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[07 Jan 2010|12:26am] |
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( amfness! )
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| Facebook fan pages I'd make, except that I'd be too lazy maintaining them. |
[06 Jan 2010|01:19am] |
In the days before Yahoo! acquired Egroups, there was Yahoo! Clubs. Some of them are for rather esoteric interests like "Why are zippers marked with YKK?" or "Put a stop against children eating paste" (which are real clubs I belonged to, btw). Now, I'm seeing a resurgence of these common interest group in Facebook fan pages.
It's another growing internet meme: Come up with a statement other people could relate to. Create a fan page for said interest. Wait for fans to link your page to their profiles. And now you have fan pages for all sorts of stuff. One of my favorite is "Stop hitting us with those f*cking pillows" which claims they even have their own anti-fan site.
I'm too lazy to create and maintain a fan site (actually I am maintaining one for my website); but if I were to create some more, I'll use some of these:
- Leave your kids at home if you can't stop them from screaming in public places.
- Don't use too many exclamation points! Is your heart palpitating!! Maybe you ought to cut down on your coffee!!!
- People, for the love of Dog, learn how to use the ATM efficiently.
- Just because I said people ought to be whacked in the head for their mistakes doesn't mean I am serious about it. Learn to spot a joke, boyo. Ya ya ya.
- Don't just say "Kudos!" when you wanted to congratulate someone. Make an effort to write a decent sentence.
- It's insulting to people when you reply to messages with "K"; unless that's really what you're after.
- I know you love that song, but don't play it in a bleedin' loop every bleedin' day. An MP3 player with 500+ songs and you can't come up with a decent playlist?
- The caller at the other end of the phone could hear you shouting; will you act like a civilized human being and PIPE DOWN A LITTLE? Thank you.
- No, seriously,,, multiple commas are not used,,, as ellipses,,,,
- Give "basically" a rest. Better yet, stop using pointless adverbs when beginning your sentences.
- Lightly touching my bum does not pass as effective security check.
I realized all of these could be made into individual Twitter broadcasts. Which proves how people could adopt and distill their ire into sentences with 140 characters or less. But that's for another entry, I think.
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| 2010, you shall be ours. |
[06 Jan 2010|12:56am] |
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music |
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Dashboard Confessional - Stolen |
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I have a raket tomorrow. Funny, Mykel (Andrada) and I were just sharing snippets of condescension toward the new Coca-Cola ad, of reification and of beautifully exploiting the prevailing Pinoy value system, when I received an email to cover something for Coca-Cola Bottlers. I am not complaining. God knows I'm not. The Christmas season has done what it does best and rid my wallet of sustenance, and any extra cash is welcome.
That being said, I like 2010 already. I like it better. Sure, 2009 also kicked off with a raket (in Baguio), but all in all, it was a rough year. It bears note to repeat it and not be exhausted when repeating it: 2009 was harsh, and those who would claim otherwise are either lying or are extremely lucky bastards who should be shot dead.
The thing with disasters and global stuff like the recession, sometimes you feel immune to them, view them imperviously on the television, but other times they become way too familiar. When this happens, I ask what Jason Mraz sang: Wasn't you who spoke the words that things would happen but not to me?
By way of greeting the v. select few who mattered happy new year, I thanked them, in jest but also partly sincerely, for merely making it to 2010 and not dying. They say you don't know what you have until it's gone? Here I am appreciating it, and defying Buddhism by becoming attached to them, because contrary to rumors, I can appreciate stuff, and I can be grateful.
And so it is. When the year turned over, I was in an elevated part of Baguio that overlooked the city. With one sweeping glance, I was reminded of the luminosity of Baghdad the night US forces attacked it. It was hard picking just one view, because things exploded everywhere, and there was absolutely no pattern to it, nothing whatsoever.
After a few minutes, the whole Baguio was enveloped in a thick cloud of fumes, then clarity, and a glass of wine.
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| Who'd Have Known - Lilly Allen |
[05 Jan 2010|07:13pm] |
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mood |
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It's 5 o'clock in the morning
The conversation got boring
You said you were going to bed soon
So I snuck off to your bedroom
And I thought I'd just wait there
Until I heard you come up the stairs
And I pretended I was sleeping
And I was hoping you would creep in with me
You put your arm around my shoulder
And it was good the room got colder
And we moved closer in together
And started talking about the weather
You said tomorrow would be fun
And we could watch a place in the sun
I didn't know where this was going
When you kissed me
Are you mine?
Are you mine?
Cause I stay here all the time
Watching telly, drinking wine
Who'd have known?
Who'd have known?
When you flash up on my phone
I no longer feel alone
No longer feel alone
I haven't left you for days now
And I'm becoming amazed how
You're quite affectionate in public
In fact your friend said it made her feel sick
And even though it's moving forward
There's just the right amount of awkward
And today you accidentally called me baby
Are you mine?
Are you mine?
Cause I stay here all the time
Watching telly, drinking wine
Who'd have known?
Who'd have known?
When you flash up on my phone
I no longer feel alone
Let's just stay
Let's just stay
I wanna lie in bed all day
We'll be laughing all the way
You told your friends they all know
We exist but we're taking it slow
Let's just see how it goes
Let's see how it goes
Are you mine?
Are you mine?
Cause I stay here all the time
Watching telly, drinking wine
Who'd have known?
Who'd have known?
When you flash up on my phone
I no longer feel alone
Let's just stay
Let's just stay
I wanna lie in bed all day
We'll be laughing all the way
You told your friends they all know
We exist but we're taking it slow
Let's just see how it goes
Let's see how it goes
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| 2010, bring it! |
[05 Jan 2010|06:54pm] |
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Lately, I've found myself welcoming thinking sessions by myself. Well, to be quite honest about it, I've spent some time alone at home. Other than the usual distractions, technically, I didn't have a choice. I've been digging deeper within myself and this time I would claim that it's not useless overthinking. I've been reassessing my life and my lifestyle, and I've arrived at a conclusion that I would have to undergo certain necessary changes. I'm not getting any younger and sooner than later I would have to become a tad bit more grown up as I grow older.
First on my list, I would have to live healthier. It doesn't necessary mean just undergoing a diet scheme but more of I have to take care of myself more. Too emo to say, but I have to take care of myself because I can't expect anyone to do that for me. Starting 2010, I've decided to get back into shape. I will be going back to the gym, this time not just on a whim. I don't intend to get all buffed and vain anyway. I just want to keep my body active and a little bit more flexible (haha). Going back to playing sports is a definite addition to my course of action. Aside from that, I would also have to pay more attention to what I eat and drink. I'm not saying that I will deprive myself of the good stuff, but basically just maintain a more balanced diet. That being said, I would also have to lessen my intake of alcohol and limit the number of cigarettes I smoke. I know, I know. Smoking and drinking are my biggest vices. It would be a challenge definitely but I love myself enough to take the necessary adjustments to make sure that I live a healthier lifestyle.
Second, I have to learn to manage my finances effectively. I've developed a system somehow. I have decided to allot about 30-50% of my earnings every payday to go into a savings account. Of course, the first step would have to be taken, which is to open that damn account. This weekend will be the first payout of the year and I will walk into the bank this Friday and make sure I open an account before I spend my money on anything else. Aside from that, a big chunk of my everyday expenses go to buying Starbucks coffee and taking cab rides. I think the latter is much more important, so I've decided not to include Starbucks coffee in my everyday routine. I'm not saying I won't buy coffee anymore, just not on a daily basis. Not anymore. Or I could get my driver's license.
Third, I've decided to be more learned. I would have to find time for reading. I still have a lot of books that I acquired in 2008 that I have yet to start with. Add to that the ones I got over the holidays. On top of that, I will commit myself to learning a new skill or hobby this year. That part I haven't decided yet. A new sport ain't bad.
Fourth, I have to be more family-oriented. I have to admit, not being with my family over the holidays did strike a nerve or two. I do realize that there is a certain distance between myself and my family. I have to find time to spend with them more. But of course, I don't believe that being physically together is enough to bridge the gap. I would have to be more engaging and be more open to my family. I am contemplating on officially coming out to them. Funny, I never even thought I would actually consider sitting down with my parents and siblings to talk about my sexual preference. It's all good.
Lastly, I have to take my job more seriously. It's not that I don't. I love my job and I haven't been slacking off. I wouldn't have been getting my promotions at this rate if I didn't perform my best. What I'm trying to say is I have to look the part as well. I'm someone whom people look up to in the office. I mean I'm not the top person on the corporate ladder but there are employees who do look up to me and of course there are also colleagues and bosses who observe how I am. That being said, an image shift is definitely necessary. I would have to dress up more. Not really corporate outfits, but I need to dress up in business casual. Of course, I would have to update my wardrobe, and this is the exciting part. I have decided to invest in slacks, polos, collared shirts, belts, leather shoes, dress socks, etc. I would also have to invest in a watch, which I'm not really to keen on but it helps with the image. Aside from the look, I also have to act the part. I have decided not to bend certain policies in the office. I have to set an example for the people looking up to me. This part would be challenge definitely as I am one of the pasaway in the office. Either way, I'm determined to be a better leader and employee.
Whew! That's a lot of things I want to accomplish for 2010. Funny how things turn out once thoughts are put into writing. :)
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| New Year Meme |
[05 Jan 2010|03:46pm] |
1. What did you do in 2009 that you'd never done before?
Get a fake ID haha
2. Did you keep your New Year's resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I think I did.. save for one
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Officemates
4. Did anyone close to you die?
Not really that close to me...
5. What countries did you visit?
None.
6. What would you like to have in 2010 that you lacked in 2009?
Self-control
7. What date from 2009 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
November 17... happiest day of 2009
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Exploring my own limits
9. What was your biggest failure?
None so far...
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
None
11. What was the best thing you bought?
Nokia 6500c from Penny
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Mine. Of course. :p
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
Mine as well.
14. Where did most of your money go?
Travel + Clothes + Starbucks + Yosi + Cab fare + Food + Alcohol
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Going back to CS
16. What song will always remind you of 2009?
Lucky - Jason Mraz and Colbie Caillat
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. happier or sadder?
Sadder :(
ii. thinner or fatter?
A lot fatter
iii. richer or poorer?
Richer, I suppose... Got my promotion in September 2009
18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
Budget money, go to the gym, play sports, read, blog, sleep, travel
19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Overspend, smoke, drink, binge, facebook
20. How will you be spending Christmas?
Noche buena at home then at 4am at the office. :)
21. What was your favorite month of 2009?
December :)
22. Did you fall in love in 2009?
I suppose I did...
23. How many one-night stands?
:p
24. What was your favorite TV program?
no time for TV
25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
Nope.
26. What was the best book you read?
"After Dark" and "Sputnik Sweetheart" by Haruki Murakami
27. What was your greatest musical discovery?
None much..
28. What did you want and get?
An answer..
29. What did you want and not get?
A savings account... an ipod
30. What was your favorite film of this year?
Avatar, 500 days of Summer, Transformers 2, In Your Life
31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
Went to Fish and Co with Maka and Don then Chiggy's after with JA, Cuayo, Melo, Nikki, Jozo and Sandy
32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
A love life :)
33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2009?
shirts, hoodies, jeans and sneakers = comfy
34. What kept you sane?
My job
35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Wala
36. What political issue stirred you the most?
Wala rin
37. Who did you miss?
Dboys, JMAers
38. Who was the best new person you met?
Biboy :)
39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2009.
To take risks and go outside my comfort zone
40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
"Je veux ton amour,
I don't want to be friends..."
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| a recap of 2009: those things that i do that qualifies as work. |
[31 Dec 2009|10:53am] |
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01.
january found me in that sweet spot at work where i'm halfway between agents and middle management. by the middle of the year, major changes in the job quickly moved me from being the junior member of my team to senior member: a quick succession of responsibilities that often meant longer work hours, extra duties, and exclusive logins.
june also saw me moving away completely from makati (at least for a few months): living in mandaluyong and working in pasig. for the longest time, i've avoided working in ortigas because i couldn't stand its traffic jams and relative inaccessibility of the center for commuters (though not as bad as eastwood). it's funny that i still ended up here.
02.
midyear came one of the senior engineers we have from the US. i picked him up from the airport when he told me his date of arrival, and even introduced him to a local beer that first night he arrived here. he stayed for nearly a month, and although we were not able to talk much while he was here, those times we did were always interesting.
the guy has lived a colorful life: he joined the navy, played in several bands (and is well known among some circles in the american rock scene), made guitars, rode and fixed harleys, studied photography, raised animals and saw the development of the internet. and he never even finished college.
hearing him tell of bits and pieces of his life, one can't help but be awed. as for myself, i wish i could say i have had that much experience as he acquired when i reach fifty.
03.
also this year, i acquired a website. it started with an offer to host it which coincided with the previous owner deciding to give up on administering the site. "do you want to keep the site?" he asked me; and before i could give a definite answer, the site was mine.
i wanted to keep things in a low profile. as much as possible, i do not wish for people to recognize me as the new site owner; but before i could i have word sent to close friends from that site to keep things hush-hush, news had already leaked and i acquired a new online moniker.
moderating a huge site is tiring (to say the least): one often has to go through messy (and often petty) squabbles between gay men who wouldn't back down. it was a crash course on the difference between human interactions in cyber and meatspace. it also gave me a better perspective of the many crazy things people would do online, in order to get attention and popularity. some of those actions are downright disgusting, to tell you the truth.
several times, we had to bring down the site due to various technical reasons. in the end, working with a site with an unwieldy database and monstrous server load consumption (not to mention how financially draining it was for me in the end), i decided on a hiatus. upgrade the site software, revise the forum rules, start afresh.
a few people asked me why i chose to keep that site, despite everything. mostly i'd give a shrug or a vague answer. the real answer would be rooted on me often being a skeptic and cynic; there are few things that i believe in, outside what is realistically measured and counted.
but i thought the website was promising, like an unusual child that refuses to play with other kids, reading books by himself in a corner. that's not really a metaphor since i tend to have a low opinion of the collective IQ of the local gay population (years of working for tech support added to that cynicism), but still. i'd like to look back to my life and know that i did something worthwhile.
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| The Year That Was 2009 |
[30 Dec 2009|07:59pm] |
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And here we are, finally, at the last day of the year. We bit farewell to the year that was 2009. When I meant finally, I was literally counting the hours for 2009 to end. It has been a long and hard year and up to the very last minute, everyday challenges are arising. Even writing this entry is a bit of a challenge, due to the fact that I haven’t written anything in ages and I feel like I’m baring my soul out with all the things that have happened. But as per yearly tradition, I always end the year with a recap of what has happened as a learning and healing process and we all look forward to the year ahead. The Year of Loses This year, my family suffered terrible loses of our loved ones. It began at the start of the year with my dear Uncle Rolly, my mom’s brother. I’ve written quite a few entries about it and had a photoblog of his wake and funeral. It hit the family very hard, as he was the first to go in their immediately family. A month later came the loss of my cousin, Tantan, who died at a very young age due to complications of his sickness. A few months later my dear Lola Mary left us as well. She suffered first from a choking and asthma attack, then went into a coma for 2 weeks. All of these struck us hard as these all came out of the blue and one after another. And couple with these are big losses around the world with the deaths of Michael Jackson, Farrah Fawcett, Patrick Swayze, Stephen Gately and Brittany Murphy. The Year of Challenges From the very beginning, 2009 was predicted to be very challenging due to the economic crisis around the world. And the Philippines wasn’t spared from the brunt. Work was indeed affected and you can definitely feel it with the demands of the workload. I’ve also taken new roles of responsibility at work, which was definitely a challenge and has been an arena of learning. I have definitely had my ups and downs this year with each obstacle that comes my way. Aside from work, this year I also took part in the Introduction Leaders Program of the Landmark Education, a 6-month rollercoaster ride as I’d like to describe it. It was an amazing experience and had established lots of new friendships along the way. In September, Metro Manila and Northern Luzon experienced the fury of Typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng. And our family and village wasn’t spared, as flood waters didn’t recede for almost three weeks. Our house and things weren’t damaged, but we had to evacuate the house to our lolo’s house in Mandaluyong for the time being. On The Brightside Though there were many downsides to 2009, there were also some good highlights as well. I had an amazing trip to Iloilo for the first time with Mimi and some of my ILP friends and coaches and even made a video about it. Baguio in December is another highlight as this was the first complete trip our family had together out of town. The year also welcomed new additions, such as Andrei, who was now come to live with us, and the addition of Kria to our growing barkada J I also had great experiences handling major projects this year – all the sleepless nights, tension and stress are paid off in the end. Great learning experiences as well J I also rediscovered my love for dancing (thanks to ILP 2nd weekend and MJ!) and singing (thanks to Glee!) Lessons Learned If there’s anything that I’ve discovered about myself is my strength and resiliency. There were just so many times where in I just wanted to give up and quit, but I forged on, taking the fall and slowly rising again. It may hurt, it may be difficult, but the experience is priceless. I also learned its okay to be vulnerable, too. Being strong and put together, all the time can really be tiring. Its just a nice feeling to let go and cry for even just a little while, and be yourself in front of people who you can trust and rely on. Takes the tension off and gives a little clarity. I am also thankful for all these blessings - thankful for the wonderful people and things around me. Though there were times I have been locked up in my zombie shell, its nice to know at the end of the day you are still loved. Moving Forward Tomorrow is a new year, a new beginning, a fresh start. I’m actually looking forward to an exciting 2010, and actually beginning it with a bang with two projects on the first day of the year. I’m excited and ready to explore new heights, experience new things and create all these new possibilities. I admit to being scared as I declare this, but this is what I call on to the universe. If there’s one thing I’d want to do in 2010 is to be free and be present to everything and everyone around me. A blessed New Year to everyone! Thank you for the wonderful experience of 2009 and thank you for being who you are to me! J Looking forward to being with all of you in 2010!
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| i know "friending" someone online doesn't necessarily mean you're friends in real life... |
[30 Dec 2009|10:37pm] |
 ...but what does one do if one receives a friend request from a person one actually despises?
in the true sense of the word, there are only very few people i really despise. i mildly dislike a lot of people and there are those whom i actively avoid, but only 10 or so people could ruin my happy mood just by the mere mention of their name.
let's call one of them the girl who owes me a lot of money. i wrote about her a few years back; she caused a lot of aggravation among several people from my high school batch, which is well known among the rest of the batch. she never paid me back, until now, and even contacted me again months later to borrow more money.
when i went swimming with some classmates a few months ago, her name was mentioned again as well as that incident she started. of course everyone who knew about it looked at me to see my reaction. i told them we better talk about other things instead.
it seems that the girl who owes me a lot of money now has a facebook account, and she decided to friend me. that she had the gall to think that i am interested to be friends with her (either online or IRL) after what she did, surprises me.
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| Name of Hagikhikan 2009 Host |
[27 Dec 2009|08:58pm] |
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music |
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Missing--Everything But The Girl |
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Does anybody happen to know the name (and department) of the hilarious host of Hagikhikan (Faculty Follies) 2009? I need it sana for an article I am doing right now.
Thank you so much!
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