How I Spent My Saturday

I was so dumb not to discover or maybe tried out the parks inside Makati Central Business District for a morning walk or jog. It has been ages that my sweat glands clamor for an outpour of its main product but I cannot find anyone who can accompany me in my quest for a healthier lifestyle.

One fateful morning, after a series of failed plans with Erms, we finally got out of the bed at an earliest time on a Saturday and sported on our jogging attires! We did not have a grand/unrealistic plan that morning. It was just a casual walk with a series of "run" from time to time, talk about anything or share funny stories we can remember that we can associate with the building or streets we paved through, and then finish it off with a stroll at the morning Salcedo market (for my Salcedo market finds click here). Sweating was not very much evident on our shirts, but we did sweat!

After six long years, I finally found my way to my long-time dream of getting an early sunrise striking my face. Gah, it was just perfect way to start my energetic Saturday! And not just that, I was too excited to include it in my morning routine that on a Sunday morning, I had my another jog! All the way for a healthier lifestyle!!!

One most important lesson that was refreshed in my rusting (lol) mind is that:

Don't program yourself that something is hard to do unless you tried it for yourself!"

Energy was kicking in us so the next plan that was pushed through is the purchasing of Erms' camera at Quiapo (Erms prefer to call the place as "Hidalgo" as she perceives Quiapo as the home of fakes, LOL!). Henry's Camera Supplies (or Products, I'm not sure) was conveniently located beside SM Clearance Outlet Store where a "safe" parking lot is just across the mall. During our trip, I have drawn these two insights:

Don't assume that everyone knows the basic "policies". Inform.

It was Erms' first time to go to Quiapo and this naive friend of mine was all dress up with matching yellow dress and accessories, and a leggings with no pockets!

I want to be like Henry Sy.

Such a fruitful Saturday, right?

Election Brouhaha!

As another election is nearing its inclusion in the pages of our history, politicians are on their "last straw" in gaining that much needed vote from the public. Campaign gimmicks are all over the country. I hate seeing all those materials scattered everywhere. And yes, I disgust those campaign jingles. Is it how really shallow we are as Filipinos? Do you actually understood the jingles that are waking you up each morning?! These methods are so pathetic in my eyes.

By the way, I have come to one decision as regards to my shortlisted senatorial candidates. All names should be new to my eyes and candidates must be in their younger age. I want change, and so I will vote for those who have not yet occupied the Senate position. Everything new. How is that?

On the lighter side, Levy has one idea that ignited our laughter when we were riding our way through Tagaytay last Sunday. How is that having a poster lined up with that of politicians and your poster will look something like this:

LOL!

Gah, election brouhaha!

Christmas In My Heart

I am not rich, but in my own secret way, I do help the poor. I help the people whom I see the will to live and survive amidst the bitter surprises of life. We have several house and store helpers, who works tirelessly for us. As my dad would describe them, they are the people who bring in money to the family.

Our business is not that of SM or Ayala, but we do generate jobs for the people who are included in the group of the poor. We cannot give them a competetive salary, but we are treating them as our family. And so last Christmas, I organized our 2nd Christmas party. From food, games, prizes, and bonuses - I single-handedly prepared those things. At least, there is no pressure on my part as these are the people who enjoys the simplest pleasures of life. =)

FAMILY.

What could be more happier than spend the party with their family!

I love how excited the kids were when they saw the festive mood in our house. Everyone were just so ecstatic!

FOOD.

We did not have the grandest preparation in the table, but we did see to it that everyone is FULL!

In this time that you will realize how special it is for them to eat "good food". I love how the kids munch on the hotdogs and mallows!

 CHILDREN'S GAMES.

As we say, Christmas is for the kids. And kids love games! I love how they smiled when they got something from the pabitin. And oh, their shy faces when they were bathed with flour, too!!!

ADULT GAMES.

Bring on the eggplant, and liquor! lol!

PRIZES AND BONUSES!

Money and gifts made their laughs when up to their ears!

DANCE.

And let the grooves begin!!!

I have attended so many Christmas parties before. More glamouros. More food. More liquor drinks. But I experienced the true essence of Christmas when I am with the less fortunate. No fuss. No overspending. No expensive clothes. Just the happiness that I have shared what I have with those that have less.

Uncertainty Is A Gift Of Life

Why does God allow uncertainties?

I really don't know the absolute reason as I have not talked to Him personally. And in times of turbulence, you just have to fasten your seatbelt or get a strong parachute that will give you a very good landing once you did a take off.

In the period where I can't seem to grasp a sensible thought, I look back to the wisdom of the wise men disguising in the form of quotes. Here's what I get:

“Uncertainty is the only certainty there is, and knowing how to live with insecurity is the only security.” - John Allen Paulos

“Uncertainty and mystery are energies of life. Don't let them scare you unduly, for they keep boredom at bay and spark creativity.” - R. I. Fitzhenry quotes

“The only thing that makes life possible is permanent, intolerable uncertainty; not knowing what comes next.” - Ursula K. LeGuin quotes

“The quest for certainty blocks the search for meaning. Uncertainty is the very condition to impel man to unfold his powers.” - Erich Fromm quotes

“Uncertainty will always be part of the taking charge process.” - Harold S. Geneen quotes

The lesson I learned? UNCERTAINTY IS A GIFT OF LIFE =)

Good vibes!

Kariton in the high streets of EDSA

It was probably the busiest hour for EDSA when I happen to capture a longer than usual kariton pitting against giant buses and awesome cars in this historic road of the metro. Without me asking the driver of the kariton, I know it is their mobile home. It strucked me. This is the classic example of the people whom the presidentiables are trying to win their hearts, their votes I mean. They are the stars... for now.

It led me to questioning once again how our economy, our way of life, our people and our government are filling up our nation. We have our elections, fine. Then what's next? What's next after those drama ads showing the poor and the miserable? Can we all have access to enjoy the priviledge of being a Filipino? Can this kariton have escorts just as like the politicians when they pave their way to EDSA?

In the high and mighty street of EDSA comes a kariton which is trying to get its right of way just like the other vehicles. Bad thing, I was not able to get a clear look at the stickers posted all over its front view. Whoever he/she is, what can you do to help this family?

the kid is the muse of the kariton! she should be in school, right? :(

what are all these garbages?! They may be garbages to me, but surely these are treasures for them.

Yet, what gave me a happy thought where the smiles that were painted on their faces. It is the thought maybe of the father who drives his "car" and at least, his home is safe with him, and the thought of the child of at least, she is riding their car, and she is not out in the streets looking for her parents.

I may not know what their real feelings are but I am happy to conclude that they welcome the sunshine with good vibes and the hope that they will surpass today's life's challenges.

And while I am here in a comfortable and air-conditioned room thinking of what good food to eat for lunch, I sincerely hope they are safe wherever their destination may be and that they may have humble food after a morning long walk and push of kariton.

FATS

I knew it when I'm getting excessive pounds...

third cheek is coming out
legs are too much to handle for my shorts
my tummy, which is my greatest asset, is showing of those round curves
face is perfectly round
depression is sinking in...

Agh, I just hate this mode. Please let me say it --- SHIT!

Marcus

In this exhausting heat that's filling the great Manila, I am here getting sentimental. I have long been planning to create a blog for someone but I got some doubts of pursuing it. Yet, it must be the sign - I hear a song eating up the air right now - a song which we tagged as very much appropriate for us. I will try to make this as discreet as possible as I consider this a sensitive topic.You see, I cannot even mention the name because I am afraid that if I will, it may end up in google or yahoo or bing search when another someone would think of googling the name. I know what will be the next scene - that another someone will bash me again.

Coo-coo and I has been soulmates for like eight long years. Eight long years where we only happen to meet twice. Yes, twice. But ask me about anything concerning that meet up, I would remember all. Life for both of us has been cruel, well at least, for us as together. We've hurt each other as often as Villar and Noy would bash today. One moment we are good, and for the longest time we would be on a silent treatment mode. Yahoo messenger is the only "thing" that keeps us together, with least phone calls and emails.

He is with someone else, I am with someone else. Yet, there is something between us that we cannot totally let go of. Ours is an incredibly magical bond that we feel so naturally close to each other even with only a littlest time that we were physically together.

Yet, coupled with this magical bond is the uncertainty of our communication. I must admit, I always look forward to every chat we have in the world of yahoo messenger. It is not flirting, nor does fishing on his whereabouts. In the separate world of ours, we are not concerned with anything or anyone else. Just us.

like me, he is also so much in love with her sister's kid!

would i meet this cute kid? only time can tell...

Like so many failed steady communication, now we are in that silent treatment once again. Am I getting too tired of it? Amazingly not. And just like the old times, I still do hope for another happy conversation.

Ah, I wish YM  ID marcus....  becomes online once again!

UPDATED: Marcus still did not showed up but his avatar JATM did today! My wish same true. :)

My First UP Experience

I always wanted to go to UP for college. But when I got a response from dad saying "hindi ka marunong maglaba ng panty mo, sa Manila ka pa mag-aaral!" ten years ago, that urge remained a wish for me. No, don't get me wrong, I love my university.

I have a lot of failed trips to UP years back but when Levy and I were left with nowhere to go, we decided to drive around UP. Now I realized, it was a better way to spend the Araw ng Kagitingan than spending an hour or two watching "Date Night". OK, the Filipino in me is kicking in. :D

I did not realize that  I was already in the university until I asked Levy where we were. Apologies, I was used to a campus whose gates are tightly manned by baton-carrying creatures! I call it more of a community, rather than a campus. It seemed like inside UP was like an independent town who has her own lifestyle. I do not know, but there is an unknown factor which let me feel I am in a "free" community! I think it is because of the open air, wide roads with lots of trees (old trees I mean) giving up an aura of open environment! My dream ten years ago was alive once again, and I got envy to those students who happen to be independent at such an early age and manage to assure their parents that they can handle themselves away from home. Ah, that made me want to go back to school once again!

Let me give you my shots with the UP grounds while Levy and I were paving the roads a great school!

it's like a road in a province. hehe. 

i love how the trees spell out the age of the school.

i can't remember seeing the sunset from the grounds of my school.

was it because i'm always inside the library?!

i just love how i ended the afternoon and welcomed the night at UP!

levy told me that UP grounds used to be so green with grass...

but due to El Nino fever, everything is brown in there. :(

as a chocolate lover, i always wanted to go here and try out Chocolate Kiss

but since another branch is just across my new office, i did not bother to check out the original CK

a visit to UP won't be complete without getting a hand of Isaw ng UP!

the isaw community! 

nice cars were parked with groups of family and friends.

i regret not coming here with Erms, as this is one of her "to-dos" 

my first isaw held by Levy! 

served in a plastic cup to avoid street food bacteria contamination

isaw ng baboy and manok - my cup cost 35 php. i did not finish the pork though. 

paired with Mountain Dew at 27 php, it really was a cheap and yummy snack!

My other regret though, not getting a close encounter with the oblation statue!

I may be too old for the experience, but I really am thankful that I got the chance to experience UP! :)

Dunkin Donuts' Response to Challenge

The only constant in this world is CHANGE. Ok. Before you get too bored because of the cliche saying, I want to jump off with what's in my mind right now. Yes, it's all about change.

At the first hour of 10 April 2010, I am here in Dunkin Donuts. Sounds "cheap"? Dunkin Donuts after all of the tambayans have sprouted like mushrooms in the metro?! This donut chain for me is a living memory of my LCC life way back in Bacolod. At 15 Php before, we can hop inside the cozy place across public plaza and just meters away from our school and divulge those donuts - choco webs specifically, and a decent size of soda or orange juice! Yes, that aged.

My Manila life is generally defined with long hours of staying outside my place - coffee shops and cafes whenever I am not on the plane or out in the long roads. And yes, wi-fi of course. :D Recently, Levy and I discovered Dunkin Donuts Cafe along the Fort.

• Coffee - check!
• Wifi - check!
• Comfortable seats - check!
• Socket - check!
• "Real" food - check!
• 24 hours availability - check!

This discovery led me to one realization. Dunkin Donuts is keeping up with the trending needs of their customers. Gone are the thoughts of a small DD chain selling only donuts and bunwiches. They made a bold and daring decision of getting head to head with those enormous players in the field of cafes. They, too, knew how to counter-attack their competitors.They offer a variety of food options aside from coffee and cakes, they welcome long-staying guests,they price their coffee way way cheaper than that of Starbucks kind Amazing, amazing business decisions!

 we got meat here!

Facebook and coffee - best combination and cheaper in dunkin!

Dunkin Donuts got all-day breakfast, salads, pasta, donuts, cakes, hot and cold beverages, and more!

the coffee shop with a menu list at hand! how cool is that?

 

I told you, they're more than just donuts here!

Coffee may not be as rich-tasting as that of Starbucks, but with its cozy and not-so-noisy ambiance and relatively cheaper food - why won't I stay here for hours?!

Arts and Crafts in Business

I have always been inclined to our family business. I am there since it gave birth to a humble single stall in the market until it rose to a 7-stall store. My last visit to my hometown brought out something that I want to firm up, and that is my great vision to bring it to a supermarket/mall level. Too ambitious, yes. But impossible? Absolutely no!

I know that it is not yet my time to call it quits with the corporate world. I still need a guaranteed and steady inflow in my bank account. But this responsibility to my employer does not mean I cannot work on my vision. I have my mind, my resources, and my little spare time to divest my attention to my vision.

Recently, I started in working with name branding. I researched on cute photos in the net to associate with clothes and accessories, bags, toys, homeware, school and hardware supplies which are our recent expansion. All lumped into one store but I have a long term plan of putting each of this in separate stalls. I created logo for each product line.

the "first" logos

i'm thankful for www. istockphoto.com for the cool images!

I gathered old magazines which I can transform into paper bags. This, of course, are of inferior quality, but way better than ordinary plastics, right? I bet my niece would be enjoying this activity as she likes arts and crafts!

my raw materials/work in process!

finished product!

 The first four paper bags that I've finished!

Now I am so excited to go home probably next week and introduce my new idea!

Lipad Na, Bumoto Ka!

And so 2010 national election is at the tip of our nose. We know it, this is one of the most crucial turning point in the history book of the Philippines. Our fate as a nation is at hand. We need to give our share, no matter how little it may seem or gigantic it may be.

We always hear in every media outlets that we, as Filipinos, should exercise our rights - the right to vote specifically. I admit that I'm not a die-hard Filipino but I feel the need for me to ensure that my vote will be counted. But what hinders me to do so? It is the skyrocketing airfare that will leave my ATM grieving once again. You may ask, why did I not transfer my registration here in Makati? It is simply because my home is in Negros. My vote is needed in our local city - a blossoming city in which if will not be taken cared of, the growth will be staggard. I am passionate to bring my local city into a different level.

This is a national issue where everyone should help. The voters have the will, but sometimes we do not have the means. This is where I see the need of the companies to help out. Airline and bus operators. They can HELP a lot. In this trying times, it is the best time for them to take their corporate responsibility into a deeper level. Drop your fares to a lowest level specially designed for the May 10 elections. I assure you, people and politicians will thank you a lot!

This does not mean though that I am not grateful to the frequent promos each of these airlines have. My previous blogs can attest how thankful I am! This time, dedicate your promo taglines to the election such as "Lipad Na, Bumoto ka!"

Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, Airphil Express, Zest Air - ARE YOU GAME?

Who/What Ruins Your Air Travel Experience?

Domestic flights are very common nowadays, thanks to the magic of competition as it yielded cheaper airfares! But along with this frequent travels come an equally frequent irritation with the airline services and nasty co-passengers.

What are your top five list? Here's mine!

1. An annoying kid and an inconsiderate guardian tandem
Kids are cute especially when they are in their distinctive baby voice. My adoration turns out to be a bitter one when these kids are unreasonably noisy inside the plane while everyone else is trying to catch a little nap before heading to a full-packed day. My irritation is fueled up when their guardians do not have a clue that these little monsters are messing up your supposed-to-be relaxing trip.

2. The magician passengers
Have you encountered those people who seemed to have brought EVERYTHING that they have in their trips?! It's fine with me as long as you won't force that EVERYTHING as check-in baggage or carry more than what is allowed as hand carry so as to save from paying the excess baggage. This makes you ridiculously cheap or a star in "Kampanerang Kuba". And oh yeah, please stop debating with the airline that you are in the right reasoning. It causes further delay!

3. The "I-must-be-the-first-to-jump-on-the-plane" passengers
I get the logic why the airlines chop off the boarding per seat number ranges. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I see it as an efficient and faster way of getting into the plane. But there are just some people who never cared to observe it. The end result? There you are all jammed in the aisle! Hello? The plane won't leave ASAP if you are sitted first.


4. The little sari-sari store inside the plane
Well, thanks to those frequent airfares, I got to travel more than the usual. I know business, and I know that it's one way of the airlines to make some profits by slashing the on-board "meals" and instead push those carts with food and souvenir items. But, can we spare the first flight with this scheme and give the guests (yes, us!) the time to grasp a small sleep?!

5. The one-sided announcements of the estimated and actual arrival time
I cannot remember if this is true to all airlines but I noticed this one when I last take my flight via AirPhil Express. The route from Manila to Bacolod took us forever. This was evidenced by the non-stop cursing of the guy beside me. No apology was announced from the flight attendants' deck. My opposite route arrived to Manila earlier than expected. There was pride in the FA's voice when she announced it. Can we at least be fair?!