Eh-hum # 17

Where was I? Oh yeah...

Before anything else, let me tell you that this is the FIRSt HOMEMADE POST in this here fine blog. Well, we switched internet servers you see, and we now pay less than a thousand pesos for an unlimited surfing experience. Uh-huh. It it is still dial-up, but who cares? It's UNLIMITED!

Now, what are we talking about? Oh, yeah, the games. PC games to be exact.

It started when my sister borrowed her friend's Star Craft. She played that series with much vigilance. I didn't get the chance to play it, but I was watching her from behind. It was cool, until our computer crashed. Bye, bye Raynor and Protoss.

Then there was Battle Realms. I played only the skirmish part, I have difficulty playing the story mode (or whatever you called it) because I was afraid of them Lotus. My favorite clan was the Dragon because they have the Samurai and the Geishas looked cute in their costumes. All was well, and then my brother brought home another one: Age of Empires. This one I really like. You get to choose from a wide range of ancient cultures, create an empire, have alliances, trade with others and crush the enemy. This strategic game gratifies my authoritarian tendencies. It’s therapeutic...really.

I was starting to enjoy this game, when BAM! Our computer crashed for the second time. That's when we made up our mind not to put games in our PC. It was sad, sad, sad. And then there was hope.

The hope was my computer at work, which has a lot (and I mean, A LOT) of storage space. Given the circumstances, I borrowed my officemate's Age of Empires CD (with expansion) and now am merrily crushing the Minoans/Canaanites. Yep, I know it’s inappropriate but hey, I PROMISED TO PLAY AFTER OFFICE HOURS (or before, hweheh). It’s a good thing: now I am looking forward coming to work…like, really early. While I am unable to play the Sims, I can now create my own ancient empire and enjoy annihilating all rival territories. That's the start. Then, I'll conquer Asia as a powerful Shogun. :)

Eh-hum # 16

Game Na!

Until we switched cables, I used to watch this show on Tech TV titled X-Play. The show gives you reviews on video games for the most up-to-date consoles. The process involves describing what’s cool and/or sucks about the game then giving it a rating. It’s in this show I was introduced to the Play Station 2 and X-Box version of the Sims. I’m not a super gamer, but my experience with computer games go back to the Nintendo Family Computer, the Super Mario Brothers and the Game Boy. And then, when my younger brother was old enough to hold a joystick (and stare at the TV for hours), he became the game aficionado of the family. He dominated every game for the SEGA Mega Drive, the Play Station 1 and the Play Station 2 (if a 3rd comes out, am sure he’ll butter me up to buy him one).

I would play occasionally; no big, even watch him play those neat Final Fantasy games. Until, I bought my own copy of the Sims. If you’re not familiar with the Sims, it’s initially a PC game that lets you create characters (or “Sim”) by choosing different appearances, skills and personalities. After that, you build them a new home or buy one, get them a career and meet other Sims for friends or romance. In short, you create these Sims and run their lives. It was only recently that MAXIS/EA decided to develop this game for the console, and I think it’s a great idea. After our PC suffered from 2 crashes, we decided not install games to our computer.

I bought the Sims when I was “on vacation”, hence, I would spend 3 to 4 hours of game time everyday. This was bad news for my brother, since he has to share the console with me and which also cuts his game time. Now, since am at the office, I am unable to play the game which really bugs me. However…..I rekindled my fascination with another type of gaming experience.

Abangan.

Eh-hum # 15

What will the future hold?

The workshop was the sign of new things to come.

While it seems slow, we are moving forward, step by step.

So many plans lined up.

However, the path is vaguely visible, hence there are doubts.

Still, we are praying for the best.

We have people here who have potential and who have experience.

We will be a force to be reckoned with.

Eh-hum # 14

Priceless

Yesterday, I took a leave from work just to do some, you know, stuffs. I am always the earliest to arrive in the office, hence, I hold the KEY. Tuesday, I had to give the KEY to an officemate or else they'll be working outside. Now, am back (unfortunately) and it feels weird since I felt I missed a lot of things. Really.

I was at the mall yesterday with my dad to pay their mobile phone bills and to have it terminated. Yes, they've decided to avail of the mobile company's pre-paid services since its much cheaper. While waiting for our number, my mom texted me and told me that my credit card arrived. Aaaahhhh yes, plastic money.

It’s a Master Card (yep, its priceless) and I think its best not to tell my limit. For me, getting a credit card is a very much "adult" thing to do. It’s both exciting and risky. I now have the privilege of buying my own things anytime and anywhere. I don't need to bring loads of money to buy some state of the art gadget. Since its mine, I could spend without my parent's permission. I am ready to unravel the shopper in me (which I rarely see).

But, there is a catch: THE BILL. Yes, yes, yes. We've heard those nasty stories of women (and even men) having huge DEBTS just because they used their cards without hesitation and were not responsible enough to budget their payments. How about that familiar movie scene where the snotty waiter cuts a customer's max out card?

Getting a credit card also means learning how to budget your money, which helps you to become a more responsible person. The temptation to splurge blindly is high, but the consequences are real. I promised myself to use this card for good (and justice, when applicable) and not let my mom or my dad to pay my dues when it comes.

With great power comes great responsibility says Spider-Man's Uncle Ben, and in this case, its purchasing power.

Passionate Me (# 13)

I am truly passionate.
*Thanks to jac for this quiz.

Virtues: You appreciate humor like none other. Puns might even spark laughter in you (TEHY R FUNNI). You seek adventure and connection with your surroundings. You seek friends who will not only share laughs with you but actually form a deep bond of trust and empathy beneath the surface. You look for adventure and courage in people, and variation is necessary to keep you under control. You see yourself as multi-faceted, so you need people who can see you in your many lights. You're constantly trying to figure yourself out while analyzing the people around you. Silly, silly people.

Aspirations: You can't decide what you want to be yet, but you know you want it to be adventures and interesting, with constant changes. You don't know what love will do for you yet, but it's competing with adventure for a place in your heart. An internal conflict has begun: can you be a successful worker, lover, and parent all at once?

Quirks: Noise of any sort is irritating when you're in the mood. Smacking gum, loud chewing, humming- it's about as pleasing as bodily noises. You dislike emaciated people because of jealousy and just plain disgust. You're a procrastinator but a hard worker, too.

Factors: You need constant attention and support. You're high-maintnence, but a great, reliable friend. Nature needs you and you need nature; it's helped thus far, so keep in touch with the outside world.

Future: Who knows! You absolutely need constant change, so vacationing is surely in the cards. Will you settle down or not? Love will find you eventually, as it does to everyone. Will you choose the sweet home life or the rewarding busy-bee life?

Find your soul type at kelly.moranweb.com.

Eh-hum # 12

Hiiissss!

Cat fights. Nope, no furry felines here. It is that vehement exchange of verbal (or physical) abuse between two (or more) feisty females who despise each other. It can happen anywhere: at home, at school, on the street and most commonly, in the work place. The intensity of the confrontation, I think, is correlated to 1) the age of the ladies (the younger they are, the more brutal it is…and irrational) and 2) the depth of the issue/problem or what’s at stake. Reiterating that it can get physical, I think throwing insults is bad enough. While the ladies involved may think that its an effective way to assert their so-called civil liberties (e.g. condemning the other of spreading nasty rumors about the accuser), all that commotion would only lead to more problems. How about the people who gets to witness a cat fight? The spectators may 1) feel that it is a total waste of time and only a gimmick to get attention; 2) consider it as an alternate source of entertainment or 3) just don’t give a damn. I guess, am between options 1 and 2.

I for one don’t like confrontations. Quoting Butch Dalisay (April 1996), I am about as warlike as a mushroom. In my opinion, people are totally unreasonable during these fights therefore any form of resolution is close to impossible. While you may feel the urge to hit the other person, it is still best to harness one’s diplomatic skills. You can still defend yourself while maintaining your composure. To avoid these unnecessary fights, I try to understand people as much as I can, try to be objective and not to get involved in other people’s special concerns. Also, it is not healthy to force yourself on another department and do someone else's tasks. It is also best not to get your superiors involved in these personal standoffs.

Get it? Just remember, it takes two to tango and where there's smoke, there's fire.

Eh-hum # 11

SING IT!!!

Saturday, late afternoon until 10:00 in the evening, I was in a family KTV bar (is that how you call it?) along TIMOG.

The gimmick was (not surprisingly) with my mum's side of the family. Our relatives just came from Guam and before leaving for Cavite (then back to the US of A), we decided (actually, My uncle decided) that we should celebrate.

There are tons of ktv bars along Timog and I was surprised that our venue was packed, every room was booked (capitalizing on the singing prowess of the Filipino). It had those disco light thingies....studio 54-ish. It was a comfortable with lots of privacy (yes, you can't hear the operatic voices from the outside. Amazing).

While programming the machine for songs that we can sing, we ate like there's no tomorrow: nachos, fries, california maki, baked mussels, SISIG! And we drank merrily too (Cheers to my brother, a minor, who had his first beer).

Though not exactly a fan of karaoke (channeling Kimmy from my "Best Friend's Wedding"), in this case however, I was able to discover the diva in me, or at least chose songs that are appropriate for my voice. It was good clean fun, with cash on the side. Why? There was a singing contest, which was something the family enjoys tremendously (when cousins and siblings battle it out using the microphone).

I wouldn't mind doing it again. Really.

Eh-hum # 10

Drama queen?

Instigating what is just or just being too sensitive? Personal interest or for the common good? What’s the deal here you may ask.

It’s like this. Let’s say that there is this room that somehow enjoys a level of solitude that also applies to its residents. When all rules are clear regarding this space, here comes an individual from beyond the room. It started out as a gesture of goodwill, making sure that this space is devoid of any problem. Suddenly, things started to change. You somehow feel that the supposed friend has turned into a prospective interloper. His/her purpose? You can never really tell however, you don’t feel comfortable with his or her presence.

What to do? Wage war or extend diplomacy? Make simple clarifications or aggressively demand for answers?

You do not want to disrespect anyone; however, you need to assert your principles. Hmmmm, does this sound like something that you encounter in the work area?

Abangan.

Eh-hum # 9

Are you talking to me?  Are you talking to me?

Though I haven't seen the Taxi Driver, as far as I heard it is one of Robert De Niro's best performances.  But I think he's at his best when he portrays a Mafia Don (Vito Corleone)/Mob Boss (Al Capone).

 

Why talk about Mr De Niro all of the sudden?  Friday night I was able to watch "Analyze That" which De Niro's stars with Billy Crystal.  If you haven't seen the this one or the first installment, its about a shrink and a mafia boss, their "working relationship" and the complications that goes with it.

 

De Niro doing a comedy has a same effect on me as Robin Williams in a thriller (in short....ashteeg).  I can't really explain it but when I find the right words, I'll share it.

 

Let's hit the mattresses....

 

I have been always intigued by the Mafia, since I first saw the Godfather (with a handsome Al Pacino and superb Marlon Brando).  I find it ironic that an organized crime group would consider itself as a family (the Boss/Don being the father-figure and leader of the group).  With secret ceremonies and being highly protective of their kins and those loyal to them, a family can be ruthless and unmerciful towards rival families (that's when they hit the mattresses) and yes, the authorities.  I guess this what makes it fascinating, the complex culture behind a Mafia.

 

Originally, a Mafia refers to a loose group of people who joined together  for purposes of vigilante law enforcement and protection among its members.  The concept was born in Sicily centuries ago and during the mid-20th Century, spread to the United States by way of immigration.  It was in this time (I think) that the organization became engaged in criminal activities.

 

Due to the efforts of the FBI, they have managed to control (if not totally eradicate) this type of system during the 1980's.  But the Mafia lives on, thanks to the movies (Godfather trilogy, Gotti), tv shows (the Sopranos) and documentaries, people are still very much aware of the Italian Mafia and the larger than life characters that make it all the more interesting.

Eh-hum # 8

Ahhhh, memories.

If you were wondering what's with the Rainbow Brite picture, let's just say that I was a fan of the show back in my kindergarten days (I still have my Patty O'Green doll).

 

I remembered this show was broadcasted on Channel 9 every Saturday (or Sunday, heheh) afternoon.  Fearing that I would miss a valuable minute, I would sit in front of the TV 30 minutes earlier, which means I had to painstakingly watch the "Incredible Hulk" as well.  Whew, talk about patience. 

 

Bottomline is, I really liked this show when I was a kid.

If you would like to get in touch with the child within, visit Ms Katy Cartee's colorful site or Nick Jr.

Eh-hum # 7

Do I hear wedding bells?

 

Yes.  To date, two of my friends in high-school are married (or at least one of them, one will tie the knot this coming Saturday, 24 July).

 

I find this all too weird.  I never thought that people from my highschool batch are really getting married.  I mean, marriage is for adults.

 

Hmmm...wait a minute.  I am an adult.

 

As you know (or as we were taught), Marriage is just one of the many decisions a person is entitled to in his or her life.  A special agreement between two (and hopefully, just two) people who share a bond (strenghtened by love, trust, etc) and with that have decided to make it a permanent one, before their family, friends, loved ones and of course, God.  Til death do us part.

 

Nice, huh?  But, of course, people have different opinions on marriage.  In my case, I don't really see myself getting married....well, at least not yet.

 

So for "Rogin-E", best wishes and God Bless!

Eh-hum # 6

Thank God Almighty, FREE at last!

 

Mr Dela Cruz, the transnational truck driver that was hostaged for two weeks, still has his head and is safe and sound.

 

After all that brutal beheadings in the hands of Iraqi terrorists, this is definitely great news.  Who would've thought that they would also hostage a Filipino, a civilian at that.  I'd say it is because of our alliance with the United States that made us fair game as well (even we did just send 51 troops). 

 

While Dela Cruz and family will have a tearful, heartfelt reunion, Washington and its allies still think this was a big mistake.

 

Well, well.

 

First of all, I just hope that they do find those WMDs and find hardcore evidence that Saddam is thisclose with the Al-Qaeda (let me check Dr Rice's statement on this one).

 

Second, I just hope President Bush will win this coming elections.  I'm not following the US campaign race but due to the turn of events, I am wondering what Kerry's stance on Iraq.

 

Saving a life of a Filipino OFW, True. But, I wonder.....

Eh-hum # 5

Eh-hum.
 
Let me just wish my younger sister a happy "18th" birthday and see you real soon.
 
Now...back to werk c",)

Eh-hum # 4

Here we go.

It seems that I am having "problems" updating the Henyo Blog.  Hehehehe. 

 

Is it because the demand of work? or out of sheer katamaran?  Haynaku.  Why did I made this blog in the first place?  Hmmmm....

 

Okay.  After giving it some thought, I don't think its a good idea to dwell on this subject.   

 

Moving....

 

So it has come to this.  The Government has decided to pull the country's small (try tiny) contingent from Iraq starting today.  Good move or bad move? 

 

The US and its allies thinks its a BAD idea, because it gives  the terrorists the "wrong signal" of giving in to their demands.  This move by PGMA is soooo BAD, that "Washington and its other allies were reexamining relations with Manila".  It didn't stop there.  Let me also sight the comment made by TV host and weirdo (as described by Sen. Biazon) Jay Leno that we Filipinos are a bunch of scaredy cats (This strikes me as a bit odd since this is the same guy who, through his show's sketches, would make FUN of President Bush. Not really a credible source, eh?).

 

Why is it a good move?  A country's foreign policy is an extension of its national interest.  If that is the case, in order to save an innocent life and the rest of the Filipinos in Iraq, the Government made the decision to recall its troops earlier than scheduled.  Whatever option that is for the good of the nation, it is the right option.  In a sense, this is what every sovereign state should be doing.

 

Aaahhh! Decisions, decisions.

 

So, the President decided to bring our troops home, even with the fear of a "possible economic retribution from the United States".  In my opinion,  I think the President is doing the right thing, afterall, the Government did jumped in the coalition hastily without any SOLID proof.  Not really sure what intel report this decision was based on but I am guessing this is what most Filipinos wanted.  Majority wins.

 

Our 51 manned contingent in Iraq is tiny compared to the thousands sent by the US, UK, Australia and other members of the coalition of the willing.  Then why is it such a big deal (NOTE:  We are leaving AHEAD of schedule.  Its not like we promised to stay there, like, forever)?  I am guessing that if more countries participated in this US-led (and without the consent of the United Nations) hunt for Iraqi WMDs, it will considered as legitimate (the end justifies the means).  By the way, where are those pesky WMDs?

 

So Uncle Sam, give us a break.  Our contingent will be most useful here to deal with the ASG and MILF and this will serve as our commitment in the war against terror.  What's with this so-called economic retribution from the US?  So, we will be "punished" for prioritizing our national interest.  Isn't that....like....bullying? 

 

I think this is a good read, it will spare the Filipino people from trying to explain ourselves for the Goverment's decision.

Eh-hum # 3

That was close.

Before the week ends, I remembered to post something as part of my commitment to enhance this blog.

Yesterday's headline was amusing. Nope, Madame, you don't have to do that, not even for me (obviously, this is an exclusive joke). :)

However, today's Inquirer headline was alarming.

Though it wouldn't be until October, I can't understand why the President acknowledged the resignation of Ms Soliman.   I picture every social worker to be like Ms Soliman: down to earth, compassionate, energetic and witty.   Its unfair to think that what a social worker does is simply described as helping the poor.   Helping the poor means having to deal with a LOT of issues, from basic services to human development. 

 

These people I truly admire.  However, I can honestly say that I cannot be like them.  The thing is, I sometimes find myself weary of the poor (and their demands).  On bad days, I wonder if all of them deserve the support of the Government and Civil Society.  Uh-oh.

I hope once the Vice-President takes on the role of DSWD Secretary, it wouldn't treat it like an extension of his TV show. On the other hand, I think he will strive to do good, since the President had to give up a cabinet official like Soliman.