OPINIONS FROM A FILIPINO'S PERSPECTIVE

Of actualizing dreams and building homes

2011-09-08T00:50:00.001+08:00

A family is never complete without a home. A shelter for everyone to stay to be safe under any type of weather. So, on our first year of marriage, we've set a goal to be able to build our own house within two years. Hopefully, through God's grace we will be able to do so.

However, money doesn't just grow on trees. We work for it and spend a lot of it. My husband makes money by designing houses, commercial buildings, roads, highways and bridges. He creates and brings to completion other people's dreams. I also work. We work together to build our home and the realization of our dreams.

Most people spend their lifetime paying for their mortgage. Although a house is a dead investment since you can't make money out of it (except of course, if you lease or let others rent it), almost everyone invests in one. Then, why not make it last for a lifetime? That means making sure the strength of the materials is reliable and everything is durable. While low cost building materials save money at first, however, in the long run, they'd need more maintenance and repairs which end up making us spend more money.

That's why we need to save more - to make sure we'd be able to erect a house that is at par with the standards.

My husband invests in professional equipment from drawing pens to steel tape to moisture meters to engineering software, quality that stands the test of time is very important. He realized moisture meters are very important in houses since moisture can affect the stability of wood, bricks, roofs and other materials. Being able to address moisture issues early on can save the household of the dangers that could potentially arise.

The design, cost and furnishings of a house are secondary. What's important is the safety and protection it can provide to everyone in the family.

We'd hope to have one soon!

How life came to be

2011-09-06T17:43:00.000+08:00

How mysterious life is to me!

Do you know a man who can explain all wonders in the world to see?
To answer our questions, how we came to be?
These questions have haunted us, as old as time
Yet, there is nobody, who can explain explicitly
Life is a puzzle
Even in our modern society...

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

As humans, it is our nature to be inquisitive. We want to know the answers to our questions. But, there are mysteries that are unknown to us like "when am I going to die?", "where do I go from here", "is there really an eternity?", and so on...

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

I like the dynamic animation entitled "The WatchMaker" that I saw from this site. It gives reasons why it is easier to believe in creation than the theories of evolution of Science. Check it for yourself, if you ever wondered how time came to be.

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

I have also written about my musings of life in my previous blog site.

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

I've read this story from another blog site. I hope they don't mind my posting it again here. Anyway, I think the real author has become anonymous because some people might have not given the credit to the real person who made it, and has been since passed one to another. Nevertheless, here is the story:

God and the Scientist

God was sitting in heaven one day when a scientist said to Him,

"God, we don't need you anymore. Science has finally figured out a way to create life out of nothing - in other words, we can now do what you did in the beginning."

"Oh, is that so? Tell Me..." replies God.

"Well," says the scientist, "we can take dirt and form it into the likeness of you and breathe life into it, thus creating man."

"Well, that's very interesting...show Me."

So the scientist bends down to the earth and starts to mold the soil into the shape of a man.

"No, no, no..." interrupts God, "Get your own dirt."
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Who else can create something out of nothing besides God?

Minimize electropollution by going green

2011-01-30T00:25:00.001+08:00

Everyone is exposed to electropollution these days. We absorb electromagnetic waves even without knowing it. The debate on weather they can cause harm to our brains and bodies is a stalemate. We doubt they could possibly cause damage to us, but we could not stop using those devices that emit those waves anyway. Concerns regarding EMF stirred as more people use cell phones, laptops, microwave ovens and other wireless devices.

As much as possible, we'd like to stay away from EMF but in our digital world we always are glued to our smartphones, computer screens and other electronic gadgets for more than 12 hours a day. As I result, I can feel the strain in my eyes. On my last visit to the ophthalmologist , she suggested that I need to increase my intake of Vitamin B complex because it is good for the proper functioning of the nerves. She also reminded me to blink often - as often as I can. She said I should blink as often as I click the mouse and press the space bar.

I think those aren't enough. I've been having headaches today and I think the cause is too much muscle stress of my eyes. They have been working so hard, they need to relax and have a break. Well, sleep is the most important thing but I haven't been able to have as much as I need to. I am thinking of bringing in an ornamental plant in an indoor planter near my table. I've observed hospital rooms are often painted green and looking at green things brings healing and is very relaxing. Studies have shown plants absorb harmful frequencies and radiations released by digital components.

I also want to bring in a small bonsai tree to be put on my table top. Others say putting cactus or aloe vera does the trick. But, most pots don't look good on top of tables. I found decorative planters that can be displayed over mine. There's a wide collection of planters in eplanters.com.

Sponsored links are brought to us by friends at eplanters.com

Pondering on

2011-01-30T00:24:00.001+08:00

I am reading this book by Philip Yancey. Quite a hard book to read, actually. Not something you can enjoy but something that stirs your thinking and dares to ask questions you may have not courage to voice out. I love his honesty in talking about his personal experiences and telling about how difficult it is to live in faith with a God who cannot be seen, a God who's so full of mystery and a God who seems far away and unresponsive. What do we say when people ask as about their doubt of His existence or when people scoff the faith we profess? I've only finished the first 90 pages and definitely determined to read through all of it.

Host, host baby!

2011-01-26T02:17:00.000+08:00

Many people today are enjoying the convenience of working at home. Whether part-time, full-time or freelance, many people today can find considerably good income online. By being a programmer, blogger, content writer, tutor, database administrator, translator, virtual assistant or SEO expert, one can be successful. But it isn't easy as others claim. It requires hard work, motivation, dedication, discipline, skill, expertise, experience and netiquette.

I've been seriously contemplating on going full-time as an online freelance blogger or programmer. Some of my friends have made it real big and at times they could earn double if not triple my monthly salary. I could only dream of such money. Of course, don't get me wrong... I'm not all for the money but who isn't? I might as well try my luck.

Here's what I've decided to do. I planned on purchasing on own domain and blog host. I'll be doing blogging and programming on the side by practicing it on my own site with my own host. I've already bought my domain name but I couldn't decide on which web hosting service to use.

I need what others have to say. I need expert opinion.

So, here are my considerations:

I'm just starting out from scratch so I don't have much money to invest on expensive ones. I'll probably have cheap hosting, but one which will never let me down.

Excellent customer support is really important because I'd probably need to much help.

Reviews of satisfied customers would really matter. After all, if they are, probably I would, too.

Well, I really don't know what else to consider. Good thing they are always web hosting guides to help us out with the basics.

Merits of Distance Education

2011-01-26T00:38:00.000+08:00

A few days ago, a friend asked me whether taking a course via distance education would be a good way to go and if it were at par with lectures conducted in a classroom setting. In particular, we were taking about taking a masters degree from UP Open University.

I started earning units from UPOU in October 2008. The pages of instructional materials to read, pace of the discussions, number of individual and group assignments and exams were the same vis-a-vis the same course in a normal university. The major differences include being not able to meet your faculty in-charge and classmates personally but instead interact with them through chat, email, discussion boards, forum and especially designed virtual classroom; and not having to physically go to school on each session but only during examinations. The whole framework of such system is the use of technology in providing education to learners despite their distance or location. Internet and hypermedia technology have been helpful tools that ushered in a more convenient way to study. Learners can study anywhere they are at any timezone as long as they have the tools necessary for them to communicate and participate in the discussions as well as to submit the assignments on time.

What I love about studying through distance education are:

- Flexible schedule. Learners can learn at their own pace and own time as long as they can follow the prescribed weekly schedule.
- Offers the convenience of being able to study anywhere. What could be more convenient than that?
- Money-efficient - no need to commute to go the school and hence no transportation cost, and no need to spend on lunch breaks
- Tuition fee is about the same

However, distance education is more suitable to adult learners since they are able to demonstrate basic competence in computer /hypermedia technology; and are responsible for their own learning

Math difficulty? Consider it problem solved!

2010-11-04T21:16:00.005+08:00

Almost everyone struggles with Math problems at some point, except for those who are really gifted with the ability to understand completely abstract mathematical concepts with ease.

I wasn't one of them. I studied hard to understand techniques to solve word problems, probability calculator, linear programming, equivalent fractions, calculus, prime factorization, and many others. Good tutors worked with me through various practice exercises and were really helpful. I've had many of them from high school to college.

Sometimes, it's hard to find an available tutor near your area. The Internet is a useful tool. Many websites offer interactive tutoring services to students from all levels even for Mathematics. TutorVista is one of the most notable especially if you need help in K12 or college math courses.

Sponsored links are brought to us by friends at tutorvista.com

Grown-up talk

2010-11-04T00:16:00.000+08:00

I smile at how things have changed.

People around me, they talk strange. Investments. Business. Marriage. Children. Debts. Mortgage. Insurance. Health care. Career shift. Make-up. Gadgets. Reputation. Boss. Separation. Immigration/working abroad. Savings. Sex. Car loan. Travelling. Credit limit [list goes on]

There's a lot of buzz on these various topics but they're not the types of talks I frequently hear before. Now, I hear them all the time. I talk about most of them with my friends and those around me as well. Isn't that strange? I've learned grown-up talk. Am I grown-up now?

Hello, world!

2010-10-28T15:26:00.003+08:00

Look who's back!

I am!

No more graduate studies to fill my schedule! I can now go back to writing on this long, forgotten blog. I miss it!

Hopefully, I can write way better than before.

Addressing driving safety concern for people with disabilities

2010-09-03T11:07:00.007+08:00

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of NMEDA. All opinions are 100% mine.

There are two people with disability in my family. My father lost his hearing when he had a vehicular accident even before I was born. My brother, on the other hand, is both nearsighted and colorblind. Hearing and seeing are both important senses for driving but they seem to do well despite these handicaps.

But for the families and loved ones of people who have disabilities who drive - we can't help but express concern for their safety on the road. We don't wish to deter their determination to function like a normal person but we also want them to always be on the safe side. So it is better if they have vehicles that are suited to their special needs.

No two people with disabilities are alike. Each person has a different need. I have learned this from a non-profit organization NMEDA that educate consumers about buying safe driving vehicles, products and equipments for disabled people. They promote adherence to safety standards set by he National Highway Traffic Safety Administration though they don't sell anything at all.

This association has dealer-members however. These dealers are qualified to sell specially designed vehicles with modifications for disabled people. Taking care of disabled people can be very tough and it lowers the self-esteem of the person to be dependent on others. NMEDA dealers know exactly how it feels so they assist from giving advice, in-person evaluation, customization to your product and needs and even training and further product refinements. Their main aim is to allow elderly and disabled people allow independence again to function normally.

For the safety concern, it has a quality assurance program that is nationally recognized and accredited for its Adaptive Mobility Equipment Industry. This program is based on the principle that companies must have a systematic and documented approach to quality in order to satisfy customers consistently.

If you are from any state in US, you can find your closest qualified dealer by going to nmeda.org.

Required: budgeting and money management skill

2010-08-31T10:13:00.001+08:00

Money comes and goes away quickly. Whether we earn little or much, we need to properly plan and allocate our finances appropriately so we can have enough for our needs, savings, tithes credit repayment, other personal spendings and have spare cash in case of an emergency.

Making a budget is important to ensure that we are able to provide for the essential needs for current living and for future security such as when we have unforeseen events such as sickness, accidents, deaths and eventually for retirement when we're in old age.

I know I needed to do this since I started working. In fact, every single purchase is documented so I can trace where my money went. I started planning on how I would make ends meet or ideally never run out of cash but have more for savings. But it is easier said than done. Spending is just much easier than saving. I discovered a better way.

Recently, I became a member in a local cooperative in our city. As a requirement for membership they hold a seminar where they discuss their background, services, benefits and boy! I was surprised that they also prepared a talk on family budgeting and financial counseling They even included a presentation for gender development and family enrichment.

From this seminar, I learned that we should plan all our resources appropriately - and this does not only apply to money but to our time, effort and space as well. So I am gonna share the guidelines for successful budgeting that I have learned from this seminar as follows:

1. The family should know why it needs a budget or plan. The objectives of the plan must be clear.

2. The family budget or plan should especially be suited to the family income, needs and desire.

3. All members should be brought into the plan with each one being responsible for the success of the plan.

4.The plan should be revised periodically and hold family counsels on it.

5. The members of the family should keep in mind that it is important to have a good family income and use it wisely.

6. The members of the family should make up their minds and stick to the agreed budget.

Although these guidelines are for families, I think the same rules apply to individuals. Living within means is good but it is better to live below our means (lifestyle) identifying needs from wants. Sticking to the budget is very important and this requires self-control and discipline. I've learned from my experiences in the past - those should help me wiser decisions at present and in the future.

Pledge to start a healthier lifestyle

2010-07-08T13:54:00.007+08:00

Most people never worry about the state of their health till they reach a certain age; to some people it's 40, others 50 or 60 and later when they start having symptoms of certain diseases. I realized that taking care of my health and fitness should start early and that we should keep watch over what we feed our mouths and to make extra effort to counter the sedentary lifestyle because of the conveniences modern living. Decide to start doing it now.

Heart disease, kidney failure, liver malfunction, stroke, hypertension, diabetes and cancer are caused mainly by our diet and lifestyle. So, to minimize our chances of acquiring these serious illness, pledge to cut on the following favorites:

1. Sweet foods and desserts. Never starve yourself with your favorites but indulge only in small portion or serving. This could be very difficult if you really like to eat chocolates, ice cream, cake, leche flan, pastry, among many others.

2. Salty foods like chips, fries, chicharon, soy-based dips and dishes (adobo, barbeque) taste really good but too much sodium in our body harms our kidneys and joints.

3. Fatty/fried dishes. We'd have to visit KFC less frequently even though we love eating Coronel Sander's friend chicken. Choose to eat soup-based meals that are boiled, poached or braised

over grilled, fried or sautéed.

4. Watching too much TV/browsing idly on the Internet. If radio waves from TV and computer monitor weren't toxic enough, sitting down in front of the tube and doing nothing else is very unproductive and unhealthy, too.

5. Soda/Alcohol intake - It's an empty calorie which contributes greatly to belly fat. Other serious ailments are caused by soda and alcohol as well.

In addition, it would be good to do more of these:

1. Eat more dark colored and leafy vegetables. They're nutritious and rich in fiber which would make metabolism work faster. They also have vitamins and minerals and other nutrients which boost immune system and fight with free radicals.

2. Eat more fish meat as healthier substitute to red meat (pork/beef). Meat products are good sources of protein but these type of meat are harder to breakdown and takes two-four days to be fully digested.

3. According to a recent research, green tea targets belly fat as a fat-fighter and helps reduce excess weight from our body.

4. Drink more water - not only will it flush toxins and other harmful oxidants, it also keep the body hydrated, plus sufficient water keeps skin healthy.

5. Exercise and do circuit training for 40 minutes 3x a week. Exercising releases endorphins or a.k.a happy hormones which improves mental health. It also keeps muscles toned and firm. Workout to get rid of those bulges in your tummy.

6. Drink milk. The body can only absorb calcium during the first 25 years of our lives, so stock-up much of this very important mineral especially because it keeps our bones and teeth in perfect form.

There you go, let's keep the health revolution going!

Photo credit: here and here

Bits of advice when travelling

2010-06-30T20:09:00.008+08:00

Everyone can afford travelling nowadays. Many airlines have promotions and seat sales from time to time. It can get as cheap as a few dimes on some rare occasions. I guess many people have been bitten by the travel bug. It's a good thing because it stimulates the economy.

I love to travel, too. In fact, I decide my domestic and international travel schedule as early as possible to save for the expenses will be incurred during these trips. I'd love to travel with style, too, you know.

One thing I have learned about my recent experiences is that it is better to travel light. Airports are such big places to get lost in and if one has so many luggages, it's hard to maneuver his/her way out.

It is also very important to invest in good quality luggage sets. I especially like my trolley to have at least four wheels so I can just twist and turn it wherever I want it to regardless of its weight. Even a plus if your luggage sets are as stylish as Tumi Luggage and Briggs and Riley Luggage. Most people have black suitcases so why not opt for more colorful or decorated ones, they're much easier to spot on the conveyor belt.

If traveling internationally, it is also important to keep the necessary documentations handy like passport or visa, tourist permit, among others to avoid being arrested or questioned by immigration police. Cash and credit cards should be readily available to, and as much as possible, convert to the country's local currency before departure or to US dollars which is standard exchange currency.

Importantly, a traveler should have presence of mind during the whole journey so he/she can keep watch on his/her belongings and not fall prey to robbers/tricksters and to reach the destination and return home safely.

sponsored links are brought to us by friends at www.villageluggageandgifts.com/.

Why I say Movies should have a label: "watch out before you watch"

2010-06-29T00:12:00.000+08:00

To kill time, out of boredom, people watch movies.

To relax, people head to the nearest theaters and see a feel-good movie.

To have quality time together, friends and families watch films.

There are many reasons why people love to indulge for a few hours to see them.

To be entertained, informed, experience drama - the list goes on

But sometimes, these can be disturbing, too and I learned it the hard way.

So I resolve never to watch a movie again before reading its reviews and critics. I skip on movies with themes about violence, crime, nudity and pornography. I read the storyline beforehand, too. And to be safe, I watch family drama/comedy movies most of the time - just to make sure there are no scenes inappropriate for me.

⁸Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

-Philippians 4:8

Math is neither easy nor difficult, isn't it?

2010-06-22T00:30:00.004+08:00

Many people say Math is difficult yet many others say it is easy.

There's no point in arguing on whether Math is easy or difficult. While it may be true that some people are naturally good at it (like many geniuses that we know), for ordinary people like us, Mathematical ability, like language skill, is acquired with constant practice.

Some of the reasons why students struggle with their math courses especially Algebra 1 and Algebra 2 in high school and college (which most students have to take anyway) are:

attitude or mentality - Math is what one thinks it is. If one thinks it's hard to understand, it really is.
teachers - they are either too intelligent to understand student's difficulty in the subject or know too little to explain/simplify it
not doing homework/practice exercises - one becomes skillful at doing something by constantly practicing so if one does not do any exercises, it's hard to master Mathematics
refusing to seek help/get a tutor who can supplement and explain what are learned at school.

So, it's really neither easy nor difficult. Some people just have to work harder than others to master it. That's exactly what I did in college - constant practice and asking help from tutors who can explain difficult problems.

Note: Sponsored links brought to us by http://www.tutorvista.com/algebra-1

A new beginning commences

2010-06-06T14:00:00.006+08:00

Photo credit: here

You can't go back and make a brand new start but you can start today and make a brand new ending.

-Whit Criswell

It makes sense, doesn't it?

Right after graduating from university, I didn't know what exactly I wanted to do with my life. I just woke up each day getting by and enjoying a carefree existence. Now that I am turning 25, I realized I need to make concrete dreams; visions of the future; define my territories; discover myself, acknowledge my limitations and so on.

It's not that I didn't have any direction, I did but because life presented itself with many opportunities, it made me indecisive . I made many back-up and contingency plans but my original plan is vague and abstract.

Having experienced both the joys and harshness of the real world, I can say that I have matured as a person. For this, I am thankful to my family and friends who have in every way support my decisions even when I was wrong and they were right. My boyfriend also helps me become aware of my strengths and weaknesses so I can work out to maximize my good points and reconstruct my attitude towards my low points. Surely, God has strategically placed them in my life because they help him shape me into how I can truly be perfect.

I'm turning 25, there's no point going back to relive old memories or to regret over my failures. I have become who I am because I chose to and I can be what I want to be in the future because I will and have decided to.

Japan's prime minister quits eight months after landslide victory

2010-06-02T13:02:00.006+08:00

While most politicians in the world do everything to stay in power amidst criticism, protests and rebellion, Japan is perhaps the only country in the world where leaders rule successively only for a matter of months or years.

Yukio Hatoyama resigned after being pressured by his Democratic Party of Japan to step down after a failure to fulfill his promise to move American base in Okinawa elsewhere.

A few days ago, Mr. Hatoyama insisted he would not quit his post but would try to iron out the issue with his party members. On Wednesday, June 2, he announced his decision in an emotional telecast address saying that he wanted to change Japanese politics but admitted of his "failings".

I have been following Japanese politics since I started being an ESL teacher to Japanese people almost three years ago. I think this is the fourth time Japan's prime minister resigned in a period of four years.

News source: BBC News UK

Venturing out into business

2010-06-01T23:30:00.000+08:00

I am not a business-minded person but observations of recent trends in our global market today made me realize I should expand my horizon to be receptive and develop such frame of mind.

There's no such thing as job security nowadays. It's even quite difficult to find a decent and self-fulfilling job. Money has become tighter as companies give fewer and fewer raises and benefits. It's tough competition out there in the rat race. People are incurring more liabilities than assets. There should be a way out to this, I thought. I can't remain trapped in this old system of employment which offers limited space for professional growth and personal development, not to mention - stunted financial gain.

A well-delivered presentation for a business oppurtunity for a franchise opened my eyes to the a wider spectrum of possibilities. The speaker quoted Robert Kiyosaki from his famous book, "Rich Dad, Poor Dad" and shared such insights such as:

Having a job is a short-term solution to a long-term problem
Why climb the corporate ladder when you can own the ladder?

I thought, why don't I try and invest on income-generating projects instead of travelling on leisure or on house renovation? So, I searched online for possible businesses I can do - took note of those which seem profitable and feasible in my area and that which I could personally enjoy. I thought that maybe checking up franchises for sale may also be another option especially since I don't have any business-related experience/expertise yet. This seems the best idea so far since the marketing strategies have already been proven effective so there is small chance for failure.

Right now, I couldn't decide what to do. There are just too many choices to select from. But eventually, I hope I can eventually venture out and create my own business.

Note: Sponsored links brought you by friends at http://www.franchiseadvantage.com/

should I or should I not?

2010-05-30T18:51:00.000+08:00

Sometimes, I think of deleting all my social networking accounts. It's not that they're such a hassle but because I'm afraid I maybe sharing too much of myself to the world.

Take this blog for example. If I search my name though Google, I get some results directing to some of my posts in this blog - posts which if I look back now, seem to be very private or personal in nature. I feel like I've bared my soul for everyone to see.

So I thought of quitting blogging altogether but am still having second thoughts for now. I think what I had written cannot destroy my reputation nor demean my character. Maybe I am just like many others, who are finding ways to express themselves regardless if people are looking (or not).

Investments one must make for online success

2010-04-21T01:12:00.006+08:00

More and more people have discovered how the internet can be a gold mine. There are just so many ways to earn money online - and sometimes we have to make an investment to build our portfolio, to establish our names, to make our business secure.

One investment that a person contemplating an online business needs to consider is the web hosting. It's one most important factor in an online venture. Everything on a web site is hosted on a web server and this requires utmost reliability. A web hosting doesn't have to be expensive. This blog is even hosted on a free web hosting server and domain and I haven't had any problem with it yet. However it is important to have one's own "brand name" and hosting a web site under a free hosting service will tarnish somehow a good business name's credibility. Paid hosting services also provide better customer support. Take a look at a comparative web hosting rating and some other considerations in webhosting from Webhostrating.com.

Another consideration that must be taken into account is web design. The look and feel creates the attractiveness and sometimes reliability of a website like the way people like to see beautiful people. Women invest on cosmetics, we have to invest in simple yet elegant "look" for a higher "face value".

Third, one must create quality service. If it is a blog, one must write quality content with good grammar and catchy titles. If it is a video how-to, the instructions must be detailed and direct to the point. So at times, one must hire people who are able to do these things well. However, if already skillful, invest time and talent on these stuff.

It is also necessary that one works on being indexed by leading search engines so exchanging links with other similar websites is a common trend and SEO writers have been in demand. Lastly, advertising might be helpful in attracting visitors and clients to your online service.

An accomplishment report

2010-04-20T22:05:00.003+08:00

How long have I been away?

It must have been more than a month. I haven't really counted. I haven't written anything in these blog because I have been up to something.

A few months ago, I shared in this blog that my sisters and their families were coming over so we planned on reconstructing/renovating the house to accommodate more people.

We started the house reconstruction last February 1 and it ended last March 19. I had been busy with it for the whole duration.

On March 17, my boyfriend's mother had a heart attack and had been confined in the hospital until April 5 when she finally succumbed to death at 61.

My boyfriend wanted to come home for his mother's funeral so the wake was extended and lasted two weeks. However, the company did not allow him to. So even when h wasn't able to come home, last Saturday his mother was laid on her rest.

As you see, my hands had been full for the past months. But here I am again. Ready to bare it all once more time.

Transfixed

2010-03-19T00:44:00.000+08:00

Everything seems peaceful and quiet now but my mind is far from that. It's so chaotic there and i am so disturbed by so many things. I am not worried. It's not anxiety. It's not stress. There are just too many things running through my head for the past few weeks or who knows it might have been going on for months!

I hope that explains my absence and non-activity on this blog.

It's as if I were frozen and could not move. Somebody please tell me that it's over and I can move on...

Learning, working and loving what I am doing

2010-02-03T20:04:00.005+08:00

Have you ever felt like you were in a rut and everything you're doing doesn't seem enjoyable anymore? It has all become a routine and not as exciting as before.

This has been how I was feeling for sometime now. The need to work hard and earn made me numb. I was just doing things because I have to and I need to and not because I love to. Just like a lost love, I need to find a way to rekindle the tender feelings I have with regards to my work and study. I have to choose to love doing them everyday - a decision I need to make.

So here I go again, with a renewed sense of commitment, gladly say, I'll do my best to learn, work and be what God wants me to be.

Drained

2010-01-26T23:18:00.000+08:00

I guess it's time to stop writing
Words don't flow as smoothly as before
No matter how I pounce my head
Nothing ever comes out

My words have become plain
Thoughts have lost their luster
There's nothing new nor helpful that I can say
I might just have to let it go

I've lost touch with the friends I've had through blogging
I've lost touch with my inner self who used to be eager to share her soul
I am hanging nowhere
I want to write but I can't anymore

House needs to be redesigned, reconstructed

2010-01-26T01:13:00.007+08:00

My sister and her family of five are spending the summer vacation at my parents' house from March 23 until the start of the new school year in June. I just booked their plane tickets and the kids are so excited to invade Davao city again. My parents are also so eager to meet for the first time the cute little baby girl that my sister gave birth to last year. My sister from Bangkok is going home, too. It's going to be a big family reunion! And my other sister and her family of four might join us as well.

Design of locker

Now this troubles my mother because there are only three rooms in our house. There will be three school children, one toddler, two infants, three couples which includes my parents, me and my other sibling who's still single.

Our home is not enough to accommodate this big number and the kids will be in riot because of limited space. So my mother and I have been thinking of renovating our house to reconstruct the second floor.

To save space, I've been contemplating on making wooden lockers as part of the walls in-built in each room. There should be a locker in the kitchen and one in the living room. I've been buying cabinets and they're still not enough for everything. Then, there must be lockers everywhere.

Thea and Ken, 4 and 2

It would also be nice to have the house carpeted from all corners so we don't have to worry about the kids stumbling or falling.

I guess that's all I can ask. After all, we couldn't afford to have everything so convenient in a very limited time.

I am excited for the reunion and the whole-new house. I hope so.

Counting!

2010-01-24T13:29:00.004+08:00

How time flies so fast!

Yesterday marks my second year in RareJob, an online school where I have been teaching and meeting Japanese people.

Eight more weeks to go before my first semester as a graduate school student at UPOU ends.

Seven months more, I'll be celebrating my silver year in this world.

A year and a few months later, I'll be married.

Thank God for new milestones everyday and for His promises.

PhotoCredit: here

New Year's health Goals

2010-01-18T01:47:00.000+08:00

Last year, I've been telling myself to start working out this year. I've visited the nearest health club. It's too quiet and no one seems to be going there anyway, except the person in-charge. So, I must resolve to work on my own at home. Well, good luck to me.

Aside from working out at least twice a week, here are my other health-related targets for this year:

1. Don't forget to drink my vitamins so they don't just expire.

2. Sleep immediately after midnight - that's after I finish doing my part-time job at night.

3. Eat less junk food and minimize eating out at fast-food chains.

4. Brush and floss more thoroughly.

5. Get more sunshine early in the morning.

Hurray! There you have it. These are just some of my goals related to fitness for this year. Wish me luck.

How about you? What are your health-related resolutions for this year?

First post for the new year

2010-01-17T00:00:00.000+08:00

A new year has come but I'm still my own self - too lazy to write a new post. I'm too scared to open this blog because it's been neglected for more than a month. Maybe the statistics has dropped significantly or no one is ever visiting this anymore?

Well, it's time to bounce back and starting hitting that publish button again.

I wish I had the same drive back then when I was still starting out.

I'm sick

2009-12-04T14:09:00.004+08:00

Hello! Thanks for dropping here. Here's a hug to show my appreciation!

I am sick now... My resistance has probably weakened because of so many deadlines to beat and high demands at both work and graduate school.

Please hang on there, I'll be back soon.

Photo Credit: here

Crushed

2009-11-29T01:45:00.006+08:00

My soul is torn into pieces

My heart is crushed
What a blow into my ego
What's left of me?
Bits of my dignity?

But incidentally, I got this verse from the Bible:

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.
Psalm 147:3

Photo Credit: here

Thanksgiving Prayer

2009-11-27T00:04:00.003+08:00

Today, I asked a student if there's also a Thanksgiving holiday in Japan. She isn't sure but said maybe there isn't. She thinks thanksgiving is something that should be done everyday if not every minute of second.

I received this forwarded message through my mobile phone:

In a science class, the teacher asked her students to give an example of things which are countless.

One student answered:

WATER.

Another one answered:

SAND.

The other one answered:

AIR.

The teacher noticed that everyone was participating except for one. She called his attention and asked the same question.

"What are the things which are countless?"

The student stood up and said,

BLESSINGS.

Have you been counting yours recently?

I thank God everyday for the food on our table, the air that I breathe, the water for my thirst, for my family's good health and protection - and so on.

But the things that I am most thankful for this year are the trials that I went through.

My boyfriend left for Saudi Arabia January of this year and it has been so difficult since. I also lost a significant amount of money a few months ago. Things may have never turned out as I want them to, but I can now clearly see the purpose and rewards of trusting God even in trying circumstances.

My thanksgiving prayer is that you, too trust God even when everything is bleak and sorrowful.

Belated greetings of happy thanksgiving everyone!

It's 32 days before Christmas!

2009-11-23T02:37:00.004+08:00

Streets are now decorated with teeming lights, Santa Claus is everywhere in town, houses and offices are decorated with pine-tree replicas and finally shops are getting busier with shoppers buying their gifts early - it's Christmas!

Christmas season always makes me happy. I always had break from school or work. There are many parties to attend and people to reunite with. There's feasting everywhere and the Spirit of Christmas makes people smile even to strangers.

This Christmas is going to be a little different. My boyfriends not in it. It's not going to be sad nevertheless. We celebrate Christmas because God came to the world to save me - now that's reason enough to be glad!

Let's countdown to Christmas!

Photo Credit: here

I want to give my parents a dream vacation

2009-11-23T01:52:00.003+08:00

I've been bugging my parents to get a passport because airplane fares have been significantly lowered recently and they can avail cheap international flights at almost any moment they want to.

Retirement is every person's ultimate dream - the type where one can enjoy life to the fullest and just spend his days to enjoy what the world can offer.

I would have wanted them to go cruising from island to island and just enjoy old age. Well, apart from being too expensive, both of my parents have to see their doctors and buy their medication regularly so it wouldn't be very convenient to be away for a long time.

I asked my mother and she said having myrtle beach accommodation is leisure enough for her. She got excited. My father likes to go anywhere as long as they are together (talk about being in love even in old age!).

I'd have to save money for such trip and stay to myrtle beach hotel. I know it doesn't come cheap but after all, myrtle beach accommodations are worth the cost.

Dilemma

2009-11-20T21:00:00.000+08:00

I want to wake up early
But I always sleep late
I am worried about my health
I'll probably suffer later

Being a night person isn't easy
I want to change
But old habits don't die simply
I have to make more effort
To break the routine
I've been all these years

Photo Credit: here

Need a translator?

2009-11-20T15:33:00.003+08:00

Have you ever used Google's translation toolbar? I find it very useful because I can always get quick and free translations of web pages, documents and other web content from Spanish to English for example, Chinese to English or mostly Japanese to English.

I find it funny most of the time though. The English language has idioms, informal expressions and figurative parts of speech that would create confusion when translated directly. I guess other languages have also similar attributes. There is a significant difference too, with connotative and denotative meaning so although we could get some rough idea of the text, there are elements that are omitted or misunderstood.

If we are talking about formal and business documents, I guess there should be a need for an online translation to get the job done more efficiently.

If for example, a company is going to expand in another country a brand translation that fits in a socio-cultural context within which it occurs would be best.

Translia is a network of translators and clients. Try its free translation service today.

Making our marriage work before it starts

2009-11-19T09:34:00.000+08:00

My boyfriend and I are reading this book by Harold Sala entitled, "Connecting: 52 guidelines for making your marriage work".

We are learning many things from this book except that we are not married yet. I bought it from the bookstore because he said we should start preparing ourselves and making things right even before we start and exchange "I do's '".

I have finished reading this book and rereading it now with my boyfriend through Skype's voice call one guideline a night. It's like a couple's devotional and bonding time for both of us and English lesson for him rolled into one.

So far, we're on the 37th page and we've learned what the author says are key ingredients in marriage: love, communication, forgiveness, humor, understanding and meeting each other's needs. We've also discovered ways on how to resolve the differences: talking about them, compromise, respect, and submit them to God.

We're going to have more of these lessons in the coming days.

Top Ten Dream Destinations

2009-11-18T21:00:00.003+08:00

I thought of making a travel blog but I don't think I'm fit to do it yet. I haven't been anywhere except in the Philippines and Thailand. But I am dreaming of being able to visit many countries in the future, too. Well, I want to go to all but if I could only choose ten... I'd pick:

1. New Zealand
2. Australia
3. Switzerland
4. France
5. South Africa
6. Alaska/Canada
7. Southernmost part of Argentina/Chile
8. Japan
9. Spain
10. United Arab Emirates

New Zealand and Australia top my list because my boyfriend loves these places, too - something we love in common. We're hoping we can afford to go to either of these places for honeymoon. I've searched for accommodations in Auckland and accommodations in Melbourne, they're not so expensive anyway. There are cheap flights, too and many other flight fare cuts. I guess the only thing we have to worry is getting a VISA.

Anyway, we aren't getting married anytime soon. So we still have plenty of time to save and prepare.

I'm back to school

2009-11-11T00:18:00.003+08:00

I want my brain sharpened again! I decided to go back to school!

So far, I think that my decision is great. I guess I am going to be a lot more productive than the previous months. Getting more tasks and deadlines in my hands requires me to multitask and to do things more quickly - which in turn makes me more efficient.

Working during the day and working at night, where do I put the time to study? Well, this will be a challenge for me. I've decided to enroll under the Professional Teachers Certification program at the University of the Philippines Open University. It's actually a kind of cyber schooling or distance learning, whatever you like to call it.

I am so excited to learn new things. I couldn't decide which masters program to take so maybe I can take just education units for the meantime.

What's great about cyber school is that I don't have to attend school physically (well, except for examinations and some tutorial sessions). What I don't like about it is that I have to study many reading materials that are given as substitute to lectures and classroom instructions.

Well, I am sure that everything will turn out well if I pour my heart into it. Wish me luck.

Photo Credit: here

Grab the chance to win $5, 000 in this contest

2009-11-08T02:55:00.005+08:00

Don't you love the thrill of winning a contest with big giveaways? I do! And it's not so hard to join.
All you have to do is submit a video to the iLASIK Video Contest to win.

"You gotta see this video contest" is sponsored by Abbott Medical Optics, Inc, a campaign to promote ILASIK procedure, a recent innovation to help people who are suffering from poor vision or those who have to wear glasses or contact lenses, and other certain vision defects to regain or improve how they can see the world.

ILASIK technology is a painless surgical procedure that makes use of two lasers instead of a knife or blade. The first laser is used to scrape off an outer layer of the cornea and the second one to reshape it to correct vision problems.

To join the contest, there are three categories. A participant must submit an entry to any of these categories:

"My contacts are getting in the way of my good time"
"My favorite sport or activity would be so much cooler with better vision"
"You should see life after the iLASIK Procedure"

To get a higher chance of winning, a participant has to get as many votes as possible.

If you think you can make a video that relates to any of the categories given above, grab this chance to join and win now!

She bangs!

2009-11-06T23:23:00.000+08:00

I've been sporting the same hairstyle for more than five years - long, straight hair. I've been wanting to change the way I look but my hairstylist refuses to make any drastic changes on my hair. My boyfriend also doesn't want me to cut my hair until our wedding day.

Sob.

I saw this picture over the internet and I wanted to have this style, too. I went to my favorite hair cutter to have it executed on me but he refused to!

Sob again. Here's the picture:

I tried doing a virtual makeover on my face courtesy of some website and this is what I've got:

Doesn't it look flattering on me? What do you think? Should I get a bangs or not?

Photo Credit: here and here

Sealed with a Kiss

2009-11-01T19:51:00.003+08:00

If you haven't experienced being far from the people you love, you're lucky. The separation can be overwhelmingly painful! Thanks to modern technology, we can talk to our loved ones wherever they are at real-time through the internet and cellular phones.

There's still magic however with the old-fashioned letters delivered to our residential mail boxes and seeing the envelops of our letters sealed with a kiss.

I don't get letters often these days. I get letters from banks, the university where I am currently enrolled at (distance learning program), and utility bills; but I always hold my breath in excitement every time I see a stationery envelope from the mail box with my name on it.

Email messaging may be the common form of communication today but I think we still like the feeling of opening our mail boxes at night and seeing a letter addressed to our names, especially when the letter is sealed with a kiss.

Halloween

2009-10-31T10:27:00.006+08:00

Decorated pumpkins or Jack-o'-lanterns are the symbol of Halloween in most countries in the world today. This practice is said to have originated in North America although Ireland and Britain have long had the tradition of carving designs on vegetables and fruits.

There are many versions of the folklore about Jack and the pumpkin lantern. But they don't matter now. People carve pumpkins just for fun during the Halloween. I guess people can carve any design on it as long as it looks scary enough. Here's a site I found that gives tips on how to carve a pumpkin.

Halloween is supposed to be a holiday to celebrate and give respect to the people who are already dead. Hallow is an old middle-ages English word which means "holy" but people have changed the meaning of Halloween to merry-making parties and horror films.

As a Christian, my family doesn't celebrate Halloween nor do we believe that spirits of our dead family members or loved one go back to earth during All Saints Day and All Souls Day. Nevertheless, it's a tradition in the world that we respect.

Photo Credit: here

Doctors who train doctors' teachers offer training courses

2009-10-28T14:52:00.006+08:00

There is a growing demand for medical teachers at present. Health care is a primary concern to everyone. This is especially true as the population of elderly people in the industrialized countries increases, so does the demand for nurses, doctors and other health care providers. Quality medical care is a basic need not only to the elderly but for every single person. Everyone aims to enjoy a healthy, disease-free life.

However, medical technologies are quickly advancing and perhaps the core thoughts, processes, equipments and procedures in the past may have been replaced by newer counterparts today. So, it's important that doctors who train doctors undergo more medical teaching courses, and doctor teaching courses to update their skills, knowledge and expertise with the help of people who have specialized in teaching the teacher courses.

A teacher cannot teach without proper training for without sufficient knowledge of the subject, how can he or she impart knowledge to other people? Even better if the teacher updates his/her skills regularly with the current trends and developments.

Natural ways to fight common cold

2009-10-28T14:28:00.005+08:00

Frequent change in weather conditions plus lack of quality sleep, exercise and proper diet weakens our bodies' resistance causing us to have flu or common cold.

I've have the flu for roughly two days and although it doesn't affect my work so much, sneezing every so often bothers me a lot.

I don't like the idea of buying synthetic medicine for common ailments like cold, 'cause it's something that can be relieved by having enough rest, drinking sufficient liquid (water and fruit juices) and eating foods which boost our bodies' natural defense system like fruits rich in Vitamin C, chicken soup, whole grain and green leafy vegetables.

I guess it's also a good idea to have some exercise because it releases endorphins, a hormone that make people feel happy.

I hope I'll get well in time for my lessons at the tutoring school where I work now part-time.

photo credit: here

Woe of social networking sites

2009-10-28T01:56:00.005+08:00

Social networking sites, forums, discussion boards, blogs, messengers, emails - these are just some of the many ways to connect to people across the globe.

They've changed the way many of us lived. I don't feel the day is complete without checking my gmail, yahoomail, twitter, facebook, multiply, blogspot, skype, ym (the list goes on) accounts. But sometimes, they can be stressful because they demand so much of our time.

Last year, when I still didn't have a full-time job and I only had the part-time work tutoring Japanese people online at night, I had all the time to update this blog, connect to other bloggers, check my emails, respond to almost every comment and messages in my chat box, acknowledge all requests... I enjoyed everything.

I get so lazy responding to every comment, every request... it takes so much of my time.

Since I started FaceBook last February, I got hooked with its accompanying games, quizzes and other applications, as well as connecting to other people in my contact list.

Now, I am tired with it as well. I realize I have more things to do than check all my online accounts. I want to break-free from my addiction to it.

I hope to be able to update this blog regularly and hopefully create a new one. I keep saying these days and I hate myself for repeating my self every time but not being able to do what I say.

Two-way PDF converter?

2009-10-19T11:27:00.003+08:00

Documents are part of our everyday lives. We make, read, print or send them to people every now and then.

When I was in college, we were required to make reports in PDF formats, that way the documents are read-only and cannot be altered by any other person.

I was surprised when I saw a software that can convert pdf to word because I only know of word to pdf conversions.

It also isn't too expensive and can be used for two years with full technical support. I wonder if I would need one in the future. At least, I can always check this pdf software again.

I wanna travel the world!

2009-10-10T10:23:00.004+08:00

No matter how beautiful the pictures, how descriptive the words, how vivid the imagery, there's nothing more satisfying than experiencing it yourself using all your senses.

See it. Smell it. Taste it. Touch it. Hear it.

Traveling allows one to embrace the culture, to get mesmerized by the surroundings, captured by the enthralling beauty of scenic spots, enjoy how local people live.

I was there in Thailand for a week and I want to visit more places, even places in my own country. I'll do this while I'm still free and unattached because when I get married, I'll probably have more important priorities.

Anyway, here are my pictures of my recent trip to Bangkok.

Anguish

2009-10-07T00:47:00.004+08:00

I get more depressed everyday when I check this blog. I haven't written in a long time, my statistics is dropping significantly day by day.

I wrote many drafts. I want to shout in despair. I want to cry in desperation. Why am I having a difficult time writing anything to express myself.

Typhoon 'Ondoy' (Ketsana) came to the Philippines. It was one of the biggest calamities I have ever seen in my life. I was quiet. I was grieving in my heart but I couldn't put it into words.

I lost a part of myself and I don't know how to get that back.
I can't write anything. Writing is supposed to be an expression of myself.

I can't find 'me'.

So long...

2009-10-01T19:38:00.003+08:00

I am so sorry guys! I haven't updated this blog for a long time. I hope to write soon after I finish my job tonight.

Here's one of my pictures in Thailand.

Discovering Bangkok and Thailand's local lifestyle

2009-09-14T11:15:00.003+08:00

I have been busy getting around Bangkok and its neighboring cities since Friday but unfortunately
my sister's internet connection at her apartment has been down since I came here so I could not update you about my trip.

I've been missing my parents, my boyfriend and my students in RareJob as well. I am actually quite sad I'll be leaving Thailand in a few days. I am absolutely loving it here. I'll tell you why next time.

Thank you for coming here!

Welcome to the real world!

2009-09-10T11:16:00.002+08:00

I can't believe how cruel the real world is! It has started on dawn on me. The world is so full of people who intend to do harm to others.

My parents sheltered me from all forms of harm inflicted by others. I was lovingly protected, shielded from any form of threat, violence or unkind words. Now that I am now an adult myself, I realize that my rosy view of the world need to change.

I've always learned to try to see the beautiful, good side of people. Although I don't trust so easily, I try to give them the benefit of the doubt. But guess what, I have to grow up!

I am living in a real world... time to look at the world in a different light.

I am learning Thai

2009-09-07T23:44:00.003+08:00

I'll be off from work for about a week (or two?) . I'll be going to Bangkok in a few days. I am now learning basic Thai so I can at least get around the city by myself.

Please help me pray for a safe trip. Thank you

Exasperated

2009-09-03T00:31:00.002+08:00

What do I say?
I have nothing new to share
Sigh
I don't know if it's some sort of drought
I just couldn't find anything to say.

Getting rid of worries about security over the Internet

2009-08-30T23:57:00.005+08:00

Don't you get paranoid with the constant threat of viruses, malwares, spywares, trojans, phishing and other unknown malicious codes in your computer?

I am. I do banking transactions online, use Ebay and Paypal and I store most of my important documents and pictures in my email. What if somebody gets access to my PayPal or bank accounts and withdraws my money or use my account in Ebay to do to any kind of fraud of deception? What about theft identity? I could go on and the list would be endless. This is the real world and there are just people who want to inflict harm to others.

To solve my dilemma, I decided to invest in a good quality anti-virus and internet security software system.

I think it is also important for parents to have parental control over what kinds of sites their children can browse or visit. It's also useful if the anti-spyware software can block phishing sites. I haven't decided which anti-virus to use but I think Zsecurity is a good option. The customer support is excellent and many users have proven that the product is indeed effective.

2009-08-29T17:44:00.005+08:00

I want my life to be
plain and simple
no pretensions
few lies
no extravagance

We are never sure
when our lives will be over
I want to be prepared for that day
I want to meet my Creator
I need to invest my time for things that last for eternity.

Looking for a home security system

2009-08-29T16:46:00.003+08:00

Two prime functions of a home are shelter and security. We live in a home where we can do anything we need and want to do and feel safe whenever we are in it.

However, due to the increase of crime rates, it's hard to feel entirely secure and safe even within the bounds of our own homes, even with a home security.

Recently, I have been thinking of installing a Home Security Surveillance System at home. My folks are both old now, and I have no training whatsoever in self-defense. It's not being paranoid but being careful and doing precautionary measures to lessen if not avoid threats of attacks, burglary or accidents.

I've been looking for an easy-to-use and affordable home security system. I found Advanced Direct Security but it's only available in the US. I have to find a local one.

Outburst

2009-08-29T13:09:00.006+08:00

Forgive my silence for a long time. You just don't know what I have been through.

I am happy to announce that I just turned a year older. I celebrated my birthday last August 26.

It was a bittersweet moment for me. There were many things running in my head, but were hard to express in words. I was very grateful for all the undeserved blessings and regretful for all the wrong decisions I have made, which I have no chance to redo or undo.

Let me tell you a bad news; A week before my birthday, I lost a big sum of money. Don't ask me how much or what happened because I won't tell you. I just couldn't believe how everything was so blurry, so fast, I couldn't exactly recall the details.

It was a big loss for me since I worked so hard to earn that money but it just disappeared so quickly. But there were so many things I was able to reflect and realize because of it, which I believe, God allowed to happen so I can ponder on them.

I would have been so disappointed but how could I? All I could see around me are blessings and unmerited favor from the Almighty.

I am still able to behold and the beauty of the world. I can see faces of people and beautiful sceneries; I can read without any need for glasses or contact lenses. I didn't lose my sense of sight. I can still see.

I am still able to hear the sound of cars' engines, listen to my favorite comedian's wacky comments on TV and listen to my boyfriend whine about how painful it is for his eyes to gaze transfixed at the computer for a long time. Although the ENT doctor said that I am moderately deaf on right ear, I didn't lose my sense of hearing. I can still hear.

Imagine if I had an accident where I could be crippled, debilitated, or detained in bed for days or years. If that happens, I might not be able to walk or move my body. I just lost a certain amount of money but I didn't lose my mobility. I can still walk. I can still move.

Imagine if I got terribly sick, it would be too difficult for me or for my family. I don't know how it would feel like, but as for now, I am healthy, I have no sickness. I am blessed. I am thankful.

I didn't lose my job. I can still work. I can earn money and get so much more.

To add, here's what my boyfriend has to say:

"What else do you have to ask for? You have the love of your family; good health; a good job and best of all, you have me, your best husband to be."

Indeed, life's trials has become more bearable with him by my side. I guess I still have to remember that whatever God gives, He can take away; and whatever the circumstance is, I still have to praise Him.

I am thankful. I am truly grateful. I wish these words suffice how my heart really feels. God, I am so thankful.

photo credit: here

When laziness takes over

2009-08-14T16:48:00.002+08:00

It's weekend and I don't feel like doing anything.
I can't think of anything to write here.
I am under the spell of laziness again.
I just want to sleep and do nothing.
Good luck to me.

Excited to go to Thailand

2009-08-08T21:11:00.005+08:00

Thirty-one days more to go and I'm off to visit the exotic city of Krung Thep, popularly known as Bangkok.

I've always been interested in Thailand. It is the only country in southeast Asia that had not been colonized by any western country, where a mixture of cultural and traditional influences of its neighboring countries and its own abound and are preserved, but also embraced the modernization of our global world.

Thailand is the country where we can find the most devout Buddhists and their temples. Elephants are both a tourist attraction and a means of transportation. We also hear of their tuk-tuks (three-wheeled taxi for short distances) and bargain centers for shopping.

I grabbed a local airline promo last May and was able to get round-trip tickets for flights this September. I paid $96 all-in, including the basic fare, taxes and airport fees. However, I didn't know then that September is the rainiest month of the year in Bangkok and this city has the worst traffic jam and pollution in the world (according to travel guides I've read when I tried to search the internet on what to expect when in Bangkok).

But hey, I am still excited. I am going to visit my sister there. I hope God gives me a favor by granting me a safe and enjoyable trip.

Blank

2009-08-06T01:49:00.003+08:00

There are so many things to say,
too many unspoken words
It's hard to start
Jumbled thoughts in disarray

Top Ten EC droppers (July 2009)

2009-08-06T01:09:00.002+08:00

Work at home
Life's sweets and spices
Mommy's Little corner
Moms, check nyo
The modern mom
A simple life
Yummy as can be
Life's tricky situations
Lisgold
Take a coffee break

Thank you.

Things I want to do

2009-07-28T01:06:00.003+08:00

1. Have a short vacation with friends in a beautiful island.

2. Learn how to design a website - the savvy way

3. Read my grammar book again.

4. Leave comments in my friends' blogs

5. Improve diction, accent and pronunciation.

6. Cook for my mother's birthday

7. Be with my boyfriend

8. Clean the whole house

9. Read the books I bought

10. Watch a movie

11. Tell someone about God

12. Edit this blog's layout

13. Bring my father to the doctor for a check-up

14. Buy a microwave oven

15. Learn how to bake

16. Apply for foreign scholarships

17. Meet my relatives in Manila

18. Have a conference call with my sisters over Skype

19. Get a full body massage

20. Sleep

Good night everyone!

Making the most of our footwares

2009-07-27T03:37:00.005+08:00

Imelda Marcos never had enough of shoes and so do most of women.

I am not the kind of girl who would lavishly splurge on shoes but I do buy myself some good pairs sometimes. Most of the time however, I have regrets because it always turns out that I don't use them as often as I should.

These are some of the reasons:

1. There's no occasion which would require me to wear those pair of shoes

I bought a pair of high-heeled off-white wedding shoes once to match with my off-white gown as a maid-of-honor during my brother's wedding ceremony. Too bad that I wasn't able to wear those again except once, on my graduation ceremony.

2. I don't like the style anymore

I bought a pair of trail running shoes December of last year because I attended a church youth camp which included hiking in some rocky mountains as part of the activities. It worked perfectly well. I almost fell in the river because the rocks were slippery when wet but the good thing about the shoes, the rubber spikes increased the friction. A few months later though, I don't like wearing them again, they looked so big and so rugged.

3. They're too uncomfortable

I have these favorite pairs of shoes/sandals because they look so good on me. On the down side, they hurt my toenails too badly so even if I like wearing them, I have no choice but to put them away inside their boxes.

What a waste of money, right?

Yes, that's why now, I am so careful in choosing the next couple of pairs I'll be buying. I read some shoes buying guide first. It's just like I'm stacking shoes and not using them anyway.

Why do we have troubles?

2009-07-27T03:14:00.004+08:00

There will always be trouble while we are alive...

because we live in a fallen world

in a fallen world,

everything is anything but perfect

Problems provide good opportunities for us to grow

to mature as individuals

to discover those which we are capable of doing

those which we've never realized before

to better appreciate each day

Thank you, Lord

Because of the troubles, you're making me more like you everyday

Photo: Germane (my niece)

Dreaming of a luxurious vacation

2009-07-27T02:12:00.005+08:00

All I ever do is work and stay at home.

I am not complaining. I am usually laid-back and I prefer staying at home than partying or drinking with friends. I love drawing, writing and blogging but I love to be outdoors as well. I go hiking in the mountains and love strolling in the seashore. I don't like swimming but just looking and listening to the waves make me feel so relaxed.

When I saw Myrtle Beach Resort's online catalog, the more I wanted to take a long and luxurious vacation. I want a resort just like it, functional amenities, ocean front' s view, free WIFI connection and excellent customer feedbacks.

It's recession so it's not good to just waste away money. The Resort in Myrtle Beach also has affordable rates to fit into the budget even if the time is hard.

Honestly, I wish to travel to Europe for my honeymoon but I guess that will have to wait. I hope one day I can visit Oceanfront Hotel Myrtle Beach.

I want a lightweight laptop!

2009-07-27T00:04:00.004+08:00

The desktop PC that I have at home worked fine for many years although I frequented at the technician's shop in the past two years. I reformatted countless times, replaced my monitor more than four times, upgraded my hardware specifications and I'm still glad to use it.

But, many times it fails... It reboots by itself, or it does not boot at all. I am considering on buying a laptop and have the money to pay for it (or half of it if it's quite expensive).

I can't decide by now, which one I will buy. I have been researching online and looking at shops in my city and I still couldn't finalize which one.

I want a lightweight laptop. A laptop which is less that 2 kg.

I've been thinking of netbooks.

But I want a netbook with DVD drive, DVD writer if possible. Most netbooks don't have DVD rom.

I want a long battery life but most laptops/netbooks only have 6-cell ion battery which means they can be used for up to 3-4 hours.

Macbooks have very long battery life but are too expensive for me. I have other things for which I am saving for.

I don't want a very small screen but I also don't want a very big one. It wouldn't fit in my lady bag if ever. I'm considering on having one with roughly 12-13 inches diagonal screen.

The list goes on but all the others are negotiable, like the memory, hard disk, video card, wifi/bluetooth, among others.

I've compared many laptops, printed out catalogs from online stores and checked the models available locally (I don't like Ebay, it's hard to ensure the warranty) but I am still undecided.

Do you have any idea which laptop/netbook I should get?

Photo Credit: here

Time to cool off

2009-07-25T00:18:00.007+08:00

The world is heating up and it's getting more humid.

I am the kind of person who cannot stand an air-conditioned atmosphere for a long time (too dry) and I get headaches when using stand fans as well. I don't know why.

So here I am, enduring the hot weather without any device to help make the room temperature cooler. I remember however, that my niece's pediatrician mentioned about using ceiling fans to make the room comfortable enough for the baby. The room should neither be too hot or too cold. If ceiling fans are good for babies, then it must be good for me too!

As a rule, I make it a point to research, read user reviews, check the ratings and compare prices of different models, designs, or brand before buying anything. I checked different styles and I like the idea of unique designs with the concept of futuristic animation such as the fanimation ceiling fans.

It's also nice if fans can also be decorative like the craftmade ceiling fans at Farrey's. There are just too many designs to choose from. Would you mind giving me a hand by sharing your suggestions?

Planning the wedding

2009-07-22T02:16:00.002+08:00

We don't know exactly when it will happen; we just know that it's going to happen sometime in the future - that's if it will happen and if by God's will, we'll both say "I do" to each other.

Leo and Pchi are now starting to plan for the wedding.

Minding our belongings while at work

2009-07-21T19:21:00.007+08:00

I have been warned but I was caught surprised when my mug was stolen at the office. I also don't like it when people use or borrow my stuffs without my permission. I keep all my personal belongings private and I guess everyone would want to have security box where we can put our precious belongings safely.

I want to suggest to my boss to have wood lockers installed even on the hallway. It's really important especially when we are out for lunch, or get too busy to mind our things that we can have a safe deposit cabinet to put stuffs since we don't have table drawers. But I know that it would costly so before voicing out my suggestions, I already researched the possible cost and the best deals in lockers for sale.

There are even many possible choices to choose from. I hope I'll never have to lose any of my stuffs in the office again. I hope he'll listen. The locker will probably ease my worries away.

Trading money for a time with God

2009-07-18T20:40:00.004+08:00

Money-driven. I am. Yes. Aren't we all?

We joke around and talk like it's so easy to make money. My colleagues have set a new salary quota for the month of July. I won't tell you how much we are earning - but it's probably much more than most average wage earners in the Philippines. And yet, they still want more. I still want more. So, here we are, working day in and day out just to earn a little more.

Aside from that, I also try to squeeze in some time to learn how to make more money as freelance writer, blogger, translator, programmer.

It's crazy and funny. I am not really that ambitious at all. I never dreamed of becoming rich, I don't want to be. But there are various opportunities to grab, so why not take them all?

I am so glad that God is continuously showering me with these blessings (opportunities). But sometimes, making money can take so much of our time. If it's work and getting more wealth are what we think of all the time, we rarely have time to talk and thank God for everything. I believe that God has continued to prosper me because I've always been faithful in giving what is due to Him financially. I give my tithes (ten percent of the salary) to my local church. I still do. But there are times, I don't have time to pray, get late in going to church, or skip on my other obligations in our church's ministry. I recently felt guilty.

I guess, there's more to life than just making money. I'm trading what I can earn to a time I can spend to my God who I believe is the source of all these blessings.

Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.

Colossians 3:2

Abu Sayyaf captive Vagni, a free man now after almost six months

2009-07-13T02:39:00.009+08:00

Finally!

After 179 days of despair, struggles to keep up with his captors' frequent move from one hiding place to the next while minding the pain brought by health complications of his hernia, the Philippine's International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC) announced yesterday that Italian volunteer Eugenio Vagni has at last redeemed his freedom from the bandit group Abu Sayyaf.

Check the press statement issued by ICRC.

Although I am not personally related to him and though my brother told me they used to share an office building at Central Plaza Bldg., JP Laurel, Davao City, where he used to see him smoke in the lobby, I feel very glad that finally he's free. For a foreigner who chose to leave his home country to help the poorest communities in the Philippines since 1982 (way before I was born) , I appreciate all his efforts and I guess he didn't deserve the ill-fate he'd been through.

I don't know if there was a ransom because the statement simply thanked local politicians and the armed forces of the Philippines. What do you think? Is it possible that either the government or the ICRC paid for the release of Vagni?

Looking at his face, it's so obvious his condition is bad, and I am quite certain he's malnourished, and under trauma. But these things do not matter now. What matters is he's free and I'm so glad he'd in no time recover with the loving support of his family.

Photo Credit: here

Notes to self

2009-07-13T02:14:00.001+08:00

Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you.

-Matthew 6:33

I'm lazy so I won't eat so often anymore

2009-07-11T00:58:00.009+08:00

I visit my dentist every four weeks because I'm currently undergoing orthodontic treatment to correct my bite. Every time, the dentist would assess my overall teeth, gum, mouth's health condition and change the elastics that are placed to help my teeth move in their desired positions.

Brushing one's teeth with braces is really a hassle and it takes so much time. First, I have to brush with the special orthodontic brush, then with another ortho-brush with special tip, floss and rinse with anti-bacterial mouth wash.

I'd get so lazy that I would just brush my teeth and rinse. On my last visit however, he advised me to have one of my pre-molars filled because of cavity. I can't count how much money I've spent on restorations already and I think it's probably better to prevent than cure.

I like to snack very frequently as in I eat almost every two hours when I'm not working. I'm not worried on my weight yet 'cause I'm one kilo less than the ideal weight for my height. But I guess, I have to quit snacking so often because plague build up when I don't brush immediately and it's quite troublesome to brush every now and then.

But right now I am so hungry. I could not help it. Let's see what's in my fridge.
:D

Photo credit: here

US hit by cyber attacks, many federal sites intruded

2009-07-09T02:32:00.007+08:00

I was startled to know of the recent cyber attacks that paralyzed many of the federal sites and other sites of other government agencies of US and South Korea, while I was browsing on top news sites earlier today.

This event reminds me of the Sept. 11, 2001 attack. The US, with all it's might and glory, is also susceptible and vulnerable to attacks. There's really no such thing as "safe" place, for both virtual and real worlds.

I'd better be careful on my online transactions. I've got to observe some security measures to avoid intrusion into my computer.

Meaningless existence

2009-07-08T00:28:00.004+08:00

What you are seeing is the surface
But you don't have any idea what is it deep down
It's just a shallow, meaningless existence

People come and go
We make friendships superficially
I don't know what's wrong with me
I've been thinking lately
Am I living a shallow, meaningless existence?

No, you don't know me that well
It would take you forever to unveil
My masks and defenses
I would never let them show
But, do I even know myself?
Or am I just faking it?
Is it a shallow, meaningless existence?

On the contrary
Who I am does not really matter, does it?
I must understand my purpose, mustn't I?
God created me
I am sure he must have something in mind
I should do that which he willed of me
Or I'll just be living a shallow, meaningless existence.

Careless whispers

2009-07-07T00:10:00.002+08:00

I don't know if you still call it mental block but every time I try my luck at writing some stuff, I get lost and could not think of anything good to say.

I am that kind of person who does not write or say things randomly per se. Whatever I say or do, I always carefully plan that out in my mind, although sometimes I guess it's also good be as spontaneous as much as possible.

As you can see, I haven't updated this blog for a long time. It's not because I was too busy - although partly I was. It was more of "what do I say" dilemma.

Top Ten EC droppers of June 2009

2009-07-03T02:31:00.003+08:00

Life's sweet and spices
A Simple life
Mommy's little corner
Moms... check n'yo
The modern mom
Beyond Feron
Take a coffee break
Yummy-as-can-be
Augustinians
Online Marketing

Thank you.

Happy fathers' day

2009-06-21T00:11:00.007+08:00

"Fatherhood is difficult but very rewarding", one of my students told me earlier today.

We can take that statement figuratively and literally.

I think being a father is rewarding because he can see himself in his kid's physical appearance as well as attitude, disposition or behavior. If he has been a good role model, expect his child to be a good person like his dad. There's an overly used cliche that goes, "like father, like son/daughter."

I am sure a good child gives his/her father fulfillment and pure joy. Let's not forget that a naughty child brings so much fun too! (chuckle)

We can also take his statement literally as in there are great rewards in being a father. A child's hug and kiss, a drawing, card, any present no matter how simple and inexpensive will always brighten a father's day.

As we get older and financially independent, we become more capable of giving more expensive gifts - and special as our fathers are, why don't we give them gifts that they'll truly love?

It's not that a present is really required. A present is not a gift unless it is cheerfully given. But if we have the capacity to buy stuffs for our dads as our way of appreciation for the many years they've toiled to help us get through school until university, why not buy toys for big boys?

My father loves bicycles. Unfortunately, he lost his sense of hearing after he got into a vehicular accident while he was riding one and was side-swept by a speeding jeepney. He still rides on his road bicycle until this day though.

When I was young, I have very fond memories of my father teaching me biking. My father bought my older brother a kiddie bike that I still got to use.

Well, I wondered if I can afford to buy him a new one. I checked a buying guide for bicycles and I realized I don't have enough resources this time. Hopefully, I can save more money next year!

Photo Credit: here

Bouncing Back

2009-06-20T11:11:00.004+08:00

This blog will be celebrating its first blogversary tomorrow.

I decided to move from Pchi.i.ph to Blogger after many inconveniences I experienced in the former.

On June 21, 2008, I wrote my first journal entry in this blog entitled "Ironic, isn't it?". And since then, this blog has been my freedom wall where I wrote everything I wanted to; like Philippine politics, environmental issues, random musings, poems, my love story, among other topics.

In the span of one year, I was also able to make friends with six hundred people or more - I just lost count. The whole experience has been truly wonderful.

But as I look back, I was really eager in the beginning but after a while, or just recently... I started to lose interest. I wrote less often, I haven't responded to some exchange link requests, haven't checked friends' blog and would not remember checking my blog myself. HAHA.

I'm supposed to have a celebration here, right?

But I don't have the festive mood. So I am just going to let it pass through like any ordinary day.

However, I've been really thinking of bouncing back and getting serious. I'd like to make more friends, write more posts, rekindle old friendships (which I have taken for granted) and hope to learn more things related to blogging, SEO, online marketing and how to make some more little profit.

I hope you are still there to support me in my journey. So help me God. :D

Photo Credit: here

Pchi laments...

2009-06-17T15:59:00.004+08:00

RANDOM THOUGHTS

It's frustrating
I want to write about a certain topic
I've been meaning to make one
Been seated long enough in front of the PC
still unable to compose something.

==================================

I'd fly right now to where you are
If I only can
I'd go places with you
Life's been so lonely
I've been feeling so blue

===================================

I'd never trade my country
To any other one
My country may be poor
Some people call us a people of slaves
I don't care what they think
'Cause there's truly no other place
Where my heart belongs
Just this paradise called 'Philippines'.
If I had to live my life all over again,
I'd still choose to be a Filipino.

No to Change in Charter, No to Constitutional Assembly

2009-06-11T01:24:00.003+08:00

I've started this blog as a political blog but over time - I got disinterested in politics, politicians and political issues.

I didn't care. I didn't have my opinions or I was too lazy to voice out my opinions. There's no use in talking about political issues anyway. I got busy on something else - something more productive, something more meaningful - looking for my place in this world. Nothing much really changes in the Philippine's politics. They are the same old stories.

I see no reason to amend the Philippine's constitution and there was no clamor from the public to push for a change in the political system. The Representatives whose functions are ought to "represent" their people have their own political agenda and probably manipulated by the people who would greatly benefit if such change were implemented.

I don't have in-depth information. I did not research and I rarely have time to watch the television or read newspapers online.

But it doesn't feel right to push for the charter change. I feel strongly about it. Call it intuition if you like, I just don't feel comfortable hearing about it.

Photo Credit: Flikr

Thank you for these ^__^

2009-06-06T02:34:00.001+08:00

Thanks ...

*Tears of joy*
Berry
Maiylah
Marie
Junelle

Thank you dear sisters...

deadlock

2009-06-03T19:46:00.004+08:00

Confused
Perplexed
Sigh.

having second thoughts
Should I just let the waves
blow me away?

making decisions
isn't easy as it seems
God, whisper to the wind
and let me know
how to make sense
out of my common sense

bring me out
away from this deadlock

Top Ten Droppers for May 2009

2009-06-02T13:31:00.002+08:00

I learn online marketing
My Review
Lisgold
Zero
Beyond Feron
Lisgold Memoir
Photodito
My Ark Full of Worry-Free Thoughts
Travel on the Tide
MarkFe

Thank you for your continuous support. Godspeed!

I feel for the birds

2009-05-24T01:23:00.004+08:00

Early in the morning, I hear the birds twittering
I am not sure if they're chirping or crying?
It evokes a certain feeling
I wonder that they are talking
Are they feeling the effects of global warming?

There aren't as many trees now as before
We've denuded the forests
We've used trees for buildings, furnitures and paper products
We've built our homes
But we've destroyed these poor creatures' habitat.

If I were an animal, I would choose to be a bird
Birds are a wonder!
They can fly
They can sing
They're very beautiful to look at...
But I think it would be hard to live as a bird
After people have destroyed their habitat.

I hope it isn't too late to help rebuild their habitat.
I feel for the birds -
I think they're desperate for our help.

Photo Credit: here

Shopping conveniently

2009-05-24T00:53:00.005+08:00

I've recently discovered the convenience of shopping using catalogs. In fact, I've been buying undergarments just by looking at the pictures on the catalogs. I scan the pages very briskly, flipping from page to page unless a certain style, design, color deserves a closer look.

Although it's still preferable to go and fit the clothing, shoes or apparel before buying - we don't always have the time to do that - hence, the convenience of catalogs...

The advent of information technology has made shopping over the Internet possible as well. There are small individual businesses, auction sites, big online stores where one can find great selections on bags, ladies', mens' and kids' apparel, shoes, jewelry, cosmetics, sporting goods and other products one can find in a real-world department store.

Because of such reason, and many others - I think Internet has been one of the most useful inventions ever developed and one that had changed our lives dramatically.

Gold! Eureka!

2009-05-18T02:12:00.005+08:00

Some people collect coins and bills - not because they're trying to save for something but because they are simply collecting coins and bills for fun!

My father had such hobby before and even had a wide array of coins and paper bills of different currencies. He had copper, bronze, and silver coins but he didn't have gold coins or the even money to buy gold coins.

We wish he did... because gold is one of the most precious metals and also one of the most expensive. Unlike coin or paper currency, the value of gold is not susceptible to deflation or recession. Its price does not depreciate much and so some people buy gold bullions as investment, or for gold IRA transfers.

If we had money, we would have probably bought gold.

Taste of "living on my own"

2009-05-18T01:42:00.003+08:00

I'm a survivor. I've managed to do everything at home while working. But I just don't find enough time to blog, check updates of my friends, respond to emails and messages, drop at Entrecards widgets, etc. for the past few days.

This is a very humbling experience.

My mother never hired a house help so that we can learn and do our share of household chores by ourselves. But I wasn't forced to cook early in the morning (my mom's), I didn't have to sweep the yard and go to the market (my father's) and sometimes when I am so busy, my mother wouldn't let me bother with the dishes. My main chores are cooking at night, cleaning the house and washing my own clothes as well as the curtains, bed covers, pillow cases, and blankets. If I didn't want to, then I don't have to. Our parents never compelled us; they wanted us to volunteer on our own.

With this experience, I learned to appreciate the "love" my parents have put into the little everyday things they do for us; my mother especially.

I realized that it's hard to live on your own - you don't have anyone to depend to or help you with whatever you have to do.

On the other hand, it's also great to know that I can now take care of myself. I am still learning how to do many things at once though - like cleaning the bathroom while cooking dinner and washing dishes.

Aja!

Full alert for a week

2009-05-13T01:07:00.003+08:00

I'll be on my own for a week. I'll be guarding our house and our house will be my fortress too.

My parents will be on vacation starting today and will be back exactly one week later. My father is concerned about the security of the house but he's more concerned of my security.

We don't have any defenses except for a gate and locks that keep unauthorized people from entering. How I wish we have a home security system!

If we have an ADT-monitored home, we can have early defense mechanisms for possible threats like burglary or God-forbid - massacre.

I have requested my girl friend to keep me company at night while both my parents are away. But still, I have to cook on my own, do all the house chores on my own. This will be my first taste of "independence".

Well, I am quite anxious about my protection and safety but I know that God is my shepherd and even though we don't have that security system yet, I am secure that God will keep me guarded.

Planning a vacation trip abroad

2009-05-11T00:39:00.004+08:00

I got interested in a friend's Skype status message.

It said, "Let's go backpacking in IndoChina!"***

My initial reaction was - whoa! I want that.

So I checked CebuPacific's** online booking website. Unfortunately, they do not have any promos at this time for flights from Manila to Bangkok or Saigon to Manila.

Argggh.

I checked Philippine Airline flight promos**** . They have international econolight promos at $48-58 (back and forth) from Manila to key southeast Asian destinations.

The funny thing is the taxes are much more expensive than the fares.

Now, I am thinking if I should avail of this group tour or should I form my own group and have a tour on our own.

Some people say that it's not good to travel with a travel guide because you have to move from place to place fast, not allowing you to fully enjoy the beauty of each place.

The disadvantage of travelling in an unfamiliar place, on the other hand, is the cost and maybe transportation from place to place. Along the way, natives might abuse your unfamiliarity with the place and ask you exorbitant fees for amenities.

What do you think? Which is better?

** http://www.cebupacificair.com/
*** http://thetravelfactor.multiply.com/calendar/item/10161
**** http://www.philippineairlines.com/fares_and_promos/special_promos/other_promos/pal_econo_light_regional.jsp

Photo Credit: here

Nostalgic

2009-05-09T01:35:00.006+08:00

Looking at the mailboxes on sale at MailboxIxchange.com, reminded me of that time in my life when I exchanged letters with my friends thru what we now call "snail mail".

The postman would shout, "hey pretty, you have letters!" and I would just laugh and say "Thank you, please put them on our mailbox".

That was more than ten years ago.

Currently, I have email addresses where I receive about 20 to 50 messages daily, including the unwanted spams.

I have very few letters these days. I have some bills (telephone, DSL, electricity), bank statements, etc. which do not count as letters anyway. Yet, there's always excitement when I flip open our residential mailbox and I see a letter addressed to me written with a familiar handwriting.

Along with the letters were stickers, scented stationeries, hand-made cards, perfumed enveloped - sealed with kisses. I just miss those times. It's different now because of email and text messaging - but I still love sending and receiving those old-fashioned letters.

Honestly, am I?

2009-05-06T03:07:00.000+08:00

Honest Scrap Award Rules:

In sum, choose a minimum of 7 blogs that you find brilliant in content or design to pass on this award/tag. list at least ten honest things about yourself.

Thanks sis Marites!

1. I love the colors green and brown.

2. I prefer silver over gold (jewelry).

3. I don't wear make-up and I don't know how it's done. I am currently learning it.

4. I am a frustrated musician.

5. I prefer silence over listening to music.

6. I am hypotensive and anemic.

7. I am nocturnal. I work best at night.

8. I am my parents' spoiled little girl.

9. I like to go to the beach but not to swim but to listen to the waves.

10. I believe in God.

Nominations will be posted later.

Before you choose your web hosting service provider...

2009-05-06T01:32:00.008+08:00

Although it is a known fact that we cannot believe on everything that we read over the Internet, I still use Google to find reviews, user comments, awards, ratings, drawbacks and possible problems of an item or service that I plan to purchase.

A few months ago, I thought of buying a mobile phone because of its superior camera feature - optical zoom and 5 megapixel resolution. Many techies hailed its performance even in low light, however, as I started reading forums and user feedbacks, I realized that it's hard to use and navigate and invoking the superior functionality would take ages before you could unearth them.

Since then, I make it a rule to plan, research and compare; and repeat this process until I am certain with the product or service. It's not advisable to trust your instincts or go with your guts and do impulse buying. It's also not enough to just listen to your friend's recommendation. You should ask another person's opinion - or many others for that matter.

When looking for a dedicated server hosting for your website, get your hands dirty and do your assignment - research, compare, read user feedbacks. Your web host will be crucial to your web site's success and there are issues that you have to consider, such as: security, cost, storage, technical support, etc.

Read guides and check ratings from a web hosting reviews blog, then choose, decide and purchase. Remember that mistakes can be avoided if you pay more attention.

Complaints!

2009-05-06T01:09:00.003+08:00

I promised never to rant or say negative things on this blog. I couldn't help it now. I am really annoyed.

In the Philippines, our presidential election will be on May of next year. Politicians have started their gimmicks and propagandas. I just smirk in disdain when I see advertisements of hopeful presidents or whatever position they are planning to run. I don't say anything at all - I don't want to ruin my mood and thus, I avoid giving rude remarks.

Locally however, there are so many road reconstructions on major highways and these cause delay and traffic.

I traveled almost everyday last year and I didn't realize the roads needed to be repaired - they appeared OK to me. They've never caused accidents or congestions.

The current politicians tend to show off their projects when the election is coming up, like right now. If would have been better if they cemented rough roads in other areas, those which badly needed repair. People wouldn't be able to see these "projects" so they have to destroy the highway and rebuild. Reconstructions on major roads and national highways would be more visible to the voting public, increasing their chances of winning.

I am so tired of the same things these politicians are doing. I couldn't help but complain. Sigh.

My first award from Ron

2009-05-05T02:24:00.001+08:00

Thanks Ron!

Here are the rules of this award:

The aims of this award:
• As a dedication to those who love blogging and creating friendships through blogging.

• To seek the reasons why we all love blogging!

• Put the award in one post as soon as you receive it

• Don’t forget to mention the person who gave you the award.

• Answer the award’s question by writing the reason why you love blogging in your post.

• Tag and distribute the award to as many people as you like.

• Don’t forget to notify the awardees and put their links in your post.

Why do I love blogging?

I have repetitively mentioned my reasons before in this blog:

Blogging is my self-expression. It's where I bare my soul, share my ideals, elaborate my opinions and write my random thoughts.
I see blogging as a means to improve and harness my writing skills, learn from other people and as a journey towards creating good, quality blog posts.
Blogging as a source of extra income - I've written how to generate money online using your skills.
Blogging is a stepping stone to an Internet business that I want to venture out eventually. As of now, I read success stories, tips and encouragements from other bloggers and other people who have invaded the cyber space with flying colors. I am a newbie so I don't know much about the game, I blog and read as a spectator.
Winning friends, sharing experiences, being able to reach out to other people around the globe are just some of the blessings that come with blogging. Isn't it great that despite the distance, the language barrier and differences in beliefs, cultures and way of lives - we can connect to various people and make friends with them?

Giving this award to: all my friends listed on my sidebar.

Looking for a satellite TV?

2009-05-05T01:48:00.001+08:00

Most families love watching television together - TV had become our primary source of information and entertainment. For whatever shows are shown, whether news, sports, drama, lifestyle, anime, comedy sitcom or trivia game shows, evenings after dinner are usually spent glued to the TV screen.

If most of your family members are into TV programming and considering a satellite directv, there's a site where you can choose what services you want or TV provider you want to subscribe to.

For example, you can get a Direct TV of premium movies, sports and international channels. without having to pay for the charge of HD or DVR if you don't really want them. A direct satellite TV would also provide you access to all local channels in your area.

April's Top Ten EC droppers

2009-05-04T03:29:00.003+08:00

Thank you to all who are consistently checking this blog - even though I couldn't even check on my own. I'd like to thank each one and special mention to the following:

Work at Home
Traders Hub
My Review
Lisgold
Kids' toys
Zero
I learn online marketing
Travel on the tide
Welcome to Bob's blog
They say

As a way of gratitude, I have requested an advertisement on their blogs' EC widget. Thank you.

Cutting edge advantage of an ethical hacker

2009-05-03T16:10:00.004+08:00

When people know that I took up Computer Science in college, they would ask, "Do you know how to hack?" and I give different responses depending on how seriously the question is addressed to me.

First, I clarify their notion of hacking - most people think hacking is stealing information online by means of injection or tweaking of some codes to a software, system or website; probably by using some keylogger softwares (like my friends do) or any other means to permeate into such systems even without one's own access/login information. This notion is quite right as even Mr. Webster defines hacker as: "a person who illegally gains access to and sometimes tampers with information in a computer system."

My idea of a hacking is quite different. In my life of work, it's a very good skill; a skill that many programmers or even IT specialists don't have. The results are sloppy codes and programs that are very easy to penetrate. Hacking is a specialization; requires conscientiously studying IT Security issues. If you're good at it, you can imagine possible entry points where hackers can break into and can thus create mechanisms to strengthen your system.

Just recently, my cousin sought my help. Somebody was using her email address as a login information in one of the popular social networking sites and just realized it when she would be notified of some updates of that person's profile. I did some investigative work and realizing the culprit was easy - it did not require me much work. There was this young, 16 year old, Indonesian girl using my cousin's email address. No harm was done yet - her face on her pictures looked so innocent but I don't know her reason to use my cousin's email account when she can create one.

Hacking is a skill you can learn - although most good hackers don't need to go to school to learn it, EC-Council provides instructed-assisted study of Ethical Hacking. They also provide classes
on Security Fundamentals, Ethical Hacking, Penetration Testing, Computer Forensics , Disaster Recovery and Secure Programming.

A good hacker is an asset to an IT company and can earn big professional fee. I remember a story of a very talented artist, he can replicate money so well that it would look so real. One day, he was hungry and decided to buy something from a store - using a $20 that he painted. When the paper got wet, the paint washed off and the store owner notified the police. He was jailed and it was there that the story ended. Poor guy - if he only used his skills in a good way, he would have earned millions.

Photo Credit: CartoonStock

Six Unimportant Things that Make me Happy =)

2009-05-03T10:03:00.001+08:00

Tagged by Berry

The rules are:
1. Mention the person who nominated you.
2. List 6 unimportant things that make you happy.
3. Tag 6 blogs, state the rules, and notify them with a teeny comment on their blog.

1. Jackets - I bought four last December and although I wouldn't be able to use them often, I smile when I see them.

2. Fabric conditioners - I like my clothes soft and fragrant. I rinse them in a water solution with a fabric conditioner after washing. It does wonders on neutralizing odor caused by sweat and I feel so fresh. I love it!

3. Milk - I am not a kid anymore - and I can even have my own if I want to, but I still drink my glass of milk everyday. A glass of milk a day keeps osteoporosis away. Doctors say it's best to deposit calcium into one's body before one turns 25 because the body's ability to absorb this mineral will diminish with age. I think milk also keeps the skin soft and supple.

4. Laptop - I don't have one and I don't really need one. My boyfriend promised to give me and although I wouldn't want to rely on him for me to have one, I think it would be great a have a sleek, lightweight and high-end laptop.

5. Branded underwear (blush) - I realized that it is true that women should invest in a good quality, good material brassieres and panties. They fit perfectly, feel more comfortable and you wouldn't be ashamed if ever you would suddenly get into an accident and nurses would change your clothes.

6. We've recently had our medals framed and looking at them gives me a great sense of pride and happiness. Now I am thinking of requesting an artist friend to sketch all of us siblings in our togas and sablays together in one portrait.

Tagging: Rose, Stacey, Gagay, Junald, Nanay Belen, Meiyah

Fashionable clothes online

2009-04-27T18:12:00.006+08:00

Mothers' day is two weeks from now. I am trying to brainstorm gift ideas for my beloved mom. But she's a little overweight so it's quite hard to guess which clothes from the Plus Size Catalogue fit her perfectly.

My parents will be visiting Boracay, Philippines on that day and for a week actually. They've been having summer vacations for three years now. It's good so that they can enjoy and have fun after all the hard work they've done for so many years to raise us up.

Since they'll be going to the beach, it might be a good idea to give her a summer dress and footwear. However, looking at one online store, I couldn't find a suitable dress for her but found one for me. HAHAHA. I like this dress.

Before getting sidetracked, let me search again for my mother.

Photo Credit: here