Lost

THE hardest thing to find is that which was never lost at all.

Caught in the midst of things

IN as much as I would want to say that I had been lazing about and I had neglected this corner of the web, I know very well that that will not be truthful. But not totally, for being wrapped within sloth's welcoming embrace had been instrumental for the very long inactivity in this blog. Also, the previous entry before this isn't really counted, as it was done for a particular advocacy.

Caught in the midst of things pretty much sums up all the reasons I can put forward as to why the last real update had been in September. I'm not complaining though, since at the very start of the year I had plainly stated I'm putting my personal thoughts on second as I prioritize my career.

There are moments though, very precious and few if I have the liberty to add, when I just can't put anything before my desire to sit in a special corner and allow my thoughts to conjure prose that will truly embody the ideas flowing around in my head. Now, when such instances happen to coincide with the availability of time, or urgency of need, I manage to update and enliven this blog.

However, such occurrences got rarer and rarer as tons of work-related tasks filled my schedule. And as of the moment, I'm caught in the midst of anticipation and preparation for another storm that threatens the country.


In their truest sense of "corporate responsibility", my bosses stationed me to what we may call the "front lines" in this line of duty I belong to. Staying in this hotel since last night, though, gave me the opportunity to relax (sort of) and write; the typhoon is expected to hit land in two to four hours but there is but trickles of rain and mild breeze where I'm at.

Therefore, I take the liberty to write something down, to remind me that I must not give up on the plans I've already set. And as I go about doing things according to plan, I still must not set aside everything that truly defines who I really am, even if I'm too caught up in the midst of things.

Blog Action Day: Climate Change

DESPITE the apparent inactivity of this blog, truth be told, I had been spending the past weeks more and more online than I usually did. I blame my laziness, foremost, for the lack of updates, although mental exhaustion from work is really the main culprit.

Anyway, I just had to put this one up, so as to at least comply when I signed up for the blog action day initiative. Yeah, yeah, I missed the event by a day. But I had forgotten about the dates (time does fly by so quickly especially if you’re busy), and I didn’t realize I should’ve updated at least last night.

This year’s Blog Action Day is focused on climate change. Frankly, I don’t think anything I’ll be saying had not been said before, but I’ll say my piece nonetheless.

Climate change is no longer just a theory proposed to make humans feel guilty enough to take care of mother earth. The past disasters here in the Philippines (which are among the things I would’ve blogged about had I not been caught in the midst of preparations) readily shows us the ugly face of the changing world.

People should be more and more aware of the ill-effects of neglecting the environment. For my part, I join initiatives such as this blog action day (sort of, at least). However, knowing that something should be done is but scratching the surface; it is in ACTUALLY DOING WHAT SHOULD BE DONE that targets can be achieved.

I wouldn’t like to blame anyone, but I do agree that developed countries should put more effort in cleaning up the mess that they had accumulated through the years. C’mon now, they got rich because they neglected the environment, why not clean up their mess?

What I really want to say now is this: the best option for all of us is in coming up with TRULY RENEWABLE ENERGY. Instead of merely trying to curb the ill-effects, which are not sure to reducing risks, why not think of moving on and diminishing the damages along the way?

As of now, there isn’t really any GREEN energy readily available. The closest maybe is solar, but solar panels and batteries aren’t totally environmentally-friendly, when you think of it. I’m afraid that we may just be solving a few problems and creating new ones instead.

Such are the mistakes we have done in the past; the great amount of intoxicants in the air – mostly generated by burning fossil fuels – reached the levels they are now because people used to think that they’re cheap and they’re the best energy sources at that time. But history had proven otherwise; and the people of today are falling victims due to past failings wrought about by nothing else than greed.

But let’s move on. The human imagination is among our infinite resources; there are plenty of promising options that can lead us to a better tomorrow. Hand in hand, perhaps we can see a brighter sky over the horizon when get our acts together in the proper harmony. There’s still hope, let’s take our chances.

All in a day's work

IT used to be that Jherskie and Heights are like oil and water. But these days, things like these following pictures are part of a day's work.





Sorry for the short updates. I've been meaning to blog about the usual stuff, but I'm usually very much exhausted these days.

Just a few pics

I ought to make long updates, largely due to the immense length of time from my last post. But then again, I'm feeling lazy to churn out anything more substantial than these few lines. At the very least, allow me to share a few pictures I've taken over the weekend. Oh, where I went? Palawan. =P

No weekend still

The past week had been so busy, but all the work doesn't want to end just yet. Despite all that amount of labor, I'd be having no weekend still. XD

But then again, I did promise myself to prioritize my career. I. Will. Not. Complain.

Virtual warfare

Alright, I'm currently being addicted to the War of Emperium feature of the private Ragnarok Online server I'm playing. For those who have not a glimmer of idea what that means, let's just say it's about one guild (essentially an organization of players) going head on against another. Of course, it's and inherent feature of the game, but I didn't participate in WoEs while I was playing in the official servers.

And because of my renewed interest, I've gotten a liking to studying warfare particularly through detailed analysis on the shows in a certain cable TV channel about history. =P

AND... I'm again lacking sleep because of it. XD

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Edit: I think I'll update this post some other time. =)

I HATE HSBC CREDIT CARDS

I HATE HSBC CREDIT CARDS!

Pardon the rant post, but I hate the damn credit card company. If any of their agents come knocking at your door, or calling you up to offer, IT'S BEST TO SHUT THEM UP BY TELLING THEM THEIR SERVICE SUCKS. And if they ask, tell them Jherskie says so.

Thank you.

Ends and beginnings

THE end of the beginning is where the end is beginning.

Half-baked 'blood'

WHILE I can't say I truly detest the film, Harry Potter and the Half-blood Prince, I will not really praise it either. And although many reviews have been positive, I can't say I'll be joining them.

Ladies and gentlemen, I hope you do understand what I mean with this post's title, and read on what I have to say.

For a movie I had been itching to watch for months, 'Half-blood Prince' just doesn't meet its purposes, story-wise. I guess it's due to the fact that they wrote the script as a compromise between die-hard book fans and the regular movie-watchers. With about as much as 80-percent of the original storyline chucked out of the window to fit the 150-ish minutes of screen time, and hordes of scenes suddenly (and magically) inserted, HBP is almost a new universe, if not an alternate reality, to the Potter world.

Alright, I'm being too harsh, I know. But hey, I went to cinema hoping to see "Harry Potter and the Half-blood Prince" the movie. Instead, I was treated to "The prelude to the 2-part movie that will follow". C'mon now, HP and the HBP is a great book in its own right, but why sacrifice the whole film?

Sure the movie's elements are good; superb special effects and stunning graphics coupled with nice cinematography and moving musical scores worthy of the Potter movie series and fandom make up the film. But in between the awesome scenes, particularly in those dull moments, the viewer is left to think, "Lolwut?"

I confess my hearing isn't too well, but I'd contest it isn't too bad either. I swear I never let my eyes leave the screen longer than it took to blink (or check if my wallet's still in my pocket), but I just got lost in translation. Many portions of the story are so muddy I won't have known what's happening had I not read the book several years ago.

And that, in my honest opinion, is where the movie fails big time. They seem to attempt to please us die-hard book fans, and not leave the non-book readers alienated by the story at the same time; but I dare say they didn't meet both targets.

A great matter to note is the identity of the HBP - a very intriguing subject as one sifts through the pages of the book. Really, the movie should've been about him, yet he just said, "I am the HBP," in the end without fanfare. No grandiose explanations. No emotions. Nonsense.

However, one cannot ignore the fact that the 150-ish minutes of screening time are engaging. And although there are several dead scenes - thankfully appearing only for brief moments - the good ones manage to make up for them. In fact, I really applaud everything about the film save the storyline; various emotions and themes are carefully brought together using exactly the best devices to achieve the cinematography I save up movie-ticket-prices for. Yeah, I hate much of the story, but I don't think I wasted my time and money for it.

So all aspects taken into consideration, and with as much objectivity as I can muster, I bestow my rating for the movie that is, "Harry Potter and the Half-blood Prince". Drumrolls please.

*Insert sound effects here*

I give it: 8.5/10

A post brought to you by the rains

EACH man has his own cross to bear, so they say. I firmly believe that, though at times I need to constantly remind myself that many of my current woes are not considered problems by some. Conversely, others are terrified of things that have not much bearing on my books.

I am in a continuous love-hate relationship with my job, and many times I really do feel like throwing in the towel and walking away. There are many moments when I simply think that I’m just a waste of salary at the office, but of course I realize that I’m useful in several other ways.

And my perpetual lack of direction has its up and downsides as well. I’m usually satisfied with being a feather blown by the winds – getting to places I didn’t know existed. But at the end of the day, I pose the question to myself, "Just where the heck am I headed to?"

There are lots of things I wanna do, so many destinations I desire to see. However, I’m usually out of energy to explore – these days I’m always slouching and passing the time away.

Sloth is such a sultry mistress whose tempting I simply cannot ignore. But she's gone for a moment, and I've got some time. And so here's another update, to this old blog of mine.

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A/N: I really hate the strong rains for ruining my plans to watch Harry Potter and the Half-blood Prince this afternoon. But it kinda made up for it by providing some inspiration, and a few rhyming lines, to re-liven this blog.

Tales of Jherskie the Sage

I met a man once, he was very excited at the time. His wife's pregnant, he said. But at that moment, I knew his son will not be born to see the light of day.

I never got to tell him what I thought was just a figment of my imagination. I haven't seen him after leaving the conference, but the news managed to reach me somehow. His wife had a miscarriage a few weeks after that incident, relayed another acquaintance.

And it was indeed a boy.

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A/N: I first gave the name Jherskie to a character in one of my fanfics for the game, Ragnarok Online. Though I never got to finish the story, I still haven't given up and continue dreaming of finishing said fic to this day.

I Am Immortal

NOW, that is the latest in my constantly-growing list of things-I-tell-people-who-ask-when-I'll-change-my-civil-status. I said it in a jest, really, although the girl who inquired didn't seem to think I was joking.

And if you're reading ('coz I have an inkling that you may chance upon this post some time), I really don't know why you thought I'm delusional. It's a joke, for crying out loud! =P

Rambling... or not

For the past seven days, I've been hoping to squeeze in time to blog about this particular topic, yet didn't manage to. And yeah, this is already past due, but WTH. I'm making this (sort of) review anyway.

OK, in a nutshell, it's one of those movies you'd go to the cinemas to watch. Pardon me if I might sound like a hypocrite, but guys, better see this on the big screen. Why? Because that's what this movie is made for.

So what can I say for what many bills as "the worst-reviewed top grossing film of all time"? I. Effing. Love. It.

Yeah, the story's not worth a shot (for being too clumsy and far-fetched). And if lead actress Megan Fox says you watch Transformers 2 Revenge of the Fallen for the action scenes and not the acting, she does mean it. In fact, you'll only disappoint yourself by watching it without the full effects afforded by the movie houses.

The special effects are truly flawless. If they say they spent billions for those, I'm more than willing to buy the idea. While I can't swear the cinematography is equally good (due to some effing scenes that are too unnecessary and downright terrible), I can still say that the movie is a true eye candy in its own right.

To each his own, I guess. But I really do appreciate the film in it's entirety. However, I won't be harping against those that hold a grudge towards it. In the truest sense, they are right. The movie's too dumb, the storyline's too predictable, and the events are totally illogical.

They ask, why did Sam and the others have to find the Matrix of leadership when a sliver of the Allspark is all it took to revive Megatron? Oh that's easy. Optimus is a Prime. And Primes need the Matrix of Leadership to revive them from death. (Lolz, I can't believe I'm acting this silly)

And robots having offsprings? Why not? The viewers can see Wheelie humping, so why can't they have "several generations" that can be "lost in the civil war"? =P

OK, enough with the stupidities. One doesn't need to be a fan to appreciate the movie. Unless you're my mom, who claims to like the first movie more, but that's a different story.

I'm actually willing to overlook a bit of offending portions of the movie, and give it a real review. However, the "Robo Heaven" scene is too corny even for my usual corny standards. I know no other plot device can tie up all the loose ends, but it just ruined the experience.

So, I'm not giving it a grade, unlike in my other mini-reviews in this blog. But I'd still recommend watching it, it's too good to pass. Also, remember Starscream's "Cowards get to live another day" line and Jetfire's father, who was the first wheel. XD

Twelve months

SIX months after this particular post and I find myself thinking again. I did say I'll consider lengthening my stay if I get upgraded. But I'll leave it at that. "Consider" is the key word, and I have 12 more months to ultimately make up my mind. =P

Straight Slap

There are things that we usually expect to happen that, although expected, can sometimes hit us so strong in the face that no amount of preparation can compensate due to the suddenness that they occur. Like a strong slap delivered to your proffered cheek - you did offer the left one but the strength of the blow could just be too much.

As of now, I just wish the ones I'm expecting will not come at the same strengths as previous expected events. I did expect those things to happen (and still expecting the next few rounds), but yeah, I was still caught unprepared. But as they say, time to move on now that the burden is off my shoulders.

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A/N: I just had to get this post out of my system so I can continue working on something I should be focusing on. Pardon the numerous times I used the word "expect" and its variants, I just am not in the mood to search for synonyms at the moment.

Long Live

Though not really a fan, I am one with the world in acknowledging that the death of Michael Jackson is a big loss for the music industry. The King of Pop's demise couldn't have been more ill-timed, happening barely a few months before his comeback concert, which die-hards fans are really waiting for. The king is dead, long live the king!

The event underscores a very basic truth: that we are all mortals doomed to cease our breath at the fated time. Nonetheless, it also brings to light a far greater fact that many people seemed to be oblivious to.

That, my dear friends, is the simple truth that along with the snatching of life, death also brings about immortality. Truly, a dead person lives on in the hearts and minds of those whose lives he or she has touched, one way or another. And so long as that memory remains etched into the consciousness, the deceased will remain alive for all eternity.

Note to self

I must adjust this blog's layout. It seems that the current one doesn't look good on widescreen format monitors. XD

Pushing the pen

I'M currently pushing myself to write; I have lots of things to work on, and I think it's about time I exert some effort to get them done. Apparently, my writing skills are at an all time low; I can barely string together two sentences to come up with a paragraph that, hopefully, makes sense.

Setting that aside, though, I allow myself to wallow in pleasant reverie as my actions bring forth fond memories of the days when I had been more proactive, and writing well enough. My "prowess" with the pen is still intact, as evidenced by the several blogs posts that had long been running in my head, although I haven't updated them to cyberspace, yet.

And then again, "yet" is the word. I'm yet to begin drafting that which-must-be-finished-by-tomorrow evening. Nothing to worry about though, I have the whole night to myself. =)

Swine Flu in Town

FOR perhaps the first time in living memory, the grapevine failed to deliver the hottest news to my doorstep. In fact, I had to rely on the national news on TV (delivered via the station located a hundred miles away) to know what's happening in a village a good 2 to 3 kilometers from home. And that dreadful news is that my town is now affected by A(H1N1), AKA the swine flu.

In as much as I would want to, I'd rant about how useless the government's actions are as regards preventing the spread of the disease. However, doing such will go directly against my "limit-the-rants-in-this-blog" directive, so I'd just leave it at that. But I think it's proper that I voice out my opinions, nonetheless. I'll just tone down the rants a bit. =P

For those who still do not know, the village in question is about the remotest in my town. I actually haven't gone to that place, though I have passed one or twice near it when taking an alternate route I'd only take on certain occasions. So that leaves a great mystery as to how the virus got there in the first place. Current theories include a group of people on medical mission, and a foreign national, bringing it to that place.

Solving that mystery isn't top priority though. It's curtailing the spread that is mainly on everyone's minds. And what are people doing about it?

As relayed via the news report (the grapevine seemingly succumbed to the flu already and fails to function as before), government medical personnel are going about handing out vitamins and antiviral drugs. I JUST SINCERELY HOPE THAT THE PEOPLE ARE TOLD NOT TO TAKE THE MEDICINE IF THEY'RE NOT AFFLICTED, to avoid the novel virus from evolving by interacting with an already immune host. I know a person or two will likely down those drugs as soon as it's been handed, and that's worrisome. It'll be catastrophic for the influenza strain to evolve when the cure for the novel one is still not around.

Frankly, I'm no longer assuming that people are really keen on preventing the spread of the disease. The mere fact that it reached my remote town is already proof that not everyone is thinking of avoiding the continuous transfer, and almost imminent mutation, of the virus. What I'm bearing in mind now are ways to avoid contacting it.

But what I'm getting ticked at the most is that the health department seems to be downplaying the disease' effects. Sure I agree that the endemic Dengue fever is far more fatal, however it is but foolish to just put A(H1N1) on second priority due to the lower fatality rate.

At the end of the day, it is a matter of personal crusade against the virus that should be at the heart of everyone. Preventing the spread of the disease through all means possible, even if it means going on self-quarantine for several days, should be what each one of us must bear in mind always.

Re-tracing

There are things I (thought I've) left behind way back the time I decided to grow out of a certain hobby of mine. Like a ghastly shadow silently lurking always but ever so near, however, it managed to resurface and get a firm grip on me that is almost as strongly as before. But it doesn't really matter, though. I have learned how to better control myself now.

Nonetheless, I got hooked (a bit) again; and this time I have to retake all the fundamental steps I have gone through before. And as with every other circumstance when one needs to relearn the ropes, there is always that time when one is able to reminisce of the good times. Yeah, I'm basking on those memories I thought I have already thrown to fly with the winds.

I'm back, and I'll try hard to do what I do best.

Of mobile phones and other company-related matters

Thanks largely to an uncommon twist of (company) events, I had been unfortunate enough to experience another of those-long-work-weeks that I thought I had left behind in team ACeS. For seven straight days, I was running across the province, traveling several hours per day, climbing up hills and down through valleys, and speeding along little oceans of mud. And yeah, the inevitable, driving while using my mobile phone. XD

Don't get me wrong, I'm actually against the use of mobile phones especially if the vehicle we're talking about is a frikkin' motorcycle. Anyway, I've been using the company vehicles yet again, and I had only resorted to answering phones calls while on the move if I couldn't help it.

But that is not the point of this post. I merely stated what I've been through, and that I'm glad I have 2 days of rest starting tomorrow. Or make that one day starting the day after tomorrow. Whatever.

Thing is, I'm beginning to consider the trivial bits of circumstance that some newly-enforced company rules are raising into focus. Sure, I can accept the loss of the TCP. And I certainly can't do anything if we still don't have the salary adjustment, or mid-year bonus.

But the increased likelihood of being denied OT pay just because the company is keeping it to an average of 10%? Or the increasingly rampant requirements for which we can't ask for the appropriate OT pay, for the same aforementioned reason? Truly, I can't stop myself from fearing much worse.

I'm back

There are things I have long given up hope on. But there are those for which I still haven't. And with a renewed passion, I take up my pen and write, write, write again - for nothing can satisfy me more than to share my thoughts and put them in the archives of eternity.

Many things have caused me to slack off and fill my mind with mundane thoughts. Although they are not necessarily what I had yearned for, I still can say that they'll serve their purpose. What is important in the here and now is that I'm resuscitating my blog again.

I'm back. I hope I stay longer this time.

Salvation in Termination

OK, the title isn't so imaginative as it's supposed to be. But at least it's straightforward. Dear readers, this is my mini-review of the film, Terminator Salvation.

A bit of background information is in order, I suppose. For starters, this is already the 4th in the Terminator series, which catapulted (more or less) California Gov. Arnold into stardom, and the movie follows a few years after the time line of the 3rd film, Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines. We see John Connor (portrayed by Christian Bale, aka. Batman), all grown up and fighting with "The Machines" as the story is supposed to be.

And as the story is supposed to be, this is all about keeping Connor and his father, Kyle Reese, alive. And yeah, salvation. The title says salvation, right?

Maybe it's but proper to at least say that when they said 'Salvation', they did mean it. The movie is all about that theme, to the point that things are quite predictable. Apart from the personal salvation of Marcus Wright, and the salvation of the human race by Connor, it is also a salvation of the series from antiquity.

While it is true that viewers will not find anything new in the film, as most of the scenes are done in reference to other elements from the previous movies, there is that cinematographic factor that manages to bring all of those together so as not to make a film that is half-done, or half-raw.

As a matter of fact, I do believe that watching the film on the big screen is worth the more-than-the-usual hassles I encountered. Come to think of it, I've been through sudden changes in work schedule, unfriendly weather, and a vehicular incident all because of my desire to watch it. It IS that good enough that I DO NOT feel any regret in even going to the movie house at a very late time, and under unfavorable premonitions.

Anyway, the gritty details: cinematography is really good, sound effects - quite enough, and special effects are as to be expected of a high-budget film. Bale's acting is, I have to agree with other reviewers, a bit bland and doesn't help the story much. Unless that's how he's supposed to act thing out, which will make the story a bit more terrible when it really isn't.

Basically, the movie is about Connor, Wright, and Reese. If I may add so, it's like you can divide the movie into frames-that-show-either-of-the-three, and frames-that-show-neither-of-them-but-gives-superb-action-sequences-in-lieu-of-the-three-main-characters.

But all in all, I still love it. Given that it provides a wonderful movie experience, the film gets a score of 8.5/10 from me.

This post is brought to you by... (AKA, Wowowee is an insult to the Filipino intellect)

For what can be considered among the longest time ever, I've been procrastinating over and over; hence, the inactivity in this blog. No, scratch that. I haven't been procrastinating; I've been deliberately stopping myself from posting.

You see, I haven't been getting some good inspiration to blog about. All I've been thinking are negative thoughts, especially with what's happening in the country these days.

But since I do know that it doesn't do me good to keep all of such things to myself, I might as well let it all out in this (increasingly becoming common) rant post. To simplify things (as I'm just venting out anyway), I'll put them in a little list.

1. As stated in the title of this update, "Wowowee is an insult to the Filipino intellect." I've been hating the show for years now, trying hard to distance myself from the accursed noontime show. But during those times when I simply can't avoid it (like when people in the office are watching, and I'm hurrying to finish a report), my disgust at everything in it just enforces my view.
2. Follow up to #1, "Wowowee is exploiting stupid viewers." Forgive me for the term, but I just won't bother myself in trying to find another phrase when that is exactly the point I'm saying.
3. Filipino politics is getting worse and worse as years go by. I have *almost* lost all hope in the mother land. I just pray that the coming election next year (if it will not be postponed by the corrupt politicians in power), will NOT be the final nail to the coffin in which the future of the country will be trapped forever.
4. I'm slowly giving up on the Philippine Senate as well, particularly seeing the likes of Bong Revilla (who's using a scandal just to get publicity as he can't do anything else to be noticed by the public), Mar Roxas (shamelessly using a woman, and a few paid kids, to further his unpopularity and political career), and Manny Villar (who's just a plain hypocrite). If there is one redeeming action that the other Senators can do to salvage what is left of their dignity, that will be to kick Villar out due to abuse of position in relation to the C5 extension controversy. And by the way, I do believe he's guilty of using his influences for financial gain.
5. Stupid Filipino soap operas are the main culprit behind the sorry state that the country is in. As long as there is one STUPID Pinoy soap opera that basically tells the viewers to take the Martyrdom expressway via STUPIDITY lane, then we'll never run out of citizens willing to sell their votes during the elections. And there goes the last rays of hope for a better future in this (slowly becoming God-forsaken) place.

End rant post. I do hope I won't be updating anything like this anytime soon.

Warm and dry

The strong summer sunshine that flooded the entire place would have told a different story if not for some telltale signs, such as a puddle of mud and a strong river current, that undeniably stated of a storm that blew the night before. But time was ticking, and I was running late. Nonetheless, I couldn't help but marvel at the pristine beauty that heralded the beginning of a wonderful summer day. The day would've been perfect, if I was at the beach, but jobs are piling, and I could only long for another sunny moment while keeping my fingers crossed. *Sigh*

Random pic

An Afternoon Flood of Memories

A rather strong downpour this afternoon had, once again, forced me to abandon the use of my PC lest a sudden strike of lightning fry it's components (which I incidentally just cleaned a few hours previously). Thus, I was left with nothing to do, although I don't do anything much even when the device is on, anyway. XD

So, I pushed myself to take care of a few matters I should have carried out long ago. And among the things I managed to do was tidying my room. Although I wasn't keen on cleaning up, being the lazy person that I am, I had more than enough time and there was nothing else to accomplish (sleeping was deliberately taken out of the options, by the way).

And there I was, sorting out stuff and rearranging bits and pieces of my past. Hordes of correspondences in envelopes began appearing out of everywhere, and so did grocery receipts, billing statements, travel tickets, souvenirs, memorabilia, et cetera, et cetera.

While rummaging through the pile, I just couldn't help but reminisce. With each item that my fingers touch, floods of memories began pouring as steadily as the rain against the rooftop.

Old notebooks - filled with various data and whatnots - swept me back to my days in training, and brought back images of a past I've long since forgotten. Here and there lay old payslips, and I just couldn't help but wince a little, as if it pained me that much, when I realized I am now still getting less than what I used to get in my previous job of 3 years ago.

A trinket or two reminded me of the time when pRO was at it's peak. Those items I eventually placed in very accessible locations, along with a few blank CDs and network cables that should have been used already, but wasn't due to several circumstances.

Eventually, I finished extricating the things that I must keep within reach, and stowed the others in the proper storage places. Having done everything I thought I should do, I grabbed my phone and sank myself down upon pages of e-books that lay dormant in the device's memory card, while helping myself to some chips that led me down further memory lane.

Summer's missing

While scientists are saying that the freak weather the country is experiencing at the moment is a sign of global warming, I have an altogether differing view. Sure, having strong downpours during the month of April is something that hadn't occurred in recent history, and the shift in the air current patterns that is causing it is a side effect of the phenomenon.

But really now, people are missing something. Had it not occurred to many that perhaps this incident is mother nature's way of saying something like, "Well, since Jherskie ain't goin' to Bora due to the cancelled TCP, might as well postpone summer until next year..."

Lolz. =P

Just joking. ^_^ I also believe this is a sign of global warming, although acknowledging the cause can't get us anywhere near to stopping the rains during my beloved season. Moreover, it doesn't change the fact that after last month's escapade with the OSA babies, I still haven't been to another summer outing. All I've been doing for the past weeks are work-related activities that really aren't that fun. Sigh... =|

Choices

WE all have our own choices to make: there are those who find it easy to say 'yes', while others give their 'no' without second thoughts, and some find it best to wait.

Summer Rain

There are incidents that arise quite suddenly that despite the very imminent warning signs, some are still caught barely prepared for the consequences. Nonetheless, not everything may really be unwanted, 'coz a bit of rain after a boring, hot summer day can be the perfect ending to one that had been so mundane.

Reflection

Over the past few days, I've gotten one of those rare chances to reflect and think things over. It was largely due to some work-related activity involving a great deal of travel that I found time to ponder and re-discover some of those things that I've been forgetting as time goes by.

As of now, there's no question regarding my future plans: I've already made my mind to, again, let the fates decide one way or another. No, it's not the things to come that I greatly thought of; rather, I spent a lot of time reminiscing the things that I'd rather not bring to my consciousness during any ordinary day.

I remembered one thing in particular: that I have lots of frustrations and failed dreams. They still haunt me, although I rarely realize that they do; as a matter of fact, they are deeply buried in my subconscious mind that even if I don't live the negativity associated with them, they still alter my way of thinking and still cause some actions or decisions that I'd not have had in the first place.

Despite all my frustrations, I still emerge in control somehow. Perhaps this is due to a stronger analytical mind than before, or maybe brought about by a more fortified will power. One thing's for sure though - I still get to see the brighter side of things.

We can't have everything, I've long accepted that fact. But the thing is, I really do not ask for anything much, but sometimes I get what I never wanted and I find the things that I've longed for continually slipping away from my grasp. I do have more than what others may be in need of, however I can't lay my hands on those that I really yearn for.

I had never been one to fall for stupid mistakes, but all the wrongs I've done - they surely are greater as compared to what others may cause. This had always been one of those frustrations: that I screw up at the gravest possible way, in the most critical time, and at the worst place that I could. I had never wished to be perfect; I just wanted to be a better me.

Yet through it all, I can't help but feel satisfied over the littlest things with each wondrous passing day, in every sumptuous meal on the dining table, and at every sensible post I can put in this blog.

Left Behind

Always bear in mind that with each step you take, you'll leave behind something that may never be the same again.

Weekend Get-away

Here's another one of those posts that are long overdue for, er, posting. It's about how I spent the previous weekend, and for the whole week that immediately followed, I had been trying to blog about it (but never got to, so yeah).

Last year, we got together and dined with style in Isdaan. The year before that, we attended a dinner dance party. And for this year, our group, now unofficially called OSA babies, spent a weekend up north. We went to Baguio and La Union. ^_^

The trip was largely thanks to: 1. Jom's funding (he's fully-loaded 'coz of a good-paying job in the US); and, 2. Jasper's meticulous planning skills (which border on obsessiveness). The weekend get-away is by far one of the most convenient trips I've had, largely due to the rather tight schedule imposed by Lolo Jasper. XD

Our journey began at noon on the 14th, and we arrived at the hotel at 6PM. Dinner was our top priority; we basically fled the hotel quickly after checking in. After the tasty treat, the others opted for boating in the man-made lake of Burnham Park. I had no choice but to get on the frikkin' boat and maintain balance for half an hour (I was scared that my weight was enough to capsize the small water craft). XD

We had coffee after the 30-minute torture boat ride. In between sipping our hot drinks, we had the usual chatter (actually a continuation from the story sharing that began during the 6-hour trip to Baguio) about our lives and plans. After about an hour of laughing our heads off at each others' jokes, we went back to the hotel and had our photo shoot. Lolz. =P

(We actually came up with future business plans while Joms was using his DSLR camera, but I'd keep the minutes of the meeting confidential at the moment.) ~_^

Breakfast the next day was "complimentary" at the hotel, and after we filled our stomachs, we left for Good Shepherd Convent for the_usual_pasalubong. After grabbing the treats, we went to Tam-awan, and had even more photo ops. =P

It was already past noon when we left Baguio City for La Union. We had lunch at around 3PM by Sea Park resort. After posing for several pictures, we stripped down and had fun at the beach. ^_^

By 6PM, we left the beach and made our way to Dagupan, where we had dinner. It was already 9PM when we ate. I was really so hungry the whole time. T~T

Anyway, the whole 36-hour get-away was too fun-filled that we motioned to have another reunion next year. Next stop: Boracay. =P

Summer Song

The warm winds carry with it a tune of celebration, of exhilaration and excitement, joy and contentment; making up a festive tune with this consonance of sounds, nature's music-makers and people's voices herald the onset of the wondrous season. Ah, summer is here, and the fun now begins!

Whirlpools of emotions and whirlwinds dancing in the air; swirling sounds filled with merriment permeate the atmosphere. The sun is up, the beach lays waiting, pack up the bags, and let's get going! ^___^

Living

The best way to live is to live for the present, the future, even the past - far beyond mortality, and even before nascency.

Freedom

The only problem with freedom is too much of it.

Defining 'frantic'

In the immediately preceding post, which I posted 4 days ago, I did mention about "frantic efforts" to lose weight ("subcutaneous fats in particular"). I believe it's but proper to expound on this and share how I really define "frantic."

But before everything else, I suppose I'd give this whole post justice by providing some background information about me, myself, and I my never-ending struggle to get leaner.

I was a healthy child way back when, with 'healthy' meaning "not sickly and with strong constitution, able to run away most of the time in the game of tag, harang-taga, langit lupa impyerno, im, im, impyerno and whatnots" and not necessarily with too much layers of flabs to look like the Michelin mascot. Although my childhood wasn't necessarily too full of happy memories, I could at least pride myself in saying that once upon a time, I could tease someone as baboy (pig), taba (rotund) or whatever term was uso back then.

The problem began when I entered the stage of puberty, which also coincided with the time when I started to get high grades in class (I leave you, dear readers, with the task of imagining how the two are connected). ^_^ Basically, my BMI increased and my waistline grew a tad more than what is appropriate for a normal kid. But, back then I didn't mind. I was growing, and people say it's part of growing up (along with acne, breaking voices, and others that I know you can still recall).

I breezed through my remaining student years getting a bit more plump than what I would've wanted. Mind you, though, that during my college years I was already thinking of getting a leaner frame. But the bottom line is, my body wasn't my priority, even if I was starting to hate how I look. ~_~

If I could have spent more time (and resources) back then, I know I would. However, time and money were two things I never had in great quantities back in those days, and pushing my grades to the pinnacle was all I could do to ensure a brighter future.

Nonetheless, the time came for me to get this battle started. It was during the review for the board exams. The usual low budget + stress brought about by reading tons of materials and recalling insane amount of mind-boggling formulas + adjusting to a new, polluted environment had provided a valuable by-product: fat reduction. =P

It's been (nearly) 5 years, and I can still smell the fresh paint (sorry, just can't help but quote from a favorite movie of mine) remember the joy I felt whenever people would say Ang laki naman ng ipinayat mo... Harhar!

Anyway, the succeeding 2 years had me going through enough stress to keep my weight at bay. Nonetheless, something happened last year that totally ruined everything. I was transferred here in my present team. XD

Well, for the past year I had been neglecting my health too much that I gained back all the weight I've previously lost. And now I'm stuck again with my old BMI. :(

Thing is, my favorite season is fast approaching, and with it are plans for some supposed-to-be-memorable weekend get-aways. This fact had this immense pressure upon me to get that body I had been striving for. I just can't go to the beach looking exactly this way. I. Must. Do. Everything. In. My. Power. >:[

Hopefully, this rather short lengthy background information had covered all the vital facts. Time to get to the main point of this post: my definition of 'frantic.'

They say that a picture paints a thousand words, so maybe I can save enough space for those thousand words by putting this picture up:


I had to divert a lot of my almost-always-limited funds to buy this baby. We've been together for more than a month now, but I'm yet to see any favorable developments. XD

However, aside from the sad development that there are still no good developments, there's a spreading rumor that the company will be foregoing the annual, customary, Team Celebration and Planning. D:

Talk about bad luck. XD

Not in the Best Mood

I really am not in the best mood at the moment. There are just so many events that took place recently, and they really do not leave the kind of memories you'd like to cherish.

Several years ago, I wrote in an essay that I'd like to live my life to the fullest and, one day, sit back and reminisce at how colorful my past would have been. I had always striven to fulfill just that, though at times I'd like to shoot myself in the head for trying out a few things I shouldn't have.

And right now, there are just so many of those "few things" that I'd wish I can undo. Too bad CTRL+Z doesn't work in real life, or else this post would have been entitled otherwise.

Well, I got involved in a vehicular accident about 3 weeks ago, and although I'm thankful there weren't any serious injuries, I can't help but get frustrated with the daily commute I'm forced to face until the insurance company releases the payment for the repairs. And speaking of said insurance company, the process may take a few months if the crew of the repair center is to be believed (the insurance company is notorious daw for it).

Of course, my professional career is not at it's brightest point again, with me almost changing my career path from a telecoms engineer to a computer programmer/accountant/PR officer.

But among my great frustrations is the fact that I'm still gaining weight (subcutaneous fats in particular) despite my frantic efforts to lose them. XD

If not for several fall back plans that prove to be working (and some back-ups that do not serve their intended purpose), I'm still able to keep myself afloat and not sink into another bout of depression. For one, I'm well aware that it'll take too much to get back up.

But most of all, I just can't afford to break down any time soon. There's light far beyond the horizon, no matter how faint it may seem, and the mere possibility of a slightly brighter tomorrow is all it takes to keep me going even if I'm not in the best mood.

A Breather

Tonight I take a breather from the_usual_stuff I do to get paid. It had been two weeks since I last updated with a real post, and I just have lots of things to blog about. Sadly, I still don't have enough time to blog about them all. D:

As always, I'm merely pushing myself to take my pen again (figuratively, that is) and come up with something that will at least tell you, the very few of you who usually drop by (you know who you are), that I'm still not giving this blog up. =P

But of course, this post is a bit special from the_usual_advisories. Tomorrow's Valentine's Day, and we all need to take a breather from the_usual_stuff that eat up most of our time. ^_^

Happy Valentine's Day! =)

Helping

Sometimes, the best way to help another is to just listen; lending an ear, and empathizing with what someone has to say, is often more beneficial than it seems.

The Path I'd Take

As with the previous year, I'd be putting greater focus on career development. I figured that it'd be best for me to grow up as a professional since I'm not really getting any younger. (Personal maturity still on indefinite hold) =P

In several posts last year, I mentioned several aspects of my job, particularly the PA or performance appraisal. If last year, the PA was too much of a big deal, this time around it was too much, let me say downplayed, for lack of a better word. And yeah, I had passed my PA report already without me blogging about it.

The PA will, of course, remain the basis of the salary adjustment and/or promotion recommendation. However, some department *cough* (HR) *cough* must've thought that rushing the appraisal process might save money or something so they hurried us line employees to submit our individual PA reports with just a few days of notice.

Yeah, I spent a bit of time with my report so I wasn't able to blog for the past weeks. But I did put my career as priority#1, right?

Last year, I said I'd make sure to be ready for a promotion this time around. But meh... I was more confident last year to get upgraded as compared to now. I won't expound more, as I don't want to bring up bad memories. XD

But if there's one thing I also decided, it will be this: that I'll be basing on the outcome of the appraisal the path I'd be taking a year from now. Put straightforwardly, if I get upgraded during this appraisal period, I'd consider extending my stay in this company even after my bond expires in about a year's time. If I get promoted next time instead, I'd decide whether to leave the company or not when I can officially tender my resignation. But if I'd still remain as a Junior Engineer after next year's appraisal, then there's no question about it: I'd be leaving on the first plane that'll take me elsewhere.

XD

Before we go further...

Happy New Lunar Year! =D

I wanted to write several updates today but had to drop the idea to give way to a few other things that came up. Hopefully I can come up with something before I get too sleepy. XD

Oh yeah, a few more words into this advisory. I said in my previous post that I'll think of 3 things this year (Career, wealth and health). And yes, this blog doesn't fall in any of them, unless I decide to monetize this in the future.

However, it doesn't necessarily mean that I won't be giving this blog much attention. I'll still update every once in a while, especially when inspiration strikes. But in the mean time, I'll try to emulate oxen by working hard and concentrating on my career, which is my top priority this year.

Well, I hope to let you read something new when you visit this blog again. Please drop by soon. =P

Starting time again

The clock on my PC clearly states that it's January 19, 2009 here in this part of the globe world where I'm in, but nonetheless, I'll begin my posts for this year with a brief outline of my plan of actions. Now, I won't be boring anyone coming to read my blog with a long list of mundane matters because in the first place, I have only three things to bear in mind this year:

1. Career


2. Health


3. Wealth

=P

I've decided to make separate blog entries for each of them, instead of expounding on a single post. More about these three soon. ^^,

Happy New Year!

Because the lack of a PC won't stop me from posting my greetings.

Happy new year! ^^,