happy birthday!!!

Happy Birthday, Red!!!

Family Break muna...

2007-05-14T19:19:00.000+08:00

May 14. Mid-term Senatorial Elections. Holiday. At 7:30 am, we went to our precinct to vote for our chosen candidates for the senatorial, congressional, and local seats. I may say that the election turns out to be a success here in our place. We found our precincts smoothly, casted our votes and the indelible ink is really indelible. I tried to wash it out with alcohol, but darn it, my nail just got dirty. Haha! Nice one, COMELEC! :)

After lunch, we had our "family break." We went to our grandparents' place at Iba, Hagonoy, Bulacan and set up a mini merienda picnic at my lolo's farm. Years ago, we set up a triangular piece of lot in the middle of the field and made that as our common ground. We planted several mango trees. Look at them now. The pictures below will tell you how fun it is to bond with the family in a place like this even just for an hour or so. Let the pictures tell the story...

I still believe in the power of the family's bonding... I admit, I may have disregarded my family for some time. I used to have them as my second priority over work, my choir and my friends... This time, I have to make it up to them. Now, I realized my mistakes... I should have given my family the top priority!

This day had taught me a lot of lessons:

1. The power to choose who your leaders will be lies on your fingers. So, we must be choosy. It's not fame and popularity, but the capacity to serve the people.

2. Family first. Your family is your first and last army, they will be your strength and your guide.

3. It's hard to let go when you are attached to someone. We have to move on, but it's hard... I'm still on the process of learning this point... :)

They made it!!!

2007-05-13T20:42:00.000+08:00

After three months of challenges, Little Big Superstar ends yesterday, May 12, with their episode dubbed "The Super Battle." Mixed feelings and emotions can be seen from among the top three contenders - Trina, Joshua and Ronald - and their parents. One whole week of preparation for the Grand Finals is surely enough for the kids as they rehearsed their dance moves and their contest pieces.

Saturday. May 12, 2007. 11am. Call time at ABS-CBN. There, they had the chance to once again rehearse their dance moves, their songs and their stage blockings. At the dressing room, the 10 Finalists were gathered for the last time, reminiscing their past three months of friendship.

5pm. The Live showdown has begun! Studio 10 of ABS-CBN was jampacked with the finalists' relatives and supporters. There were even some relatives who were not able to get a glimpse of their bets inside the studio and just watched the episode outside through a TV monitor.

The opening number was a medley of Disney classics sang by the Champions - Sarah Geronimo, Erik Santos, Sheryn Regis and Christian Bautista - together with the past Little Big Star Seasons 1 and 2 champions - Sam Concepcion, Gian Barbarona, Charice Pempengco, Rhap Salazar, Makisig Morales, Kyle Balili, Micah Torre, Robert Villar and Angelli Urquico, with the special participation of Jairus Aquino (aka Pareng Jomar).

This is the moment! The Super Battle has begun! First round was a showcase of the kids' groovy renditions of their fast songs. Joshua rocked the house with his "Yugyugan Na!" Ronald showed off his power with his version of "Gold" and Trina wowed the crowd with her version of "Objection Tango." Whew!! First round of tensed feelings...

The second round is a check on their versatility as the kids belted out on their contest pieces. Joshua gave a soulful rendition of 6CycleMind's "I," while Ronald gave Martin Nievera's "The Promise" a smooth feel and Trina gave Sheryn Regis' "Kailan Kaya" her own version.

Before the show ends, the kids offered their mothers a long stem of rose as they sing "Salamat sa Iyo, Ina" with the 7 other finalists and Sarah Geronimo. It was touching to see Ronald and his mom, Tita Jean, crying.

This is it!!! In the end, the new Little Big Superstar has been named.......
Second Runner Up.... TRINA!
First Runner Up.... JOSHUA!!! Woohoo!!
And the Grand Prize Winner... RONALD!!! Woohoo!!

I can't explain what I felt at that time... For seconds, I felt numb! I was with Joshua's and Ronald's relatives and we were just shouting at the top of our lungs! We were all so excited!

The night ended and our lips never got tired of smiling. We were all so proud of the two kids - Ronald and Joshua! They both deserve their titles!

I admit it... I will definitely miss Little Big Superstar, the kids, most especially Aria, Ronald and Joshua. I know this is not the end for the three. At their young age, for sure, there are more to come on their way.

Reach for the sky...

2007-05-06T07:35:00.000+08:00

I have a dream
Something that I wanted to achieve
In my lifetime
And I want to show
The best of me, I know I’ll make it true
If I believe that

I can make it happen
No matter what they say
Nobody can stand in my way

[Chorus]
Reach for the sky
Dream and aim high
I won’t let anybody turn my spirit down
Whatever it takes
I’ll stand on my faith
I’ll never stop until I reach the sky
I know my dreams will happen, I can fly
I’ll reach for the sky

I will not give up
Even if I fall I won’t give in
To my troubles
I will stand tall
My feet is firmly standin’ on the ground
I believe that

I can make it happen
No matter what they say
Nobody can stand in my way

[Repeat Chorus]

Reach for the sky
No matter what they say
No matter what they do
I’ll hold on and make it through

===========

To vote, key in LITTLE (name of contestant) and send to
2331 for Globe, TM and Sun Subscribers and
231 for Smart, TnT and Addict Mobile.

Take NOT the road less traveled...

2007-05-06T07:28:00.000+08:00

As a UP Diliman alumnus, it is very heartwarming to hear someone graduate with the highest honors at a very young age! This year's UP valedictorian (highest honors) was only a 16-year old young lass, Ms. Mikaela Irene D. Fudolig, BS Physics with a GWA of 1.099. Whew! What a brain! I am just so proud that I wanted to share this to everyone reading this blog. Below is her valedictory speech delivered at the University Graduation last April 22, 2007. Be inspired!

===============================
One of the things that strike me as being very “UP Diliman” is the way UPD students can’t seem to stay on the pavement. From every street corner that bounds an unpaved piece of land, one will espy a narrow trail that cuts the corner, or leads from it. Every lawn around the buildings sports at least one of these paths, starting from a point nearest to the IKOT stop and ending at the nearest entry to the building. The trails are beaten on the grass by many pairs of feet wanting to save a fraction of a meter of traveling, no matter that doing so will exact some cost to the shoes, or, to the ubiquitous slippers, especially when the trails are new.

What do these paths say about us, UP students?

One could say that the UP student is enamored with Mathematics and Pythagoras, hence these triangles formed by the pavement and the path. Many among you would disagree.

Others could say that the UP student is naturally countercultural. And the refusal to use the pavement is just one of the myriads of ways to show his defiance of the order of things. This time, many would agree.

Still, others will say that the UP student is the model of today’s youth: they want everything easier, faster, now. The walkable paths appeal to them because they get to their destination faster, and presumably, with less effort. Now that is only partly true, and totally unfair.

These trails weren’t always walkable. No doubt they started as patches of grass, perhaps overgrown. Those who first walked them must have soiled their shoes, stubbed their toes, or had insects biting their legs, all in the immovable belief that the nearest distance between two points is a straight line. They might even have seen snakes cross their paths. But the soiled footwear, sore toes, and itchy legs started to conquer the grass. Other people, seeing the yet faint trail, followed. And as more and more walked the path, the grass gave in and stopped growing altogether, making the path more and more visible, more and more walkable.

The persistence of the paths pays tribute to those UP students who walked them first – the pioneers of the unbeaten tracks: the defiant and curious few who refuse the familiar and comfortable; the out-of-the-box thinkers who solve problems instead of fretting about them; the brave who dare do things differently, and open new opportunities to those who follow.

They say how one behaved in the past would determine how he behaves in the future. And as we leave the University, temporarily or for good, let us call on the pioneering, defiant, and brave spirit that built the paths to guide us in this next phase of our life.

We have been warned time and again. Our new world that they call “adulthood” is one that’s full of compromises, where success is determined more by the ability to belong than by the ability to think, where it is much easier to do as everyone else does. Daily we are bombarded with so much news of despair about the state of our nation, and the apparent, perverse sense of satisfaction our politicians get from vilifying our state of affairs. It is fashionable to migrate to other countries to work in deceptively high-paying jobs like nursing and teaching, forgetting that even at their favored work destinations, nurses and teachers are some of the lowest paid professionals. The lure of high and immediate monetary benefits in some low-end outsourcing jobs has drawn even some of the brightest UP students away from both industry and university teaching to which they would have been better suited.

Like the sidewalks and pavement, these paths are the easiest to take.

But, like the sidewalks and pavement, these paths take longer to traverse, just as individual successes do not always make for national progress. The unceasing critic could get elected, but not get the job done. The immigrant could get his visa, but disappear from our brainpower pool. The highly paid employee would be underutilized for his skills, and pine to get the job he truly wants, but is now out of his reach. And the country, and we, are poorer because of these.

Today, the nation needs brave, defiant pioneers to reverse our nation’s slide to despair. Today, we must call upon the spirit that beat the tracks. Today, we must present an alternative way of doing things.

Do NOT just take courage, for courage is not enough. Instead, be BRAVE! It will take bravery to go against popular wisdom, against the clichéd expectations of family and friends. It will take bravery to gamble your future by staying in the country and try to make a prosperous life here. It might help if for a start, we try to see why our Korean friends are flocking to our country. Why, as many of us line up for immigrant visas in various embassies, they get themselves naturalized and settle here. Do they know something we don’t?

Do NOT just be strong in your convictions, for strength is not enough. Instead, DEFY the pressure to lead a comfortable, but middling life. Let us lead this country from the despair of mediocrity. Let us not seek to do well, but strive to EXCEL in everything that we do. This, so others will see us as a nation of brains of the highest quality, not just of brawn that could be had for cheap.

Take NOT the road less traveled. Rather, MAKE new roads, BLAZE new trails, FIND new routes to your dreams. Unlike the track-beaters in campus who see where they’re going, we may not know how far we can go. But if we are brave, defiant searchers of excellence, we will go far. Explore possibilities, that others may get a similar chance. I have tried it myself. And I’m speaking to you now.

But talk is cheap, they say. And so I put my money where my mouth is. Today, I place myself in the service of the University, if it will have me. I would like to teach, to share knowledge, and perhaps to be an example to new UP students in thinking and striving beyond the limits of the possible. This may only be a small disturbance in the grass. But I hope you’ll come with me, and trample a new path.

Good evening, everyone.

By Mikaela Irene Fudolig
UP Graduation 22 April 2007

And now the end is near...

2007-05-05T21:13:00.000+08:00

Today, ABS-CBN's Little Big Superstar aired its second to the last episode, the Pre-Finals episode wherein the three final contenders showed off each of their fortes - jukebox, band and ballad. Indeed, this was a challenge for the three kids, Ronald, Joshua and Trina. Today's episode guested Ms. Rachel Alejandro, Mr. Jet Pangan and Mr. Erik Santos.

On the first part, Trina challenged her co-finalists with her forte, jukebox. After their jukebox medley with Ms. Sarah Geronimo and Ms. Rachel Alejandro, the kids once again prove that they can belt with these kind of songs. Special mention was given to Joshua for his soulful rendition full of feelings.

Joshua challenged his Ate Trina and Kuya Ronald on the second round with the band session. Indeed, this was an electrifying round. Sarah and Mr. Jet Pangan opened the stage with their version of Salamat. The kids one by one showed off their groove as they performed Narda, Superhero and Sandalan. Joshua once again was cited by Direk Louie saying that he has an act of a rocker!

On the third round was ballad singing, Ronald's forte. Sarah and Erik started the ballad session, followed by the three kids. Each one of them performed their best. After the round, Ronald got a plus point from star judge Angelika dela Cruz.

The pre-finals episode ended up with Ronald as the first honor, Joshua in second place and Trina in the third place. The grand finals is all set next week, live! Continue supporting your favorite little stars.

Salamat...

2007-04-21T22:38:00.000+08:00

Kanina lang ay ginanap ang ikasampung episode ng Little Big Superstar na tinaguriang Battle of the Super Five na may temang Pistang Pinoy. Kasamang umawit at umindak ng Super Five sina Ate Sarah, Kuya John Pratts, Kuya Bayani at Ate Toni sa kanilang opening number. Napakakulay ng nasabing bilang, lahat ng mga manunuod sa studio ay napasayaw sa saliw ng Araw Natin ‘To, ang summer station ID ng ABS-CBN.

Sabak agad sa awitan ang mga bata makalipas ang ilang sandali sa pangunguna ni Ronald na kumanta ng Walang Kapalit. Sinundan siya nina Trina, Kristine at Joshua. Makalipas makapag-alay ng kanta ang apat, si Aria ang sumunod sa kanyang madamdaming interpretasyon ng Salamat.

Ito ang unang pagkakataong narinig natin si Aria na umawit ng tipong rock. Pero, di niya tayo binigo. Nagawa niyang bigyan ng sarili niyang interpretasyon, galaw at kulay ang nasabing awitin. Ngunit sa huli, siya pa rin ang nahatulang magpaalam sa kabuuang markang 85.5% [Text votes: 85.0%, Clickers (mga DJs ng iba’t ibang radio stations): 85.5% at Star Judges: 86.0%]. Naroon ang Little Big Voices sa pangunguna nina Janet, Christian, Jea, Kristofer at Ysrael upang bigyan ng lakas ng loob ang ating munting prinsesa.

Marami sa atin ang nagulat, nabigla, hindi nakapaniwala… Pero sa isang kompetisyong kagaya nito, may nananalo at may natatatalo… Napatunayan na ni Aria ang kanyang kakayahan, ang kanyang kahusayan, ang kanyang pagkatao… Nakilala natin siya bilang Star Princess – prinsesa sa kanyang sariling paraan…

Sabi nga ng kanyang awitin, “Kung ito man ang huling awiting aawitin, nais kong malaman mong ika’y bahagi na ng buhay ko, at kung may huling sasabihin, nais kong sambitin, nilagyan mo ng kulay ang mundo.”

Hanggang sa huli, pasasalamat pa rin ang sambit ng ating prinsesa – pasasalamat sa Diyos sa pagkakataong makapag-alay ng awitin sa lahat, sa kanyang mga magulang na walang sawang umaaruga sa kanya, sa kanyang mga kasama sa palabas na naging kanyang tunay na kaibigan at karamay, sa lahat ng sa kanya ay sumusuporta, mga kamag-anakan, maga kaibigan, na siyang patuloy na nagbibigay ng tibay at lakas sa kanyang pakikipaglaban…

Nang aming tanungin si Aria at ang kanyang mga magulang kung ano ang kanilang nararamdaman, iisa lamang ang kanilang sagot, “Ayos lang yun! Ganun talaga ang mga contests, may nananalo, may natatalo.” Nakakatuwang pagmasdan ang kanilang pamilya habang kami ay papauwi na. Masasaya sila, nagkakantahan, nagbibiruan, hindi mo kakikitaan ng bahid ng kalungkutan o panghihinayang, may positive outlook sa buhay, ika nga. Babalik muna siya sa teatro.

Bilang panghuling mensahe sa atin ni Aria sa kanyang awitin…

Ito na ang pagkakataon

Walang masasayang na panahon

Mananatili ka sa puso ko kailanman

Para sa yo ako’y lalaban, ako’y lalaban

Ang awiting ito’y para sa yo

At kung maubos ang tinig, di magsisisi

Dahil iyong narinig sa labi ko

Salamat, salamat

Mula kay Aria at sa kanyang pamilya, maraming maraming salamat po sa lahat ng mga sumuporta at patuloy na sumusuporta sa ating Star Princess, Aria Clemente. Hanggang sa muli po nating pagsasama-sama...

=================
See more updates at Aria Clemente's website: http://www.ariaclemente.ph.tc/. God bless you all!!!

{updates}

2007-04-21T08:21:00.000+08:00

Hello readers! Welcome again to my blog space! I have added a music playlist to the right which can stimulate your brain cells while reading my entries.. Hehe!

So for some of my updates...

Last Saturday was the 5th Send-Off Episode of Little Big Superstar. It was a tensed feeling inside the studio as the kids offered their songs to their newfound friends from the charity road. All the 6 kids who competed sang their songs soulfully and for me, it is very hard to send a contestant off. They are all artists in their own way. At the end, the Shining Superstar Janet Japor was sent off. Five little stars remained - Aria, Ronald, Joshua, Trina and Kristine! They will compete in a Love send-off episode again this afternoon. So please do watch and support them.

The following day, the kids were on their rest day - no schedules, no mall shows, no rehearsals. And so, Tito Jimmy and Tita Jean (Ronald Jaimeer's parents), invited the kids and their parents to come to their place at Balangon, Agoncillo, Batangas and celebrate with them their barangay fiesta. We were lucky to be invited as well. Thanks to Tito Jonnel and Tita Tek (Aria's parents) for the ride from Malolos to Batangas.

It was indeed a fun ride and experience. With us are Joshua, Tita Jane, Kuya Chebbie, Kuya Ron, MarkM, Kenneth, Lolo Dave, Jay and Cristopher. It is definite that you will not get hungry. Whew! Ang daming food! At RJ's place, the kids had their chance to play with each other. It's really fun to be a kid again! Here, LJ (Ronald's sibling) started to call me "Kuya Mark taba!" Oh well.. It's ok, they're kids anyway! haha! At least may recall at may identity!:D

The place was really cool! It made me reflect and miss the province life. Some of us even planned to have a 3-day retreat from metro life and live a camping life. I think it would be fun! We still need to ask their permissions, though.

After several chewing and gulping, we departed RJ's place at around 4:30pm and went to Trina's place at Batangas City. Whew! Another round of merienda! Just as I had said earlier, you will never get hungry. :D

Off we go back to Manila with smiles on our faces, big tummies and nice memories. It was a fun, though tiring, escapade! By the way, thanks to RJ and his family for the suman! We really enjoyed the suman, it was very sweet! Yum!

Please continue supporting our dear friends - Aria, Ronald and Joshua! Vote for them! Hope that all of them are still part of the Final Four contestants after tonight's live episode. Thanks!

Till next post... :D

Famous lines (daw?)

2007-04-21T08:05:00.000+08:00

After my post last week (on pick-up lines) which gave me some nice comments, here is another version of the recent text craze, famous lines... So, here it goes... If you want, copy them and forward to your friends! Haha! :D

==========
"pinapaikot mo lang ako... nagsasawa na ako. Mabuti pang patayin mo na lang ako"
-electric fan
==========
"hindi lahat ng walang salawal ay bastos"
-winnie d' pooh
==========
"Alam mo ba wala akong ibang hinangad kundi ang mapalapit sa iyo. Pero patuloy ang pag-iwas mo"
-ipis
==========
"Hala! Sige magpakasasa ka! Alam ko namang katawan ko lang ang habol mo."
-hipon
==========
"Ayoko na! Pag nagmamahal ako lagi na lang maraming tao ang nagagalit! Wala ba akong karapatang magmahal?!?"
-gasolina
==========
"Hindi lahat ng green ay masustansya."
-plema
==========
"Hindi ko hinahangad na ipagmalaki mo na ako'y sa iyo.. ayoko lang naman na sa harap ng maraming tao ganun mo na lang ako itanggi.."
-utot
==========
"Sawang sawa na ako.. palagi na lang akong pinagpapasa-pasahan, pagod na pagod na ako."
-Bola
==========
"You never know what you have till you lose it. And once you lose it, you can never get it back"
-snatcher
==========
"Hindi lahat ng pink, KIKAY!"
-majinboo
==========
"Ginawa ko naman lahat para sumaya ka.. mahirap ba talagang makontento sa isa? Bakit palipat-lipat ka?
-TV
==========
"hindi lahat ng maasim may vitamin c"
-kili kili
==========
pilitin mo man na alisin ako sa buhay mo, babalik at babalik ako!
-libag
==========
"wag mo na akong bilugin.."
-kulangot
==========
"hindi lahat ng dugo puedeng idonate"
-regla

Some cool (and crazy) pick-up lines

2007-04-14T10:18:00.000+08:00

It has been a craze in text messaging these days - some reasons that make us smile even for a while. Try using one of the pick-up lines below. Let's see how effective it is to make your date smile a bit... Hehe! :D

==========
Am I a bad shooter?
Coz I keep on missing you…
==========
Am I a target?
Coz you keep on hitting on me…
==========
Anong height mo?!!
Paano ka nag kasya sa puso ko?
==========
Sana letter “T” na lang ako… para I’m always next to “U”...
==========
Kung ako may business. Lahat ng tao bebentahan ko ng mura, ikaw hindi!
Dahil sa iyo lang ako mag mamahal…
==========
Pwede ka ba mag hubad?
Gusto ko kasi makita ang mga pakpak ng anghel sa buhay ko eh…
==========
Pinaglihi ka ba sa keyboard?
Type kasi kita…
==========
“Lecture” ba kita?
“Lab” kasi kita…
==========
Are you a dictionary?
Coz you give meaning to my life…
==========
Miss may sugat ba ako?
Napana kasi ako ni kupido…
==========
Hindi ako magaling na piloto…
Nag crash kasi ako sayo...
==========
Papansin ka!
Kasi kahit saan ako tumingin mukha mo ang nakikita ko…
==========
Papupulis kita!
Ninakaw mo kasi puso ko!
==========
I forgot your name…
Can I call you mine?
==========
I lost my number…
Can I have yours?
==========
Nasaan ka kagabi?
Bakit wala ka sa panaginip ko?
==========
Sabi nila, ang New Year daw ay pagkakataon para magbago…
Eh bakit pa?
Kung nabago na ang lahat ng dumating ka…
==========
Ulam ka ba?
Kasi gusto kita tikman eh! Hehe…
==========
Pwede ba kita maging driver?
Para ikaw na magpapatakbo ng buhay ko…
==========
Marunong ka bang lumangoy?
Baka malunod ka sa aking pagmamahal!
==========
Kung posporo ka…
At posporo ako…
Eh di match tayo?!!
==========
Kelan mo gustong magdaos ng burol ko?
Patay na patay kasi ako sayo…
==========
Hindi ka lng pala suplada…
Bingi ka pa…
Tagal nang isinisigaw ng puso ko pangalan mo, di mo pa rin pinapansin!
==========
Nung minahal kita daig ko pa natraffic sa EDSA…
I can’t move on…
==========
Suswertihin ka sa pag-ibig ngaung taon…
Kung magiging akin ka!
==========
Ayoko magpa-picture…
Baka madevelop tayo!
==========
Teka! Camera ka ba?!!
Kasi you make me smile…
==========
Galing ako sa ospital. Sabi ng doctor, my complication daw ako sa puso.
Dalawa raw options ko. Either ICU or…
U C Me…
==========
May kilala ka bang gumagawa ng relo?
Humihinto kasi oras ko pag kasama kita…
==========
Isa ka bang kalawang?...
Kasi kinakain mo…
Ang bakal kong puso…
==========
Magaling ka siguro sa puzzle…
Kasi kakasimula pa lang ng araw ko… nabuo mo na!
==========
Ang buhay ko ay parang seesaw…
Pag wala ka…
Im always down…
==========
Naniniwala ka ba sa LOVE at First sight?
O gusto mong…
Dumaan pa ako ulit?
==========
Ano pa ang silbi ng gravity? Kung sayo pa lng e…
Nahuhulog na ako…
==========
Can you recommend a good bank where I can make a deposit?
Coz I’m planning to save all my love for you…
==========
Uy… may free time ka ba? Samahan mo naman ako sa psychiatrist ko o…
Sabi nya kasi dalhin ko daw ang kinababaliwan ko…
==========
Oi… mag-aral ka ulit… ako na ang magbabayad ng tuition fee mo…
Basta pag-aralan mo lng ako mahalin…
==========
Tinanong ako ng doctor ko…
Bakit kakaiba daw ang pintig ng puso ko…
Hindi ako makasagot…
Pinakita ko lang picture mo!
==========
Excuse me… pwede bang magtanong?
Kung dederetsuhin ko ba ang daan na ito…
Tutuloy ba sa puso mo?
==========
Alam mo bang scientist ako?
At ikaw ang LAB ko…
==========
Pwede ba… ayoko na ng mga pick-up lines! Nakakasawa na!
Ang tanging gusto ko lang ay… ikaw!

==================================
ASIDE: Continue voting for our favorite Little Big Superstars - Aria, Ronald and Joshua.. We have until April 14, 3PM to vote... Watch Little Big Superstar Live this afternoon at 5pm...

{reflections...}

2007-04-07T09:40:00.000+08:00

This week is the time of the year when all Christians all over the globe commemmorates the Passion, Death and Resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ - a time of reflections, a time of looking back to our sins, a time of asking for forgiveness, a time of our salvation...

"Father, into Thy hands, I commend My spirit." -Luke 23:46

Holy Thursday marks the start of the Lenten holidays. On this day, the Roman Catholics undergo their Visita Iglesia, wherein they visit the repository of the Lamb of God in several churches. Our family, with some of my friends, as a start, went to the Parish of St. John of God in San Rafael, Bulacan, to witness our Lord's Last Supper with His apostles - the washing of the feet, breaking of the bread and sharing of the wine. In the sermon, Fr. Melchor mentioned that on that event, there are three things that underwent transformation: (1) transformation of the bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Christ, (2) transformation of Jesus as man to Divine - as a selfless sacrifice to mankind, and (3) transformation of the apostles as followers to leaders and preachers. In those three points, we belong to the third. We should be Christ's followers, but at the same time, we share to others what we learned from Him - in words and in actions.

After the mass, the Body of Christ was then placed on the repository in preparation for the vigil. This was the start of our Visita Iglesia. From there, we went to parishes in Baliuag, Pulilan, Hagonoy, Stma. Trinidad, Malolos Basilica and Paombong. At around 12:30am, after reading some lines from the Passion of Christ (the so-called Pasyon), we walked to Kapitangan, a place in Paombong famous for being a pilgrim place for Holy Week. It was an exhausting 50-minute walk. During the walk, we are one with our Lord in His sufferings.

Good Friday. At 12:00 noon, we participated in the commemmoration of Christ's Seven Last Words and Veneration of the Cross. After hearing the utterances of our Lord, we came to realize that we were not rocks, we sinned...

On this day, I came to realize that I am human, I am freed from my sins by our Lord Jesus Christ who redeemed us from all of our sins. It is but rightful to give Him honor, give Him praise, offer Him our life just as He did... Christ's suffering is for the whole of humankind, let us give our share in His sufferings...

{live!}

2007-04-01T08:17:00.000+08:00

Hi there everyone!

First of all, my greetings of warm CONGRATULATIONS to all my dear friends who have just marched and graduated: Philip Volante, Beverly Bernardino, Vanessa Ilagan, Anthony Sandoval, Mark Anthony Mayo, my cousin Michelle Coronel, my dear orgmates at UP Statistical Society and the whole of UP School of Statistics, Ronald Jaimeer Humarang, Joseph Faustino, and to my little bro Red. Congratulations to all!!!

Yesterday (March 31), I was lucky enough to be with Little Big Supertar's Star Princess, Aria Clemente, for almost a whole day! Together with her parents, Tito Jonel and Tita Tek, and Mark (MaMaoRong), we went to ABS-CBN for their rehearsals for their very first live concert. During the trip, I was surprised that she knew the song "Panis Angelicus," which reminds me of my tiple days years ago. Hmm, I wish I can still sing that song using my head tone, but no! Hahaha!

And so we arrived at ABS, went directly at their dressing room, and continued voting for Aria.. Ahehe! Oh and by the way, thanks Tito Jonel and Tita Tek for the lunch! And then, off we go to Studio 10 to view their rehearsals. It was a very star-strucking moment upon hearing the kids sing. They all deserve to be Little Big Superstars! Sana naging bata na lang ulit ako. Hehe! You won't even think that these kids are still on the competition because as they perform, they were already like big stars! "It would be hard for the judges to decide for this episode," I said to myself as I listened to the kids' rehearsals.

5.. 4.. 3.. 2.. 1.. The Live Concert rolled! The crowd was so energetic and lively, supporting their bets in one way or another, shouting the names of their stars! It was fun!

One by one, the kids sang... Joshua went first with his rendition of "Paano Kita Mapasasalamatan," followed by Christian with his soul-touching "Natutulog Ba Ang Diyos?," then Trina with her "Someone's Waiting for You," followed by Janet with her kilig spot "When I Met You," followed by Ronald's "Thanks to You," and the heart-pounding performance of Aria with her "Wind Beneath My Wings," then Kristine's "Better Days."

Whew! What a concert! Unfortunately, one of the little stars was sent off, in the persona of Christian. Christian is indeed a very promising young singer! I would say, he will have a very bright future ahead - with his talent, his voice, his wit and his charm.

After the concert, we directly went to their dressing room to rev up and eat! Hehe! While the parents were having their briefing/meeting at the other dressing room, we stayed at the boys' dressing room and had some bonding moments with the kids. Ang sarap talaga maging bata! Joshua preferred to play with Ken's cellphone under the dressing table, while Aria and Ronald were enjoying with palm-reading, tumbling, and singing. Aria sang Panis Angelicus while being teased by Ronald with his "meow" backup. Haha! Cool! They also jammed together in their own duet rendition of "Reach for the Sky." I cannot forget Ronald saying that I am "medyo chubby" and asking me some innocent questions:

Ronald: Kuya, nagda-diet ka ba?
Mark: (hmm.. adik tong batang to.. hehe) Uhmm.. Hindi..
Ronald: E ilang beses ka kumakain sa isang araw?
Mark: (ano ba to? hahaha!) Dalawa..
Ronald: Di ka nagda-diet, tapos 2 beses ka lang kumain?
Mark: Hahaha! Oo naman.. Bakit?
Ronald: E bakit ka chubby?
Kenneth: Kasi baka mataba lang talaga ung buto ni Mark.
Mark: Oo nga, mataba lang talaga ang buto ko..

Thanks, Kenneth, ha.. Pinagtanggol mo ko.. Hahaha! Ang bata nga naman.. Some silly thoughts played in their minds.. Cool!!

Then off we go home... I really enjoyed that day! Hope that there would be more days like this!

{happiness}

2007-03-31T08:50:00.000+08:00

Hi there! Do you think you are happy? Are you sure?! Hehe! Let me share a simple article forwarded by my friend through email. It suggests some tips on how to live a happier life... Hmm.. Let's see and let's try to apply these things in our daily lives and wait for the results...

-------
Suggestions for a Happier Life
Digested from David G. Myers, The Pursuit of Happiness (Avon Books, 1993) http://www.davidmyers.org/Brix?pageID=46

1. Realize that enduring happiness doesn't come from success. People adapt to changing circumstances—even to wealth or a disability. Thus wealth is like health: its utter absence breeds misery, but having it (or any circumstance we long for) doesn't guarantee happiness.

2. Take control of your time. Happy people feel in control of their lives, often aided by mastering their use of time. It helps to set goals and break them into daily aims. Although we often overestimate how much we will accomplish in any given day (leaving us frustrated), we generally underestimate how much we can accomplish in a year, given just a little progress every day.

3. Act happy. We can sometimes act ourselves into a frame of mind. Manipulated into a smiling expression, people feel better; when they scowl, the whole world seems to scowl back. So put on a happy face. Talk as if you feel positive self-esteem, are optimistic, and are outgoing. Going through the motions can trigger the emotions.

4. Seek work and leisure that engages your skills. Happy people often are in a zone called "flow"—absorbed in a task that challenges them without overwhelming them. The most expensive forms of leisure (sitting on a yacht) often provide less flow experience than gardening, socializing, or craft work.

5. Join the "movement" movement. An avalanche of research reveals that aerobic exercise not only promotes health and energy, it also is an antidote for mild depression and anxiety. Sound minds reside in sound bodies. Off your duffs, couch potatoes.

6. Give your body the sleep it wants. Happy people live active vigorous lives yet reserve time for renewing sleep and solitude. Many people suffer from a sleep debt, with resulting fatigue, diminished alertness, and gloomy moods.

7. Give priority to close relationships. Intimate friendships with those who care deeply about you can help you weather difficult times. Confiding is good for soul and body. Resolve to nurture your closest relationships: to not take those closest to you for granted, to display to them the sort of kindness that you display to others, to affirm them, to play together and share together. To rejuvenate your affections, resolve in such ways to act lovingly.

8. Focus beyond the self. Reach out to those in need. Happiness increases helpfulness (those who feel good do good). But doing good also makes one feel good.

9. Keep a gratitude journal. Those who pause each day to reflect on some positive aspect of their lives (their health, friends, family, freedom, education, senses, natural surroundings, and so on) experience heightened well-being.

10. Nurture your spiritual self. For many people, faith provides a support community, a reason to focus beyond self, and a sense of purpose and hope. Study after study finds that actively religious people are happier and that they cope better with crises.

-------
Aside: Please continue supporting Aria Clemente in her endeavor to be the next Little Big Superstar!Vote now!
Greeters: Belated happy birthday to my dear friends Reinier, Beng, Tina, Pretz. Congratulations and hats off to Ronald Jaimeer, Joseph, Philip, Vanessa, Bebang, Mark for graduating with colors!

{decisions}

2007-03-18T06:43:00.000+08:00

The May 2007 senatorial elections is coming nearer and nearer. Have you decided yet on who to vote for? As a second-time voter, I have my own specific preferences in choosing who to vote for -- trustworthy, God-fearing, and silent worker (is there someone?) among others. It is good to have healthy and constructive competitions in the senate, but please, not to the point that they cannot perform their functions well...

Hmm.. Here's what the voters say. I just wanted to disseminate the information from Pulse Asia to help you pick your choice. Below, you will find the recent survey results commissioned by Pulse Asia, Inc. for the period of February 28 - March 5. It's for you to decide.

---------

(taken from Pulse Asia's website. This report can also be found at this link.)

Pulse Asia’s March 2007 Ulat ng Bayan

Survey Media Release on Filipinos’ Senatorial Preferences

Pulse Asia is pleased to share with you some findings from the March 2007 Ulat ng Bayan national survey on Filipinos’ Senatorial Preferences. We request you to assist us in informing the public by disseminating this information on Filipino perceptions, opinions, sentiments, and attitudes relating to current developments here and abroad.

Based on a multistage probability sample of 1,800 representative adults 18 years old and above, Pulse Asia’s nationwide survey has a +/- 2% error margin at the 95% confidence level. Subnational estimates for the geographic areas covered in the survey have the following error margins at 95% confidence level: +/- 6% for each of Metro Manila, Northern Luzon and Southern Luzon; +/- 8% for each of Western Visayas, Central Visayas and Eastern Visayas; +/- 6% for Mindanao without ARMM and +/- 8% for ARMM. Face-to-face field interviews for this project were conducted from February 28 to March 5, 2007. (Those interested in further technical details concerning the surveys’ questionnaires and sampling design may request Pulse Asia in writing for fuller details, including copies of the pre-tested questions actually used.)

At the time the interviews for this survey were being conducted, the news headlines were dominated by reports regarding the removal of Senator Francis N. Pangilinan from the senatorial slate of the “Genuine Opposition”, the cancellation of a few of the GO’s provincial sorties, the media expenses of senatorial candidates, the revamp in the campaign teams of both “Team Unity” and “Genuine Opposition”, the scheduled debate on the economy between “Team Unity” and “Genuine Opposition” senatorial candidates, the military’s surveillance of several media people and the so-called “militarization” of some areas in Metro Manila, the dive in market share prices worldwide, the cut in power rates in the country, and the creation of special courts to handle cases involving extrajudicial killings.

The survey’s sampling design and questionnaire are the full responsibility of Pulse Asia’s pool of academic experts and no religious, political, economic or any other form of partisanship has been allowed to influence the survey design, the findings generated by the actual surveys or the subsequent analyses of survey findings.

Pulse Asia undertakes Ulat ng Bayan surveys on its own without any party singularly commissioning the research effort.

Filipino registered voters continue to favor opposition senatorial candidates; former Senator Loren Legarda leads 17 probable senatorial winners.

If the May 2007 elections were held today, 17 senatorial candidates would have a statistical chance of winning a seat in the Philippine Senate. Of those in this group, eight belong to the “Genuine Opposition” while another one is a guest candidate of this political coalition, six are running under “Team Unity”, and two are independent candidates. Former Senator Loren Legarda continues to lead the senatorial race with an overall voter preference of 56.8% for a ranking of solo first place. In distant second place are Senators Panfilo M. Lacson (41.1%) and Francis N. Pangilinan (39.4%). (See page 1 of 2) (See page 2 of 2)

The senatorial race leaders are followed by House Minority Leader Francis G. Escudero (35.5%), Senator Ralph G. Recto (35.2%), Senate President Manuel B. Villar, Jr. (35.0%), Senator Joker P. Arroyo (34.5%), Tarlac Representative Benigno C. Aquino III (34.2%), Senator Edgardo J. Angara (32.1%), and Taguig-Pateros Representative Alan Peter S. Cayetano (30.9%). Completing the list of probable senatorial winners are former Senator Gregorio B. Honasan (27.3%), former Senator Vicente C. Sotto III (25.4%), Atty. Aquilino Pimentel III (23.1%), Zambales Governor Vicente P. Magsaysay (22.4%), Mrs. Sonia M. Roco (22.4%), former Senator John Henry O. Osmeña (21.9%), and former Presidential Chief of Staff Michael T. Defensor (21.3%). The last five individuals share a statistical ranking of 12th to 18th places. On the other hand, 10.6% of Filipino registered voters are either still undecided as regards their senatorial candidates or refuse to name their senatorial preferences at this time.

With around two months to go before the May 2007 elections, Filipino registered voters are naming a mean and a median of seven (out of a maximum of 12) individuals as their bets to the Philippine Senate.

[For this particular survey, respondents were asked to write down the names of their preferred candidates on a “ballot” and to drop this in a “ballot box” to simulate the act of voting. Additionally, some “spoiled ballots” were counted involving senatorial candidates with namesakes who are also running for the Philippines Senate, namely, Tarlac Representative Aquino (2%) and Taguig-Pateros Representative Cayetano (5%).]

[isang pangarap]

2007-03-05T19:04:00.000+08:00

I came to know that the "Star Princess" of Little Big Superstar, Aria Clemente, hailed from City of Malolos, Bulacan, of which I am a resident of. With this fact, I became uber proud of her. Malolos has been known to a number of very good performers. And I must say, Aria is now one of them!

It started with a simple dream... Let us all make that dream a reality... Let us make all the Maloleños and the Bulakeños proud of her!

Please vote for Aria Clemente and let us continue to support her! Voting starts on March 10 until the 15th!! Please do vote for her!! Good luck, Aria!

{musikada}

2007-03-05T14:41:00.000+08:00

Last night, we had our concert at San Rafael, Bulacan, and I must say, it was a success! The concert is a prelude to the town's fiesta in praise of St. John of God on March 8. The said concert was a sequel to our Musikada performance May of last year.

Musikada - Mga Musika ng mga Dekada, Himig ng Barkada. Musika. Dekada. Barkada. Mga musikang hinubong ng panahon, mga musikang nagbigay ng kulay sa ating mga buhay. The night was filled with music from the 70s, 80s up until the present time.

From the grooves of the hit samba song, Rampa, to the hits of the 70's music, the audience was able to look back and dance with the moves of Pinoy Rock! We also performed hits from the Broadway Classicals, Go the Distance from Hercules, Harana, Anak, Bituing Walang Ningning, Magsimula Ka and Light of a Million Mornings - to name a few.

As a finale, we sang "Konte Varka" - an original composition by our musical director, Mr. Eric Torralba. The said song was the theme song by GMA 7's recently concluded fantaserye, Atlantika. It was a big hit to the crowd! This was the first time we performed it in front of live audience.. Hmmm, world premiere?! Hehe!

Till next post! :)

[escape]

2007-03-05T07:16:00.000+08:00

Last Saturday, Feb. 24, our team went to Puerto Galera for an early summer escapade. It was really a super fun weekend! To share those memorable moments...

Feb.23, Friday - after office hours, nobody went home. We rushed to the supermarket to buy the necessary things we will need for our trip - medicines, food, food and more food! Wee!

[Our dear friend and officemate Ana went home bidding farewell to everyone as she left the company on that same day as her birthday. It was so nice to meet her and work with her. She called up upon reaching her house and told everyone that she will miss us.. Definitely, we will miss you too, Ana!]

Feb. 24, Saturday - 2am. We left the office grounds, hailed several taxis and asked to drop us at LRT Buendia, at the bus station to Batangas Pier. At 3am, the bus left... and off we go to Batangas! Upon arriving at Batangas Port, I felt the excitement! hehehe!

And there! At 5:30am, we aboard the boat... But unfortunately, we still waited for the other passengers, including our teammate John.. Hehe! At around 7am, the boat left! I am so delighted that we are positioned in front of the boat as we were very able to see the sceneries. Cool! Splashes of water from the sea made us more excited! Wee! Hehehe!

8am. Welcome to Puerto Galera! Wow! The place is very beautiful! Astig! This was my first time here.. Hehe! I was strucked by the white sand, the clear waters, and most especially, girls in bikinis (*wink*). Haha! After eating breakfast, we strolled the beach... Woohoo! I will share a secret with you (don't let anyone know! Haha! As if!) -- as we strolled, we were like paparazzis in action... The power of digital cameras and super zooms!!! Haha! Boys will always be boys! Hahaha!

12nn. My officemate who hailed from San Teodoro, Oriental Mindoro, provided us with a very sumptuous lunch. Thanks, Holman! Who can ever forget the Chicken Adobo sa Gata, nothing bheats a native chicken, sweet and sour pork, pork caldereta, mango float and the superb cucumber salad (I recommend this one, it's super healthy! At first, I thought it was Buko Pandan, but no! Hehe! Cool and refreshing, indeed!)

Woo! We're so full! We have more for dinner!

Off we go to the beach again! We tried the banana boat! At first, I was very frightened to join, as I don't know how to swim.. Ahehe! They said not to worry because there's a life vest for everyone. And so? Will it make me float? Will it save my life if I drown? These questions buggle me as I step up the boat... Lord, please help me! Haha! But woah, I was surprised that the life vest was able to make me float!!! Wee!! It was really fun and enjoyable!!! Two thumbs up!

After the adventure to the open sea, we went snorkling.. Wow! The world below was very beautiful, indeed.. Before, I thought, what I saw from the TVs are just made from the power of digital imaging.. But no, it was super real! I got to see different kinds of corals and fishes of which I did not have the chance to know their names... Hehe!

Puerto Galera is indeed a paradise!

When night falls, party-goers rush to the beach side! We were so lucky because there was a promotional tour from Tanduay! Guest artists were two members of the Viva Hot Babes and 6CycleMind! It was a dizzying experience as we gulp different kinds of drinks - from red wine, to vodka, to mudshake, to rhum, to beer.. Haha!

At 12mn, I left my company and went to bed! Hehe! When I woke up, I just learned that it is already 6am! Hehe! Thanks to Rico, Mike and Cris for the breakfast!

After taking a bath and get ready for the travel back home, I took my final stroll and picked pasalubong for my family and friends...

That weekend was a great escape from work indeed and an early summer outing! I promise to be back to Puerto! As McArthur would have said it, "I shall return!" Hehe!

-------

More pictures are available at this site: http://s109.photobucket.com/albums/n80/markwilfred611/My%20Pics/Puerto%20Galera/

How do you wanna spend your summer?

2007-02-18T15:48:00.000+08:00

Summer time is coming nearer.. Admit it, you also feel it, ayt? Ang init na!! Hahaha!

So, how do you wanna spend your summer? Outings, beaches, resorts, malling, etc.. Hmm.. Worthwhile? Sort of.. It's worth spending with your family, barkada, your loved ones.. I must agree to that! Waahh! It's my second summer at work.. Oh.. I miss school days, kasi may bakasyon.. Haha!

Ok.. Enough.. I have a suggestion for you guys.. Why don't you spend your summer honing your talents and skills.. Workshops! Yes, you got it!

Trumpets Playshop is offering a summer workshop on different genres - from musical theater to speech to modelling.. Astig di ba? This will be from April 2 - June 2.. Trumpets has been known for very good theater plays like The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe, Joseph the Dreamer, The Little Mermaid, and the like. Trumpets has been a home to Christian Bautista, Sam Concepcion, Nikki Gil, Reymond Sajor, Gian Magdangal and a whole lot more.. So, why not! Baka this is your chance to be discovered.. Haha! I am planning to enrol in Musical Theater for Adults class.. Tara!

MORE TRUMPETS PLAYSHOP 2007 INFO...

i.e schedule and prices.. click this: http://www.geocities.com/musicademy_playshop/schedule.jpg

-----

http://musicademy-playshop.blogspot.com/

TRUMPETS MUSICADEMY 5th level Shangrila Plaza Mall Shaw blvd. Mandaluyong City 6362842/ 6354478/ 6317252

Email us: playshop@i-manila.com trumpets@compass.com.ph

It's a guy thing...

2007-02-08T22:14:00.000+08:00

When a guy calls you, he wants to be with you...
When a guy is quiet, he's listening to you...
When a guy is not arguing, he realizes he's wrong...
When a guy says, "I'm fine," after a few minutes, he means it...
When a guy stares at you, he wishes you would care about him and wonders if you do...
When you're laying your head on a guy's chest, he has the world...
When a guy calls you everyday, he is in love...
When a (good) guy tells you he loves you, he means it...
When a guy says he can't live without you, he's with you till your done...
When a guy says, "I miss you," he misses you more than you could have ever missed him or anything else...

50 Romantic Things to do for your Special Someone..

2007-02-08T22:05:00.000+08:00

I just received this one from a bulletin in Friendster... This was supposed to be a chain letter, but, this one's worth the read... Ponder on the message.

ADVANCED HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!!

1. Watch the sunset together.
2. Whisper to each other.
3. Cook for each other.
4. Walk in the rain.
5. Hold hands
6. Buy gifts for each other.
7. Roses.
8. Find out their favorite cologne/perfume and wear it every time you're together.
9. Go for a long walk down the beach at midnight .
10. Write poetry for each other.
11. Hugs are the universal medicine.
12. Say only when you mean it and make sure they know you mean it.
13. Give random gifts of flowers/candy/ poetry etc.
14. Tell her that she's the only girl you ever want. Don't lie!
15. Spend every second possible together.
16. Look into each other's eyes.
17. Very lightly push up her chin, look into her eyes, tell her you love her, and kiss her lightly.
18. When in public, only flirt with each other.
19. Put love notes in their pockets when they aren't looking.
20. Buy her a ring.
21. Sing to each other.
22. Always hold her around her hips/sides.
23. Take her to dinner and do the dinner for two deal.
24. Spaghetti? (Ever see Lady and theTramp?)
25. Hold her hand, stare into her eyes, kiss her hand and then put it over your heart.
26. Dance together.
27. I love the way a girl looks right after she's fallen asleep with her head in my lap.
28. Do cute things like write I love you in a note so that they have to look in a mirror to read it.
29. Make excuses to call them every 5 minutes
30. Even if you are really busy doing something, go out of your way to call and say I love you.
31. Call from your vacation spot to tell them you were thinking about them.
32. Remember your dreams and tell her about them.
34. Tell each other your most sacred secrets/fears.
35. Be Prince Charming to her parents.
36. Brush her hair out of her face for her.
37. Hang out with his/her friends.
38. Go to church/pray/ worship together.
39. Take her to see a romantic movie and remember the parts she liked.
40. Learn from each other and don't make the same mistake twice.
41. Describe the joy you feel just to be with him/her.
42. Make sacrifices for each other.
43. Really love each other, or don't stay together.
44. Let there never be a second during any given day that you aren't thinking about them, and make sure they know it.
45. Love yourself before you love anyone else.
46. Learn to say sweet things in foreign languages.
47. Dedicate songs to them on the radio.
48. Fall asleep on the phone with each other.
49. Stand up for them when someone talks trash.
50. Never forget the kiss goodnight and always remember to say, "Sweet dreams."

Happy New Year [from my many families...]

2006-12-31T21:00:00.000+08:00

Probably, the title catched your attention.. Hehe! Yes, that is true! I am blessed with so many families!!! And from my "different" families, we greet you a very MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

From our family to yours, Happy Holidays!!!

From my second family, the ICONS ALUMNI CHOIR, Season's Greetings!!!

From my extended second family, the CORO BASILICA DE MALOLOS, Merry Christmas!

Lastly, from my ABAP family at Accenture (Project Crystal), Happy New Year!!!

However it is said, we wish you all the best for the coming year, Happy New Year to you all!!!

[stranded]

2006-12-31T20:16:00.000+08:00

Haha! Kumusta naman, it has been a long while since I updated this blog.. Uber busy, that is.. But I want to make sure to update this even before the year ends..

Just as the title suggests, STRANDED.. For a while, I was stranded with so many things to do - in work and in my personal life..

Stranded "love" life.
Last year, I can still remember Bevs giving me a simple Christmas card and it goes "isa lang ang wish ko 4u this Christmas, sana matagpuan mo na po ung God's best mo.." One year had passed and I guess my special one was stranded somehow on her way to mine.. Haha! My Christmas would have been extra special if I have found her.. My wish last year is still a wish for the next year.. Haayy.. (announcing) Calling all single ladies out there! Haha! I know that God is writing the very best love story (as there may be) for me.. He won't let me be alone.. (im wishing.. cross fingers!) To be honest, I am a bit jealous of my friends who already found their special someone.. They always seek my "expertise" on this field (How I wish I'm an expert.). Though I am very proud whenever I see them together.. Hmm, imagining that it is me with someone.. Hehe!

Stranded emotions.
I feel so old... This year, I'm turning 23.. Though physically, I just look 20... (wink!) Hahaha! What do you think? I am that old for love? Haha! Ano daw? Basta, sa ngayon, masaya ako sa pagiging single.. Pero hindi ko alam kung hanggang saan at hanggang kailan ako magiging masaya.. Baka balang araw, ma-stranded na lang ako at di ko na makita ang tunay na kaligayahan.. Naks! Drama! Pero seryoso nga ako, I'm longing for that happiness inside me.. Ung tipong masasabi ko na "I feel complete!" Hmm.. I wish that time will come.. Sana hindi sya ma-late.. We don't know what's our future, we don't know where we'll be.. Sabi nga sa kantang Que Sera, "whatever will be, will be.." Totoo nga naman...

Stranded career.
I am pretty happy with my work now, honestly.. But, why the subtitle? There are times that each and everyone of us might feel that our satisfaction level - in the work we deliver, in the results we achieve - is waving downwards.. Oo, masaya nga ako at nag-eenjoy sa pagiging ABAPer ko.. Ang daming challenges at learning experiences.. Sa bawat magawa mong successful na program at sa commendation ng client, sobrang "heaven!" I know some of you already felt the same way.. Minsan lang, kapag hindi mo na alam yung fix na dapat mong gawin dun sa bug nung code, ayan na, nakakababa ng self-esteem.. Alam nyo un! Di ba ganun naman talaga, kapag hindi mo na alam ang solusyon, pakiramdam mo, stranded ka na naman..

Stranded feelings.
Ewan. Lagi na lang ganito pakiramdam ko.. When I am alone, I always feel that I was left all by myself.. May mga oras na masaya ako (especially with my friends, ung mga choirmates ko), pero kapag naiiwan na akong mag-isa, ayun na! Ewan ko ba, bakit ganun, ano ba'ng kulang.. Bakit laging parang stranded ang tunay na saya.. Na kapag dumating na sya, biglang aalis na lang, at medyo matatagalan na ang pagbalik.. Minsan sa pamilya ko, sobrang saya! Magkakasama. Kuwentuhan. Tawanan. Pero pagkatapos nun, parang sinaniban na naman ang mga tao.. Ewan. Siguro kailangan ko lang unawain at intindihin ang lahat. Kesa ma-stranded mula sa kalungkutan at di ko na matagpuan ang kaligayahan..

Stranded...
Kadalasan, kapag holidays, ang daming tao, at mai-stranded ka sa mga sakayan at estasyon ng mga bus.. Wala lang, segue lang mula sa mga kadramahan sa itaas.. Haha!

Sa lahat ng ito, isa lang ang aral na itinuturo sa atin - learn to live your life the way it is designed for you by the Lord.. I firmly believe that He designed our life very well.. Nasa sa atin na kung paano natin gagamitin un.. Don't let your life be stranded from the past.. Move on!

Happy New Year!!!

On being a child...

2006-10-28T17:50:00.000+08:00

I was on leave from work yesterday to watch my little bro, Red, perform in their school's performance dubbed "Pre-School Musical." Pre-schhol kids dance to the tune of their favorite musicales! They're really cute! I got to see different faces of a child - from lonely to very happy faces, from low-morale to super excited kids! Name it and you'll find it... When they got on the stage, I was very excited... "Is this the feeling that parents usually feel when seeing their kids perform?," I asked myself. Hmm.. That explains how proud parents are for their children!

It's fun to be a child! No worries, no obligations, no problems - just learn and play and leave all the burdens to your parents.. Haha! I still remember those days when I was still a child (but I still am, by heart! Haha!)... My mom used to send me off to school and wait for me at the gate... She used to accompany me in school field trips, packed with a bagful of goodies for the trip, buying what I want when we stopped by a souvenir shop, and all that! Whoah!! So much fun! Now, I am acting as a parent to my little bro... And I am now feeling what my mom and dad felt when I was at that age.. I guess so! I really hope so! Haha!

To share that excitement in watching my brother perform, here's a video of his performance.. Hope you all like it!

Cheer Up!

2006-10-24T10:16:00.000+08:00

Cheer up!!!

After a long time of no updates, here I am again, back in front of my PC and telling my story... These past few days, I got stuck with so many downsides... I really felt that I was all alone, I feel so weak... I always wanted to chill out with friends just to forget everything that I am feeling... I do not know exactly what my problems were, but everytime that I was left by myself, I feel this feeling of emptiness.. Wushu! Drama!

Yesterday, my friend (I opted not to disclose his name) texted me saying that he feels so weak because of his one damn course in the university, Calculus.. I am not a math-hater, I am a math-lover.. Now my revelation.. Back in college, I enrolled in my Calculus class (Math53) and I learned that my professor was one of the killer professors (there were 5 of their kind.. that's why, the term Voltes V was coined to refer to them) there.. I faced his class with all the courage and the nerve-wracking feeling, took my first exam and got 28% (out of a 100).. It's just the first, there are 4 more, I said to myself.. Then my second exam, I got 32%, still far too low than the passing mark of 60%! Then my third exam, I got 18%!! Waahhh!! This is it, I am decided to drop the course!! I tried to take the midterm exam, but to my regret, I still flanked it, and got 43% (Note that the passing mark is 60)... So, I decided to drop the course, but I still attended his class (para lang maka-catch up sa next take ko nung subject)..

After that sem, I opted to take the summer class and enrolled in that same subject. Good thing, he is not my professor!! Haha!! I proved to myself that I can do it!! Babawi talaga ako.. And so, I got my dream grade, 1.0!! I was so happy upon receiving that grade!! Nakabawi rin..

Alam ko ung feeling ng bumabagsak... Sa simula, sobrang sakit.. Para lang yang nabasted ka ng mahal mo, or worse nakipag-break siya sa yo.. Sa simula lang yung sobrang sakit, na hindi mo alam kung pano mo sasabihin sa iba, sa parents mo, kasi di ba, aminin na natin, masakit sa ego... Minsan, iisipin mo, bakit ung iba pumasa, ako hindi.. Ganyan talaga ang buhay! Di mo alam kung kelan ka bababa at kung kelan ka aakyat.. Kasi kung puro ka paakyat, at hindi mo naranasan ung pagbagsak, di mo kayanin pagdating ng araw...

We have to experience different sorts of ups and downs to learn what life and how life will turn out for us in the near future, right?? God is a perfect life architect, He knows how to strengthen our foundation, He knows where to put our balance, He knows how to make our life at its best, He knows where exactly to put us.. Basta, sobrang astig si God!!

**************
Cheer up!!!

Belated happy birthday sa lahat ng malalapit sa akin: Tatay ko (Oct. 5), Tita Tamar (Oct. 5)!!

Belated happy birthday din sa mga friends ko: CB (Oct. 9), Aubs (Oct. 11), Sam Concepcion (Oct. 17), Kuya Ian Bautista (Oct. 19), Kuya Jon (Oct. 21), Macris (Oct, 24), Shelah (Oct. 24)!!

Happy first anniversary sa Samsters (Oct. 9)!! Wee!!

Go the distance...

2006-10-08T00:39:00.000+08:00

This week has been a lonely week for each and every icon I knew.. A lost of a friend, a father, a mentor, a school authority gives everyone a shock.. Sir Rody Bagay, we'll truly miss you.. You taught us to do our very honest best and to live life to the fullest, enjoying each and every hour that will pass.. You taught us how to be strong.. You taught us to pursue our dreams, to go the distance... We'll truly miss you...

Here is a raw video (sorry, but it is only taken from a digicam...) of the song "Go the Distance" performed by our choir earlier today at PhilamLife Auditorium in UN Avenue, Ermita.. It is a benefit show for Breast Cancer Patients.. Hope you like it.. Sorry for the video quality.. Again, it is just taken from a digicam.. Hehe!

Kakaibang Experience.. Astig!

2006-09-30T13:43:00.000+08:00

Hello world! I'm back...

First of all, belated happy birthday to my good old friends.. Dinna (09/28), Mikesan (09/29), Mam Delia (09/29)!!

*****
Last Thursday, Sept. 28, I went to the office at around 9:30 am.. I heard from the news that super typhoon "Milenyo" will be hitting Manila in noontime.. First, I doubted it.. Although medyo makulimlim, hindi pa rin ako convinced na signal no. 3 na nga sa Manila.. So ayun, pasok ako.. On my way to the office, la naman siginificant event na magprove sa kin na signal no. 3 na nga.. And so, I did my usual thing sa office, got some coffee and went straight to my work station.. Then, suddenly, there was a very loud "Bang!"

Just to give you a complete view of our new location.. Our building is not yet 100% completed.. Several floors still does not have walls, windows, etc.. But, our project opted to transfer due to the audit for the coming month.. A tower crane is still above the building.. Protective coverings and steel ladders hang around the externals of the building..

To continue my story.. E di ayun na nga, work mode, then biglang "Bang!" Ung mga bakal na nakasabit sa labas ng building, nagwawala! Hinahampas ung mga salamin ng building! Waahh!! Syempre, pinaalis ung mga tao near the window para in case may mangyari, medyo safe.. Then, maya-maya lumapit ung guard sa may bintana, umiikot-ikot ung tower crane sa kabilang building na ginagawa..Pinasara nya ung mga blinds para daw may added safety..

Ok.. Dahil dun, the management decided na pauwiin na ung mga employees because safety is the company's primary concern.. I decided to stay kasi malakas ung hangin, e baka maliparan pa ako ng yero at maging Final Destination 4 and eksena! Katakot! So, lunch came, niyaya ako nung officemate ko na bumili ng food sa Rob (sa harap lang ng building namin).. Sama naman ako.. Pababa na kami.. Sabi nung guard, "Sir, stairs na lang po muna tayo.." Waahh!! Nasa 12th floor kaya kami! Di rin naman siya masisi kasi ung kuryente, patay-sindi na.. At may narinig kami na may nakulong nga daw sa elevator..

So pagbaba namin, nakita namin dami tao sa lobby, lahat di makalabas.. E kasi naman bumagsak na pala ung kisame ng lobby dahil sa sobrang lakas ng hangin.. Then, maya-maya ung improvised wall, bumagsak na rin.. Waahh!! So, no choice akyat na lang ulit.. Buti na lang mababait ung mga officemates namin.. Wow.. Share kami ng mga pagkain.. Ang saya!! Thanks sa inyo!!

Maya-maya, naramdaman na lang namin na nagsh-shake ung building, as in parang may earthquake.. Medyo nakakahilo sya.. Katakot! Tapos, nakita namin ung ibang mga tao na nasa lobby, bumalik na rin.. Sabi nila, bumagsak na raw totally ung kisame sa main lobby at di na rin nakalabas.. Bumagsak na rin ung mga steel scaffoldings sa labas making it unpassable.. Haay, we're trapped.. Then, maya-maya pa (siguro around 1pm), bababa na raw kami ng 8th floor kasi medyo mas stable na raw dun.. Then, the power was completely shut down.. Ang dilim.. So ayun kami, bumaba sa 8th floor using the fire exit.. Sa 8th floor, para kaming mga refugees or I may say, evacuees, well, hindi nga ba? At ayun, kulitan na lang ginawa namin.. Tapos, may nagdala ng mga tinapay.. Haha!! Astig!

Then, sabi sa amin, we need to form a group of 10, kasi susunduin daw kami ng van from the 2nd level parking area ng building para makalabas totally.. Ok.. Wee!! So ayun, after waiting, dumating na turn namin, sinundo kami ng van at hinatid kami papalabas papunta sa Robinson's mall.. Habang papalabas kami, mas nakita namin ang bagsik ni Milenyo.. May delivery truck na nakataob sa may labas.. Ung mga billboards, daming bumagsak.. Stop operation ang MRT.. May mga posteng naputol at nabuwal.. Leaving the entire Luzon out of power..

Ayun, hintay ako ng masakyan pauwi, pero wala talaga.. So, I decided to ask a very big favor from my tita na sunduin na lang ako.. Thank you po!! Then, habang papauwi kami, grabe ang paligid.. Ang daming mga putol na puno.. Wala talagang kuryente.. Hirap pala nun ano..

Kinabukasan, may araw na.. And how lucky we are, may kuryente na kami.. Pero, more than 50% pa ang walang power.. So back to work.. Sariu-saring kuwento kinabukasan.. Haayy.. The building was again operational, although generator lang ang nagpapagana sa amin..

We are indeed lucky na we have survived that disaster.. I heard from the news that there were now around 60 who were killed by the storm.. Some due to landslides, others due to flash floods, killed by a fallen billboard, hit by a tornado in Laguna, etc..

Thank you Lord for this blessing.. Indeed, when nature strikes, no one knows who will ever survive..

Remember to always look up, not down...

2006-09-23T22:48:00.000+08:00

Ayun... After a long work week, I finally got back home dito sa Malolos, and yes, I will again be able to update my blog (wee!) This past week has been a very fun week - full of surprises, adventures, ups and downs, name it...

Monday (09/18). It was our first day at our new office location, at Cybergate 2, directly behind Robinson's Pioneer. I was so excited because it is relatively nearer from my place. And so I travel for the office, I arrived at the MRT North Station at 6:50am.. To my delight, the MRT has its own radio now, called the MRT Radio (and so I thought, each and every train now has it, but to my desperation, it's not...) wherein they play soothing music to soothe the passengers... Wee! And so, I arrived at Boni Station at around 7:20.. Still early for my shift.. And then, the adventure of searching fo the building entrance is now on! We came inside the mall, got down to the parking area, went out, but we can't see the entrance.. Not until we went 'round the whole building and ask one of the workers there.. Voila! We found it! It was another normal workday, the only difference is a new workplace... But I'm happy, malapit na lang ang byahe ko! Hehe! :)

Tuesday (09/19). I pack for the office, ride the MRT as usual.. I though I will be early that time, since I was already at the station at around 6:30am.. But NO! The train directly infront of our train experienced a technical problem, and we were all stranded midway between GMA Kamuning and Cubao stations.. After a grueling 45 minutes of waiting, our train moved slightly, until we reached Cubao, and there they dropped us off.. From there, we were all obliged to ride a bus! What a day-starter! After office was over, I was so excited to go to Araneta Coliseum for the Bituing Walang Ningning Grand Showdown.. I though tickets will be sold there, but no... Waahh!! Together with the other spectators, I glanced at each one and searching for a person holding an extra ticket to the show, and tried to buy them, but they won't.. Too sad! If it's not for Sarah Geronimo.. I wish she would have the chance to read this post! Haha! I heard that the tickets came from Jollibee, and so, I used my connections.. Hehehe! I immediately texted my "tito," a family friend who happened to be a store manager at Jollibee, SM Clark, and pledged for a ticket.. But to my dismay, he has no more tickets.. He even asked some of his friends, but they don't have any.. And so, after an hour and a half of waiting, I decided to go home and just wait for the TV screening of theat event (I learned that it'll push through sometime in October.. Wee!).. Forgot to mention, thanks to the new promotes for the merienda!

Wednesday (09/20). Nothing new and exciting happened.

Thursday (09/21). I went to the office pretty early.. I arrived at the workplace at excatly 6:28 am! Prepared some important stuffs for our KT with our counterparts at 7am.. It was definitely exciting.. It's my first time to conduct a conference call with matching shared desktop and monitor screen! Wee! So much fun! By the way, thanks to Allen, Des, Glen, Marvin and Jerick for the sumptuous lunch at Tokyo Tokyo!

Friday (09/22). TGIF! Thanks to Ems for the bountiful lunch! Wee, I'm going back home to Malolos agan!

Saturday (09/23). Today, I learned a very important lesson.. "Remember, boy, to always look up, not down" - Jacob (as played by Raymund Concepcion) to Joseph (as portrayed by Franco Laurel). My friend and I watched the musical theater play of Trumpets, Joseph the Dreamer earlier this afternoon at SM Megamall.. It was so fun! We were able to meet our dear friend, Ashley, who happened to play the role of Asenath. This post's title is the very big lesson I have learned from the play.. Always look up, not down.. Although, I already know the story bnehind Joseph the Dreamer, I still insisted on watching the play because of its good reviews from critically-acclaimed personalities. The gospel story was portrayed in a light and modern way which really entertained all the guests! I was personally moved by the scene wherein Jacob (on the left stage) was crying and praying, wondering if his child Joseph (on the right stage) was still alive; and the same goes for Joseph, crying and longing for his father Jacob.. In general, the play was a very good watch and I will be very glad to invite others to watch it as well.. I know that the play will still last until November... So watch it! You may contact Trumpets for more details.. By the way, here are some pics taken after the show..

Some of the performers posing for the viewers after their performance

With Ashley (who played the role of Asenath)..

With Joseph himself, Mr. Franco Laurel..

What will happen tomorrow and the days after are yet to be discovered.. I know that they will all be as exciting as this week is.. Everyday will be a great day when you try to always look up (to God) and not down.. God always provides! God is indeed good, all the time! Thank you Lord for this week, and thank you for the coming weeks of my life!

Start of Something New

2006-09-17T20:53:00.000+08:00

In our company, September marks the start of a new fiscal year - new challenges, new opportunities. Last night, our family celebrated my first pay as a Software Engineer. Ngayon ko lang naramdaman, ang saya pala pag kasama mo pamilya mo sa bawat tagumpay... It is true na utang ko sa kanila ang lahat, utang ko sa kanila kung bakit ako nandito and it is but proper to share with them all the blessings that I am receiving - my family is part of what I am now...

We have our family dinner at Dencio's Grill yesternight at ABS-CBN. Grabe, nakakabusog.. Sarap ng sisig! Wee! Hahaha! Pati ung krispy pata! Haha! I realized na masarap talaga kumain with your family.. Kaya naman pose muna kami bago kumain kasi baka maubos kaagad ung food! Haha!

At syempre after eating, lakad-lakad muna, pasyal sa may Pinoy Dream Academy at Big Brother House, pati na rin sa PDA Concert Hall.. Ang saya! Haha!

I'm praying and hoping that this fiscal year will be much more fruitful, challenging and fun!

Siyempre gusto ko rin pasalamatan ang SAP ABAP team ng project namin na talaga namang kasa-kasama ko sa lahat - sa pagresolve ng tickets, code changes, etc. Kay Ms. Loida, ang aking sobrang supportive at sobrang bait na TL. At ang aming naging tower manager, si Boss Vic (congrats sir, manager na! wee!).. Thank you is not enough to express my gratitude to all of you!

Speaking of something new - our project is transferring location from GT Tower Makati - at simula bukas sa Cybergate Tower 2 na.. Sa likod lang ng Robinson's Pioneer! Wee! Welcome! Haha!

Help!!

2006-09-16T10:52:00.000+08:00

Last Tuesday, Sept.12, I was able to watch "AGOS: Tubig para sa Buhay" concert at Araneta Coliseum featuring the ABS-CBN all-stars. It was a benefit concert to help save and protect the La Mesa Watershed. The campaign ios to collect atleast 5 million signatures. To give your signature, you may do so by texting in

LM PROTECT Name, Address

and send to 2366 for Globe, Sun and TM subscribers and to 231 for Smart and TnT subscribers.

True enough, we must all work hand-in-hand to protect our natural resources. Alam nyo ba nakakahinayang, sagana ang Pilipinas sa mga yamang-kalikasan per oano ang nangyayari, nauubos.. God has given us a bountiful reserve of natural resources, hence we should be able to nourish and nurture it. Nung Sabado, kumanta kami sa campaign concert to protect Biak-na-Bato.. Hayy, bakit nga kaya sinasayang natin ang mga yaman natin.. Well, the least we can do is to send in our signatures to help protect La Mesa, so act now! Send in your signature!

By the way, here are some pics for you (pasensya na kung medyo malayo at ung iba ay medyo malabo pa...)

Tornado hits Manila?

2006-09-16T10:16:00.000+08:00

Hey! Did you know that there'a a tornado here in Manila last September 8 (though I didn't personally see it coz I'm on leave that day, though my officemates did)... Here are some pics.. Thanks to Ems at nakita ko rin to.. Hehe! Katakot lang, isipin nyo kung malapit sa mga kabahayan yan nangyari... I heard from the news na nasa Manila Bay ung tornado at papunta ng Malabon..

Ms. Ems, na-amaze ako sa pics, kay in-upload ko din dito.. Sana oks lang po sa yo.. Hehe!

Jamming!

2006-09-09T23:38:00.000+08:00

Earlier this afternoon, our choir joined the Provincial Government of Bulacan and all the Bulakeños in supporting the rehabilitation of Biak-na-Bato, one of the most historical sites in Bulacan, where the first revolutionary government of Gen. Aguinaldo took place while their troops are being routed in Cavite. Now, this historical place is being made as a quarry area, and hence, its historical value is somehat depleted... A sad reality... This is why there is a move to rehabilitate the place and a cry to stop the quarrying in order to preserve it...

This afternoon, a group of performers gathered for a free concert at the University of Regina Carmelli Gymnasium dubbed ARTSDYAM_4BiaknB2, which featured the best of the best performers in Bulacan which include Mr. Noel Cabangon, Mr. Joey Ayala, Ms. Cynthia Alexander, Mr. Roy Alvarez, not to mention Bulacan's homegrown talent, the Barasoain Kalinangan Foundation, Inc., Koro Bulakenyo, Dulaang Matanglawin, and BSU Saringhimig (our choir!) among others.

Below are some pics, enjoy!

Posing with Mr. Noel Cabangon after his performance.

Syempre, dapat meron din ako! Bleh! ;p

After our performance, with Mr. Joey Ayala and Mr. Noel Cabangon

It was such a great day! We have shared our talents to save Biak-na-Bato! Together, let's join hands to save our history!

Love Story... How Sweet!

2006-09-02T19:51:00.001+08:00

A girl asked a guy if he thought she was pretty, he said... no.
She asked him if he would want to be with her forever.... and he said no.
She asked him if he liked her.... he said no.
She then asked him if she were to leave, would he cry, and once again he replied with a no.
She had heard enough. As she walked away, tears streaming down her face, the boy grabbed her arm and said....

You're not pretty, you're beautiful. I dont want to be with you forever I NEED to be with you forever. I don't like you, I LOVE YOU. And I wouldn't cry if you walked away... I'd die...

*******
Aaaw, how sweet, isn't it? Haayy, i know that God is writing a very beautiful and a best-seller love story for me.. Hehe. Love will lead me to someone, right? Tell me, tell me, it's true, right?? hehe. Kinda bitter, but NO!! I'm happy now, but i wanted to have someone i can share my love to.. haha! Magplug ba?! Hehe.

"Ber" season is here again!!!

2006-09-02T11:25:00.000+08:00

Weepee!!! Ber season is here again!! Woohoo!!

What's so important with the "Ber" season? Hmmm... Christmas is coming near, I suppose.. Haha! Gastos na naman! :) Ewan! Basta masaya ako pag Ber na.. I just don't know why.. Maybe, because the new year is coming nearer, a new start...

In some companies, September marks the start of their fiscal year! And, because of that, I wanted to thank my employer, our company, who gave me the chance to prove my worth.. I am glad that they recognizes every effort that I am giving to succeed in the career I have chosen.. (as many of you know, i am a stat graduate, but i chose to be an IT professional..) I am happy that I was assigned to my current project.. I can still remeber the time when we were assigned to several projects, I admit, I was very nervous at that time - conscious of what others may say.. But, I must say that this project helped me grow better, honing my prpgramming and business skills at the same time. The people are all supportive! Thanks, guys!!

As I have said earlier, I am very grateful to the management for recognizing my effort, my work, my abilities.. Thank you for honing my potentials! Thank you for trusting in me! And most of all, thanks for the PROMOTION!!! Weepee!! You all inspired me to work better! Yey! I'm not a junior anymore! Haha!

I think this is one of the reason that I look forward to September 1st.. Hehe!

Til then!! :)

Thanks for all your warm congratulations!

We are a family!!

2006-09-02T10:57:00.001+08:00

As I am browsing the net, I came across this particular video by The Concepcions.. Red and Sam Concepcion singing with their dad, Raymund.. The song reminds us that no matter what happens, our family will always be here for us, no matter what..

I would like to personally dedicate this song to my family, my parents and my brothers... I will always be here for you, guys, no matter what!

*special thanks to top10man from youtube.com

Love in many language...

2006-09-02T10:06:00.000+08:00

Show your love to everyone... Try to impress them by saying some of these lines... :)

Afrikaans : Ek is lief vir jou , Ek het jou lief
Albanian : Te dua
Amharic : Afekrishalehou
Arabic : Ana Behibak (to a male)Ana Behibek (to a female)
Basc : Nere Maitea
Bavarian : I mog di narrisch gern
Bengali : Ami tomay bhalobashi
Berber : Lakh tirikh
Bicol : Namumutan ta ka
Bulgarian : Obicham te
Cambodian : kh_nhaum soro_lahn nhee_ah
Bon sro lanh oon Cantonese : Ngo oi ney
Catalan : T’estim (mallorcan) T’estime (valencian) T’estimo (catalonian) T’estim molt (I love you a lot)
Chinese : Wo ie ni (Manderin, Cantonese)
Croatian : Volim te (most common), or Ja te volim (less common)
Czech : miluji te
Danish : Jeg elsker dig
Dutch : Ik hou van jou
Estonian : Mina armastan sind
Esperanto : Mi amas vin
Persian (Farsi) : Tora dust midaram
Flemish : Ik zie oe geerne
Finnish : Mina” rakastan sinua
French : Je t’aime
Friesian : Ik bin fereale op dyIk ha^ld fan dy
Gaelic : Ta gra agam ort
German : Ich liebe Dich I mog Di ganz arg! (Suebian: South German dialekt.)
Greek : S’ ayapo
Gujarati : Tane Prem Karoo Choo
Hausa : Ina sonki
Hebrew : aNEE oHEIVET oTKHA (female to male) aNEE oHEIV otAKH (male to female)Ani ohev at (man to woman) Ani ohevet atah (woman to man)
Hindi : Mein Tumse Pyar Karta Hoon
Hokkien : Wa ai lu
Hopi : Nu’ umi unangwa’ta
Hungarian : Szeretlek te’ged
Icelandic : ?g elska ßig
Indonesian : Saya cinta padamu. Saya Cinta Kamu. Aku tjinta padamu. Saja kasih saudari
Italian : Ti amo
Irish : taim i’ ngra leat
Japanese : Kimi o ai shiteru
Kazakh : Men seny jaksy kuremyn
Kiswahili : Nakupenda
Korean : Tangsinul sarang ha yo
Kurdish : Ez te hezdikhem
Latin : Te amo. Vos amo
Lao : Khoi huk chau
Latvian : Es Tev milu
Lingala : Nalingi yo
Lithuanian : Ash miliu tave
Luo : Aheri
Madrid lingo : Me molas, tronca
Malay/Indonesian : Saya cintakan awak Aku sayang engkau
Malay : Saya cintamu Saya sayangmu
Maltese : Inhobbok!
Mandarin : Wo ai ni
Mohawk : Konoronhkwa
Navajo : Ayor anosh’ni
Ndebele : Niyakutanda
Norwegian : Jeg elsker deg Eg elskar deg (Nynorsk)
Pakistani : Muje tum se muhabbat hai
Persian : Tora dost daram
Pilipino : Mahal Kita or Iniibig Kita
Polish : Ja Cie Kocham or Kocham Cie
Portuguese : Eu te amo
Romanian : Te iu besc
Russian : Ya lyublyu tebya Ya vas lyublyu
Scot Gaelic : Tha gradh agam ort
Serbian : Volim te (most common), or Ja te volim
Shona : Ndinokuda
Sioux : Techihhila
Slovak : lubim ta
Slovene : ljubim te
Spanish : Te amo
Swahili : Nakupenda
Swedish : Jag a”lskar dig
Swiss-German : Ch’ha di ga”rn
Tagalog : Mahal kita
Taiwanese : Gwa ai lee
Thai : Phom Rak Khun. Ch’an Rak Khun
Tunisian : Ha eh bak
Turkish : Seni seviyorum!
Urdu : Mujhe tumse muhabbat hai
Vietnamese : Anh ye^u em (man to woman) Em ye^u anh (woman to man) Toi yeu em
Vlaams : Ik hou van jou
Welsh : ‘Rwy’n dy garu di. Yr wyf i yn dy garu di.
Yiddish : Ikh hob dikh lib
Zazi : Ezhele hezdege
Zuni : Tom ho’ ichema

However it is said, only one thing is for sure... Love is everywhere! Share your love to someone today! :)

Bugging You...

2006-09-02T10:03:00.000+08:00

Hahaha!! I just found out this simple animated video... It made me smile... Hope that this iwll bring a smile to you, too! Let this little bug serenade you... Click on the link below... Kewl! :)

Bugging You

It's fun!!!

2006-08-29T22:47:00.000+08:00

You know what!! I'm having a great time in updating this blog! Haha! I am learning a few tricks on it already! Big thanks that this one is very user-friendly!! :)

Have fun! I have uploaded some of our choir's recordings! Feel free to listen to them! It is on the musicology portion of this blog! Please do drop a message! Hehe! :)

God bless everyone!

Blentungan na!!!

2006-08-29T21:00:00.000+08:00

Nagsimula na nga kahapon ang matagal na nating hinihintay na bagong fantaserye na magbibigay ng lakas sa bawat gabi natin... ang Super Inggo!!! I am not really a big fan of TV fantasy series because of very predictable scenes, not-so-good visual effects and some are sort of cloned/copied from other international fantasy films or series. But when I have watched Super Inggo yesterday... Whoa!! It changed my mindset on these kind of series..

The casting is great! Makisig Morales, a runner-up in ABS-CBN's Little Big Star, played the title role, and he was great! Indeed, he exceeded everyone's expectations! The series combines the different Pinoy superheroes - Super Inday, Super Islaw, Petrang Kabayo, Kumander Bawang and their younger counterparts - Ava Avaniko played by Empress Schuck and Boy Bawang played by Sam Concepcion! I must say that this super serye will change the evening routines of all Filipinos - young and old!

Don't forget to watch SUPER INGGO on ABS-CBN Channel 2 Primetime Bida!!!

---------

*credits to superinggo.blogspot.com for the logo.

Backtracks...

2006-08-27T16:18:00.000+08:00

May 27, 2006. Our choir, the Coro Basilica de Malolos and the Icons Alumni Choir celebrated the gift of music through a concert dubbed "Musikada: Mga Dekada ng Musika, Himig ng Barkada" at the Bulacan Provincial Capitol in Malolos. This show featured songs from the 70's up to the band hits of the present. (I'll try to upload some portions of the vid. I'll just have it posted next time kapag ok na..)

With us in the concert are Ashley Imler (a Viva Recording artist discovered at a mall's Karaoke King and now, a theater actress with Trumpets) and Chir Cataran (2005 NAMCYA National Champion in Vocal Solo).

Sharing some pics...

Anak/Magdalena Medley

Broadway Medley

Les Miserables

The Greatest Love of All, w/ Ashley

Breaking Free

2006-08-27T15:23:00.000+08:00

In life, there comes a time that you need someone (or something) that you can lean on and be not ashamed of everything you might say... Who could that someone be? Yeah, you're right!!! Your very own self! My own self, in this case... And what's the best way to learn from your mistakes is knowing yourself... Masaya balikan ang nakaraan lalo na kung may kurot ito sa iyong puso... Having a blog excites me... Hehe! But, I must admit, I had a Friendster Blog before but I do not even matter to update it for a year! Haha! Well, I hope this one will succeed!! :)

To start with...

I have this addiction to Disney Channel Movie's High School Musical... at aaminin ko, malakas ang tama sa akin nung mga songs dun! And that's where I got my blog title, Breaking Free! It's not pretty obvious, right?? Haha!

I personally like this movie because of its theme - musical!! As many of my friends know, I am musically-inclined and I appreciate every music that is very pleasing to the ears.. Hehe! Gusto ko rin ung twist na from a basketball star player, Troy (Zac Efron) eventually finds himself loving to sing! I also like the songs - may meaning siya, hindi lang basta kanta... Basta, astig!! Have you guys watched it already?? Well, you better have to... :)