Why live in the Philippines?

(Sometimes, we need to laugh at ourselves)

When I travel, people often ask me why I live in the Philippines ? Well here it is..... It is the only place on earth where......

1. Every street has a basketball court.

2. Even doctors, lawyers and engineers are unemployed.

3. Doctors study to become nurses for employment abroad.

4. Students pay more money than they will earn afterwards.

5. School is considered the second home and the mall considered the third.

6. Call-center employees earn more money than teachers and nurses.

7. Everyone has his personal ghost story and superstition.

8. Mountains like Makiling and Banahaw are considered holy places.

9. Everything can be forged.

10. All kinds of animals are edible.

11. Starbucks coffee is more expensive than gas.

12. Driving 4 kilometers can take as much as four hours.

13. Flyovers bring you from the freeway to the side streets.

14. Crossing the street involves running for your dear life.

15. The personal computer is mainly used for games and Friendster.

16. Where colonial mentality is dishonestly denied!

17. Where 4 a.m. is not even considered bedtime yet.

18. People can pay to defy the law. 19. Everything and everyone is spoofed.

20. Where even the poverty-stricken get to wear Ralph Lauren and Tommy Hilfiger (japeyks!) 21. The honking of car horns is a way of life.

22. Being called a bum is never offensive.

23. Floodwaters take up more than 90 percent of the streets during the rainy season.

24. Where everyone has a relative abroad who keeps them alive.

25. Where wearing your national colors make you baduy.

26. Where even the poverty-stricken have the latest cell phones. (GSM = Galing Sa Magnanakaw)

27. Where insurance does not work.

28. Where water can only be classified as tap and dirty.

29. Clean water is for sale (35 pesos per gallon).

30. Where the government makes the people pray for miracles. (Amen to that!)

31. Where University of the Philippines where all the weird people go.

32. Ateneo is where all the nerds go. 33. La Salle is where all the Chinese go.

34. College of Saint Benilde is where all the stupid Chinese go.

35. University of Asia and the Pacific is where all the irrelevantly rich people go.

36. Fast food is a diet meal. 37. Traffic signs are merely suggestions, not regulations.

38. Where being mugged is normal and It happens to everyone..

39. Rodents are normal house pets.

40. The definition of traffic is the 'non-movement' of vehicles.

41. Where the fighter planes of the 1940s are used for military engagements and;

42. The new fighter planes are displayed in museums.

43. Where cigarettes and alcohol are a necessity, and where the lottery is a commodity.

44. Where soap operas tell the realities of life and where the news provides the drama.

45. Where actors make the rules and where politicians provide the entertainment.

46. People can get away with stealing trillions of pesos but not a thousand.

47. Where being an hour late is still considered punctual (Grabe talaga 'to!)

48. Where the squatters have more to complain (even if they do not pay their tax) - than those employed and have their tax automatically deducted from their salaries.

49. And where everyone wants to leave the country!

FILIPINO SIGNS OF WIT:

1. The sign in a flower shop in Diliman called Petal Attraction.

2. Anita Bakery

3. A 24-hour restaurant called Doris Day & Night

4. Barber shop called Felix The Cut

5. A bakery named Bread Pitt

6. Fast-food place selling 'maruya' (banana fritters) called Maruya Carey.

7. Then, there is Christopher Plumbing

8. A boutique called The Way We Wear

9. A video rental shop called Leon King Video Rental

10. A restaurant in Cainta district of Rizal called Caintacky Fried Chicken

11. A local burger restaurant called Mang Donald's

12. A doughnut shop called MacDonuts

13. A shop selling 'lumpia' (egg roll) in Makati called Wrap and Roll

14. And two butcher shops called Meating Place and Meatropolis.
Smart travelers can decipher what may look like baffling signs to unaccustomed foreigners by simply sounding out the 'Taglish' .
The Philippine version of English words spelled and pronounced with a heavy Filipino such as:
15. At a restaurant menu in Cebu ? We hab sopdrink in can an in batol? [translation: We have soft drinks in can and in bottle].

16. Then, there is a sewing accessories shop called Bids And Pises [translation: Beads and Pieces --or-- Bits and Pieces]
There are also many signs with either badly chosen or misspelled words but they are usually so entertaining that it would be a mistake to 'correct' them like.......
17. In a restaurant in Baguio City , the 'summer capital' of the Philippines : Wanted: Boy Waitress

18. On a highway in Pampanga: We Make Modern Antique Furniture

19. On the window of a photography shop in Cabanatuan : We Shoot You While You Wait20. And on the glass front of a cafe in Panay Avenue in Manila : Wanted: Waiter, Cashier, Washier

Some of the notices can even give a wrong impression such as:
21. A shoe store in Pangasinan which has a sign saying:
We Sell Imported Robber Shoes (these could be the 'sneakiest' sneakers!)22. A rental property sign in Jaro reads: House For Rent, Fully Furnaced (it must really be hot inside!)
Occasionally, one could come across signs that are truly unique - if not altogether odd.
23. City in southern Philippines which said:
Adults: 1 peso
Child: 50 centavos
Cadavers: fare subject to negotiation
24. European tourists may also be intrigued to discover two competing shops selling hopia (a Chinese pastry) called Holland Hopia and Poland Hopia - which are owned and operated by two local Chinese entrepreneurs, Mr. Ho and Mr. Po respectively (believe it or not!)
25. Some folks also 'creatively' redesign English to be more efficient. The creative confusion between language and culture leads to more than just simple unintentional errors in syntax, but in the adoption of new words, says reader Robert Goodfellow who came across a sign ..... “House Fersallarend' (house for sale or rent). Why use five words when two will do?
26. According to Manila businessman, Tonyboy Ongsiako, there is so much wit in the Philippines because...

We are a country where a good sense of humor is needed to survive. We have a 24-hour comedy show here called the government and a huge reserve of comedians made up mostly of politicians and bad actors.

Now I ask you where else in the world would one want to live?

Miss you all guys!!

Kumpleto ah! Sinong may pasimuno nito?OMG! Am I missing a lot lately? Doher--Daniel--Migss--Micha--Joana--Mike

Louie--Chiwee--January--Michelle--Mike

LAGUNA NATURE TRIP

Look where, Ailish? Thanks Aileen for the Chupa chups!!

CRMO- Past and Future

One of Many Pieces

CHAPTER 1

(Originally written by Kate; made more interesting by Mike and Ailish)

He walked towards the locked door, unlocked it and slammed on his way out. He's gone... he went away with somebody else, with one of my closest friends. I was left alone with a tear in my eyes and pain in my heart…

There are truckloads of mess piled up on my study table that night -my unfinished plates in drawing, my 20-item unsolved problems in geometry and my homework in chemistry. My aunt had called me for a dinner but my empty stomach doesn't want to be filled. I just said "busog pa po..." I heard her say 'ang payat-payat na nga di pa kumakain, mamamatay ka diyan sa ginagawa mo'. I whispered "I wish I did..."

The phone rang. I hurriedly went towards the telephone. I was very eager to know who called. I wished it was him.. I hoped it was him.. I prayed it was him who called to say he's changing his mind. That he still needs me. That he still loves me. When i reached the phone I hurriedly lifted it. The voice on the other line was unfamiliar and he was looking for my cousin. My cousin laughed at me while saying "Pahiya ka no? Akala mo naman kasi laging sa'yo".

Feeling disappointed, I went back to my room and seated in front of the mirror. I stared at myself and uttered "asa ka pa…"

I took a deep breath. Suddenly, tears fell down cascading on my cheeks. Then one by one the memories of the past echoed in my memory...

I remembered how it was like during the first time I entered the university. I didn't like the place. I never dreamt of studying there. "Hindi dapat ako nandoon, dapat nasa Baguio ako, dapat nursing student ako. Si lolo kasi...” Until such time I got used to my new environment and everything that surrounds me became a common place.

One time my instructor in P.E. grouped the class into 5 groups. The grouping was based on our seating arrangement. Seating beside me was a chinky-eyed, fair-skinned man, about 6 ft tall. "Tsk... tsk... ka-group ko yung masungit na intsik..." The group i belonged was always commended. We were tagged as the 'best group' in class. Courtesy of him. He always had his good ideas - it made me notice him.

Chemistry is one of my fave subjects. I would go to one corner of the room, away from my classmates just to listen as attentively as I can. But one time, during our chemistry class, he sat beside me. He asked me if I could make him a poem. I said "ok" and hoped he would stop but to my surprise, he talked, talked and talked. That was the very first time I missed taking notes from my Chem class - the very first time I allowed somebody to interrupt me from listening. It all started there. We began to call each other at night and talk until dawn.

One weekend, we were at one of our classmate's house, doing our homework in drawing. He handed me a piece of paper. On that paper was written "I love you...”

..I was dumbfounded...

Few weeks later while waiting for our professor for the next subject one of my friends asked me in front of the class and in front of him if I love him too. Cornered, I looked at him. He was busy manipulating his calculator, as if nothing was happening. My friend asked me the question again. I didn't know where I got the courage to say "oo". Everybody yelled. I saw him looked at me. I saw him smiled...

I smiled for a while but the fact that I am losing him kept my tears from falling heavier and heavier. That day was one of the darkest days in my life. That was the day when he said the nerve-wrecking words. The very day he asked me to let him go. I've got no idea, but I had let him leave without asking why.

Two weeks later I learned from a friend that he was courting somebody else. Someone who happened to be one of my closest friends. The news had really hollered my nerve. I was in deep pain.

Since we were on the same class, I saw how happy they were together. I saw how they giggled. I saw how tight he hugged her. I saw how he cared for her. I saw how he loved her. A month ago, I was on that girl's place. I was the one being taken cared of.

I was totally shattered. My studies were even neglected. He was all I needed. And I wanted him back.

He's generally good in class but he seldomly does his homework and projects. Whenever I learn that he was not able to do them, I would secretly do the stuff for him.Everybody was pushing me to move on but I chose to stay there and wait for him. I had loved him so much and I had been more than willing to forgive him and accept him back.

The semester has ended. That time lolo also happened to take his vacation from his job. He's a ship-captain so we only see him every 6 months. One morning he asked me how I did in school. I showed him my class cards and as expected, I was scolded for hitting such low grades. I tearfully convinced him to let me enrol to a nursing school. I wanted to avoid him. But my lolo was firm. "Next sem makikita ko nanaman siya. Makikita ko nanaman silang magkasama. Masasaktan nanaman ako...” But still, I wanted him back...

2 long years had passed. I got tired of waiting. I eventually accepted that he's not really meant for me.

I learned that it is sometimes easier to let go than to hold on...
I learned that it is harder to move on when you are actually digging yourself deeper into the situation you're in..
I learned that you shouldn't fit yourself to a small-sized t-shirt when you actually have an extra large body..
I learned that when you are trying to wait for the person you're not sure would come back, you are actually hurting yourself with a sharp-edged knife--and the longer you wait, the more painful it will be..
I learned that closing his chapter in my life would not mean it's the ultimate end. It actually opened a new one...(=';'=)

…and then, two more years later, Mike came. He’s a lot better than the man I used to love….

I enjoyed talking to him….
We used to… do things together such as shop and badminton. He’s such a sweet lad…Always caring for my well-being...

Unfortunately, I had to go….

But I hope he’s still there when I come back.

…so we could go shopping together again...

And Mike did…

He waited for years…

On a regular day of work, I woke up and stared at the large city of Singapore. At a glance, I cannot help but compare the city of Manila with where I am now. I missed everything that I used to do in the Philippines, especially when I’m with Mike. I washed by face and shaved my legs. Then, I once again found myself staring from afar; reaching close to the window, hoping that I could have the chance to see his face again.

Realizing how much I miss my Brownie Mike, I picked up my mobile phone and called him up..

“Mike?”

“Who is this?” asked Mike, who obliviously just woke up…

“It’s me Kate, how are you?”

“Kate???” he asked with great enthusiasm. “I’m here in Singapore. Let’s meet!”

“Really?! But I already booked my flight to Philippines at 12 noon today! I wanted to surprise you and I can’t wait for another 1 long month to see you. I’m already on my way to the airport”

Mike did not reply…

“Mike, didn't you hear what I just said? I am on my way to the airport… I am now waiting for a cab…”

Then, someone tapped and said, “Can I help you with your luggage?”

That voice sounds awfully familiar; I immediately turned and surprise to see Mike…

“What are you doing here?”

‘Well, one of the reasons is that I can’t stand another day not seeing you.

Another is, I couldn't refuse to the offer here in as a luggage boy…this hotel pays good with their crew…’ he replied.

“what?, you accepted the offer?!”

“obviously” Mike replied grinningly

“but you should’ve applied for a better job.. I mean, Accenture is a well-known company in terms of IT. You should have --- uhh” kate sighed…

“Hahaha! I kid!!” Then Mike laughed out hard, almost catching his breath.

Unfortunately, I didn't like his joke. I stared at him for a few second and felt my tears falling down my cheeks. I couldn't believe he's here. Right in front of me. I wanted to hug him and perhaps kiss him but I didn't know if it was right.

"Are you sure you're leaving by noon?"

I was still caught in the moment of silence. It took another minute before his question come into me. I squeezed the passport that I am holding and realized that indeed, in a few hours, I need to ride that F@%&8*$$ plane and leave. I didn't want to. I wanna stay in his arms forever. I don't want to be away from him ever again.

"Wanna talk? Over a cup of Coffee..your treat!"

As soon as he threw the question, I instantly answered, "Sure!". He giggled. Perhaps, he noticed how the feeling of mixed excitement and sadness conquer me.

He carried my luggage back to my place. Silence dominate my room... It's just the two of us under that four-cornered room. What should I say? What should I do? Should I offer him something to drink? Oh my God! How should I entertain him?

"You looked a lot sexier than the last time I saw you", he whispered.

After I heard those words, I was drawn into deep silence. Everything was plain black. Next thing I knew, we were in a coffee shop... He was sipping a hot cappucino and I was sitting in front of him. Day-dreaming.

I still could not believe that Mike is here in Singapore…

Right here in front of me…

Drinking his cappuccino…

I was too mesmerized to realize that I missed my flight…

But then, love is more important that money,

I could regain what I loss in a matter of two weeks with my current salary…

So, missing that stupid flight is no waste after all…

We began planning our Christmas day,

When unexpectedly my phone begin to ring…

“hello?”

“Kate? “ said the caller

This voice surely sounds familiar, I could feel my heart beat faster by the second as I asked, “who is this?”

“It’s me Jake. I heard from former friends that you’re based in Singapore… and I was wondering if you could show me around since I just arrived…”

I could not speak… surely I missed Jake despite the heartache he caused me… but I could not bare to see Mike get hurt…

“What should I do?” I asked myself…

“I learned that it is sometimes easier to let go than to hold on...
I learned that it is harder to move on when you are actually digging yourself deeper into the situation you're in..
I learned that you shouldn't fit yourself to a small-sized t-shirt when you actually have an extra large body..
I learned that when you are trying to wait for the person you're not sure would come back, you are actually hurting yourself with a sharp-edged knife--and the longer you wait, the more painful it will be..”


These phrases kept repeating over my head. Years ago, I have completely let go of my feeling for Jake. But why am I getting so confused? Why does my heart beat louder and louder? I paused for another moment, leading to deep silence that drew Mike’s attention. Just then, I got surprised when Mike hold my hand. And like magic, the confusion suddenly vanished. The lingering disruptions causing my headache began to fade. I hung up to Jake and turned off my fone. I held my other hand close to Mike’s hand and realized that he has completely healed my swollen heart.

I then scolded myself.

“Why should I let myself get confused by Jake when the man who could give me perfect happiness is already right beside me?”

“Kate, there’s something I really wanted to tell you …” Mike suddenly said

And this time, his face has gotten all serious…

He slowly squeezed my hands as he said…

“ those years that we have been apart made me realize that … “ he started

"..it’s such a great mistake to ever let you go…
… to set you all alone in the wilderness that is unsafe and terrifying."

He then took a deep breath and said,
"Kate, I’m just a boy, standing in front of a girl, hoping that she loves me back…"

“…ehem…scratch that…”, then he giggled again as if he was mimicking Dianne, our past teammate. “Seriously now”, pauses to clear throat, “kate, you have grown to be such an amazing woman. I never thought that you could be this beautiful. Each time I look at you I can’t help but fall deeper. You complete the person that I am. I never felt so complete and alive when I’m with you. I may never have told you but our usual dates from the past, the window-shopping trip and the food trip, were part of my past that I will never ever forget. I am looking forward to doing those crazy romantic things again…with you.”

Pauses again to clear throat. Then, slowly knelt, still while holding my hand.

“Please tell me you feel the same way…”

“Oh Mike, you already knew what my answer would be…”

“yes, I’d love to do them again”

I cried once again, I held him up and hugged him tight…

and tighter…

No more fears.

No more holding back.

No more worries.

No more uncertainties...

I now know that he was the missing piece…

The one who completes me…

The one who will be there… no matter what…

For he had proven this in the past…

He remained beside me…

Waited years for my returned…

He has been and will always be there…

Even though the Café was filled with people, I do not feel their presence…

All I could see was me and my Brownie Mike…

As I reiterate before, I needed a brand new start…

No more goodbyes, only mornings with my beloved Mike.

I few moments more, we were touring the sites of Singapore. I hugged his arms as we cross the street just like before. I liked to believe nothing has changed. He escorted me as I bought lovely pink items from the sidewalk just after we ate at a fancy restaurant nearby. Then suddenly, as we were shopping at the CityLink Mall, a loud sound coming from closeby was heard and the crowd in the mall strated to panic.

Everyone screamed and ran towards the exit. I was about to grab Mike to pull him away from the crowd when, to my surprise, he was lying on the floor bathing in his own blood with a gunshot on his chest. I sat next to him, crying. I screamed on the top of my lungs hoping that someone could come and offer help.

Then from the thick panicking crowd emerged a man who is insanely laughing as he walked towards us. He wore a cap to disguise himself and carried a gun which he used to accomplish his plan of murder. His physique looked so familiar… so did his stance and overall aura…

Then, I knew who he was…


“JAKE……………………………!!”

GIRLS, KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

I was talking with a lawyer friend of mine. We were discussing the law andwomen`s rights. She told me about this incident - a young girl was raped bya man posing as a plain clothes officer; he asked her to come to the policestation when she and her male friend didn ' t have a driver`s license toshow. He sent the boy off to get his license and asked the girl to accompanyhim to the police station. But instead, the officer took her to an isolated area where thehorrendous crime was committed.Infact, the law clearly states that between 6 pm and 6am, a woman has theright to REFUSE to go to the Police Station, even if an arrest warrant hasbeen issued against her. It is a procedural issue that a woman can bearrested between 6pm and 6 am , ONLY if she is arrested by a woman officerand taken to an ALL WOMEN police station. And if she is arrested by a maleofficer, it has to be proven that a woman officer was on duty at the time ofarrest.It is good for us to know our rights. To what extent it comes of use remainsto be seen in any situation. But as they say, knowledge is power. Justthought I`d share this with you.

I'm an Independent Thinker

Independent Thinkers are analytical and witty persons. They are normally self-confident and do not let themselves get worked up by conflicts and criticism. They are very much aware of their own strengths and have no doubts about their abilities. People of this personality type are often very successful in their career as they have both competence and purposefulness. Independent Thinkers are excellent strategists; logic, systematics and theoretical considerations are their world. They are eager for knowledge and always endeavour to expand and perfect their knowledge in any area which is interesting for them. Abstract thinking comes naturally to them; scientists and computer specialists are often of this type.Independent Thinkers are specialists in their area. The development of their ideas and visions is important to them; they love being as flexible as possible and, ideally, of being able to work alone because they often find it a strain having to make their complex trains of thought understandable to other people. Independent Thinkers cannot stand routine. Once they consider an idea to be good it is difficult to make them give it up; they pursue the implementation of that idea obstinately and persistently, also in the face of external opposition.Independent Thinkers are not the type who easily comes out of his shell. Speaking about their emotional life is also not one of their strong points. Anyway, social relationships are not particularly important to them; they are happy with just a few, close friends who find it easy to share their intellectual world. They find it difficult to establish new ties. In love, they need a lot of space and independence but this does not mean that their partner is not important to them. Independent Thinkers often make a cool and reserved impression on others; but this impression is deceptive: they can hardly bear it if people close to them should reject them. They prefer a harmonious, balanced relationship with a partner who shares their interests and with whom they can realise their visions.
Adjectives which describe your type
introverted, theoretical, logical, planning, rational, independent, intellectual, self-confident, analytical, structured, dogged, witty, resolute, self-critical, visionary, inventive, independent, unsociable, reserved, nonconformist, quiet, visionary, honest, demanding, hardworking

HALLOWEEN PARTY

Cge nga..hanapin nyo ako???haha
ATM-MPLS TEAM
WITH THE CONTIGENCY TEAM
ALL HT PEEPS

Gosh!! I'm famous!!

Homecoming

It’s been two months since I had a visit to my hometown. I am working in Manila and finding time and money to go back to Naga is really difficult. Though, I thought that it’s about time to spend time with my family and friends especially that I wasn’t able to attend the town fiesta two to three weeks ago. So I did. I set up a 4-day vacation from work and decided to make it up with my loved ones. It was a fun stay really. It just made me remember the old times that my parents and me had back then. I spent more than 10 bucks for my friends and we we were able to hang out like the way we used to. Who ever thought that staying in Naga would be so fun…. And expensive…LOL. Just for this four-day stay, I spent 200 dollars or more!! Sigh, It’s worth the money, though. I wish I could do this again.

Honored

Just wanna thank those who are making use of this site as their major reference in their assignments at school. Recently, I received a text message from a girl from Negros thanking me for this site. I was honored. I mean that was not the first time that someone had thanked me for articles that I wrote. I am getting used to this.

It's been a while

It’s been a while since I wrote in this blog. I miss blogging. But I really don’t have the time as of now to constantly update this site. Sigh. So instead of writing something interesting I’m posting this photo that I just edited using Adobe. Here’s my team:

Accenture Awards night at SMX Mall of Asia Convention Center

Pacute lang=P

Nung tinangka kong nakawin ang mga ginto ni Pilandok..

The company signature pose... June 2 New Recruits with Hot dancer/HR representative Jo Agulay

A night of loud music: Spongecola proves they can really set the house on fire!
Bottoms up! Mike, Allen and Raffy!
Wacky, uh?
The awardees...?

BUSY @ WORK (seriously)

One day, nagdown lahat ng software, so nagparty na lang kami sa office...=P
HEPA team... in their outrageous performance!
First few steps at the site...
Hawaiian Telecom Peeps

The ATM-MPLS team plus Jollibee and Sherwin...

ANTIPOLO GETAWAY

Ever ordered McFloat @ Jollibee?

LOL. Stupid me. I just made the cashier so embarrased. LOL.

AT THE 37TH FLOOR: PANG-TARPAULIN!

PHOTOSHOT FOR MUNCH DAY

AT LAST! RUBIK'S CUBE SOLVED IN TWO MINUTES!

NAPAPALA NG WALANG MAGAWA...LOL
LABAN KA? 4 by 4 YaN! HAHA

For years, I kept on thinking that it's impossible for any human being to ever solve the rubiks' cube... until just recently. Downtown Naga is not new to this childish crap of rotating each side of the cube until all colors are joined together. It's hard. I thought that only genius people could ever crack the mystery behind this mind-buggling puzzle. But the moment I set foot in the office of my very first ever job, I realized that being among those who quit a minute after touching the unsolved cube is like being among those mentally incapacitated and literally stupid individuals.

Good thing I learned fast. Now, I can finish the rubiks cube in less than two minutes. How cool is that?yehaa..

Victimized Jobhunter

I was about to grab some snacks at Jollibee when I set eyes on a distinct young aged fellow among the huge number of passer-bys. He was wearing faded jeans (which was troo loose for him) and an out-of-fashion boldly printed shirt. He was distinct not because of his clothes but because of his noticeable behavior. He was walking repeatedly in slow paced from left to right, panting and sighing while trying to dial a friend to rescue him using his 5110 mobile phone (just so you know, that's the oldest handset I know). Anyway, why rescue? His wallet was stolen! Tsk Tsk. More than the feeling of shame, he was in great shock after losing evrything he's got! The snatcher must be really in great need of money... victimizing even those who would be seen as a poor and 'probinsyano' (I know he's from the province because of his customary clothes). He was seeking for job (with this I am sure because along with him is an old transparent folder with an NBI clerance and other essential documents necessary for anyone to land a job). Tsk Tsk. Poor one... I just hope for him to find his way back to where he came from soon (perhaps by walking?LOL)

****I always win free fries or a sundae everytime I eat in Jollibee... please highlight 'EVERYTIME'...LOL. I'm soooo lucky!!!****

Never Ride an Ordinary Bus

I just have to 'commend' buses with Ali Mall-Naga route. Sigh! Even if I'm saving or in short of cash, I would never ever settle on ordinary buses. They're cheap indeed... but you have to be prepared to endure the agony of the bus' flip and forceful breaks, shake upside down, and even the constantly heartbeat raising left-right turns! Grr...The unfortunate thing is that on the course of the travel, a huge heavy bag fell straight to me face! It was hung above where I was seated together with a number of other bags and it just jumped over the moment the bus made a right turn. Man, I was the passengers' laughingstock! Tsk Tsk.

Don't worry... here's the catch.. ordinary buses have built-in TVs with DVD players. The problem is, the stereo's volume could only the first row of the passenger seat. And.... yeah! I forgot, the movies are pirated copies of 1980's Filipino films... when Dolphy was still a minor!!!LOL.

First week of work

It's been a while since I posted an entry here in my blog. As mush as I wanted so badly to document every event in my life in this blog, the company I'm working with is very serious about it's core value of integrity and confidentiality. Living here in Manila is keeps me busy, leaving me no time to even check my email. I enjoying everything though. It may seem to be quite difficult for a newly graduate, fragile and stupid (for now) man like me to live independently in the country's business zones... but I think I can do it.

Last week was my first week of work at Accenture. I just attended some seminars and trainings (sorry if I could not disclose the topics since they are of high confidentiality). The training was quite easy, especially knowing that I'm still at the 'bench' (that means, I'm not yet deployed in any project). Basically, a typical day for me at work would just be a struggle to kill time, or a 'bountiful' day in some important trainings. I'm really enjoying being with the accenture staff. They're like my Ulupong friends raised to the tenth power. They're hilarious and very accomodating. There's no dull moment when they're talking to us new recruits.

The only difficult thing about work is when it comes to travelling from home to work and vice versa. It would take me 2-3 rides (plus more than a kilometer walk) to reach the 37th floor of a huge building there in Ortigas. Even if I would always wake up before 4 in the morning to prepare for work, there's no assurance that I'll arrive at 8 o'clock or even earlier for work. I have to ride the jeep (which is usually stuck in a traffic) and after crossing three huge malls, the MRT (which is usually flocked by unimaginable number of passengers). My G-pass really could'nt help much in my easy access to the MRT. A typical day would mean a day to forcefuly hit my entire body with the others' just to easily get through the 'hindi mahulugang karayom na train'.

Moving forward... (=P), I'm now living with a close realtive here in Quezon City. They're just so hospitable and kind that they have let me come into their lives. With their kind offer for me to stay with them, I was privileged to utilize an airconditioned room, washing machine, refrigerator, internet-connected PC, IT and Programming books, lots of food, and other life necessities (e.i. celfone load and cable TV...LOL). With this, staying in this new terrain is just as simple as counting from one to ten.

Too Late

Ang tagal niyo kasi eh... haha!

‘Please be advised that you PASSED the Placement Phone interview. If you have taken the listening exam during the job fair, you may now have the Pre MED Exam in Mother Seton. If you have not taken the listening exam kindly inform me by texting your full name. I’ll give instructions. Thank you!’ –PLDT Ventus

'Would just like to ask if you will still pursue your application in our company?Please advise.'- Fujitsu Computer Corp.

The Queen's Escort

Reyna Elena… What the heck? It’s just a simple parade! Who would want to join such stupid Filipino Tradition?

(After five minutes)

(One Text Message)
Message: ‘Mike, escort ka daa ni Angie sa Reyna Elena.’
Mike’s Reply: ‘Now? Sure. I’ll be there by 2.’

Talk about consistency… LOL.

The Queen is ready!

The Queen is crowned!

The Queen together with her constituents!

The rise of the Queen!

Everyone bows over her.

The Queen roams over her land

The Queen is kidnapped by a monster!! LOL

Yeah...I'm taking it!

I just signed a two-year contract with Accenture as an Associate Software Engineer. Accenture is one of the amazing companies I applied to and I’m in no doubt that it’ll be a fun experience to work with them. Yeha! Even if the course I finished is not really in line with the software stuff, I think I’ll enjoy software development. Being a computer enthusiast is a good start… I guess… LOL. All the best of luck, Mike!

Why should I be hired?

Accenture is a globally competitive business entity which continuously proves its worth of its course of operations to serve its huge market. Knowing how big the company is, it would be such an honor for me to be able to work with the company. I must admit that the course that I finished is predominantly not in line with the job description to that of a software engineer. But my willingness to learn and strong passion towards work are some of the qualities that the company can be assured of me. I am determined, strong willed and have an amazing interpersonal skills. Having been among the few Ateneo de Naga’s Cum Laude, my dedication towards acquiring knowledge and practicing what I learn are really among my top priorities.

I am a person who loves to ride along the technological transition of the present time, especially when it comes to gadgets and systems that provide satisfaction and support to human welfare. I am astonished of how people can develop such technologies with great complexity and uniqueness, but have the qualities of practicability. I want to learn how it’s done and be able to help facilitate the process of human and business conduct.

I am up for the challenge of creating programs and business systems. I am ready to work with teams and be able to come up with something that is highly needed by the Accenture clients. I am ready for the rigid trainings and all sorts of pressures. As my first job (no experience at all ), all I can assure Accenture is my dedication and commitment. I know that the whole process (trainings and actual making of the software) is going to be hard, but I am so sure that I can make it. Being a 3-year blogger, yahoogroup moderator, member of various social network sites, and Internet enthusiast, the world of computer systems is not completely new for me. But, like I said, there’s more to it that I still have to know and I am so excited to explore and make use of the things that currently I am not able to grasp understanding of. So, bring it on!

Another Michael for the World to Remember

Ito ang pinakamayabang kong tula. Pagpasensyahan. Haha. Trip lang naman eh. Saka minsan lang ‘to.

I want thy name to be printed on books,
For people to honor thy life’s great works
I want to take part in the unfolding of fate
To be a person behind a joyful future-state.

I want to positively affect the course of history
Have my monuments erected in various cities,
To be an amazing icon worthy of admiration,
And be a symbol of man’s quest and aspiration!

Infliction

Mike’s poems are written originally for his own amusement, as they are the products of his leisure moments. He has no intention to have them published (for the moment…LOL). Currently, he writes at the importunity of many of his best, and most generous friends; to whom he considers himself as under the greatest obligations (in short, ‘utang’).

Infliction

Michael B. Arevalo
‘Para sa mga babaeng laging late, at sa mga lalaking nag-eenjoy maghintay sa mahal nilang late.’
For January Luzada, The Queen of Unpunctuality.

The myrtle shade stands witness for thy wait,
Cumulus clouds attest to the unveiling of fate,
With thy patience and hope, I stood and stayed,
Glimpse of thou image cause deception as it fades.

For hours, I was trapped in nature’s stillness,
Used to the agony of waiting, solitary sadness.
Forgot the feeling and meaning of true bliss,
Still hoping thou presence is a realizable wish!

Alas, thy plaintive sigh shook over thy veins,
Wrath covered thy sight, succumbs partial grace
In great retribution, I opposed thy body to recline
But bitter heart, fiery eyes unknowingly conspire!

As thy anger raged, in sinful thoughts I ponder,

Wage war and seek vengeance, things I’m after
But thou splendid smile drove away all I conquer
Tell me why thou charm left thee to surrender?

Industry Experts: What the hell!!

One of the most interesting subjects in my college life is BREM, also known as Business Research. The six unit subject is cool, not because the teacher is cool, but because attending it is dependent on personal choice. The teacher, doesn’t really require daily class discussions and urgently needed requirements. All you have to do is to make her feel that you are doing well and you are on the right track in pursuing the final requirement, which is a 50-page research study. Considering the fact that we are HP’s (that is, we are the so-called ‘cream of the crop’), a 50-page output is really so damn easy (yabang!) that we could finish it overnight. Haha. Anyway, the problem started when the teacher rejected all our business proposals because she never wanted us to venture into food and service industry. We had to go with the flow but later on another problem emerged. She realized that after a few months of taking the course, we weren’t really exerting much effort (basically because there was so little pressure, we were busy in other subjects and we were forced to have a research study focused on something that doesn’t really interests us). This, however, was resolved when we managed to make use our ‘persuading powers’ to put an end to her feeling of great disappointment. A little drama and a few more fabricated facts… and whala! We’re okay again. Then, during the finals, we were scolded for a lot of things… she thought our works were nothing but a bunch of craps! Well, it’s not solely our fault because she didn’t even tell us what is right and what is wrong… what should be done and what shouldn’t be. Sigh. And, to make things worse, she added a few more items on our to-do list for finals… including the physical presence of an industry expert!!!

The logic behind having an industry expert is to verify the data that were gathered by the research were true, to prove that the strategies were feasible and to give advice on the management and additional possible tactics towards business work. Sounds easy and logical, eh? Well, for us, it’s not! Consider that you are planning to venture into a food-restaurant business. In your business research, you gathered all the data needed about the market, location, and marketing strategies; made projections on the start-up capital and 5-year financial plan; and detailed all other important facts. How can you possibly let the manager of McDonald’s come as your industry expert? Wouldn’t that put your soon-to-be business in jeopardy by exposing personal and solicited strategies appearing on the research? What if, hypothetically, McDonald’s copy that strategy? Better yet, what if they copy an innovative product line or are enlightened to an unexplored market segment (blue ocean strategy)? Would they come over in the first place?

As a result of the difference between our personal understanding and the requirements of the school curriculum, we made some ‘minor’ adjustments (just for us not let go of what we believed in)…

a. The Soy Candle Group promised that their industry expert would come over before the oral defense was finished. The teacher never anticipated that they were just lying. The presence of an industry expert was a requirement to be able to have an oral defense. Before the teacher knew it, she already has marked their grades on her record book.
b. The Yema Group ought to ‘vanish’ in the entire duration of the other groups’ presentation. They came on the last minute, with no industry expert, but the teacher heard them out…out of pity, perhaps.
c. The Digital Printing Group brought along a friend to come over and act as an industry expert. The teacher never knew that the industry expert was just acting and bribed to save the group’s souls.
d. The Botanical Garden Group brought the father of one of its members. Seriously! He acted as the industry expert but his relationship with one of the members was never exposed. So much for secrecy, eh?
e. The Pillow Bag Group brought a housemaid. She acted as the industry expert, and all her actions were rehearsed and her questions were ready-made on a script. Pretty deceiving, eh?

… And that’s how we got our A’s… bow… (clap clap).

@ Port Alfred Beach Resort

The family went on a road trip to the beautiful beaches of San Jose, Camarines Sur. The place was perfect for relaxation and serious contemplation. I totally enjoyed the two-day getaway! Here are some ‘candid’ photos that I took while I was at the verge of my insightful reflection:

To embrace what’s in the twilight zone
Footprints on the sands of time are not made by sitting down.
Conquering fears; rising above the rocky challenges and strong forceful waves.
Realizing the beauty of the world=P
Nothing beats the smell of hot coffee while waiting for the rising sun.
After the meditation, I’m ready to cleanse my soul.
Refreshed! LOL! (Ba’t parang ako lang ang tao?)
Angie: Too bad she’s my cousin! Tsk Tsk.
Aunt Ofelia and I: wala lang…
My escapade companion=P

The Penniless Wanderer

It was one hot morning when the a few people of the block instantly had an interesting game of ‘jokingly’ stealing important stuffs of other people. The game was just to make fun of other people’s belongings and make them react in such uncomfortable situations, thus attempt to capture the culprit by personal investigation and some sort of friendly alliances. Of course, barking on the wrong tree was inevitable, but it offers a great deal of add-up to the excitement. Mobile phones are on top of the list of the bulk of stolen items. The game has no precise rule. One must be patient to get the item back in the fastest and easiest way he could think of. It may seem easy but it’s not, especially when the entire block takes part in worsening the case of missing items, therefore, making pinpointing of who’s the suspect really hard.
I was among the founders of the game. I was once the suspect in keeping January’s mobile phone under her chair and the person behind Chiwee’s missing handkerchief. I had a lot of fun… only to realize that I was victimized by the unsuspicious maneuvers of an unlikely suspect, Miguel. He stole by wallet and never had the guts to return it until lunchtime was over!
Since my wallet was gone and I was left empty-handed (financially speaking), I had no choice but to wander… basically everywhere. I went to the library and toured the entire campus! Then, since I have not seen any of my friends around, I was forced to walk half a kilometer towards the mall. There, I thought of things to gain vengeance. It was such a hurt to ever skip my most important meal of the day! My anger overshadowed me, even leading me to think of harsh things against Miguel, the missing-in-action thief! I thought of bringing red paint the day after and pouring it over his white school uniform. I thought of stealing his wallet just like what he had done, thus, following the principle of an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth (well, with some modifications because I wasn’t planning on returning it thereafter). And also, I thought of making the rest of his college life harder than he could ever conceive of… crueler than the way teachers usually treat us!
The agony of killing time by wandering finally ended when the bell rang and all of us were about to attend the start of the afternoon class. It was over indeed, but my anger raging within me tells me that it isn’t, especially as it screams louder than the sound of hunger in my stomach. I entered the room silently, craving not for food but for a sharp-edged knife so I could stab the guy responsible for the uncomfortable feeling I felt deep inside. Miguel acted as if nothing happened. That scapegoat never took any form of responsibility whatsoever. Magically, the wallet appeared before my eyes, out of nowhere. No one was brave enough to comfort me. My fiery eyes somehow pushed any consoling soul to come close.
Then, I realized, that was a start of a war. Miguel and I never talked for two months. It was hard because you get to see him everyday. Miguel actually had the guts to play jokes on me because he was such a good friend of mine. He probably never knew that he just crossed my borders. That’s a lesson to learn, I’d say.

DNA2

Recently, I watched the whole episode of DNA, an animated TV series about DCM bullets, time machines, combat robots, lame way of impressing girls and a lot of hot scenes! LOL. The story is really interesting. It is about an attempt of an agency in the future to change the not-so-good past which led to negative effects in their time. According to the story, there was once a young man named Junta who left hundreds of women pregnant. Junta was tagged as the Mega-Playboy, the reason behind the problems on population growth in the future. To resolve the problem, Karin was sent back to the past when Junta was still young and vulnerable, and she realized that Mega-Playboy ironically was such a loser and allergic to women. Junta pukes every time he sees a naked chick in front of him. So, Karin thought he accomplished her mission by firing the DCM bullet in Junta’s chest to prevent the DNA of a womanizer from becoming history’s most dreaded girl magnet! Unfortunately, she failed in her quest to change the past because she brought along the wrong bullet, thus, turning Junta into the person they feared him to be. TSk3.

The story isn’t just that. It has a lot of interesting and complicated scenes! Seriously. There are a lot of bathing scenes, body exposures, seductive chicks and ahhh!!! I can’t tell you the rest. It’s up to you to find out how far the story will go. LOL. Please watch Masakuzi Katsura’s DNA! Be impressed with Karin’s hidden love and sacrifice for Junta, Ami’s care and love for his childhood friend Junta, Tomoko’s desire for Junta even up to the point of sacrificing her relationship with her best friend Ami, and Kotomi’s love for Junta causing her to dump her boyfriend Ryujii. Everyone seem to be hooked with the irresistible appeal of Junta! Can’t he at least share with me his DNA? LOL.

Anyway, I love the OST of the story. The lyrics goes like this:

The distant wind wraps itself around me,
And it doesn’t let me reach you,
I try to arrange my words in my mind,
But you’re gazing elsewhere through the window
To some place far away.
I have a premonition that never changes,
It lingers on.
All the days since then have been filled with clouds
The changing of the seasons
May have erased the promise that we made
Even if I reach out with both my hands,
Our hearts remain apart,
The changing of the seasons
Have already taken the one I love from me,
When I look back into those eyes
I let out a little sigh,

At last!

Tropang Ulupong... what's left of us are memories='c

Tranquil Versus Fast-paced

Such a dilemma indeed… sigh. What would I choose? Who should I work for? Both these huge companies are multinational and truly award-winning. Both even offer good staring pay. There’s just a thin line that sets them far apart… And now, the pressure’s on me. They’re calling, waiting for my answer. What should I choose?

1. Is it the company that is located in the ‘primitive’ areas of the north? …A company whose nature of industry is really interesting but would necessitate me to live away from the ‘civilization’ and away from my friends? Should I work for this company that would highlight my expertise in management and gives me a great chance of promotion and working further abroad?

2. Or is it the company that is located in the busy work-stations of the country’s capital? …a company that naturally requires me to work rigorously with very little rest but great opportunity to find a substitute job (in adjacent companies)? …a company that offers a work with very little emphasis on trainings and education, not even in line to the degree I finished? … a work that gives a great chance to have fun and stay in the comfort of my friends? Sigh. Am I ready to experience the fast-paced work environment?

Now, decide… (Clock’s ticking).

Interlude: Wanna have fun? Click here.

Height of Poverty

Para makilala naman ako sa pagiging nationalistic. ^__^

Kahirapa’y tila di na natin maiibsan,
Gutom at hapis, hapdi ng karalitaan,
Anu’t ano pa’y ito ri’y malalampasan,
Pagsubok lamang yan, turing ng ilan!

Kaya mo ‘to, makabagong Pilipino,
Sipag at tyaga, sagot sa pag-asenso,
Iwasan na ang inggitan, magkaisa tayo
Malalim na pang-unawa, simulan mo!

Caught on Paper

9:45 am, January 2003
Burdock Room
Earth Science Class, Sir Nealega

Ladies and Gentlemen….

THE NOTEBOOK PASS

Prologue (Torn Page of my Notebook)
At the time only a few knew…

Emily: Love? I said how should I know how much you love me? Through richer scale?
Charlie: Aram mo na kung [gaano] naghahapot ka pa…
Emily: Urg! Is it like Dante-Melody or Josh-Melody or Bien to Lola or Matt Murdock to Elektra Natchios or Matt to Will?
Charlie: Huh?
Emily: Is your love for me as much as any of them?
Charlie: Like Dante to Melody perhaps… because it’s against all odds…
Emily: Oh really? I think Matt Murdock’s is more than that… Have you watched Daredevil? They are so ‘bagay’ together!!
Charlie: …like us? =P
Emily: Your answer was Dante… so if that’s your answer then you know my answer.
Charlie: Huh? Can I change it to Matt and Elektra?
Emily: Have you watched it?
Charlie: Nope… (attempts to change the topic). I told Cris about the ‘casual thing’.
Emily: Everything?
Charlie: Yup…just now… she knew it from SM (Sailor Moon).
Emily: Pira pa ang dapat makaaram?
Charlie: She just approached me and asked me frankly. You know I’m not so good with lying.
Emily: It stops there! …until her only!
Charlie: She is talkative!
Emily: Then tell her to shut up!
Charlie: She won’t. I know her and she’s really one hell of a talkative gal.
Emily: THEN KILL HER!

FACT: Nothing has been fabricated or modified in the above conversation. I am Charlie. Guess who’s Emily. ^__^ Nope. Keep guessing….

TIGSIK 5-7-5

I commend Chiwee,
For her diligence and wit,
Majestic beauty!

I commend Louie,
For his passion so manly,
Loyalty must see!

I commend Jan-Jan,
For her luck and being fun
True love’s on the run!

I commend myself,
For the power I am served
Thy love of thyself!

Gladiator’s Top Chicks

Beauty and Brains. Wow. They’re really good. LOL.