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 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 Random Thoughts Part 7

1. Its been more than 2 months since the last time I've posted my swabeng random thoughts here. 

2. After close to 5 months, I'll be back working again as an IT Service Desk for an online gaming company. I was suppose to start today but I had to complete some of my requirements first which may take me a few more days. 

3. As of today, I have close to 60 pending posts to edit, not counting 40+ more that I drafted in my planner. With work coming my way, it may take some time to push my backlogs to zero. 

4. As only a few know, I've lost 300+GB of pictures when my laptop crashed. It was unexpected as my daughter played with some few keys as I couldn't recover them anymore. I don't blame my daughter as she was only curious on most of our stuff here. Rather, I should have backed-up the day before when I was writing my post for Marian Rivera.

5. After being diagnosed with hypertension, my diet was never the same again. I mean, I don't eat as much as I used to except on special occasions but I have to burn them right away. Another culprit was my sedentary lifestyle that I just sit down almost the entire day. The only exercise I had is when I take my daughter out for a walk of if I have errands to do. 

6. For the past 4 and a half months, I got to baby-sit my daughter almost full-time. She had brought the best and worst of me that made me realize how difficult and fun fatherhood can be. XD

7. As mentioned in #4, I had installed both Photoshop CS5 and Lightroom 4. But I need to get familiarized with the latter as I got to create some actions on the former which can make my post-processing much easier. 

8. As of today, I don't have any backlogs (blogs) for 2011. But for photos, there is a lot of work to be done. XD

9. The longer I don't shoot (take photos), the more I feel stressed. That was proven after I went out last Sunday to take pictures for the CNY in Binondo. Now I feel less stressed and I hope I could shoot more often again. 

Swabeng Random Thoughts Part 6

1. Its been two months since I last Swabeng Random Thoughts. 

2. Its been two months since I left my job to do other things and yet, I felt I'm still piled up as I need to get things done. If I could hire an assistant, I would but I don't have enough funds to do that. 

3. Though many advised to manage my time accordingly, if you have a baby that constantly needs your attention, she has to be first over everything else.

4. I still have 6 pending posts for 2011 and most of them has something to do with food. 

5. From almost 120 pending post, I somehow trimmed it down to 88. BUT with some drafts from my notebook (around 50-60), I guess I need to clear-up again. XD

6. My pending sets to edit for 2012 piles up to almost 200 with 50+ more for 2011. XD

7. I have to  download all old pictures from Multiply as their software isn't working on my PC. Thats 15,000+ shots from 2007 to 2010. 

8. I still have to find time to get back in shape. My sleeping pattern almost changes every 3-4 days. 

9. Probably, I'll enjoy the rest of the year without worries until the end of the world (NOT)! The world won't end on December 21st as some would claim. =P

Swabeng Thoughts: The Significance of 10-11-12

Today is the 11th of October 2012 or 10-11-12. But what is significant about this date? 

Taken from Google

If you ask me, there is NONE. Even if it happens once every 100 years, people's lives would improve for the better or for worse depending on how we live it day by day. 

But there are couples who will be getting married on this day or babies are born on this day (probably the same sentiments with 1-1-1, 2-2-2, 3-3-3, 1-2-3, 5-6-7, etc). 

I hope you enjoy the rest of the day. XD

Swabeng Random Thoughts Part 5

1. It took me more than two months to follow-up on my last Swabeng Random Thoughts.

2. As of today, I don't have a job. Not because I resigned nor got terminated, but rather my contract ended and I decided not renew. I wanted to explore other opportunities that doesn't make me feel a second-class working citizen by having a permanent job.

3. Since I don't have a job, my blogging time may be cut by almost 80%. Majority of my posts were done in the office. I guess I have to re-establish my Blogging Hour once more.

4. From 84 pending posts, it now ballooned to 104 (and counting). This is in-connection with #3.

5. I'm almost finished editing my 2011 sets. Now my 2012 sets are piled-up like pancakes. I think I may have more than 65 sets for 2012 (not counting the ones I've finished).

6. I'm thinking of running again even if its only for 5K. I'm not sure if I could go beyond 5K but I wanted to push myself again to the limits more. I could visit the gym again after more than 10 years.

7. At the end of the day, my time management skills will be judged and right now, I need a lot of improvement here.

Swabeng Random Thoughts Part 4

1. It took me more than three months to follow-up this from my last Swabeng Random Thoughts.

2. I'm still thinking if I should load some of my software (Adobe CS5 and LR4) on our new laptop without having any problems.Though the old laptop still works, its only a matter of time before it dies out on me while I'm in the middle of something.

3. Now that my Project 365 (for Migmig) is done, I'm in the process of going beyond it. Though I'm still thinking of a new Project 365 but I don't know what would be my subject. I'm thinking of Danbo but I have yet to get one (or more). 

4. From 60 pending blogs, now its up to 84. Not counted are 30 more as it's still drafted on my Starbuck's 2012 Planner. 

5. I may get 2-3 planners for 2013 as I need to choose the best ones. I currently have 7 planners this year and I'm using only one of them XD.

6. With 10 photography books (plus several photography magazines), I guess I need a new shelf for them. 

7. With 2 months and a few more days before my contract ends, I need to update my resume for both print and online. At the same time, I need to edit some pictures on a Saturday in the office. So far, I'm making headway for 2011 albums as I got to edit around 15-20 sets.

8. With my dead tooth still with me, I need to stabilize my blood pressure first as I could compare it from a roller coaster. I know I cannot have it extracted in the afternoon as my blood pressure is high during those times.

9. Migmig really needs a "yaya" to free up everybody's workload at home.

10. I guess I have to start backing up every post I made already. Using MS Word 2003/2007/2010 would be a good start I guess XD.

Swabeng Random Thoughts Part 3

1. It took me more than a year to follow this up from last year. 

2.I should have also attended the Inside Racing Bike Fest at SMX last Saturday aside from going to MIAS at WTC. That way I could have took pictures of more pretty models.XD

3. I'm having second thoughts if I should join my in-laws to Bacnotan in La Union to spend holy week there. I'm sure I'd get deductions for my pay but I think its all the risk. Plus I could practice some of my photography skills since there's a beach that is 5 minutes away from their home.

4. Still contemplating whether to user Adobe LR3 (Cant use LR4 as it requires Windows 7) or Adobe Photoshop CS5. I haven't been editing photos for nearly a month now. 

5. I'm few days away for Project 365 completion. I wanted to share how she grew right before my eyes but I value her security and privacy too. 

6. With only less than 6 months in my work contract, I'm sure I won't renew as I have to explore other options and that's final =P

7. I really need to get my 7-hour sleep back. A 5-hour sleep doesn't help. Not even having a morning nap for 2-hours could get me feel better.

8. I'm thinking if I should get a 2TB external hard drive recommended by my photography mentor or a 6TB one. Though I'm bent on getting a 2TB hd that 6TB keeps on tempting me. XD

9. I'm thinking if I would have my dead DSLR (Canon EOS Rebel XSi) revived so it would serve as my second camera. I may go pro after this (I hope XD)

10. Now I have 60 pending blogs in my draft to edit and post. Not counted are another 20 more in my head. XD

Swabeng Tips: Handling Unwanted Friend Requests

For the past few months, I've been receiving several friend requests in facebook. Most of them are from people I don't know personally. Though I don't mind accepting friend requests, there are times I find it really annoying especially if the name is fictitious and the pictures are so fake. When I saw this from CNN, what a good timing as most people wanted to know how to handle these kinds of requests.

With that, we give you: The Ultimate Guide to the Unwanted Friend Request:


How to handle unwanted friend requests
By Andrea Bartz and Brenna Ehrlich, Special to CNN

Taken from Google

Option 1: Ignore

Freud was totally on to something with that whole repression thing. Treat this friend request like all the other vaguely uncomfortable social issues hovering around your shoulders like miniature dementors (the implied ask-out from that weird girl at work! That college student's persistent requests for an informational interview! The voice mails of murmured Fiona Apple lyrics you keep leaving on your ex-girlfriend's phone when you've been hitting the sauce!) and sweep the whole thing under the rug.

Facebook even makes this the default now -- instead of totally rejecting a request, you simply hit "Not now," relegating it to the realm of "hidden requests." Hey, maybe your clueless would-be amigo will just think you never log into the ol' Book of Face.


Option 2: Accept -- with caution

If you don't feel comfortable relegating your contact to Friend Request Limbo, you can instead send him or her to the halfway house of your limited profile. Then you tell Facebook to, for example, not let certain people read the stupid things your friends post on your wall. Mark Zuckerberg, of course, made this way more difficult than it needs to be.

OK, deep breath: If you don't already have a Limited Profile list, click on "more" next to "Lists" in the left-hand column and then click "Create a list." Name it "Limited Profile," "Professional contacts," "Creepers," whatever. Now surf on over to "privacy settings" under the arrow that's always on the upper right.

Now [another gasp] click on Privacy settings, "edit settings" next to "How you connect," and, next to the last option ("Who can see Wall posts by others on your profile?"), click "custom" and then provide the list name under the option "Hide from." Now accept your frenemy's friendship, hover your mouse over "Friends" and select your stealth list from the drop-down menu. This just takes care of others' wall posts -- you have to go through a whole 'nother rigmarole to block your photo albums, for example.

Well, now that we're exhausted and in need of more caffeine from writing that all out, I think we can all acknowledge that Facebook privacy settings suck and this is probably the least time-efficient solution. But hey, if your boss really will freak out if you don't hit Accept, it may be worth the trouble.


Option 3: Reject, and speak up

Sometimes, a little apologetic explanation will soothe the sting of rejection. Give the person you just turned down a legit-sounding excuse the next time you see them in person (or get them on the phone).

"As a rule, I'm not really Facebook friends with people I know professionally, but let me add you on LinkedIn" is a perfectly reasonable thing to say, for example. Just do the explaining in an oh-by-the-way tone (NOT in a Facebook message or e-mail -- too awkward) and the person will mirror your niceness. We hope.


Option 4: Clean up, already

Cue the Mom Voice: If you're really not happy with the sloppy disaster of a profile you're presenting, it might be time to clean up your image.

Remember, recruiters and employers have an almost uncanny ability to find pictures and updates that you thought were private. (Mind-blowing actual exchange in Facebook's official Q&A: I set my photo album to Friends, but others are seeing, liking and commenting on my photos. The FB team responds with the digital equivalent of a dismissive wave of the hand.) And snap after snap of you passed out next to a toilet (or updates gleefully recounting your vomitacious episodes) are just, well, trashy.

Rule of thumb: Don't put anything on Facebook that you wouldn't want your aunt/boss/creepy neighbor seeing, even if you give them the big Reject.

Just make sure to be always aware when accepting friend requests.

The Difference between Westerners and Asians

Found this in my inbox. Just sharing. XD

To group all races of Asians as one is to overgeneralize. Asian races are more diverse than the Caucasians, i.e. Indians differ from the Chinese in most respects.

Key: 

Blue --> Westerners  

Red --> Asians

(1) Opinion

Westerners: Talk to the point

Asians: Talk around the circle, especially if opinions are different

(2) Way of Life

Westerners: individualism, think of himself or herself.

Asians: enjoy gathering with family and friends, solving their problems, and know each other's business.

(3) Punctuality

Westerners: on time.

Asians: in time.

(4) Contacts

Westerners: Contact to related person only.

Asians: Contact everyone everywhere, business very successful.

(5) Anger

Westerners: Show that I am angry.

Asians: I am angry, but still smiling... (Beware!)

(6) Queue when Waiting

Westerners: Queuing in an orderly manner.

Asians: Queuing?! What's that?

(7) Sundays on the Road

Westerners: Enjoy weekend relaxing peacefully.

Asians: Enjoy weekend in crowded places, like going to the mall.

(8) Party

Westerners: Only gather with their own group.

Asians: All focus on the one activity that is hosted by the CEO.

(9) In the restaurant

Westerners: Talk softly and gently in the restaurant.

Asians: Talk and laugh loudly like they own the restaurant.

(10) Travelling

Westerners: Love sightseeing and enjoy the scenery.

Asians: Taking picture is the most important; scenery is just for the background. 

(11) Handling of Problems

Westerners: Take any steps to solve the problems.

Asians: Try to avoid conflicts, and if can, don't leave any trail.

(12) Three meals a day

Westerners: Good meal for once a day is sufficed.

Asians: At least 3 good meals a day.

(13) Transportation

Westerners: Before drove cars, now cycling for environmental protection.

Asians: Before no money and rode a bike, now got money and drive a car.

(14) Elderly in day-to-day life

Westerners: When old, there is snoopy for companionship.

Asians: When old, guarantee will not be lonely, as long as willing to babysit grandkids.

(15) Moods and Weather

Westerners: The logic is: rain is pain.

Asians: More rain, more prosperity

(16) The Boss

Westerners: The boss is part of the team.

Asians: The boss is a fierce god. 

(17) What's Trendy

Westerners: Eat healthy Asian cuisine.

Asians: Eat expensive Western cuisine.

(18) The Child

Westerners: The kid is going to be independent and make his/her own living.

Asians: Slog whole life for the kids, the centre of your life.

True or not? It's up to you XD.

Bullies Beware!

While doing my daily blog-hopping for inspiration, I got this from one of the blogs I'm following.

After watching the 15-minute video, I can't help it but remember some of the events that happened to me way back when I was in grade school and in highschool (until third year). Though I wasn't bullied that much in the physical sense, I got a lot of beating in the emotional aspect that most of the time, my self-esteem was always low. Good thing I reached fourth year highschool back then before off to college where bullying is the thing of the past and enjoyed life since then.

I admire Casey's extreme tolerance against bullying before he fought back to the little fellow who kept on bullying him. I will definitely have my daughter watch this video a few years from now and tell her to fight back if and only if she's really pushed to the limit. Bullying is a no-no for me and I won't even tolerate my kid is she bullies someone.

To Casey, you're the man! XD

Swabeng Random Thoughts Part 2

1. I won't be attending this Sunday's FHM Autograph Signing from 6-8pm since I'll be asleep then (sleep is much more important to me right now XD). This would be the second time I'll be missing an event on purpose XD.

2. I'll be attending Jo Avila's lecture on Basic Color Management again later XD.

3. I have 49 posts for posting but I need to edit them ASAP XD.

4. I have more than a hundred albums for editing and it keeps on piling up XD.

5. I'm looking forward to working mid-shift even if it means that I'll be losing my night-diff.

6. I had to settle for Canon EF 24-105 f/4 L IS USM instead of my dream lens (Canon EF 70-200 f/2.8 L II IS USM) for practical reasons. I hope I don't have to downgrade further XD.

7. I hope my paycheck this March would be more than enough to add for our expenses in April.

8. I have yet to install Adobe Light Room 3 and Photomatix on my PC.

9. Blog-hopping should be done in the office and photo editing at home XD.

10. With a lot of things running in my head, Its hard for me which to prioritize first XD.

Getting ready for tonight

Right now, I'm at 90% ready for my shift after being down for 5 days. I know I've been away from work again since I got down with flu not because of my nature of work but because of my carelessness of not taking good care of myself. I won't be filing any leave for this once since its my fault why I wasn't able to keep myself fit for the job and I need them for more important things.

Hope I can get more sleep tonight so I could be at my 100% ^_^

Swabeng Random Thoughts Part 1

1. I missed 2 events (UST's foundation week as well as Mapua's foundation week.) Toinks!

2. Got 12 thoughts to blog but I don't know what to start. 

3. I should have got at least 3 hours of sleep so I could have focused on Master Jo Avila's Post Processing Technique (I might attend make-up classes for this XD). 

4. Planning where to spend our advanced Valentines Day for me and my wife since I'll be in the office on the night of Feb 14.

5. Buy Lowepro's Fastpack 250 on Tuesday. Fastpack 350 is way big for a backpack to me as of the moment. XD

6. Have my eyes and lungs check as soon as possible. 

7. I've been working 7 nights for the past 8 and I need a break XD. 

8. I hope FHM Philippines would have an autograph signing this month XD. 

9. I hope after running some errands on the 1st of February, I could take my wife to the Photoworld Asia in Glorietta to show to her my wish list XD.

10. I missed my bed back home. 

XD

Of Originals and Re-Posts

 Taken from Google.

When I was starting to blog here, I made sure this would be my outlet of my inner thoughts, rants and raves. But when I ran out of ideas (sometimes), I look for other inspirations online and add them to my posts. Though not original in content, I make sure to include a link back to the original website to give due credit to the owner as well as put my insights into the post.

Looking back this January, I have already 38 posts. Almost half of them were edited re-posts. I know it bad to copy (Bad Marky). But definitely, I don't think I've committed plagiarism am I? Unless the original author requested me to remove my posts, for now, I'll let them stay here until further notice.

Two Fraps a day = Your own condo

I don't think so =P

Unless you really on planning to live in a condo for the next 15-20 years, I won't be arguing anymore XD.

Assuming that you would religiously set aside a budget for two fraps in a day for 365 days, which translates to 135-165 pesos each (that would be 270-330 pesos total). In a year, you have already spend 98550-120450 pesos in a year. Then, multiply it by 20 years. That would be around 1,971,000-2,409,000 total.

Probably, I am wrong but still, prices still increase year after year so You probably need 1,500,000 pesos more to get your own condo unit (a 2 or 3-bedroom unit) XD.

Or if you would be practical and wise enough, why not invest in a house and lot in a nearby province or a townhouse is much better than having a condo unit. 

Don't you think?

Swabeng Thoughts: 60 Ways why It's Funny Living In The Philippines

I got this from fellow blogger and good friend Doc Albert. I will be including my insights here so as to give it a different interpretation. Also, I'll add some of my own here to make it more extensive. ^_^

Disclaimer: These are both our opinions and it has nothing to do with you (anonymous readers). ^_^

1. Ninety percent of the shows of our local TV channels comprises of soap operas.

--> Not necessarily true unless every time you open your TV, you look for it or probably you watch TV from 2:30pm-5:30pm and 8:00pm-10:30pm.

2. Ordinary people like a SM saleslady or a high school student carry two cellphones at the same time.
-->Even tricycle drivers carry two cellphones at a time with its basic unit amounting to around 1000 pesos and up.


3. Adults have an odd fascination to be cute by including unnecessary words such as "po" and "kaya" in what they are saying.
-->I'm guilty of it sometimes. Just trying to be polite even to people younger than me. ^_^

4. Celebrities who cannot sing can become best selling recording artists just by the stature of their fame.
-->I can't think of a good example. Willie Revillame perhaps.

5. Tsinelas is a fashion statement as long as it is Havaianas.
-->I cante help it but feel sorry for my Spartan brothers and sisters.

6. Taxi drivers have the right to refuse passengers with outrageous reasons such as "trapik," "kakain pa" and my favorite "di doon ang daan ko."
-->I hope LTFRB/LTO would strictly enforce laws regarding taxi drivers who refuse to take in passengers and give silly alibis.

7. A tv show that was suspended can continue with its airing with the same cast and format as long as it bears a new temporary show title.
-->All I can remember is Showtime.

8. The long forgotten career of Air Supply is very much alive in every home and karaoke joints.
--> I agree on this one. XD

9. People fulfill their overwhelming desire to be white by seeking the pharmaceutical aid of gluthatione.
-->If they have the money to spend, I don't think that's a problem.


10. FM radio stations are contaminated by loud, unfunny and jolog-speaking disc jockeys who obligatorily laugh at their own jokes.
--> That's why I listen to Hardcore stations like NU 107.5 and RJ 105.9

11. A pambahay is synonymous to a swimwear as evident by the t-shirt and shorts wearing females and basketball shorts clad men who frolic in public swimming pools and beaches.
--> No budget for Speedos definitely. hehe. XD

12. Local tv channels nowadays are like a peryahan with the mushrooming talent shows blatantly copied from Britain's Got Talent.
-->They may have copied it but it goes to show that Filipinos got not just talent but world class talent. I've been watching this show since its first airing and the semi-finals is really good. One thing about it though, its airtime is the same as "Talentadong Pinoy" which I also like watching. ^_^

13. Customers go to Starbucks not for the beverage but more for the purpose of human pollution.
-->Not to mention chick hunting XD. Sometimes, I'm guilty of this especially if I have to wait for a friend while sipping their hot, expensive drink. But the reason I go there more often especially during November and December is their Planner. I have 4 already dating back from 2007.

14. Students and most especially workers enjoy an insane number of breaks from holidays. This, considering we're a third world nation who needs to generate more money.
--> Some people need a break.

15. Despite being just an obvious marketing ploy by TV networks and film outfits, people still have a strong conviction that showbiz love teams are real.
--> No Comment. XD

16. A mother or yaya believes that a stranger who finds her baby cute should wipe his laway to the poor toddler to counteract the power of usog. Never mind if the laway is filthy and possibly infectious.
--> I just simply don't get the logic of this.

17. The poorer the family is, the greater number of members it has. Sex, therefore, is a national past time among those in the poverty line.
-->Blame it on lack of electricity on each home.

18. Action stars and comedians usually have in their films young leading ladies that could pass as their daughters in real life.
--> That's why they're my Idols. XD

19. Birit is regarded as the greatest form of musical talent.
--> I disagree on this. Not all biriteros are great singers.



20. A local woman who you see dating a white man in a mall most probably looks like a chimay.
-->Its very evident in Harrison Plaza. Chimay wont be the term but rather exotic. 

21. Noontime variety shows are polluted by noisy and shallow hosts, orchestrated clapping, moronic novelty theme songs, choreographed audience merrymaking, badly lipsynched song numbers, premeditated crying and retardate acting contestants.
-->Not all noontime variety shows are like that.

22. The best way to gain fame and fortune in showbiz and politics is by publicly declaring that you are "laki sa hirap" or "para sa mahirap." 
--> Not true. Some are just plain lucky. XD


23. Young people are into music whose lyrics they don't even understand. Music that superficially dwells on fancy clothes, flashy choreography and artists who spend most of their time trying to be cute on camera. 
-->K-Pop, J-Pop and the like really influenced kids of today.

24. An artista is not afraid of overexposure. Thereby, he or she can star in two to three shows in one day, aside from having a movie currently showing.
-->I think that's how they work really hard to pay their house, cars etc.


25. Local award shows for movies are polluted with inanities such as production numbers by the hottest teen stars that have nothing to do with the roster of film nominees and special awards like "Snacku Star Of The Night."
-->That makes the show longer.

26.  A person can become president solely by virtue of his parents' legacy.
-->He already did won. The only missing is his proclamation by either the Supreme Chief Justice or by any Baranggay Captain.

27. Only one type of local movies sells in the box office--- mediocre formulaic romantic flicks by Star Cinema.
--> True. That's why I'd rather watch Cable TV =P



28. A record or album can reach multi-platinum status despite containing mostly recycled materials.
--> I'd say not all. Some multi-platinun albums are really good. ^_^

29. The remnants of an overthrown dictatorship hold government positions. A once incarcerated former president has a chance to be reelected. A current leader who holds the highest position in the land is allowed to conspicuously run for a lower position.
-->Politics "Only in the Philippines"

30. A TV station is like a religion. People coined themselves as either a Kapuso or Kapamilya and wage war against each other for the sake of their beloved TV networks.
--> Only in the Philippines. XD

31. Every street corner can be transformed into an instant restroom. 

-->Applicable to all guys but not to the ladies unless the need is critical. 

32. A local singer who has appeared on Oprah is already regarded as an international music superstar with the caliber of a Britney Spears or Beyonce.

--> Probably yes unless they just want to be seen on TV. XD

33. A female celebrity who had a history of STD still shamelessly endorses a vaginal antiseptic/feminine wash.

--> I know who she is?!? XD

34. People have a strange fascination to make senseless world records such as "pinakamalaking buko pie" or "pinakamahabang ihawan."

--> They just wanted to be in the Guiness I guess. Nothing wrong with that. XD

35. Newly installed garbage bins, manhole covers, cables and street lamps disappear suddenly without a trace.

--> Just look at your nearest junk shop and you'll know the answers. XD

36. A new movie or TV show is being pitched by stars who basically have nothing to do with the said project.

--> Probably it would be for his/her onscreen partner. XD

37. Callers of radio stations greet people who ironically are just beside them.

--> Oops! Were kinda guilty but at least we were greeted on-air =P

38. Walking out from a TV show or an interview is a ploy to be controversial.

--> For me its just how to get attention. =P

39. An elected government official is only deemed to have lost from the previous election only when another poll is just around the corner.

--> I have no Idea. XD

40. Filipino entries included in contests via international online voting almost always win.

-->Not all Filipino entries win but one thing I know is that they have unity plus internet usage here is cheap. 

41. Girls who are not into rock music become fans of a rock band for the main reason that the lead vocalist is pogi.

-->There are bands that the drummer, guitarist or bassist are more good-looking than the vocalist. 

42. Salesladies in department stores wear terrible make up.

--> Unfortunately true. But there are Salesladies out there who are extremely hot XD

43. After years of staying in our country, Fil-Am and other foreign bred celebrities still cannot understand or speak Filipino.

-->Totally Disagree. My boss can speak and understand Tagalog though we still communicate with him in English.

44. Ladies who wear short skirts and shorts in public would cover up whenever they are sitting or riding the escalator.

-->They should wear long skirts instead. Those who wear shirts with plunging neckline should wear turtle -necks instead. 

45. Reality shows are havens for discovering flash in the pan disposable celebrities.

--> Seems this is the latest trend now a days.

46. Bands who perform at noontime variety shows are obliged to jam with the hosts.

--> A must probably? 

47. A career change for an actress is to pose for a men's magazine.

-->Its more of a stepping stone perhaps. 

48. A person with one mobile phone is a subscriber to two or three networks. (I always find it funny whenever I see people changing sim in his mobile phone whenever he wants to use or check out his other network.) 

-->I used to be guilty at this until I decided to keep only one sim (Globe).

49.  People get killed for the reason of "masama kung tumingin."

--> I almost get killed as well because of this. XD

50. Students review at Starbucks despite the obvious many distractions.

-->They don't review. They just go on chick hunting and oogling women with big breasts and nice butts. hehe. XD

51. It is natural for other people to spit in public.

-->Spit somewhere else (like Singapore) and you'll get fined. 

52. People are entertained by watching their favorite artista sing and dance to other people's songs during a Sunday noon.

--> Can't help it. Its Sunday anyway. XD

53. The more baduy an artista is, the more money he or she makes.

-->Not all. There are those who just vanished from the spotlight.

54. Nothing beats the sumptuousness of suka or sawsawan of street foods. (Maybe it's all those microorganisms that make them tasty.)

--> Isaw, kwek2 FTW XD

55. Items from hotels, airlines and restaurants are taken home for souvenirs by its patrons.

-->Of course. They want to get their money's worth. XD

56. People love crying, making a person cry and seeing other people cry on national TV. (Most of the time, the scene is equipped with a sad and melancholic background music.) 

--> This really sucks especially if celebrities do it. 

57. A reality show contestant will most likely win if he or she is poor.

--> Almost but not quite. XD

58. Bikers think they are also pedestrians by the manner they outmaneuver their motorcycles on the road.

--> Some are true to some extent. 

59. People over react to a satire or parody without considering we are also a nation of racists and pintasero.

--> I cant help it but to agree.

60. We are a country who loves vacation. Where else can you see a Monday being made into a holiday if the said holiday originally falls on a weekend?

-->Only in the Philippines an ex-President can change the day of the holiday.