Swabeng Thoughts: Emotional Attachments at Work

I've been working with various industries for the past few years. Name it, I've been there and done that. Now, its only natural to make friends at work where you sometime spend time talking about more work and a few times non-work related. It helps you ease-up and let loose even for a while on any busy day. 

In my past jobs, I've meet different people. Some were just officemates, but some were the ones I can call friends. Like after work, we hang-out for a few hours with a few bottles of beer while singing in the videoke. Those were the good times and unfortunately, all good things has come to an end. 

I kinda miss those moments. Even if you're way too stressed at work, just a few hours with them would make the pain all go away. There were times that I'm kinda attached to those moments that I know it will just be a part of a good past. 

Taken from Google

Moving forward to the present. While I'm in good terms (kinda) with my colleagues here, its just its not there anymore. I mean, every time they would invite me to go out and have a few rounds, I'd make up excuses not to join them. Its weird for me to decline such invites to relax and hang-out with office mates. Eventually, they set-out their own plans (most of the time) and not include me anymore. I guess I'm kinda used to it that it works well on my part not to get too attached with my current colleagues at work. It also saves me from probably having the feeling of despair if (and only if) I'm not with the current company I'm working (only time will tell when). 

Though I've never burn any bridges with anyone, I guess they've already initiated that a long time ago. But anyway, life goes on and besides, I have more than enough friends to keep me sane (the same friends I've been with for more than a decade now). 

Oh well, its lonely working here all by myself, I wish I could go home after. XD

Swabeng Thoughts: A letter from my mid-life self to my quarter-life self.

Its kinda weird for me to write a letter to myself but after reading some blogs on why they wrote to their old self, it was like, okay. So here goes. 


Hey Quarter-Life Bro, 

Its been like a decade since the last time we've talked. How did it go from there? You know, there were things that I wanted to look back and think about what if you were able to do the things I do now. Kinda weird huh? Well...


I know you really enjoy life just I do now. But I wish that you were able to save a portion of your small earning when you used to teach at that school in Las Pinas. While you were earning just enough for you to spurge on food trips and gimmicks, you shouldn't ask for money from Mom and Dad since you're already earning on your own. I mean, you used to save when we were back in college but what happened after there? You see, I've been saving a few years ago which you should have done it sooner. You could have been a millionaire and be richer than me If only you have started investing in either the Stock Market or in Mutual Funds with as low as 1000/month. But anyway, I'd help you on this only once though I only have twenty five years to help you. Its up to you how you'll make it grow. Probably next time, teach Marien the concept of money (like when she's 8 or 10 y/o). I'll probably lend you some books I've purchased on personal finance. 

I know your Dad is really proud of you when you finished your course in only four and a half years and passed your board exams. You were really ecstatic that you forgot to continue learning some more tricks off your sleeve that you were totally dependent on your diploma and that PRC license of yours. While passing the Board Exam and getting Cisco Certified a few years back could give you a certain advantage, today's technology has a faster pace. So fast that you forgot to renew both of them and got mixed-up somewhere. I really liked working in an IT environment and I wished you have joined me sooner. We still have a few more certifications to take plus the ones that you need to renew. I'm sure you still want that CCIE title someday right? Or maybe you wanted more like taking the LPIC (Linux) that got me interested? Anyway bro, let's review together soon. 

We've been together through tough challenging times especially when dealing your dilemma with women. I know you've enjoyed their company when you were younger like I did, had a few heartbreaking moments that I know it took you a while before you recover. I was able to overcome that sadness when my wife (your future wife) came into my life. She had my heart beat faster and slower at the same time just like a quote from the movie "Hot Chicks" She may not have that Angelic Face and a Heavenly Body that I was dreaming when I was your age, she complemented me in almost all aspects and she can make me laugh the way I do to her. I'm sure you'll find yours in God's Time. But be sure she's the only one and no other else alright?

I've been hooked in photography for quite sometime now as well as blogging like you to basketball and playing video games. We can spend some time together like you teach me play arcade and I teach you to handle a DSLR camera. Then we can form a collaboration against the best in the country to show them how creative our minds are. Maybe when you get your own camera, we can take a photowalk within where I live now (its pretty more interesting there). Then I'll teach you to use Photoshop to enhance some of your shots 

But what we have something in common probably is that both of us need to lose weight. I mean seriously, both of us really weighed much that we should buddy-up in a gym or do some long 5K or 10K jogs like I did last year (but I wasn't able to sustain it). I know you were really a health buff a few years back unlike me which I need to face the reality that I'm getting older and older that I just hope my application for VUL gets approved despite my current physical condition unlike yours. Also both of us love to read. You with your mens magazines (FHM, UNO, Maxim, Rogue, Esquire, Playboy) while I'm more into books now. Just take care of my magazines back home for me and I'll send you some books on Photography and Personal Finance in a few weeks time. 


Anyway, I hope to see you soon somewhere, somehow, someday. And let's celebrate this over a bottle of Jack Daniel's and a case of San Mig Lights. XD 

Take Care, 
Your Mid-Life Bro

PS. Please take time to study on how to make our website earn more while I'm away at work ok. Buy a domain for us and I'll let you re-brand it as a gift to you. 

PPS. And please, make sure to start working on those backlogs as well so we don't get dumped with more. 

Swabeng Realization: The Product of My Financial Literacy

Early last year (or I think as early as 2013), I began to take an interest in Personal Finance and Money Management. These are something that wasn't taught in schools (yet) nor from your parents but rather these are learned online (mostly) supplemented with some books authored by experts in Personal Finance like Robert Kiyosaki (Foreign), Francisco Colayco (Local) and the like. 

While I took my sweet time (almost two years to learn the basics (and I'm still learning), I didn't realize that I am slowly wasting time to start investing early. While I'm used to save (and spend) my paycheck with all the basics, I wasn't able to start ahead. Why? I guess I set my first target too high that eventually I had to make some changes (for the best). Anyway, I was able to spread-out half of my savings to some financial instruments that will help me achieve my goals in the years to come. 

During the last two months, I started investing in the Stock Market. Even with a little background on finance, I took the plunge and opened an account with COL Financial (Stocks). Why COL? Because its where most financial bloggers are entrusting their money with. While there are other reputable Online Trading Platforms in the country, I guess I'll put my trust with COL for the next couple of years. I won't divulge any information how much I invested but it grew by about 4% and I hope It earns more. While there are two (or more) ways to let your money grow in the Stock Market, I'll let the experts do their sharing (I'll do mine really soon) for now. 

Taken from Google

After having my feet get wet in Stocks, the next is to choose which Mutual Fund Company should I trust my money with. Initially, I am sold with First Metro Asset's Save and Learn Equity Fund (better known as FAMI's SALEF) because of its high return rate and low charges. But when I checked Philequity Management's Philequity Fund Inc (better known as PEMI's Philequity Fund) and compare it with the former, I got so torn I instead opened an account for both. As of writing, I have opened an account with PEMI and put my initial investment already (with some returns already) while with FAMI, I had to wait for my account number before I can place my initial investment (I have submitted all my requirements with them already. Anyway, we'll see who performs better for the next 3, 5, 10 years or even longer. In the end there can only be one. 

Taken from Google

Even before I opened an account with COL, I am already in contact with one of Sunlife's agents regarding their Variable Universal Life Insurance product (better known as VUL). They gave me a proposal (Sunlife Maxilink Prime) which was hard to refuse (or even resist). Their offer was like a part of your payment will be placed in stocks or in bonds (or a combination of both) for the next ten years but I prefer to have it placed in Stocks for a more better return. I just needed some time to think about it before saying yes to their proposal. I also asked for a modified version which of course the payement changes as well (didn't matter much to me anyway). I also checked what Insular Life has to offer (their VUL is similar to Sunlife's) but I was more convinced with what Sunlife. Well I thought after signing with Sunlife, its all a done deal. 

Taken from Google

But I have to undergo a Full Medical Exam to see if I am fit for their product (this means that my application is still pending and could possible be rejected and have my inital payment refunded). I only realized that its really best to get a VUL (or any life or term insurance) while you're still young and very fit to work. Just to be sure, I'm checking Philam Life's VUL as well as AXA and others. Its better to be protected than sorry. 

When we went home to my folks over the weekend, I also considered putting my money in Unit Investment Trust Fund (Better known as UITF). Since we have an account with BDO for the past couple of years, I got to check what they offer. Under high-risk and high-return, I was able to take a brief review on BDO Equity Fund, BDO Sustainable Dividend Fund, and BDO Focused Equity Fund. Their returns are all good and at the same time, the NAVPU for Sustainable Dividend Fund and Focused Equity Fund are still affordable. I'll take time (not that long) to choose the best and at the same time, check other banks who has the best performance for Equity Fund. 

Taken from Google

This year would also be my redemption against the 52-week peso challenge (50-peso version). Mid-way last year, I lost my battle as I wasn't able to temper myself back then and squandered all of what I saved from this challenge. But now I have already learned from my mistake and I have already revised my battleplan to conquer this challenge. It would still be the same mechanics like the one I posted a year ago. 

Not taken from Google XD

Wait a minute. Except for the 52-week money challenge, all financial instrument that I am venturing into entails high risk (since its focused more on equity/stocks). This may not be for the weak of heart especially there is a possibility of losing all money that I invested. But, I hope it would be the other way around as I learned how to control money instead of the money controlling me. 

I look forward to make my money grow not just for a year, but for the years to come. I hope you would try at least one of the financial instruments I'm venturing into, and this is for the long run. And also, sorry for the very long post. ^_^

Swabeng Thoughts: The 2014 that changed my perspective entirely

The year 2014 was very much fruitful and meaningful to me. For me, 2014 was just a continuation of 2013 where I received blessing after blessing despite challenges and obstacles came along the way. 

On family, it was a sight to behold to witness how my daughter grow so fast that only a few years back, she's only crawling and utter simple words. And now she can do things on her own like taking a bath, brushing her teeth and even helping out with some household chores at home. Also, she can now speak a few phrases in English whether we ask her a question or she wanted to say something (Thanks Peppa Pig!). She can now read and write a few letters though with her reading, she sometimes messes it up (on purpose). What I like about her improvement this year is that she can do the Sign of the Cross as well as recite the Lord's Prayer (Our Father) with the guidance of her mom. But we still need to improve her social skills as she is kinda shy when dealing with other kids (or other people) for the first time. Well next year would be her year as we'll be sending to school so she could interact with other kids. I know she'll outperform herself for the best.

With work, things got better and challenging at the same time. From logging-in to facebook everyday at work, now I don't log-in to facebook at work and instead, check my updates at home (or on the road) from my mobile. I seldom visit forums that is not related with work in my workstation. Instead, I check work-related websites as well as a few personal finance related websites (blogs) on how to improve your personal finance and check other websites that would help me grow as an individual. Well every now and then, I check other websites on food and photography but its on a limited time only (meaning if I am terribly bored). Probably, I'll add book reading as a list of things to do in the office when things get very very boring but its better than doing nothing right?

Health matters, it's like dead even. Why? At the start of the year, I was very active getting up a bit early and walk around to reduce weight and get in-shape. But time passed and I wasn't able to keep it up with my target, thus the weight I lost during the start of the year gained back again. Eating habits got a bit worse until the end of the year which I was able to curb and limit thanks to my Doctor's consistent reminder on weight management (from 3 maintenance medications, its now down to 2). I got to limit my vices to almost nil (except for special occasions) but I need to limit my recreational visits as well, to keep my wallet happier. I always fail on this part but I'll do my best to improve here. 

On Blogging and Photography, I was almost at a complete halt on this. I mean, from my usual weekly/monthy posts and photoshoots, it was almost down to nil as my priorities have shifted. Shifted in a way that my iPhone got me hooked on the internet whenever I had the opportunity at home. That leads to piling up on pending things to do on both Blogging and Photography that I need to do something here fast. While I can't promise to limit my internet connectivity via mobile, I'll try to inject some creativity in my head again for me to be able to revive my other passions in life. 

On money matters, I was able to hit my target on completing my emergency savings. I got to learn a lot of things as well like investing in Stocks, Mutual Funds, Unity Investment Trust Funds and Variable Universal Life Insurance. I was able to fortify my learnings by attending free and paid seminars during the second half of the year. By the end of this year, I already have an Online Account for Stocks, two Mutual Fund Accounts (with 1 pending), one VUL (pending approval) and a decent emergency fund (good for 6 months). I could have saved much more if it wasn't to some things that well...I guess I need to limit it one step at a time. 

At the end of this year, I look forward that 2015 would not just be another year for me but also a better year for me (and everyone else). 

Happy New Year! 

Swabeng Thoughts: The long and unexplained hiatus.

Its been months since the last time I wrote something here. I got too busy with work, raising a very playful and mischievous daughter and been busy with doing new things. While I can write here at work (during off-peak), I couldn't as my resources are scarce. 

It was like the first time again for me to put something that would make me remember the sole reason why I write online in the first place. It was those random thoughts that was the last time running through my head and make me think again why I had to be away. While there were times that I was suppose to put something in this space, a part of me wanted to be away for sometime and had me too pre-occupied.

Seven (or more) months not writing anything my mind expresses was like a year or more for my seasoned blogger friends who keeps me updated through their respective facebook page. If they experienced what I'm experiencing right now, they might have deserted their space and simply created a new one (I'm still planning to buy my own domain someday).

But I guess it's not yet time for me to leave this space and start anew. Probably, I'd try to pick-up the pieces and continue where I left off. The question when will I be active here again lies on my will power to continue amid all distractions that comes through my way. 

Until then, I hope I could find the inspiration and the drive to get back to the grove and share a lot of things Swabeh!

Hey! Merry Christmas by the way. 

Swabeng Random Thoughts Part 10

1. Its been so long since I've last made my entry here. More then two months since I've posted my last Swabeng Random Thoughts. 

2. My interest in Blogging and Photography is slowly dwindling for some un-explainable reason. I don't have a clue how it faded slowly. Work may not be the sole reason for the slowly demise of this hobby. Somehow, I must get it back before its too late. 

3. With #2 being said, I'm trying to read some blogs again particularly anything that has to do with Photography. I missed those times taking pictures and sharing them through here. So far, I'm reading two good blogs that may bring me back to the habit I do love (taking pictures and blogging about them). 

4. While I was able to lose a few pounds through exercise (walking) and lessen my food intake. Keeping it away (for a long long time) may take a lot of determination than I expected. As long as I lose a few more pounds before the year ends, I'm good with that. 

5. I'm already reaching 81.25% of my total emergency savings (that will last for a year). Only a few more months to go and I'm on target. Next would be saving up for investing. Hopefully I could start investing by the 4th quarter of the year. 

6. Since I've participated in the 52-week money challenge, I have an Idea how much I've already saved. To be honest, its not easy to do this on a 50 pesos per week increment (trust me) but hopefully, I could hit the target by the end of the year. With that amount, I could probably last for a few more months or use it to earn more. 

7. I also need to learn to tinker with my iPhone instead of using it just for browsing. Since I had that phone with me, I'm almost hooked into it whenever I have it with me. Thank God I don't bring it yet to work for safety reasons. 

8. Since they have forbidden Facebook in all workstations here, I was able to adapt somehow but I wasn't able to keep up with my games and let it go idle for a while. Now I'm trying to play them again even if its only once in a day. 

I hope I could get back really soon. Only time knows when...

Swabeng Random Thoughts Part 9

1. Its been more than 6 months since I posted my last Swabeng Random Thoughts. A lot of things have come and go through last year that I wasn't able to do some updates.

2. Last month was pretty much busy for me that I wasn't able to do any updates in this blog for the month of February. I mean, no posts and not even drafts were made last month.Well its my fault that I didn't allot even an hour a day for this. My bad. Hopefully, I could get go on this and finish my zero backlog. 

3. This year, I started browsing through several financial blogs that has something to do with investing and mutual funds. I realized that I myself wanted to be financially independent not just for my future but for Marien's future as well.

4. Also this year, I decided to hit the road and do some morning walks (jogging). Though it's still a long way for me, I know I'd be able to lose some weight and be able to hopefully join a 3K, 5K, 10K or even a 21K run in the future. 

5. I'm still trying to adjust my eating habits as I'm so far good at limiting my rice intake for the day. I just need to fine tune some fat intake and limit cola to almost nil. 

6. However, my biggest obstacle so far is forum hopping that keeps me from being productive. I must resist temptation but how? XD

7. I'm looking forward to this year as a challenge and face it head-on


And now this concludes my first post for the month. XD

Swabeng Thoughts: A decade after quarterlife

I just celebrated my birthday a few days back and I felt it was just like yesterday when I celebrated my 25th. Today, its been a decade since I celebrated my quarter life and I haven't looked back since. Indeed, God gave me a lot of reasons to live my life to the fullest after a lot of setbacks I got especially ten years ago.

Back in 2004, I just quit a teaching job not knowing how would that year end up. Got a bit too lazy to move forward that I wasted an entire year doing almost nothing but going online surfing about useless stuff.

While I try to look for a decent job back then, I didn't seem to care to get serious about it and just let it go with the flow. It didn't seem to matter to me whether or not I get hired or not but its about living it one day at a time. 

That was also the year I met a girl that I thought I would spend the rest of my life with. Like summer romance, it all ends on a sad note that I felt so depressed I had thoughts of ending my life then and there. I got to meet another girl during that year but It didn't erase the thoughts of the one that got away (not until I met my last girlfriend who happens to be my wife now). 

Anyway, the Decade's past has already been part of history which where I am right now, may not be possible if it wasn't for the mistakes I made back then. 

Now its time to embrace the good life and all the good choices it has to offer. Speaking of which, I'm halfway though my target in my daughter's account. 

Swabeng Thoughts: Getting Premium with SSS and Philhealth

Only a couple days more before I could get my first paycheck for 2014. I'm looking forward to a bigger pay since I reported on all holidays during the Christmas season plus my unused sick leaves for the past year XD. 

Now the not so good news part is that starting this year (this month), SSS and Philhealth will be raising their respective member contributions. While I'm still trying to recall how much my monthly contribution is for both (I guess I'm at the maximum XD), here are the new contribution tables for both SSS and Philhealth.

SSS Contributions starting 2014

Philhealth Contributions starting 2014

While our government explained the rational for the increase, most of us do not agree. I don't mind the increase as long as I'd be able to reap the benefits in the future as well as my fellow contributors, I'm good with that. 

I would also keep an eye on any update with these two institutions as I contribute for my future and when I retire (hopefully as early as I can), I hope I could enjoy the rest of my life with some money to spend.

Swabeng Thoughts: 2014 Holidays, should I work or should I go

This is one of the topics I've read before in various blogs. Most of them have already planned their out-of town trips with (for travel bloggers) and others have plans of doing staycations. My swabeng thoughts on this? Just read below.

Some would prefer to stay home and spend time with their love ones as much as they could. As a dad, I prefer this over going out-of-town (for now). However, working in an IT environment would be a different case. My wife has accepted the fact that I'm required to report whenever necessary.

I belong to a group that requires us (as a group) to man the operations on a 24/7/365 basis. It means that there should be at least one of us (whoever is scheduled for the day) should be visible just in case someone needs our assistance. It also means that if we're scheduled to work on a holiday, we should be there or else, we'll get deducted (no work no pay) unless we use our leave credits.

Here is the list of National Holidays for 2014. Be sure to plan accordingly and use them wisely.

Taken from The Manila Bulletin Facebook Page.

I'm looking forward to work on holidays, get extra pay (YEHEY!!!) and save-up for the future. ^_^

Swabeng Thoughts: On working holidays, double pay and being away from home

This is not the first time I've been away from my family because of holiday work. The first time (2010) I remember was when my wife was still pregnant with Marien while I'm at the office (former) all by myself. At first, it was kinda lonely since I'm all alone and not even going online on facebook kept me company. Eventually, after my shift, I went home right away to be with my family.

Then the following year (2011) was my rest day and it falls on both Christmas and New Year's Eve (and the day itself) so I was able to spend more time with them. Sans the holiday pay, it doesn't matter as that was the first time I've spent holidays at home as a dad. I got to take them out and bough a gift for my only daughter.

Then last year (2012), as I'm out of a job, I got to spend the entire Christmas season (plus a few more weeks) at home which gave me more time to spend with my family. The only problem was I'm not the one providing for my family during that time (although my wife was able to cover for it). It was a bit frustrating on my end but I was able to learn a lesson from it.

Well yesterday was a holiday shift for me as I was able to work and spend Christmas at home after work. Thank God I was bale to provide for them the things that they need (and more) especially during the yuletide season. To be honest that was a different feeling as I thought I wasn't able to make it home last night but eventually, I did. 

Again, Merry Christmas everyone! 

Taken from Google

Swabeng Thoughts: 2013's Hits and Misses

As the year is almost done, I felt that there are a few more things that needs to be done before the year turns to 2014.

This year is really a good year for me to grow as a person (in whole) and learned a lot within the last 12 months. Everything was taken with a grain of salt and an open mind as I'm now plotting my 2014 to-do's (to be written on a separate post).

Anyway, here are the things I am grateful of regardless of whether its a hit or miss.

1. A new job in a new company (Hit!): I've been praying to get a new job right after I left my old job. I didn't slack off on this one as I looked for one and got it after 4 months. The good thing is that the one I got is probably the one I consider a dream come true. My job here is not just answering phones but doing other stuff as well while I try to learn as much as I can. Pay is higher than most BPOs give and more and I was able to save too for my daughter's future.

2. Saving for the rainy day (Hit!): Thanks to my job, my take home pay is more than enough that I can put 40% into my daughter's account (my account). I was able to hit a good target for the year though my wife was hoping a much bigger savings. I could have hit that target if it wasn't for a few stumbling blocks along the way. Nevertheless, I was also able to buy a few things for myself without compromising my daughter's savings and I'll make sure to continue to save more. 

3. Attending Events (Hit!): Well, I've missed this years' FHM 100 Sexiest Event and Bumper to Bumper for the nth time. But I was still able to attend a few more events though its kinda sad that some of my friends have their own shooting gigs already. As long as my rest days still fall on a weekend, I'd continue to attend to keep me busy and de-stress myself. 

4. Achieving Zero Backlog (Miss!): Honestly, I'd blame it on poor time management on my part as I couldn't seem to either get up early or stay up very late to either edit photos or update my blog posts. I was able to have a good start and eventually, faded by the 4th quarter of the year. Hopefully by next year I would be able to sustain my campaign to achieve zero backlog for my blog posts and my photos to edit.  

5. Keeping myself in top shape (Miss!): The only downside in working in this type of environment is that you spend close to 8 hours sitting staring at the monitor. I'm not complaining here though I could have done something to improve my overall health from regaining my 20/20 vision to my improving heart condition to to losing weight and keeping it off, to my dental dilemma which I need to have those useless tooth extracted once and for all. Hopefully next year, I'd be able to improve in all of them.

That's only a few things I was able to accomplish this year. Now I'm trying to draft the things I need to do this coming 2014. ^_^

Swabeng Thoughts: Planner Season

Well some of the coffee shops in the metro has already launched their own version of their 2014 Journal (Planner) which would make coffee aficionados collect for one. I myself look forward to what they can offer as I need to limit my planner to as few as possible =P. Choosing one seems a bit complicated especially to those who has limited budget like myself.

But still, there are still critics who couldn't seem to understand why people spend money just to get the planner of their choosing. Rather than feeling upset towards them, I feel sorry as they really don't understand the mechanics and how collecting coffeeshop planners makes fanatics feel satisfied when they get what they want. Aside from that, some of the proceeds go to the coffeeshop's charity partner.

I've been collecting planners of this coffeeshop since 2007 and up to now, I'd still look forward to get my own. Maybe I'll get only one for 2014 and from there we'll see if there is a need to get more than one planner for 2014. Anyway, see you soon. 

Swabeng Thoughts: 13th Month Pay - Save or Splurge?

It was 2008 the last time I received my 13th month pay while working in a call center. Fast forward today, its been almost 5 years and I couldn't hold my excitement in receiving my well-deserved extra pay. Well, I could have received it a few times but the last company I worked with doesn't have 13th month pay in their vocabulary.

Last 2008, I didn't splurge on my 13th month pay as I saved almost all of it to our wedding expenses at that time. Then a few years passed by, my wife was the one getting her 13th month pay while I just smiled and be happy for her (and for me too XD ).

In the next few weeks, the 13th month pay I'll be receiving will be a lot first for me again. First, this would be my first 13th month pay with my daughter and wife. I'll make sure their needs (and a few wants) would be satisfied first. It would also be my first 13th month pay that I'd be getting much than what I expected (hopefully) that not in my wildest dreams, I'm gonna get it. 

After putting most of my 13th month pay to my daughter's account, I'll make sure to get some things for myself from new clothes and shoes to new books.

Keeping my fingers crossed.

My Fifty Swabeng Bucket List and counting (Part 1)

Almost everyone has their own bucket list so why can't I have one too right? Though my mantra is still "Seize the Day", I guess It ain't bad to have my own list and some are still doable I believe with some luck on my side. 

Without further ado, here are my fifty swabeng bucket list. This list took 2 years on my draft as I keep on thinking and pondering what needs to be done. This would be part one as part two may come a year after or so. 

1. Visit all 80 provinces in the Philippines and spend 2-3 weeks in each province (Travel): Only a handful of travel bloggers have done it so far. I've read some tips on how to enjoy their stay at a certain province. While it may work for others, I have my own swabeng list. I just hope I could do this before I could barely walk decades from now. While most travel bloggers spent a few days (3-4) days each province, I don't think it would cover an entire province. That's why a 2-3 week for each province seems to be the best duration of stay.

2. Spend long weekends at some of the best 5-star hotles in the country (Travel): Seems pretty luxurious but this is doable as long as you know the right people as well as wait for the best deal to grab. Group-buying sites would be my best friend. 

3. Spend long weekends at the best Bed and Breakfast Botiques in the country (Travel): What makes it different from hotels are its (1) ambiance and the feel of staying home away from home and (2) its less crowded compared to staying in hotels. Plus there are more interesting things to photograph as well. Tagaytay can be a good start for me as I have to fully enjoy its cool atmosphere. 

4. Take Migmig to some of the best Museums in the country (Travel): As a lover of the arts and everything interesting, I wanted my daughter to be a better and more broad-minded person when she grows up. I just hope well-known museums won't be too strict on people with DSLR Cameras by that time. But then again, I may already have a smaller mirror-less camera by that time so I'm sure the security won't mind at all.


5. Get my own domain (Personal): Its a lifelong dream for me to have my own domain (website). I should have done it sooner but I need to fully understand the ins and outs of doing transactions online to prevent problems. Also, I have to learn more on HTML and some scripting as well before I could dive-in to this one.

6. Take my wife and Migmig to an Ultimate Taste Test and Yummy Eats (Food): I've been to 3 UTT's and 2 Yummy Eats so far and I never recall an experience that I went home unsatisfied. I just hope I could get my hands on a digicam (Canon G15 or Canon EOS-M) for convenience instead of my bulky 7D XD.


7. Enroll at a Food Photography Workshop (Photography): After checking 50 Feasts webpage, I had to include this in my list. While I've been taking food shots on my own with friends and family, enrolling in a formal would make me feel I've learned some more from the expert. Plus it add dimension on my portfolio as well.

8 Enroll at Sir Jo Avila's Advanced Photography Workshop (Photography): I've been a student of his since 2011 and most of my improvements in my craft was courtesy of him. Though he schedules his Advanced Classes only twice a year and its mostly on weekdays (nights) which makes it challenging for me to enroll. Maybe when I have the time (and enough funds), I'll take my Advance Classes from him as well. 

9. Attend open shoots at least twice month for a year (Personal): Well I really wanted to join openshoots with models as my subject for the longest time. Why? Because I wanted to further enhance my skills in portraiture as well as lighting and other things. What makes me hesitant is that my wife is not very much open to that idea. Aside from it costs money, she might get jealous (as if she has the reason to). I just need a little more convincing of her and I might tag her along so she can try hair and make-up.  My preference though would be paid shoots but I can join free shoots whenever the project is good.

10. Get a Smartphone, preferably an I-Phone 5 (Gadgets): I think now is the time to upgrade my 5-year old phone to an I-Phone (5S) and join the smartphone bandwagon XD. I know I would learn a lot from using most of its applications as people do rave about them. I'm hoping to have my own smartphone before the year ends. XD


11. Enroll at a Landscape Photography Workshop (Photography): Taking landscapes was my first interest when I grabbed a DSLR for the first time in 2008. Fast forward, my interests kinda take a few turns leaving landscapes behind. I've been stalking Chasing Light for quite some time now and I'm pretty sure once I got all the basic photography gear needed for landscape photography, I'll join in their class. Or, I could also attend Rolly Magpayo's workshop too so I could travel to some parts of our country as well. XD

12. Enroll at a Photojournalism Workshop (Photography): Since I prefer taking pictures of what's going on outside more, I was hoping I could enroll at The Philippine Center for Journalism, but then again, with a very limited budget, I can do some self-study from Facebook's Usapang Kalye (A group of professional and amateur photojournalists) This would really help me in documenting spontaneous events more and maybe I could get a job as a photojournalist someday.


13. Attend the Photoworld Asia as a Delegate (Personal): I've been attending the PWA for the past couple of years (except 2012) as a spectator which involves joining free shoots as well as do some canvassing on some photography gear that I want to invest in the near future. I don't know how much the registration cost as of the moment but one day, I will attend this event. XD

14 Get a smaller camera, say a Canon Powershot G1X/G16 and a Canon EOS-M (or Fujifilm X100S) (Gadgets/Photography): To complement my bulky Canon 7D, I need to have either one (or both I hope) for me to be able to free-up some space in my back. Plus the fact that DSLR's are pretty much hot to security people thinking its a tool for terrorism (WTF!), I really need these compact cameras for a more unobtrusive shooting.

15. Get a Life/Health/Travel Insurance for me and my family (Personal): Well where I work right now provides me Life Insurance not just for myself but for my family as well (Shouldered by the company). But what if I resigned from work or got terminated? That's the question I need to think about as if I wanted to pay for it or not.

16. Purchase a 3-Bedroom Condo Unit (Personal): I know this would be impossible to happen but I know one way or the other, we will get a new place to live. Then, we would move to a location near to my wife's work or near to mine.

17. Build/Buy a bookshelf (Personal): If only I have the skills of my dad in carpentry, this shouldn't be included in my bucket list. I already have the design in mind but I need to figure out what would be the best materials to use. Books are not a problem as I have more than enough to fill my soon-to-be bookshelf.

18. Enroll my wife in a Culinary School (Personal): The only thing my wife has missing is the ability to cook sumptuous dishes. Cooking rice and eggs won't count as I can do it perfectly since I learned cooking. I could enroll in a culinary school myself but I'd rather have my wife do what she's suppose to do; Cook.

19. Enroll in a Post Processing Workshop (Photography): I've been toying with this idea for the longest time now. I know I could get a lot of tutorials online but I believe nothing beats having a mentor that has a vast experience when it comes to editing his/her photos and who you can consult whether online or IRL (in real life). I'm thinking whether I'd go with Jo Avila or Rolly Magpayo but I'm sure I'll benefit a lot from either of the two. Wait, I'll add Amorsoloesque by Maricris Fabi Carlos as well as the guys from FPPF to my options.

20. Enroll at a Portrait Photography Workshop (Photography): With a lot of photographers offering openshots with editing on the side, it's really hard to choose especially for the budget conscious like me. Fortunately, I saw a few photographers whose credentials are more than enough. Looking at their credentials, experience and feedback, I may enroll with anyone of them or probably all (for me to gain more experience) XD. 

21. Take care of my dentures once and for all (Personal): Its been a lifelong saga for me on how to take good care of my pearly whites. I must admit that I inherit some bad habits from my parents and now, I'm paying the price especially with several bad tooth. Some can be saved but some are meant to be extracted. 

22. Enroll in a Culinary School (Personal): One of my past times when I'm home (back in San Pedro) is to cook. From breakfast to snacks, I make sure that the dishes I make would be consumed in no time. I wanted to impress my wife and daughter with my cooking and hopefully, expand my horizons and broaden my menu in years time XD. 

23. Attend a seminar on Financial Freedom (Personal): Since I've started collecting books that has to do with saving and investing, I've been wising-up and started saving money (for real!) for the rainy days. And its not my wife's savings but my own (or should I say my daughter's). I think I've spent close to 2,000 pesos for a couple of books and I'm still looking for a credible financial adviser. I've seen Francisco Colayco's website as well as a few others. I guess I'm on my way to financial freedom anytime soon. XD

24. Get an Educational Plan for Migmig (Personal): My dad kinda forgot to grab an educational plan for the three of us. However, with the recent turn of events that some pre-need companies goes bankrupt, it kinda make me hesitant to get her one. Anyway, I'd take this into consideration and maybe get one. 

25. Give Paleo Workout/Cross-Fit Training a try (Health): Uhm, for the longest time since college, I wanted to get back in shape. I mean, a lean, mean, fighting machine and not round as a shape XD. Being busy at work should not be an excuse for me not to give it some thought and regain my fittest form. What would probably hold me back would be the cost per each session and its availability. 

Note: This bucket is was more than 2 years in the making XD. Part 2 won't be that far behind. XD

Swabeng Thoughts: Getting an invite from PFW and its schedule next week

For the second time this year, I have received an invite from Philippine Fashion week on the 25th of October at 8:30pm. If I would confirm, I would be able to see the works of Albert Andrada, Eric Delos Santos, Jerome Ang, Jun Jun Cambe, Norman Noriega, Raoul Ramirez. However, being new at work, I have to pass on this event again with a heavy heart.

Its been two years since the last time I've attended The Philippine Fashion Week. I couldn't imagine how time flies so fast. After three albums, its still stuck at three, I wonder when I would be able to attend again. XD

Anyway, here is the schedule for PFW (Philippine Fashion Week) as mostly this is a by invitation only event.

Taken from Google

I wonder how long I have to wait before I could attend again. XD

Swabeng Random Thoughts Part 8

1. Its been a while since the last time I scribbled down what's been on my head. I think the last time was when I was about to go to work again this year. Time really flies so fast.

2.AFAIK, I hope I would get regularized at work. The last time I got regularized was back in August 2006.If I get regularized this month, then, it would be coincidence XD.

3. Today is my last day of work here in the office. For the past 6 months, I was able to learn a lot and grasp as much knowledge as I can even though my world had a 360-degree turn in their IT environment.

4. I was able to start editing some pictures that I took last year (and I was able to edit 20+ sets) but for some reason, I couldn't seem to continue my streak. There is some force that prevents me to continue editing. Even with my blogging, I need to push through and continue to reach my zero backlog target for this year. 

5. When I started working here, my doctor gave me prescribed medicine for my maintenance and it worked well on me. So far, my blood pressure has been stabilized but I gained some weight thanks to free food (and drinks) at our pantry. I just hope the Admin Dept would provide healthier optionsfor guys like me.

6. Even with Sat-Sun as my rest days, I wasn't able to fully enjoy those weekends of taking pictures as I need to attend some Daddy duties for Marien. In return, I missed a couple of shooting opportunities that I have to wait for a year. I need to re-awaken my creativity again for me to grow as a better person.

7. Last June, I bought a Danbo and its mini version during the Toycon 2013. Up to now, I haven't took both off from their box. Hopefully, I could start shooting again while getting inspiration to capture the best photos. 

8. Since I started working here, my smoking habits got back. But I just smoke when I'm in the office with my colleagues who smoke as well and I just limit myself to 3 sticks a night. At home, I don't smoke. 

9. Since I started working again, I tried collecting a few books that deals with Finance and Money. It tackles topics from how to save money to how to invest it for the long term. I want to impart what I learned here to my daughter as my wife has her own ways to save money. 

10. I forgot to mention that last night, I just signed my 5th month performance appraisal (it was almost a month overdue) as my manager has recommended me to be regularized here at work. Unless I signed some documents pertaining to my status as a permanent employee, I have to work as if its my last day. 

Swabeng Thoughts: Time Management and Candy Crush

Most people I know online and offline are getting hooked into this game called Candy Crush. Its a simple game that can be played online (internet) or offline that is indeed fun and challenging at the same time. I got started to get hooked into this gave recently.  

Then, I remember a former colleague of mine saying she'll quit playing Candy Crush as it makes her unproductive and spend less time with her family. Eventually she quit and moved on with her life.

Most people had a habit of quitting doing things that turn out to be bad and makes you unproductive especially doing it excessively. One problem I see here is the lack of proper time management. When and where to play was the issue.

While part of me agrees to it, I don't mind playing Candy Crush an hour or two in a day not just to relax and kill time, but to keep my braincells working as well. Also I only play Candy Crush at home while watching my daughter sleep or while she's playing mer mom's other tablet.

I still got to do things I wanted to do without compromising time for my family and to myself. Speaking of which, I got some life already to use and hopefully level up. XD

Swabeng Thought: Breaking Streaks and Missing FHM's 100 Sexiest Party for the first time since 2007

Its been a week since FHM's 100 Sexiest Victory Party 2013. My friends were a bit confused on why I didn't attend this event. For someone like me who doesn't say no when it comes to attending these kinds of events. Its like meeting old friends as well as new ones while covering the event, who would want to miss this right?

Even my former boss called me "nuts" when I told him I'll be skipping this year's party. He's right, but not completely. I could have used one of my leave credits to join the guys but still, I know there will come a time that I'll be joining my friends again on this occasion. But for now, I have to stick to my plan to have a good record here at work.

For the time being, no pictures. Sorry guys. =P

Swabeng Thoughts: Second Half of 2013, What happened on the First Half?

To be honest, its hard to put into words where and how to start. I mean six months have gone by without much notice. I guess a lot of things have happened during the first half of the year.

With my new work, there is much to learn and much to be done. Yet I feel very blessed to land a job that gives me good pay with extra benefits that allow me to save more than enough for Marien's future. I hope I get regularized so I could save more and at the same time, learn more new things at work. The first few months I spent here in my new office translates to years I've done with my previous one. With everything new in here, its a plus for me as my resume would definitely go up a couple of notches. 

At the same time, I got to invest in two good pairs of running shoes that I have yet to use for its purpose other than for work. I wish I could have all the time in the world to start running (finally) and get back to tiptop shape. Some habits are really tough to break but I still give it a shot even if it takes a long time. Getting healthy again won't happen overnight, not just in the first six months.

It took me a while before I could start editing some old photos and I'm almost done with 2011 and starting with 2012. Sacrificing good sleep to edit 1-2 sets each night is not that easy with minimal light as my guide. Still, I have complete faith in all of my shots. I had to sacrifice some weekends that I should have been outside taking photos but instead, I'm baby-sitting. Anyway, I hope I my backlog would be back to zero before the year ends. 

Some books gave me enough reason why I should expand my horizon even more. I never regretted spending extra money just to acquire them. Those books were mostly on saving and investing but it doesn't mean that I won't be buying photography-related books as well as my monthly magazine-fix. My room back in Laguna would be filled in less than 5 years and I might as well have to buy or let my dad build another cabinet. 

Raising a two-year old daughter with a mischievous genes like I have, its really a challenge not to scold her nor spank her. I don't want to sound strict but there are times I need to do it until she cries and her mom comforts her (her mom does the same but it doesn't work =P). I only pray every night to have more than enough patience to raise my daughter as calmly as possible. I could only imagine how hard it is if Marien had a twin. Could be catastrophic XD. 

Well I guess I would look forward to the second half of the year. For better or for worse (like a marriage vows), I'm sure I'll be a better man after 2013.