Welcome The Year 2010 With A Left Hook

As the hours slowly crawl to embrace the first day of another year, I bet people now are having different takes on how things will be in 2010. This uncertainty is somehow empowering to each of us who are clinging to that slice of hope that the coming year will be much better-- which really means favorable to each individual. Though we always, sometimes annoyingly, hear optimistic yearning for a prosperous year, we are actually crossing our finger at our back and are hoping against hope.

I believe this is one aspect of our human existence that I find remarkable. It is an undeniable fact that we as a race are resilient and stubborn in a praise-worthy manner. Our brute nature has taught us to be more fierce when badly hurt. Not to back down from any challenges and to stand our ground fight back. We get up after every tough fall and wrestle harder.

No scandals are going to stop us because of shame. No significant deaths are going to make us loose hope for a better tomorrow. Instead, we somehow feed on the deaths of influential people to fuel our rage against injustice and inhumane activities. Not even natural calamities can put out the fire in our hungry souls.

We always see it through the storm (literally, sometimes) not just as individuals but as race. We always survive-- even if barely in some occasions. We always prevail.

The Year 2010 is at our doors. Are we going to get it? Or is it time to throw that white towel in surrender?

Merry Christmas to Whoever You Are

Few hours ago I was with my girlfriend and her mom in Robinson's Supermarket in Imus, Cavite. As we expected, it was like the end of the world for the people rampaging the stalls inside the supermarket. I can't even move an inch without brushing shoulders with these insanely excited and , for some, panicky citizens.

Honestly, I enjoyed the sight of people going about the place trying to grab the ingredients for their carbonar, getting more Nestle Creme to complete their fruit salad or buko pandam for desert, or just buy a pear-shaped ham to make the Noche Buena special. The mere fact that these people still find a reason to make this day extra special warms my heart. I can just imagine what each of these people have been through for the past months (some could have had some rough times) and yet the spirit of Christmas can still be felt within them.

Christmas is spent in different ways by different people all over the world. Cultures influence how it is celebrated but faith makes the big difference.

So how do you celebrate Christmas? Do you even know why you're celebrating?

Experiencing Christmas

It's almost here.

The world anticipates it's coming every each year. Like one's birthday, it can't be stopped or even postponed. We may be able to ignore it but it can still be annoyingly present. After all that has happened within the year-- the good and the not-so-good-- it has always become the source of hope and inspiration for the people.

During this season, our tired and beaten soul bathes in the bliss that it somehow offers. It has become the food for our starving soul. Our refreshing glass cold of water-- or your favorite softdrink-- after being exposed to the scorching heat of the sun. The 13th Month Pay after working like screwed-up dog for the entire year for your boss. I believe you can already picture what I want to say.

For years, Christmas season has invigorated our souls. It has fueled our determination to do better. It made us see our dreams crystal clear just when we thought it already escaped us. When you almost find yourself quiting, Christmas comes and helps you up to stand your ground and prepare for the battle ahead.

So it would be a pity if we let this Season of Hope to pass without letting it heal and recharge us. The year that will come might not be as nice as this year. That is if this year has been nice to you even. Fill your armory with the upgraded weapons to have an edge facing what lies ahead.

Experience Christmas. Recharge.

Thankful and Honored

This baby was unattended for the past months. The months that have passed were really note-worthy and some were memorable to me. A lot of things have happened and yet not even a mention of these things on this blog. I admittedly neglected this "baby" of mine.

In spite of what sorry mistake I did of not updating my blog and feeding it with my happenings, it didn't give up on me. Somehow, this site seemed hopeful and wanting for me to scribble my life on these pages once more.

It's making me feel needed here in this side of the world.

For the months that have passed this blog site maintained the PageRank of 2! I know for non-newbies, this rank is not that much. But I expected the rank to throw tomatoes at me and make me non-existent to the Web. So I was really amazed and thankful that my blog has kept it's faith on me to get my groove back.

The world is just waiting for me. It could just be waiting for you too.

Seize the day!

10 Years After...

It seems forever since the last time I posted anything here. The hibernation was really premeditated.

A lot of unforgettable and regretful events happened for, what, a month or so. Events that I plan to share with everyone(referring to those who chance on reading this) as life takes its course. Perhaps I was just overwhelmed by the chain of events that disturbed the stillness of the my river.

Soon I'll share these to you.

The Day Lola Tele Said Goodbye

One of the sad reality in life is death itself. It is probably one the hardest way of saying goodbye to someone we hold dear. The thought that the person who's going to pass to the other side might not even have a chance of coming back is such a mother of heartbreakers.

It was after lunch of July 24, 2009 when I got a message from Sheril telling me she'll pick me up in a couple of minutes. She was at work but she had to go to her Lola Tele's house in Paranaque. So in just a few minutes I already packed a few clothes and some stuff. Indeed, she was already in my apartment in less than 10 minutes. But I noticed she was all teary-eyed.

Her mom let her know that they had to go to Lola Tele's house since it could be the day lola will breath her last.

On our way to Lola Tele's place I've been trying to prepare Sheril for what might happen. But I thought, "Who am I kidding, for sure nothing will comfort her once the dreaded moment would come for Lola Tele to say her goodbye to the people she is gonna leave behind." Lola Tele has become my only lola left since both my lolas from my parents have long been gone. And now loosing the last lola I know could be one sad and painful experience me too.

We were already near Lola Tele's house when Sheril's cellphone rang. She was driving so I had to check who the person on the line was. Her cousin's name registered on the phone and it was then that my heartbeat raced like hell. She grabbed the phone from me and answered it. And there it was, one of the agonizing pain Sheril might ever feel. She was almost drowned in tears while she was screaming in pain for her lola and kept asking why Lola Tele didn't wait for few minutes more. There was nothing I could do since I was also in tears and fighting to control myself not to drown in the sorrow since we were still on the road.

Lola Tele's body was still warm when we arrived at her house. Some of her children and her grandchildren were already at her side, lamenting and crying their heart out, grieving for their beloved lola. One of the tita's even suggested that we try to revive her although they've already tried several times even before we came. Then after a few minutes, all the children came one at a time, rushing and crying.

Later that afternoon, we had to prepare for her embalming and funeral services. I had the chance to be there for the family and glad that I did considering they are my second family here in Manila.

Private and Confidential

The month of July is Data Privacy Month for the BPO I'm working in. The company is promoting and/or reminding everyone to be extra careful in handling significant information-- the customers' or the company's. The last thing you would want is to find these information in the wrong hands.

I believe there is no need for me to elaborate the magnitude of confidentiality. For years I've seen and heard of privacy being invaded and confidentiality left broken and unmended. Lives of many have suffered greatly from a simple crack of confidentiality.

Knowledge is power, indeed. And with this great power comes great responsibility-- I guess the web-slinger superhero was not reminded of this for no reason at all. Poignant display of shattered trust and invaded solitude in our lives are somehow unbridled that it keeps us on our toes. It's always hard to know who to trust. The things you know can either hurt you or be used to inflict pain to others.

Funny thing is, each of us, at some point, have broken a friend's trust because of our big mouths or negligence. We could even have assaulted someone's privacy a few times without really meaning to.

Now does this mean we are all doomed to betray each others' trust? Is privacy just a mere word or an ideal state that each of us can only dream of?

Cross your fingers and hope for a "NO" answer cause it would really suck if it would it's otherwise.

7 Tips To Get Yourself To Sleep

I've worked in this industry long enough to know how things are in this part of the hood. I had my share of hard times-- to the point of wanting to shoot anyone who would make some noise-- getting some precious but elusive slumber too. Countless are the days, or nights, when I don huge eye bags at work and had to wear sunglasses due to lack of sleep during the daytime.

For those times when getting some sleep has become arduous, I have tried some tricks or routines to work it out. These so-called tricks have worked for me and allowed me to adjust to the graveyard shifts easier. But there's one thing I uncovered; one trick sometimes just won't cut it that I had to combine one with the other.

So here are some tips on how to doze off and be in dreamland with ease.

• Freshen Up. Although taking a shower wakes you up since you'll get a fresh and light feeling, it can also make sleeping easier.
• Clean clothes. Wear something light and comfortable. As much as possible, wear something clean!
• Read. I'm not saying reading is boring but reading something which bores you helps you get sleepy.
• Light exercise. Exercise can help too. But don't overdo it since you don't want to go to sleep feeling uber tired. A couple of sit ups or clicking every button on the T.V remote can help.
• Milk up! Drink your milk like your mom would use to tell you. It works for me, sometimes. You're never too old for milk.
• On alarm clocks. Set your alarm clock then put it where you can't reach it easily. The idea is to avoid checking the time.
• Close your eyes. Yes, you need to close your eyes. Sometimes we are tend to open our eyes when we hear some sudden noise/sound. Fight the urge to check it out.

These are just few of the many ways to fall asleep. I know you have your own tricks or suggestions. Would you mind sharing with us some tips? You could be helping someone finally get that much needed sleep.

Harry Potter And The Half-Blood Prince...Poof!

The rain still went on the whole day today. It was no different than the past days. Some people were still trying to find their ways through the knee-high floods. As if the usual stubborn traffic was not enough.

This cold weather leaves us feeling lazy the whole day. I guess being stuck in traffic is the last thing you want to be in especially if you just got out of work and uber exhausted. Did I just mention knee-high flood that could make things worst?

I stayed in the apartment till the afternoon. After getting some relatively good sleep, I turned on the laptop. It was raining outside and I hate it. But it sucks the more not to have internet access. Like they say," When it rains, it pours ." And kept pouring it did.

I played DoTA until I felt my eyes give up on me again. So lazy me snuggled under the sheets again. It was almost 3 p.m. when my sleep was cut short by my girlfriend's call. While others were having a bad day, her boss seemed in a good mood to let her staff get off work earlier. But wait, there's more! (LOL) They were given money to watch Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince . Some lucky day, huh?

I thought, since it has not been a good day why not end it with great movie? I hit the showers and put on some clothes then head to SM Southmall . The movie started at 3:50 p.m.

But just when I thought things would get better, the "horror" continued inside the cinema. The movie was stopped twice due to technical issues. But since I was a Harry Potter movie (The Box Office Juggernaut) so I tried to control my temper. Oh, did I mention there was this kid at back of my seat counting one to one hundred for no apparent reason while his dad was just intently watching the movie. (The same kid spoiled the thrill when he prematurely asked his dad if it was already the scene where headmaster Dumbledore would die!)

But the biggest disappointment of all was the movie. I know this will raise a lot of fans' eyebrows. I was even surprised to find myself in disbelief when the credits of the movie started to show. I didn't know what hit me.

It was not as remarkable as I expected. I understand they had to highlight the romance and sexual tensions between the characters. I read it was all about Harry Potter's preparation for what lies ahead. I never read the book so I can just imagine what will happen when Harry will soon face-off with the dark Lord Voldemort. But I personally feel the magical fight scenes we've seen from the previous Harry Potter movies were not as impressive. Was my expectation of the movie just too high that it slapped me hard with disappointments? But this was J.K. Rowling 's masterpiece we are talking about. Can you blame me if I expect more from the franchise after the previous movies?

The Box-Office Juggernaut just failed to make my day and it's just so sad.

***

Outside, it was still raining and poor I was dripping wet when I reached the office tonight.

Not On Any Given Sunday

In rare occasions, I chance on getting a glimpse of local celebrities. Strangely though, I was luckier with what I call my jologs moment when I was still in Cebu than here in Manila. Though local stars abound in this side of the country, the odds of finding myself in their midst are less in most times.

One of those rare moments happened last Sunday. And of all the occasions it had to be during a mass in a basketball court that evening. I attended the said mass with my girlfriend and her family together with the peaceful residents of Justinville in Bacoor, Cavite.

It was the second time-- since the parish got its new set of priests—that a mass was held there in that village. I believe it was also the parish priest’s way of reaching out to the people after earning that some would rather attend mass in SM Bacoor than the parish church itself. Those people probably thought God won’t mind since He is everywhere.

It was only during the Offertory part of the liturgy that I realized Lani Mercado-Revilla was also in the crowd. She was with her brother-in-law Mayor Strike Revilla. While Lani got the wine and water, Mayor Strike took care of the chalice for the offertory. She was shyly throwing smiles to those who have been staring at her since she got there.

It’s that time of the year when people in power, and those who plan to be, would show themselves up for the people to see. It’s just sad since they had to go for such a show so people would recognize them. I guess the large picture of Lani just right next to where the altar was put up was not enough that she had to be there in the flesh.

Well, I must say, Ms Lani Mercado-Revilla looked nice. She doesn’t look like she had any children. She was radiant in the yellow polo shirt and simple and neat denim she was on. In fairness to her, she didn’t try to steal the show. No grandstanding happened after the mass. It was a good move, I say. Even the mayor was hesitant to give a short speech which is unusual for politicians.

But then I heard the people in the village weren’t really supporters of the Revilla’s the past elections. I think that explains the hesitation to give a speech.

I’m not campaigning for or against anyone. Perhaps the excitement of having to add another episode of my celebrity sightings in my blog drove me to post this. Unfortunately, I didn’t get the chance of taking a photo of her for this post. I don’t want my girlfriend’s dad see me excitedly snapping some shots of her. I can’t afford to show him my jologs side. At least, not just yet.

Michael Jackson is Alive!

The past few days almost all news and blogs were on a posting-frenzy about Michael Jackson. I tried to shun mentioning him after my post affirming his passing away . But others are busy giving us somehow blow-by-blow accounts on Michael’s death. I read reports about how the doctors -- who attended the King of Pop during his last minutes -- could be held liable and in deep trouble. There were also controversies which involve custody of Michael Jackson’s kids, who I also heard would get the royalties of the “Moonwalker’s” hit records.

The Pop Icon’s records are also moving up the charts once again . The airwaves are also playing non-stop hits of the controversial music legend. I won’t even be surprise to see T.V. shows dancing and singing Michael’s songs and classic hits. Much so, some celebrities might also use this regretful episode to give the needed shine to their fading careers.

I am a fan of MJ, no doubt about that. I can’t even name just one song of his that I consider my favorite; because almost all of his songs are up there. I find myself singing Man in the Mirror or dance to the tune of Billy Jeans. But don’t ask me how my dancing is because my mind plays tricks on me sometimes. My mind would make me believe I’m really doing the moonwalk .

Will this news and talks about the life of Michael Jackson ever end? I am not praying it will but if ever the issues will settle down, I’m sure it won’t be sooner since Michael Jackson is not dead.

Michael Jackson is the King of Pop. He is the single-gloved performer. He is the moonwalker. He is the Peter Pan of Neverland .

Whether it was really him caught on camera by CNN , Michael Jackson will live forever in the hearts of many.

SM CITY North EDSA Now Got IMAX Theater!

What comes to mind when you hear the word IMAX?

I don't know about you but it means great movie experience to me. Imagine the crystal- clear images that is closer to life and crisp and powerful audio experience that can blow you away. I beleive this is the best thing that happened in theaters right now and you can enjoy it at SM Mall of Asia.

But SM Cinema sure do know how to make their movie goers happy and satisfied. They never run out of surprises. Prepare to be blown away when you get to hear what Sm Cinema has in store for us.

Filipinos will surely enjoy another great milestone in the Philippine technological advancement as SM Cinema, the first to offer IMAX Theater in the country at SM Mall of Asia, is offering us another IMAX Theater at SM City North EDSA! The grand opening of the newest cinema fully-equipped with IMAX digital projection system will be on July 16, 2009!

But what really makes a cinema an IMAX?

IMAX's digital projection system delivers the key elements that make up the IMAX Experience in a cinema. This include the IMAX's revolutionary projection technology that delivers crytal-clear images, the IMAX's powerful audio system which delivers laser-aligned digital sound, and the IMAX's customized theatre geometry, which maximizes your field of view.

And as the IMAX Theater SM City North EDSA is gearing towards showing the most talked about and highly-awaited movies, here are some of the movies that are set to be shown in the IMAX Theater SM City North EDSA:

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince – July 16, 2009

with exclusive IMAX 3D scenes

As Harry Potter begins his 6th year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, he discovers an old book marked mysteriously "This book is the property of the Half-Blood Prince" and begins to learn more about Lord Voldemort's dark past.

Under The Sea 3D – August 2009

An underwater look at the diverse coastal regions of Southern Australia, New Guinea and the Indo-Pacific areas and the impact of global warming on the oceans.

A Christmas Carol 3D – November 2009

An animated retelling of Charles Dickens classic novel about a Victorian-era miser taken on a journey of self-redemption, courtesy of several mysterious Christmas apparitions.

Avatar 3D – December 2009

A band of humans are pitted in a battle against a distant planet's indigenous population.

2010

How to Train your Dragon 3D – March 2010

Shrek Goes Fourth 3D – May 2010

Hubble 3D

For inquiries and ticket reservations, please call 929- 5452 or 924-4274. For inquiries and screening schedule, log on to www.smcinema.com or you can email IMAX Theatre SM North EDSA at imaxnorthedsa@smsupermalls.com.

Source:Hiraya

On Facebook, MySpace and 'MyAge'(?)

The most popular social networking tool right now is Facebook. This is according to a poll initiated by Shai Coggins in his blog. Based on the 129 participants of the poll, 49% choose Facebook over other networking sites like Twitter, MySpace and LinkedIn. Although, I must say, Twitter is gaining popularity nowadays.

A lot of these networking sites have been popping out one after the other and it got most people giddy over these developments. Techie and even tech-challenged people would want to keep up and have accounts to most of them-- if not all of them.

I am not any different from these people I just mentioned. But having accounts with Friendster , Myspace, LinkedIn, Tagged, Facebook and the rest just doesn't make me as updated as I wanted to be. I remember I was just trying my fingers on Friendster and Multiply then I heard about Facebook. Either the change is too fast or it's just me and old age-- did I just say I'm old?.

I want to share a secret that might sound pathetic. And what better way to share it but here in blogosphere, right? LOL. I only got my first email address after college and that was in nineteen-ninety. I can still remember how excited I was seeing my name and my very first message from Yahoo.com welcoming me to the world of W.W.W.---I used to think it was that wrestling show.

I used to be one of those people who thought all these technologies and advancements are just making life so complicated. Actually, at rare moments I still do think that way, but I believe it would still depend on how it is treated. Information is very vital nowadays and the internet has played a lot in giving information. From the danger of this H1N1 to the death of a Pop Icon.

The web can offer a lot of information that are beneficial. Take for example the various blogs that can be found. Some have become influential and has been providing useful and important information to their readers.

Now that I have this blog to start with, I beleive I will-- okay, I'll definitely try-- never be left behind and eat dust with all these fast phased changes. Wish me luck. LOL

My Top Ten Emerging Influential Blogs For 2009

After I mustered all my guts, I've decided to take part on this writing project of identifying new and emerging blogs this time for the year 2009. I only got to hear about this mid of last year. And really bloggers(especially those on my list below) gave me the inspiration and determination to continue blogging.

This idea of Ms. Janette Toral surely kept fellow newbie bloggers make good in their blogging.

So here is My List of Top 10 Emerging Influential Blogs for 2009 in no particular order:

1. Rarerearviews
   
2. Patay Gutom
3. Writing To Exhale
4. Barrio Siete
5. Cebu Bloggers
6. Millionaire Acts
7. The Accidental Teacher
8. Numbrd
9. Let's Go Sago
10. The Crazy Life of TL

This writing project will not be possible without the support of sponsors such as Absolute Traders, My Brute Cheats, Business Summaries, Fitness Advantage Club, Events and Corporate Video, http://www.eventsatwork.com/, Dominguez Marketing Communications, Red Mobile, Budget hotel in Makati, and Blog4Reviews.com.

Finally, I'm able to submit my own list.

Michael Jackson "Just Left The Building" At 50

A cardiac arrest took the King of Pop from our world. It was at 12:00PM when it all happened. The paramedics weren't able to revive him. I can just imagine how heartbreaking it was for those paramedics.

His comeback concert was supposed to be the "Final Curtain" but death was so impatient with Michael Jackson and just can't wait. But could it be that the said concert stressed him out so much that his body gave up on him? Was it the reason why he moved the original concert date? The organizers says otherwise. When asked about Jackson's physical condition, Randy Phillips of concert backers AEG Live said: "I would trade my body for his tomorrow. He's in fantastic shape." But I believe he won't be as willing to trade it right now, I suppose.

To Michael Jackson, wherever he is now, the world wants to thank you for the great hits you shared to us. You are such a great loss to the world. But like other great music legends, your legacy and songs will stay.

Have a great journey.

Where Did Your Money Go?

If you check your pockets and wallets right now, would you be happy of what you'll find? Or do you have a savings account with some banks? Are you troubled for the lack of money?

If your answer to the questions is yes, then good for you. You'll definitely get a different answer if you throw the same questions at me. But if I somehow got you feeling sad and low after those questions, then never worry, you're not alone.

People sometimes have the notion that people with the same job that I have earn more than the common laborers. Relatively, that's true but it still depends though. Some of us are in it just to keep up with our responsibilities on our shoulders. Those who previously worked from other industries would switch to the graveyard shift jobs just to earn extra to pay the bills. These folks even gave up quality time with their families and risk their health due to lack of sleep. It's not as easy as others would think of it.

So where is this leading to?

The figures on my payslip tells me that I'm lucky to be earning this much. But my wallet and bill statements(debts) tells me otherwise. Then I think of my plans and dreams; help our youngest sister though college, give some regularly to my family back home for daily expenses, and buy myself a house. How on earth would I be able to meet and achieve those if my current expenses alone I can't take care of with what I'm currently earning? It really gets you worried, right? Sometimes, even frustrating.

I was searching for tips, tricks, cheats(?), and suggestions how to save money and yet not neglecting responsibilities. And I found a few which were, I say, ideal and could work. But I want to ask from those reading-- and who will be reading-- this entry their own suggestions.

Some of the tips I was able to gather includes the following:

• Cutting down on trips to expensive restaurants; you can probably still enjoy meals at restaurants but check out there prices first.
• If you can't stop eating those yummy but unhealthy junk foods then buy less of them at least.
• You can still enjoy taking a shower using a 'tabo'. It's fun and saves more water.
• Clean you appliances regularly. Appliances can work efficiently when they are clean.
• If you have a dirty kitchen, try to use it every now and then. Specially during weekends when you have more time to spend in cooking. It can be messy but again, it can be fun too.
• Hitch a ride on your way to work. But make sure it's completely fine with the one who owns the poor car.

These are just suggestions. They might work fine for you but for some, it might sound obnoxious. So, guys, if you have tips and tricks you personally practice to save money, would you mind sharing it with us?

We might not be able to return the favor but good karma will surely follow you.

Yes, Relationships Can Last

When you are in a relationship, there is no doubt, you will have your share of heated conversations, long-playing arguments, or(to some) bloody fights. It's as real as the sun rises and sets everyday. Or as certain as birthdays and deaths.

Like any other couple or relationship, me and my girlfriend have our own share of these-- not on the bloody fights though(see me still crossing my fingers?). And I believe there will still be more to come and shake us. As much as I understand that we have to go through these challenges to see how far our feelings for each other would see us through, I admit that it every occasion really saddens me. It could even leave us with our day ruined.

Knowing that this is real and present in every normal relationship, the best way (just my opinion) in dealing with it is to try to understand why it happens and then learn how to face it or sometimes avoid it. But this should not give the idea that these suggestions will show results overnight. It can be a lot of work, you know. But if you can't spare that amount of effort to begin with then I don't think you have any reason why you should bother at all.

One important factor to consider is that a relationship can't work if only the other would bother making it work. The other might be able to make it work for some time but the relationship will eventually crumble. It's like standing only with one leg; you can only keep the balance for a moment.

So I did some researching, actually I was just browsing the net, and found some tips on how to make a relationship last. They can be helpful for you and your relationship(s) but, hey, it can work differently with others.

So let me share these suggestions I grabbed from Yahoo.com:

1. Keep the lines of communication open. If you don't know how to express your feelings and/or have poor listening skills, learn to get better at both. You can read a book, take a class, or get into counseling. Good communication requires both the ability to express and listen.

2. Don't sweep your fights under the rug and think they'll magically resolve themselves. Do your best to resolve your first argument as soon as it arises so you won't have the same argument for the next 50 years, in different forms.

3. Remember that you love your partner; therefore, you want the best for her/him. Give her/him the benefit of the doubt when you feel angry, hurt, or disappointed. Talk to your partner; don't make assumptions.

4. Don't take your partner for granted. Tell your partner every day something you appreciate about her/him and how grateful you are to have them in your life.

5. Your partner should never feel like your enemy. If they do, something is wrong; remember that you fell in love with this person. If there's so much anger that you feel like you are enemies, get help somewhere as quickly as possible.

6. Gauge your relationship . Notice and don't ignore the warning signs if you're not talking, you're less affectionate, you're fighting all the time, and you're not happy. The sooner you acknowledge you're having problems, the sooner you can begin to solve them.

7. Always remember that you have the power to change behaviors in your relationship through different tools of self-discovery. You don't have to stay stuck in unhealthy ruts.

Good, lasting relationships are made up of two conscious individuals who have the desire to work on themselves with the determination to stay focused on the importance of their relationship. They do not take their partner for granted. They have their partner's best interest at heart and, therefore, build trust with their partner.

When arguments come up, they don't ignore them. They address the issues and try to resolve them. When they see warning signs that their relationship could be in trouble, they act immediately and look for new ways to relate to each other.This can be accomplished by anyone who is willing to take the time and energy to make their relationship a priority in their life. Nurture your partnership as it so richly deserves! You can live happily ever after, not with magic, but with work, awareness, and knowledge of yourself and your partner.

***

Being in a relationship is never easy. Be worried if you're in a relationship and it seemed like just walking in the park for you both. But I'm not suggesting you fight, alright? Let challenges come and face them TOGETHER.

So goodluck. Remember, it doesn't work overnight.

Transformers 2: The Fallen (And Megatron is Back)

The Autobots are hunting down a Decepticon Audi R8. This group of Autobots is made up of The Twins, an ice cream truck that splits into two smaller bots, Arcee, a hot pink female motorcycle bot, Wheels, a go-kart bot, Stinger, possibly a Porsche, and Ironhide, the GMC pickup truck and weapons specialist from the first Transformers. They chase down the R8 but don't end up catching him, which is a bit crazy considering it was five-on-one situation. But you can imagine how incredible this opening scene will be anyway.

That is how the much-awaited sequel of Transformers will start with and finally be shown in theaters. And no tropical storm "Feria" was able to stop it. It's even likely that 'Feria' is somehow giving Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen a grand entrance.

I read about some spoiler of the movie that it would be much different than the first. Of course, expect it to be as action packed (or could even be more) than the first introduction of "the Cube". Since --as you all got the idea of Megatron's resurrection in the movie-- the Decepticons will be coming off a "loss" from the last battle, they are bringing in an 'ally'. This ally could spell trouble for the Autobots who were protecting the humans from the Decepticons. I have a feeling that Starscream's role will be stretched in this movie and will play a big role.

"All great sequels have an incredibly frightening bad guy," says Kurtzman, amending their earlier list of traits, "who challenges your hero in a way that is unique," They found such a character in the comic-book Transformers mythology, a primordial creature known only as The Fallen. "He was one of the first Transformers. He was Lucifer. He was the fallen angel. And it just felt like a great place to come from."

I don't know about you but the movie sounds promising. I feel this movie is gonna kick ass. And they will introduce new bots to make it more exciting together with the original cast bots.

"Autobots, transform and roll out!"

Right Job, Right You

 

If you look around and observe how people are doing, everyone is concerned about work. Either they are having some hard time staying 'alive' at work (and considering a switch to another job) or finding it difficult to land a job to stay alive-- literally. And it's not helping that companies are firing people or laying off their employees. Although an employees tenure helps one keep (even for the meantime) his job but still it is no guarantee nowadays. Did I give you a scare there for a moment?

 

For years I've worked to earn my dough with different companies. The shortest stint I had with a company was a month-- I never thought it was possible back then. My contract ended with that company because I was absent for a day and was with a fever. It took few more 'small time' call centers before I got the attention of the industry's big fishes-- Sykes, Teletech, Etelecare, and Convergys. 

 

 

But how do you keep a job? Or how do you find a job you want to keep? How do you find the right job for you? Is there such a thing as 'the right job'?

 

Some people would tell you that a job is right when you're happy with it. If you find yourself not wanting another job but what you have then your lucky-- it's the right job. But would it matter if it pays less?

 

I've been trying to Google some tips to find the right job but I don't feel like posting the results here. It's not that I don't find them credible or proven but the tips are somewhat foreign to me. Then I realized-- maybe that was it. It varies with every individual. Your personality and priorities in life can determine the right job for you.

 

 

So my 10-cents on how to know find the right job; Know yourself. Understand your priorities. Realize your passion. Don't loose that fire in your eyes because of work. Instead, you should all pumped up when you're doing your job.

 

 

Now this is just my humble realization after years of slaving myself to work. I'm sure you have your own tips and views on the subject.

 

Save someone from choosing the wrong job. Share some of your tips and  on how to get the right jobs-- I know you have some.

 

 

 

Father's Day: Papa Tikboy's Day

This is my dad.

I say he is extraordinarily diligent and the most responsible dad I know. Give me a chance to choose another guy to be my dad and I would still pick this choco-colored skin guy in the photo-- but don't mistake him with the Chocolate Guy in that AXE Ad.

Of course, my old man is not perfect and also had his own share of lapses. There were even moments, I remember, when I so hated his guts that I wouldn't want to be around him. He was strict with me and my sisters when we were still young. He didn't save us from the rod-- well at least with me. As he aged, he somewhat 'slowed' down and later on was just more on the reminders--lots of them-- when dealing with my sisters during stubborn moments.

It's Father's Day and I, and in behalf of my sisters, would like to express my gratitude to the greatest father I know-- my Papa Tikboy. I would like him to know that we acknowledge and appreciate all his efforts to raise us as the best person that we can be. His ways may sometimes be different but we know he meant well.

I hope I've made you happy and proud of what I have become because of all your -- together with Mama Celing--sacrifices and labor.

You deserve all the best in the world for being our greatest dad!

We love you, Pa!

P.S. Happy Father's Day to all the Dads in the world!

Goodbyes Are Not Forever

Few weeks from now I will be missing these in the photos I've included. And, god forbid, probably some of the people in here too.

Memorable moments, I will definitely keep in me. What's about to happen soon is life's own way of reminding us to treasure each moment. Seize the day. Grab those opportunities.

Since we (apparently) can't do something about this change, let's just make the best out of it, guys.

the best station ever!

those little guys will miss their own posts too

the locker which I seldom use

I make my own coffee instead of the vendo

for some exercise before shift

Carla, where's your monitor? lol

the coolest boss ever...NOT the one in pink glasses

Team Blue! Boss, wake up!

who said cellphones are not allowed?

...and the rest of the gang