OÑIN skin: INVINCIBLE

Perfect Symmetry

2009-09-09T09:09:00.000+08:00

Bente Singko

2009-09-06T00:00:00.000+08:00

September Madness

2009-08-31T19:44:00.002+08:00

The First of September means the end of something and the beginning of another.

The first of two steps towards the end of a journey happens on the Fourth.

The Sixth brings me to my 25th.

The Fifteenth is 100 before 12.25.

09.09.09 09:09:09.

The second of those two steps occurs on the Twenty-first.

The Twenty-second is 100 before 2010.

I should have at least 8 by the Twenty-fifth.

Thirtieth.

9.

Social Networking Everywhere

2009-07-20T11:04:00.001+08:00

Blogger <--> Multiply <--> Facebook <--> Twitter cross-posting!? Why not?

Because...

2009-06-27T01:29:00.000+08:00

...I don't want to break my streak of posting at least one article per month, so here it is.

Am I too busy that I couldn't take a break and write something here? Or was there just nothing for me to write about all month long? Maybe the latter... Nadal lost at Roland Garros and opted not to play at SW19, my project cutover was postponed to July thus prevented me from watching the Turkish Grand Prix live, and yeah, I was glad that Lakers won their 15th NBA championship trophy but I chose to post updates through my facebook and twitter accounts. Even the photos of my "summer escapades" with my relatives, elementary and college friends - they are all uploaded either in friendster or facebook.

But I miss multiply... So here it is. June 2009, you can officially end now. Hehe.

====

PS: I just might as well promote my twitter account, follow me at https://twitter.com/onindje.

PPS: RIP to the 216 passengers and 12 crew members of Air France Flight 447, 76 people in Harmony Gold's Mine in South Africa, 52 people in combat in the Amazon Rainforest, Neda and other Iranians, David Carradine, Ed McMahon, Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson - who all died this month.

PPPS: Happy birthday to all June celebrants and congratulations to all June brides and grooms.

Salamat sa iyo, Nanay

2009-05-10T01:08:00.005+08:00

Happy Mothers' Day!

Another Year Hence*

2009-04-16T03:00:00.000+08:00

*In reference to A Year Hence

My second year at (or with) HP is way way better than my first one. Why?

1. I was pulled out of QR and got engaged in an RTCIS project. No offense to QR haha.
2. From being on Asia shift previously, I am now on EMEA (Europe/Mideast/Africa) - which means I can now sleep late and wake up late - and get paid extra for that. Bwahahahaha.
3. I got to travel outside of the Philippines - I have been to Istanbul/Gebze (and Singapore/Dubai on the side) - TWICE! One more coming up. Bwehehehehe.
4. I was part of the SAP-ADSI INGXAKI ESCAPE Committee which organized the September 2008 team building offsite at Chateau Royale in Tagaytay/Nasugbu - as co-head of Logistics.
5. I co-managed the June 2008 - Caliraya Summer Escapade for the PD team. Thanks to the whole PD Events!

...and many more.

Maybe these are the reasons why I still enjoy being with the same group of people I have been with for the past couple of years - despite the recent economic crisis and ludicrous contingency measures our senior management is currently implementing.

Now I realize, I am still contented after all. Good for me.

==========

I am looking forward to a better and definitely more AWESOME third year in (or with) HP. I will surely love to CZECH that out!

==========

HAPPY 2ND ANNIVERSARY
HP ALL-STARS!

Father-er

2009-03-12T23:46:00.001+08:00

Hmmm... Now I know why/how he injured his back even though he did not play any competitive match since losing (and crying) last February 1.

=====

Roger Federer says girlfriend is pregnant

BASEL, Switzerland (AP)—Roger Federer is going to be a father.

The second-ranked Swiss tennis player says on his Web site that girlfriend Mirka Vavrinec is pregnant with the couple’s first child.

Federer says: “This is a dream come true for us. We love children and we are looking forward to being parents for the first time. Mirka is feeling great and everything is going well.”

The 13-time Grand Slam champion is in Indian Wells, Calif., for the Masters tournament, which starts Thursday. He also says his injured back is “feeling better.”

=====

Off-Court - Great News

Dear Fans

I arrived in Indian Wells earlier this week and I am eager to get back out on court. My back is

feeling much better and I am ready to go.

I also have some really awesome news to share with all of you: Mirka and I are excited to let you know that we will be parents this summer! Mirka is pregnant and we are so happy to be starting a family together. This is a dream come true for us. We love children and we are looking forward to being parents for the first time. Mirka is feeling great and everything is going well.

Speak soon and thanks for all your continued support!

Roger

=====

Retirement, anyone?

Maybe, if he wants to be a full-time dad...

Well, anyway, congrats Rodge!

Innocence Nowhere

2009-02-16T20:51:00.001+08:00

Baby-faced boy Alfie Patten is father at 13
By LUCY HAGAN Published: 13 Feb 2009

BOY dad Alfie Patten yesterday admitted he does not know how much nappies cost — but said: “I think it’s a lot.”

Baby-faced Alfie, who is 13 but looks more like eight, became a father four days ago when his girlfriend Chantelle Steadman gave birth to 7lb 3oz Maisie Roxanne.

He told how he and Chantelle, 15, decided against an abortion after discovering she was pregnant.

The shy lad, whose voice has not yet broken, said: “I thought it would be good to have a baby.

“I didn’t think about how we would afford it. I don’t really get pocket money. My dad sometimes gives me £10.”

Little family ... Alfie, Chantelle and baby Maisie
Lee Thompson

Alfie, who is just 4ft tall, added: “When my mum found out, I thought I was going to get in trouble. We wanted to have the baby but were worried how people would react.

“I didn’t know what it would be like to be a dad. I will be good, though, and care for it.”

Alfie's story, broken exclusively by The Sun today has sparked a huge political storm with Tory leader David Cameron saying: "When I saw these pictures this morning, I just thought how worrying that in Britain today children are having children.

"I hope that somehow these children grow up into responsible parents but the truth is parenthood is just not something they should be thinking about right now."

Secret

PM Gordon Brown refused to comment directly on the story but said it was important that the Government did all it could to prevent teenage pregnancies.

Alfie’s dad Dennis yesterday told how the lad does not really understand the enormity of his situation — but seemed desperate to be a devoted and responsible father.

He wanted to be the first to hold Maisie after the hospital birth. He tenderly kisses the baby and gives her a bottle.

And Dennis, 45, said: “He could have shrugged his shoulders and sat at home on his Playstation. But he has been at the hospital every day.”

Maisie was conceived after Chantelle and Alfie — just 12 at the time — had a single night of unprotected sex.

They found out about the baby when Chantelle was 12 weeks pregnant.

But they kept it a secret until six weeks later when Chantelle’s mum Penny, 38, became suspicious about her weight gain and confronted her.

Devoted ... Alfie holds and cuddles Maisie
Lee Thompson

After that Alfie’s family told only those closest to them for fear he would be “demonised” at school.

Chantelle gave birth to Maisie on Monday night after a five-hour labour at Eastbourne Hospital, East Sussex.

Last night she told The Sun: “I’m tired after the birth. I was nervous after going into labour but otherwise I was quite excited."

Chantelle told how she discovered she was expecting after going to her GP with “really bad” stomach pains. She said: “Me and Alfie went. The doctor asked me whether we had sex. I said yes and he said I should do a pregnancy test. He did the test and said I was pregnant. I started crying and didn’t know what to do.

“He said I should tell my mum but I was too scared.

“We didn’t think we would need help from our parents. You don’t really think about that when you find out you are pregnant. You just think your parents will kill you.”

But Penny figured out what was going on after buying Chantelle a T-shirt which revealed her swelling tum.

Chantelle admitted she and Alfie — who are both being supported by their parents — would be accused of being grossly irresponsible. She said: “We know we made a mistake but I wouldn’t change it now. We will be good loving parents.

“I have started a church course and I am going to do work experience helping other young mums.

“I’ll be a great mum and Alfie will be a great dad.”

“He said I should tell my mum but I was too scared.

“We didn’t think we would need help from our parents. You don’t really think about that when you find out you are pregnant. You just think your parents will kill you.”

But Penny figured out what was going on after buying Chantelle a T-shirt which revealed her swelling tum.

“I have started a church course and I am going to do work experience helping other young mums.

“I’ll be a great mum and Alfie will be a great dad.”

Caring ... Alfie bottle feeds his little daughter
Lee Thompson

Chantelle and Maisie were released from hospital yesterday. They are living with Penny, Chantelle’s jobless dad Steve, 43, and her five brothers in a rented council house in Eastbourne. The family live on benefits. Alfie, who lives on an estate across town with mum Nicola, 43, spends most of his time at the Steadmans’ house.

He is allowed to stay overnight and even has a school uniform there so he can go straight to his classes in the morning.

Alfie’s dad, who is separated from Nicola, believes the lad is scared deep down.

He said: “Everyone is telling him things and it’s going round in his head. It hasn’t really dawned on him. He hasn’t got a clue of what the baby means and can’t explain how he feels. All he knows is mum and dad will help.

“When you mention money his eyes look away. And she is reliant on her mum and dad. It’s crazy. They have no idea what lies ahead.”

Dennis, who works for a vehicle recovery firm, described Alfie as “a typical 13-year-old boy”.

He said: “He loves computer games, boxing and Manchester United.” Dennis, who has fathered nine kids, told how he was “gobsmacked” when he discovered Alfie was to be a dad, too.

He said: “When I spoke to him he started crying. He said it was the first time he’d had sex, that he didn’t know what he was doing and of the complications that could come.

“I will talk to him again and it will be the birds and the bees talk. Some may say it’s too late but he needs to understand so there is not another baby.”

Lovely

Chantelle’s mum said: “I told her it was lovely to have the baby but I wish it was in different circumstances. We have five children already so it’s a big financial responsibility. But we are a family and will pull together and get through.

“She’s my daughter. I love her and she will want for nothing.”

Last night Michaela Aston, of the anti-abortion Christian charity LIFE, said: “We commend these teenagers for their courage in bringing their child into the world.

“At the same time this is symptomatic of the over-sexualisation of our youngsters and shows the policy of value-free sex education just isn’t working.”

Today Sussex Police and the local council's children services said they have investigated the case and pledged continued support for the young parents.

Britain’s youngest known father is Sean Stewart. He became a dad at 12 when the girl next door, 15-year-old Emma Webster, gave birth in Sharnbrook, Bedford, in 1998. They split six months later.

Best Job in the World

2009-01-13T15:41:00.001+08:00

========
From CNN:
========

Life's a beach with dream Australian island job

By Glen Scanlon

(CNN) -- It sounds far too good to be true: a salary of more than $100,000, a free home on a palm-fringed island and all the snorkeling you can be bothered with.

The successful applicant will have plenty of time to explore the Great Barrier Reef.

However, it is true and a very clever marketing ploy to boot.

Australia's Tourism Queensland has garnered worldwide media coverage by advertising the "best job in the world" -- the post of caretaker on Hamilton island in the Great Barrier Reef.

The six-month contract, according to Tourism Queensland, comes with flexible working hours and the successful applicant's "key responsibilities" include exploring the area to discover what is on offer and to report back weekly via blogs, photo diaries, video updates and media interviews.

Sounds taxing doesn't it?

The group said other responsibilities would include cleaning the pool, which comes with your free home, feeding the fish and collecting the mail (this would be done by joining the aerial postal service for a day or two to get a good view of the neighboring islands).

You might also take time out from your busy schedule to check out the turtles and passing whales.

On top of the six-figure salary you'll get return airfares from your nearest capital city, transport on the island, travel insurance, computer and camera gear and travel to other islands in the Great Barrier Reef.

No academic qualifications are required but you must be a good swimmer and enjoy snorkeling, be adventurous and have good communication skills.

Where do I sign up I hear you ask?

Tourism Queensland is asking for a 60-second video explanation of why you'd be great for the job and that you fill out their online application form at www.islandreefjob.com

Applications close on February 22, by which time you may be able to get on the Web site -- unsurprisingly it is proving very hard to load at the moment (not that I'm trying... that often).

To apply for this job go to http://www.islandreefjob.com/en/.

Aching Knee, There, Everywhere

2009-01-10T21:45:00.002+08:00

After playing tennis in Meralco Ortigas this afternoon, I decided to visit Gold's Gym which is just walking-distance away from the tennis court. I ran a couple of KMs and lifted a few weights to at least shed the remaining pounds I accumulated during the holidays. I didn't finish my target 3K run on the tread mill because I felt a prickling pain on my left knee. I can tolerate the chronic pain on my right big toe joint (may be caused by uric acid - haha ayaw pa kasi mag-pacheck-up), but the one on my knee is excruciating (yes naman, excruciating daw o, hehe).

So I just went to Megamall to canvass prizes of latest sportswears, winter clothes and luggages and to buy groceries and stuff my father told me to purchase for him. While strolling, the hurting was aggravated by the low temperature inside the mall and the fact that I was just wearing a knee-level shorts.

Now at home, the weather is causing more severe pain and if this should become worse tomorrow, I might follow Cholle's advise to ask for Alaxan's help. Harhar.

====

P.S.
To-do's for 2009:

1. Improve serve and groundstroke shot.
2. Heal this aching knee before the 5K run on January 25.
3. Focus on Gebze and on Gebze alone!

Every Month of 2008

2009-01-01T00:43:00.001+08:00

January

Crude oil prices surge past US$100 per barrel. Benazir Bhutto is assassinated. 6.5 earthquake hits Greece. Hillary Clinton wins first US primaries held in New Hampshire. Sun Microsystems acquires MySQL AB. Millions are stranded ahead of Chinese New Year. Neil & Moanna tie the knot. Actor Heath Ledger dies of medication overdose. Novak Djokovic wins maiden grand slam at Melbourne as Maria Sharapova bags 3rd distinct major title.

February

New York Giants upset New England Patriots 17-14 in Superbowl XLII. UP Fair stages Loverage 2. Blu-ray replaces HD-DVD. Kosovo declares independence from Serbia. Egypt wins Africa Cup of Nations over Cameroon 1-0. Fidel Castro retires and resigns as Cuban president and is succeeded by his brother Raul. Academy honors No Country For Old Men as best motion picture and the Coen Brothers as best in directing. Leap year day is observed.

March

Forbes names Warren Buffet as world's richest man. Wales achieves Grand Slam by defeating France 29-12 in their Rugby Union RBS Six Nations match. Tibetans claim 80 people killed in the continuing unrest. Manny Pacquiao scores a split decision over Juan Manuel Marquez for the WBC super featherweight crown. Corazon Aquino is diagnosed with colon cancer. Liechtenstein, Norway and South Korea recognize Kosovo as a nation.

April

Protesters confront Olympic torch in Paris. I celebrate my first year anniversary in HP and as an electronics engineer. Trevor Immelman wins The Masters ahead of second-place Tiger Woods. Danica Patrick becomes the first woman to win in IndyCar's 2008 Indy Japan 300. Joe Calzaghe earns a split decision victory over Bernard Hopkins for The Ring light heavyweight belt. HP Labs announces the creation of the memristor - the fourth basic electronic element.

May

George Bush calls for US$700m relief aid for global food crisis. Cyclone Nargis devastates Myanmar. Dmitry Medvedev assumes Russian presidency. Olympic torch reaches peak of Everest. Over 70,000 killed by 7.9 quake in China's Sichuan province. Nel & OJ tie the knot. HP buys EDS for US$13.9b. Bloodiest bank robbery in the Philippines claims 10 lives. David Cook wins Idol. ManU pulls a 1-1 (6-5 p.s.o) victory over Chelsea to grab UEFA trophy.

June

Barack Obama wins Democratic nomination. Ana Ivanovic secures first major as Rafael Nadal earns 4th Roland Garros. Limping Tiger Woods ends season prematurely after US Open triumph. Boston Celtics defeats old rivals Los Angeles Lakers for their 17th NBA ring. UP@100. Typhoon Fengshen leaves 155 dead in the Philippines. Manny Pacquiao KO's David Diaz to become the first Asian 4-division titlist. Spain beats Germany 1-0 in Euro 2008 final.

July

Inquest on the MV Princess of the Stars disaster continues in the Philippines. Venus Williams thrashes sister Serena for her 5th Wimbledon crown while Rafael Nadal dismisses Roger Federer in the longest men's final in The Championship's' history 6-4, 6-4, 6-7 (5), 6-7 (8), 9-7. Pope Benedict XVI celebrates World Youth Day in Sydney. Dayana Mendoza of Venezuela is Miss Universe 2008. Carlos Sastre of Spain wins Tour de France.

August

Magnitude 6.0 tremor once again strikes Sichuan. Conflict in South Ossetia worsens. The Bird's Nest hosts the start of the Summer Olympics on 08-08-08. ARMM holds first electronic voting in the Philippines. Michael Phelps sets 7 world records and bags 8 gold medals in swimming as Usain Bolt goes 3-for-3 in athletics in Beijing. Rafael Nadal supplants Roger Federer as world number 1 tennis player after triumphs in Toronto Masters and the Olympics.

September

Serena Williams wins her 9th slam; Roger Federer salvages year with 5th straight US Open. I celebrate my 24th birthday. Civil war erupts in Bolivia; power-sharing pact in Zimbabwe calms the situations. World remembers 9/11. Russia claims Fed Cup. Sebastian Vettel becomes youngest F1 grand prix winner after topping the Italian GP. Milk scandal further intensifies China's bad year. USA wins Ryder Cup. Mortgage crisis triggers US recession snowball.

October

Dow Jones records biggest intraday drop finishing below the 10,000-point mark. European markets fall steeply while Asian stock exchanges tumble. Nobel Prizes are awarded to the discoverers of papilloma and HIV viruses, among others. Macedonia, Malaysia, Montenegro, Portugal and UAE recognize Kosovo. Academy Award winner Jennifer Hudson's mother and brother are murdered. Philadelphia Phillies edges Tampa Bay Rays 4-1 in 2008 World Series.

November

Lewis Hamilton edges Felipe Massa 98 to 97 becoming the youngest F1 Drivers' Champion. Sebastien Loeb wins WRC for fifth consecutive time. Barack Obama is USA's first African-American president. Chrysler, Ford and GM testify before US Congress for bailout package. Peru hosts APEC Summit amidst global financial crisis. Protesters lock up Bangkok airports. Spain wins Davis Cup. Novak Djokovic and Venus Williams prevail in yearend championships.

December

Zimbabwe cholera outbreak claims 425 lives. Micronesia recognizes Kosovo. Manny Pacquiao ends season as Fighter of the Year with 3 victories in 3 weight classes after a lopsided win over Oscar Dela Hoya. Toyota announces first operating loss in 70 years. Israel launches offensive strikes against Palestine in Gaza Strip in the middle of holiday season. Glenn and May tie the knot. CKT01 reunites. Eustaquio Family welcomes 2009 together.

One Second Here, One Second There

2008-12-31T00:03:00.001+08:00

From AFP:

New Year on hold: leap second makes time stand still

PARIS (AFP) — Eager to see the back end of 2008? Be forewarned: the world's official timekeeper has decided to prolong the year -- by one full second, to be precise.

Which means a Champagne-soaked countdown to 2009 something like this: "...THREE, TWO, ONE-AND-A-HALF, ONE... Happy New Year!"

The extra second was mandated by the International Earth Rotation and Reference Systems Service (IERS) in Paris, and is not to be taken lightly.

Satellites that orbit at speeds calculated in kilometres (miles) per second, the Internet, global positioning systems -- all depend on knowing exactly what time it is.

IERS head Daniel Gambis announced the time-stretching measure in July in a letter addressed to "authorities responsible for the measurement and distribution of time".

That would be the white-robed guardians of the 200-odd ultra-accurate atomic clocks scattered in national time temples around the globe.

"The last adjustment dates to 2005, and the next could happen in 2012 or 2013," Gambis told AFP.

Leap days occur once every four years because it takes 365 days plus six hours for our planet to complete an orbit around the Sun.

But leap seconds are added strictly on a case-by-case basis, depending on need. This year's will be the 24th bonus second since the practice was initiated in 1972.

The sleight-of-clock is necessary to reconcile two different time scales.

One is established by the atomic time pieces, which are accurate to billionth of a second per day.

The other is based on Earth's imperfect rotation on its own axis.

The two get out of sync because the planet's spin is affected by a host of slightly fluctuating variables, including solar and lunar gravity, the movement of the tides, solar wind, space dust and magnetic storms.

Even global warming has gotten into the act because melting ice caps have an impact too.

And so, at exactly 23:59:59 Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) -- or Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), to the scientifically literate -- on December 31, the world's clocks will add a beat to their metronomic tick tick tock.

==========

For more information on leap second, visit my friend Wiki.

Thanks Cholle for the link.

Every Day of 2008

2008-12-30T21:00:00.001+08:00

Where did you begin 2008?
== At home with family and relatives.

What was your status by Valentine's day of 2008?
== Busy? Away? Idle? Ah, single. Hehe.

Did you have to go to the hospital?
== Yes. Dental checkups and internal medicine consultations.

Did you have any encounters with the police?
== Nope.

What did you purchase over $500?
== The closest to $500 is the wedding gift worth US$250 (or CND$350) I bought for Glenn&May. Since that was a group gift, divide that amount by 23. Haha.

Did you know anybody who got married?
== Neil, Nel&OJ, Kristine and my bestfriends Glenn&May. Did I miss anyone?

Did you know anybody who passed away?
== None in my family or close friends.

What sporting events did you attend?
== F1 viewings, The Aquino Cup, Bowling, Tennis and Volleyball games.

What concerts/shows did you go to?
== Loverage @ UP Fair and Incubus Pacific Rim Tour

Where do you live now?
== Taguig

Describe your birthday.
== Same as last year. Haha.

What's the one thing you thought you would never do but did?
== Witness my two bestfriends getting married to each other. Aaaawwww.

Any new additions to your family?
== None.

What was your best month?
== None of the 12 months stood out from the rest. Wala akong maisip e. Haha.

Who was your best drinking buddy?
== Pugoy and Cholle! Haha. Puwede rin si Randy. Or si Domz... at si Apollo hahahahaha.

Made new friends?
== A lot! Check my FB. Hehe.

Any regrets?
== Yeah, quite a few.

What do you want to change in 2009?
== If change is equal to improve, then my answer is CAREER!

Overall, how would you rate this year?
== 9.42477795/10 --> this is basically 3pi.

Have any life changes in 2008?
== Meron naman.

Get a new job?
== In 2009? I sure will think about it.

How old did you turn this year?
== 24

Did anything embarrassing?
== All the time.

Be honest - did you watch American Idol?
== Why should anyone deny it if he did? Labo men! And yeah, I know not just one, not two... but three Davids. Haha.

Start a new hobby?
== Why not?

Are you happy to see 2008 go?
== Who isn't? Move on guys!

Drank Starbucks in 2008?
== A lot. I have 1 1/2 planners - haha I mean, I was able to fill up 1 1/2 cards with stickers.

Been naughty or nice?
== More naughty than nice haha. Pero I'm still the same nice guy you know. C'mon, I'm serious. Hehe.

What are you wishing for in 2009?
== World peace. Seriously...

Done something you've regretted?
== Natanong na 'to ah. Yes, yes, yes! Kulit mo!

Lost someone?
== I thinks so.

Cut class?
== N/A

Was involved in something you'll never forget?
== Many times.

Cooked a gross meal?
== I don't cook. Haha. I mean, I don't cook gross meals.

Lost something important to you?
== I think so.

Got a gift you adore?
== I think so.

Tripped over a coffee table?
== I don't think so.

Dyed your hair?
== Never.

Came close to losing your life?
== Not yet. Haha. Knock on wood.

Went to a party?
== Partey! Tugs tugs tugs tugtugtugs tugs tugs!

Read a great book?
== No, 'cause I'm a loser. Hehe.

2008: FRIENDS AND ENEMIES

Did you meet any new friends this year?
== E natanong na rin 'to eh.

Did you dislike anyone?
== A few people.

Did you grow apart from anyone?
== Maybe.

Do you have any regrets when it comes to your friendships?
== No! I love my friends.

2008: YOUR BIRTHDAY

Did you have a cake?
== Yup.

Did you get any presents?
== Yup.

2008: ALL ABOUT YOU

Did you change at all this year?
== Just a bit.

Did you change your lifestyle?
== Just a bit.

Were you in school?
== Nope.

Did you have a job?
== Yup.

Did you drive?
== See (Read a great book?).

Did anyone close to you give birth?
== Zasha and Pam (?).

Did you go on any vacations?
== Short ones, yes.

Would you change anything about yourself now?
== Change is a constant thing. Bring it on!

2008: WRAP UP

Was 2008 a good year?
== Yes.

Do you think 2009 will top 2008?
== It can only get better.

My Bestfriends' Wedding

2008-12-25T19:22:00.001+08:00

Yup, the apostrophe was appropriately placed after 's'. My two college best friends John Glenn Kilayko and Maydeline Que are getting married today.

I am part of their entourage as the Cord Sponsor. I can hardly put into words how happy I am to witness a very special moment in my friends' lives.

May God always nurture their bond with His blessings and guidance, and I wish them peace and happiness throughout their married life...

Okay, I need some rest now.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Everywhere

2008-12-24T16:06:00.001+08:00

It has been a year since this post.

So let's all wish the world again a very merry holiday season!

==========

Maligayang Pasko at Manigong Bagong Taon
Geseende Kerfees en 'n gelukkige
Edo bri'cho o rish d'shato brich'to!
Selamat Hari Natal dan Tahun Baru
Seng Dan Fai Lok, Sang Nian Fai Lok
Bon Nadal i feliç any nou!
Glædelig Jul og godt nytår
Hyvää Joulua or Hauskaa Joulua - 0nnellista uutta vuotta
Kala Christougenna Ki'eftihismenos O Kenourios Chronos
Mo'adim Lesimkha. Shanah Tova
Shubh Naya Baras
Shinnen omedeto. Kurisumasu Omedeto
Sung Tan Chuk Ha
Feliz Navidad y Próspero Año Nuevo
Fröhliche Weihnachten und ein glückliches Neues Jahr!

==========

One way to spread the Christmas spirit around the world is through art - specifically, dancing. I got the link of the video below from my friend Roy. This is from wherethehellismatt.

Pacman will soon be nowhere in boxing, but everywhere in politics...

2008-12-19T20:57:00.002+08:00

Pacquiao retiring next year; to run in 2010

MANILA, Philippines -- Boxing champion Manny Pacquiao on Monday said he is retiring from the ring next year and will be running again for public office in the 2010 elections.

“Sigurado na, na tatakbo ako [It is sure, I am running],” said Pacquiao at Camp Crame, headquarters of the Philippine National Police, where he was sworn in as member of the Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino (Kampi, Partner of the Free Filipino), by Interior Secretary Ronaldo Puno, who is also president of the party founded by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Pacquiao, who said he is retiring August next year, made boxing history in June when he became the first Asian and first Filipino to win four world titles by knocking out David Diaz to take the WBC lightweight belt.

He is scheduled to fight Oscar “The Golden Boy” De la Hoya December 6 in Las Vegas and will be flying to the United States on September 14 to prepare for the bout.

“Isang malaking karangalan talaga na makalaban ko si Oscar. Hindi ko akalaing makasasagupa ko siya, [It is a great honor to fight Oscar. I never imagined I would go up against him,” Pacquiao said, adding that he would fight, at most, two more time before hanging up his gloves for good.

Pacquiao said his parents want the De La Hoya fight to be his last. The two will slug it out at the 147-pound welterweight division.

“My parents wanted me to retire after the De La Hoya fight. But I feel I can still fight two more fights,” Pacquiao said.

Puno said although there is no decision yet on what position Pacquiao will run for, “malaki ang maitutulong niya kung tatakbo siya bilang [he will be a great help if he runs for] congressman or as a local government official.”

In the May 2007 elections, Pacquiao contested the congressional seat of the first district of South Cotabato but lost by a landslide to Representative Darlene Antonino-Custodio.

Puno said the one year lull between boxing and the elections should not be a disadvantage for Pacquiao.

“Magpapahinga siya, maglalaan ng isang taon para maghanda sa halalan. Siguro naman hindi siya makakalimutan ng tao sa loob ng isang taon. Baka sa isang dekada pa [He will rest [and] will have a year to prepare for the elections. Surely, people will not forget him in just one year. It might take a decade for them to do that],” Puno said.

Alcuin Papa, Phil Daily Inquirer

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Source:
http://sports.inquirer.net/breakingnews/breakingnews/view/20080901-158009/UPDATE-Pacquiao-retiring-next-year-to-run-in-2010

Collectibles Here, There, Everywhere

2008-11-16T17:21:00.001+08:00

It was few days before I graduated from UP, I recall myself withdrawing my remaining DOST stipend from the PNB ATM terminal inside the campus and, as luck struck me, the machine dispensed a dozen of the infamous ARROVO BANK NOTES (100-peso legal tender). I was with my thesis partner Ivy at that moment and she asked me to sell to her half of the collectors' item bills that I got, so only 6 stayed with me. Then my uncle bought another one of the remaining six for 200-pesos. As of the moment, 5 ARROVO BILLS are in my possession and these 5 are marked with consecutive serial numbers (AM461894 to 98).

Then, this evening, after hitting the gym, I decided to withdraw some cash from a BPI terminal at Robinson's Corporate Buiding in Ortigas. And... surprise! Ten University of the Philippines Centennial commemorative bills (100-peso legal tender) appeared in front of me. I was tempted to withdraw more cash to see how many of those collectibles were inside of the machine but I knew I would just drain my funds empty if I did that. So, I just pressed for another 2000-pesos to cover me for at least a week - and, the machine gave out 4 500-peso bills this time. By the way, these bills also have successive serial numbers (ET366161 to 70).

I am trying my best to keep them in good condition - no crease, no dog-ears - and hopefully, I will be able to sell them at higher value in the future. If you are interested or you know someone who collects rare (well, I think, they aren't that rare yet) items like these bills, just tell me - we can negotiate the price. Bwahaha.

Lewis and Felipe are still here, Kimi and Fernando nowhere

2008-10-16T21:11:00.001+08:00

Last year, the World Drivers' Championship was won and lost by only 1 point - involving Kimi Raikkonen of Finland, Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Fernando Alonzo of Spain (pictured below). Now that Kimi and Fernando are out of the picture, Lewis finds a new nemesis in Felipe Massa.

Who will win this year's WDC? The penultimate Grand Prix at Shanghai this Sunday will give us a clearer picture of the race to the finish - with 5 points separating Hamilton and Massa. Join us at Phi Bar on October 19 3pm (Manila time) for the free viewing.

Facts Here, There, Everywhere

2008-09-06T19:59:00.001+08:00

September 6 is the 249th day of the year (250th of this year and of every leap year). There are 116 days remaining until the end of the year (and 110 days before Christmas). British tennis stars Greg Rusedski and Tim Henman plus Prince Hisahito of Japan were all born on this date while Luciano Pavarotti succumbed to pancreatic cancer also on this same day last year. Swaziland celebrates its independece from the British Empire whereas USA and Canada observes Stillbirth Remembrance Day on September 6 every year.

1984 was a leap year starting on a Sunday. The XIV Winter Olympic Games were held at Sarajevo, (Former Yugoslav Republic of) Bosnia and Herzegovina in February while the XXIII Summer Olympic Games were held in Los Angeles, USA in July-August. The first MTV Video Music Awards Night was held September 14 and 36 of Britain's and Ireland's top musicians formed Band Aid and recorded the song "Don't They Know It's Christmas" to raise funds for Ethiopia famine relief.

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Since 1984:

There have been 5 Philippine Presidents (Marcos, Cojuangco-Aquino, Ramos, Estrada and currently, Macapagal-Arroyo), 4 US Commanders-in-Chief (Reagan, the older Bush, Clinton and the outgoing younger Bush), 4 UN Secretaries-General (Pérez de Cuéllar of Peru, Boutros-Ghali of Egypt, Annan of Ghana and Ban Ki-moon of South Korea), and 2 Popes (John Paul II and Benedict XVI). [1]

Olympic Games have been staged 14 times (7 Summer, 7 Winter).
1984 Sarajevo Winter
1984 Los Angeles Summer
1988 Calgary Winter
1988 Seoul Summer
1992 Albertville Winter
1992 Barcelona Summer
1994 Lillehammer Winter
1996 Atlanta Sunner
1998 Nagano Winter
2000 Sydney Summer
2002 Salt Lake City Winter
2004 Athens Summer
2006 Turin Winter
2008 Beijing Summer [2]

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World Population in the 80's is at 4.4 billion, today it has surpassed the 6.5 billion mark; there were only 53.35 million Filipinos in 1984, in July 2008 the latest census shows we currently stand at 92.68 million. [3]

The Peso-Dollar exchange rate in June 1984 was at PhP18.00/US$1.00, yesterday it closes at PhP46.12/US$1.00. [4]

==========

Yeah, this is how I celebrate the last one minute of my 24th birthday. Playing DotA and doing boring (and nerd) stuff.

Greet Me Here, There, Everywhere

2008-09-05T23:36:00.001+08:00

Another year has come and gone.

Wait, this resembles my post last year. So, tamang-tama, another year has come and gone... But wait, there's more - do you know that Facebook has something like this:

Thank you to the Facebook Team (haha) and to the following people who greeted me just in time, after the clock struck 12:

Cholle, Winston, Topher, Chris, Martz, TJ and my DotA-mates (cleric0730, hunk123, denhizz, tasky_earl, ecemike, jokiz, hellboie, hell_boie, and a dozen more hehe).

Food Here, There, Everywhere for Phelps

2008-08-24T10:10:00.001+08:00

Would you believe it, 8000-10000 calories a day? See it for yourself.

The food that fuels Michael Phelps.

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Courtesy: CNN

8 Here, There, Everywhere

2008-08-08T10:34:00.001+08:00

The opening ceremonies of the Beijing Olympics 2008. The 27th birthday of outgoing tennis #1 Roger Federer. The will-be wedding anniversary for many superstitious couples.

And then, the perfect symmetry - 08/08/08 08:08 AM.

They say this is a lucky day? Perhaps... but, I guess, only for the lucky ones.

Chuck Was Everywhere

2008-08-06T22:44:00.001+08:00

In line with HP's Year of Engagement, I was assigned to be the "ICON" of one of the many initiatives (in laymen's term: extra-curricular clubs/organizations) of our company - Life@HP (also known as Fun@HP). This initiative promotes Work-Life Balance to the whole HP workforce. This afternoon (August 6, 2008), I dressed up as CHUCK - the guy who virtually has every access to classified and sensitive government information. Consequently, Life@HP is giving everyone access to join any of the 9 clubs under it namely Shutters (photography), Invent Productions (video making), Jam@HP (music), Groove@HP (dance), hOOps (basketball), Badminton Club, Bowl@HP, Inpire@HP (outreach programs) and J-Club (Japanese culture).

We had a floor-to-floor (7th, 11th, 14th, 18th @SMPC Ortigas) campaign encouraging people to sign-up and join the group of their choice. Though it was embrarrasing at first, the whole experience was fun because, mostly, I dealt with folks I already know. Besides, I know that other initiatives (like Recruitment Team which I am also a part of, haha) will also push someone to do exactly the same thing that I did, hehe. In the end, one ICON will be declared as winner. I hope that the prizes are worth all the "humiliation" I encountered earlier hehehe.

So, if you're an HP employee who wants to have work-life balance - REACH OUT and BE ENGAGED. :)

Legendary Everywhere

2008-07-11T22:23:00.001+08:00

What are the odds? I was just asking a minute later, and here I am, posting the result of my test regarding "Which HIMYM character are you?" quiz.

Obviously, I am Ted... the hopeless romantic guy who is quite a very good story teller.

Which How I Met Your Mother character are you?
created with QuizFarm.com

You scored as Ted

congratulations, you are Ted! Ted is a sweet, romantic kind of guy, and always tells amazing stories. Hi Five!

Ted

70%

Barney

55%

Marshall and Lilly

50%

Robin

45%