31.1.07

TATTOO

This cost me a hundred bucks. I don't like it really but hell it'll be two weeks bago 'to mabura so I need to give it the LOVE. See the 2 lil smudges at the far right of my arm? It's courtesy of my beloved blue vintage shirt wahhhhhh. This is my fourth henna tattoo. First one was in Galera (smudged my Bora sando), then at EK (smudged my denim shorts), and third during my bday celeb at Island Cove hehe (no smudges).

30.1.07

Maynila Revisited

Last weekend, I was invited in a photo session to capture what Manila has to offer thru the lenses of our camera. It's an informal shoot that created two challenges for me. One, I have a point and shoot cam. Second, what does Manila has to offer? (yes, in all seriousness). Nonetheless, I focused on two key spots in Manila that would give me enough substance both for the fun of it and for the fulfillment of the task. I chose Intramuros by day and Baywalk by night.

INTRAMUROS

The usual sights in Intramuros is a treat for typical, veteran photographers since its symmetry, clean cut horizons and vague colors can transform a simple to interesting shot . I tried to sway the idea of symmetrical shots rather I focused on moving objects with assymetrics and some parallel lines.

The Walled City is an escape to the Manila traffic. Calesas abound the wide streets. Some are still paved in cobblestones especially those in front of the San Agustin Church, one of the oldest and widest church in the country.

I was looking for the old site where the University of Santo Tomas once stood but what I discovered was the old site of the Ateneo de Manila University. The site now hosts Clam Shells 1 & 2 - two huge pavillions which are used for regional showrooms and stages for orchestra ensembles.

After a few good shots, we rested for a while then headed straight to the Manila Bay Area.

BAYWALK

The ever-evolving new pang-masa strip has turned the metro an edgy-er tambayan than Malate. Gone are the stench of the bay. Several bars with open air musical ensembles litter the almost 3-km bayside strip. Name it and this place has it - Manny Pacquiao resto, comedy bars, midget waiters, dinosaurs as tall as its opposite buildings, and tons of castañas, boiled corn & would you imagine inihaw na pusit!

You can practically walk in the area without any worries of snatchers. It seems that they are not welcome here as several numbers of cops are within striking distance.

I hail the leaders of Manila for this sumptuous treat to the greater Manileño sector. Its not often you'd see zero traffic. There are efficient, and mind you, working toilets. And the bronze statues are still intact; unlike the one in front of the City Hall where the bronze pen of Pareng Andres Bonifacio was stolen from its silent owner. If only Boni could speak....Tsk tsk tsk.

Our session stopped when streaks of rain fell. I never felt tired during the whole shoot. Thanks to my meds and to the awesome guys who invited me. 'Really did my task well...

B-NYT 4 Volt and Donna

This is the first time in Two O O Seven that I ever attended a B-NYT (Bachelor's Night). Well because Donna was my co-scholar back in college (Year 2000 lang po) and Volt being one of the few oldie-bachelors hehe...

Also, my first attendance in a Stag Party with zero Coyote Girls dancin on tabletops (yeah baby!)...and the first and probably the last time that I'll be present in a bridal shower...

Was also the first time to have "0" alcohol, "0" beer or "0" red wine. Wag na pong alamin kung bakit...hehe

The party went out fine with tons of you-know-what-happens-in-this-type-of-party games! It was also a place crowded with characters - There was ASI. The Smurfs (hehehe) and The SUs (tabi tabi po). Hehe

To Donna and Volt - Have a great time together!

26.1.07

Lasheng

It was a surprise inuman to the max. Went home vomiting, dizzed, and all ganged up. What a night!

24.1.07

After-Shower

I took photos of this candle after my late night shower.

It took me 80 shots to get the best angle, backdraft, lights, shutter speed, & focus.

Can't choose which is which from these two so I added them up, both, in my Photog Portfolio

23.1.07

Rewards...rewards...

1) My boss recognized my initiative....at last! With matching shoutouts to the rest of the refinery leadership team. YAHU!!!

From: Pagsinohin, Jun A PSPC-DFP/6514

Sent: Tuesday, January 23, 2007 4:36 PM

To: Pama, Mike N PSPC-MFD/2; Gonzalodo, Gel DLR PSPC-DFP/6514CCc: Castueras, Andrew PSPC-EM; Conchada, Mario B PSPC-EMS/31; Hopmans, John PSPC-MFO; Alivio, Rebecca A PSPC-DMA/5_MF; Ramos, Marc Ocampo PSPC-MFD/5; Tuvida, Art PSPC-EMR; Brandares, Brandy PSPC-MFD; Alivio, Rebecca A PSPC-DMA/5_MF; Arias, Paulo N PSPC-MFH; Castueras, Andrew PSPC-EM; Dela Cruz, Lydia M PSPC-DSA/42; Espina, Jun S PSPC-EA/4T; Guieb, Roland D PSPC-MFH; Hopmans, John PSPC-MFO; Pingul, Bing C PSPC-DFM/14

Subject: RE: IMPT: Sieving Machines for SD

OK, we will inform CR Asia not to send anymore their sieving machines. Excellent initiative Gel. I think this can still qualify in the Bright Ideas !

2) My initiative saved USD ++45 K ~ PhP 2.5 M. Mind you I do not have a cut here. How I wish$$$!!!!

3) Four (4) out of my four (4) contract strategies passed the approval of the Local Tender Board. Peanuts...

4) I tried to charge Php 1,186.35 business calls to the company. It was also approved!

5) I read the morning meeting's highlights. Really funny!

From: Pastrano, Maimai P PSPC-MFD/43

Sent: Tuesday, January 23, 2007 2:59 PM

To: GX SCIP All TAB Morning Meeting Distribution List

Subject: Morning Meeting Highlights - 23 Jan

HSSE

1. Safety Moment: Do not sleep while driving, you might crash into a tree, turn your car into a wreck and get serious injuries.

2. City service personnel at the guesthouse was carrying a bag of left over food with her right hand which she will dispose when a stray cat pounced on her and bit her index finger. Safety officer to ensure that she is given the necessary vaccines.

BP at 140-100

Thanks to all who have sent their concerns... For two days, my blood pressure went up to 140-100. Fortunately it went down after almost four days of constant rest and pills. Thanks to Doc and her team! Buhay pa ko. Hehe

22.1.07

Celebrity Trekking 101

Stip invited me for a weekend getaway in Taal Volcano late last week. I was kinda hesitant at first because it wasn't included sa budget ni KUYA hehe. But since one of my few goals this year is to conquer four (4) mountains, this one might get me going...

8:30 was the sked. I woke up 8:35 hehe. Of course, what would I expect... there are already several SMSssss from Stip. But I still showered my pillows with my oh-so-viscous saliva. Ewwww...Wehehe.

The town of Talisay, where Taal Volcano is, is just a short ride from Batangas City. You can take the Bauan-San-Pascual-Lemery route or you can try the Lipa City STAR tollway and exit at the Bulihan interchange route which is much faster than the former. If you are coming from Manila, I suggest you take the Sta Rosa-Tagaytay City route as you may encounter nasty traffic at the Calamba Interchange before the entry to STAR tollway.

At the Talisay harbour, a friend of Stiffler's mom (hehe), Tito Carlitos Soriano, met us. He somewhat monopolized the boat rentals in the area. With that huge billboard, you will surely know that he is the boss of the bancas in Talisay. His house will also be our nook chow once we hit back the shore.

The vista at the harbour is a site to behold. At the shore, you would practically see the splendour that this volcano is famous for. Its small size doesn't speak of its vulnerable potential as an active volcano. In fact, according to Mr. Wikipedia, it is one of the 15 decade volcanoes of the world- they are called as such, because in the past decade, these volcanoes had activities close to rupture or eruption.

Arriving at the local port, I was surprised to see huge number of residents at the bottom of the volcano. It may be because tourism has caught up as one of the lucrative businesses that the Taaleños have take on. You can see dozens of Korean nationals readying for a hike to get a better view of the crater. There are also dozens of small, locally-bred horses which takes people up for only Php 600-800 (Usd 15-20 for other nationalities).

It's quite amazing to hear that most of the horse guides can speak Korean, Taiwanese, and God knows what other languages. They have embraced the fact that more and more tourists will trek and visit the rich wonder of this side of Batangas so they need to optimize learning other languages to get that 8-10 dollar tip from the generous tourists. Not bad huh!

As for Stiffy and I, we opted to use our two good feet in climbing that 1,500 meter steep stretch to the Taal caldera. Based on historical facts, the caldera was smaller before it erupted back in 1965 where scored of residents perished. That gave me a chill upon the hike to reach the summit.

The sun is scorching hot, yet, we managed to hurdle the dusty trails covered with lots of horse poopies. At the top, you can reward yourself with a thirst-quenching 30 peso pre-chilled, freshly-opened coconut. For the business-minded Taaleños, this will cost a Korean 1 won, a Taiwanese dollar or a US dollar for any other nationalities. Hay Pinoys talaga...

After taking some pictures, we were about to go back to the harbour when I asked Stip if we could go down the lake inside the crater. We decided to do it on our own without any guide. Mind you, the guides would cost you around PhP 2,500 (~USD 50). It's kinda hefty so we opted not to use a guide.

I saw a small camp (?) not far from where we are standing and as usual, I insisted to follow that trail for I thought it might lead us to the lake itself. Reaching the camp was not too easy. You need to literally slide, hold on to tiny branches and practically make short steps as the trails usually measure less than a feet.

Moments after arriving at the camp, I saw a familiar face - it was Billy Joe Crawford. Remember, that tiny kid from That's Entertainment, Thursday Group, who always win the much-coveted Performance of the Week of Kuya Germs. Hehehe. Funny thing was, when I saw him, I asked "Billy Joe....are you Billy Joe?" with matching handshakes and picture taking ala promdi fan....wahahaha...hayuf talaga...the first and probably the last time that I'm gonna do that (hopefully)....hehe

Actually, it was a blessing in disguise. The gate leading to the lake is padlocked. Luckily, for us there was a Billy Joe Crawford around. And so the gate was opened for the celeb. We easily snagged the trek down the 480 steep, wooden steps. We were six (6) in the group - my friend Billy Joe, his girlfriend, Stiffy, 2 guides and me.

The lake was fantastic. There is not much to see in the area but you can tell that it is the most unique experience one can ever have. Being close to one of the most active volcanoes in the world is definitely an experience you can brag about. Plus the spontaneous, elbow-to-elbow talks with a celeb from the camp to the lake, is worth a story to tell.

The Taal Volcano hike gave me a much needed boost to appreciate what this country still has to offer aside from the political errings and showbiz gossips this country is known for. It widened my view of what nature can create both for the benefit of the people around its span and the destruction it might generate.

10.1.07

Stephen Covey Made My DaY

This is the third day of the working week.

Coffee cup still unwashed from the late night working spree, if you want to call it a spree anyhow.

Pens hiding underneath my unfinished papers, mind you, for submission today.

Boss copyread, then edited, then revised the whole strategy I have created for days in which even I cannot see the printed letters due to the astounding red remarks on it.

It is 9:43 in the morning and I am ready to kill anybody and break all the heavenly coffee cups inside the office (except mine of course), when an angel-friend knocked me off with an excerpt discussion fora from Mr. Stephen Covey. I cannot forget this guy as he thought me the 7 habits of highly effective people, or is it 8 now? But anyways, I admire the old man. He pushed me for everything I needed to self-prospect and allowed me to use my thinking cap, examine my conscience, if I still have it, before conversing my thoughts. Now, he is saving me again from another doldrum of pseudo-hindrances.

Well, you got to read this to believe me. It's his 90/10 principle. A showcase of how you can deal with potential, everyday self-malfunctions.

What is this principle? 10% of life is made up of what happens to you. 90% of life is decided by how you react. What does this mean? We really have no control over 10% of what happens to us. We cannot stop the car from breaking down. The plane will be late arriving, which throws our whole schedule off. A driver may cut us off in traffic. We have no control over this 10%. The other 90% is different. You determine the other 90%. How? ……….By your reaction.

You cannot control a red light. but you can control your reaction. Don't let people fool you; YOU can control how you react. Let's use an example. You are eating breakfast with your family. Your daughter knocks over a cup of coffee onto your business shirt. You have no control over what just happened. What happens next will be determined by how you react. You curse. You harshly scold your daughter for knocking the cup over. She breaks down in tears. After scolding her, you turn to your spouse and criticize her for placing the cup too close to the edge of the table. A short verbal battle follows. You storm upstairs and change your shirt. Back downstairs, you find your daughter has been too busy crying to finish breakfast and get ready for school. She misses the bus. Your spouse must leave immediately for work. You rush to the car and drive your daughter to school. Because you are late, you drive 40 miles an hour in a 30 mph speed limit. After a 15-minute delay and throwing $60 traffic fine away, you arrive at school. Your daughter runs into the building without saying goodbye. After arriving at the office 20 minutes late, you find you forgot your briefcase. Your day has started terrible. As it continues, it seems to get worse and worse. You look forward to coming home.

When you arrive home, you find small wedge in your relationship with your spouse and daughter. Why? …. Because of how you reacted in the morning. Why did you have a bad day? A) Did the coffee cause it? B) Did your daughter cause it? C) Did the policeman cause it? D) Did you cause it? The answer is “D". You had no control over what happened with the coffee. How you reacted in those 5 seconds is what caused your bad day. Here is what could have and should have happened. Coffee splashes over you. Your daughter is about to cry. You gently say, "Its ok honey, you just need to be more careful next time". Grabbing a towel you rush upstairs. After grabbing a new shirt and your briefcase, you come back down in time to look through the window and see your child getting on the bus. She turns and waves. You arrive 5 minutes early and cheerfully greet the staff. Your boss comments on how good the day you are having. Notice the difference?

Two different scenarios. Both started the same. Both ended different. Why? Because of how you REACTED. You really do not have any control over 10% of what happens. The other 90% was determined by your reaction. Here are some ways to apply the 90/10 principle. If someone says something negative about you, don't be a sponge. Let the attack roll off like water on glass. You don't have to let the negative comment affect you! React properly and it will not ruin your day. A wrong reaction could result in losing a friend, being fired, getting stressed out etc.

How do you react if someone cuts you off in traffic? Do you lose your temper? Pound on the steering wheel? A friend of mine had the steering wheel fall off) Do you curse? Does your blood pressure skyrocket? Do you try and bump them? WHO CARES if you arrive ten seconds later at work? Why let the cars ruin your drive? Remember the 90/10 principle, and do not worry about it. You are told you lost your job. Why lose sleep and get irritated? It will work out. Use your worrying energy and time into finding another job. The plane is late; it is going to mangle your schedule for the day. Why take outpour frustration on the flight attendant? She has no control over what is going on. Use your time to study, get to know the other passenger. Why get stressed out? It will just make things worse. Now you know the 90-10 principle. Apply it and you will be amazed at the results. You will lose nothing if you try it. The 90-10 principle is incredible. Very few know and apply this principle. The result? Millions of people are suffering from undeserved stress, trials, problems and heartache. We all must understand and apply the 90/10 principle. It CAN change your life!!! Enjoy….

4.1.07

50 Pesos Isang Oras

This one came from my good friend in the refinery. Thought it was good to post it here to prod me of things that I take for granted sometimes. Plus it reminded me of Papa whenever things go wrong with him, my bro when he thinks he is a failure and suddenly scolds everybody else, and myself for being so selfish (nagbabago na po...)

Pls click on to the pics for a better read of the story.

2.1.07

First Official Working Day

This is my first day in the office and man I am really bored. I don't wanna work, I don't wanna go on duty, and I don't wanna do anything.

God I miss my derma when I see this pic...kinis pa ng kutis hehe

I just browsed all my pictures & those of my friends; all the places I've gone to, the nude pics of myself wehehe joke, ala akong ganun. Here are the samples of my fave pics (of myself hehe vain & all the great shots me and my hommies have made)