Confessions of a Moonlighter

I woke up with a jolt in my head, maybe it's a hangover from last night's gimmick with my friends or a realization I have in mind these past few days or should I say, years. But one thing's for sure, I always wake up early in the morning to get ready for office work. I've been working for years already and it's feels like I'm in a monotonous rut right now. Juggling my moonlighting (sideline or second job) and work at the same time is no easy feat. I do love my job and I like the idea of working but sometimes, it just sucks. You know the feeling I'm-not-in-the-mood for work feeling but you still get up and head straight to the office to report for work. It's always work, work, work - it's always the same routine everyday. At times, I think I have no choice at all but to work. But, there are choices and if you can't find it in one place, you've got to find it elsewhere.

Working eight to ten hours a day is definitely not my cup of tea. I want to work at my own pace and timing because I want to get hold of my time. I'd like to do other things but I can't because I'm locked inside this cornered cubicle of mine. But who am I to complain? I know by heart that my work sustained me and my family for the past few years. Needless to say, I am paid for my job and the time I give to the company. What keeps me sane these days is my love for my work. And, I'm very much aware that I just can't quit my job especially now that the times are hard. One thing's for sure, all companies really maximize their employees' potential, so no matter how hard we work, our hard work will still not be compensated or so I thought. In my humble opinion, it is not a wise decision to become employees for the rest of our lives. So we've got to find a way out or else, life gets boring and so, so, so dull. No offense meant for these opinions running in my head. When you're the employee, you're at your company's mercy, you don't really own your time because the company owns your time at the moment of work!

Reality really bites. Our economy's condition is truly devastating and the prices of commodities have gone haywire. Who cares about the low dollar rate? It's as if nothing's changed because apparently, many Filipinos are still suffering and they're still counting. Our fares are not that fair anymore, it's like killing the passengers whenever they commute! Damn, such changes are inevitable these days but in a way, changes could be healthy too if we only knew what to do about these things. We all know that time is money and therefore, we should not waste our time. What I did was to have small jobs other than my current job. I tried moonlighting and I'd say that the rewards are good. I chose to have sidelines rather than depend on my meager salary. As the old adage puts it, "It's not how much you earn but how much you save that matters." Saving is one of the best ways to prepare for the future but it isn't enough if we want to achieve financial freedom. The earlier we start saving for the rainy days, the better. Think of business moguls Donald Trump, Bill Gates and Robert Kiyosaki and get inspired. Nowadays, I learned to save and use my money wisely.

Do you want to become a financially independent person? I know you do. Admit it. You want to get rich or simply put, have a stable source of income to support the lifestyle you choose. There is nothing wrong about wanting to achieve financial freedom and become rich. Contrary to the popular belief that money is the root of all evil, money is a tool to avoid evil, if it’s used for good. Of course, at times like these, we have to be stable enough to support our chosen lifestyle. If you're living on a minimum wage, be tight-fisted when it comes to financial matters. We can't let money slip out of our hands just like that. Don't spend like you're a millionaire if you are not. Priority is key. We have to prioritize our expenses and we have to know where our money goes. So every payday, I make it a point to save what I've earned. At least, my hard-earned money will grow. Saving alone is not enough so we've got to find other effective ways to get out of this financial rut. Even if you are the owner of multiple banks and corporations, it is not a guarantee that you will be worry-free financially.

Remember, our spending habits can greatly affect our financial status which is why we should be very careful on how we spend our dough. I also learned that it would be better to shop when it's needed, than to shop impulsively without even thinking where to spend the money. Unless I'm rich, I can splurge and shop till I drop provided that I can support that kind of lifestyle. A nearly perfect example would be this: You always buy designer bags, cutesy flip-flops and other fun things to add to your collection. I’m not saying it’s bad to spoil yourself and splurge on these things but if the time comes there’s an emergency (e.g. hospital expenses), would you be able to get your money back on these purchases right away? Unfortunate as it seems, your collection will just look through your gaze but it wouldn’t return your money when you need it the most. While you still have lots of time and money, save a portion of your allowances and watch your money grow. As we all know, time is gold and money combined. Bear in mind that lost time can never be recovered. Well, you don’t want to lose gold, don’t you?

Saving alone is not enough although it will be very useful in the long haul. Another effective way to make money grow is to invest it. Having your own business is a wise decision to make if you have the money and dedication to make your business reach its maximum potential. It can be risky but it's definitely worth it. What if you do not have enough capital? Keep in mind this simple but wise byword, "If there's a will, there's a way." You can borrow money from friends, banks or lending institutions. Possibilities are endless, it's in the matter of finding ways to achieve that financial goal. We should make the most of our time to achieve a good financial state. There is no other good time to start but NOW. If you're fainthearted, achieving financial independence will be very impossible and far from your reach. You may think that you may fail or lose a lot of money when you start going into business but hey, you're not going to learn if there are no failures at all. It may be a gamble, but we should learn to take risks or else we'll never be financially stable. What if your budding entrepreneurial spirit soared and blossomed into something that is more than from what you asked for? That would be hitting the jackpot!

As of the moment, I’m still working to achieve financial freedom but it’s comforting to know that I was able to support myself without my parents’ help. Sure, it feels good when your folks can give you a nice, expensive car and support all your needs. Come to think of this, wouldn't it be nicer if you’re the one who bought it for yourself? I assure you, nothing compares to that uplifting feeling of independence. Why? Because deep inside you, you know that you can be independent.

Above all of these, I'm thankful that I'm still working. I've learned a lot of what it feels like to be working not just for me but for others as well. Because of work, I became wise enough to discern what kind of work and moonlighting I'll have in order to achieve financial freedom. Now, my eyes are widely opened to reality and what it will bring to my life. I fully understand what our parents have gone through, now that I am working to support myself and my family.

Remember, we may be ordinary individuals without a political position or influence but we can do something to contribute progress in our country. Just by knowing that we did not contribute to poverty is one of the first steps to becoming a responsible and financial literate citizen of the republic.

Find ways to become financially free and believe that you have the power to create your own opportunity. I assure you, this is one decision you will never regret.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chemotherapy

In My Humble Opinion...(Note: This is plainly my opinion & not someonelse's)

As of this writing, I lost three friends who took chemotherapy. =c(Died As of July 01, 2008)

I wrote this because I want to help and enlighten others about chemotherapy. I believe that we have to be informed about the effects of this treatment. We may never use some of the facts written here but our friends and some loved ones who plan to take the treatment will benefit from what we have learned if we share this little piece of information to them. So please spread the word.

I decided to do some research regarding this matter, not to mention that I've LOST loved ones who have undergone chemotherapy. Because of what happened, I am driven to help other individuals anyway, anyhow. I know I am not an expert and I am not knowledgeable about some things about "chemo" but I want to share these valuable information I've found. It seems true to me and for other cancer survivors who survived without undergoing chemotherapy. Although we all know that healing varies from person to person, it is still better to try other options before committing ourselves to the "hassles" of chemotherapy. The article below will discuss to you the importance of getting a second opinion. Nobody's perfect and getting a second opinion won't hurt. Getting various of opinions may leave a dent in your wallet because of the high consultation fees, but hey, this your life and you've only got one life which is deemed IRREPLACEABLE.

In rare cases where some individuals took the chemo risk, very few are reported to have survived the chemotherapy battle. One reason would be their very strong immune system and another reason is the early detection of their cancerous cells. But this is rare because most people who have undergone the treatment did not get the expected results. The life of the patient is prolonged but there is NO ASSURANCE that the cancer will be cured. And what can you say about some healthbuffs who have undergone chemo but DIED a year after?! Just because you're healthy doesn't mean that you're on the safe track! We're all at risk! Even the health of healthiest person can deteriorate after several sessions of chemotherapy! See, there are no guarantees.In chemotherapy, the cancer cells are killed but some of the good cells are also killed as well. Thus,the immune system weakens and the body suffers the undesirable effects of chemotherapy. Sad to say, many lives are at stake and most of the people who tried this treatment died. If I am the cancer patient, I would find several solutions first, like taking herbal supplements. No matter what you do, you're still taking risks. As for me, I'd risk my life taking herbal supplements first before plunging myself into the ocean and madness chemotherapy.

Up to this point of time, experts around the world are still studying and experimenting stuff that will cure cancers and other deadly diseases. So, the best way to avoid certain cancers is to prevent it. As the old adage goes, "Prevention is better than cure." I still believe that there are miracles but miracles are bound to happen if we have an able mind to make sound decisions and better judgment before taking any kind of treatment to cure our sickness.

For those of you who want to live a healthy lifestyle and want to help our cancer-stricken brothers and sisters, please send me a message including your contact information. I am currently involved in E-Excel Philippines, Amega Global and Nikken (sideline). These are companies helping people live life to the fullest by creating HEALTH & WELLNESS products. Seminars and product demonstrations are provided, no fees charged, all for free! Rest assured that your needs will be met and your concerns answered! My good entrepreneur friends are the speakers and they will accomodate you accordingly and explain every detail you have to know about HEALTHY and WEALTHY living. =D

Need a great evidence? I have colleagues and some friends who survived cancer without undergoing the treatment. They'd be very happy to tell you about their miraculous healing. =D Feel free to contact me for an appointment.üAnyway, here goes the recap of my so-called chemo research: ~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~

Benefits and disadvantages of chemotherapy

Many people are concerned about having chemotherapy, because of the side effects that can occur. However, side effects can often be well controlled with medicines, and some people have only a few side effects. Some people ask what would happen if they did not have the treatment. Treatment can be given for different reasons and the potential benefits will vary depending upon the individual situation.In people with early cancer, surgery is often done with the aim of curing the cancer and chemotherapy may be given to reduce the risks of it coming back. It is helpful to discuss with your cancer specialist how much the chemotherapy may reduce the chance of the cancer coming back in your particular situation.If the cancer is at a more advanced stage, the aim of treatment may be to control the cancer. This can lead to a reduction in symptoms, a better quality of life, and it can possibly prolong life. However, for some people the treatment will have no effect upon the cancer and they will get the side effects without any of the benefit. If you choose not to have treatment in this situation, you can still be given supportive (palliative) care, with medicines to control any symptoms.The decision about whether to have chemotherapy treatment can be a difficult one and you may need to discuss it in detail with your doctor. The nurses at Cancerbackup can also discuss the benefits and disadvantages with you.The treatment can be physically exhausting for the patient. Current chemotherapeutic techniques have a range of side effects mainly affecting the fast-dividing cells of the body. Important common side-effects include (dependent on the agent):Pain Nausea and vomiting Diarrhea or constipation Anemia Malnutrition Hair loss Memory loss Depression of the immune system, hence (potentially lethal) infections and sepsis Weight loss or gain Hemorrhage Secondary neoplasms Cardiotoxicity Hepatotoxicity Nephrotoxicity Ototoxicity Other side effectsIn particularly large tumors, such as large lymphomas, some patients develop tumor lysis syndrome from the rapid breakdown of malignant cells. Although prophylaxis is available and is often initiated in patients with large tumors, this is a dangerous side-effect which can lead to death if left untreated.A proportion of patients report fatigue or non-specific neurocognitive problems, such as an inability to concentrate; this is sometimes called post-chemotherapy cognitive impairment, colloquially referred to as "chemo brain" by patients' groups.Specific chemotherapeutic agents are associated with organ-specific toxicities, including cardiovascular disease (e.g., doxorubicin), interstitial lung disease (e.g., bleomycin) and occasionally secondary neoplasm (e.g. MOPP therapy for Hodgkin's disease.The advantages-It kills the cancer cells. It cannot distinguish between good cells and bad cells. It also destroys the good body cells. Results in hairloss, skin deformity, weight loss, too painful etc. Avoid if you can. There are some herbal supplements to nullify the side effects of chemo.Can destroy cancer cells after a surgeon removes the bulk of a tumor. Can buy you time even if cancer isn't curable. Can give you peace of mind after surgery.Disadvantages-Sometimes it feels worse than the cancer did.Makes you sick sick sick.Can kill you Can leave you vulnerable to nasty infections.Get A Second OpinionI cannot stress this enough. Get a second opinion from a specialist before you do anything else. Do not be afraid to take the time to do this. Do not be afraid to tell your doctor that you want a second opinion. This is your life we are talking about! People - doctors - make mistakes, and no doctor knows everything there is to know about treating cancer. Getting input from several doctors (specialists) will only help you in the long run. Do NOT begin chemotherapy before getting a second opinion. Make A List of Questions To Ask Your DoctorBefore you begin chemotherapy treatment, make a list of questions to ask your doctor so that you can be fully aware of what to expect. Here is a list of questions to get you started: What drugs will I be administered? How will they be administered? Where do I need to go to get my chemotherapy treatment? Is the place known for treating cancer? Is it a specialty at this facility? How many treatments will I need? What's the expected plan? How long will the rest periods in between last? What side effects should I expect? Will I lose my hair? How far into the treatments before these side effects will begin? How long after treatment ends will the side effects cease? How will you help me to deal with the side effects? Will I be able to work during treatment? If not, how soon after treatment ends will I be able to return to work? What do I need to do to care for myself during and between treatments? How will I know if something is wrong and that I need to seek medical care? What warning signs should I look for that indicate something is wrong? What happens if this treatment is ineffective? What other treatment options are available to me? Will I need someone to care for me either full- or part-time during my treatment? If so, can you recommend someone? Will my insurance cover this? Can I visit the place where my chemotherapy treatment will take place before the treatment begins? Get Your Teeth CleanedMany patients experience oral problems during chemotherapy treatment because the chemotherapy causes irritation, sores, and infection in the lining of the mouth. Get your teeth cleaned and have your dentist resolve any oral issues before starting chemotherapy. See A NutritionistIt's best to do this before your chemotherapy starts because you may not feel up to it later. A nutritionist will help you to maintain a healthy body weight and give you guidance about what vitamins and minerals will help you to stay healthy during and after chemotherapy. The Nutritionist will continue to give you guidance after chemotherapy to help you heal and physically recover from the stresses of chemotherapy. Why Do I Need A Second Opinion?Getting a second opinion allows you to not only confirm the diagnosis, but also to get a different perspective on your treatment options. Some doctors are more conservative and others more aggressive. There may be good arguments for several different options. By getting a second opinion, you get to hear all of your options. It is also possible that another doctor might come up with a completely different and more promising option - one that your first doctor didn't think of, or didn't know about. No doctor can know everything or make the right decision all the time. A second opinion can also serve as a quality check - to make sure you're really getting the most current and most effective treatment. When Should I Get A Second Opinion?There is no straight forward answer for when you need a second opinion. You should evaluate your situation to determine what is best for you. The information provided in this article addresses many of the common situations encountered by newly diagnosed patients. It will give you guidance for determining if you need a second opinion. My Doctor told me there is no beneficial treatments for me. So Why Should I Get A Second Opinion?Many times patients are told there's no hope and that no further treatment exists that would be beneficial. So, what do you have to lose by getting a second opinion? Sometimes tumors deemed inoperable by one surgeon are found to be operable by another. Sometimes close examination of the case could change the diagnosis from one kind of cancer to another, more treatable type. Sometimes another doctor will know of a promising treatment that the first one didn't know about. All of these things have and continue to happen. My Doctor Said My Cancer is "Borderline" and I Probably Don't Need Treatment At This Time, So Why Should I Get A Second Opinion?If you're hearing words such as "almost", "possible", "probably", "maybe", "chances", "unlikely", etc., you should, most definitely, get a second opinion. For instance, if your doctor says, "Your tumor is probably inoperable, and the chances of removing all of the cancer are unlikely", get a second opinion. Or, more obvious (and yes, it does happen) if your doctor suggests a treatment that just sounds "off the wall" to you, get a second opinion. For instance, if your doctor says "All the cancer in your bladder is gone, but I think we should remove your bladder anyway", get a second opinion. Conversely, if your doctor suggests "waiting" to see what happens, get a second opinion. Some cancers grow very fast. If you wait too long, you may find that it's now too late. I Live In A Rural Area Where Expertise is Scarce. Should I Get A Second Opinion?If you live in a rural area and get treatment at a small hospital, it may be beneficial to get a second opinion from a doctor at a major hospital. Source: Internet

The Ostrich Farm

Location: near Barangay Magpapalayoc, Nueva Ecija (Philippines)

Vis-à-vis with an ostrich? Hahaha, I did it! It’s an awesome experience looking through their soulful gaze. =D They have big, round, clear gray eyes and no colored contact lenses can beat those beautiful set of peepers. Hehehe, my purple contact lenses were outdated back then! I wore shades to cover up my cheap-looking eyes! Lolzzzz!

Ostrich Information:

An adult ostrich stands more than 6 feet! The ostrich is a fast-running African flightless bird with two-toed feet! Yes, it’s two-toed but it’s very big, about size 10 of a woman’s shoe! Man, they are really tall,,, I think they’ll make it to NBA..and they are runners! Move over Kobe Bryant and Lydia de Vega! (peace out :->) Geez, very athletic indeed!

Overall, I think everything else is big when you look at them from head to toe and in between. =) Yeah, you guessed it right. There is no other word to describe it but big! Now, you’re grinning! ü

On tour:

The guide told us not to be too noisy (and nosy) so as not to disturb these wonderful creatures. Once disturbed, the ostrich will not eat for hours, days even. Hahaha, sumpong? Tantrums? Hot flashes? Just behave and act accordingly…and don’t forget to have your pictures taken. c”,)

Ostrich babies are soooooo cute but they don’t look like babies because they’re big, too. I really dunno how to measure accurately but if I’m not mistaken, they stand about 2-3 feet. Amazing!!! Needless to say, the experience is s-u-p-e-r especially if you are an animal lover! Just looking at them will make you smile a liitle or ……..A LOT!

Be sure to have your videocam with you. Seeing them run back and forth is a sight to behold. I’m sure you’re going to take a second look, third, fourth….you count. =p

Products:

They sell ostrich lamps, shoes, eggshells, jewelry boxes and feathers! Pres. GMA, politicians and other foreign dignitaries are the Ostrich Farm’s regular customers. Their items make great gifts for everyone! =) Hey, I should be paid for this…for doing this so-called promotion! (Rolling on the floor laughing!) No need for promotion, though! The Ostrich Farm is sought worldwide!

How to get there:

Oh my God, I really dunno! When u get to Nueva Ecija, just ask! Don’t leave NE without visiting the Ostrich Farm. I got to talk with the owner and her colleague ( who is my friend and BROOD orgmate). Their eyes are beaming with pride while they share these dazzling ostrich moments.

Tali Beach

Location: Nasugbu, Batangas (Philippines)

If u want a clean beach, try visiting Tali Beach in Nasugbu, almost 30 minutes from Taal. If you’re from Manila, it will take u about 4-5 hours to get there. I really don’t know the exact name of the beach but, the residential resort’s name is Tali, hence, Tali Beach. Actually, I don’t know that this place exists, hahaha! I just joined my friend’s company outing and, voila, that’s it!! =)

The good thing about this place is that it’s very private, it is as if u own the place. At the time of our visit, very few people will be seen in the area. Maybe that’s the reason why the beach is clean, not to mention the place is a residential resort. I only shelled out P1,000 for this trip and there are 13 of us. Cheap, isn’t it? The house is cool, complete with facilities and the like.

I’ve been to some beaches in Subic (some are clear) but this one is clearer. You can really see the sand and its color, especially the rocks. The only downside is that, there are soooooo many rocks in this bitch..er..I mean beach! =D If you’re not careful enough, you’ll end up having lotza wounds so you gotta be careful as you stroll along the sea shore.

Ne-Yo Day!!!

Hahaha, dunno how to start this blog but here goes… That fateful night of Feb. 29, 2008, OMG, ‘twas Ne-yo Day! I declared it an official holiday, Ne-yo Day! Call me an addict, a bitch or call me whatever, I don’t care! We went (my best friend, sister & I) to Shaffer Chimere Smith’s concert and it was an awesome experience. Okay, the downside was, I was deafened by all kinds of noise this world can bear! Who can blame the hordes of fans? Who can blame if the crowd partied like there was no tomorrow?! Who can blame if all the lozenges and sore throat antiseptics went out of stock? There’s no one to blame but Ne-yo!

He sang my top fave songs:
(a) Go On Girl – Who can’t relate to this?!
(b) So Sick – Very, very true!
(c) Sexy Love – No need to explain ‘coz it’s damn sexy =)
(d) Because Of You – The melody and rhythm is way great!
..and many more!!!!!!!!!

But he didn’t sing “Hate That I Love You”….:-( Oh, I’m mad! Man, Ne-yo’s a talented performer!!! =D You’ve got to hear him sing LIVE. To hear is to believe and to see is to enjoy. ü

Paano Ako Nawalan ng Cellphone ng Dalawang Beses?!

~Unang Insidente:

Pagkatapos namin kumain ni Tj sa Mc Do Robinson's Place Cainta, naglibot kami. Sale nun sa mall kaya super dami ng tao. Pero di naman katagalan 'yon mga 30 mins. lang naman sa pagkakatanda ko. May binili siya nun ako naman naglilibot lang habang hinihintay siyang matapos mamili.

Pagkatapos niya mamili balak pa sana namin manood ng sine kung di pa masyadong gagabihin. Siyempre dahil wala akong relo kaya cp (cellphone) ko ang nagsisilbing relo ko. Kukunin ko sana iyong cp sa side pocket ng bag ko pero di ko nakita roon. Hanggang sa talagang hindi ko na ito makita kahit hinalughog ko na ang buong bag na parang may mga silid ito. Wala talaga. Kaya sabi ko kay Tj umuwi na lang kami total para ano pa manonood kami ng sine eh iyon nga nawalan na ako ng cellphone. Pwede naman sana kaso sabi ko sa kanya titipirin ko na lang 'yong pera para makabili ako ng bagong cp kasi nga naiwala ko. Nawalan na rin ako nun ng gana manood. Imagine, 6PM pa lang nun ha. Maaga pa pero marami ng dukutan ang nangyayari sa mga oras na iyon. Aware naman ako sa mga dukutan ewan ko lang talaga bakit noong mga oras na iyon, di ako naging maingat.

Pagbaba namin sa jeep, 'eto naman ang nangyari. Napakaswerte ko nga naman talaga, nahulog na lang ng bigla iyong shoulder bag ko sa kalsada. Pagtingin ko, may laslas na pala 'yong hawakan nito. At ang tanga-tanga ko talaga, di ko 'yon napansin. Malamang doon pa lang sa jeep o doon sa mall, may lumalaslas na sa bag ko di ko pa naramdaman. Nawala na nga cellphone ko, nalaslasan din un bag ko.

Aral: Maging mapagmasid sa paligid at sa mga gamit. Hindi ibig sabihing nasa kaloob-looban ng bag mo iyong cp eh di na iyon mawawala. Lalo na kung matao ang lugar, lalong maging maingat. Iyong mga akala mong di mandurukot, iyong mga disente "raw" tingnan, eh sila pa nga ang mga mandurukot talaga.

~Pangalawang Insidente:

Nakasakay ako sa jeep at tulad ng nakagawian, tinitingnan ko oras sa cellphone ko. Ngayon naman, sa bulsa ng pantalon ko nakalagay ang cp. Cellphone ito ng mama ko. Ipinahiram niya sa akin kasi nga nawala iyong cellphone ko dvah? Mabilis ang mga pangyayari. Kawawala lang nung isang buwan tapos ngayon, mawawala na naman. Paano nawala? Nasa Ligaya, Marcos Hi-way na ang jeep na sinakyan ko nun. Dahil malapit na ako bumaba, gusto ko malaman ang oras. Mantakin nyo naman, paghugot ko sa bulsa ko, wala na ang cp ni Mama. Oh e di nawala na nga ng tuluyan iyong cp.

Imi-meet ko mga kabarkada ko nun sa Sta. Lucia, ang mall na katabi ng Robinson's Place. Sabi nga nila, ang mga mall ng mga mandurukot eh itong Sta. Lucia at Robinson's Place. Kung bakit kasi hindi pa ako nag-ingat ng husto eh ang dami na ngang nagpaalala sa akin nyan. Kahit naman yata saang mall maraming mandurukot eh nagkataon lang na sa area na ito, sa Cainta, dito ako nadukutan ng 2 beses. Pagdating ko sa Sta. Lucia, tinawagan ko iyong friend ko kasi nawala nga cellphone ko di ako makakatext. Ang tanga talaga ng cp este ako pala. Paano ba naman, dumulas ito sa bulsa ko kaya malamang, madali itong nakuha ng mandurukot.
Ano ba 'yon, di ko na naman naramdaman. Pambihira. Napakaswerte ko naman talaga. Magkasunod na buwan pa ako nawalan ng cellphone. Buti kung sa akin iyon eh, sa ermat ko iyon. Syempre, pinabayad sa akin ni Mama iyong cellphone nya. Nawalan na nga ako ng cellphone, nawalan din ako ng pera.

Aral: Huwag maging manhid at burara kagaya ko. Pwede ring huwag ilagay ang cellphone sa bulsa kasi madalas dumudulas ito lalo na kung iyong bulsa mo eh maliit at mababaw lang. Eh kung iyong bulsa nga na malaki at medyo malalim ang pagkagawa eh pwede ka pa madukutan nun eh. Mabuti pa lagyan mo ng chain iyong cellphone mo na konektado sa bulsa mo. Pero maging aware din baka naman masyado kang tiwala na nakakabit iyong cp mo sa chain pero iyong chain mo di na pala nakakabit sa bulsa mo. Tapos, pagtingin mo sa bulsa, wala iyong cp mo, natangay na.

July 2008 Diary

July 1: (dawn) My friend Kathy Roque died. Sad to say, she didn't make it. It's her birthday on the 18th. Sherwin S. was scheduled to donate his platelets to Kat on this fateful day but it didn't push through because of the bad news.
July 3: 'tis the birthday of Mike S., my friend and business partner in E.Excel & Amega Global Philippines. This day is the monthsary of my good ol' friend Kathy F and her one and only Serge, so I'd consider this day a double treat.
July 6: 1st montsary of my hamster Fiona's death.
July 8: Here's the good news. My contract is renewed by my client-company. I think it's a blessing because it is not a curse, hahaha! I mean, it is a blessing 'coz it is hard to be jobless these days expecially when the times are hard. This day is deemed special 'coz it's the birthday of my dear friend Misha A. who happens to be my business partner in Nikken Philippines. So this day is doubly special, again. =D
July 20: I met up with my webmaster pal Dave D' Angelo and friends for the blog seminar. Finally, I was able to meet my best friend of 19 years, Jolanie. This beautiful lady is a very busy entrepreneur, a freelance model and hold on to your seat, a skilled driver! She even knows more about race car driving than defensive driving! We rarely have time to meet so this day is very special. Wow, I got to meet many friends on this date! Recordbreaaker!
July 24: Most of my officemates are absent. So. it was me, Orland F. and my boss inside the office. Indeed, whatta deafening silence! Orland says it was like the three of us are eggs, waiting to be cracked in order to generate some noise. Sigh, sigh, sigh!
July 26: Birthday of my dear friend Michelle Grace who fondly calls me her "kabituka". I miss her terribly and she misses me too. Aaaaawww!
July 28: Nothing exciting happened for me as of the moment. But this day is kinda special because Rhanni (my college friend) and I call this day Soul Sistah Day. Funny how we both named ourselves soul sistah on our cell phones. We didn't talk about the names but we eventually found out when we exchanged cell phones. I wonder if she still remember this. =)
July 31: Two-hour traffic from office to the terminal then one hour traffic from the terminal to my home. Geez, whatta day!

Some Sensible Messages Part 1

Although I admit that I do not live by a quote, I compiled some quotes which I believe make sense. Oh, yeah, I think I live by a quote. Not really though because the words in my head are always - Be happy! So, I live by these two words. =)
Thanks to my friends who incessantly send me messages. I'm sharing your quotes to the world now... ü
- - - - - - - - -
~ Self-empowerment ~
- Never explain yourself to anyone because the person who LIKES you doesn't need it & the person who DISLIKES you won't believe it.
- When shit people wound you, just remember this: The brain of shit people has 2 sides. The LEFT side where there is nothing right & the RIGHT side where there is nothing leftf!
- There are those people who don't like me: freaks who criticize how I run my life, mean persons who just say things that will hurt me, stupid people who do bad things to give me pain,ignorants who will never understand my principles in life and traitors who keep trying to put me down & tell bad things behind my back. But through it all, I struggle to prove them myself that I did not exist to please them.
~ Life ~
- Perceptions: Life is hard because we see the obstacles, not the goals. Life is painful because we see the tears, not the smiles. People are rejected because we see their faults, not their righteous deeds. People are weak because we see their failures, not their success. It is the way we look at things that makes this world worthwhile to live in, not plainly on our judgment.
- Trials in life are like washing machines. They twist us, spin us & knock us around. But in the end, we come out cleaner, brighter & better than before.
- A great life is not about routine but doing something rare. To cherish & not to compare; to forgive, not to blame & to be loving without counting. Laugh at your mistakes but learn from them. Joke over your troubles but gather strength from them. Have fun with your difficulties but overcome them.
~ Success Tips ~
- 7 Secrets of Success I found in my Room:1) Roof said: Aim high.2) Fan said: Be cool.3) Clock said: Every second is precious.4) Mirror said: Reflect before you act.5) Window said: See the world.6) Calendar said: Be up to date.7) Door said: Push hard to achieve your goals.
- A great ship asks for deep waters. People with great talents will not allow themselves to be connected to anything below their worth.
- There are two things that u could do upon seeing a dead end sign: Make a u-turn & play safe; Or, go beyond and explore the other side. Sometimes, undone things are more regrettable than those you’ve committed ‘coz at least, you’ve known what it would yield rather than forever wondering what could have been.
~ God ~
- 3 things in life that when gone, will never come back: time, words & opportunity“ that are never lost: peace, hope & honesty“ that are most valuable: love, faith & prayer“ that destroy a man: lust, pride & anger“ that are never certain: dreams, success & fortune“ that make a man: hard work, sincerity & commitment“ that are truly constant: Father, Son & the Holy Spirit.
- Don’t ever get tired of what’s going on with your life ‘coz you’ll never know the plans & reasons of God behind it, just walk on. From there, you’ll see the beauty that you’ve never seen before.
- The winning horse doesn’t know why it runs the race. It runs because of the whip & pain. Life is a race. If you’re in pain, then clearly God wants u to win.

2 Oras na Traffic mula Bicutan hanggang Mantrade

July 31, 2008 ito nangyari, dakong 8PM ng gabi. Nakasakay na ako sa bus nun mula Bicutan. Hindi ko akalain na ganun katagal ang traffic! 10:10PM na ako nakarating ng MRT Magallanes (Mantrade Area). May MRT operation pa pala ng ganong oras akala ko hanggang 10PM lang. Maraming tao halos lahat nagmamadali na umuwi. Marami rin sa mga kaopisina ko iyong natraffic pauwi.

11PM na umalis iyong kasamahan ko sa office. Traffic pa rin daw. Bumaha raw sa Buendia? Ewan ko kung ano talaga ang nangyari. Basta alam ko na nasa PILIPINAS ako kasi matraffic talaga eh. ü Traffic din daw sa ibang bansa sabi nila pero bakit dito sa atin, panay ang traffic?! Hahaha! Ü

Ice Cream Dates

Ice cream. Yummy and cold. One of my fave foods in the whole world. Whenever I see people buying ice cream, it makes me want to buy, too. Even if there's no one buying ice cream, I'd still buy ice cream. I dunno why or so I thought. ;D

Obssession. Nah, not that much to the point that I got hospitalized and ice cream is one of the reasons why I got injured tonsils. I got peritonsillar abscess but that's okay and I'm cool with it. Sometimes, I eat ice cream even when I have colds or cough. Hahaha, my friends will definitely react when they read "sometimes" because I really do eat ice cream always at least once a week. They'll spank me when they read "once" because it's twice and more. It's a ritual, a habit and for me, it's a lifestyle. =)

Stress. Whenever I'm stressed especially after a day's work, I eat ice cream. Eating ice cream makes me feel good. When I meet my friends, we eat ice cream. It's no wonder why I always have ice cream dates. I prefer ice cream over an iced latte, frappuccino, fruit shake, yogurt and halo-halo. Although I also love the latter choices, I eat ice cream more. By the way, I also like ice cream cakes. Damn, I really have a sweet tooth! =)

Whatever the reason, go eat your ice cream. I think you should have daily ice cream dates. You and your SO (significant other) should have an ice cream date especially when you both have your fight. Buy one cone of ice cream and take turns while eating. I suggest it should be a cone so that the both of you will take turns holding the cone. At least, you guys won't fight while having an intimate ice cream moment. I'm sure it will make you both calm down. Just try and grab some ice cream and make it a habit.

By the way, be creative. Take note, one ice cream date can do a lot of wonders.

Chill out.

Hehehe. ü

* Oh my God, I should be paid by ice cream companies for doing this ice cream campaign. (sigh sigh sigh)

Pamasahe Blues

Grabe na talaga ito at hindi lang ako ang nagsasabi. Narinig ko rin ang ibang mga pasahero, kaibigan at mga katrabaho ko na nagsasabing ang "laki" talaga ng itinaas ng pamasahe natin. Buti na nga lang meron pang MRT at LRT, kahit na nagkakaproblema ito minsan. At least, di iyon nagtaas ng presyo nila. Iyong dating P7.00 na pamasahe sa jeep, naging P7.50 tapos ngayong Hulyo naging P8.00 na. Sa fx naman, iyong dating P20.00, naging P25.00 kung nag-abang ka ng wala sa pila at P30.00 kung nasa pila ka. Sa shuttle, P50.00 na ang pinakamababa. Kapag galing ka pa ng Ortigas at pauwi ka ng San Mateo, P60.00 na!

Heto pa, ang mga bus, hindi mo talaga maintindihan ang presyo nila. Kapag malapit lang mga tipong 1km., P12.00 - P14.00 lang daw. Iyong iba, meron pang P15.00! Narinig ko pa nga iyong ale na nakikipag-away sa konduktor pero ipinipilit ng konduktor na P15.00 daw talaga! Masisisi ba natin iyong ale? Hindi naman diba?! Kaya ginagawa ko, eksaktong P12.00 ang ibinabayad ko. Hinihintay ko talaga na sila ang magsabi na kulang iyong bayad ko. Praktikal.
Alam ko nakakarelate ang marami rito lalo na iyong mga breadwinner o mga nagdadala ng bacon sa bahay. Ang laki kasing poryento ng kinikita ng isang tao ang napupunta lang sa pamasahe. Ako at iyong iba kong mga kaibigan, napakalayo ng bahay namin sa opisina kaya dama namin itong pagtaas ng pamasahe. Kahit iyong friend ko na may kotse, nagko-commute na lang eh. Ginagamit na lang nya kotse nya kapag maulan talaga. Kailangan nating maging praktikal. Halos lahat tumaas ang presyo pati nga tax pero ang sahod mo kakarampot pa rin di naman tumataas kaya mararamdaman mo talaga kahit sabihing P2.00 - P5.00 lang ang itinaas ng pamasahe. Diba nga iyong iba di nakakapasok dahil wala ng pamasahe? Grabe, ganito na pala ngayon.

Ang Pangyayari - Hunyo 14, 2008 (Sabado ng gabi)
Naalala ko pa nun na ang pamasahe ay P2.50, nasa elementary pa ko nun. Tapos naging P4.00 nung high school na 'ko. Nagko-commute kasi ako kaya natatandaan ko pa. Pati mga tricycle din nagtaas ng presyo. Meron pa nga akong experience na nakipagbungangaan pa sakin un tricycle driver. Ganito kasi iyon. P18.00 ang pamasahe mula sa sakayan hanggang sa bahay namin. Kaya pagbaba ko, nagbayad ako ng P18.00. Sinabihan ako ng driver na kulang 'yong ibinayad ko. Sabi ko diba P18.00 lang? Rush hour daw at tumaas ang pamasahe. Eh un P.18.00, katataas lang, iyon ung dating P17.00. Aba, nagalit kaagad. Eh dahil ayoko na ng away tsaka baka may topak pa ito at kung ano pang gawin, binigyan ko na ng P2.00 para matapos na tapos sabi ko sa kanya, "Ayan, abuloy ko sa'yo. Merry Christmas ha!" Sabay alis tapos ang sama pa ng tingin sa akin. Siyempre mahirap na patulan kahit papaano alam nung driver iyong bahay namin baka pagtripan or what, diba? Marami na kasi tarantado ngayon eh kaya kapag sumasakay ako ng tricycle, never ako nagpapababa sa mismong tapat ng bahay namin. Pag-iingat lang din tsaka ayoko lang talaga. Nagkataon lang na nung mga oras na iyon eh sa tapat ng bahay ako mismo bumaba kasi mabigat iyong dala ko at ayoko maglakad ng malayo. Siya lang naman iyong naka-encounter kong ganyan, un iba hindi naman, Kaya 'pag nakikita ko siya di talaga ako sumasakay. Nag-aabang talaga ako ng ibang tricycle hanggang minsan tinanong ako ng kasamahan niya kung bakit daw di ako sumasakay sa tricycle 243*. Sinabi ko kasi P#^!U@~-@#$ niya kasi siya pa galit, sugapa. Eh ang hirap na nga kumita ng pera ngayon tapos ganoon pa siya maningil. Buti kung tumatai ako ng pera pero mali pa rin iyong pagsingil nya.

Hahaha, hindi naman sa galit ako, nakakainis lang. Alam mo iyong feeling na pagod na pagod ka, mabigat dala mo, tapos bubulyawan ka, overpricing pa dvah?! Haler! Kung naging si Hancock lang ako, inihagis ko na 'yong driver sa ulap para magtanda siya sa ginawa nya. :o)

Maki-Blog at Makisaya sa Mundo ng Blogging

Una akong nag-blog nun taong 2000. Kaso, hindi ko na naituloy dahil naging busy na ako nun sa thesis ko tapos di ko na rin matandaan iyong password at account ko sa blogspot. Tapos, wala rin namang bumibisita ng blog ko nun, mga kaibigan ko lang, nakaka-frustrate ehehehe. Hahaha, siguro pinagbigyan na lang nila ako. Noong time na iyon, aksidente lang ang pagkakatagpo ko sa blog. Nasa school ako nun, breaktime kaya nasa Internet Lab ako. Nagreresearch ako tapos isa sa mga link ay isang blog, tungkol pa nga iyon sa computers. Kaya iyon, naisip ko ring gumawa ng sarili kong blog. Personal blog ang nagawa ko kasi wala naman ako maisip eh. Basta nun, gusto ko lang magkaroon ng sarili kong blog, iyong tipong dadalawin talaga pero mabibilang lang talaga ang dumadalaw. Lolz! Huli na nga ako sa uso kasi sabi nila, 1997 pa raw nagsimula ang blogging. Eh ako, 2000 ko na nasimulan at aksidente pa ang pagkakadiskubre ko sa blog. Huli na ako sa balita.

Taong 2002, nagkaroon ng Friendster. Nakita ko may blog din sa friendster.com pero di ko rin naman masyado nagamit. Nagpost lang ako ng mga item ko na binebenta ko. Masaya naman kasi kahit papaano talagang may nakakabasa at may bumibili sa akin. Siguro dahil nga sikat ang Friendster eh kaya marami dumadalaw sa account ko kaya may nagtiyagang magbasa ng blog ko. Meron din naman akong account sa Multiply pero iyong blog ko ro'n puro naman kalokohan lang as in diary at travel adventures. Friends ko lang din ang nakakakita tapos ginawa ko pang private eh di lalong wala masyadong makakabasa ng blogs ko diba?! Good luck naman sa akin!
Umaga ng 2008, nagtext sa akin ang friend kong webmaster na Bloggers' Choice Award nominee, si Dave*. Umattend ako sa seminar niya tungkol sa blog at ibinigay niya ang sites na makakatulong sa pagpapaganda ng blog. Kaso nga, busy na naman ako eh. Hahaha. At least, nalagyan din ng laman itong blog na ito. Matagal ng nakatiwangwang pero ang konti ng laman. Nakalista rito ang mga blog ng mga kaibigan kong adik. Adik tawag ko sa kanila kasi ang sipag mag-blog eh. Di ko nga malaman kung saan at kung kailan at kung paano pa sila nagkakaroon ng oras para makapag-blog. Not to mention, iyong iba sa kanila eh pamilyado at may sarili pang negosyo. Sobrang busy nila pero dedicated sa blogging! MAKI-blog ka na rin, pinoymaki!

Ang nagustuhan ko sa blog eh dahil sa iyo ito, bahala ka kung kailan mo gusto i-update ang laman. Sa trabaho ko bilang isang teknikal na manunulat, may mga sinusunod talaga sa pagsusulat ng isang manual o user's guide. Sa blogging, bahala ka kung ano gusto mo isulat at kung anong format ang gusto mo. May ilang beses na rin akong nasita sa trabaho dahil hindi ko nasunod un format, nakalimutan ko manual pala iyon at may procedures na sinusunod. Nung naging freelancer ako sa isang magazine, kailangan namang sundin ang sukat at format nila. Kaya kahit medyo may kahabaan iyong ipinapaliwanag ko, pinipilit ko itong paiksiin para kumasya sa space na nakalaan sa article ko. Sabog na naman ako nung mga panahong iyon kaya napagsabihan ng makailang ulit.ü

Kaya okay itong blog eh. Kasi walang sisita sa iyo, walang pakialaman kasi blog mo ito. Tapos, meron pang mga blogger na willing magreview ng gawa mo, saan ka pa?! Mag-blog ka na rin. Para mo na rin itong paperless diary. Kung tinatamad kang magkuwento, pwede mo sabihin sa kausap mo na basahin na lang nya ang blog mo. Astig! :o)

Ito ang sites ng mga hanep na adik na talagang nakakaelibs: [alphabetical order]

(I'll be adding more blogsites & websites soon. Please send me your blog/websites at allstuffonline@yahoo.com and I'll post it here.)

Blogsites:

http://likasbuhay.blogspot.com

http://yourordinaryday.blogspot.com

Websites:

www.brownpinay.com

http://www.labubblychica.com