PH Azkals Devoured Sri Lanka Brave Reds

“The Philippines was the better team today.” This is what Coach Jang Jung of the Sri Lanka Brave Reds said after their team got a beating from the Philippine Azkals. 

 

Amidst the heavy downpour which started at the early first half of the game,  a crowd of Filipino fans, 12,000 people strong, cheered on for their new-found heroes in the field of sports. It was indeed a sweet victory not just for the Azkals but also for the entire country.

The first goal was scored in the 19^th minute if the first half after Chieffy Caligdong fashionably eluded two defenders in the box before striking that 1^st goal. That goal started the onslaught which was followed by four more goals.

 

The second score that the Fil-British striker Phil Younghusband got after finding himself suddenly unmarked in the box and hit the goal, was signaled a foul at first by the referee. Good thing the lead referee consulted the linesman and later on let the goal to stand. Lucky Phil might have gotten that luck from the presence of Angel Locsin who was in the dug out later after the game. (some guys just get it all, right?)

Angel amongst the crowd

The Philippine Azkals must make the best out of this win against Sri Lanka. They must not let this get into their heads and know that there are tougher games ahead specially that now they will be preparing for the second-round two-leg tie against Kuwait. The first leg will be played in Kuwait on July 23 and the second in Manila on July 28. Kuwait is no Sri Lanka team. They can’t be considered a push-over. Overconfidence must not get into the Azkals because it could bring them down.

Azkals coach Michael Weiss though knows what his team will be up to and what they have to prepare for.

"So we have to change our tactics, but nevertheless, if we stand compact we will have a chance. The first match will be played under incredible hot weather and we have to play smart and not waste our energy against an opponent who moves the ball very fast and technically superior.

"We have to analyze them carefully. I have all their tapes and I am looking forward to the challenge."

   

AppleI.ph and AppleWerkz: The Good Guys

Guys, I would like to share to you a site for Mac or Apple users being managed by a great tech support group. These people sure do know their Mac, iPhone, iPod, and iPad so well. For a time now I have been a member of the forum and they surely can walk the talk. 

Thanks to Applei.ph, Apple users like me can now get help with their questions about stuff regarding Mac or Apple products. These guys never failed me everytime I cry for help about my iPhone. 

I don't know the details though but these guys are now also running an Apple-stuff-shop, Applewerkz. Your can check out their store if you want guaranteed original accessories for your iphone or ipad. It's time to replace that old and worn out earphones of yours and visit them.

Isn't it great to have these guys around to make it easier for us with our 'apples'? Check out and register in their site and be part of the Pinoy Apple Community.   

The Supreme(Not??) Court of the Philippines

Few days ago, my girlfriend shared to me something really disappointing and disturbing. Apparently, she was also 'shaken' about what she learned which is something really sad for the country. It also stirred the same emotion from me.

The Supreme Court and its Justices are looked up by most Filipinos as most intact when in comes to integrity. Of course, this is compared to the other departments of the Philippine Government. They are supposedly the "good guys" of the government where corruption seemed to be as common as flies.

One of the Justices seemed to have shrugged off plagiarism in one of his delicate decisions ever. I just learned that the 'lack of malicious intent' and the incapacity of computer softwares can now be used as excuses to 'plagiarize' yet not quite.

This is probably one good example of correcting a mistake by another mistake. Justice Del Castillo tried to escape the call to resign by the UP Law Professors by making such a lame excuse. The excuse is so lame that even a regular college student would be ashamed to even use such.

Is admitting to have committed a mistake too hard that he can be excused to be dumb with coming up with poor excuses?

I am no lawyer. I wanted to be one though. But this is not even a hindrance for me to be smart and yet be humble enough to admit fault in every screw up I cause.

Smart or not, we are humans. One of our curse is our imperfection. We snap every so often. Being smart is no guarantee of perfection. Not quite.

Even Rosanna Roces is not as Flawless as she used to be and she knows and swallows it. So why can't our Justices admit fault when they see one?

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Talk JOLOGS

I was reading some of my favorite blogs when I chance upon this site which I really did not intend to click on. The link directed me to a site which has a very simple construction which, I must say, is not typical for its purpose.

The site offers to translate what ever you want to say in "Jologs Language". I am actually not sure if there is such a term. I have nothing against those who patronize or are themselves true-blue jologs. I even believe that there is a jologs in each of us somehow. It's just that some people are just so full of being jologs that it shows in how they dress up, talk, and text.

Let's face it, the Jologs is now considered as one of the fashion statements and you can see them almost everywhere now. So to those who are not a fan of being jologs, just hold your piece and let them be.

So here is the site I am talking about. It's called The Jologs-inator. Just type what you want to say in a 'normal' way, and the site will translate it in jologs terminology. I may not be a fan of those jolog caps and colorful Supra Shoes, but I had a laugh in translating some words in 'jologs'.

Jologs or not, have fun.




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There's Nothing Like Good Customer Service

Just few minutes ago I was in one of the well-known BPO's in the Metro. For a company known as one of the best, their 'receptionist' was not as friendly and courteous as one would expect. The experience with this receptionist's way of addressing visitors and future employees of the company left a bad taste in my mouth. I just hope the company will be able to make it up with their excellence in what they are known for---oddly enough, customer service.

Things like this should not be taken for granted by even the big guns in every business industry. Customer experience is a vital aspect of a company's reputation and later on their business. If customer service sucks, possible clients or customers might not even be interested to even check out the good stuff the company has to offer.

Companies who are aware of this fact, don't take this for granted and would really invest on improving their front-liners.

I will be coming back to that company soon and I just hope she's going to be nicer to people next time. Unless she wants her superiors to call her attention after some "little bird" advised them about her bitchiness. :-)




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Goodbye 2009...Hello 2010 !!!

I spent the final hours of the year 2009 at my girlfriend's house to welcome 2010 and what it brings. The same time last year, I was also here but it was a bit different scene. Lola Tele was still around and the whole Santos Family celebrated the season all hopeful for her recovery. She passed away just few months ago though.

Baked Macaroni

As almost every New Year (or Christmas) Season, Sheril baked her famously delicious baked macaroni. Knowing her, she bakes it with all of her expertise and finesse. I can say that she is consistent in aspects that involve her precious time and efforts when it comes to how the result would be. Shen does almost everything without any compromise to quality. And that doesn't exclude even baking or cooking. Well, good for those who she would cook or bake for, right?

Short-lived Vacation

For most of us, the vacation this season is somehow short-lived. Well, I believe it always is when it comes to spending quality time and happy moments with loved ones. Time is somewhat few minutes short every time you find yourself enjoying. It's not that I'm complaining but I only got to spend two days off from work. For years now, I get lucky if I get to find myself shouting "Happy New Year!" while not on a call. Call center life has been eating up my time for almost 6 years now. So I guess, I still got lucky this year.

New Year's Resolution

Now that the new year has just introduced itself to us, we can see ourselves 'shouting' to the world our the resolutions that we have on our list. No one knows how this "tradition(?)" came to life but it's undeniably the most common practice every year. Well, whatever our list have-- some of them might not even find it's realization the whole year-- let us hope things will be better for each of us this year.

So do you have your New Year's Resolution list full now? If not, well, better start writing yours down. Good luck!

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.

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

Is There Hope For Men?

f a tree falls in the forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound?”

It’s one of those ordinary days at work. People are busy doing their own thing; work and even non-work related stuff. You hear keyboard taps from every corner and, most of the time, people around are sounding like not from the country. Occasionally, crisp giggles and loud laughter-s are heard, which are actually signs that people here are trying to laugh away boredom. All-in-all, this day is nothing but exciting or noteworthy.

Not to some of us, perhaps.

He is noticeably quiet today. Then turns on the PC and prepares all the tools and applications needed to do the job we do every single day. The janitor who cleaned the floor and the stations seemed to have not placed his chair the way he always wanted it, so he fixed it. After everything is ready, he then put on the headset, got his calculator, slouches and takes calls. But sadness is all over his face.

I was aching to ask him what’s bothering him which is responsible for that sadness painted all over him. After all, he is the closest to a friend that I have here at work. Without much effort soliciting, he began narrating what happened to him few days ago which lead to the situation he is in right now. But I wasn’t surprise to learn what happened. He has been talking about this since last year and I even “predicted” it would end the way it did.

He played with another “team”. He got involved with another woman without his wife’s knowing. He, somehow, cheated on his wife. That explains why he got evicted from his house by his daughter’s mother.

He’s not the perfect husband or dad. And I am not endorsing polygamy and the excuses men would normally blame it on. I am just sad that it happened to someone I know.

This episode gives the existence of such poignant truth as real as it gets. A lot has been said about this ‘failure of character’ of man. People have given it some thought and tried to get to its roots to try to understand it. They hope to, after understanding(?), come up with effective means to avoid such heartbreaking experience. And yet some men fall down on their knees with the same mud.

So is it hopeless for us men? Is there really a way around it? Or do we have to surrender to the fact that it will happen to all of us, one way or the other?

I really would still want to believe it is still possible. A few I know believes so too. Without this “faith” true love would be meaningless.

****

It was just an ordinary day at work. At least, for the rest of us it is. But it’s not how my friend would take it.

Memorial Day At Work

It’s has not been a fruitful day at work. It’s Memorial Day in the U.S. and everyone is not answering the phone. Actually, I believe the company should have sent us home since it would just be a waste of time and the company’s resource for letting us report for work.

I look around and see my Team Leader talking to Joel, a teammate, about basketball, Lebron, and the playoffs. These guys just love the sport and they won’t mind sharing their take or own review on a current game. I can now hear my TL sharing (bragging, actually) how well he played during one of his games. Then you’ll see him with his reenactment of his moves.

Then there’s Carla who’s busy cutting out some shapes for decorating their stations or desks. The company is currently have this program or contest and would give prices to those stations that are well decorated. Of course it won’t be just any decorations it has to follow a certain theme. And the theme is all about Flores de Mayo. Honestly, I don’t know what to think about these flowers and leaves made out of paper they made me put on my station. My station now looks like one of those ‘arko’ during Santa Cruzan.

But Gel seemed not in the mood right now. Then I would find out that the guy who has been bothering her emotionally just text-ed her. Though she’s a few stations apart from me, I still learned about it since she’s sending me messages thru our chat system. I’ve heard the same story, same excuses, and same concerns over and over again. But I understand that the girl has been through a lot with this guy, and with the others, and I believe she’s emotionally disturbed in this aspect. And somehow, I feel glad she trusts me with those stuffs and thinks I could give her some sound advice. But sometimes, I don’t think she wants to follow my advice but just wants someone to share the problem with, someone who would listen.

Then, there are you have the other people on the floor, doing their own stuff other than work. Some are just busy fixing how their make-ups are. One is arranging the Gundam figures on his desk (you’ll find his toys occupying every corner of his desk). And still there are those just taking it easy and sleep it off. I’m sure they’ll be in trouble with their Wrap Time and Handling Time numbers later on.

The environment is just so damn boring and dragging today. I still believe they should have not asked us to work today.

(As for me, I was just checking out new things online and, of course, blogging the whole time. He he he)

DJ Chico Garcia Did It To Me Again

Sorry, guys, I just can't help but post an entry from DJ Chico Garcia's Blog. I find it funny and worth posting to get a good laugh. Honestly, I believe I can relate to this entry since I am also fond of singing songs with my own lyrics. No, I'm definitely not a composer or even trying to be one but when the lyrics escape me, I would do it my way. I can carry a tune(ahem) but I suck with lyrics(he he). But surprisingly, people love it every time I "make fun" of the songs. They just don't get the clue; that I really don't know the lyrics most of the time but just like the song...right lyrics or not.

So here is the The Top Ten Misheard Lyrics:

1. Kikoy/PrettyMe17/Ponce/Rodney – George Benson’s Nothing’s Gonna Change My Love For You: “Nothing’s gonna change my love for you, you know naman my love how much I love you…”
2. Hannah – Billy Joel’s I Love You Just The Way You Are: “Jong jong jing jing…to try and please me…”
3. Acer – Elvis Presley’s Hound Dog: “You ain’t nothing but a hotdog, catsup all the time…”
4. Luxurious Chic/His Cuteness – Leavin On A Jet Plane: “Kiss me and smaffle me, tell me that you’ll wait for me…”
5. No name – Ticket To Ride : “She’s got a chicken to ride…”
6. Jeremiah – “On the 12th day of Christmas my tuna century…”
7. Automatic Allan – Rico Mambo: “Aray ko mambo, aray ko mambo yeah…”
8. Mikul – “Killing me softly with his thong…”
9. Le Meow – Phil Collins’ One More Night: “One monay, gimme just one monay…”
10. Pishbol – Tina Arena’s Burn: “Do you wanna eat a poet…with rice…”
11. Lala – Michael Jackson’s I Just Can’t Stop Loving You: “I just can’t taft avenue…”
12. Monica ni Doms – Greatest Love of All: “I decided long ago, never to walk with Edu Manzano…”
13. Hoiram – Basil Valdez’ Kung Ako’y Iiwan Mo: “Kung ako’y…ihian mo…”
14. No name – Crazy For You: “Trying hard to control my fart…”
15. Luxurious Chic – Britney Spears’ Hit Me Baby One More Time: “My only nest is killing me…”
16. Gorgeous Bitch – Sheena Easton’s Telefone: “London distance love affair, whoa…”
17. Astroboy/Racer/AllRack – Chris Brown’s With You: “I need your boobs…I gotta see you boobs…”
18. Schisto – “Joy to the world, the Lord is come, berting, berting, berting!”
19. Nikamorphosis – “Starry starry night…paint your panty blue and grey…”
20. Horhe – Could This Be Love: “Kutis bayag…or just a memory of the two of us together…”
21. Astroboy – “Put your egg on my shoulder…”
22. Pulanglangit – Ang Huling El Bimbo – “Kamukha mo si…batwoman…”
23. Odick – River Maya’s Liwanag Sa Dilim: “Isabaw mo sa kanin ang ihi ng kambing…ikaw ang liwanag sa dilim…”
24. Obadiah – Nandito Ako: “Nanghipo ako, umiibig sa yo…”
25. Czaracellane – JLo’s Let’s Get Loud: “Get set loud, get set loud!”
26. Joel – Billy Joel’s Uptown Girl – “Rectangle…she’s been living in a rectang-world…”
27. Lavander Girl – Alanis Morrissette’s You Oughtta Know: And I’m here to remind you of the cross-eyed bear that you gave to me…”
28. Ronwaldo – Air Supply: “Makin love…automatic na relo…automatic na relo…”
29. Herbie – P. Diddy’s Last Night: “Last night…I couldn’t even get to EDSA…”
30. Your Highness – “I can’t live…if Lebanese without you…I can’t live…”
31. Specialist – “Why do you giddyap, buttercup baby when you let me down…”
32. Pinkish Black – Beauty and the Beast: “Tell us all the time…”
33. Komadori – JLo: “Don’t be fooled by the rocks talaga…used to have a little now nawawala…”
34. Filthy Rich Beggar – Whitney Houston: “One moment inside…”
35. Krismina – Rihanna’s Disturbia: “Vam Vampira, Vam Vam Vampira…”
36. Geyp – David Archuleta’s Crush: “Why do I keep running from the tarush…”
37. Sawyer – Eraserheads: Ang Huling El Bimbo: “Kamukha mo si…Barracuda…”
38. McDenzel – “Mahal kita, walang iba, paniwalaan mo sana ako, shit ka…”
39. SPY Shadow – “Would you like to ride…in my beauty pulburon…”
40. Jaepea – Roxette’s It Must’ve been love: “Masakit love…but it’s over now…”
41. Mikeeesuave – One Republic’s Apologize: “It’s too late to have a child…it’s too late…”
42. Kid Bukid – Pump Up The Jam: “Pokpok si Gem…”
43. Jose de vengenge – Beyonce’s Irreplaceable: “Chuvalens, chuvalens, everything you own in the box chuvalens…”

Well, I hope you liked it as much as the 'jologs' in me did. It sure did make me laugh and stretch my face muscles. Some fun are still inexpensive, you just have to know where to look.

Dreaming Big In The Big World

Few days ago I was feeling a little low. I got myself some reality check and didn't like how it made me feel. A friend in college called me up couple of nights ago and we were talking about how life has treated us and some of our friends. It's been long since we've seen each other since I relocated myself here in Manila. I've lived most of my life in the city of Cebu.

I remember in our 4th year in college, though not knowing what lies ahead, we asked each other what we would want to be few years after our graduation. Like among the others I also enthusiastically shared that I want to find myself successful like the rest. Although the path wasn't crystal clear, I planned to excel in the field of Human Relations. Further studies in Psychology or give Law a shot also were some of the few I lined up for me after that door to the outside world would open. Since I was in the seminary for eight long but memorable years, the "door to the outside world" was meant literally. With those mentioned, I put on my toga and marched to my college graduation beaming with confidence and pride because the best things were just waiting for me outside those walls...so I thought.

After that conversation with my friend Aldwin, who is currently a professor in literature back home and is currently taking his PHd, the world seemed to have stopped for awhile for me. I asked myself where I am right now with those plans. And the answer made me sit back and stare blankly at the wall for a moment which seemed like eternity. The fact that I am nowhere close to achieving any of the goals I set myself years back made me worry. That moment I really felt like a failure. Was I just wasting the years that passed or did I just let the wind blow me where it wants me to be?

I am currently working in the call center. And I have worked for five call centers here in Manila for the past, what, five years? So the person I see right now in front of the mirror is definitely not the person I thought I would be. I'm not doing HR works and not even making Pleadings or attending hearings (well occasionally I attend hearings for the sole reason of being with my girlfriend who is a lawyer).

So do I have any regrets? Probably. But that doesn't mean I'm not at all proud of what I've achieved for the past years. I definitely have literally shed blood and tears just to get to where I am right now. I can even feel and enjoy it looking at my current payslip. So I realized that I should not feel bad. My "change of path" shouldn't be thought of as a failure. The challenges and hurdles I've gone through and survived definitely made me a stronger person that I am now. My strengths are all clear to me and I have worked to improve myself in areas where my weaknesses reside.

The proud and confident Cebuano who used to have big dreams back in his hometown is now in Manila with bigger and clearer dreams to make it here.

But what made me change path? Am I going for a mediocre dream?

I doubt it. I noticed that the plans I had for myself was all about me. But as I matured, I realized that they won't make me happier since I won't be able to share it with the people I hold dear. The plans I have right now includes those special few. So I'm gunning for bigger plans...bigger dreams!

Let me end this with a something I read from DJ Chico Garcia's blog by Kaboosh22; Life is good when you’re happy & blessed. But life is at its best when other people are happy & blessed because of you.