Reality Mining

Thank You

2008-10-25T10:45:00.006+08:00

Note: based on facts, imagination, delusion, hallucination, psychological drama, and impulse

She smiled her usual tight-lipped smile as she listened to his worries. She thought to herself that he worried too much about her being alone. He was going on and on about expanding her social circle and going out more as if her situation was a serious illness that required an immediate cure. She just listened, but the question lingered in her mind, "why was he so concerned?". One thought is, maybe he is making himself unnecessarily responsible for her predicament. If he was dwelling on the last conversation about the possibility of her developing emotional attachment to him, then maybe he wanted her to find somebody for that emotional attachment when they both knew that they can be nothing more than friends. Maybe it occurred to him that her focus on him was hurting her chances of finding a fitting someone. He was always guarded the past weeks, always conscious about his words and actions towards her so as not to make her have any false hopes. She had told him that this was no longer an issue. She had already handled the situation. That he need not think about it anymore but still, maybe it was not enough explanation for him as it was for her. She wanted his company not for anything more than to have an open conversation. She was an open book around him. To ask more would be too abusive already. Another thought crossed her mind, maybe he was just excited about his new-found social network at work and he wanted her to experience that same excitement. This was just like him, to be sensitive about her well-being. That was one of things that she liked about him.

She sighed in resignation to his bantering and just said "fine." She was trying hard to find an easy explanation for him to stop his worries. The idea of being alone is so alien to most people that a conscious decision to be alone for a lifetime, at least in the area of romantic relations, is just so impossible to fathom. She was thinking along the line of explaining the difference between "alone" and "lonely" and that she was alone but not lonely. She was bored and not sad. She smiled a little knowing that even at the start of the explanation he would say "you're being too serious again!". She would stop explaining since there was just no way to explain this in a simple manner. They would shift to another lighter topic and leave the previous topic hanging.

The conversations always ended like that. His wishes for her to be happy and her expressions of gratitude and wish that he would do the same. She genuinely wished him well. He is such a great friend in so many ways. Maybe in more ways than her gratitude can express. It was thanks to him that the former empty shell is starting to awaken those ancient emotions. She already had something to share, at least, if he finally succeeds in pushing her out of her comfort zone. She thought, maybe it was time to heed his advice and go look for somebody sane enough to want to be a willing host for her emotional attachment. This was easier anyway than trying to explain such complicated things.

Hair Trouble

2008-10-22T21:13:00.004+08:00

A quote says "a woman's crowning glory is her hair". What does that even mean? I have unmanageable hair. Does that mean I have no glory. Perhaps I have disheveled glory.
Regardless, I made the effort to keep my mane under control. I have straight and fine hair but growing hair defy the law of gravity. Two to three inches of newly grown hair shoot out in every direction like weeds. I've had this since I was younger so it does not bother me that much anymore. But in the interest of public service, I know I still have to make my hair presentable.

Here are the things I tried that did not work:

1. Combs
Round Brush, Rectangular Brush, Cheap Brush, Expensive Brush
Fine-tooth Comb, Wide-tooth Comb, Ordinary Comb, Cheap Comb, Expensive Comb

2. Devices & Implements
Hair Dryer (works until the wind blows)
Hair Iron (does not reach the roots)

3. Shampoo & Conditioner
All brands from Unilever, Proctor & Gamble, Colgate-Palmolive
Other Local Brands
Imported brands
Plain Shampoo
Shampoo with a separate conditioner
Shampoo and conditioner combined

4. Other Hair Products
Gels
Hair Wax
Pomade (eeew)

5. Hair Treatments
Hot oil
Hair Spa
Rebond (I wish I spent the money on clothes instead)

6. Hair Accessories (to hide the situation)
Hairband
Clips
Hairpin
Cap

7. Hair Cut
Long (up to my waist with the hope that the weight would bring down standing hair)
Boyish Haircut
Ear Length
Shoulder Length
Layered
Straight

8. Hair Style
Hair Parted in the Middle
Hair Parted to the Side
Braids
Ponytail
Semi-ponytail

Let's see, I haven't tried perming my hair or cutting it really short as in nearly skinhead. But I have yet to muster my courage to do these things.

Oh, I just thought of another option. Why not make Einstein's hair the "in" thing. In that way my hair is in fashion and I don't have to do anything else. The Genius look! Hahahahahahahahahaha!

Night

2008-10-22T20:28:00.006+08:00

Every time I close my eyes, I am pulled into a void. I feel my consciousness sucked into a vortex of blackness pulling me inside. Whenever, I feel close to being engulfed by the darkness, I pull back. I fear that succumbing to the darkness may never bring me back to the light.

Afternoon

2008-10-21T19:18:00.002+08:00

Such a confusing afternoon. It's inevitable if you're dealing with something new. The brain stops for a while after realizing lack of familiarity with the thing. Staring at the thing for a long time builds some familiarity and then the brain starts working again to identify what to do with the thing. There are different interpretations and options to chose from. One seems viable and then you consider the thing again and it does not seem right and then another option appears. The process goes back to stop and stare.

The weather also sided with me. The sun was brightly shining. Then strong rains fell. Clouds covered the sun but the rain stops abruptly. The sun peeks out again. Then it was shining and raining at the same time. Even nature is confused about what to do. Global warming is taking its toll.

Morning

2008-10-21T08:07:00.009+08:00

I usually wake up to the sound of my mobile phone alarm. That sound marks the start of my pretty much routine daily schedule. It bores me sometimes...well most of the time now. I'm surprised I haven't died from boredom yet. I always considered myself a free spirit and being tied down to this boring routine is just plain unsatisfying. It frustrates me sometimes and it takes effort to restrain myself and think rationally. I dream of breaking through the barriers of what I can do, the places I can be, the person I can become...to realize more than what is expected of me. But I am tied down to this routine. I guess other things have to wait for a while. (sigh!) I hope I don't get too impatient though. It is not only for myself that I am tied to a routine. It's also for the people I love.

Today is a different day. I know. I woke up to a pleasant sound. It was a piano rendition of Richard Marx's Right Here Waiting. It was Jake practicing his piano upstairs. The bright sun was already peeking inside my room. I loathed the heat of global warming and smug but I love the sun. I am a Leo after all. I listened to the piano for a while until it stopped. The air was also getting warm. It's time to get up. I have work to do. But waking up is much harder to do when I slept late. I usually don't sleep late. I value my sleep and I rarely sacrifice sleep. I had not realized the time until I felt the air getting gold and I realized it was already 2 in the morning so off to sleep then.

My sister's new hobby or as she puts it "new indulgence" is reading books. She mentioned Twilight Saga to me by Stephenie Meyer as the "in" book but she could not find a softbound copy in Baguio. I was off to the mall on Saturday so I picked up a copy of the first book Twilight for her. My first impression was of a teenybopper love story but it was about vampires. There's something about vampires that fascinated me and although I knew that vampires in movies would probably not come close to the real thing, I still watch vampire movies. I had work to do so I left the book on the couch and faced my computer.

After finishing work in the afternoon, my eyes were dry and I needed to rest from exposure to much radiation. I closed the computer, took a bite, and bathed. After that, I settled on the couch to watch but I was bored with the predictable story lines so I started the book. What do you know, I was still reading until 2 am. I won't get into the details of the book but I was engrossed in the open and sincere conversations. It was as if the fictional characters were real. I just know I have to buy the sequel.

Its one of those great mornings for me. I hope it ends well.

Music Collaborations

2008-10-13T18:45:00.007+08:00

I'm a fan of music collaborations. No matter what the genre is, the result always turns out to be a treat for music lovers. I have three favorites.

1. Greenday/Oasis/Travis/Aerosmith/Eminem

The group fused Boulevard of Broken Dreams of Greenday and Wonderwall of Oasis. Although there was an issue between Greenday and Oasis, with Noel Gallagher of Oasis accusing Greenday of stealing the arrangement of Wonderwall for the collaboration, the result was great. By the way this form of collaboration is called "mashup" that combines music with the acapella of other artists.

This caught my ear because these are my favorite bands/artist. The arrangement and beat is artistically unique, which is the mark of timeless music. For me, the music should sound great before I take interest in the lyrics or the artist. Hey its rock, need I say more! You have to listen to this to understand what I mean.

2. U2/Mary J. Blige

U2 and May J. Blige sang U2's One in a fundraising concert for the benefit of the people affected by Hurricane Katrina. As always these artists, who are staunch advocates for social awareness, delivered a moving performance. Mary J. Blige's strong voice complemented Bono's soothing voice. U2's lyrics for One reflected mounting global issues (AIDS, poverty, natural calamities, civil strife) and the solution is love.

Love is a temple
Love a higher law
Love is a temple
Love is the higher law

3. Mariah Carey/Beyonce/ Mary J. Blige/ Rihanna/ Fergie/ Sheryl Crow/ Melissa Etheridge/ Natasha Bedingfield/ Miley Cyrus/ Leona Lewis/Carrie Underwood/ Keyshia Cole/LeAnn Rimes/Ashanti/Ciara

The group released Just Stand Up as the artists' contribution to the Stand Up to Cancer telethon to raise the people's awareness of cancer as well as raise funds and give moral support for those bravely fighting cancer patients who may not have money for treatment or social support. Two striking phrases are:

Everything will be alright, yeah
The heart is stronger than you think
Like it can go through anything
And even when you think it can’t it finds a way to still push on, though

If the mind keeps thinking you’ve had enough
But the heart keeps telling you don’t give up
Who are we to be questioning, wondering what is what, don’t give up
Through it all, just stand up

The song brought together artists from the pop, R&B, rock and country genres. The result is an invigorating, relaxing and uplifting music. I love it! This relieves stress!

Listless

2008-10-11T13:59:00.009+08:00

I know I'll totally get over it in time. That's a certainty. But that stinging emotion hits me once in a while. It wavers my direction and focus. But its all part of the process of shedding. I just have to bear it until it passes.

Its been a while since I freed myself of the illusion. To let go without looking back. Move ahead without regret. Knowing it will be for the best. All will be well. I will find my place.

It was not at all easy. Pain is a heavy burden to carry. Loss crashes down on you. Frustration creeps up.

Rationale withers somehow but reality always catches up. There is no point in holding on to something borrowed. It will only be a matter of time before its return. Persistence would just lead to waste. Waste of one's self.

I have not lived enough. There's no point in wasting myself. I'm standing up and moving forward. Despite the pull, I will never look back.

Subsidies Anyone

2008-09-28T19:45:00.007+08:00

Note: Subsidies are forms of assistance and/or incentives that decrease cost for consumers.

You might me be thinking, what the hell is interesting about subsidies that warrant attention.
It is pretty interesting if you are the recipient of subsidies.

I was able to reach my lowest possible electricity consumption of 50 KWH by plugging only my computer, television, and fan for a month. This translated into 205.65 pesos as the payable amount. I was shocked because I expected double the amount. The 50 percent discount was due to subsidies amounting to 189. 75 pesos. This means that without subsidies I would have paid 395.90 pesos or more with price adjustments.

Subsidies or lifeline rates are incentives given to people with minimal electricity consumption in a month. I got my reward! It was timely because of rising prices and decreased income augmentation opportunities.

It may be hard to maintain this level of consumption but I would surely try to gain subsidies. December is fast approaching and it would be grand to have extra money to spend.

Child Psychology

2008-09-28T18:55:00.003+08:00

Note: This is a sequel to the puncher story.

There are characteristics unique to children.
It's something that most of us have outgrown (or not).
But it's also something that we recognize.

The two younger siblings of the "puncher girl" hanged out at my pad.
This time, their computer broke down and the older sibling needed to do an assignment.
Later the younger sibling joined us.

Curiosity is one typical characteristic of children.
They can ask you a ton of questions that could last you a lifetime answering.
In a span of a few hours they knew more information about me and my life than anybody else.
The information I had to spill ranged from where I went to school, to the contents of my fridge and the scent I use in my bathroom, to why I live by myself.
Children make persistent investigators and they can get away with it because, hey!, they are kids.

We had chips and soda as snack, which they heartily enjoyed.
It was apparent they rarely eat junk food (Oops!).
Thanks to me, they now include junk food in their diet.
After finishing up, the younger sibling sitting on the sofa engaged me in conversation.
While she was excitedly telling a story, I observed that she was patting my cloth sofa cover with her hands.
After satisfying herself, she stood up and started walking around.
I realized her hands were clean after transferring all the cheese residue in her hands to my sofa cover.
Luckily it was not moist and it came off easily.
At least it was cheese and not anything gross.
I should teach her skills in wiping her hands in sofa covers or curtains stealthily, to avoid detection by adults, which I mastered as a child.

Well children are children.

Dry Spell

2008-09-18T15:42:00.005+08:00

Temperatures continue to rise due to global warming.

Global warming is a phenomenon with the rapid accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere trapping the sun’s heat, making temperatures warmer.

Ice caps in the north and south poles melt, flooding low-lying areas.

Other regions experience heat waves.

The heat also extremely changes weather patterns resulting to excessive rainfall in some regions and severe dry weather in other regions.

Living in the Pacific meant dealing with intense heat.

The warm air makes it difficult to breath.

Heat waves appear in the horizon.

Cracked earth makes life impossible to bud.

Soil becomes dust.

Parched earth desperately awaits the rain.

Baring Myself---%--@

2008-09-15T19:12:00.012+08:00

Looking back, I had a good sense of what I want and did not want.
I don't know how I came to know, I just knew.

When I was eight, I had a very good idea of what I wanted to do.
I wanted to die.
I just wanted to die.
Those were the years of discontent and frustration.
I realized then that my father left us for good.
Life was f------ hard.
I used to sit on a wooden bench outside the house at sundown wishing for the cold wind to just freeze me to death and make a beautiful monument of me.
I was determined to die in December when the temperature drops down to 7 degrees.
I would sit there for hours until I realized the weather was not cold enough to do this.

When I was ten, I also had a clear idea of what I did not want (or who I did not want).
There was this persistent boy.
He would follow my friends and me during recess to wherever we set off to.
He was there during lunchtime.
He was there when we play after classes.
He was there when I walk home.
He was just there all the time.
He was quiet and kind.
I never felt threatened being near him.
My disposition was to ignore him. I guess I knew I did not like him not for any other reason other than he's not my type.
Maybe I should have given him an award for persistence though.

When I was twelve, I also knew what I wanted (or who I wanted).
I met my first crush in church.
I was about to graduate from elementary and he was in college.
His charming smile made me look forward to Sundays.
It was a bad reason to want to go to church but I did pray and listened to the sermon.
I really liked him since I listened repeatedly to my favorite love song until I got the entire lyrics on paper.
I folded it (Origami style) and gave it to him in person (wow! was I creatively bold!).
But, It was not time to pursue this path so I busied myself with school.

What is the point of knowing what you want and do not want?
It’s discovering and building who you are as a person so you can bare yourself to the world without qualm.

Puncher!

2008-09-13T14:29:00.008+08:00

It's 2:30 in the afternoon and I'm busy trying to find a good show on television from four channels .
I had my cable connection cut since the cost is a rip-off considering that the reception is not clear from excessive main line tapping .
I was interrupted by a knock and then another seemingly urgent knock.
It's troublesome (borrowing from Shikamaru's line) standing up since I'm on a bum mode.
I thought maybe its the guy delivering the water bill.
I opened the door and peering at me was my neighbor's daughter.
I smiled and said hello!
She looked at me with hopeful eyes and said "ate... mmm...pwede po pahiram ng puncher?"
I racked my brain to picture a Puncher...Puncher?...Puncher!
Aaah! It's that thing used to make two holes on paper so a bunch of papers can be held by a fastener.
I looked into my box of school supplies to find five staplers big and small, a glue gun, loads of scotch tape, and a ruler.
So I said I'm sorry I don't have any puncher.
She said with a disappointed tone "aah cge po"!
I sensed a feeling of confusion on her part about why I don't have a puncher.

This got me thinking.
Was my neighbor's daughter just exploring the possibility that maybe I have a puncher.
Does she see me as a person with a puncher.
Do I look like a person with a puncher?
I never considered myself or expressed myself as a person with a puncher.
I never even thought of a puncher since eight years ago.

I thought I was exerting too much effort thinking about it and went back to my four channels. Some things can just get you thinking hard!

Sweet Release

2008-09-11T06:52:00.004+08:00

No matter how hard we try to avoid it, crap happens.
Things happen that we do not expect or intend.
These make us feel bad, sad, disappointed or frustrated.
But the thing is, these things eventually end.
We can digest the experience and flush out unnecessary baggage.

Shit happens when we take in too much or none at all.
We get constipation for taking more than we can manage.
Our digestive system could crash giving us that cramped feeling.
We could also get LBM by not taking anything at all or mixing conflicting food elements.
Digestive juices end up making a runny muck that we bring out with pain, discomfort and a big mess.

The thing is, we learn from the process.
Eventually we get the balance of the right amount of food and food elements.
We create that soft but firm shit that we can sweetly release while humming our favorite tune.
We can wipe out our asses, stand up, and enjoy that light feeling after release.
Then we can have a fresh start.

Mr. Shade

2008-09-05T08:54:00.002+08:00

I walk two blocks to where I could get a ride to work.

In the second block, I glimpsed this tall guy from a distance.

There’s just something about tall guys that get to me.

I could tell he had a good physique.

He was walking tall and straight.

A smile forms in my face as I see the distance between us closing.

Beads of sweat started to stream down the side of my face and the back of my neck.

I drew a deep breath in anticipation of being near him.

As he passed by, he blocked the sun from my face.

I was in his shadow for a moment.

It was just sheer pleasure being in the shade for even just three seconds.

I forgot to bring my umbrella.

Even after living in Manila for seven years, I just can’t take the heat.

Postscript: He was fair. He had kind eyes. He smelled nice.

Paranoia!!!???

2008-08-27T19:22:00.003+08:00

Something's bugging me.

It's eating me up.

I just can't pinpoint it.

I know it's there.

I can't shake it off.

It's making me uncomfortable.

2 Years, 5 Months and 25 Days Later

2008-07-24T07:41:00.003+08:00

I met you in the virtual world.
We chatted in our spare time and exchanged personalized letters.
You came to me in the real world and you and I became us.
We shared our love and our lives even if we were separated by a six-hour bus ride.

You were not wealthy and that’s ok.
I was proud of your good education and the job you loved.
You were an inch shorter than me and that’s ok too.
I had too many curves on me anyway.
You had your habits and flaws.
I have my weaknesses and shortcomings.

I never expected you to be perfect even if everybody thinks you are.
I myself am not perfect.
I never expected you to give up your favorite MMORPG game.
I joined you in the game.
I appreciated your weekly bus ride to come to me.
I shortened the distance to a one-hour bus ride and came to you.
You were concerned about my safety and security.
I stopped my activism and advocacy.
You cared about my morality.
I became an inactive member of my sorority.
You expected me to care for you.
I tried to domesticate myself.

I put my complete trust in you.
I only expected your fidelity.
You be only mine as I am only yours.
I valued this in our relationship.
You were aware of this.

I guess my one expectation was too much to meet.

I felt the pain.
I pushed you away.
You just gave up.

I lost my trust in you.
I lost my love for you.
I lost all hope of us.

At least I still have myself or what’s left of me.

The pain has healed.
I’m moving forward.

I am at peace.
I gained my faith.
I have high hopes.

---&--@

Guilty Parent Syndrome

2008-07-02T14:48:00.009+08:00

This follows my previous post on parental absenteeism.

Full time work especially for single parents mean that they have limited time for the family. The need to continue employment or get a promotion further lessens quality time with the family. Parents in this situation tend to develop guilt feelings, particularly towards their children. Since they have the money but not the time, the expression of guilt is through material purchases and gifts to children.

While material things may provide short-term pleasure and ease the strain between parents and children, this does not address the guilt of parents or support family cohesiveness in the long-term. Except when the material thing is a need, children quickly get tired of these things because of the recognition that there would be new things and there is also a limit to the financial ability of parents to provide the material things, of a high enough value, to compensate for the growing guilt.

With scarce time, creativity could lead to quality bonding sessions. Simple open conversations during mealtime or gestures and expressions of care when everybody meets at home goes a long way. Even sharing funny moments and laughing together does much good (everything lightens up when I hear my mom laugh out loud, which is a rare treat).

This is not an absolute solution and the situation is always complex with each family member trying to deal with personal issues and issues with parents and family members but its a practical step to ease that guilt and save the money for more important needs.

Parental Absenteeism

2008-07-02T13:08:00.009+08:00

I vividly remember a newspaper article I read about 'parental absenteeism', which is the frequent absence of parents in the growing up years of their children because of work and other reasons but mostly because of work. The title was 'Parental Absenteeism' in large fonts. Below the title was a picture of a family with a child in the middle holding on to the hands of each parent. The child's face was somber, seemingly alone, and the parents were mere faceless outlines.

I remember it well because for a time, I thought that was me. I belong to a dysfunctional family since my parents separated when I was five years old. As a single parent, my mom had to find work and employment opportunities brought her to Manila while we (I have two siblings) were left under the care of my aunt in Baguio City. I have to admit that growing up in that unconventional situation was difficult and I have my bouts of rebellion. I used to sit outside on a stool at night hoping that the cold would take me (I didn't realize it back then but I had my dramatic moments).

As a response to my perception of being neglected, I used to evade talking to my mom or sulk in the room. I know my mom observed this and I know she feels guilt in leaving us with relatives for five days a week. She works in Manila on weekdays and comes home during the weekends. It is only now that I realized how difficult that was for her.

Now, as an independent and single working woman, I believe I have made peace with my roots, especially with my mom. I appreciate that she is one of the small number of people that understand by eccentricities and one who I can talk to about anything from political issues to the latest showbiz buzz.

Parental absenteeism has achieved a deeper meaning for me. This is not just about parents leaving their children to work but it is also a social reality that shapes people's lives and that families have to contend with. I have no absolute solution in this situation but communication is the key. Don't follow my example of sulking and not speaking to my mom because this is non-productive and even largely self-destructive.

Hail to all the single working parents! I salute your strength and courage!

Middle Child Syndrome

2008-06-24T12:29:00.000+08:00

I am a middle child and loving it.

Contrary to theories in psychology explaining that middle children tend to be insecure and self-conscious because they do not experience the same level of attention as the first- born child and the last-born child, being a middle born child has an upside.

One, middle born children do not experience the same pressures placed upon the first- born child. In most cultures, the first-born child feels the pressure to finish school and take control of the family business or manage any other affairs of the business. Middle born children do not feel the pressure and often given the choice to be whatever and whoever they want to become.

Another, middle born children do not experience excessive pampering to the extent that they become too dependent on their parents, whether willingly or unwillingly. Middle born children experience moderate discipline and freedom resulting to a more or less disposition towards self-accountability.

I grew up well. I had my own bouts of rebellion as everybody else did. But, I am happy with what I have become, which I owe to how I was raised. : )

2007-11-24T09:00:00.000+08:00

Parallelism of Weddings and Wakes

	Wedding	Wake
Economic Purpose	Basically an Economic Union of two bank accounts	Basically consists of the pooling of all the family’s (conjugal and extended) resources to meet the expenses and provide the surviving family with money especially if the deceased is the only income earner
Costly	An ok wedding in the city would cost not less than 50,000 pesos (catering, cake, gown rental, car rental, tokens, etc.) Of course, you can have a wedding for a lesser cost but it would take the cooperation and skills of your entire clan to do the cooking, gown tailoring and other preparations.	A descent wake and burial would also cost not less than 50,000 pesos (casket not made out of mere thin wood with varnishing and a little design or trimmings, payment at the funeral home) A wake and burial could also cost less but the cheapest commercially produced casket costs 5,000 pesos and the family should have room in the house for the wake
Social Purpose	The ceremony and the reception draw family members, friends, workmates, neighbors, politicians and even strangers to join the festivities.	The wake and burial draw relatives, friends and foe, creditors, politicians, gamblers, and strangers to achieve their specific interests.
All About Appearances	Often (more than we dare to accept), weddings are done to save face, gain honor, merge with a wealthier family, or for convenience.	Wakes occur and often prolonged to gain as much money from hosting gambling operations or to draw pity and receive help.
Highly Commercialized	The heightened commercialization of weddings has made wedding businesses a booming sector.	Even wakes now have themes, much like a birthday party, and have become a show of economic status.
Highly Evolved Representations	Weddings no longer have a strong bearing on family building and God-centered lifestyle.	Wakes have transcended the purpose of grieving, acceptance and letting go to become interest-centered activities.
The point really is that these reflect how we have become as a society. If you do not agree with me then prove me wrong. I would very much like to know that what I have mentioned are the exceptions and not the general rules.

Havianas Craze

2007-09-25T14:55:00.000+08:00

I developed interest in trendy tsinelas since summer never ended for me except for the occassional rains. I searched auction.ph for tsinelas on sale and found myself looking at this black simple but elegant looking tsinelas. The regular price is 1, 200 pesos but you can have it at the discounted price of 800 pesos.

I also found another pair of Havaianas tsinelas. Its brown with a dragon print in gold. I adore this pair because it fits my fascination for dragons, my favorite mythical creatures. You can buy this pair for 1,250 pesos.

You may be thinking, how can rubber slippers cost so much? The answer is the quality of the rubber used. Its soft and not prone to stains. Another answer is the creativity involved in the designs. Another practical answer is the advertising value of the brand since Havaianas tsinelas have been spotted in Hollywood and fashion shows. If you have the money, Havaianas tsinelas makes good investment on grounds of functionality and fashionability.

Check out more Havaianas designs at auction.ph or havainas.com.

Globe Load Expiration Problems

2007-09-25T14:10:00.000+08:00

I used to load Globe prepaid card worth 300 pesos for several reasons. One, the expiration date is after two months or 60 days. Second, I earn an added 35 free text. Slow down in text frequency made me opt for loading only when I need to reply to texts or make calls. In the past two weeks, I load 15 pesos twice a week. A 15 pesos load should last for at least 1 day or 24 hours and forfeited in favour of Globe if unused. Recently, I observed that my load does not even last a day. After a nights sleep of around 6 hours, I wake up not having any load left. This has been happening to me in the past to weeks.

I heard from an officemate that he also experienced the same thing. In his case, he received more than 200 texts as Globe’s rewards since he frequently loads big amounts to his Globe number. The next day, he checked his account and the Globe reward texts already expired including at least 60 pesos of his load. He called Globe customer service and they said there have been early expiration problems covering around 5,000 Globe subscribers. Reporting the problem would increase the chances of recovering the amount but this involves a long and tedious process.

Sounds like there are only two options, wait and hope or move on. However, this should not be the case. In the first place, the early load expiration problem should not have happened or this should have been fixed immediately. As in any advocacy, maybe a concerted action such as a barrage of calls would pressure Globe to fix the problem. Globe’s customer care number is 211.

Another Roadblock for Human Rights

2007-09-21T19:39:00.000+08:00

September 21 marks the eve of the declaration of martial. In keeping with their commitment to remain vigilant in fighting for the respect of human rights, producers and directors made the Indie film "Rights", a compilation of a number of short films representing various views of the state of human rights in the Philippines. The film premieres in Robinson's Galleria on September 21 as part of the IndieSine.

Today, the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) gave the film an X rating with the explanation that the film is unfair, one-sided, and challenges public faith in the Philippine government making the film unfit for general viewing.

Naturally, the filmmakers protested this rating. I support their cause. First, any film that encourages respect for human rights can never be unfair or one-sided. There is only one valid side in the issue of human rights and this is the respect for human rights or the advocacy against human rights violations. Second, the government is of the people, by the people and for the people. A government (or rather an administration) that disrespects the human rights of the people loses its legitimacy and does not deserve to govern.

Ink Refilling Bugger

2007-09-07T15:55:00.000+08:00

I own a Hewlett-Packard printer, the All-in-one version with printing, scanning and photocopy options. The price of the printer itself is affordable. However, the price of a new ink cartridge if you've dried up every tint in your original ink cartridge is worth more than 1,000 pesos. This means that after buying six cartridges, you've spent the purchase price of the printer itself.

I decided to try the ink refill stations. The most advertized ink refill station in the country is the company endorsed by the girlfriend of Jericho Rosales. The thing with ink refilling is that they remove the sticker of the original manufacturer, inject the ink inside the containers, and replace the sticker with their own. After two refills with this company, I rarely used my printer so it took a several months before requiring a new refill. When I brought the ink cartridge to the same ink refilling company, the person who entertained me told me that they do not refill unoriginal cartidges. She made the remark because of the sticker, which she surprisingly did not recognize as their sticker. I went to another branch and they told me the same thing.

At home, I looked-up the website of the company to learn about this weird policy. I texted my concern to the number given and they said that the company "does not refill replacement cartridges because they cannot guarantee the quality of the refilled ink cartridge.

One would think that at least the company is concerned with quality. . . but so are the other ink refill businesses. If their issue is ensuring quality, then they could have assessed the condition of the cartridge and not the sticker alone. After inquiries, I learned that the company is retailing ink cartridges, those worth more than 1,000 pesos.

The implication of the policy is that after your first refill with the original sticker replaced, you have to buy a new cartridge, which they also retail for all printer brands. How's that for a revenue-focused business policy, which is impressive on the business side with disappointing on the consumer side.

A Call for Change in the Hazing Rights of Fraternities and Sororities

2007-09-05T13:52:00.000+08:00

In the past few days, the death of a graduating college student of the University of Philippines in the Diliman campus spread through the news. The type and extent of physical injuries sustained by the college student and through the testimony of two attending physicians concluded the death of the student as excessive physical trauma due to hazing. It's a pity that another student with a promising future died due to the irresponsibility of the members of the fraternity he wanted to join. This is disturbing especially since this fraternity have renowned members in the Senate and other positions of power.

What does this say about the fraternity and its members? Some would say that joining a fraternity necessarily involves hazing and the decision is made by choice. If a person knows that he or she cannot handle hazing but insists on joining anyway, then the fraternity should not be responsible for any untoward incidents. While it is true that joining is by choice, a fraternity with this perception negates the purpose of fraternities of practicing accountability to themselves and to their brothers and sisters.

What is hazing anyway? This involves physical and mental tests, the accomplishment of which initiates the applicant to the group. Tests constitute the bond among the group members in experiencing and hurdling the same tests. The intensity of physical and mental tests depend upon the tradition of fraternities and sororities. For most, the unassuming paddle used to navigate boats became the symbol of physical pain expressed through varying shades of red, purple, blue and black on your skin just even after a number of hits. Mental tests can range from decision-making, commitment and even to humiliation.

Based on the decription of hazing and the purpose it serves, does this include risking the lives of applicants. The answer would definitely no. Even if extreme physical and mental difficulties are justified as testing the limits of potential group members, no fraternity or sorority is worth the sacrifice of life. Even the grandest benefits that fraternities and sororities offer cannot outweigh the value of life.

I call for the exercise of accountability for the deaths of students through hazing. Fraternities and sororities need to step back from the culture of complacence and violence and re-assess their original purpose. CHANGE is NEEDED NOW.

Angel Locsin and GMA Network Squabble: An Example of Conflict of Interest

2007-09-04T09:50:00.000+08:00

Two months ago, showbiz news in the Philippines picked-up the possible transfer of Angel Locsin, A GMA Network star to the other competing network ABS-CBN. Since then the news never stopped, except for the Gretchen-Gary & Ruffa-Ylmaz issues that dominated showbiz news for a number of weeks. Oh by the way, the Ruffa-Ylmaz issue is still on-going. Then in August, Wilma Galvante, an executive officer of GMA Network expressed on television her sentiments on the sudden and undue decision of Angel Locsin, together with her manager Becky Aguila and father Angel Colmenares, to leave the network. The term 'ingrata' or ungrateful pertained to Angel Locsin leaving GMA after the network made her a star through various prime time and high rating shows, with the exception of her last show, Asian Treasures that did not gain as much viewers as her other fanta-seryes. I have to admit that I did not follow Asian Treasures because there was just no chemistry between the lead actors.

In response, Becky Aguila and Angel Colmenares agreed to interviews by ABS-CBN where they explained that they are negotiating with ABS-CBN for a contract and this was with the knowledge of GMA Network since Angel Locsin no longer renewed her contract. Angel Locsin who was then in London to study fashion was also interviewed where she explained her side.

Angel is Angel and she has built a good public reputation that cannot be tainted by calling her 'ingrata' even if this was indirectly expressed by an executive officer of GMA Network.

After this exchange of comments and responses, a new issue came out, a spreading sex video allegedly involving Angel Locsin with a Japanese national. This was again followed by news that Angel Locsin's schooling in London was funded by a patron (DOM). As if this was not enough, Angel Locsin was also rumored to have undergone abortion.

The barrage of black propaganda against Angel Locsin causes one to presume that a demolition job is being implemented against her after her party announced the definite contract signing with ABS-CBN.

Looking back, the actions and reactions of the parties involved, expressed conflict of interest. GMA Network previously had a talent management contract with Angel Locsin and her manager. This means that Angel has two managers expecting cuts from her show and movie earnings, GMA Talent Center and Becky Aguila. Angel Locsin is becoming adept in business management and realized that having two managers is not necessary so she did not renew her co-management contract with the network. GMA Network realized that its most popular talent is trying to spread her wings by engaging in production on her own, to the exclusion of the network. Since the network does not stand to gain from this, they did not support Angel's first movie production 'Angels'. So from here the bitterness continued until Angel decided to try her luck in ABS-CBN.

Showbusiness is still business with an artistic flare. Business interests determined the decisions made and actions taken. After all the ruckus there should no hard feelings between Angel's camp and GMA Network. Business is just business.

Living and Loving: Some Helpful Rules

2007-09-03T19:32:00.000+08:00

WARNING: THESE RULES DO NOT APPLY TO MASOCHISTS, PSEUDO MASOCHISTS, SCHIZOPHRENICS, PSEUDO SCHIZOPHRENICS, MINDLESS AND PSEUDO MINDLESS INDIVIDUALS.

Love is too complicated so there is no point in debating it. More likely than not parties will never find a common ground for discussions. Nevertheless, there are rules to help people make sense of the chaos that love brings. ; p

First Rule: Acknowledge that love is complicated. Never for a second fool yourself into thinking that love can ever be simple.

Second Rule: Know who you are as an individual before getting into a relationship. If you are at a stage where you still don't know who you are, chances are you'll bum yourself through the relationship until you lose interest.

Third Rule: Agree on mutual boundaries and limits. This will save you the trouble of wasting energy on senseless quarrels. Nobody wants to develop pimples or wrinkles from the stress of anger.

Fourth Rule: Know your partner. If you are not interested in knowing the good and bad sides of your partner, then what's the point in engaging in the relationship. You might want to think about ending the relationship for the sake of giving your partner the chance to find the person he/she deserves. If your life revolves around you, being single could be blissful.

Fifth Rule: Enjoy each other's company. Relish the relationship. If you are not at all happy even at the start of the relationship, you were probably fooled, conned or threatened to get into the relationship. If so, get out Right Now or call for help (Bantay Bata Hotline is 163, Police Emergency Number is 117). If you become unhappy in the course of the relationship, find the cause to raise the probability of saving the relationship.

These are just basic rules I personally learned from the experience of loving and living. This sounds cliche but hey these rules work. I refuse to say more. There's nothing more to say anyway.

I wish you all the best guyz!

Sentiments of a Gal with Wide Feet

2007-09-03T19:14:00.000+08:00

I have big or rather wide feet! I say this because I find it hard to find shoes, which I like that fit comfortably. I am a size 7. However, when I try on shoes, I end up facing the decision to purchase a size 8, 9 or even 10 just so the shoes can accommodate my wide feet but at the disadvantage of having that extra length. If I do decide to buy the bigger sized shoes, I take the risk of tripping or losing the aesthetic value of the shoes.

My professor in college said that wide feet and splayed toes may have an anthropological basis. In the highlands, where people engage in farming by terracing the mountainside, they had to use their feet to brace themselves in navigating the muddy mountainside to prevent slipping or falling. In the context of evolution, the body has a way of adopting to the environment. As the years pass, people developed wider feet and splayed toes to make it easier to climb the muddy mountain side while tilling or planting rice, fruits and vegetables. This genetic adaptation then became transmitted to the succeeding generations. As you might have guessed, I am belong to the succeeding generation of Igorots. If this is the case, then I can't do anything to change this physical characteristic except perhaps through an operation, which I am not willing to take.

Meanwhile, I have to go around this trait. This means preferring open shoes or sandals that let my feet breath. Recently, I purchased these purty (pretty) sandals or tsinelas from a supermart. The design and color caught my attention. I grabbed a size that looks wide enough and surely it did. It costs $2 (100 pesos). You can find similar items for the same or cheaper prices in other stores. Its really very pretty and it does not make my feet look that big (although they still look big : )

Another means of dealing with this problem is to find double wide shoe stores online, unless you can find such stores in Philippine malls.

You can also try shoe brands selling soft leather shoes such as Hush Puppies and Naturalizer, go for cloth-made shoes, or find your own pretty tsinelas.

Don't forget to inform me if you find shoe stores or brands that accommodate people with wide feet... Thanks! Ciao!