I'm Excited Because On...

1. 29 June 2007 - U.S. debut of Apple iPhone. I'm just interested what the reviews would be for this new gadget. As earlier announced, iPhone will be available in a 4GB model for US$499 and an 8GB model for US$599. It boasts of being an iPod, a phone and an internet mobile communicator all in one. I guess what impressed me most was that instead of using a stylus to navigate through the iPhone, you use your fingers, just like the iPod. Asia will have to wait as it will only be available in 2008 and Europe in the 4th quarter of this year.

2. 3 July 2007 - My nephew Raymund's 6th birthday. I know he's excited. Should probably ask him tonight what he wants for his birthday.

3. 7 July 2007 - Opening of the 70th Season of the UAAP. Animo La Salle!!!

4. 7 July 2007 - Wimbledon Women's Singles Finals. I'm rooting for Justine Henin. I think she deserves to be at the number 1 spot. I hope she reaches the finals (Wimbledon is the only Grand Slam tournament she has not won yet) and ends the year at the top, too.


5. 8 July 2007 - Wimbledon Men's Singles Finals. I'm rooting for Roger Federer. I hope he wins his 5th Wimbledon title. Rafael Nadal is a close second.


6. 11 July 2007 - Movie: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. Any free premier tickets out there?

7. 18-22 July 2007. Opening of the Philippine Badminton Open Championships.

Go Philippines!!

8. 21 July 2007 - Book: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. I've already reserved a copy at Powerbooks (since April).

9. 25 July 2007 - Ratatouille (Rat-a-too-ee) I love Pixar!


10. High School Musical (Trumpets). Not really excited but curious. My pamangkins love the movie and they want to watch the play. Btw, my niece Regeena's latest crush is Sam Concepcion (who plays Troy Bolton in the movie).

Funnies

Just wanted to share my favorites from Dilbert.
When I'm getting tired or frustrated at work, I just read the strips (pinned on my workstation wall) and they never fail to put a smile on my face.
Enjoy the rest of the day.

Click pic to enlarge.

Magic-ayayay

I have always been fascinated by Magic Eye images (it became popular in the 90s). Magic Eye "...is a three dimensional image hidden within a two dimensional pattern." I remember Mag:net magazine shop in Megamall used to have a poster of a Magic Eye image on their window and people would stop and look at the poster. Sometimes not only 1 or 2 would stare but a whole group would gather in front of the shop. They were fun to look at because you'd know if they were not able to see it, they'd just scratch their heads. If successful, a shriek would be heard and would point the image to their companions (with a big smile on their faces). Meanwhile, their "un-seeing" friends would just get more frustrated and would just end up leaving with a sneer.

Why don't you try this:
Instructions (but you have to print out the picture):
1. Hold the center of the image right up to your nose. It should be blurry.
2. Focus as though you are looking through the image into the distance.
3. Very slowly move the image away from your face. Allow the image to remain blurry.
The hidden 3D image will gradually come into view.
4. Continue aiming your eyes beyond the image. Do not look directly at the image.
5. Once you recognize the 3D shape, if you continue to look into the background rather than directly at the shape, the 3D effect will increase. Cool huh?

If you're able to see it, be proud because not everyone can see the images. There are sites if you need help in seeing the images.

If you want to see more amazing Magic Eye images, just google "Magic Eye."

*Magic Eye pic from www.soon.org.uk

Libre Lang Mangarap

BMW Z4 2.5i MT

AMBISYOSO
By Kamikazee



Ang sarap sanang magkaroon ng
Sapatos na lumilipad
Spaceship, kotse ni batman
X-ray shades at laser gun
Magic wallet na hindi nauubusan ng laman
Time machine (time machine)
Babalik ang oras
Ngayon din

Chorus:
Libre lang mangarap
Walang hanggan na pag-hiling
Libre lang mangarap
Managinip ka habang gising

Ang sarap sanang maging bida
Sa sariling kong pelikula
Ninja, kumakain ng bala
Magaling sumayaw parang John Travolta
Ka-love team ko ang lahat
Nang magaganda at seksing artista
Kissing scene kay Aubrey Miles o
Angel Locsin

(repeat chorus 2x)

Di tulad sa tindahan
Walang utang, walang listahan
Managinip at mangarap
Walang kang babayaran

(repeat chorus)

Libre lang mangarap
Walang hanggan na pag-hiling
Libre lang mangarap
Managinip ka

Pero pwede na rin ito for road trips

2007 Toyota Avanza

How Much of the Philippines Have You Visited?

Got this from Beboygum's Blog.
I only got a C+. This must be a message from DOT Secretary Ace Durano.
I should take this test again when I come back from Davao in October.
YES!!!!!

My Lakbayan grade is C+!

How much of the Philippines have you visited? Find out at Lakbayan!

Created by Eugene Villar.

I don't...

...feel well *dry cough* *dry cough*
I think I should have changed shirts when I watched the ladies' basketball last friday. Because I remember after sweating it out at the gym, I went down to watch the game. That was a good 20+ minutes I had that wet shirt on. Yeah, I think that was it.
Then my throat started to itch come Saturday *sigh* and have been coughing ever since. Sheesh! I even went to the gym and played basketball on Monday, and played badminton on Tuesday. Oh, but I rested yesterday but still went home late... *sigh*
You know, I was thinking, if I didn't get that anti-flu shot a couple of months ago, I'd probably be at home, in bed, feeling weak and helpless, and coughing *dry cough* *dry cough*

Lessons learned:

• Change shirts or wear a sports jacket to keep you warm if you have to wait.
• Have your Anti-Flu shots every year (should be done before the June-July influenza season).
• See your doctor
• Rest

You're Disqualified

It's not that I expect to win (wala akong swerte sa mga raffles) but everyone should be given a chance. Gaya na lang nitong Vend 2 Win promo ng Nestle vending machines. Araw-araw pa naman ako bumibili ng kape nila. I cannot join because my sister-in-law works for Nestle. Under the heading "Redemption of Prizes," item F, it states that "Employees of Nestle Philippines, Inc., all agencies, suppliers, partners and sponsors, including relatives up to the third (3rd) degree of consanguinity or affinity are not qualified to join the promo." The raffle coupons are just either given to friends or are thrown away or naka dikit sa CPU ko. Sayang, gusto ko pa namang manalo ng vacation package o ng kanilang gadget wish. Okay na rin sana sa akin manalo ng PSP o ng portable DVD player, o ng SM Gift certificates, o ng Nokia 6020, o ng Canon Digicam, o ng iPod Shuffle. Kaya lang hindi talaga pwede. Baka pag nanalo ako, pag tinanong ako kung kamag-anak ko si R***** V******, at sasabihin ko na "Oo" (ayoko magsinungaling noh!), sigurado ko ang sasabihin sa akin ay, "Sorry po, according to our rules blah, blah, blah, blah. Because of this, you're disqualified." Arghhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!

Morning Prayer

Have been sitting in for Mikee and found this prayer at the bottom of her monitor.

Dear God,
When I communicate with others, help me to be quick to listen and slow to speak. Give me an open mind and an understanding heart. When I speak, help me not to be judgmental and condemning. May I strive to know first both sides of the issue before I pass judgment or form my own opinion. Help me to be gentle whenever I want to put across my thoughts, and help me to discern how I am to respond. Give me the right words to say that precisely convey the feelings of my heart without ever being offensive or rude to my family and to others. Make me a happy human being by living with these words,
"What would I do if I were in his place?"
Amen

Things You Can Do On A Holiday

1. Invite friends to play badminton from 10am-12nn.



2. Have a feast while waiting for your turn to play (on bread, fruit chips, etc.)



3. Invite same group of friends to eat at a NEW place = Persiana on Pioneer Street.



4. Repeat sentences twice. Repeat sentences twice.



5. Tour showrooms of Regalong Pambahay/Egg and Komodo on Pioneer Street and salivate.



6. If a friend suggests to go to Tagaytay, say “Let’s go.”



7. Bring digicam.



8. Make sure car aircon can stand the heat outside.



9. If a friend tries to sleep, wake her up.



10. Refuse if a friend gets thirsty and wants to stop over at Shell.



11. If friend insists, stop at Shell and let her go down and buy drink herself.



12. While friend buys drink, use digicam. If you find out that the digicam’s battery is loooow, set aside the useless gadget.



13. Miss turn on Greenfields Exit 41, in other words GET LOST ON YOUR WAY TO TAGAYTAY.



14. Ask a truck driver for directions if you're not sure where to go.



15. Pass by Ming’s Garden but make sure it’s open.



16. Have coffee at Starbucks and choose your dessert carefully.



17. Make sure your phone's manual is in English.
    


18. Enjoy the view of Taal.



19. Chill --- literally!!! Brrrrrrr!!! Avoid wearing shorts. Or better yet, bring a human blanket.



20. Leave Tagaytay around 7:30pm



21. Buy pasalubong at Rowena’s



22. If 2 friends sings 2 different songs, sing "Row, Row, Row Your Boat" at the top of your lungs.



23. Make sure your car's radio is working to avoid 2 friends from singing 2 different songs so you're not forced to sing "Row, Row, Row Your Boat."



24. Arrive in Manila around 9:00pm



25. Text friends if they arrived home safely.



26. Sleep until 8:00am.



27. Panic because you overslept and because its not a weekend.

More pics here.

One Ball

Guess what? I recently joined ADB's ladies 3-on-3 basketball tournament. The game has the same rules as the regular men's streetball. Players can be called for traveling, foul, 3-second violation (these are the most common calls or violations during ladies game), etc. and only one side of the court is used. One significant rule in the half-court game is you have to remember to always "clear the ball." Supposing your team has ball possession and your shot attempt is a miss (but the ball touches the ring) and, let's just say the opposing team gets the rebound, that player cannot shoot the ball (same goes for her whole team), no matter how near she is to the ring. The rule is she has to take the ball out of the free throw area (that's "clearing the ball") and that's the only time they can attempt a new play. But if you have ball possession and miss the shot, and your team mate or you gets the rebound, you can shoot wherever you are (does not matter if the ball touched or did not touch the ring). But if the opposing team gets the rebound (and ball did not touch the ring), the opposing team can shoot the ball without "clearing the ball." Errmm, confusing? Just watch the games.

Voltz vs. Gems
Anyway, last 1 June was the first game of the tournament. I was with the Voltz team to play against the Gems. The game was played 2 periods of 10 minutes each. I did not invite friends to watch as I was a bit embarrassed bacause I'm not good at it (although I wanted them to watch because I knew it was going to be fun, well actually hilarious is the more appropriate term). Game time came and I was surprised to find that some of my closest friends came to watch. I was so embarrassed because they kept on calling my name (am not used to that kind of attention) but I was happy each time they cheered when I had ball possession and loudest when I made a basket (well actually 2 shots = 4 points). After 20 minutes of running around the court chasing that round object and trying to throw it on an elevated basket, it left us all breathless, almost zombie-like. It was like running for 2 hours non-stop on the treadmill or 2 hours of aerobics. The score was 33-27 in favor of the Gems. Although we lost, it was one riotous game. Thanks to my team mates, Therese, Mylene and Cynthia for fighting it out till the end and for their constant encouragement. And, of course, to all my friends who watched, jeered and cheered, Thank You. I look forward to the next game. See you on the 29th!!!!

Trivia: Did you know that James Naismith was the Canadian physical education instructor at Springfield College (which was then the Y.M.C.A. training school) who invented basketball in 1891? Under orders from Dr. Luther Gulick, head of Physical Education at the School for Christian Workers, James Naismith had 14 days to create an indoor game that would provide an "athletic distraction" for a rowdy class through the brutal New England winter (from About.com).


*Photos used with the permission of Ruel G.

Tagged by Dat Gerl

The rules are:
1. You have to write about six weird things/habits about yourself.
2. Then, you would need to choose and list down six people to be tagged.

My 6 weird things:
1. I set up my alarm at 6:11am every morning, and everytime it goes off, I would hit the snooze button and hit it everytime it goes off after every 5 minutes until it doesn’t go off anymore. And that means I’ll be late. Actually, I don't know what the alarm's for...

2. Everyday before I take a bath, I would leave my slippers under the stool inside the bathroom (don't ask why there's a stool). I always remove the right pair first before the left pair. If I remove the left pair first, I have to wear them both again and do it right. Weird?

3. When I'm feeling bad or depressed, I have to buy something expensive to cheer me up.

4. I get sick (literally) if I don't go shopping in a week. Am happy if I just buy something cheap. Happens when I'm saving money.

5. I eat corned beef with vinegar.

6. I eat luncheon meat with vinegar and fish sauce.

I tag Bambi, Pearl, Oscar, Janet, Nikki and Dax.

CONFESSIONS

• I hate filing.
• I hate know-it-alls.
• I hate commuting.
• I hate it when I commute and it rains.
• I hate mosquitoes, especially now that we have kids at home.
• I don’t like putting on make up.
• I don’t like manicures or pedicures.
• I don’t have a pair of jeans. Last pair was a pair I bought in Hong Kong many years ago.
• I do not know 2 or 3 friends in my Friendster account.
• I don’t like snakes.
• I don’t like dressing up.
• I don’t like chocolate bars with nuts (except for macadamia).
• I cannot drink liquor on an empty stomach or else I will throw up (happened a couple of times). Last time was 2 years ago with high school friends. (Or was it because I was on medication?) I am more careful now.
• I have not bought or spent money on clothes or shoes in the last 6 months. Mostly spent on CDs, groceries, medicines, etc.
• I’m not a shoe person.
• I am not photogenic!
• I cry each time I read my sister’s blog (especially about family)
• I like to daydream during long car rides (syempre when I'm not driving!).
• I like to solve easy crossword puzzles because it makes me feel very smart every time I complete one.
• I like watching movies at Rockwell Plant.
• I like Cheez Rings.
• I like anything grilled.
• I love Fr. James B. Reuter, SJ.
• I love Nestle vendo’s Cappuccino without sugar.
• I love Italian, French, Mexican and Japanese food.
• I love Nestle Crunch.
• I love Pugad Baboy.
• I love watching Star Chinese Movies (no, I don't know fookien or cantonese, I just put the TV on mute and read the subtitle).
• Favorite color is Yellow (on my wedding day, I want yellow as motif - bright yellow roses, carnations - i like happy colors - including orange)
• Favorite number is 4.
• I love sex…as a topic of conversation.
• I miss Angelino’s and DC Diner (Megamall) and McDonald’s Vanilla Shake
• I want a Nokia N73 Music Edition
• CDs I want:
-Sergio Mendez’s Timeless
-Third Eye Blind’s A Collection (The Best of)
-Lifehouse’s self titled album
-Fergie’s The Dutchess
-Savage Garden’s Greatest Hits
-Bread/David Gates
• I have never been to a gay bar but I have gone to a lesbian bar (twice) – the one in Libis. Btw, I’m straight (may angal?).
• I have 5 email accounts.
• I wish I could dance well, draw well, dive, fly a plane, play the guitar, play the drums (my mom made us take piano lessons when we were younger)
• Used to plan to take up my Masters in Industrial Psychology in DLSU (with college friends) but never got around to at least inquiring about the course (yeah, puro plano lang).
• I used to root for Toyota when I was younger (pareho kami ng Dad ko, my kuya rooted for Crispa).
• Used to go to a bar near my office as early as 5:30pm for drinks (with Mary, Hazel, Eileen, and Ruby). When Mary moved to the States, wala nang nagyayaya.
• I used to bite my nails.
• I sleep (everyday) after midnight.
• I’m a homebody.
• I love going to the beach, not to swim but to sleep or just laze around (I’d look for a cool spot, read a book or listen to my ZVM) plus people watch.
• First time I went to Bora, I was with good friends Karen and Marimil. We spent Friday until Sunday in Kalibo for the Ati-Atihan Festival (we stayed at Marimil’s friend’s house in New Washington), then Monday and Tuesday in Bora (without any reservation – bad idea hahaha).
• During weekends, I always feel I have to get out at least once, to shop or to just window shop.
• I miss my CDs (they either got lost or merong humiram hindi na sinoli):
-Depeche Mode’s Speak & Spell
-Madonna’s Erotica
-Toni Braxton’s self titled album
-Swing Out Sister’s Best of
-Ogie Alcasid’s Ogie 10th All The Best
-Lighthouse Family’s Postcards from Heaven and Ocean Drive
-Tears for Fears’ Tears Roll Down: Greatest Hits 82-92
-Pure Jazz
• When I’m in a mall, I always go record bar hopping.
• I saw the concerts of Duran Duran (Araneta), Bananarama (Araneta) James Taylor (Folk Arts), Fra Lippo Lippi (FAT), Michael Jackson (reclaimed area in Manila), Milli Vanilli (FAT), Alanis Morisette (Araneta)
• Missed concerts of Jason Mraz, Janet Jackson, Phil Collins, Sting, Workshy
• If John Legend comes to Manila, I will watch kahit mag-isa lang ako.
• I find Justin Timberlake sexy.
• My driver’s license got confiscated thrice. For violating the odd-even scheme along EDSA a day after Christmas on my way to work, second was an illegal right turn from Roxas Blvd. to Buendia (on a Sunday), and third was violating the yellow lane/bus lane near the Magallanes interchange (I was on my way to Powersmash to play badminton after office).
• I have gotten away from getting my license confiscated twice, for swerving from Guadix to the Ortigas flyover and when I got caught in the bus lane along EDSA to turn right at Guadix. Nagmakaawa ako. hahahahaha
• I am a more careful driver now, especially if I have my nephews and niece as passengers
• I only learned how to drive after college.
• I think I was a carpenter in my past life. I like DIY activities. I like fixing things at home. I recently bought a power screw driver. I just finished fixing my cabinet and my sister’s cabinet (I installed new locks/stoppers).
• My nephews always ask me to assemble their toys (robots, cars), instead of asking their dad (my brother).
• I go for the underdog.
• I get pissed off easily if I don’t get a parking slot when I go to a mall. I hate waiting. I hate being late.
• One of the best out of town trips was when we went to Palawan (w/ Ruby, Hazel, Mary and her department)
• My third year HS classroom adviser also works in the same company I work for (but I heard she’s moving to another company soon).
• At least 2 Local Staff’s kids were my batchmates in HS. (They’re retired na ata).
• I’m sobrang sentimental. I still have all the letters I received from friends since grade school. I have a lot of abubots in my cabinet. I don't like throwing away things.
• I collect. Stationeries since grade school. Smiley stickers. ESPRIT tags. CDs. Souvenirs from trips.
• When I was growing up, I knew we were not rich, just “comfortable.”
• When they say I’m a rich kid, I would answer back, “Hindi ako mayaman, nanay at tatay ko ang mayaman.”
• I like playing computer games. Favorites are Gran Turismo, Crash Bandicoot, Sims (on PS1, PS2 and Gameboy).
• I have very low self-esteem.

Not much of a confession, huh? You just hafta love me or hate me!

Watch this

Am not sure if you've seen this MTV by OK Go. Hope you also find it amusing. Gives me an idea, how about a top 10 favorite MTVs??? hmmmmm. Sounds like a good idea. Next week probably...

Wala lang...

Went out with friends last night. Ok na sana kaya lang got reminded again of that guy *sigh* (no, not the 1 week guy, the guy before him. hahahahahaha)

Reminds me of sad songs like Chris Cross' Is There Something...
(the song does not reflect what happened to us, basta sad lang talaga yung song)
*******

Is There Something
Christopher Cross



Lately I see clouds of sorrow in your eyes
Some deep sadness you can never quite disguise
I was scared to ask where it's leading to
But I'm more afraid of not asking you.

Is there something that you want to tell me?
Is there something that I ought to know?
Are we something that's still worth fighting for
Or should I simply let you go?
Is there something I can do to reach you?
Are we something more than history?
I'll find some way to convince you to stay
If you just tell me honestly
Is there something left of you and me?

You've got secrets you've been keeping for too long
I'm going crazy acting like there's nothing wrong
I can taste the truth every time we kiss
But I can't go on
At least not like this.

Is there something that you want to tell me?
Is there something that I ought to know?
Are we something that's still worth fighting for
Or should I simply let you go?
Is there something I can do to reach you?
Are we something more than history?
I'll find some way to convince you to stay
If you just tell me honestly
Is there something left of you and me?

I don't want to lose you
But what's the use of holding on
I don't really have you
If the feeling's gone.

Is there something I can do to reach you?
Are we something more than history?
If there's no way to convince you to stay
Then be the way it used to be.
But there's something that I want to tell you
And I want you to believe it's true
We had something that I'll never forget
Even if I wanted to
A part of me will always be with you.

A Small Black Dot

In December 2005, I read an article by the late Philippine Star editor Max Soliven about his chance meeting with Atty. Alexander Lacson (A Filipino of faith, BY THE WAY By Max V. Soliven, The Philippine Star 19 December 2005). In the article, I was struck by Atty. Lacson's generosity, humility, and most especially, his love for our country. Through his book, “12 Little Things Every Filipino Can Do To Help Our Country,” he is able to send his message to us Filipinos. His list is so simple, you’d think it's not going to make any difference. But if you really think about it, if everyone will follow each one on his list, it actually makes perfect sense. I then thought of getting my own copy if ever it reaches the bookshops.

After a few weeks, my former boss who is Pinoy, came to the office carrying a stack of bright orange books inside a clear plastic bag. It turned out that these were actually the "12 Little..." book. My boss gave me a copy (for free) and told me that he's planning to invite Atty. Lacson as guest on the next monthly lunch he’ll be organizing for other Pinoy bosses. I told him that I read about him in the newspaper and it's a good idea to have him come over. I guess my boss felt I was also interested so he invited me to join them. Wahoooo!!! I'll get to meet the man everybody's talking about.

The book contains forewords written by former president, Corazon C. Aquino, and by Eugenia Duran Apostol, Chair of the World Wide People Power. Mrs. Aquino described Atty. Lacson as one who continues “to be very positive about our country" and that he "believes that the answer to our problems lies in each and every Filipino." Mrs. Apostol was so impressed (Atty. Lacson sent her a manuscript and requested to write the foreword for the book), she even made her own 12 little don'ts about the book.

When I read it, my respect and admiration grew for this guy. For each of the 12 things, he gave concise explanations, noteworthy examples, and easy to understand English, even for the simple Filipino. Whew! What a read…but at the back of my mind, is he for real?

The day came Atty. Lacson was guest of honor. He started out by letting us know that we can all call him by his first name, “Alex.” He then proceeded to explain his background, his experiences, the reason why he wrote this book, and his other plans. As he was talking, answering questions from the group, what struck me this time was that he's such a very soft-spoken person, hindi mo iisipin na lawyer ito. He was speaking most of the time in malalim na tagalog and he wasn’t touching his food. He was dead serious about what he was talking about. So serious that he wasn’t smiling much.

One guest suggested that this should be translated to tagalog and should be given out to jeepney drivers, taxi drivers, practically to everyone in the streets. Atty. Alex told us that he’s planning to do just that but he’s still looking for sponsors so the book can reach the masa.

Questions for myself: Am I up to it? Can I do it?

I think I am up to it but if I do it alone, I don’t think I am going to make a difference. I will just be a small black dot on a sea of white. But a small black dot on a sea of white is better than just a plain sea of white, right? As the late Max Soliven puts it, “When you study them more closely, they are difficult to do. But all of us, together can do them.” So let’s all be a small black dot. Are you up to it?