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

Make Life Worth It

I was just reading and browsing through the web for some quality read when i came upon this post. It was from Jerminix, he said it was a forwarded email from one of his officemates. I find it quite inspiring and timely. I'm kinda feeling low for the past few days and a bit confused about how things have become with me. No, I'm not announcing any coming-out-of-the-closet episode (I ain't got any issues with people in the said situation though).

Anyway, here is the forwarded email I mentioned. Hope it can help you in your daily encounters in your own reality.

***

LIFEBOOK 2009

Health:

1. Drink plenty of water
2. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a beggar
3. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants, and eat less food that is manufactured in plants
4. Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm, and Empathy
5. Make time for prayer
6. Play more games
7. Read more books than you did in 2008
8. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day
9. Sleep for 7 hours
10. Take a 10-30 minutes walk every day ---- and while you walk, smile


Personality:

11. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
12. Don't have negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.
13. Don't over do ; keep your limits
14. Don't take yourself so seriously ; no one else does
15. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip
16. Dream more while you are awake
17. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
18. Forget issues of the past. Don't remind your partner with his/her mistakes of the past. That will ruin your present happiness.
19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Don't hate others.
20. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present
21. No one is in charge of your happiness except you
22. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
23. Smile and laugh more
24. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

Community:

25. Call your family often
26. Each day give something good to others
27. Forgive everyone for everything
28. Spend time with people over the age of 70 & under the age of 6
29. Try to make at least three people smile each day
30. What other people think of you is none of your business
31. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your family and friends will. Stay in touch.

Life:

32. Do the right things
33. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful
34. GOD heals everything
35. However good or bad a situation is, it will change
36. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up
37. The best is yet to come
38. When you awake alive in the morning, thank GOD for it
39. Your Inner most is always happy. So, be happy.

***

Did it somehow help you? Did it make sense? Or probably you have something to add to the list?

I Got Me The Ako Mismo Dog Tag

 

I got myself an Ako Mismo dog tag. Though one can buy it for P400 and be assured of a better quality dog tag, I just chose to get the cheaper (P40) one for now. I figured I want to try it out one first and just spend for the more expensive and got longer chains dog tag later. Hope it wont run out that fast though.

 

A lot of people were also able to grab their own Ako Mismo dog tag last June 12 during the Ako Mismo Dog Tag Day Concert. It was selling like hotcakes--or donuts, take your pick-- and even the long-chained tags were sold out earlier than I expected. Their were also other souveniers sold for the event. People also had their pictures taken from the booths. I heard the proceeds will go to charity like Cutis Laxa Benefit.   

 

The hosts of the show did a very good job but it was Ramon Bautista who kept the crowd awake. He would at times crack some funny jokes to get their attention.

 

Since it was a concert, bands like The Dawn, Up Dharma Down, Kamikazee, Kjwan, Bamboo and Pupil pumped up the audience with their own brand of music. It was a riot and amazing. Ely Buendia and the rest Pupil sang their hit "Sala" which was composed just for Ako Mismo. Some celebrities also graced the event with their presence.

 

It was a a fun event. But I believe it shouldn't be forgotten that the event is for a higher cause. Our individual pledges and commitments for our very own country should be the highlight of this organization.

 

One doesn't have to be famous or rich to keep one's commitment to make a difference for this country. Every little effort meant to make a change for the better is as important. 

 

But we ask, in what little ways can we help? What can we commit for our country? 

 

As the advocate suggest, let's start with ourselves. The following might help.

• Clean your own room
• Fix yourself before going out (don't be sore to the eyes of others)
• Save water (get out of the shower if you've been inside for hours already)
• Don't talk too much (hello, noise pollution!)
• Brush your teeth (uhhmmm..pollution?)
• Commute (you don't just save gas but also able to help those jeepney drivers)

I think you get the point. If you come to think of it, it really is not that hard. Just do little things better than the usual and eventually the country will see a bigger change.

How 'bout you? Do you have any other suggestions? Share it and make it your little way of making a difference. Ikaw mismo. Ako Mismo.

  

Krispy Kreme for Father's Day

 

It's good with coffee and there's no doubt our dads will surely love to have it for Father's Day. Yes, mister, it's a donut. Wait, wrong commercial. :)

 

Krispy Kreme really knows how to please everyone. They even came up with this classic peanut butter & stripes donuts just for Father's Day. I'm not a donut person but I surely am a peanut butter fan. Though this DOUGH is NOT (there was supposed to be a joke somewhere around here...nevermind) just for dads. So this limited edition bunch will definitely get everyone salivating and be munching some more of it.

 

Hmmm...now where is that wallet of mine. I better not be left out and grab a dozen of these donuts for the dads I know....and for me too, of course.

 

Are you still reading this? Why? Go to your nearest Krispy Kreme branch now and enjoy their donuts! You don't have forever, you know.

 

P.S. Try their coffee too.

 

Doing Groceries with Jodi Santamaria in SM Southmall

I was on hurry buying (I still need to get some sleep for work later) some ingredients in SM Southmall for the pork adobo I'll be having for dinner when I felt something strange with the people around me. Everyone seemed uneasy and are checking all the gondolas as if looking for something. They seemed to have the same thing in mind. Then I soon found out-- the "socially aware" side of me just can't let it pass-- that almost everyone was trying to catch a glimpse (as if they were able to even get close) of a female celebrity doing her groceries with her son and husband Pampi Lacson.

Yup, it was the pretty Jodi Santamaria-Lacson in a green polo shirt and jeans but she looked lovely. Her husband was tailing her but on the phone almost the whole time while Jodi checking out almost each gondola.

Most of the time I get starstruck when someone famous or almost-famous person is in front of me, and tonight is no exception. Pathetic as it might seem but I've been deprived of such opportunities to catch glimpse of our own stars. I can just still count with my own hands the stars I remember getting a chance to see in person.

But the stupid thing is, I was so busy checking her out but didn't even get to snap a shot with her (but with her husband around, a stolen shot could have at least compensate). Now, the whole experience will just be one of those I-should-have-moments in my life. Silly me, huh?

But since it was one experience I would want to recall, this post must come to be. And probably, this photo will picture how she looked like that night I saw her. If only her husband wan't there, I could have braved through to get a shot (picture, I mean) at her.

Though I failed to "capture" Jodi Santamaria with my Samsung G800 with all its 5-mega pixels, the night still went well. The pork adobo was yummy.

***

Next time, I won't let such a chance to slip pass my camera.

Floyd Mayweather vs Juan Manuel Marquez bout Postponed(?)

Rumor has it that it's not a rib injury which made Floyd Mayweather Jr. backout (okay, postponed) from the anticipated(?) clash between him and the ever stubborn Juan Manuel Marquez in July 2009.

But whether it's a rib injury or just him chickening out, it still doesn't look good for him and with his plans of facing the charm of Manny Pacquiao in the ring. I don't remember hearing Manny backing out from a big fight. I recall he even fought a Thailander even when he was not feeling well during fight night. He lost to that lucky Thailander though-- who actually grabbed the turn of events to his favor.

Now, I doubt it if Mayweather Jr. is indeed the best opponent for Pacquiao at the moment. Miguel Cotto seems to be more interesting to see with Pacquiao inside the ring.





Mayweather Jr. should have stayed at home and enjoyed his retirement. What he is doing won't help him and his reputation at all.

Let your "rib" speak for you.

My Short Visit to Cebu

I just want to share some photos during my short (just went there for my mom and dad's birthdays) but memorable visit to my parents in Cebu. It's been years since my last visit so I really had to go there. I never got to see my dad during his birthday last January and last June 3 was my mom's birthday, so the visit was for both of my folks. And besides I miss them so much too.

I also got to meet, finally, my nephew Yuan. I've heard a lot of things about him from my sisters. But before I hit Cebu, I actually told myself to try not to be so attached with the cute little angel for personal reasons. Unfortunately, Yuan got ways (and tricks) to get me so fond of the little guy that I'm afraid I might have to brace myself for a 'heartbreak' or disappointment soon. I just hope my sister, Yuan's mom, won't choose to keep the newest member of our family away from us.

Well, whatever happens, Yuan has a special place in our hearts. I hope he will grow up to be a fine man and make his mom and us proud.

Because of the lack of time, I wasn't able to meet one of the significant people in my life-- my bestfriend Kenneth. She wanted us to meet during my visit and I learned she even applied for a leave from work just to make sure she's available within the days of my stay. But it never materialize. There was not enough time and I had to attend to family issues. This could mean I just lost my bestfriend. I hope she's reading this so she would know how sorry I am to make her wait for nothing.

I met my nephew but I lost my bestfriend (still hoping that I didn't). Some experience in such a short visit to Cebu, huh?

Tikboy and his dependable bike

Me-an and Kc on the videoke

Yuan checking out how the horns look like on him

Yuan's angelic grin while on those devilish horns

Yuan posing for Tito Rey

Yuan can't wait to grab some of the cake which explains the face

Still going stronger after all these years