Blogging While at Work Is Bad for Your Health

Sa kanya pala ang kantang ito?

2008-01-28T11:35:00.000+08:00

Bob Marley - I Can See Clearly Now

I can see clearly now, the rain is gone,
I can see all obstacles in my way
Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind
It's gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright)
Sun-Shiny day
It's gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright)
Sun-Shiny day

Oh yes I can make it now, the pain is gone
All of the bad feelings have disappeared
Here is the rainbow I've been prayin' for
It's gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright)
Sun-Shiny day

Look all around, there's nothin' but blue skies
Look straight ahead, nothin' but blue skies

I can see clearly now, the rain is gone,
I can see all obstacles in my way
Here is the rainbow I've been prayin' for
It's gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright)
Sun-Shiny day
It's gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright)
Sun-Shiny day
bright (bright), bright (bright)
Sun-Shiny day
It's gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright)
Sun-Shiny day
It's gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright)
Sun-Shiny day

For You

2007-11-07T17:00:00.000+08:00

You dont need to leave
It seems a bit naive,
No need to disagree
Or seek my history

You're staring at my soul
My sanity you stole
But then I knew all along
That anything could go wrong

Though I can't see you
I can't feel you
I'm so glad you opened my door
And when I get near
All my fears disappear
And I won't be alone anymore....

Fill Her, by the Eraserheads

One of a Kind

2007-07-17T17:28:00.001+08:00

I got this 500 peso bill from PNB. Notice anything unusual? I had it changed, but before doing so I took a photo of it. It turns out if you have one of a kind bills like these, its worth more than the bill's present value.

Oh well, I'll just have to look out for those Arrovo bills.

So True!

2007-07-03T17:57:00.000+08:00

From my good friend and classmate Moon. I hope Scott Adams doesn't mind me posting. Enjoy!

Survey Time

2007-07-03T17:43:00.000+08:00

With nothing better to post, I give you...a survey I got from Friendster. Enjoy!

1.ANO'NG STUDENT NUMBER MO?~ 95-16268

2. ANO ANG FIRST CHOICE MO NA COURSE?~ Fine Arts major in Visual Communication, bagsak sa talent exam hehehe

3. SECOND CHOICE?~ Arki, mali prioritization, non-quota inuna

4. ANO COURSE KINUHA MO?~ B.A. Art Studies, interdisciplinary major, no choice e hehehe

5. NAG-SHIFT KA BA?~ oo. B.S. Arki

6. CHINITO/CHINITA KA BA?~ hindi po

7. NAKAPAG-DORM KA BA?~ Narrehan for four years, although Molave sana gusto ko

8. NAKA UNO KA BA?~ Arch 32, Arch 68, Arch 33, all in one sem!

9. NAGKA-3?~ Math 17, Math 53, Math 54, Physics 71, Physics 72

10. LAGI KA BANG PUMAPASOK SA KLASE?~ As much as I can, kung hindi pagod

11. MAY SCHOLARSHIP KA BA?~ wala po, loan board lang lagi

12. ILANG UNITS NA ANG NAIPASA MO?~ 130+ for Arki, 30+ for MAURP

13. NANGARAP KA BA NA MAG-CUM LAUDE?~ siyempre naman, kumag laude ang bagsak

14. BAKIT?~ Maganda daw ang markado

15. FAVE PROF:~ Prof ko nung Comm3

16. WORST PROF:~ Prof ko sa Plan 299 Research Methods

17. FAVE SUBJECT/S:~ Model Making, let’s go shopping sa basura!

18. WORST SUBJECT:~ PI 100 at STS, just like the rest of the crowd

19. FAVE BUILDING:~ Main Library, tulugan

20. PABORITONG KAINAN:~ Beach House

21. MAGKANO BA ANG BINABAYAD MO SAJEEP?~ nagsimula ako sa 1.25 sa ikot

22. LAGI KA BA SA LIBRARY?~ Opo

23. NAGPUNTA KA BA SA UHS?~ Opo, naoperahan ako sa in-grown ko dun.

24. MAY CRUSH KA BA SA CAMPUS?~ Sa campus wala, sa college meron.

25. ANU-ANO ANG MGA NAGING PE MO?~ Arnis, Table Tennis, Tai-chi

26. KAMUSTA NAMAN ANG BLOCK NYO?~ Non-existent, both blocks. I had two blocks, nung freshman, tapos nung nag-shift ako

27. MEMORIZE MO BA ANG ALMA MATER SONG- Lately, pero hindi masyado

28. MEMBER KA BA NG VARSITY TEAM?~ Nope.

29. NAKA-PERFECT KA NA BA NG EXAM?~ Oo naman.

30. DITO KA BA NATUTONG UMINOM NG BEER?~ Sa boarding house, gin pa.

31. Bakit UP?~ Bakit hindi.

32. Cute ka ba?~ Siguro.

Girl

2007-05-02T12:35:00.000+08:00

The speech of Batch 2007 summa cum laude for UP Diliman was shared to our yahoogroup by Arkitek Nick. I would like to share it now, since I too felt what Nick felt while witnessing her speech at the amphitheater.

______________________

UPD 2007 Valedictory Speech - by Nick Del Castillo

I would like to share with you a beautifully written valedictory speech by a 16-year old "girl" who graduated summa cum laude with a BS Physics degree.But first, I will share with you my experience hearing this speech during UP-Diliman's commencement exercises last Sunday, April 22, 2007. This batch of graduates seemed so happy to graduate that they cheered wildly at every phrase President Roman uttered in the formal mass conferment of degrees, declaring each of them a graduate. I felt the electricity of the crowd swell with each phrase toward the final declaration that they are at last graduates.

So, imagine that sense of pride when their valedictorian was introduced. A mere 16-year old, who could just be graduating from high school, but is actually finishing at the top of her entire graduating college class with an GWA of 1.099. Actually, many of us were doubtful if this wisp of a girl, not even 5 feet tall, who smiled at everyone so innocently, could tell us, could inspire her class to go forth and meet life after college. But she was the chosen one to deliver a message to her class. And so, out of respect for her feat, we gave her a standing ovation upon her introduction.

With her first words, "One of the things that strike me as being very "UP Diliman" is the way UPD students can't seem to stay on the pavement...", everyone was silent. It was a silence I have seldom experienced. It was as the amphitheater was empty, and it was only the girl and I in that huge space. But i looked around, and even the audience -- the parents and guests surrounding the graduates -- were silent, intently listening to this small voice, now made louder, not by the amplifier, but by our collective silence.

This is when it would not be exaggerated to say, "You could hear a pin drop" by the quality of silence. But I would say, and those of you who have been to the middle of the UP Amphitheater would know what I mean, you could hear the leaves rustle with the slightest breeze.

It was speech that did not talk about a student's personal experience with Physics, as I had feared. It was a young person telling us how she looked at the world -- her world for 4 years -- and how she is encouraged, inspired and compelled to make a difference in this world. She received a long standing ovation, not out of respect this time, but I guess because of what she made us feel about ourselves, about our country and about our future.

I will be humble enough to say that she inspired me. I am renewed once again in my idealism. I hope it strikes a chord in you, because it has strummed my chords so deeply.

Ladies and gentlemen, Mikaela Irene Fudolig – BS Physics, Class 2007 Valedictorian.

___________________

Mikaela Irene Fudolig – BS Physics
Speech at the Commencement Exercises, UPD, April 22, 2007

One of the things that strike me as being very "UP Diliman" is the way UPD students can't seem to stay on the pavement. From every street corner that bounds an unpaved piece of land, one will espy a narrow trail that cuts the corner, or leads from it. Every lawn around the buildings sports at least one of these paths, starting from a point nearest to the IKOT stop and ending at the nearest entry to the building. The trails are beaten on the grass by many pairs of feet wanting to save a fraction of a meter of traveling, no matter that doing so will exact some cost to the shoes, or, to the ubiquitous slippers, especially when the trails are new.

What do these paths say about us, UP students?

One could say that the UP student is enamored with Mathematics and Pythagoras, hence these triangles formed by the pavement and the path. Many among you would disagree.
Others could say that the UP student is naturally countercultural. And the refusal to use the pavement is just one of the myriads of ways to show his defiance of the order of things. This time, many would agree.

Still, others will say that the UP student is the model of today's youth: they want everything easier, faster, now. The walkable paths appeal to them because they get to their destination faster, and presumably, with less effort. Now that is only partly true, and totally unfair.

These trails weren't always walkable. No doubt they started as patches of grass, perhaps overgrown. Those who first walked them must have soiled their shoes, stubbed their toes, or had insects biting their legs, all in the immovable belief that the nearest distance between two points is a straight line. They might even have seen snakes cross their paths. But the soiled footwear, sore toes, and itchy legs started to conquer the grass. Other people, seeing the yet faint trail, followed. And as more and more walked the path, the grass gave in and stopped growing altogether, making the path more and more visible, more and more walkable.

The persistence of the paths pays tribute to those UP students who walked them first – the pioneers of the unbeaten tracks: the defiant and curious few who refuse the familiar and comfortable; the out-of-the-box thinkers who solve problems instead of fretting about them; the brave who dare do things differently, and open new opportunities to those who follow.

They say how one behaved in the past would determine how he behaves in the future. And as we leave the University, temporarily or for good, let us call on the pioneering, defiant, and brave spirit that built the paths to guide us in this next phase of our life.

We have been warned time and again. Our new world that they call "adulthood" is one that's full of compromises, where success is determined more by the ability to belong than by the ability to think, where it is much easier to do as everyone else does. Daily we are bombarded with so much news of despair about the state of our nation, and the apparent, perverse sense of satisfaction our politicians get from vilifying our state of affairs. It is fashionable to migrate to other countries to work in deceptively high-paying jobs like nursing and teaching, forgetting that even at their favored work destinations, nurses and teachers are some of the lowest paid professionals. The lure of high and immediate monetary benefits in some low-end outsourcing jobs has drawn even some of the brightest UP students away from both industry and university teaching to which they would have been better suited.

Like the sidewalks and pavement, these paths are the easiest to take.

But, like the sidewalks and pavement, these paths take longer to traverse, just as individual successes do not always make for national progress. The unceasing critic could get elected, but not get the job done. The immigrant could get his visa, but disappear from our brainpower pool. The highly paid employee would be underutilized for his skills, and pine to get the job he truly wants, but is now out of his reach. And the country, and we, are poorer because of these.

Today, the nation needs brave, defiant pioneers to reverse our nation's slide to despair. Today, we must call upon the spirit that beat the tracks. Today, we must present an alternative way of doing things.

Do NOT just take courage, for courage is not enough. Instead, be BRAVE! It will take bravery to go against popular wisdom, against the clichéd expectations of family and friends. It will take bravery to gamble your future by staying in the country and try to make a prosperous life here. It might help if for a start, we try to see why our Korean friends are flocking to our country. Why, as many of us line up for immigrant visas in various embassies, they get themselves naturalized and settle here. Do they know something we don't?

Do NOT just be strong in your convictions, for strength is not enough. Instead, DEFY the pressure to lead a comfortable, but middling life. Let us lead this country from the despair of mediocrity. Let us not seek to do well, but strive to EXCEL in everything that we do. This, so others will see us as a nation of brains of the highest quality, not just of brawn that could be had for cheap.

Take NOT the road less traveled. Rather, MAKE new roads, BLAZE new trails, FIND new routes to your dreams. Unlike the track-beaters in campus who see where they're going, we may not know how far we can go. But if we are brave, defiant searchers of excellence, we will go far. Explore possibilities, that others may get a similar chance. I have tried it myself. And I'm speaking to you now.

But talk is cheap, they say. And so I put my money where my mouth is. Today, I place myself in the service of the University, if it will have me. I would like to teach, to share knowledge, and perhaps to be an example to new UP students in thinking and striving beyond the limits of the possible. This may only be a small disturbance in the grass. But I hope you'll come with me, and trample a new path.

Good evening, everyone.

Teacher

2007-04-18T12:29:00.000+08:00

I love teaching. Ever since highschool I would grasp at every chance I get to teach. During my arki board exam review days, I would gather my org mates and try and teach them structural design for practice. When I was involved in the construction industry, I would be asked by my boss to serve as proctor for examinations for his classes, and when possible, I would guide his students around our on-going projects, lecturing and sharing knowledge on plumbing and construction. I have also already sent out applications for teaching positions. I hope somebody notices.

I got the chance now to teach in a review center. I was offered to teach plumbing and sanitary design. Coincidentally I was preparing for the Plumbing Board Exam, so I readily accepted the position.

Now I understand how hard it is to teach. You have to prepare lesson plans, as well as find ways for the lessons to be less boring. Since this is a board exam review class, it wouldn't be a problem since review classes are basically series of bombardments of principles and concepts on the subject being taught. Thankfully I myself went to a review school, so I know what people would be demanding from the lecturer and the course, and understands the relevance and place of review classes in reviewing for the boards.

_________________

I started off the review class by introducing myself, then explaining that I am an urban planner, as well as a plumber. I would further explain the relevance of planning in connection to plumbing, stating that the Architecture is but a middle part of a larger environment, and that plumbing, as a specialized field would not relate only to Architecture, but to Environmental and Urban Planning as well. After that it was three hours worth of concepts and principles. I just hope that they comprehended this placing of the position of Plumbing and Architecture in the total built and natural environment.

But of course I did not limit myself to just reciting what is expected from the plumbing course. I also had to inject inputs and experiences, in order to show the relevance of plumbing to Architecture.

And of course jokes and anecdotes would be a part of the whole lecture, since jokes would serve as highlights where people most remember concepts. Favorite jokes would be:
1. Pointing out that a dug well is where Sadako came out.
2. That you do not bring a date up to the roof near a VSTR for stargazing (based on the experience of a colleague)
3. That I was saving up money for the Php250,000 "smart" watercloset
4. Water closets as your best friend (during drinking sessions)
5. "Manong", with his handy tabo, and the male through urinal
6. And that I encourage students to eat, especially during the sanitary design portion of the course. I especially asked them to bring kare-kare, champorado and peanut butter sandwiches.

The second class which falls on a saturday would prove as a greater challenge, since I had to deliver the nine-hour lecture course in one day, plus the remaining three hours of the T-Th-S course. So that would be twelve hours of almost non-stop talking.

Hopefully I would still be asked again to give lectures, I really enjoyed my stint as a lecturer. No matter how physically and mentally challenging it may be.

________________

One interesting comment I got after the lecture was when a colleague asked a student how I fared as a lecturer, she answered "Parang marami siyang alam." Hmmm..."parang" lang?. I think the student would not have said "parang" if only she and her group would listen and stop chatting and eating without listening. UP students talaga tsk tsk...

Now I know why teachers are masungit. That is one aspect of teaching that needs consideration, how to handle students.

Building Modernity

2007-04-13T08:16:00.000+08:00

Building Modernity: A Century of Architecture and Allied Arts traces the evolution of architecture and designed environment in the Philippines in the 20th century, structures that had been created within the framework of modernism. The exhibition is composed of archival photographs, paintings, vintage graphics, blueprints, building components and ornaments, and related artifacts. The exhibition underscores the larger stylistic tendencies, movements, ideologies, and technologies that have shaped the complex Filipino architectural culture of the last century; acknowledging the plural expressions of modernity.
The exhibition is a collaborated project of the Committee on Architecture and the Allied Arts of the National Commission on Culture and the Arts (NCCA), together with National Museum of the Philippines and the UP College of Architecture . Exhibition opens on February 7, 2007 , 5 pm at the Museum of the Filipino People (formerly Finance Building), National Museum Complex, Manila. It will be the main feature of the National Museum from February until May 2007.

Building Modernity Lecture SeriesTambunting Hall, 4th Floor,Museum of the Filipino People, National Museum ComplexAgri-Fina Circle, Luneta Park, Manila9 am - 12 noon

February 28, 2007
Building the Imperial Imagination: The Politics of American Colonial Architecture and Urbanism
Dr. Gerard Lico, University of the Philippines

March 14, 2007
Remembering Who you Are: History, Identity and the Designed Environment
Arch. Emilio Ozeata, University of the Philippines

March 21, 2007
Conservation of Modern and Contemporary Architecture
Arch. Rene Luis Mata, University of the Philippines

March 28, 2007
Contested Meanings: Public Parks and the Revive Manila Program
Prof. Tessa Guazon, University of the Philippines

April 11, 2007
Development of Philippine Architecture from Pre-colonial to the Present
Arch. Cristina Turalba, University of the Philippines

April 18, 2007
Philippine Architecture in the 20th Century
Arch. Norma Alarcon, University of the Santo Tomas

April 25, 2007
Modern as Native: Vernacularism in Philippine Modern Architecture
Arch. Edson Roy Cabalfin, Cornell University

May 2, 2007
Tropical Architecture in the Philippines
Arch. Nicolo del Castillo, University of the Philippines

For more information or reservations, please call the Museum Foundation at 404.2685/ 722.9073 and look for Elvie, Flor or Patricia.
For more Museum Foundation events and activities please visit our website at http://museumfounda tionph.org/ news/
Museum Foundation of the Philippines, Inc.G/F National Museum of the Filipino PeopleValencia Circle, Rizal Park, Manila 1004 PhilippinesTelefax: (63-2) 404-2685

Monkey

2007-04-10T17:23:00.000+08:00

Got this from She'. This is currently my desktop image. I hope my boss sees it. It would sure crack me up hehehe...

But on the other hand, I never did become a cad monkey. I just wonder if its a good thing or a bad thing. :)

Four

2007-04-10T12:34:00.000+08:00

At last, after four years of preparation, I have finally taken the Master Plumbers Board Examination. I first aspired to take the examination after the Architecture Board Examination, but after repeated denials at the PRC, it was only this year that I was able to take the boards.

Plumbing, as a subject and as a trade was not very glamorous for me back then. It was only during the Architecture exam review classes was I fully exposed to it, partly because I enjoyed the way the lecturer delivered her discussion of the class. She encouraged us to take the MP examination, not just for the sake of taking after the Arki boards, and not just for the sake of getting projects, but also as a specialization.

I was first denied to take the boards due to a change in policy at the PRC regarding the use of original birth certificates. It was right after my board exam when the PRC decided to allow only board takers who have NSO certified birth certificates to take the exam. When I showed my papers to "Tiger Lily", the infamous government employee stationed at window nine of the admissions counter, it was rudely shoved back to me, and she used the infamous microphone at the counter to tell everybody what my "error" was. (On a side note, this lady has this very nice way of telling everybody at the admissions area via this microphone what their mistakes are such as "O yung mga take two diyan, dapat kasi ganito ang gagawin ninyo blah blah blah...)

The second time I attempted to take the exam, it was only two days left to go for filing for the boards, so I failed to again take the examination.

For the third time, it was again another change in policy that prevented me from taking the board examination. Now they need the examiners to have updated NBI clearances. This time I had a problem with my name, since I carry the priviledge of being a "Junior", therefore I have a "Hit" at their database, and would have to clear it out with the main office at Manila.

Another change in policy almost prevented me from taking the examination, this time concerning the Official Transcript of Records. I did not know that the TOR has to have a small stamp at the bottom stating "For Board Examination Purposes". Again my papers was shoved back to me, but oddly, Tiger Lily was not there. In her place was a less discourteous lady, but nonetheless needs some sessions in customer service. Maybe Tiger Lily finally retired, after serving would be professionals for the past few decades. Now its Pocahontas.

My first impulse to correct this problem was to find a stamp maker outside who just might have the needed stamp, but then again Pocahontas wrote down the time when I was at the counter, thus it would be physically impossible for me to have it stamped all the way from Diliman and back to Manila. I contemplated on whether I should go to UP Manila for the stamp, but instead chose to simply go back some other day.

I was finally allowed to take the examination after rectifying the problem. It took me four years and four denials before taking the examination.

And happily, I came in fourth. :)

____________

On a side story, while preparing a few days for the examination, a former officemate who will also take the examination decided to stay over for a few days at the apartment. Due to over studying, we would apply all we learned to everything we do inside the house when it comes to plumbing. If we need to use the faucet, we would declare that we will use "two water supply fixture units", and use up "two units of drainage fixture units". And we would keep on repeating "four fixture units" when referring to the use of the john.

And happily, we both tied up at number four. While over the phone I jokingly told him we overused the john, thus landing at number four, when we should have overused the faucet, thus landing at the higher number one and two slots.

____________

Now I think I love this number, the number four. :)

Love

2007-01-18T17:04:00.000+08:00

I finally acquired the Beatles' latest album entitled "Love". The album is a collaboration between the Beatles' producer George Martin and his son Giles Martin. The album is a 1-1/2 hour long medley of Beatles song made for an actual circus production of the Cirque du Soleil. Its not just any medley though, its a mixture of two to five Beatle's song playing all at once, with the main song inserted with sound hooks and beats from other songs. For me its the true test of how much of a Beatles fan a person is, as you have to really listen to the songs in order to find out what individual songs are used for the compilation.

You have to picture yourself in the theater watching the show in order to appreciate the songs lined up in the album. By means of a good imagination, you can deduce what mood the songs are portraying in the show.

The album starts of with the acapela version of "Because". Maybe the song is the first since it prepares the audience for the performance, starting off with a melancholic song, showing the vocal capacity of all four members. It is then followed by the all too familiar twang of John's guitar in "A Hard Day's Night", followed by the only drum solo of Ringo in his career with the beatles in the song "The End". The bands fast songs then follows, "Get Back" and "Glass Onion".

The album also contains the more eccentric songs for the circus act: "I am the Walrus", "Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite", "I want You (She's so Heavy)", "Helter Skelter". Its a circus act in the first place, so expect the more eccentric sounding songs to be included.

Of course the Beatles classics are included: "Blackbird / Yesterday", "Strawberry Fields Forever", "Here Comes the Sun", "Something". Once you hear them mixed together you can't help but listen, since the all time favorites are reflavored and redone.

My favorite parts are the "Drive My Car / The Word / What You're Doing" mix, and the "Tomorrow Never Knows / Within You Without You" mix.

The whole mix ends with the most appropriate song for the compilation, "Sargeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (Reprise)". The all too familiar count of Paul in the beginning of the song followed by Ringo's drum beat signals the end of the album. "All You Need is Love" then appropriately ends the whole set.

Overall its a very good album, and one that still needs listening to in order to further appreciate the unique sound the Beatles gave the world.

Tone

2006-11-04T12:47:00.000+08:00

I rarely get mad while talking on the phone.

I guess its due to the fact that this mode of communication would not ensure you a complete victory if ever you wish to confront a particular issue, due to the constraints in conversation. Nothing beats one on one confrontation and arguments.

I recently subscribed to a publication that sells those small newstand books, due in part to the freebies and gimmicks they send you (I am a sucker for freebies and small reading materials and literature). The problem started when two months have already passed by and I have yet to receive my issues. The credit card company has already reflected my bill for that subscription, so there would be no cause to assume that my mail order did not reach them.

So I called up the publication's office here in the Philippines. The customer service lady got my details, my request (or complaint), and promised "...to put up a replacement order...". So I said thank you and said goodbye.

But as another week went by, I have still not yet received my subscription and my freebies! So again I called up the company, this time asking for the name of the customer service lady and took note of the date that I called up again. Again the reply was "...to put up a replacement order...", to which I again agreed to.

Another week. Again no mail, package or call. This time around I was being a little sarcastic while talking on the phone, saying that I have yet to receive my package, that this was my third call, and again, yes, the reply was "...to put up a replacement order...". Dumbfounded, I answered back, "What if I go there now?", to which she replied, "No sir, that wont be necessary." So I again conceded.

But by my fourth call, I have already practiced my speil, and now told the friggin lady that I have already called and talked to this and that lady on this and that dates, and it turns out that the lady I am now speaking to has already answered my call before. The lady gave me the number of their delivery department so that I can follow it up from there. Now at this point I asked for the name of their general manager, and asked them how many employees they have there. She told me that there are four customer service ladies answering calls, so I replied "So I guess I have already talked to all of you, and would be getting to know you some more later on." I was ready to go to their office to see their faces in person. Getting the signal that I was threatening to write to their manager regarding this failure in giving me two months worth of subscriptions, she promised to call back and work on the problem. I waited for the call the whole afternoon. None came.

By the fourth (or was it fifth) week of my endeavor, I passed out on the opportunity to call in the morning. Upon arriving back to the office after a site inspection, I was surprised to find on my chair my package, my beloved package and subscription. Sayang! I was getting ready with my sarcastic charm and wit over the phone, but the package already arrived. Yet it was missing one issue, so I guess I would still be talking to the four customer service ladies.

After that, I gamely DIGESTED my new reading materials.

I guess I did not come to them as being really angry, for me it was more sarcastic and straight to the point. But upon reading the delivery slip, there it was, written in blue ink, a small word that gave me an idea as towhat I must sound like on the other end of the line. The word was "galit" (angry). Well if that was angry, I don't know what I would sound like when I am furious over the phone. Now if only that missing issue would not arrive...

Finished

2006-11-04T12:12:00.000+08:00

Ah at last, some sense of accomplishment! As 2006 opens on its final quarter, I have myself achieved some small victories, despite being holed up in the office and in the apartment for some time now.

1. I now have a diploma in Urban and Regional Planning! After five semesters and around five major researches and project developments, I can now close a chapter of my academic life and move on to other interests. I only have to work on my thesis, but at least I can still put "diploma" under Urban and Regional Planning. Our planning workshop has yet to be finished, since we have to move on to planning for the Municipality of Rodriguez now, having just finished the socio-economic profile of the LGU. But despite that, I already am mentally preparing myself for my thesis. I still hope to work on the topic I described earlier, on creating a University town for the Province of Pangasinan, since there already is a UP Bolinao there. This time around it would be more challenging, since thesis is a solo endeavor. I'm excited on the travel part of the thesis.

2. I just finished the online learning course on Disaster Management, sponsored by the World Bank, and am now ready to move on to the next course module on Safer Cities. The entire course is enlightening, as I am now appreciative of the power of Mother Nature, how we should adapt to her and how we can improve our use of her gifts.

3. This year would be the best year for my freelance efforts as an Architect, since I got the chance to really express my creativity, and not be hampered by client budgets and caprices.

Of course there are still clients who demand so much, such as cutting costs on employing a structural engineer, which I of course would not allow, in a polite manner. I gave this particular client a simple analogy of imagining if his intended three story house would cram in a lot of party goers and beer buddies and barkadas into his intended roof deck, and explaining the amount of weight being introduced into the house.

I hope to post pictures later on of my latest project, its a curvy curvy classroom setting, with the writing board being made of tempered glass, like the ones we see in the Pentagon and those submarine movies.

4. And of course I met someone who I can share myself and my accomplishments with. Yeah!

Of course along with these accomplishments there are sacrifices, such as missing out on sleep, gimmicks with friends and spending more down time. During the past month there were times when I would only sleep for less than 4 hours, working during the wee hours of the morning and coming to work late. This year would test the government provided 30 days worth of leaves, as I have almost used up half of my vacation and sick leaves for work on masters, sidelines and sick leaves.

This year would be the year with the most number of sick leaves for me, due to exhaustion and lack of sleep. I spent days in bed being sick, with a fever, cough, sheer exhaustion, and lately, food poisoning.

Some friends who reach out and invite me to movie gimmicks have already stopped inviting me.

I stopped spending my mornings for tennis. I hope to catch up with my tennis buddy, and hope to finally work on our proposed SURP Tennis group.

My biking days have also been put on hold. Due to lack of sleep, I dare not gamble crossing CP Garcia in UP Diliman with half my brain asleep, since I already had a near accident the last time I crossed that dang major roadway.

I have yet to enroll in the guitar lessons I mentioned a while ago. I don't want it to end up like my Spanish classes, where I missed out almost a quarter of the number of sessions.

So I guess working on your professional life would have its toll on your social life, but from hereon I am on the rebound! I hope to make it up to myself and to my friends and acquaintances. Now its on to a promising 2007!

My Annual Moomoo Story

2006-10-31T08:52:00.000+08:00

Here is my annual momo story.

I am a list person. I take into account everything, from things I commit to people, things I lend, things I borrow. For me making lists keeps my confidence, allowing me to check whether I have taken into consideration everything, as a list provides a physical representation of the completeness or lack of completeness of a particular endeavor.

My laundry is no exception to the rule. I list everything bill of materials style: shirts, pants and polo are quantified into sets (polo - 2 sets, pants - 2 sets, etc.), while socks are quantified into pairs.

What puzzles me lately is I have discovered again that I am missing a pair of socks. Earlier during our stay in our new house I have already accounted the loss of 3 pairs of socks. The socks are not lost inside the laundry house, as I have said, everything is accounted for. The socks get lost while inside the house. And that puzzles me to no end. The funny thing is, only white socks gets lost. I think we have a ghost inside the house. Momooooooo!!!

Happy Halloween!!!

Exercise

2006-09-21T17:00:00.000+08:00

Those home TV shopping programs always have a section on physique and health improvement products and equipment. I have discovered one exercise that is quite effective, yet cheap, you only need to do a few simple routines:
1. Gather up your laundry, preferably small items which you can finish in a few minutes, place it in a tub of water, with soap of course.
2. Do your morning ritual, in the john, do routine number 2 (you know what that is...)
3. While settled down and doing your thing, place your reliable batsa or palangana in front of you, on the floor.
4. Start washing your articles of clothing or whatnot.
5. Put great emphasis on your abdomen and shoulder blades while reaching out for your washables, while doing the all too familiar laundry routines.
6. Variant number 2 would be placing the laundry on your side, on top of a stool (as in your bangko, not that other kind of stool...).
7. First do your laundry on your left side, placing great emphasis on the abdomen, shoulders and chest. Wash your laundry like crazy.
8. Now do the other side. Wash like hell.
9. Repeat until you can no longer dish out anything from the original reason you are seated in the throne in the first place.

Now if you want a more streneaous workout using this setup, go with washing your blankets and towels. Such pieces of laundry would require extensive lifting, thus benefitting your chest and shoulders. Wash like crazy.

All of this can be achieved in 5-15 minutes, depending on the amount of time you spend doing number 2. Very appropriate for busy persons. Now go beat the crap out of your laundry! And don't forget to wash after you wash your laundry.

Space

2006-09-09T12:04:00.000+08:00

While waiting inside McDonald’s Philcoa, I spied upon the discussion of three college girls for their school work. Their research is about the distinction between the various levels of intimacy between people, particularly between males and females. It turns out that their topic is about the study of proxemics, or the delineation of the various levels of distance accepted between people, such as intimate space, personal space, public space, and so forth. Being a little versed in the subject (little in the sense that I do not recall all of the levels of proxemics itself, especially the numerical values identified by Hall, the author of the said study), I decided to eavesdrop on their conversation and awaited for a moment for me to share my knowledge.

But later on I decided not to intervene in their private group discussion, as butting in on their group would be, in itself, breaking their private space bubbles.

Space for me is a very sacred definition. Being trained in my profession to be sensitive to the needs of man for efficient circulation and carrying out of his tasks through the provision of adequate space, I find that I myself need to provide some level of sensitivity to the need for space of people around me.

A dilemma has engulfed me within my workspace for quite some time now, with the introduction of my coffee maker to the office. The idea for “coffee time” was then created, wherein two to four P.M. in the afternoon would be “dedicated” to making, serving and enjoying coffee. Such a simple idea actually, but it became complicated in my part since I have to share space with the coffee maker and the people wanting to get coffee. I have to evict myself from my work place in order to give way to the various condiments, food and other necessities included in carrying out our daily enjoyment. Not that I am complaining though, since we get to enjoy coffee which is competitive to coffee serve at the local Starbucks or other coffee shops.

What bothers me is that people would lounge around near my work bubble, to the point that my work efficiency is usually affected, to the point that I can’t swivel my arm chair, or when I leave for a few seconds, somebody would get my chair. There was one incident where everybody was enjoying themselves while I have a very deadly deadline, and I just can’t help but curse out loud the annoyance nearest to me, which is the ringing telephone.

But all difficult times must come to an end, and the coffee maker was transferred to the vacant table next to me. Not much of an improvement, but at least my work efficiency greatly improved.

I guess we have to adjust to situations such as these. What Edward Hall did point out that the distance levels are also culture dependent. In our case, we did have one thing that binds us together culturally, “pakikisama”, and also, our frustrations in our boss and work. Kudos go out to the coffee making team of our office, for our bonding sessions continue on with the help of our common love for coffee.

So I am off to my next challenge in keeping my personal space.

Edward Hall did mention one more component of his study that should be greatly considered, not just by space planners but by all people: the concept of territoriality, which goes beyond need for space, but by ownership of space. Now that, is another topic.

Basa

2006-09-01T16:53:00.000+08:00

Natawa ako sa isang comment ng aking kasama sa opisina nung pinakita ko ang blog ng isa kong kaklase noong hayskul. Sabi nya "Bakit ka tumitingin sa blog nya, crush mo siya ano?". Shempre hindi ang sagot ko. At pinagpilitan pa nya "E bakit ka naman titingin sa blog ng isang tao, kung hind mo sha crush?". Mejo mababaw na usapin, pero naisip ko na magpaliwanag na rin, hindi lang para sa kapakanan nya, kundi para na rin maungkat sa aking isipan kung bakit nga ba nagbabasa ng blog ang isang tao, at sa kabaliktaran, bakit nagsusulat ang isang tao ng blog.

Sinabi ko na ang blog ay parang friendster, kung saan tinitingnan mo ang kalagayan ng isang tao. Kung ano na ang ginagawa nya sa buhay, ano ang kanyang naabot, kung me asawa na siya, at kung ano na ang posisyon nyo sa buhay. Ipinaliwanag ko na ang pag-ungkat sa buhay ng may buhay sa mundo ng internet ay isang paghahambing sa sarili sa ibang tao, kung saan, mula nang hindi mo na nakita ang taong tinitingnan mo, ay makikita mo kung narating na nya ang mga pinaka-basic na obhetibo sa buhay: pagtatapos ng pag-aaral, pagpapayabong ng pinansiyal na kinatatayuan, pag-aasawa. Kung baga, may "base line" kayo na pinagmulan (maaaring ang panahon bago kayo nagkahiwalay) , at ngayon ay titingnan nyo kung gaano na kalayo ang agwat nyo sa takbuhan na tawag ay buhay.

Hindi ko tuloy mapigilan na magisip ng ibang pang dahilan kung bakit nagbabasa ng blog, at lumalabas ang medyo nakakatakot na mga dahilan kung bakit nagsusulat at nagbabasa ng blog ang isang tao. Pinakaligtas ang una kong paliwanag, ngunit nakakatakot ang ilan pang dahilan, at napapansin kong marami-rami na ganito, gamit ang ilang salitang malalim at mahirap nang ipaliwanag. Narsisismo, stalking, bigotry, ilan lamang yan sa mga dahilan. At isa pang napakalaganap na pangyayari sa internet, ang anonimity.

Sana lamang sa aking muling pagbuhay ng aking blog ay mapansin ko agad o may magsabi sa akin kung umaabot ako sa ganoong mga punto. Malay natin, isa pala akong taong nababalot ng megalomanya. Bwahahaha...

Lost

2006-07-27T12:27:00.000+08:00

Select the best caption for this picture:

a. Huhuhu nasan na kaya ako...
b. Huhuhu gutom na ako...
c. Huhuhu na-teleport ako sa Spain...
d. Huhuhu hindi ko naman project ito a...

Guess the location of the photo na rin.

Pektyurs

2006-07-26T16:46:00.000+08:00

I have at present a 2.0 megapixel Olympus digital camera. I bought it almost three years ago, and now its rather dated. But the volume of images it captured is huge, both from work and from events and daily activities. My hard disk now has numerous folders dedicated to digital pictures, which I also backed up in CD ROM format. Now I finally had some of those three years worth of pictures printed in 3R format. Looking at those pictures, I noted the changes and similarities in my appearance, as well as where I travelled, what I wore, what my hairstyle was, and who I was with.

Looking at those printed pictures, as well as my digital copies, I realized that I have been away from home for so long. All my pictures show me with friends only, but no family pictures.

Going home last weekend for the birthday of my nephew I gamely joined in family picture taking, so as to make up for lost time.

Say cheese!!!

Palo!!!

2006-06-27T12:43:00.000+08:00

W just started playing tennis again this week. My classmate from SURP invited me to play at the U.P. Tennis Club. So we played early Monday morning, while there are still not that many people at the club. Too bad it rained the night before, so the courts were all wet, so we couldn't run after the balls.

Although the wet court prevents us from rallying longer when the balls stray from our immediate reach, I am glad my forehand is still ok. But my backhand sucks bigtime!!! At first we rallied at the half of the court, then we later on proceeded to rally at the farther end of the court. The strength of our strokes are still ok, and the height of the balls trajectory is satisfactory. Even our services are still acceptable.

Although my hand aches the following day, I am still glad that we got the chance to revive an old interest. And joining the tennis club further delays my thinking of leaving the university. It's one feature of the UP Community that I would indeed love to indulge on.

Tennis anyone?

Missions

2006-06-22T16:30:00.000+08:00

For the last half of 2006, I have listed a few goals, which I am gonna coin as my "missions" (although a mission is different from a goal, in planning speak) for 2006:
1. Maximize library priviledges, bookstores and other literature sources within the campus.
2. Join seminars.
3. Join an organization.
4. Learn a new skill or revive old interests.
5. Organize and backup.

These are my boring, academic missions for the latter part of the year:
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Being two sems shy of losing my library priviledge, I realized that there are still tons of treasures to be found within the Architecture and SURP libraries. I remember back then when I was still with the Arts and Letters I would gaze at the rows upon rows of books at the CAL and GenRef sections of the Main Library. I have always loved borrowing, and of course reading books. But upon entering Architecture this drive slowed down, now I have to catch up again.

I bought some new planning books, particularly on administrative planning, transportation planning and one on green architecture cum planning cum environmentalism. And aside from that, I got new acquisitions on geographic information systems (with compact discs!!!), as well as tons of magazines. Also got some books on anthropology, participative planning, and other planning related books. Now I'm off to the Architecture library!
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Joining seminars has been one of my frustrations, simply because I fail to avail of seminars within the campus. I do attend symposiums provided by SURP, and I list down potential symposiums I really like. But in the end I fail to attend them.

Recently we signed up for a product demo on Autocad 2007 and Revit at the Shangrila Hotel in Makati. It's not a seminar per se, but at least we started being aware and really attended a short presentation on software. And of course its lakwatsa time for us non-Makati people.
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Being previously down on social life, I signed up for a professional organization which focuses on geographic information systems. An old land use planning classmate saw me at the Balay Kalinaw and led me to a seminar being handled by the org. Being mostly composed of academics and geographers, I am excited on the idea of an Architect/Urban Planner joining such a group. Let's see where the org takes me. Of course the prospect of getting contacts, networks and clients is still there, and of course improving my social life.
_______________
I saw an ad at the Shopping Center on guitar tutorials. I called up the number found at the ad, and was pleasantly surprised to know that the group offering the tutorials is a group composed of Architects and Engineers. I was surprised some more to know that some of these professionals teach at my old board review school. They also teach architectural presentation and graphics programs, as well as maintain a fully functioning A&E office. Now I am excited to sign up, since the prospect of not just learning advanced guitar, but also expanding my network is also available.
_______________
And of course, being a list person, I am still continuing on back ups and organizing my files, may it be hard or soft copies/files.

Now lets see how far I can go on with these missions. Busy-busyhan mode, on! Now I have to ponder on the more exciting part of my life, with the new apartment now available.

No Fear, No Guilt

2006-06-21T09:11:00.000+08:00

Up until last night, I have never laid my hands on an arcade game, or never had I tried those large arcade machines with racing games complete with pedals and steering wheel. Back then during elementary and highschool, I never had the drive nor the urge to squeeze in the crowd to try my luck at those arcade games while a crowd looks on. In Parañaque and Las Piñas, being a small municipality back then (well my world was smaller back then), arcades and gaming centers are almost non-existent, except for the fledgling Alabang Town Center back then and the less classy commercial centers along Zapote Road in Las Piñas. There was no SM back then. The rad games back then was Street Fighter, with all the "cool" boys playing and hoarding the console, so there was no chance of me getting my hands on them, thus my childhood deprivation. We were content on playing at the smaller (and quieter) Family Computer gaming areas, which are small nooks found at video stores.

Having a lot of time to kill and a few free games coupons, I bravely entered Timezone in Megamall. Having eyed the racing games for so long, I gamely hopped on and tried it. After wrecking my car in the first game, I finally got the hang of it, and I was hooked on the game! No guilt on going over the curb or scraping the sides of my car on the tunnels, I concluded that the game is my prelude to actual driving. For those who do not know, I am an adult who still does not know how to drive!!! Blame it on poverty and slow professional growth for not having the opportunity to finally acquire a vehicle, but this handicap is for another story. At least I finally started on a new addiction, even if its only on the virtual aspect of driving. Now I know the feeling (well, partly) of driving the pedal to the metal, and steering and using the manual transmission.

Now I can't wait for my next race!

Vulcans

2006-06-19T08:55:00.000+08:00

I learned a new word recently...(definitions are all mine, apologies to the creators of Star Trek)

Vulcan (Vool-cahn, noun) - a being who possesses a level of seriousness that goes beyond normal. Lacks a level of sense of humor that greatly affects the mood of people within or around the immediate vicinity. Usually poker faced, does not crack a smile easily. As popularized by the science fiction television/movie series Star Trek, in the persona of Spock, an alien crew member on board the USS Enterprise some time in the distant future.

Spock: "We Vulcans do not show any emotions... I do not understand the logic of your statement. Please expount further, as we Vulcans have no notion of humor, or do we share any sense of humor."

Trip lang po!!!

Trio

2006-06-19T08:14:00.000+08:00

We are the trio that had one last time to be together again.

We recently had a get-together/welcoming party/send off/despedida for Ferds, Noel and Lex. Noel and Ferds are my thesis groupmates. Ferds has been living and working in Dubai for around two years, and spent a few weeks back in Asia and the Philippines. Noel has just acquired his visa to live and work in Dubai. Lex got a job in Boracay.

We decided to go beyond the usual restaurant get together and spend the evening at a hotel suite in Ortigas. Kudos go out to the organizing committee, it was a nice experience being stressed out during the preparation stage (more on that later...). It was expected that we spend the night drinking, singing via the magic sing, and laughing our hearts out one last time. But not much of these happened. Well maybe it was knowing later on that the bonding sessions that should have happened to reinforce our closeness was not needed, that all the craziness of being a trio and generally as a group was still there and will never fade.

Before the party, Ferds spent the evening with us for our weekly dine-out at Philcoa. We later went out and painted the town red so to speak. The night (or morning) was later spent talking at the rent before sleeping.

And after the party, we had to send-off Ferds again, as he was to meet up with his family before heading off home to Bicol. Noel and I accompanied him out of the hotel towards their family vehicle. It was nice to meet his family again, familiar faces that I haven't seen in such a long time, since our Mascardo Refugees/thesis days. I later learned that even Ferds' brother is heading off to Dubai, who jokingly asked me why I decided to again stay behind. After that, the trio was again separated.

A few days later Noel was off to Dubai. We sped off to the airport to see him one last time. It was like a scene from an old Tagalog movie where we had to go beyond security personel just to see him off the departure area.

After Ferds' trip to his hometown, we met up again for dinner and overnight at our new house. We spent the night laughing at private jokes, especially about Spock and the Vulcans. I also pestered Ferds with questions regarding the life in Dubai. And later on we spent the morning looking at his new cd acquisitions of installers, scandals and other goodies. After coffee and bread at Mini-Stop we again parted ways.

It's nice to think of me as an anchor in the PI for those people who flew away to greener pasteurs. Although taking my sweet time in looking for my own bread and butter, it is nice to know that people still get to visit us once in a while, looking back at people and places we used to have. After thesis, we only meet up once in a while. Ferds and Noel became officemates at Mañosa. Noel and I became housemates at our own version of Big Brother house. Now Noel and Ferds are in Dubai. The last gimmick was our chance to be together one last time. But maybe later the trio will be together again. And our own version of kakulitan may once again live up to its former glory.

Bossa Nova

2006-05-25T13:13:00.000+08:00

My patience paid off. I recently bought the album of the new Bossa Nova artist Sitti, and hours after buying the album we have already consumed, devoured and loved the album. This girl rocks! A B.S. Econ graduate from U.P. this early 20 sumthin girl sends relaxing vibes down my spine everytime I load up the album in my player.

I was finally convinced to buy the album when I saw the cds at the record stand has her autograph. Well its not addressed to me personally, but at least she touched that album sleeve! Hahahah!!! So after the girl from Moonstar 88, Kitchie, Barbie and the girl from Up Dharma Down, we now have a new recording artist-crush. Hahaha so juvenile!

Buy the album, its good!

Join

2006-05-25T12:32:00.000+08:00

Recently went to Alabang Town Center to while away the time, and I happened to pass by a booth from an international environmentalist group. Being sensitive of the environment in my own little way, I decided to stop by the booth and see were I can contribute, sign up or join in. I was very interested, also because I want to connect this particular interest with my current academic endeavor.

I introduced myself, and told them that I am studying Urban Planning. The guy replied "Uhuh, ano po yun?", to which I clarified, "Its a course where Environmental Planners come from." I was hoping that the word "environmental" would spark interest, or even recognition, but I was disappointed. "Uhuh, ano po yun?" I feel like going back to my first undergraduate course, which is generally unknown to the public. "Uhuh, ano yung course mo?"

But its ok, at least I can still join, and contribute. Starting out to fill the form, the guy quickly asked "Uh sir, ano po bank nyo?" A bit puzzled, I answered with all the banks I have accounts on (parang andami no?), and seeing that I don't have an account on any of their recognized banks, he denied me membership into the group.

Its a bit frustrating that in order to join, contribute and share your efforts to a group, you have to pay so much. Isn't effort and expertise enough payment? It turns out that the required bank account is for monthly "donations". So I don't get anything, no brochure, no literature, not even a handwritten website address for me to browse so that I can be further convinced to join later on and give them the bank account they need. I just got a very shabby explanation on what the group is all about. With all the "donations" they get, they could at least get better PR persons.

So I walk away.

I remember wanting to join another group of conservationists, but was discouraged also due to the exhorbitant fees they want to get from aspiring members. Its not about expertise, effort or plain interest. Its also about money. And to think they need people to get interested in their crusades.

Ahoy!

2006-05-19T17:44:00.000+08:00

Simplifying Darwin’s theory of evolution as well as the entire field of taxonomy, all of the Earth’s inhabitants can be classified into three main groups: those who walk (or to be more correct, those who travel and live in dry land), those who can fly (and also live in dry land), and those who can swim (and either live underwater and/or on land). Humans are primarily land based animals, and no matter how much technology, training or innovation man can cook up, he or she will have better chances of surviving on dry land, unless we can wait for another billion of years where I guess we can then survive submerged partially or wholly in water.

I have lived my entire life in dry land, with the occasional trip to the beach, resort or the bay. I am most familiar with the urban concrete jungle of Parañaque and Manila, yet take great pleasure in seeing, touching, and basically experiencing the ocean or any water body. But to actually be surrounded by water in all sides except for the open sky, I have only experienced it last week, via my cruise trip to the far off island of Boracay (thanks to Abet and the Aqua Fortis Team, who have been most accommodating). It is both an exciting and frightening experience at the same time, and it is with this piece I would like to introduce my great Boracay adventure (or misadventure, which we shall see later on).

Prior to the cruise trip (cruise nga ba?), the only water based vehicle I have ever ridden where rafts, small boats and katigs. I have yet to experience riding a technologically advanced, post-Industrial Age metal craft. And I have yet to go beyond maybe 50 kilometers from the beach.

____________________

The First Trip

The first trip was mostly uneventful, except for the fact that it was my first time to step on a cruise ship, and also my first time to leave dry land. I did not face any difficulty in adjusting to the rocking of the vessel in all directions, nor did I have any fright of losing sight of dry land. I enjoyed waiting for the black waters of Manila Bay to turn blue-green then finally blue upon reaching Batangas, and I enjoyed strolling around the deck and sneaking up on the upper decks and going around the big chimney-thingie.

Sleeping and lying around was all we did most of the time, except for the occasional chit-chat and getting to know each other. Maybe we were just dead tired from waiting and preparing our luggage for the trip. So tired that even though I woke up in the middle of the night (I guess it was around one in the morning or so) due to intensive vibrations and rumbling sounds from the vessel itself, I just had to sleep through the whole experience. It did cross my mind that the ship was like shuddering in such as a way that the hull was breaking apart, but I just had to sleep it off, and no amount of excitement can get me to wake up.

And by five in the morning, the receptionist at the main lobby gladly announced that we have finally arrived at the province of Aklan and will dock at the island of Caticlan, where a five minute ferry ride will take us to paradise (or so we thought) island. Yehey!

_________________

The Return Trip

The return trip to Manila was the most memorable one for me, because even before boarding the cruise ship that will take us home, we already had funny and memorable experiences from Boracay to Caticlan Island.

We departed from Boracay Island via the mandatory ferry ride, yet prior to the ferry boat itself we had to use a transfer boat to get to the ferry because the low tide won’t allow the larger boat to dock at the shore. The boat can carry around twenty people maximum, and it will take around one minute to get to the ferry. The catch? The boat costs five pesos per head, for a one minute boat ride. So that’s twenty heads multiplied by five pesos, so that’s around a hundred pesos. So you can imagine how much these people collect and earn for a measly one minute boat ride. And also, there is the terminal fee to worry about, which costs twenty pesos, while the ferry ride costs another twenty. Hmmm, not bad for the boating business huh?

The funny thing with the whole ferry boat story is that upon reaching Caticlan Island, we have to again use another transfer boat, which, you guessed it right, costs five pesos per head for a measly one minute ride. Good thing I still have patience. And upon reaching dry land, we again had to pay twenty pesos for another terminal fee! Wait a minute, isn’t the Caticlan and Boracay ferry terminals from the same province? I know we have to support the tourism industry and all, but having to pay so many small fees is in a way…disturbing.

Upon reaching the waiting area, which looks like a prison camp because of the interlink fences on three sides of the whole area, we just had to laugh it off because there are limited chairs for all waiting passengers, and there is no entertainment and inadequate lighting for the whole area. We had to exclaim “Siguro me bayad din para sa upuan at ilaw…” or something similar. We got to sit down a little later, but can’t help but be disappointed. And the adventure hasn’t even started yet.

The rowing team borrowed my guitar to pass up the time, playing the usual numbers including pinoy rock music. We, along with other waiting passengers, just had to laugh at one of the songs improvised by the singing group. It was Magasin by the Eraserheads, but the last few lines went:

“Sana’y sa susunod na Boracay, ay Super Ferry…ka na….”

And finally it was off to the docking area.

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To Board or Not to Board

The interesting part of the trip home came upon reaching the docking area. Again due to the low tide, we were again forced to use a ferry boat (the heavier, motorized kind) to transfer to the cruise ship. Because of the extended jamming sessions at the waiting area, we were to came in as the second batch. Excitement came when the first batch reported to us via mobile phone in an exaggerated manner that the ship is already overloaded, but it really turned out that the entire group was displaced within the vessel, and no reservations were done for us. Frustrated, our group already made drastic plans, which includes waiting for the second boat to arrive (which will arrive, after two more days!), and also considering boarding the nearby RORO vessel as an alternative mode of transport home. Our excitement fueled much panic for the other people waiting in line, and they followed suite in rushing to the terminal’s field office to really see what was going on.

___________________

Run for Your Lives!

The most memorable part of my entire ocean trip adventure came when our ferry boat finally docked with the cruise ship, via a small ramp tied together with sturdy rope. Due to the large and strong waves which caused the two ships to rock upward, downward, towards and away from each other, it became a very exciting and frightening at the same time. Here we are, with our luggage strapped on to us, and all heavy hand held items at one hand, we were made to dash for our lives in order to reach the portal leading to the cruise ship. At the other end of the ramp where a dozen marines and ship crew who stand ready to assist and jump overboard in case somebody falls off. The sight was like the scene from Air Force One where Harrison Ford was being assisted towards the cargo plane by a dozen airforce men, all shouting and waiting to grab him the minute he finally reaches the ship home.

And after that, it was sleep and nauseating travel all the way. It was a welcome and saddening sight to be heading back to the urban concrete jungle of Metro Manila.

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And now it’s time to talk about the great Boracay misadventures….

Moving Again

2006-05-02T17:25:00.000+08:00

At last I am moving on...to a new house lang hehehe..

The so-called "at the crossroads" found in my profile will again hold true, for we are moving to another apartment. Better than the old one in terms of size, ambiance and amenities, yet farther from my place of work by a few minutes. But its ok, I am a bit spoiled when it comes to travel time and distance to and from place of work. Now I need to fix up the bike given to me by my beloved thesis mate who is now at the far side of the world .

Having stayed in Quezon City for almost eleven years, I can say that I have already seen dwellings of all shapes and sizes, stayed with different kinds of people, and have experienced different kinds of neighborhoods, from the quiet to the noisy, from the peaceful to the dangerous. In some way I know when to time my stay and when to leave a particular neighborhood, and also gauge the pricing of rents and expenses like travel and amenities. Our group back then has surveyed most of the prospective neighborhoods within Quezon City, by foot, and have experienced first hand how it is to try and stay within these areas, even for a short time. So when people say my rent is too high as compared to those advertised in newspapers, I can confidently defend why I choose to stay in a particular area.

Looking forward to more fun and memories, see you in our new house. And hopefully, nobody committed suicide there.

Bakit Ganun?

2006-04-05T12:54:00.001+08:00

Bakit ganun? I always try to stay at the background, I always try to stay away from the very sensitive comments and acts of some people, yet people always manage to push me up front and center for the benefit of their egos.

Some people are just insensitive. Public humiliation, at our age and respective professions and social status, should not be tolerated. I did not appreciate last gathering's dose of humiliation. There were visitors present, and we are in a public place. There could have been faculty, staff and worse, university personnel present. So much for keeping a healthy image as an Architect within the University.

I was insulted when people assume that I have new eye candies present in the crowd. Nobody has the right to assume what people prefer, what people feel for others, and what people are thinking about. Same goes for their escapades and preferences. As one person said that same night, whatever personal problems he may have, there is an extent of the burden that he reserves for himself to carry. Well said. I don't have the right to ask or announce anything about your activities, and so should you.

This is my way of burying the hatchet. But I guess some people never knew that the hatchet exists. Those are the lucky ones, never knowing that people can hurt.

Cheers!

Bakit Ganun?

2006-04-05T12:54:00.000+08:00

Bakit ganun? I always try to stay at the background, I always try to stay away from the very sensitive comments and acts of some people, yet people always manage to push me up front and center for the benefit of their egos.

Some people are just insensitive. Public humiliation, at our age and respective professions and social status, should not be tolerated. I did not appreciate last gathering's dose of humiliation. There were visitors present, and we are in a public place. There could have been faculty, staff and worse, university personnel present. So much for keeping a healthy image as an Architect within the University.

I was insulted when people assume that I have new eye candies present in the crowd. Nobody has the right to assume what people prefer, what people feel for others, and what I am thinking about. Same goes for my escapades and preferences. As one person said that same night, whatever personal problems he may have, there is an extent of the burden that he reserves for himself to carry. Well said. I don't have the right to ask or announce anything about your activities, and so should you.

This is my way of burying the hatchet. But I guess some people never knew that the hatchet exists. Those are the lucky ones, never knowing that people can hurt.

Prying

2006-03-20T08:15:00.000+08:00

For a lack of anything better to write, I guess I'll make do with writing about other people. Just to get this out of my head, I'll write what I feel about how other people affects me. Hey, this is my blog, I guess I have the right. =)

My first victim would be this one architecture graduate who likes to pry into other people's love life, and the state of their emotional state of being. At one point she even had the gall to ask me while I was enthusiastically working on my masters "E kelan ka mag-aasawa?". I guess we can't all be successful in all the "basic" steps laid down to us by God. Thanks for raining down on my parade, but I guess not everybody is successful in terms of family life. I guess this is one destiny of many a UP student, not having marriage (or love for that matter) as a priority.

_______________

I was saddened (and shocked) at the word labeled by one of my friends regarding one of our acquaintances who is not that careful and sensitive in how he talks and comments about the achievements of other people. She called him a bigot. Now that is a word I don't hear everyday. And funny thing is, I had to research the word. And I'm not happy with what I found.

_______________

As for me, we plan to have another get together sometime this week. My friend directly said to me, "O Nao i-organize mo na!". Which I replied "Ayoko na mag-organize, nasisisi lagi ang organizer.". It's funny how people assume that I would readily jump up to the responsibility of organizing and calling up people. But these people never reply to text messages, and worst, when schedules get screwed and people fail to attend, the blame is on the organizer. It's a thankless job, and I'm not paid for my text messages.

_______________

Ah yes, the complexities of human interaction. Till next time. Love me or hate me. Or maybe I should go back to talking about Architecture.

Miscellaneous Posts

2006-03-16T08:43:00.000+08:00

My officemate gave this to me because he knows I am into impersonations and voice overs:

CINEMA ONE is currently (OR WAS...hehehe) in need of competent individuals to fill-in the following posts:

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER WRITER/PRODUCER
Please send your resume on-line or submit to the address given below.
OTHER JOB VACANCIES (Open to internal & external candidates):
Broadcast Operations Manager
Copywriter/Producers
Voice Over
Dubbers
PA/Researchers Writers
*OJT applicants are also needed.

I was thinking of doing something worthwhile for some time now aside from school and work, and I realized that I also have other interests in the past that I can revive. Just like the old teatro days.

After this sem I plan to build up a "Voice over / dubbing" database, doing impersonations and other wacky voice overs. Malay natin di ba? Baka when the time comes puede ko rin i-submit, trip lang. Wanna join?

________________

Also found another new (mejo late na nga lang) interest: Photoshop!!! I recently joined a logo competition for the centennial celebration for the campus. It was fun, I was discovering a knack for graphic design I havent known before. I remember seeing Par's (may he rest in peace) portfolio of graphic works, and it was very good! Ayan, meron na ako pagkakaabalahan sa summer.

________________

At last, I now have the album of Up Dharma Down!!! After seeing two videos, "Maybe" and "Pag-agos", and seeing them live at the Glorietta last Christmas, I just knew I have to follow up on this band. The album is good, well worth my 300 pesos. The musicality is good, the instruments are clear, but I have yet to decipher the lyrics. The album is perfect when you're just sitting around doing nothing.

Urban Tours

2006-02-27T08:19:00.000+08:00

When I was still in undergraduate school I joined a research group whose main objective is to photodocument Metro Manila for a database showing the relevant areas and buildings around the metro. Back then it was still film and manual cameras, so it was a little tedious and expensive to shoot, print and scan photos into an extensive database.

Having experienced participating in such a group and due to my interest in history and Architectural heritage, it has always been one of my interests and concern to record what we have in our surroundings, through maps and photodocumentation. Due again to pre-digital camera limitations and also lack of motivation to carry out my plans, I settled for watching documentaries and reading books on the subject, like one show in Discovery Channel that dwells on urban tours, wherein a group of people go around one urban area to discover forgotten areas and buildings, gathering historical data and seeing for themselves whatever happened to these forgotten places.

Now, being a graduate student in planning, I now have the chance (as well as the motivation) to carry out my own urban treks, in order to appreciate and discover for myself what the metro has to offer. Setting aside the surprise and reluctance of other planners and Architects have in carrying out such motivations, I would gamely conduct such tiresome and risky trips. Besides, I really love to walk in large distances, may it be while doing site inspections, walking home, finding shops I need, and even in finding a new place to stay.

I utilized the transect method in my urban travels, in order to have some sense of structure in my voyage of appreciation of the metro. In Land Use Planning, a transect is one tool in data gathering which is used to show the variation and gradation of land uses within an urban area, looking at the distribution of heavy, medium to light built up and open areas, as well as the differentiation and transition from high end society to the more marginalized areas. The transect is usually done in a linear path, usually a main road in order to arrive at a cross sectional analysis of an urban area.

Carrying along my digital camera and mp3 player as my companions, I went alone on three urban treks for my two researches. The first one was along Roxas Boulevard, from the Manila Hotel to the CCP Complex, while the second one was from the Coastal Road to the CCP Complex, totaling fifteen kilometers. Braving the heat, dust, vehicles and possible encounters with the locals, I took pictures of the Manila Bay reclamation areas. The research is for my resource management class, where I chose the effects of the reclamation area on the rest of the urban fabric. My third transect was along Commonwealth Avenue, from the Iglesia ni Cristo to the Philcoa Area. This tour is now for my feasibility study on the commercialization of the university along Commonwealth Avenue.

I did the tours in order to experience these areas in their entirety, instead of merely looking at maps and pictures, or dropping off at significant portions of the entire length. For me it would be much better to have a sense of travel time, in order to more effectively pace how people will move around these areas in the event these areas will be developed for the use of people. And also it allows me to appreciate the challenges within the surroundings, like the heat, glare of the sun, absence of amenities like drinking areas, shade and waiting areas. Favorite spots along the trip would be overpasses, because it gives a better view of the study areas, and a welcome respite from the heat and smoke, while the least favorite areas would be the informal business areas, because people would tend to stare and ask questions, and of course the possibility of snatchers and holdups.

With this I have started my long time dream of experiencing the metro further and gathering pictures and data that I can ultimately use someday for contributions to the Architectural and planning community. Who knows maybe a group can be formed out of this, an appreciation and research group of the less traveled areas around the urban area? Maybe we can call it the Transect Tours, or Urban Tours?

Gatherings

2006-02-27T08:16:00.000+08:00

Author's Note: The following articles are some of my attempts at writing, revolving around Architecture and Planning...

It is indeed very hard to organize a very large event, with a very large mass of people attending. One factor that contributes to the success or failure of the event is the venue, and the type of crowd attending the event. I myself have seen or been to events that have ended in chaos or failure due to the large number of people attending.

The first event would be the University Fair 2004, wherein large numbers of high school punks and rockers pushed and pulled down the walls surrounding the fair and stormed inside, in the hopes of gaining access for free to the concert. These kids, which usually come in large numbers to rock concerts, are the ones who usually cause chaos and tragedy to such events. Having attended almost all UP fairs in my entire stay in the university, I can say that these groups are multi-generational in composition, and thus cannot be swayed or broken. As long as there are rock concerts, there would always be kids causing disturbances and chaos within these events. And ironically, it is for these very kids that rock groups go out and hold concerts.

The second event would be the Fete De La Musique at Eastwood in 2004, where heavy rains stopped the open air music festival, which is composed of various musical events happening simultaneously, scattered around the CBD. Again, the large groups of rocker kids are present. What further exacerbated the problem was the physical arrangement of the venue. Eastwood City is composed of several buildings interconnected by trellises and arcades, with fountains, gardens and eating areas located beside the paved walkways. With the chaos created by the heavy rains, the attendants have no choice but to seek shelter in these narrow pathways, and try and walk out of Eastwood through these arcades and trellises. Another problem with Eastwood City is the single main entry and exit point at Libis, which futher slows down the discharge of people within the CBD to the outermost metro. In the end, the large volumes of people are stuck in Eastwood, with the punks literally swimming in the fountains and trampling on the gardens.

The third event, which fortunately I did not push through in attending, was a rock concert in SM Megamall in 2005, at the Megamall parking lot. Again the rockers are present, contained within the parking lot through temporary high metal fences. After the concert, large groups of rockers can be seen walking the entire stretch of EDSA, occupying some lanes of the road. What happened inside the concert can only be imagined.

Music thus has an effect on people, as it brings people together to celebrate and enjoy themselves. But with venues such as these concerts, it can be a bit disturbing to fathom how people can organize, and much less survive such events. Likening them to the Orcs in Lord of the Rings, these rocker kids assemble at such a large number and manage to bring chaos whenever these concerts are held.

yes

2006-01-23T17:17:00.000+08:00

john lennon first met yoko ono in an exhibit at a gallery with yoko as featured artist. looking around, john saw an A-frame ladder at the middle of one of the exhibit areas, with a spyglass suspended with a piece of string from the ceiling. Climbing up the ladder, he used the spyglass to read the single word attached to the ceiling. It read "yes". john said that if there would have been any other word, he would have left the exhibit and given no notice to the rest of the exhibit, let alone meet the artist.

Such a powerful word it must be then.

Sacrifices

2006-01-17T16:59:00.000+08:00

Throughout my career, I have come upon crossroads that made me think about where I really want to go in life. Such decisions have always made me think back to whether I made the right decisions or not. A main problem that I have is in terms of commitment: if ever people depend on me, I have a hard time backing out in the middle of the commitment, in pursuit of personal gain. For me every commitment, every project needs to be finished to the very end.

One instance was when I applied for a job vacancy in a large food corporation as resident Architect. Armed with my mediocre qualifications in construction back then, I bravely sought the position, which they gave me. The package was good, the pay much better than my existing salary at the time, with travel around the country as a major component. They asked me when I can start, since the position was needed yesterday. My problem? I am currently tied up in the middle of the construction of a residential unit. The problem with working for a single client is you get to empathize with the needs of the client. No matter how efficient or how down the project is, I still want to finish it through to the end, before I move to other commitments. I turned the position down.

At present, with my commitments to my schooling, I again find it hard to drop everything for a better source of income. I am already at the later portion of my graduate studies, and again opportunity knocks at my door. An old friend offered me a better job than the one I am currently employed in. His SMS started with “Pare, masaya ka pa ba sa trabaho mo ngayon? (Are you still happy with your job today?)”. To which I replied that I enjoy my job because I have more free time and that I get to pursue further studies. But after learning of the package, I again find myself at a crossroad, whether to take up the job, and give up further pursuit of my studies, as well as give up my current job and its perks, the social relationships formed and kept within it.

I again turned down the job offer, stating that I have to finish school first. But this time I know I have made the right choice, because unlike my earlier crossroad, I know that I am doing this for myself. I have asked myself why I still pursue planning as a career, and recently I have established my reasons as to why I will continue striving to be a planner. No instant offer can now change my mind, and I hope it will not haunt me with what could have been.

So I guess I’ll have to carry on and move forward.

Debt

2006-01-17T16:53:00.000+08:00

The good thing with working within the University is that you get to meet old and new people from the different departments, making you feel like you’re one big happy community. It’s like working in one big company, but instead of meeting at the elevator and being separated by building floors, you’re separated by greeneries and open space, but still housed in one large society. You get to meet the veterans of the university with many stories to tell, the aspiring junior faculty, the jaded middle aged administrative staff, the dedicated building administrator, as well as people you already knew but lost contact with.

I have always considered having a debt with some people within the university, for without them I would not have been able to be where I am right now. Off course recent with the list would be my former boss, who has returned to the college, for whom without I would not have been able to pursue graduate studies. But some of the people I have met up again recently go back to almost a decade of being in the university. Seeing these people again open up a flood gate of memories, to a time when I was still clueless and struggling in college.

While working last year on proposed renovations for the Molave Residence Hall, we met up with the dormitory manager, who happens to be the same manager of our dormitory when I was still living inside the university. Doing the rounds inside the old dormitory, she just can’t help but ask where she first saw me. I of course told her that I used to live in the former dormitory she was handling when I was in college.

On another incident, while inspecting for the renovation of some offices inside Quezon Hall, I got the chance to meet up again with my guarantor. During college, I would always seek financial help from the scholarships office within the university. I would always apply for a loan, and my guarantor would always sign my form for me. Upon seeing her, I asked her if she still recognizes me, and I added in Tagalog “Kung hindi ho dahil sa inyo hindi siguro ako makakatapos ng college (If it wasn’t for you I would not have been able to finish college)”. Of course the statement was a bit extreme, but it added a little drama to our little “reintroduction” of each other. Learning that I have finished and is now an Architect, she asked me if I can help her with the initial designs for her family’s proposed rest house, upon which I gamely accepted, for free of course, as a way of repaying her back for her kindness.

At present, we are working on the comprehensive master planning and renovation of the Vinzon’s Hall. This building and almost all of its offices (well, aside from the Student Disciplinary Tribunal of course) has been influential in my stay in the University. Aside from the previously mentioned scholarships office, the counseling and guidance office has also helped me in choosing which course to shift to and which career path to take. I took the exams provided to see my strengths and weaknesses, and found out that I have strong points in social work (really?), English (really???) and mathematics (which I seek to avoid, since at the time I want to shift to a non-mathematics based course, like Interior Design). Ironically, I asked for my artistic skills, and my guidance counselor was relieved to see that I have a moderate aptitude for the arts, since I did tell here that I plan to shift to Interior Design at the time.

Going back to my guidance counselor, I again met up with her while doing the rounds of inspection. At first I haven’t got the slightest clue as to who she was, but she was the one that brought it up. She said that she remembers me, and from that moment on I tried my best to relive my memories of Vinzon’s Hall, and the rest of my early days in the university, hence this article.

As an ending for my week of reminiscing, while eating dinner at a diner inside the campus, my former commanding officer in ROTC was also there. He approached me and asked me if I belonged to the same dormitory he was in when I was in freshman year. And to which I said “Hindi, officer kita dati (No, you used to be my commanding officer)”. And again another flood gate opened.

The four incidents are just one of the many experiences I have inside the university. My first experience way back in college was meeting up again with the very first person I talked to in the university. I was applying for a college org, and again, this person, whom I was asking for a signature, stopped for a minute and declared that he already know me, by name.

I guess that’s just one of the benefits of living and working in the university. The memories pops back again to help you look back and see the developments that have happened in your life. So maybe I could indeed hopefully stay for another few years here, and see who else I will meet again.

On a side note, one person did forget and I have not yet have the time and chance to tell her how we first met. She now heads one of the units in the university, and due to work related misunderstandings, wrote me a very nice two page hate mail. How’s that for keeping your memories alive?

ideas

2006-01-04T08:17:00.000+08:00

I just have to post what's currently cooking up inside my mind before it eventually goes away. This is the academic in me talking, bear with me.

Now at the latter part of my urban planning studies escapade, I now come to the point where I have to sit down and cook up a nice topic for a masteral thesis. Yup, thesis na naman! Unlike western and European countries where the conception and preparation of a thesis topic and probable output is done firsthand, upon entering the course, here the school prepares and introduces the course first thoroughly, before the student can eventually develop a good topic.

Throughout my masteral course, I have always focused on educational facilities and university planning. Since I am working, living and studying inside the university, I might as well make the most out of my stay here. So I try and develop this interest into a specialization of sorts. Might as well focus on the development of my own backyard you might say.

On a side note, I recently went back to our hometown in Bolinao, Pangasinan to inspect a project there. Having to endure the six to nine hour travel time back and forth, the trips gives me the opportunity to just sit and think, since there is nothing to do inside the bus, unless you have the urgent need to go to the john, and therefore worry when the bus will finally reach the stop over point up north.

Which brings me back to the main topic of this piece. The development of the province of Bolinao, specifically Alaminos, home of the Hundred Islands, and/or Bolinao, slated as the next Boracay.

Allow me to explain.

________________

Alaminos is the town prior to Bolinao (although there are a few more towns in between). It is a prime tourist destination because of the hundred islands. But the way to the port leading to the hundred island is obscure and undeveloped.

Bolinao is located at the northwestern part of Luzon. If you will imagine the mainland via a simple sketch, it is the small "horn" we see when we draw the map of Luzon. It has magnificent beaches, historical lighthouses, museums, and the UP Marine Science Insitute research facility. Is has been said that the town is being redeveloped into the next Boracay.

Now let's connect the dots. Lets do a little writing freefall.

Many tourist destinations. Unconnected. Obscure. Undeveloped. But frequented.
MSI. University. Research. Environmental.
Beaches. Boracay. Tourists.

So for purposes of writing it down before I lose it, my proposed thesis topic would roughly be on the development of the towns of Bolinao and Alaminos, with focus on the introduction and/or development of the tourism and academic / research centers within the region. Think university town. Think Boracay. Will the two mesh? What will be the problems, in terms of environmental, social, economic? Will it sell? Will the residents like it?

What do you think? Comments are most welcome.

Dedication

2005-12-20T08:14:00.000+08:00

Magasin

Nakita kita sa isang magasin
Dilaw ang iyong suot at buhok mo'y green
Isang tindahan sa may Baclaran
Napatingin, natulala sa iyong kagandahan

Naaalala mo pa ba?
Nung tayo pang dalawa?
Di ko inakalang sisikat ka
Tinawanan pa kita
Tinawag mo akong walanghiya!
E medyo pangit ka pa noon
Ngunit ngayon

Iba na ang iyong ngiti
Iba na ang iyong tingin
Nagbago na ang lahat sa iyo
Sana'y di nakita
Sana'y walang problema
Pagkat kulang ang dala kong pera

Pambili, pambili sa mukha mong maganda

Siguro ay may kotse ka na ngayon?
Rumarampa sa entablado
Damit mo'y gawa ni Sotto
Siguro'y malapit ka na rin sumali
Sa super model of the whole wide universe?

Nasaan ka na kaya
Sana ay masaya (ikaw)
Sana sa susunod na issue
Ay centerfold ka na...

____________________

Good luck sa inyo mga compadres...

Gold

2005-12-15T13:36:00.000+08:00

I got this from the Arki booth at the PamasQ sa UP...

We're turning gold!
Come celebrate with us...

The 50th founding anniversary of the UP College of Architecture
March 6-10, 2006

Highlights include:
* Grand Alumni Homecoming
* Haraya 2006 Annual College Exhibit
* Installation of the Gallery of Deans
* History Exhibit and Book
* Seminar
* Job Fair
* Concert

We hope to see you then!

Ok...

Alone

2005-11-25T13:08:00.000+08:00

I have always claimed that the saying “No man is an island.” does not absolutely apply to me. I have lived by myself for the past decade, in the sense that I can provide for myself and can survive without companionship for a longer than usual period of time. Being together with a spectacular group of people for the past few years, I have enjoyed the company of various people, and have given my share of survival in the real world of college and yuppie-ism.

At present I am totally alone, living by myself at a small condo-unit type rent, with minimal contact with my landlady (although I do enjoy having limited contact with her hehehe…), as well as with my neighbors. The only time I have conversations is whenever I go out to eat or buy something. Other than that I talk to myself, sing, or converse with good souls who know that our landline exists.

I do enjoy the solitariness though, with the thought of having my very own space, where I can get to arrange it as I please. When I was a kid I did not have my own room, being the youngest in the family, I grew up sleeping inside a room occupied by other family members. Now is a welcome change in my lifestyle, as I get to arrange, clean, disorganize and reorganize things as I want to.

Since my circle of friends became smaller and smaller due to various reasons of distance, work and lifestyles, I further realized that there are now less people who live within Quezon City. That means less pangangapit-bahay, and more time for myself.

The Long Delayed Post

2005-11-25T13:00:00.000+08:00

We have finally pushed through with our small excursion to the northern province of Pangasinan, my father’s home town, home to the Hundred Islands. We have planned this trip for almost a year, which did not push through due to various reasons. Because of the long weekend brought about by the holidays, we decided to push through the trip, with only a very short planning time. As always, the trips that are planned less are the ones that push through.

Paling in comparison to the trips being undertaken by most of our colleagues, we settled for a small time gimmick, with no equipment, no transport, no definite accommodations and with a very rough itinerary.

After a few text brigades, we came up with a small group of five. It felt like the good old college org days, where we do small group organizing for the trip. We all laughed when one of us pointed out that I have a sort of fatalistic way of organizing trips. It must be the sigurista in me. I kept on reminding them “charge your phones, make sure that you have enough load, bring enough money beyond the set budget…” Cool man, it’s only a small trip.

So off we went to Pangasinan, with the hopes of meeting my father at the McDonalds at Alaminos for our first stop at the Hundred Islands. The first funny incident was upon stepping out of the bus, we were swarmed by the local tricycle posse’. Asking them where the favorite fastfood joint is, they eagerly told us they will take us to there. Shrugging off sleep deprivation and adjusting our instincts, we decided to walk around first rather than give in to the mercy of the trike gang, eventually locating the outlet at the next block.

The island tour was spectacular, except that I can’t get decent pics nowadays with my slow-tech digicam. We then settled at the Children’s Island, which is composed of three islands interconnected together by a small piece of beachfront and a dock for the boats. The next funny incident was that I forgot to roll up my jeans and take off my shoes, so after realizing that my feet will get wet, I opted to just let my feet get wet, rather than soak my equipment and luggage. The whole stay at the island was spent snorkeling and wading at the low waters of the islands.

After the islands, we then proceeded to Bolinao, where my father pulled a few strings and contacted a few people for our accommodations. The next series of joking sessions (by the oldies) further lightened the mood and showed more of my father’s sense of humor. Example: “Galing ako sa libing ng biyenan ko kanina e.” “E bakit ka puro kalmot?” “E buhay pa kasi nung nililibing e”. Hmmm…

The rest of the afternoon was spent playing cards, drinking beer and joking around. We also bonded a little with our new friend, Sarah, whom Paolo brought along.

By dinner time, we made the mistake of having requested from the resort owner the preparation of 7 gantas of rice for 6 people. We were overwhelmed when we got the cooked rice, with only the topmost portion being consumed. We had flying fish for dinner. Kudos to the cooking team, for again I just watched them cook hehehe…

Come night time, we continued playing cards and drinking beer, as well as aspiring for a chance at the nearby videoke machine. Later realizing that we can’t squeeze in the singing going on, we settled to just listening and making fun of the singing of the videoke “hoarders”.

Day two was spent touring the coast of Bolinao, picture taking and riding around the coast, seeing the break away group of islands that was not included in the hundred island cluster. By lunch time, we were off to Manila.

The vcd player inside the bus was wreaking havoc to our patience, as every time the bus encounters a major bump in the road, the whole movie repeats at the very start of the film. Maybe that’s why the VHS player can never be phased out, as they should be limited to buses with long bumpy trips.

The last funny incident inside the bus concerns this bibbo kid who was seated at the opposite side of the bus, who just couldn’t help himself, because he made friends with the teener seated at the aisle of the bus throughout the entire trip. Bata pa lang dumidiskarte na.

And that ends our long awaited out of town trip. At least we got out of the metro and left our cares behind for a while. And the best part, we stuck to our budget. Maybe I can make a living out of this, as Bolinao is being set to become an alternative to the more known beaches around the PI. Who knows?

Author’s note: I realized that my writing needs more emotion, yet I stuck to the style of writing for a journal. I think I’ll settle for this writing style for now, as I would want to share a part of myself as mundane as possible.

This post also got stuck in my desktop for some time.

Resign

2005-11-14T12:56:00.000+08:00

After giving it much thought and consideration, I would like to announce that I am resigning as bassist for the group Shifting Gears. I guess people's differences can't be resolved, so in order to avoid the crossfire, I'll be leaving. I don't want to do "pilit" performances.

I'll be awaiting offers from another band, as well as the formation of a new band. Or, you can settle your disputes. Then call me.

Bye!

build up

2005-09-20T08:30:00.000+08:00

I'm late again. A friggin 6 minutes. Not that it really matters, as most people say, but I still try to perfect my time card not because I am a control freak but it is my resolve to continually and perenially build up myself inside the office.

Cumulative negative vibes can ruin even the most seasoned and established Architect. Although I have been with the office for more than 1.5 years, I still make it a point to struggle to keep my record from being too tarnished. It's not enough to show talent, but I also have to show cooperation and respect for regulations.

Today I suffered 10minutes oversleeping. It's enough to make me late. Hehehehe, the thing is, reklamo pa ako e 15minutes lang ang layo ko sa office. But its a strict 15 minutes, and being the lazybones that I am, I leave the house at exactly 15minutes to the deadline!

Oh well, there's always tomorrow.

wasted

2005-09-19T12:29:00.000+08:00

Contrary to my previous post about work progress, here is what happened to me last week:
Monday - supposed to have a lot of time to do academics and sidelines due to the suspension of work, but ended up drinking before dinner and getting wet in the rain. The start of things to come.
Tuesday - worked on sideline, getting sick
Wednesday - sicker
Thursday - sickest (absent!)
Friday - sick
Saturday - still sick
Sunday - recovered, but did not achieve anything.

Well at least I got to watch Big Brother more often since I can't do anything. Maybe it's time to stop going on "alanganin sa time" sessions. Now, its on to the road to recovery!

Beinte Sinko

2005-09-13T08:25:00.000+08:00

Alam mo ba ang upong beinte sinko? Ilang beses na rin akong nakaranas ng ganitong klaseng up, kung saan sa pagnanais ng driver ng jeep na mapuno ang jeep nya at kumita, talagang pinupuno nya ang jeep ayon sa kung ilan talaga ang bilang ng tao na kasya sa isang hanay. Iyon ay kung seksi lahat ng nakaupo. Kapag ikaw ay nakaupo ng upong beinte sinko (25) isang pisngi na lamang iyong puwit ang nakasuporta sa buong katawan mo. Minsan nga wala na nakaupo, halos nakasabit ka na sa baras na gegewang-gewang, o kaya nakakalso ang pitaka mo sa kanto ng upuan.

Kahapon ng umaga ay nanggaling ako sa Quezon Avenue Station ng MRT, at ako ay sumakay sa terminal ng jeepney na UP Campus. Sa kamalas-malasan, ako ang pinakahuli at nataon na makakatanggap ng napakagandang pribelehiyo na umupo ng 25. Walang problema naman ito sa akin, dahil naaaliw ako na makita ang "indifference" na meron ang mga kapwa-"Iskolar ng Bayan" sa kanyang kapwa "Iskolar ng Bayan". Kahit nahihirapan ang isang kasama, walang pakialamanan minsan ang mga estudyante. Sa loob pa lamang ito ng jeepney, panu pa kaya minsan sa ibang lugar?

Habang binabagtas namin ang kahabaan ng Quezon Avenue, biglang nag-"full stop" ang jeepney. Shempre lahat ng tao nagulat at nagsiksikan patungo sa harapan. Masuwerte na lamang at ako ay mahigpit na nakakapit (tandaan, ako ay naka-25). Pag-andar namin ulit ay nakaupo na ako ng matiwasay dahil sa pagkakasiksik ng mgat tao. Hindi ko maiwasan na mapabulalas at pagkukutya ng malakas "Aba, lumuwang a...me lugar pa pala?"

Aking muling napatunayan na hindi totoo ang upong-25, sa mga normal na sirkumstansya. Puede naman na ako ay makiusap na medyo makisiksik pa ako sa buong hanay, ngunit aking tinitingnan kung ang mga "matatalino at makabayan" na mga iskolar ay magkakaroon ng simpatiya at pagkukusa sa pagtugon sa mga pangangailangan ng kapwa. Kung sa mga pang-araw-araw at simpleng sitwasyon na ganito ay palpak agad ang pakikipagkapwa at pagkukusa, papaano pa kaya sa ibang mas mahalagang mga bagay?

Sa pagtatapos, eto ang ilang napuna ko sa "simpleng" sitwasyon na ito:
1. Kapag puro babae ang nasa isang hanay ng jeepney at may nataong napaupo ng 25 na babae rin, hindi magkukusa ang mga babae na umayos o kaya gawin ang "in and out" method ng pag-upo, kung saan may magkukusa na babae na mag-out para magkaroon pa ng espasyo ang nangangailangan. Titingin lang sila.
2. Pag magandang babae ang nangangailangan, magbibigay ang lalaki na mag-out. Ngunit, kapag hindi kagandahan, pasensyahan na lamang.
3. Puede pa sumiksik sa pagkakaupo, ngunit minsan walang nagkukusa na sabihin ang di nakakaalam na may nangangailangan.
4. Maraming mga kababaihan ang patagilid umupo, galit pa kapag sinabihan mo na umayos para sa nangangailangan.
5. Mayroon din nakadikwatro sa loob ng jeepney, kahit siksikan na. Walanghiya!

O baka naman sa loob lamang ng Unibersidad ang ganitong mga sitwasyon, kung saan talino at pinansiyal na kapasidad ang sukatan ng pagiging isang tunay na iskolar? Malamang ang aking sanaysay ay batuhin ng "Hasty generalization". Pero subukan nyo, bilang isang mapanuri at sensitibing mamamayan na nagbebenepisyo sa pampublikong sasakyan.

Enjoy.

hail

2005-09-09T08:09:00.000+08:00

I just have to post this...

All Hail the Greatest Architect of the UP College of Architecture. Saludo ako sa iyo.

survived!!!

2005-09-05T12:41:00.000+08:00

Makikigaya ako ulit, here is how I survived (and faltered at some point) four days of my life:

1. Last thursday we finally presented our minor report for Planning Process under Prof Carmi. It was fun, I haven't reported and answered questions like that in ages. I guess there is hope for my "non-academic" mode of thinking.

2. Right after my report from 210 I proceeded to work on our major report for Site Planning, with DJ (From UST Arki). DJ is the man! When it comes to photoshop and autocad he does it with ease and without pressure. I timed how he does his rendering, it takes him 10-15 minutes to retouch or render one scanned picture with Photoshop. And when it comes to Autocad, it's like he's typing in MS Word. Umuusok ang space bar and enter keys! I later saw a drawing list for one of his projects, which totals 17 sheets, which he claimed he can finish in 1 week. Me tulog pa kaya yun?

I was particularly proud of my powerpoint presentation. Office XP rocks! Puro fade and fly ang animation ko, so it's like a Flash animation. It was my first time to prepare such an extensive presentation. Nasa 90-100 ang slides, to the surprise of my classmates. I explained na maraming transition slides, for that "theatrical" effect in presenting.
I'm also proud of the topic, which was the BASECO housing project. DJ was apprehensive at first because it's a very simple site planning project, as compared to the other typologies presented which are more glamorous. But I explained the importance of reporting the project, due to the complexity of site selection as well as government implementation. The class was interested, and so we ended the report relieved and happy. Mala-thesis ang mga questions! Ang saya!

3. Come saturday, I still have to wake up early because I have a deadline for our starting business. But before the meeting, I have to attend first the birthday party of Hugs, one of the SURPers. I was about to leave early when one of our congressman classmates arrived and discussed politics over wine and seafoods. And it rained! But still I have to leave early for the meeting.

4. After the meeting, the partners invited me for a gimmick at Timog. We ended up at Decades, one of the posh (naks nakiki-"posh" na ako...) bars in Timog. Before we thought the bar was for upper class people, with dresscode and all. But thanks to our new "clubber" friend, he guided us gracefully inside the bar. And what a bar it was! With its high ceiling, ornate design and nice lighting and sound! If you want a place where you can meet and dance with people, Decades is the place to be. The beer is a little expensive. But what the hey.

5. After the clubbing experience, it was already 1am, but I still have to attend Manny's birthday-drinking bash. Armed with smokes and lambanog, we (dalawa na lang kami, umuwi na silang lahat) talked about people, good and bad news, and everything in between. Waking up later at 10am, I experienced my first (as in first) conversation with John. Nope its not John Lennon, it was THE john!!! I would puke later on within the day, the second would be after alighting from the bus, along the sidewalk (nakakahiya!!!), and later at home, before lunchtime, when everybody was set to eat (yuuuck!!!). I spent the rest of the day trying to get out of the hangover.

6. I faltered because I had to cancel my afternoon date. Well at least she cared.

So that's it. And now it's back to work. Next weekend ulit!

juggler

2005-08-23T12:40:00.000+08:00

Our newly formed group had its first gimmick at Cowboy Grill in Las Piñas. We hooked up with some more of their friends, and we rocked to the beat of the J Brothers, and some unknown show bands. Yes, it was the J Brothers. They rocked the whole bar with their renditions of current pinoy rock band singles like "Stay" by Banana-cueshe and "To be or not to be" by Hale (who I still don't understand how they got their name). It was the mini-despedida of our admin head, as she will be flying to Taiwan to get the recipes and ingredients for our products.

The next day some of the members of the Matatag Inc. went to the ever-reliable Sarahs, talking about people who never fail to amaze us. Surprisingly no arki-talk, as we were off to parts unknown within the Metro.

It's nice to be able to still squeeze in a few gimiks every once in a while to help relieve the tension of Academic work. Now it's back to reports, papers and deadlines. It's also surprising for me to still accept additional sidelines, since its a "fully booked" semester for me. The idea of being able to pull it all off challenges me. And I need the moolah for a nice laptop. Huwwaaaah I do want one...

Similar to a juggler, this structureless piece of mine about the narration of what keeps me busy looks at the need to keep order so as to keep up with the whole act. Let's just hope I can still manage to keep the balls from falling to the ground.

es-em-es

2005-08-22T11:39:00.000+08:00

Ah, the power of the text message.

Kapag male-late or mag-cancel ka ng appointment, meeting or deadline, it’s very convenient to just reach out into your pocket and call or text the expecting person to adjust their schedule in order to accommodate the changes you have made in yours.

SMS is very useful when you are traveling and you evaluate or sense na hindi ka aabot sa takdang oras. In other words “Pinoy Time”.

“Pare, male-late ako ng 15 minutes, me konting trapik sa MRT e.”

“Pare I can’t make it, wala pala akong brip na malinis, side C na ito e.”

To which you would reply…”K” (capitals, single letter, no period. In short, inis ka.)

Pero ok lang, at least naalala mo ako i-text. No problem pare (with the conyow accent)

Now, imagine yourself as the recipient of the message. You are driving along EDSA, in a hurry, because you will be late for you meeting. You did everything efficiently, para hindi ka “Pinoy Time”. Five minutes na lang.

You heave a sigh of relief…”I’m almost there…”

Suddenly you receive the text message that will make your day…

“Pare (remember, conyow accent dapat pag binasa…), sorry male-late ako, nasa Bicutan pa ko, puede reset na lang tayo ng after 5?”

Aba’y gago.

Now you feel that you are stuck in limbo. What will you do?

This is a true story. Just last week I experienced two situations wherein this happened. I know of some people who actually text 5 minutes prior to deadline or meeting time. Dapat sa kanila barilin sa Luneta.

“Oh, ok…magiikot na lang ako sa mall sa Magallanes, andami makikita dun! See you in 3 hours.” Type and send…sabay bato ng celphone na mamahalin.

Eto ang itext natin pag ganyan. “sige pre, gusto mo ng fs?”

“Ano yun pre?” Reply sha, uy buti marunong magreply.

"Foresight"

Eto pa, cs.

“Common sense.”

Perstaym

2005-08-17T16:53:00.000+08:00

Ahahahaha antagal ko na nagba-blog ngayon lang ako nakapag-add ng piktyur. This is me in my petiks at the opis with camera phase. Ganda ng buhok ko no?

Presentation

2005-08-17T13:12:00.000+08:00

How do you deal with prospective clients when closing a business deal? Di ba we were thought the proper way of being compensated, as stated in the UAP Documents? Back then when I talk to prospective clients, I always make it a point to limit giving out too much without being properly compensated or protected first, sigurista kumbaga.

This attitude extended at home whenever they would refer to me prospective clients. I always remind them "sana me contract" or "kontrata muna". Of course we can't avoid relatives and their friends who expect to avail of my services, since I am, after all, a part of the clan.

But of course it's not always peaches when it comes to being a "by the book" type of person. I realized that I have to give in sometime to the need of my family as the "in-house" or resident Architect. So when my father asked me to design the ancestral house extension up north pro-bono, I immediately said, "Sige, kelan tayo pupunta?"

I later found out from my mother that my father was very happy since I immediately said yes.

Although for us we may have found out later on that Architecture is not the glamorous profession our parents thought it would be, for them it is something to be proud of. They are not only after the financial success they dream it would bring us, but more also on the fact that they have a professional from which they can be proud of. Kumbaga, masaya na sila sa presentation lang. For now, that's what counts.

_________________

On another note, I again made a gamble when a prospective client asked me to design for them food stalls for their up and coming food line. Looking back at past experiences and lack of upgrade in my career if I would again do the same line of thinking, I accepted the project, and presented more than they asked for. Instead of mere sketches, I gave them perspectives which should show exactly what they want. You can just imagine the glow and interest in their eyes, listening intently to the infamous "UP Arki bola speak". That's it, business deal closed. And I got more than I asked for.

Sometimes it pays to gamble and be patient din pala.

"fully booked"

2005-08-17T12:40:00.000+08:00

Como estas, mi compañeros?
Sobrang naaliw ako sa post ni Noel, so gagayahin ko dito. Kapag may nagawang maganda, happiness!!! Pag me problema, happiness pa rin!!!

I haven't updated my so-so blog for so long, so here goes!
1. I am currently taking up (or surviving) Plan 231, or site planning. I though it would be as easy or the same as Arch 60, but it turns out to be harder due to the fact that I have to balance work with school. Site inspections and research work tend to become tiresome when you already gave your all for work during the daytime. So I survive by really psyching myself to work after office hours. I give myself sufficient rest before proceeding to work on papers and reports before sleeping. Then when I wake up around 4-5, I continue with a cup of coffee and the recycled evening news at the tellie. Happiness!!!
2. Plan 210, or planning process, on the other hand, suffered a little at the latter half of the sem since I have to focus on 231. But I did learn a thing or two in terms of planning methods that I can use for future research and for our upcoming business. More on that later. Happiness!!!
3. On the dating scene and social life, I still manage to squeeze in a little time at the coffee shop and enjoy a few dates and movies every now and then. Happiness!!!
4. Meeting up with old high school batchmates, SURPers, and old clients paid off since my network grew. My strategy now is meet up with people, business deals later. More Happiness!!!
5. I gave up my archery class since I need the extra z's during Saturday mornings. Happiness pa rin!!!
6. I gave up a few sidelines due to my "fully booked" schedule. Happiness pa rin!!!
7. I acquired micro-sidelines and pro-bono work that filled in my lost business ventures. Happiness pa rin!!!
8. I linked up again with old acquaintances and clients, like the people from Kontra, TAO Pilipinas, TFA, SURPers, high school and elementary people and even the Dubai Arki contingent. More happiness!!!

So that's it. Busy busy, pero, happiness pa rin!

2005-07-26T12:58:00.000+08:00

After all these years I have finally acquired the Constructicons from the Transformers toy series. Although its only a cheap imitation of the original, its a good find since they have replicated to the detail the toys (as seen from pictures of course). I have yet to lay my hands on the original set, which costs around 5-10k, but I have seen it at shops and the imitation looks good enough.

So why would I waste time and money, not to mention valuable space for a kid's toy? I guess those cartoons and toys trained me to think creatively and to visually appreciate things. Nowadays they have action fitgures that have 30-40 means of articulation. What's that again? I think it's the possible number of poses a toy can make. That was how I played in the first place when I was a kid. Seldom did I engage in role playing or running around with toys, I would rather have them pose as tableaus and imagine them as they were in the cartoons. Maybe that helped me to appreciate things in 3 dimensions, to look at things from all angles.

And finally, due to financial constraints back then, I had to settle for the pictures and the comic books, which again helped me develop my eye on details.

Now if only that original Voltes V would be reproduced or imitated. Now that's a lot of money for a toy.

2005-07-21T12:45:00.000+08:00

I brought the Matatag Inc. coffee maker to the office since everybody was dreaming of brewed coffee. As soon as the news spread that there's coffee brewing in our room everybody visited the office. Everybody just went gaga over brewed coffee. So if you want to rule the world, coffee is the way to go.

Coffee acts as a lubricant for most Architects. It starts our day, keeps us during the day, and keeps us going throughout the night. On a normal (normal?) day I can consume upto 3 cups of coffee a day. One in the morning, one in the afternoon, and another at night while doing sidelines, assignments or watching tv late at night. During the challenging times in my life, I consumed much more, like during thesis, board review and rush (and delayed) sidelines.

Brushing aside heart palpitations, coffee stains at the teeth, and nervous breakdowns, coffee would continue to be my life blood. Aside from coke that is, and I mean the drink of course.

fun

2005-07-05T08:09:00.000+08:00

Rarely do I hear an accidental joke with good delivery. This is a true story at the OCA, one lazy afternoon.

Joanne, our present apprentice was consulting with one of our engineers regarding the initial acceptable sizes of columns for a typical bungalow. Another engineer joined in and discussed the minimum dimensions for concrete columns, the number of rebars, the load carried.

Then Joanne asked what will happen to the said dimensions if she adds another floor to the house.

All the time we were unintentionally listening to the conversation, and we just burst out laughing. One of the engineers plainly said "Well that's another stor(e)y...".

We just can't help but clap our hands at the excellent delivery of the whole conversation.

Pun intended.

Stars

2005-05-25T11:40:00.000+08:00

Got this from Manila Tonight...

Taurus Employee Profile

Taureans make some of the best employees. They are loyal, hardworking, and no-nonsense. They work methodically and follow projects through until they are complete. Some may appear to work a little too slowly-usually because they are so careful-but they will always finish what they start. They thrive on structure, schedules, and routine. You'll find them doing the same exact thing at the same time every day.

Taureans, however, are not exactly the malleable workers that they often appear to be. If they have to work in a chaotic environment, they won't be happy and will be prone to child-like temper tantrums and stubbornness. They might react similarly if they have to work around ignorant people or at a job where there is no obvious potential for advancement.

Taureans will be very unhappy if there isn't a ladder for them to climb. Even in the worst situations, they will find a way to advance slowly, winning over the most difficult people who may stand in their way of progress.

Taurus employees will only take so much patiently and happily before they feel they are being taken advantage of. They will gladly accept orders and do whatever dirty work needs to get done, but they expect rewards. They want material gain, salary increases, and the potential for more power.

To make your Taurus employees happy, be sure to give them projects through
which they will see tangible results-hopefully something that will allow them to express their unique creativity in addition to their practical side. They don¹t want to feel mired in details for long periods of time.

Make sure to schedule regular performance and salary reviews. This show of respect should keep them loyal to the company.

Sad

2005-05-24T16:54:00.000+08:00

Been listening lately to Sugar Free, whose songs are similar to Cold Play. Their second album, similar to the first album, is all about meloncholia in all its forms, context spread out in different situations.

"Sinta", the first song in the album, deals with the need for companionship:

Ako'y isang malungkot na bata
Palakad-lakad lang
Wala rin naman mapupuntahan
At madalas, madulas, at nung parang ayoko na...

Buti na lang nandyan ka, sinta....

The current single "Prom", is a typical story of a boy who musters enough courage to ask a girl to dance at the prom:

Nanginginig na mga kamay
Puso kong hindi mapalagay
Pwede ba kitang tabihan
Kahit na may iba kang kasama

Parang atin ang gabi
At parang wala tayong katabi
At tayo'y sumayaw na parang di na tayo bibitaw...

Lastly, the first hit off the album, "Hari ng Sablay", states the fact that we are all only human:

Please lang wag kang magulat
Kung bigla akong magkalat
Mula pa nung pagkabata
Mistula nang tanga
San san nadadapa, san san bumabangga
Ang puso kong kawawa, pay pag-asa pa ba?

Ayoko nang mag-sorry
Sawa na kong magsisi
Pasensya ka na, mabilis lang ako mataranta....

Ako ang hari ng sablay
Hinding hindi makasabay
Sabay sa hangin ng aking buhay
Hari ng sablay, ako ang hari ng sablay
Ako ang hari, ako ang hari...

All in all, the album is good, both musically and lyric-wise.
If you're looking for a song to fit your current melancholic mood, Sugar Free is one band for you.

Time

2005-05-24T12:48:00.000+08:00

Life is very short, and there’s no time
For fussing and fighting my friend…

And so life is, as stated in the famous song. Analyzing the past decade or so of trying to carve a name for ourselves, we now stand on the limelight, trying to further discover where we are, where we want to go and what we want to be.

Many have gone out, trying their luck at the far shores. Many have turned away from their original calling. Some have stalled to try their luck later. Some have remained, and some have prevailed.

But, no matter where we go after the hallowed halls of the former location of the College of Architecture, we have to remember that time is short. Great decisions have to be made where and when we plan to settle down, what we really want to due, and what we want to pursue.

Nearing the great three-ohs, we can only wonder where we will be a few years from now. Shall we follow suite with what the other generations have done, or shall we digress and try to set a new pattern for our lives?

While on the bus bound for Quezon City, I chanced upon a 30-something male vendor, who looks rather disappointed with the pace of his work for the day. The guy sells toys on the streets, and I can see the look of hopelessness on his face, as it was nearing dusk already. Maybe he has yet to earn his quota for the day, or maybe he has financial problems and hopes to solve it immediately between the bounds of the aging day.

After watching him from the window of the bus for approximately 10 minutes, he finally makes a sales contact, earning a measly 100 pesos, where he can earn a little as 10 pesos or less for one toy. 10 pesos for 10 minutes. Time is running out for the guy.

I wonder where I will be when I reach his age, maybe with a family or a large responsibility? If decisions have to be made as to where I want to go, maybe I should make them now, for as I have stated earlier, life is indeed short, and time indeed goes by faster than we think.

Time out, let’s stop and think for a while.

Malling

2005-05-20T22:15:00.000+08:00

Is there such a word as malling? With the onset of text lingo and taglish (or in the oca lingo, spataglish – Spanish, tagalong and English), its hard to determine whether a word is indeed valid or is a product of wrong and tolerated bad grammar.

Being a self sufficient person in my own right, I make it a point to spend time with myself in order to reflect and free my mind of the daily hassles and complexities of human interaction. I achieve this by walking through levels upon levels, shop upon shop within the malls.

My latest mall-ing fell on a Friday, prompting me to think of ways to amuse and occupy myself for the entire evening. Competent that I have the time, money and get up to sufficiently blend in with the shopping public, I casually walked in and around the great halls of the shopping mall.

My primary goal for the evening was to check out the possible replacements for my trusty old Nokia 3315. After about an hour of frustratingly looking for a decent (or should I say affordable) PDA phone, I resigned myself to purchase later on a sufficient middle end mobile phone. After my phone hunting, a dilemma struck me: what am I going to do next?

As I mentioned earlier, I have the resources to spend, but try as I may, I cannot get myself to purchase, watch, try, eat or even read anything inside the mall. Obsessive-compulsiveness aside, I cannot decide where to spend my time and money on. Such a dilemma has always hounded me whenever I am inside the mall.

Frustrated, I decided to go home and eat at the ever dependable McDonalds at the Philcoa. But before reaching the mall exit, I chanced upon a newly opened eating joint. Finally seeing the opportunity to try something new, I immediately slumped myself on the chair and asked for the menu (remember, level upon level, shop upon shop of walking…without buying anything!!!).

But I guess my malling adventure was destined not to have a happy ending, as when I checked my wallet prior to ordering, I discovered that I have less than the needed money to eat! Sure I have money, but its still in the ATM!

I guess my oc-ness got the better of me, because I made it a recent policy to carry only what cash I need. This is in order to avoid over-spending, especially during group gimmicks where free riders sometimes exist. Too bad…it backfired on me.

On the way home to the trusty McDo Philcoa, I was singing the famous Yano song…

Patingin tingin, di naman makabile
Patingin tingin, di makapanood ng sine
Walang pera, kundi pamasahe
Nakayanan ko lang, pambili ng dalawang yosi.

Quite the contrary actually….

Trip

2005-05-12T12:19:00.000+08:00

After saying that I don't get to travel much as much as my comrades do, now I am flooded with prospective chances to go around. In short drawing pa lang ang iba dito.

Being in a client / service oriented profession, we architects have to meet up with prospective clients and opportunities for financial and professional growth. Not like "over the counter / table" type of transactions, we have to personally go to the prospective business opportunity in order to try and seal a deal. Which brings me to a dilemma: am I ready to transact business in far away places, not knowing anything about these places, having little travel experience, and being a relative newbie in the profession. Kung baga, big time decision na ito.

An acquaintance asked me if I can go to Bohol with him for a prospective large project. Although I have already interacted with this person in the past, there is still some hesitation to go, since it would be the first time that I would be leaving Manila for a business opportunity. It's not like I'm going to Marikina or Bulacan. Now I have to invest time and money for this trip, not knowing the outcome.

Although it would be a welcome respite for me, having to leave the hustle and bustle of the city for a while, and the prospect of travel overwhelms me. So I guess I just have to do my own further research on my acquaintance, as well as where I am going.

Anyone care to go to Bohol? I hope somebody is interested, so that I can have back up, as well as assistance at the same time in doing the standard site inspection and research for a project. Who knows we might bag the project. But if not, the trip would be well worth the risk. Vamos!

p.s. We are also going to Quezon this weekend. Anybody interested? And hopefully to Ilocos later on! Paging Jing! I'd love to go to Ilocos, even for just the trip and the experience. All in one month.

Questions and Answers

2005-05-09T12:33:00.000+08:00

Recently went to a elementary class get together, and we were all amazed at the story of one of our batchmates who refused to go to the get togethers being held simply because he finds no use of going, since he said that he is the most successful in the whole class anyway. Before I continue, let me just blurt out a big F**CK Y** to our beloved classmate.

Excuse me...there I feel much better now.

So now the question, what really comprises success? If a person asks me if I am successful, how would I answer?

Pardon me if I have to shed out lengthy paragraphs, to questions which can be answered in simple questions.

1. Are you successful? My answer: success is relative. Success may mean financial, emotional, physical, social, spiritual...****al success.
2. Ok...are you successful financially? My answer: I am far from being financially successful. But at least I got rid of my "makunat" days wherein I have to watch out for my money, from highschool to my first few years at work. What bothers me now is my capacity to save and handle money, because of too much spending, or giving out during gimmicks, or letting go of debts from people I cannot get back to. I just laugh at the joke of being the "bread winner" in the group.
3. Emotionally? My problem with my emotional side is I now tend to let go...immediately. I might have a problem with this with regards to age.
4. Physically? I enjoy a few strenous activities every now and then, but nothing constant. I am getting fat.
5. Socially? I am associating myself with various social circles lately, and meeting up with old friends. I don't want to spread myself too thin though. And of course I frown at "friends" who remember you only when they need something. But of course I can survive on my own. Ever since childhood I have learned to isolate myself and survive, like what I did during the holy week, where I locked myself up in the flat for five whole days. Beat that!
6. Spiritually? God is still there.

Over all, I feel that success is related to what you really want to gain out of all the small successes you receive. I may not be rich, may not be socially active, but I am happy with what I have, and not at the expense of friendship and morality. Humiliation, stress, loneliness are but challenges. In the end, bawian lang yan. Hare Krishna.

LOVE

2005-05-09T12:29:00.000+08:00

I wanted to post this message in light of some witty remarks regarding my handling my veeeerrry open love life. Para sa mga kapatid na nage-enjoy looking / jeering at people's love lives...try to look at your own din. =P

Advice lang..... Message: To all guys and gals........

Find a guy who calls you beautiful
instead of hot,
who calls you back when you hang up on
him,
who will stay awake just to watch you
sleep.
Wait for the boy who kisses your forehead,
who wants to show you off to the world
when you are in your sweats,
who holds your hand in front of his friends,
who thinks you're just as pretty without
makeup on.
Wait for the one who is constantly
reminding you
of how much he cares about you
and how lucky he is to have you.
Wait for the one who turns to his friends
and
says, "...that's her."

GUYS...

Find a girl who calls you baby faced
instead of
hot or sexy
who can't stand it when you hang up on
her and
calls right back,
who would sit there for hours looking into
your eyes,
who doesn't care what you look like, but
what's
inside counts the most,
Who looks at you with the twinkle in her
eyes and
kisses you on the cheek instead of the lips,
Wants to be with you in public, even if
you wear
those old grass stained and ripped pants
with the
bleached jersey like always,
Wait for the girl who is a constant
reminder of
your happiness and joy, who makes you
smile just
by knowing she loves you back.
Wait for the girl who you give piggy back
rides to
in public and she still is in view of her
friends,
while she gets off and you hear her
go: "you're
the one for me, for always"

The gift of being single Message: TOO often people want what they want, or think
they want at the moment,
which is usually "happiness" right now. The irony of
their impatience
is that only by learning to wait, and by willingness
to accept the bad
with the good do we usually attain those things
that are truly
worthwhile. I have a blessing which is sometimes
seen as a curse. I am blessed
with the gift of being single.

For most of us twentysomething young
professionals, it seems the world
has already come up with its own set of
expectations on how we should
live life. The world expects us to finish school in our
early twenties,
get a job, find the love of our lives by the time we
reach our
mid-twenties, marry and have kids. But the thing
is, not everyone sees their
dreams come true in the same way. In this article,
I shall try to
endeavor to change the way the world looks at
being single.

The Art of Contentment. For most of us, being
single will be more of a
phase than a final destination. This is the best
place to practice the
art of contentment. Someday, I'm sure most of us
will fall in love and
get married. But the thing is, love will always be
tested. Someone more
handsome, more charming, richer, funnier, sweeter
would come along. If
you have not practiced the art of contentment as a
single person,
chances are you would be tempted to want that
and not cherish your chosen
one.

Practicing the Art of Contentment as a single
person means that you
take what life gives you, good or bad, you're willing
to see it through.
It means you don't walk away every time things get
tough because it
builds in you patience, perseverance,
understanding and a hundred different
virtues that people in a hurry will never have. Being
single means you
would find how it feels to be alone thus, allowing
you to cherish every
moment you spend with your chosen one. The art
of contentment means you
wouldn't mind if life had to make you wait for so
long to find the love
of your life, because you know that the waiting
would only make the
finding much sweeter.

A Time to Know Yourself Better. Being single is a
time of your life
when you can get to know yourself better. You can
pursue different
interests and passions without having to ask
another person's approval. It is
a phase when you can keep focus on other things,
discover your
potentials and talents, and see yourself become
more than what you expect to
be. Allow yourself to surprise you. Stop wasting
precious energy trying
to figure out why you're still romantically
unattached. It's all in the
mind. Take the time to go see your friends, spend
time with your
family, do charity work and you will realize that you
are not, and never for
one moment, was alone. Try to get to know
yourself first before you try
to get to know other people. To be truly loved
means to be known and
accepted for who you are. How do you expect
other people to know you and
to love you, when you don't know who and what
you really are?

A Choice between Good and Best. Sometimes the
dilemmas we face are not
between what is absolutely bad and absolutely
good. Sometimes, it's
between good and best. Treat this stage of your life
as a phase to
evaluate who is good for you and who is best for
you. Sometimes, you won't
hear music, or feel magic to know who's best for
you. The heart just knows
and it doesn't need any romantically charged
scenario to decide on the
matter. Trust in your heart, and trust that time will
eventually lead
you to, not to the perfect partner, but to the most
suitable partner for
you. Being single is a phase of life that we need to
be thankful for,
because being single means our hearts have yet to
choose the best one
for us.

Almost a Non-committal. Jane Austen once wrote,
that it is a truth
universally acknowledged that a single man (or in
our times a woman), in
possession of a good fortune is in search of a
spouse (just to be
politically correct). Well, that was what the old
school wanted us to believe
in. Married life is a path most of us would take,
however, it is not
the only path there is. Relieve yourself of the
pressure and stop making
every single, straight guy friend a prospect. You
have no business
"entrapping" them and asking (which is more
like "putting a gun in the
head") them of their exclusive attention, if you're
not ready for
commitment yourself. Sometimes, when you
spend too much time trying to find a
boyfriend, you normally end us marrying the first
loser who comes to your
door.
Take your time, the world will wait. Being married
doesn't guarantee
that it will make your life happy. It doesn't
guarantee anything at all.
Sometimes, it only brings two miserable people
together only to make
their life even more miserable. Without the right
intention, the
emotional maturity, financial security and of
course, unwavering love, you're
better off unattached.

Living Life. Don't put your life on hold for Mr. Right
but don't let it
waste away with Mr. Wrong. Life is about things
that you do and happen
to you everyday. It's not about the things that could
have happened but
never did, or things that you think would happen in
the future. Live
life now. Live it to the fullest and stop beating
yourself up, trying to
be perfect on a Saturday night date. Allow life to
surprise you with
it's most wonderful blessings.

Offering

2005-04-22T11:57:00.000+08:00

Donde esta mi nombre in relaccion con tu corazon?
(Where is my name located within your heart?)

My Cherie Amour
Stevie Wonder

La la la la la la
La la la la la la

My Cherie Amour, lovely as a summer's day
My Cherie Amour, distant as the Milky Way
My Cherie Amour, pretty little one that I adore
You're the only girl my heart beats for
How I wish that you were mine

In a cafe or sometimes on a crowded street
I've been near you, but you never notice me
My Cherie Amour, won't you tell me how could you ignore
That behind that little smile I wore
How I wish that you were mine

Maybe someday you'll see my face among the crowd
Maybe someday I'll share your little distant cloud
Oh, Cherie Amour, pretty little one that I adore
You're the only girl my heart beats for
How I wish that you were mine

La la la la la la
La la la la la la

My Cherie Amour

2005-04-22T11:51:00.000+08:00

During my entire decade studying and working in far away Quezon City, we were sometimes "adopted" by various classmates and groupmates living with their families. We are forever grateful to our "foster mothers, parents and families" for providing for us accomodations (which sometimes extend to days, or weeks even), and even advice.

Happy Mothers Day!!!

Finished!!!

2005-04-20T12:39:00.000+08:00

Ah the sem is finally finished!!! After our pre and post presentation experiences, we finally got what we deserved! It's nice to re-live the thesis experience, from conceptualization to post production. It's like we were all in undergrad school again!

It's my first time (I think) to present in straight English for almost 2-hours. We would laugh at each other when we catch each other speaking in Tagalog, even for small words like "ano", "kasi" or even "ser". It's fun just the same.

I also had a chance to work with a large group, where we designated ourselves as though we were a planning group. We had a geographer, a demographic analyst, a transport analyst, a landscape architect, architects and production specialists. It's also interesting to verify or dispute certain traits and characteristics attached to people who come from other universities with regards to work ethics and way of thinking.

The fun part is spending overnight work again with the group, the problem being we don't have the physical capacity to do overnight work as before during undergrad school. "The sun is rising!!! AAAAH type faster!!!"

So onwards to the next sem, let's see how much and how far we can still go.

Conspiracy

2005-04-20T12:26:00.000+08:00

We had a site inspection at this poetry-music hangout, where most of the patrons are either green writers or hard core no nonsense prose makers. We are slated to perform at the said bar sometime next month, and I am so excited! It is our first time to perform a two-hour set, with nothing but us on-stage! jitters galore, but at least we now have an idea of what to expect.

We just have to take care of some "bad habits" within the band, in order to straighten out the set and have a more cohesive performance and transition between songs. This is no 3 song set, this is the real deal! Everything has to be scripted, intros set and fade ins polished. I wonder if there would be pop artists watching? Record deal??? But first things first, we have to finalize the playlist and come up with some originals.

The gig reminds me of the movie "That Thing You Do", as well as the early days of the Beatles, or the Eraserheads. But along with opportunities comes sacrifices. I wonder what I would be sacrificing if ever we gain something in the end of this gig. What I'm hoping for now is a regular slot at the bar we would be playing in.

So, after 2 drummers, 4 guitarists and two vocalists, and 8 years of experience, we have come of age, and are now ready to hit the big time!

27

2005-04-12T17:36:00.000+08:00

Here is my tribute to myself on being 27 in a few days time.
1. I have a simple lifestyle.
2. I am still single.
3. My portfolio as a practicing architect is simple and mediocre.
4. I have yet to travel.
5. But I'm happy.
6. I am not aggressive in achieving or going beyond the first 4.

Sabi nga sa Dodgeball "I don't make goals, so that I won't be frustrated by not achieving them."

INNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMMMMMM!!!!!

Thank you. I would like to accept this award on behalf of all those who act as detractors, supporters, challenges, and all those who find self-actualization through me. May Maslow roll on his grave, and remember, the Bell curve is just a curve, you can go beyond it.

Ukelele

2005-04-12T16:35:00.000+08:00

The band is now contemplating on learning how to play ukeleles instead of guitars. Would that turn out to be a revolutionary idea in the field of pop music? Imagine the local bands turning in their guitars for ukeleles.

We got the idea while listening to Jack Johnson, a surfer dude turned music artist. The album has smooth relaxing contemporary sounds which makes the listener imagine lounging around in Hawaii. Now put that sound in our local music scene and we might have a new genre waiting to happen. And we wouldn't want to be left behind.
A ukelele is fairly cheaper as compared to a guitar, due in fact to the sheer difference in size, so cost is not a problem, as compared to a violin or mandolin. The only challenge left is learning to play the instrument.

We got a major gig coming up this may, in one of the acoustic bar - poetry reading area within Quezon City. The place is run by prominent musical artists and poets in the industry. So we have a few weeks to get our ukeleles and strut our stuff. I'm excited to get my ukelele!!!

I'm Baaaaack!!!!

2005-04-11T12:42:00.000+08:00

Ola chico! Que tal?
(Hello friend! How are you?)

That is as far as I can recall for now from my recently concluded Spanish class. I'm still zoned out after our class presentation in Land Use Planning. So what happened during the long hiatus of this blog? Let's see...

1. I have recently concluded 6 more units of graduate studies (that is, if I pass this sem), which means I have already finished a third of the program. Yeheeey...;
2. I have missed the latter part of my Spanish class due to the major land use presentation, hence the lack of anything better to say in Spanish;
3. I have missed the last day of my tennis class, so I missed playing with the coach for the last time;
4. I have again enrolled in dance class, in the hope of bagging more contacts and friends in the process. It's time to again dance the el bimbo.
5. We have a big gig coming up! This one is a big break for the band. Hopefully...
6. We have consumed large sums of alcohol and met up with a lot of people along the way;
7. We have relived the thesis experience again. Masteral presentations are larger now, as compared to undergraduate reports.

Details to follow...

Blessed

2005-03-09T17:00:00.000+08:00

We were recently called upon to look at the Chancellor's office for re-layouting. We had the opportunity to go inside his excellency's office. It feels like we were in campus heaven, meaning we were in the realm of one of the highest official in the campus. Then we saw the University Mace, or the sacred staff of power. We excitedly took pictures and touched the mace (secretly shempre), hoping that its powers might suddenly chage our luck within the university. Malay natin bigla na lang maiba ang appointment sa papel, tsaka tumaas suweldo hehehe.

Outside, employees were holding their regular rallies at the Quezon Hall grounds, asking for an across the board wage increase. I then had the idea that what if I suddenly grab the mace and show it to the rallyists, announcing that I have the object hostage, maybe people will cheer for me.

Daydreaming at its finest. Baka puede rin ipa-imbue yung staff ala Diablo 2.

Let's Get Physical!!!

2005-03-07T16:52:00.000+08:00

The Summer Months are here!!! (Or not, due to the rains???). In any case, the College of Human Kinetics is again offering recreational programs for the months of april to may. I'm choosing between tennis again, dance lessons again, aikido and badminton. I think it's time I go beyond tennis just for the mere fact that I miss sleeping way beyond 6 a.m. So whoever wants to join lets go get physical!

Rock On!!!

2005-03-03T12:39:00.001+08:00

Kitchie Nadal rocks! We watched the recent concert at the Bahay ng Alumni. It was my second time watching a major concert, with Bamboo being the first last week, also in the Alumni.

Her band was good, belting out mostly heavy riffs and drums. Kitchie and her band is a far cry from the former sound of Mojofly. But then again, I haven't listened to the Mojofly albums, except for the songs Another Day and Scooter Boy. Her songs in the present album has heavy tunes and nice lyrics.

Her stage presence was very good, in tune with the crowd. She allows the crowd to sing along and even invited somebody to sing on-stage with her.

The concert was a good respite from all the loaded nights doing schoolwork.

2005-03-03T12:39:00.000+08:00

Inspiration Part 1

2005-03-03T08:14:00.000+08:00

Closing Cycles
By Paulo Coelho

One always has to know when a stage comes to an end. If we insist on staying longer than the necessary time, we lose the happiness and the meaning of the other stages we have to go through. Closing cycles, shutting doors, ending chapters whatever name we give it, what matters is to leave in the past the moments of life that have finished.

Did you lose your job? Has a loving relationship come to an end? Did you leave your parents' house? Gone to live abroad? Has a long-lasting friendship ended all of a sudden?

You can spend a long time wondering why this has happened. You can tell yourself you won't take another step until you find out why certain things that were so important and so solid in your life have turned into dust, just like that. But such an attitude will be awfully stressing for everyone involved: your parents, your husband or wife, your friends, your children, your sister,
everyone will be finishing chapters, turning over new leaves, getting on with life, and they will all feel bad seeing you at a standstill. None of us can be in the present and the past at the same time, not even when we try to understand the things that happen to us. What has passed will not return: we
cannot forever be children, late adolescents, sons that feel guilt or rancor towards our parents, lovers who day and night relive an affair with someone who has gone away and has not the least intention of coming back.

Things pass, and the best we can do is to let them really go away. That is why it is so important (however painful it maybe!) to destroy souvenirs, move, give lots of things away to orphanages, sell or donate the books you have at home. Everything in this visible world is a manifestation of the invisible world, of what is going on in our hearts and getting rid of certain memories also means making some room for other memories to take their place. Let things go. Release them. Detach
yourself from them. Nobody plays this life with marked cards, so sometimes we win and sometimes we lose.

Do not expect anything in return, do not expect your efforts to be appreciated, your genius to be discovered, your love to be understood. Stop turning on your emotional television to watch the same program over and over again, the one that shows how much you suffered from a certain loss: that is only poisoning you, nothing else. Nothing is more dangerous than not accepting love relationships that are broken off, work that is promised but there is no starting date, decisions that are always put off waiting for the ideal moment.

Before a new chapter is begun, the old one has to be finished: tell yourself that what has passed will never come back. Remember that there was a time when
you could live without that thing or that person nothing is irreplaceable, a habit is not a need. This may sound so obvious, it may even be difficult, but it is very important.

Closing cycles. Not because of pride, incapacity or arrogance, but simply because that no longer fits your life. Shut the door, change the record, clean the house, and shake off the dust. Stop being who you were, and change into who you are.

Improvements

2005-01-31T17:30:00.000+08:00

With the New Year comes new perspectives, new hopes and new plans. Here are some of the improvements and non-improvements of your truly:

Improvements:
1. I get to go out more despite of my very hectic schedule, trying out new places and food. Now I hope to go out of Luzon.
2. I get to reach out to more people through the various work, academic and extra-curricular activities I do
3. I get to watch more movies, again despite my schedule with the help of my newly acquired, free dvd player (courtesy of Robert, hehehe….)
4. I am improving on my forehand and backhand, as well as getting the feel of the ball’s trajectory and placement.
5. I am trying my hand on songwriting, as well as familiarizing myself with the guitar again.
6. I have improved much on drinking sessions, after witnessing for myself what I would look like when drunk (by seeing other people in their sorry state) Social drinking is the best way to enjoy the session.
7. I am not afraid nowadays to spend. Fear of losing money and saving too much is a sign of obsessive-compulsiveness.
8. I am learning a second language.
9. I have nobody to look after.
10. I am currently assessing my career trajectory, academic performance and work capability, as well as personal missions. I am (I mean, we are…) well on the way to reaching the big three-oh in a few years’ time.

Non-improvements
1. Non-religious-ness for the past 10 years.
2. Very, very bad diet and figure.
3. Procrastination, brought about by mental and physical fatigue. Refer to number 2.
4. Being too madaldal.
5. Wasting office time with YM and friendster, which a colleague pointed out.
6. Inability to reach out to the other table and asking for a light from the chick seated there.
7. I am now starting to chain-smoke. Refer to number 2 and 3.
8. Frequent drinking sessions. Well at least I drink to join in or make “damay” to other people (so coño).

Due to the various calamities and disasters, both caused by nature and neglect, I am thankful for still being able to wake up in the morning and enjoying what I have. With the impending doom as stated in the recently opened secret of Sister Lucia (remember the siblings who are given secret letters by the Blessed Mother during the 1930s?), the increasing number of people leaving the country for greener pastures and the breakups happening, I sat around one time and thought about what I would do, what I would think and what path to take. Now it seems that 2005 would turn out to be a very interesting year for me. It’s hopefully time to do something about the eight non-improvements above.

Buhay

2005-01-28T17:07:00.000+08:00

Ang awit na ito ay para sa lahat ng tao. Lahat nga naman tayo nagkakaproblema. Para sa lahat ng problema natin sa pera, pag-ibig, pag-aaral, trabaho, oras, lugar, buhay.

_________________________
Easy ka lang
Ely Buendia

Lahat ng tao'y nabubugnot
Lahat ng tao'y namumrublema
Lahat ng tao'y nagmumura
Lalaki man o babae, matanda man o bata

Wag na tayong magturuan
Wala nang dapat na pagsisihan
O puede bang tigilan mo na
Ang kasesermon mo sa akin
Sawang-sawa na ko nyan sa bahay namin

Kung ang nais mo'y mabuhay ng
Tahimik at walang gulo
Ang aking payo
Payong kaibigan lang naman ito

Easy ka lang
At baka ka mahibang
Magmumukha kang timang!

Wag mong idaan sa init ng iyong bumbunan...

Tayong lahat ay may problema
Sino nga bang wala?
Kaya't kunga ako'y iyong pakikinggan
Pakikinggan din kita

Kung ang nais mo'y mabuhay ng
Tahimik at walang gulo
Ang aking payo
Payong kaibigan lang naman ito

Easy ka lang
At baka ka mahibang
Magmumukha kang timang!
________________________________

Isa ito sa pinakamagandang kanta na pinakikinggan ko kapag ako ay may suliranin. Mabuhay ang Eraserheads sa pagbalik sa mundo ang kulay ng rock and roll!

wazzup?

2005-01-27T13:41:00.000+08:00

"Hi there! Musta na? Kelan ang reunion natin?"

A question we highschool graduates of batch 1995 would be hearing more often. Yes, it has been almost 10 years since we graduated from high school. Get togethers, reunions, friendster and ym has been crowded with such questions. The prospect of again seeing people after all these years.

I got the chance to chat with one of my highschool batchmates through yahoo messenger. He is very hesitant to go to reunions, because he feels he has not achieved much as much as our other batchmates have.

Some people have this mentality that financial success is all that there is after graduation. For me success is not measured in how much we all earn, or how far we have travelled, or how much we have learned. It's measured in how we live our life from day to day, how we communicate with people, how we do each little task, whether we do all of this in time or later on.

For me it's not how good I do in school or how perfect my backhand is. It's not the destination, it's the journey. Karma comes swiftly for me. The first will be the last, and the last will be the first.

relief

2005-01-27T13:00:00.000+08:00

I dropped my wallet last saturday somewhere at the shopping center. Upon reaching home, I was shocked to discover that it was not where it was supposed to be. It was the first time that I experienced losing something valuable. Now I know what it feels like. First there was shock, then hesitation, then confusion. When the mayhem has partially subsided, anger stepped in, later followed by acceptance. I tried to desperately accept the situation. I'll just apply for new id's, new atms. But for the next few weeks or so I won't be me. If I become part of an accident somewhere I won't be identified. I can't access everything immediately: priviledges brought by my id's, the library, entry to buildings, money.

Fortunately somebody got my wallet and turned it over to the newspaper stand near the SC. The vendor promptly called me and returned the wallet. And for that, I gave her the very same calling card she used to contact me. I promised her free consultation for her house maintenance concerns. Lets just hope she doesn't plan to have a building built.

And so now shock, anger and acceptance has been replaced with relief. All in the span of less than an hour.

The moral lesson? Always leave a calling card inside your wallet. There is still hope for the world after all.

Morbidity

2005-01-10T08:47:00.000+08:00

We recently concluded a get together with one of our long-lost friends last week. I was satisfied with the attendance rate, with most of my contacted friends and acquaintances being able to attend. But of course, as pointed out by one attendee, the success of the event was not due one hundred percent to the efforts of the organizer, but due to the closeness and popularity of the guest of honor. True enough.

This brings me to a point. Will this organizing-closeness-popularity setup apply to me? Not sounding like a “center of the universe” type of person, I’d just like to explore this possibility: when I die will there be a large turn up rate of persons who will visit my funeral? I have always dreamed about the setup of things and events that will happen when I go down the cosmic gutter. Morbid fantasies, I’d like to call them.

My apologies for those who might get shocked with this article. I’m just currently at the crossroads again.

Okay let’s begin.

These are the things I have imagined should be present or should happen when I kick the bucket:
1. Of course people should be present at the funeral. The question is who will remember to organize the event? I guess I should leave my cel pin number, friendster account, e-mail account and every other password locked account which leads to my contacts, friends and acquaintances so that they will know that I need their presence at the funeral. Or else I’ll go to them directly. Bwahahaha!!! Maybe I’ll leave and update regularly the info at a time capsule or hidden web page.
2. The setup at the funeral should reflect what I enjoy when I’m still alive. Maybe at one point the lights will imitate the various haunts I go to.
3. I would like pictures of John Lennon and George Harrison to be placed near the rest of the pictures you can find. I would like it to look like the way people remembered when George Harrison had his funeral.
4. Please put wind chimes at all parts of the house or funeral home. So that you know where I will be throughout the whole event. (Parang gimik ano, me event pa.)
5. The venue should have many large dark varnished wood areas. Back at home, whenever I sit at the side of the piano, I always see a hazy reflection of myself. This by the way started the whole morbid story. So that when people sit or stand near these varnished areas, I’ll just pop up.
6. I want the Shifting Gears to play all our songs, but do not get a new bassist to play along with them. I want them to play songs minus the bass player, so that people can really see the absence in the songs of the bass sound. Just put the bass guitar on top of the casket.
7. As for food, the coffee should be Nescafe 3-in-1, biscuits should be Cream-O. Favorites at breakfast.
8. I want all the girls I have loved before to be present. Find them, all of them!
9. I want the eulogies to make people laugh. And I want all my blog articles read at the service.
10. During the march to the cemetery, I want the Beatle song “All You Need is Love” to be played.
11. Do not bring umbrellas or canopies to the event. I want everybody to get drenched in the rain and get sick for a whole week. So that you can still remember me long after I am sealed in a 1”x2” septic tank.

Whew, I enjoyed that! I recently updated this list in my head while I was taking a ride home. And the funny part is, before reaching home, my mother called me to sell me my very own memorial plans. For those who want to avail also, call me asap. It’s 50 percent off this week, by next week the whole plan will cost around php80,000.00 payable in 5 years.

And finally, when I tuned in to the tellie, the topic at GMA’s Imbestigador is about dubious funeral practices. Hmmm…

Happy New Year!!!

Walang Nagbago

2005-01-05T17:01:00.000+08:00

eto pa ang isang paborito kong Eheads song:

Nung ikaw, ay bata pa
Ang lahat ay masaya
Umiikot ang mundo
At hindi humihinto
Ang lahat ng makita mo
Ay bago...

At ngayon, me edad ka na
At puno, ng problema
Nangangarap, na ibalik ang kahapon
Di malaman kung bakit kailangan
Magbago ang lahat,
Magbago ang lahat sa buhay mo.

Umaaraw, umuulan
Noon pa may sadyang ganyan
At kung gayon lahat ng panaginip mo'y
Biglang maglaho
Pare-pareho lamang tayo,
Isipin mo na walang nagbago!

Kung ano tayo noon
Ay ganon parin ngayon
Umiikot ang mundo
At hindi humihinto
Ngunit ang kalagayan mo ay
Hindi nagbabago, hindi nagbabago,
Hindi nagbabago!

Walang nagbago!

Waiting for the Bus

2005-01-05T16:31:00.000+08:00

I've been standing here
Waiting for the bus on a Saturday
Laundry on my back
Ultravioletrays
Like I'm posing for a shot in a magazine
What the hell does it mean

I'm a travelling man
Straight from the can
I'm a thousand miles away from my
number one fan
The folks are getting tight
Won't let me out of night
You can avoid the complications
But there is no reason at all

________

I have been a traveller for ten years now. The long road from home to school, and now work to home has improved dramatically, but not efficiently. During the first few years I was witness to the rise of the Skyway, the MRT lines, the various flyovers along Makati, the rise to power of the MMDA, and the growth of 3 new malls along EDSA.

The song "Waiting for the Bus" by the Eraserheads expresses the thrill and trials of literally waiting for the bus and finally going inside the tin can for the long travel home. Waiting for the bus on a hot saturday afternoon after school, with laundry and the pose like in a magazine. This was the beginning of my travels.

________

When the lightning strikes we fry
I'll drink my beer I'll wipe my tears
Southbound in the sky

Another time, another reason gets you everyday
The only time that we can talk you ain't got
nothing to say
Well I'm caught up in a stupid game
that I can't play
It's just a waste of time but I'm in it anyway...

________

The stupid game, literally traffic, gets to your head, but no matter how much I avoid it, something will come up and force me to take that southbound or northbound trip. But now the game wherein we can't play and is a waste of time now encompasses a larger arena: life.
________

I've been sitting here, watching the signs
Too many cars at night, belching in the moonlight
We're doing ninety as the sky turns to gray
The people look like bees, buzzing by the highway
_________

The rat race...people buzzing around.

_________

The wheels are rolling like a rolling stone
Alone. I take the road less travelled on.

Now I'm lying here, waiting for the day on the second deck
Dreaming of a girl from a fairy tale
Chain around my neck a ride is all it takes
But pain gets in the way
_________

By now frustrations set in. I'm caught up in a stupid game that I can't play. It's just a waste of time. But I'm in it anyway. Now the bus ride is an escape from the race. I wanna go home.

Leaders

2004-11-21T13:00:00.000+08:00

During the Second World War, lieutenants and majors are alongside their troops in the front lines, in order for them to have a better perspective of what is happening during an encounter. Battles are won with this way since the time a spent making decision is not hampered by the distance between the commanding officer and the troops. But present day battles are not fought this way, with the higher ranking officers being safely sheltered at their command posts, overseeing battles with the help of technology. What is lost is the direct link with the troops. Morale and empathy with the men are lost.

This analysis of war can be compared to the way architects and project managers should link up or communicate with their subordinates. Thankfully, architects are not in danger of being shot for making a wrong decision. What is necessary is for the architect to greatly empathize with the contractors, with the foremen, and of course with the workers.

Architects are all trained in school in the field of design and theory. What separates great architects from others is the fact that they go beyond what is thought in design school. And what separates the more experienced architects from the great i-know-what-I’m-talking-about architects is their direct immersion in the field. The great architect-generals are those found in the board rooms, in the executive chair, in the drafting room, in front of the computer. The great architect-majors and architect-sergeants are those that mingle with the troops, they eat with them, they safeguard their welfare, they talk with them, and they look after their quality of work. Even a simple chat with the lowest helper can help erase boundaries between the great architect and the men. Every line, every plane, every connection is carefully analyzed and deliberated in the field. After all, drawings, specifications and documents tend to be faulty at times. What is important is the direct connection with the work involved, since time is equal to work, and work is equal to money. And great connection is not limited to the foreman. It should be up to the grass roots, to the men, since they are the real executors of work.

____________________

I recently had a debate with the great administration-general in the office, with regards to my progress as a project manager. It turns out that I am too kind to the contractor, according to the almighty admin-general. I am too generous with time extensions. As compared to other project managers, I am too lax.

I tried to convince the great almighty that I will not sacrifice time with quality, but they insisted that it all boils down to the documents. If other project managers see that I am too lax, there will be points of comparisons, which, accordingly will result in unrest. Chaos. Jealousy.

Well almighty administration-general, this architect-sergeant has been a contractor and project manager for almost four years. If I can just say to them that I have been through thick and thin with the work related to construction, I can defend my position as to why I am too generous. But alas, old “experienced” people will always give you the great lines “…don’t reason with me. In terms of experience, I know what I am talking about. You are only just beginning with the field. Do not challenge me.” Yes, I am still young, but age does not correspond with experience. Work and quality cannot be summed up with words such as deadlines, documents, and damages. For me, quality work is concerned with user satisfaction, good architect-contractor relations, and empathy with the workers. Good relations for me cannot be replaced by theory and documents.

__________________

So the challenge continues.

Cheese and Wine

2004-11-12T13:31:00.000+08:00

We attended an inauguration of a set of newly renovated classrooms at the Palma Hall Annex. We got the priveledge of rubbing elbows with the top brass of the University. What caught my interest in attending though is the food they said they will offer: wine and cheese.

Upon reaching the table, we were amazed to see different kinds of cheese. Great for the white and red wine, we were very curious as to what kind of cheese was served. There was the speckled kind of cheese, the quezo de bola-ish kind of cheese, the soft in the middle kinda cheese, etcetera, etcetera. Next time before attending cocktails I ought to research first. Baka makakuha ng attention ng mga academic chicks if you know your stuff. Hehehe.

___________

After the cocktails I attended first day of classes for one subject at the School. The alcohol, although small in quantity, was still circulating within me. Good thing I didn't mess up when I introduced myself to the whole class.

We then proceeded to the local watering hole to complete our fill of alcohol for the whole day.

And now I need coffee. Lots of it.

Dedication

2004-11-10T13:30:00.000+08:00

This song is lovingly dedicated to my long lost elementary classmate, who I recently found out is now an artista.

Magasin

Kita kita, sa isang magasin
Dilaw ang iyong suot at buhok mo'y green
Isang tindahan, sa may Baclaran
Napatingin natulala sa yong kagandahan

Naaalala mo pa ba,
Tayo pang dalawa,
Di ko inasahang sisikat ka
Tinawanan pa kita, tinawag mo kong walanghiya
E medyo pangit ka pa noon, ngunit ngayon

Iba na ang iyong ngiti
Iba na ang iyong tingin
Nagbago na ang lahat sa iyo
Sana'y hindi nakita
Sana'y walang problema
Pagkat kulang ang dala kong pera
Pambili, pambili ng mukha mong maganda

Siguro ay may kotse ka na ngayon
Rumarampa sa etablado
Damit mo'y gawa ni Sotto
Siguro ay malapit ka na rin sumali
Sa super model of the whole wide universe

Nakita kita, sa isang magasin
At sa sobrang gulat, di ko napansin
Bastos pala ang pamagat,
Dali-dali kong binuklat
At ako'y namulat sa hubad na katotohanan...

Nasaan ka na kaya?
Sana ay masaya
Sana ay sa susunod na issue
Ay centerfold ka na...

To R.V....we hope you would greet us sa t.v. hehehe

Invasion!

2004-11-04T16:57:00.000+08:00

Many people who lived during the ‘60s are proud to have been part of the British Invasion, otherwise known as Beatlemania. Having been unfortunate to be born 15 years late, I did not experience the phenomenon known as the Fab Four. The Beatles heralded the growth of a new form of pop music, rock and roll at its finest.

But here in the Philippine Islands, another phenomenon was born during the ‘90s, for which I have been witness to. The Eraserheads was born during the later part of the ‘80s and the first half of the ‘90s saw the rebirth of the Pinoy Band scene. Now this part of music history I can proudly saw I was witness to.

This piece is an experiment in historical documentation and the analysis and opinions are all mine. In depth analysis of the albums and songs of both bands are pending and are very good subjects to tackle. Whew, parang technical paper, me scope and limitations.
___________________

I recently got copies of the albums of the Eheads, Ultraelectromagneticpop!, Circus and Cutterpillow. Listening to the songs within these albums just brings back memories of the ‘90s, particularly college days. Although they shrug off that they have been heavily influenced by the sound of the Beatles through their frontman Ely Buendia, I cannot help but draw parallelisms in terms of their musicality and also in terms of their development and eventual disbandment.

The Beatles started off with teenybopper songs, like Please, Please Me, Twist and Shout, and I Wanna Hold Your Hand. The Eraserheads started off with radio friendly- amidst- the- cuss lines songs Pare Ko, Ligaya and Toyang. Both bands have been rejected by Major record labels before being accepted into their respective major companies. What is noticeable about the Eraserheads is their raw sound in terms of recording, and the use of instruments. The Beatles started off the same, just a four piece band consisting of lead, rhythm and bass guitars accompanied with the drums.

Moving fast forward, the Eraserheads then ventured into the sophomore album Circus, which as they explained, was the way it was for them when they reached stardom through the first album. The sound in the album has improved tremendously, with the inclusion of various instruments outside of the four piece band. Songs such as Wishing Wells, Butterscotch and Sa Wakas have shown their knack at experimentation with the inclusion of percussion instruments and their ability to compose deep yet reachable lyrics. The album can be likened to the Beatles concept album Sergeant Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band, wherein the songs revolve around a central theme, masterfully varied in terms of musical instruments used and central characters introduced.

The third Eheads album, Cutterpillow, was according to many the last great Eraserheads album. Their music by this time was more refined, giving more emphasis on rhythm and theme instead of lead guitar parts, drum fills and bass lines. Songs such as Waiting for the Bus, Poorman’s Grave and Fine Time have been given life through the fusion of great lyrics with excellent guitar and drum parts. I can then compare the album to the Abbey Road Album of the Beatles, the last great album they recorded prior to their breakup.

Fruitcake, the fourth Eraserheads album, is very similar in theme to the Beatles’ Yellow Submarine album, where the band members are transformed into cartoon characters, and the songs revolve around a story. Like the Beatles battling off the Blue Meanies through their music, the Eraserheads have to contend with the loss of Christmas and the mono-virus through their music along with their friends. Although being an experimental album, the Eraserheads has again achieved musical success with the inclusion of other instruments into their songs such as violins in the song Lightyears.

The later albums of the Eraserheads for me have gained less recognition, but gems have been found in these albums. Songs such as Julie Tear Jearkie, Pop Machine and Huwag Kang Matakot have still kept the distinct sound of the Eraserheads. But unlike the Beatles, who have managed to cook up one final album, Let It Be, to show their musicality as rock and rollers, the Eraserheads has failed to go back full circle, having been lured too deep with the use of electronically improved sounds that are not very radio friendly.

And finally, with the release of the Eraserheads Anthology, the Eheads hoped to again capture the current generation as their audience. But unlike the Beatles who met up again for one final Anthology album, the Eheads have yet to sign up again for one last time.

It’s nice to see the development of groups in terms of their musicality and their careers. The Eraserheads have indeed contributed much to the local band scene and although disbanded, has left a generation singing out songs such as Easy Ka Lang, Maling Akala and Pare Ko, songs that they can relate to.

___________________

Shifting Gears

2004-10-31T13:43:00.000+08:00

I have always been a historian. I have tried to see how people developed through the years, and what they were before. With the onset of blogs, I have read people say "I am now..." or "I have...". Now I'd like to make mine different, as I will share what I have seen throughout the years. How we have shifted gears.

Our architecture "block" consisted of shiftees and transferees who spent most of our time at the College of Architecture during Wednesdays, the time when there are no classes. We find it special, because we own the corridors of Arki all to ourselves. We can make all the noise we want, and that included bringing along guitars so that we can while away the time, that is if we are not doing plates.

During our second year we decided to form a band, as it was the rage during the mid-part of the 90s. We had an initial line up, consisting of Robert on drums, Manny on vox and guitars, me on bass and Joel on lead guitars. We planned to play at the Arki Week, the yearly celebration of Architecture at the U.P. With only two songs, we spent around two weeks practicing, hoping for that one shot at stardom. Carrying along a name announcing our origins as shiftees, we became the Shifting Gears.

Later on we got invited to play at a party at the Youth for Christ around december. This time we hooked up with Jing of the band Kulto ni Aida. Known then as Jing's Blossoms, we played covers of Gin Blossoms, as well as other known covers. We were crude, but we played the tunes.

Further gigs would include other Arki Week celebrations,debuts, small organization gatherings, as well as outside campus gigs, like the down south gig with a certain fraternity. We were expanding territory, as well as adding to our repertoire and changing band responsibilities. We would sometime shuffle places, sharing vocals and trading instruments.

It came to the point were we were carrying guitars more that we would hold our t-squares. Sometime we would practice until we got it right, but right on-stage we would be quaking in our pants. But it was the thrill of being there that kept us going. Upon standing at the stage, you can see no one, not just because of the lights, but also because of nervousness. We only have to play so as to get on with the adrenaline rush. Sometime due to the rush I would later discover that I got blood all around the front of the guitar, due to injuries on my fingers acquired while playing onstage.

One of our best gigs ever was at the Bahay ng Alumni, for the freshmen party of FOPC. Hooking up with Robert's friends at Calderon, we had a line up we can all be proud of. And, it was our first time to play at a real stage! We got to front act for the likes of the Eraserheads, Wolfgang, and all the famous acts during that time. The crowd accepted us, and we really got the chance to connect with the audience.

My next most memorable gig would be at the open house at the Narra Residence Hall. Although we were undermanned, with only the basic bass-lead-drum components present, we got the attention of the audience, and they really "came together" as we sang the popular tune. I would gain instant recognition at the dorm, from an unknown resident to a somebody they can now relate to.

The year 2000 brought in Jigs as the last addition to the band. By this time we were still playing at the Arki Week and Narra open house. We tried to attend several Maskipaps, but as fate would have it, it became just that, with the organizers doing maski papaano with their organizing.

Now it was time for the big-time. Altough we were all graduates or graduating, and the band scene was dying, we still managed to get gigs. We played at the first ever Acousting Jam'engg, and at the first Catharsis sponsored by the Chemical Society. It was a first to gain recognition as an acoustic act at the Acoustic Jam'engg, and also the first band to screw up at the Catharsis. I did not pass by the engineering lobby for quite some time after that. Well at least we were introduced as "the first band to play...with this(songhits in hand).

Our first and last major gig were we got paid was during the Octoberfest held at Pampanga. First gig to play for 30 mins, beyond 5 songs. First time at a major stage setup, first time to get paid. We happily consumed the money at the local restaurant near the area.

But alas, as time passes by, we have again shifted gears. With our careers taking over, we have finally hung up our guitars and said goodbye to the limelight. It was fun. But I guess that is just the way it is, we shift gears every now and then. It will only be a matter of time before we again go up the stage. But now the stage is all around us, the lights focused on each of us, the audience being life itself.

Wanted Housemate

2004-10-31T13:40:00.000+08:00

Happy Halloween!!!

Here is my Halloween blog special…

The Matatag Inc. moved into a large and decent apartment in Barangay Pinyahan. It’s a typical apartment with all the amenities, fit for a group of architect bachelors. We got the space relatively cheap due partly to one thing: somebody committed suicide inside the house.

The suicide victim was a former U.P. student and beauty contestant for a famous pageant. Due to severe depression she committed suicide by hanging herself at the railings of the house’s staircase with a blanket. Although we don’t know the exact details (or we chose not to) the case was documented in Magandang Gabi Bayan.

And as fate would have it, some members of Matatag Inc. got to know some of the former housemates of the victim. Now we have a name: Maryanne.

While looking for an apartment within the area, we inquired in the nearby sari-sari store if they know of anybody wanting to rent out space. The vendors said that there is one apartment nearby that is for rent. Upon seeing that we were all male, they jokingly told us “…sabagay puro lalaki naman kayo e…”. What the….?

Now more testimonials came in after we bagged the rental for the place. One neighbor said he was among those who carried the body down from the staircase. Mabigat daw, kasi matangkad.

The house is newly renovated after the former remaining residents vacated the place a few months back. There are still traces of candle droppings from the house blessing to give rest to the spirit of the victim.

We lived inside the apartment for almost a year, as dictated by the contract. During the first months it was a little challenge for us, especially if we have to go down to the ground floor during the night, as we have to pass down the stairs of course. It became more difficult when the inaccessible light at the stairwell conked out.

Well, nothing happened though, except for some cases of leaving the door closed and dosing off, only to find it ajar after waking up. Or vice versa.

Taunting the spirit was not in our agenda during our stay, except for a few party goers joking about it when the topic is brought up.

But after we left the house after our contract expired, things got different.

I went back to the place to inquire about our deposit refund after only 5 months. Upon meeting the caretaker, the first thing she asked us was if we had encounters with Maryanne. I later learned that there were sightings of Maryanne, as experienced by the new residents and the caretakers themselves. There were sounds of somebody walking around the kitchen during the night, a shady figure standing at the front door upon entering from the outside, and silhouettes of a lady seen from the second floor window.

The new residents left after only two months. I guess Maryanne became very lonely, because there were only two people who moved in, unlike us, we were 6 residents who sometime become 8 to 15 at one time. Maybe Maryanne felt at home with us.

Now the new residents consists of ten people. Maybe the spirit will again feel happy now that the house is once again teeming with life. Hopefully she will free herself someday from her bondage with the house.

May you rest in peace Maryanne.

Encounters

2004-09-17T11:22:00.000+08:00

In contrast to my earlier post about working with foreigners, I now have a happier account on meeting foreigners. Remember when Homer Simpson does something wrong, he always say "dowp!" or something similar? Insert the same expression while reading the story below...

I was out conducting a survey for our group work at the International Center when I chanced upon a Filipina looking chick who turns out to be Japanese. I tried my luck and asked her if I can bother her with the survey we are currently conducting. Apparently she has finished doing that survey through my groupmates, so I just asked her if she can help me distribute more survey forms to her friends. She told me that she doesn't have that many friends since she is only an exchange student at the Third World Studies program. After chatting for a while we parted, and at the back of my mind I asked why I didn't follow up that part where she said she doesn't have that many friends, where I can be her friend. (Insert expression here).

I went back to the I.C. to conduct the same survey, and upon entering the lobby I was surprised to see the same Japanese chick again. So we had a little chat again, and I asked her what places she has gone to so far here in Manila. I then suggested they go to Eastwood, and she said she'll try if her friends can accompany her.
You know what happened next? You guessed it right. (You can now insert the expression here)

Oh well, maybe the third time we meet will be much better. That is, if we can meet at all again. But we have a project at the Third World Studies Center. Hmmm...I think a site inspection is in order.

____________________

Another encounter with foreigners is when we went on an inspection at the Faculty Center. I was not aware of the department we were going to assist, and it turned out to be the Department of European Languages. And before I knew it, we were talking to a foreign faculty member.

____________________

Maybe fate read my blog and decided to check if I am indeed who I thought myself to be.

Maybe

2004-09-14T13:20:00.000+08:00

I have a problem working with foreigners. It's not the language barrier, or is it religion, nor physical attributes. I just can't understand their work ethics, how they tend to pass the blame easily and get away with it. They get the credit, and they pass the work to the hardworkers, and they get to laugh at the poor Filipino.

I know I have to be exposed to these people for me to be competitive in the international arena. I have to be adept to varying work ethics and standards.

Maybe I'm generalizing. Maybe I'm racist?

boks

2004-08-30T11:57:00.000+08:00

I spent half a day with Mike, a bok who is leaving for Dubai within the week. We went out to inspect past projects he is leaving behind with me. Prior to that I met up with Manny and Pam at the Galleria. And Mike had a small chat with Donna on the phone. I also bumped into Ronnie at the Galleria.

Mike and I had the chance to talk about friends, careers and plans. It's funny how fast time flies, we who were just students a few years ago who are now living our lives. We talked about people we seldom see, people who want to leave their parents house and try it on their own, and people who are now outside of the country.

These are the boks. The people who have become part of our lives and still continue to shape our lives, eventhough we don't get to see them anymore. They are the arkiboks.

______________

I remember hearing the word "bok" for the first time from the great bok himself, Goldsta, who came from the distant past of the 80s. It was further immortalized by the Mascardo thesis house grand bok, Bok Ed. Then it was further used and abused by the first fellowship of the Bok, namely Bok Noel, Bok Ferdz and Bok Abet. Then the great arkiboks@yahoogroups.com was formed by the punx, where more boks was introduced into the great fellowship, the bokness.

Now, after almost three years, the great arkiboks was further elevated to the status of blog-mania, thanks to the efforts of the great bok of mass media, Bok ponpon. Arkiboks was now given more exposure thanks to print media. Now we have bok talks. Next time, bok fellowships na siguro, then bok books.

The boks are now scattered around the globe. International na ang boks. With media exposure, internet and yahoogroups, we hope that arkiboks continue on the tradition of, well, bokhood.

There are funny boks, stiff boks, serious boks, active boks and boks who remain anonymous.

All hail arkiboks. Boks. Pare, utol, whatever. May we all see each other again.

_________________

That was fun.

Bust

2004-08-28T10:09:00.000+08:00

Nature is not art...it needs the intervention of man for it to be considered an art form.

So goes the lectures in art theory and criticism. I wonder what my life would be right now if I have decided to continue pursuing my art studies degree?

Long before I stepped into college I have always liked History classes. Philippine History, Asian and World History. Long before I knew completely the whys,I was content with the hows, the whats, whens and wheres.

During college, I got my history fix once more, not just in the classroom, but also in my immediate surroundings. The travels in and out of manila, Burnham's manila, Intramuros, UP Diliman. Now I try to seek the why's in the works of man.

I got engrossed in war history as well. Saving Private Ryan, Band of Brothers, Braveheart, The Patriot, Timeline. I would look up various eras for any trivia and facts about the lives of various people during different times of war. Now it's not just art figures, but significant historic figures and events as well.

But I didn't think history was in our own front yard. Not until now.

My landlord, a self proclaimed artist, recently acquired an old plaster bust, coated in copper. He was busy retouching the old bust when I passed by his garage workshop. Upon going back home, I found him ecstatic, looking over the corners of the bust. It turns out that the sculptor of the bust was none other than Guillermo Tolentino himself, circa 1953. He found Tolentino's signature at the base of the bust.

Now he is on a mission to spread the word about the bust, looking for contacts, writing articles and researching about the authenticity of the bust.

He found the sculpture at the chemical dumping grounds at the side of the Institute of Chemistry, while he was out jogging. Being the artist he claims himself to be, he got the papers necessary to acquire the forgotten bust, and took it home. The rest is history.

It's a good thing that there are still people who appreciates artworks, both known and unknown artists. My landlord is one of those unknown artists who still has the passion to continue doing art for art's sake. With the continuing "modernization" and improvements in the university, there are many art pieces that are left at corners, unknown and deteriorating.

With this precious find, we hope to spread the word that there are many art works from bygone eras that are just waiting to be discovered. Let's just hope that the bust find won't be just, well, another bust. As for me, history is now in our front yard, waiting for me to join in and do my share of its appreciation and contribution.

POWERS

2004-08-16T12:06:00.000+08:00

I have new powers! I have a physical attraction on one of my classmates in masters, and I was thinking of her even before going to sleep. It turns out I dreamed of us being in a relationship, but the problem? Only the name of the person stuck in the dream, and the person in the dream was another person with the same name! It was another person's girlfriend! *@@#$%$!!! The twist!

Now you're gonna ask me who the person is who I dreamed about? Secret!

Try it! See what happens!

Now this song is dedicated not to the person but to the whole experience. Enjoy...

And lastly, I hope my girlfriend doesn't read this...

CAN’T TAKE MY EYES OFF OF YOU

You’re just too good to be true
Can’t take my eyes off of you
You’d be like heaven to touch
I wanna love/hold you so much

At long last love has arrived
And I thank God I’m alive
You’re just too good to be true
Can’t take my eyes off of you

Pardon the way that I stare
There’s nothing else to compare
The sight of you makes me weak
There are no words left to speak

But if you feel like I feel
Please let me know that it’s real
You’re just too good to be true
Can’t take my eyes off of you

I love you baby
And if it’s quite all right
I need you baby
To warm the lonely nights
I love you baby
Trust in me when I say

Oh pretty baby
Don’t bring me down I pray
Oh pretty baby
Now that I found you stay
And let me love you baby
Let me love you

Decisions...

2004-08-14T22:15:00.000+08:00

Howard Roark did not get his major designs immediately.

That's what I keep telling myself. I did not get paid with my last venture as a code abiding, grounded to earth approach as an Architect. Although I did everything by the books, it's seems that the only payment I'll get are the free dinners and the small sum for representation and conceptualization.

The owner decided not to pursue with the "legal" designing and construction of the house, and decided to contact his engineer cousin at the city hall. With all smiles and sincerity we concluded the venture and made promises of contacting each other for future projects. I don't understand rich people.

On another note, the girlfriend is applying for a job in London. That leaves me flat in the face with my decision of not leaving the country. Now questions arise. What do I do for the later half of my very exciting so called 20s life? Do I follow her lead and find work there at the same country she's going to? Do I stay and pursue other courses in life, inside the University? Do I risk everything?

At least with all that's happening now, I'm expanding my horizons. Failed contracts, more contacts. Graduate studies, less time. Girl leaving, me thinking.

I think I have to re-think things through.

One founder of Task Force Arki told me that "...Architecture is man's slow way to China...".

It's raining outside and I can't go home. Oh well, slowly but hopefully surelym, I'll get there.

And another thing, I don't think I'll go bombing failed designs like Roark did.

Back to Basics

2004-08-08T22:27:00.000+08:00

It seems that the shitft from construction to design has left me struggling to find technical answers to seemingly simple questions. Just like any other skill once you stop practicing your brain sorts of slows down.

___________

Been working on a small resthouse recently, and I'm now at the technical phase of the project. I can't seem to visualize the proper components for the house, as to what material to use. I think I'm beginning to realize that I have mastered concrete construction over timber and steel construction, so I can't maximize the potential of the latter two materials when dealing with structural conceptualization for the design. Concrete structures are generally easier to construct, based on experience, as well as comprehension. Just read the Structural Code and you'll see what I mean.

Maybe it's due to the fact that it's much easier to visualize concrete and steel reinforcements working together, as compared to steel, wherein you have a wide range of items to choose from, from pipes to tubes, channels to purlins, plates to flanges. Well I don't want to fall into the trap of blaming the educational system, but it seems that concrete has always been emphasized over steel and timber construction.

I should read up on structural books, so that I can get inspiration for explorations on the use of other materials other than concrete. Guess I'll start with the Dytoc books.

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It's not enough that Architects rely on the Structural engineer. Guess that's what another architect imparted on my formative years (which I guess I still am in). His paranoia for structural design failures succeeded in limiting my imagination when it comes to determining spans and dimensions of structural components.

The worst example of this paranoia came when I was assigned to partly supervise the lifting of steel columns for the footbridge project at the MRT station. The activity for the day involved the lifting of huge 20 meter steel columns into place. After successfully lifting one column we were sure that the second column can be lifted. But after the column was lifted from a horizontal position to a diagonal position the cables of the crane gave way and the column, which was around 5 meters from the truck came crashing down to the ground. Although the supposed danger came from implementation rather than design, the risk is still there. Architecture is not just drawing afte all. It involves logistical nightmares like this. You should have seen how the large bridge girders flew from the ground to it's final position at the top of the columns. THAT was scary.

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On another side of construction and design, I recently went to the mountains of Antipolo along with a landscape architect friend for a potential client. The house under construction is notable for the various wood species used for the trimmings, counters, cladding and surface treatment. Pine, birch, narra...I forgot the rest. No tanguile or yakal for this project. I was honest with the client that I don't know the materials he used, since these are rare materials. I was eager to learn there and then, to see how these wood species look, feel, smell and taste. Yes, some architects know wood by their taste, by licking the wood itself. Hmmm yummy...well I guess I'll just ask for samples from him later. It goes to show that I have a lot to learn again.

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So much for my yearning to enter a corporate archi firm were I get to learn high end finishes and techno-savvy equipment. I guess I have to learn first more from the basics. Where's a mentor when you need one?

CROSS COUTNRY, CROSS BORDERS

2004-08-08T22:17:00.000+08:00

CROSS COUNTRY, CROSS BORDERS part 1

Nope, I did not go on a cross country tour of the Strong Republic, we just went on a weekend get-away to the southern portions of Luzon.

Thanks to the graciousness of the Great Punx, members of the former Firm went to the highlands of Tagaytay for an overnight celebration of his having passed the board exam. We then proceeded on a last-minute decision to go swimming in Batangas. The result was a strong comparison of what it was to live inside the metro and in the far reaches of the mainland. The adventure took place in the highways of Metro Manila to the stretches of Southern Luzon.

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Due to obligations to my high school batch, I went ahead and attended a meeting for our highschool reunion in our home city of Parañaque. I was to meet the group at the Jollibee branch near the Sucat Toll Exit. I preferred to meet them at the ubiquitous insect franchise since it is very easy to spot from the tollway, and very quick to access from the expressway.

But alas, the “expressway” has its limits, as our transport made a wrong turn to the “service” road, resulting in the appreciation of south Luzon traffic. It took the group 3 hours to meet up with me at Alabang, the new meeting place, since they did not dare go on using the service road to Sucat. All familiarity of the beloved South Luzon Expressway faded, and I was filled with wonder as to why there was such a build up in the SLEX. It was almost 10 years when I suffered the same fate at the same traffic artery, with the absence of the then built Skyway. But then it took me 5 hours of traffic hell.

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Moving on, after I met up with the now weary group, I hopped on to the back of the pick up with Jeck and Robert apparently enjoying the wind (pollution) of Metro Manila. But upon exiting Alabang and entering Laguna, the pollution lightened up and we all knew that we were going to enjoy a few minutes of fresh wind on our faces. And it did take us only minutes! We were in Tagaytay in less than one hour.

The group then went on a dinner treat of bulalo and rice at a roadside eatery. Large bowls of bulalo was served, and we had our fill of hot soup and tasty beef. The only bother we encountered was the large cat begging for a bite of our meal. And I do mean large. They don’t breed cats like those in Manila. It must be the fresh air.

Then came the espasol girls, selling the group espasol minus the e, with their goods labeled “spasol”. With nothing else to do but relax, I guess our observation skills must be in full force. Jeck tried his bola skills to get rid of the girls, but the girls must have been trained better in the art of counter-bola:

Jeck: Ay sorry hindi puede yan sa akin kasi me allergic ako jan e….”

Girl: E ser mas gagaling nga kayo pag kumain kayo nito e…

Jeck: E bawal din sa relihiyon ko yan e…”

Girl: E ser wala naman pong kinalaman ang relihiyon nyo sa pagkain nito e…”

This is not verbatim, but I guess it was hilarious enough for us to remember it later.

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The only leg of the trip left was the travel to the Punx’ residence in Tagaytay. After a short drive along the cliffs of Tagaytay we finally found the complex. After entering the compound’s gate, I called the Punx and he asked us to turn left down to the lower parts of the cliff. The problem was there was no left, only a right to a dark roadway. With all of us noisily climbing down the back of the pickup and having entered the WRONG compound, we all expected shotguns pointed at us. Good thing we haven’t pitched camp first before calling, or else we might have been accused of trespassing.

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At last we have arrived at the Focolare compound with no bullet holes or axe cuts. It has been almost three years since I first entered the compound, and with some degree of familiarity to the place and the Punx’ family, we happily entered the house.

We met the Punx’ other friends and colleagues at the Focolare movement. And what a group indeed! There were a variety of nationalities present in the event, with Malaysians, Germans, Spanish, Portuguese present.

After a few minutes of drinking beer and eating barbecue, we proceeded to give a toast for the Punx, with pure lambanog being the drink! The group then proceeded with short impromptu performances from each nationality with the aid of the guitar. Robert was up first, and due to the lack of knowledge of any kundiman, we ended up singing Pare Ko by the Eraserheads. The guitar was eventually passed on to me, and with no other guitar piece memorized, I ended up playing a few Beatles songs. The highlight of the performance was the Spanish (or was it Portuguese?) singing a Spanish song along with some Spanish style guitar playing. The Malaysian also tried to play a few songs, with his demeanor reminding me of the F4 people.

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The group then pitched camp along the side of the house, and since I don’t plan to get drunk or stay up late since I have to study tomorrow for an exam for my masters, I decided to sneak in the tent and sleep early. Good thing I didn’t join in the lambanog consumption session, I heard Mr. Malaysian got very drunk and ended up puking later on.

Ah, cross borders, cross nationalities…there’s more…

WE NEED SWIMMING SHORTS….
Cross Country Cross Borders part 2

After a few photo ops at the mountains of Tagaytay, we then proceeded to the beaches of Batangas for some last minute swimming.

We decided to but some cheapo swimming shorts at the market in Tagaytay, and we easily got three shorts for a hundred pesos. All that was left was to eat lunch and then it’s the beach for us!

I suggested we eat at the Mushroom Burger joint, since I haven’t tried the burgers yet. It was good, for a fungus.

After leaving the joint, we had a little stopover at the side of the road, since one of us forgot her packed fungus spaghetti at the Mushroom Burger. It was later on to be called the Spaghetti Incident and became a small joke for us at the back of the pickup, whenever we try to remember things we forgot to do before leaving for Batangas.
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And so it was the beach for all of us! We ended up in Jigs’ Auntie’s resort, which has a very nice view, and very nice waves. There were the mountains near the shoreline, and large waves splashing along the waters. Since it was the middle of July, there was nobody but us at the beach. We hooked up with a bunch of local boys swimming at the beach, which we suspect tried to hit on our comrade who we would later call Elementary Levels.

After swimming we decided to go to the less frequented places in the beach. We tried to walk along the shallow areas of the beach full of sea urchins and small sharp stones, without footwear! Reminiscent of the bogs where Frodo and Gollum walked minus the ghosts, we successfully walked around the area, and back to the swimmable areas.

It was were we found out that our precious cheapo shorts were all ripped open, exposing more sensitive areas of skin. At least we got pictures wearing the shorts before and after ripping. So much for supporting the local industry.

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The rest of the trip was spent taking pictures of ourselves windswept at the back of the pickup, trying to capture a nice sunset and taking pictures of the countryside. But all things must come to an end, as we returned to the urban jungles of Manila.

Now we’re back in our polluted-concrete covered havens. Hope the next out of town gimmick happens soon. It was fun escaping from it all. I heard Bulacan is up next. Ilocos anyone? Baguio? Boracay?

Reconciliation and Maximization

2004-07-23T11:59:00.000+08:00

Sometimes I catch myself going in circles when talking to people, at work and at school. People usually respond after I explain by saying, "So in short..." or "Bottomline is...". Must be the sigurista in me. We all know that Contract documents and correspondence should be all complete, but not conversations. If I can compress three sentences into one, so much the better.

Got tired of this phd student going around in circles during a discussion about our proposal for the survey. He's a professor of architecture at another school. He speaks reaaal slooooowwww... so I rescued my groupmate by sharing my cents worth of Architecture and the need for surveying. I began by introducing "...two keywords that should be remembered, reconciliation and maximization." Data, as in user needs should first be reconciled, then the resources, or the space can later be maximized. This goes the same for Architecture, planning or any other fields that dwell on the pooling of resources and the identification of user needs.

So maybe I'll just introduce a topic by using keywords first. That way I can stay away from going in circles.

I wonder if "reconciliation and maximization" has already been put in books...hmmmm....

Ninety five

2004-07-20T12:39:00.000+08:00

Here's an update from our high school batch:
1. Many are married.
2. Many are outside of the country.
3. Some are into the medical fields, some in information technology, some sell encyclopedias, some do multi-level marketing, and some married early.

Looking back, how do I compare myself to them? I don't have to. I'm happy with what I have and what I do.

Overworked?

2004-07-20T12:18:00.000+08:00

I get amazed when people are surprised that I work for the government. Maybe it's because of people's impressions that we government employees are not that overworked, or we just spend time surfing or doing other things aside from work. One person even made me promise not to waste the taxpayers money. Ok, noted.

But are we really under or overworked here in our share of the beaurocracy?

The answer, we're doing just fine. Our office has around 30 projects per team, so that makes it 90 projects all at the same time. The key here is that we queue the projects in order for us to manage finishing each and every site investigation, project scoping, design, drafting, estimating and supervision. It's not enough to just finish a requirement, but to finish it with all points noted and consulted with other people. That's what makes the process slower, but makes it surer.

So don't worry dear taxpayers.

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I had a massive headache last night, and up till now I still feel it. It feels like my one hundred and thirty degrees visual cone has been reduced to ten degrees, because I can't focus. Working for 8 hours straight for work and 4 hours for academics really drained my powers. I was supposed to go straight to a watering hole with some of the former Firm but I decided to do a win-win situation assessment. It turned out that I cannot make it to the said gathering so I opted to just sleep sufficiently, if not soundly. Prioritization muna, next time na ang saya.

The question now is do I continue with this 12hour for two days endeavor for the next 3-4 years, or just enjoy what I already have? I guess the answer is not yet that obvious.

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So I have only two nights free for the whole week, since I have to sleep early even for Saturday because that day is my physical improvement cum recreation day. The rest is spent on reading and research. The problem is I have many things unaccounted for in my schedule: night outs, dates, window shopping sprees. I just laugh to myself whenever an acquaintance always begin his question with "kailan". As in, "Kailan tayo blah-blah-blah...". You go ahead, I'll follow later. But he never does.

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So am I overworked?

Beautiful

2004-07-13T12:30:00.000+08:00

"Make no little plans, they do not have magic to stir mens blood."

Daniel Burnham sure knows his stuff. I delivered a voluntary report last night for the PLAN 201 class on the works of Daniel Burnham and the City Beautiful Movement. I spent a week researching on the net and inside the library for the guy. By Saturday, I managed to finish the research and do the outline and bulk of the report by Sunday.

I finished the visuals by Sunday night, a few hours before meme time. Due to the low techness of the SURP, I managed to make do with acetates, but upon projecting the slides, the pictures are too dull and the font small (mental note: buy laptop). I planned to go around the Manila Area to photo-doc the entire Burnham planned city, but I didn't have the resources and the time to go (note: car). Another problem was that my printer makes a lot of noise so I have to be quick and discreet going about my printing, so minimal errors are all that is acceptable (note: laser printer).

By the time I started the report, I apologetically made a joke that I haven't made a report in class for over three years, but I meant it as an ice breaker. So I went through the report, in time-line form. I started speaking extemporaneously, but after a while I realized that I have an outline and notes. But it was hard to go back to reading, so I just went ahead, skipping and going back to some points I need to emphasize. My hand writing and my sketches sucked. But at least I got the message through.

I guess I'm not yet cut out to be a teacher or instructor, but I did manage to impart knowledge and show the non-Architects a thing or two about Architecture and its role in Planning. Maybe by the time I go into thesis (pray) I will be able to have a more Ekistically structured report.

Until then, I'll just have to live by Daniel Burnham's words, and although it's farfetched that I get to purchase each and every item I mentioned above, at least I get to plan big.