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Showing posts from 2009

Hey!

Firstly, Merry Christmas! Though ‘lastly’ would seem to be a more fitting inception since it’s been a while… When was the last? I’ve wanted to write about a lot of issues including what took a toll on why I haven’t blogged for quite a time. Busy! Somehow, Marketing’s 4 P's (Product, Price, Place, and Promotion) seemed to have made sure of that… However, what really demanded of my time are similarly insistent 4 P's – Peak season, Party, Priority and Paternity. During these Holidays for a peak season I make sure festivities (or any form of a clients’ manifestation of the Christmas Spirit) live up to the concerned parties’ expectations as much as deliver likely results for our company. And as if that’s not taxing enough, as soon as I get home, I still have to set priorities being a father. It’s all worth it! For now, I just want to wish everyone Happy Holidays!!! ‘Lastly’ would not be appropriate after all… Till next…

Broken Promise

One of the most gratifying feelings is being in-love. The sense of knowing you’re capable of tendering anything possible for a loved one is just overwhelming. What makes it more promising is the fact that you’re almost sure to give up anything for that special person. Even so, a promise of “forever” is likewise emphasized. Meeting that one person you believe is meant for you, sets off assertion to make do of any probability just to validate the unfolding of destiny. On occasion against all odds, withstanding the challenge makes it much sweeter than it already is; and quite seemingly, it’s an assumed substantiation of the concerned couple’s destined union. When parting ensues once realization sets in to rather serve as a wake-up call that contradicts the primary passion, believing “it’s not meant to be” isn’t as simple to accept as the time you prematurely thought it was. It’s a case of easily accepting a possible-lover stranger although hardly letting-go of a used-to-be-stranger

"OP"

“OP” means “Out of Place” figuratively speaking (at least here among those who understand). It’s usually used referring to one who appears to be “OP” in the company of a group apparently in sync amidst some interest perhaps. Quite recently, we were displaced from our wellbeing due to the successive heavy pounding of two tropical storms. Oddly enough, in accordance with alphabetical order, the two typhoons were consecutively named Ondoy and Pepeng. As if they knew of their would-be unwelcome entry suiting their names “OP” and rather decided to ascertain their place with “Who’s OP now?!” With Ondoy’s Pushiness (OP) and the Onslaught of Pepeng (OP), they literally forced a vast number of people out of place.   There are a lot of lessons to be learned. However, I wouldn’t be too insensitive to even lecture about righteousness in the midst of distress. The most important thing now is that despite of adversity; we can all be sympathetic and make everyone feel they have a place… If there

Nothing Personal

It’s been a busy yet fruitful week. Aside from my key function among other commitments at work, I have the task of familiarizing employees with essential work ethics not just as one needs but as to how these values harmonize with the company principles. I’ve designed a training module that will hopefully address the ideal complementing roles between the company and its employees. In conveying the importance of such standards, I put significant emphasis on professionalism. Somehow, the best way to do that is to rather lead by example. In any work place, this will time and again be reasonably required or most likely be challenged. My wife once hypothetically asked me if I’d report perchance an anomaly involving her should we be both working in the same company. Suggesting that I would most likely do, she was in a way taken aback. Before she could even ask me why, I told her of the more complex implication that will rather affect us… If she did that in the first place, she should have

Pine Cone

Firstly, a pine cone makes a good accent piece. From its normal (outwardly parched and eccentric looking) form, crafts made of these manifest valuable revelations. Of no use as it appear with its dried up scales layered into its (usually) ovate outline, purpose of which remains interesting and ingenious. Classmates from way back were merely known as playmates. Soon after, acquaintances helped realize the essence of friendship. As we grew older, some emotions intensified into deeper feelings. Groups were formed. Alliances were established. Relationships were sustained. Each has a story to tell. Nevertheless, like scales of a pine cone, different personalities among diverse standings set off to solidify a bond. From its pine tree for an alma mater, several pine cones were produced. Thus, it seems to be as common. It’s (just) probably good as a highlight embellishment. Though together, it could be more than a decorative detail. More than anything else, its use is infinite. “Scales”

AB(solutely)NORMAL

Fetching my mother from the grocery last Sunday, I’ve picked up ire as well. She was about to board the car when a cab driver wouldn’t allow her to comfortably and safely get in as he continued to unpleasantly drive towards her. As if that wasn’t enough, he rudely shouted at my mom saying she shouldn’t be boarding where we were – in a drop-off point where they too pick up their passengers. That ticked me off! I was behind the car as I just closed the compartment door right beside the cab driver. Having witnessed his arrogance, I approached and disdainfully cursed him. Pointing out his disrespectfulness seemingly admonishing him of how would it affect him if such is similarly done to her mother, I bullied him. I was somewhat harsh. The cab driver’s face suddenly changed into a terrified-pitiful look. Guilty, I knew I could have been more diplomatic… Spur of the moment rather got the better off me… If my bullying of him was witnessed by anyone, chances are, their sympathies will be

Customer Service 101

Upon entering some establishment, we were welcomed with greetings uttered with passion. As soon as such welcoming was delivered, they proceeded with what they were doing as if the greeting was obligatory. I didn’t feel the sincerity. Though, I didn’t bother. Some sensitive customers would have reacted… While the misconstrued saying “The customer is always right” gives customers prerogative to loftiness, it gives service personnel conscientiousness to servitude. What is discontenting about this though is not the sense behind it, may it be politically right or otherwise, but the unlikely nature on how the workforce applies impartiality regardless of the situation it represents. Modesty and patience are considerable factors. These attributes are relatively important when interrelating with people from different walks of life. Accordingly, working in an environment where consumers as customers are the main source of an establishment’s bread and butter, they also deal with ‘indirect cu

Fresh Blood in Old School

The title is rather suggestive of a horror story wherein a young Count is boldly biting on exerting his influence all over and among those within an ancient castle. Far from the eerie scenarios though, it’s a familiar circumstance in a modern setting. With change as the only constant thing as not just a popular cliché but a guiding principle. Horror is what it is only for those proud enough to embrace such development. On the face of innovation in a time such is vital, new ideas are sought for. In achieving these, young bloods are taken into service; classically, at the expense of old school’s pride. When I was just starting (once a new blood) with the company I am currently employed in 6 years ago, we were told of the new ideas we can bring in as one considerable reason for which we were hired. Not to put my best foot forward nor simply make an impression, I considerably contemplated on decently abiding professionalism. Accordingly, I’ve earned a significant reputation for my subst

Right Hand Information

“But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing” is a line from Matthew 6: 2-4 that's remindful of humility. Literally though, in getting some work done, coordination between both hands with pairs of others rather clasps the idea of others’ testament of your deed instead. We had our hands full setting up a “trade” showcase to be awarded to a recipient for a politician’s generous cause of which we co-sponsored. In the midst of the rush not to unveil the surprise, a right hand from that of a public servant reached out for an acknowledging hand shake as we became subject of lenses worthy of media hype. Smile? Click! Click! Click! Click! Tsk! Tsk! Tsk! Tsk!   As the program progressed, more cameras rolled and clicked for documentation (err) publicity. Politicians abounded. True to their words (oops) style, they delivered their speeches with conviction BUT modesty… “Oh don’t you just admire them for their knack for subtle bragging?

The Irony behind Yellow

Yellow, more than the bright color that it is, its meaning is also ironically associated with cowardice. It is the color for a trademark of former Philippine President Corazon Aquino. Even before her passing, yellow ribbons were tied all over as a sign of respect and in support of Tita Cory (as she was fondly called) who was then battling with colon cancer. At least in that aspect, no signs of pessimism were manifested if only to wish our former President full recovery. Her point of view was sought for, thus, her recovery was then vital. Her presence has always been and would have been influential in persuading peace to rather be empowered through a democratic system. She has been, after all, instrumental as the principal figure representing every Filipino, in putting the Philippines in world history via People Power’s peaceful restoration of freedom back then. She's a global icon of democracy. True that her regime was the most beset with coup attempts. It is through one of these r

Worthwhile Pain

We were just watching some love story wherein the female lead had a painful (love) experience making it hard for her to move on. Making it worse is that her father isn’t as supportive. Then, I thought of the likelihood when my children will be in such a predicament… Those constantly updated with every article posted herein know this blog’s purpose being geared towards providing some guiding principle for my children. Knowing life span’s incalculability, the thought of leaving some sort of a legacy early on is promptly addressed. Having had my share of life’s ups and downs, only God knows when the next is. Although what we are to focus on is not much of how high or how low we get but by how we make the best out of it after timely realizing the reason for its occurrence. The pain caused by my first major heart ache one August 28 years ago was overwhelming. If there’s even a logical p oint behind it though, it’s for 2 (other) good reasons why that happened to me in the first place –

Spotted

Of all the days this week that I have to tend to some work-related errands, how untimely it was to fall on a Wednesday. Not that there was a problem with it, it’s just that the company vehicle I usually use is subject to the number coding scheme on Wednesdays, 5 being the last number along its 3-letter, 3-digit plate number. My car’s plate number also ends with 5. The Number Coding is a traffic scheme where cars, with its plate number’s last digit, are not to be driven along major routes during its designated “coding” day. Needless to say, I was to either take a cab or the cheaper passenger jeepney as an alternative. I preferred the latter as it will allow me to take a walk that likewise served as an exercise. Making the most out of it, I was enjoying sights I’ve not seen for a while. Just as I was observant of occurrences I came passed through, I was oblivious of this one thing that will actually remind me of the aptness of every incident happening for a reason. A camera clicked, a

Why?

There are times when I just ask myself why… Though unlike a curious child whose whys are based on finding out the answer for the first time, mine’s more on the recurrence for the nth time seemingly due to stubbornness or perhaps lack of viable options. “Why am I not learning from it?” would perhaps be the exemplary question that tops it all. “Why do I still do it despite knowing its possible consequences?” could actually be answered with “why” itself - Why is temptation so enticing? It’s a question that’s instinctively asked despite having experienced the answer. As such, it rationalizes another “why” in asking as to addiction’s clout on us. Why am I going through this or that? Or perhaps, why you? Why did I even write this you may ask if your next question would be why you are even reading this nonsense (if such be the case) in the first place? It’s the same reason as gullibility that seems to make sense when we’re into it. Why is that? You could as well ask why does it has to be a

That MICHAEL JACKSON Song

A lot has been said about the late King of Pop. Tributes has been both articulated and written. I thought I ought to do so as well having been influenced at some point by his music. Who hasn’t? Having been in the music industry for quite a time, I guess every generation could somehow relate in any way as to how his music corresponded with our respective lives . From theme songs to possibly break up songs, his music will always be a part of us. Here is a scenario that could have perhaps transpired among anyone but more than a depiction as to how his music is as rhythmic, it’s an acknowledgment: DIRTY DIANA oops I mean Dear Diana, Is it BAD as if I’m a SMOOTH CRIMINAL to go into a DANGEROUS situation? I JUST CAN’T STOP LOVING YOU. I guess that’s just ANOTHER PART OF ME. Is it HUMAN NATURE or its THE WAY YOU MAKE ME FEEL? You seem to be calling out “YOU ARE NOT ALONE”… I don’t know but when it comes to you I can’t say “SHE’S OUT OF MY LIFE” and still the MAN IN THE MIRR

Class of 1985

Establishing an identity through the 80s, a time possibly considered as the best music era, it would be unlikely to have not been attuned with Michael Jackson’s music. Speaking of which, we have been swayed, in any way, by how cool we thought we were singing or dancing to the tune of “Beat It” or “Billie Jean”. At some point, “Thriller” lived up to be indeed thrilling. During such phase when music played a big part in molding our youth into prominence among peers, what we sang was who we were so to speak… As it is, music is influential; it has been and will always be. More intervening is the voice behind it though. That time, our influences somehow were the likes of Duran Duran, Spandau Ballet, Culture Club, Madonna and yes, Michael Jackson among others. A few weeks back, our class of that generation met up not just for the organization of our grand reunion scheduled for next year but to also put up an aid organization of some sort. Seeing old faces doubly meant something as we

Substantialiscious

When one is almost able to say something yet can’t seem to put it into words with the right term at the tip of his tongue, it’s perhaps due to the composition of different words conveying the same meaning. Of all the possible terminologies, there could be one that can be used as fittingly as to express the exact message. Despite these many words, language, vocabulary, expressions, term s, dialect, idiom, lingo or what have you (case in point), neologisms are still created. Is there a need for new words if what’s already spoken or written is understandable as meant? Another thing, there are even considered highfalutin words of which its usage isn’t preferred if only because of its pomposity. I believe that the only reason as to why these supposedly ostentatious words are considered such is because it’s not often used for fear of being misunderstood. “Ostentatious?! Can’t you just say grandiose? Or even that’s considered pompous, I mean showy?” Duh? time… I mean, the time has come whe

Life According to Me (this time)

I received a text message from a friend directly asking the essence of life. I then thought one of my purposes being to expound not so much on the query but the need to why even bother to ask such question if from our own understanding based on our individual lives we’d probably give diverse viewpoints. I could probably talk about my one role as a father being a life worth living, today being father’s day (others will be celebrating it on the 21st - See the diversity yet with 1 objective) , and in recognition entitle it with what could be a link to my wife if it’s to associate my being a dad for without her conceiving my children I wouldn’t be one… Then it occurred to me, the connection of the many lives into one account… Life is the opportunity to invest in eternity. It’s a chance wherein we are to address a purpose. Under such borrowed time, to understand the roles we portray as human beings is an essential cause in making life’s objective for a story worth all the subplots from

Freedom 101

The Philippines is celebrating its Independence Day today, June 12. Basing it to this date from when it all started, we are celebrating freedom for 111 years already. Apparently, there are opposing derivations as to the real date of our country’s liberty. Some historians will point out July 4, 1946 to be more opportune. Yet, today’s celebration of independence is founded on our liberation from Spain’s rule over a century ago. If we are to consider other deliverance from similar repressions we went through, then we would be celebrating too many “independence days”. What’s with freedom from one thing but restricted from another? Then again, how can we be commemorating our independence if we have not been entirely liberated? Regardless of when it took place, are we totally free? Conversely, how and when can we truly feel and say we’re free… In view of today’s occasion, I’m rather observing my emancipation from my work load albeit for just a day. Ho wever, I’m not completely unbound. I

3 Reasons Why Men Cheat

Early yesterday morning, a conversation about men cheating on their wives or girlfriends broke the naivety of some amongst us prior to timing in for work. Enlightening viewpoints from opposing sides were shed. From that of our end, the women were quite surprised to find out likely reasons as to why. The most intriguing revelation for them though was how a female’s sexual organ could possibly differ from another. It was bared when one female colleague expressed how a man could find satisfaction from having to have another when in fact, according to her, vaginas are all in the same way ‘ho les’ if only for its counterpart’s intended purpose. From there on, it was raised why is it that infidelity has to be correlated with sex… Sex isn’t the only reason as to why men cheat. While sex poses as (possibly) an irresistible factor in luring men into such inducement, it’s actually what drove him into it that triggered such. Sex is such a unifying bond that it seems to attach the involved tw

Cycle

It’s the last day of May and it’s my 1st blog post for this month. Having been away for a while, I missed blogging about substantial articles I thought I’d get to timely post. With the upshot of the Pacquiao-Hatton fight (May 3, Sunday – Philippine time), I thought the Pacman would suitably figure as my “Monday’s Man Day” featured personality. Then there were other pressing issues worth writing about. Ah what the heck, I might as well start from day 1, May 1… May 1 was Labor Day. It was a non-working holiday thus I had the time to catch up on a few household tasks. One of which is to fix my daughter’s bike as she doggedly insists that I do. While I was laboriously entrenched into it, my 7-year old daughter kept herself busy embellishing it with Disney Princesses stickers. Soon as I’ve noticed, I asked her about it. She quickly replied with how she would like for it to look like a “girlie” bike. I then brought up how her kid brother Lucas won’t be able to use it later on as it would

Full of Emptiness

I’m full. Too full that, as I sleep tonight with a bloated stomach, succumbing to nocturnal sudden death comes to mind… Though, I wasn’t hungry (and still full at that), I still had dinner with my mom. I thought it would be nice to join her as eating by herself seems to picture a lonely scenario. She misses her grandchildren I suppose… The house is relatively quiet from my children’s ‘welcomed clamoring’. I miss them as well… I haven’t had breakfast and lunch. It was already 5:00 pm when I had what would sustain to be an early evening meal. When I got back home at around 7, my mom called me for dinner. It would have been suited for me to decline but I wanted for her to feel accompanied somehow. Consequently, I’m overstuffed. It’s not as heavy as the depression I’m feeling though. The thought of being with my family as I was scheduled to fetch them remained to be for contemplation. My wife, for some reason, wants to stay for another day in her “comfort zone” I assume. They’ve been a

On the Boyle

Seeming cold water suddenly boiling... A wake-up call that awoke her from a dream… She sang “I Dreamed a Dream” and now living her dream. And indeed as how one judge (Amanda Holden) thoughtfully put it – "The biggest wake-up call ever" that has also awakened skeptics into believing… More than anything else, she’s an epitome of hope. An unknown character from a small village “somewhere” to someone by which an introduction isn’t seem to be longer needed what with how she’s conquering the world by storm and establishing her identity. From a Scottish woman to a world figure… Watch her and understand why she is our Monday’s “Man Day”… She proved that judging a book by its cover is an injudicious thing to do. Likewise, pitiful are actually those who think pathetic of others… just when a douse of cold water is what should have woke them up, they needed something (or rather someone) Boyle-ing.

Blue or Green?

It’s not about colors. Neither is it a choice between Ateneo De Manila University and De La Salle University; Globe or Smart nor what-have-you. However, if you’re smart enough, you’d find ways to keep the globe blue and green. And as smart as the Green Archers are, they probably understand the difference between bow shooting an eagle as to that of ‘b all shooting’ against a Blue Eagle. How they settle their rivalry should be limited to that of the latter… Rightfully, this is about the green movement that will keep the blue flowing so to speak. Green represents nature whereas blue represents the body of water that comprises 3/4th‘s of the globe. There is a perfect reason as to why the ratio between the Earth’s land and water. Nowadays, when we say “think green”, we think of the environment. Thinking of it though varies from just limiting it to thoughts as doing something about it would be significant. It means being considerate of its sustenance and quite certain ours. Given a choice,

Monday Blues

As early as Sunday morning, my daughter was excitedly preparing for the next day’s swimming activity. Together with my mother, they were scheduled to go to the beach with some relatives. Whereas, I was feeling weak and weary due to unlikely body pains, still I decided to report for work. I had my condition initially confirmed by our company nurse before timing in. Unfortunately, I was rather sent home to rest. I have tonsillitis with symptoms of an impending flu. When I got back, I was surprised to find my mother and my daughter at home. Swimming was cancelled. Somehow, we were all sent home. Suddenly, I thought, what’s with today… Apparently, all anticipated excitements came to a halt. However, there must be a good reason for it. Everything happens for a reason. Possibly to ponder on how important health is for the sake of my family. And to quote Levy,    “Whatever happens in life, we should always remember to live life to the fullest ”

April

The 4th month. Summer. A name. An imposing figure. A leader. Subsequently being named after one’s birth month seems to be derivative. Yet there is nothing uninspiring about this week’s featured Monday’s “Man Day” personality. If name would be the basis, then her Dimagiba (indestructible) for a surname will suffice for she is indeed one with a strong personality. Such is rather used with conviction for the welfare of the company she honorably represents. She has earned her way up from a modest outset. Having risen from such humbling beginning, she has since injected good headship as she herself unassumingly exemplified subordination back then. Recognition of her leadership capacity has positioned her to where she is right now. Accordingly, she too acknowledges great potential. Like the sensible mother that she is to her own children, she as well views her subordinates’ wellbeing as a concern she has to address with fairness essentially in gauging their qualifications. With prid

Whoa man!

…Then the man said, “At last, here is one of my kind – Bone taken from my bone, and flesh from my flesh. ‘Woman’ is her name because she was taken out of man.” It’s this verse (Gen. 2:23) from the Bible when wrongfully interpreted has put a great deal on how men live out condescending attitude towards the supposedly weaker sex, consequently putting crooked meaning to women’s existence as “owed to man”. Women in contrast, with the role as a mother doesn’t just have the responsibility and task of conceiving life but a body built for it which “anatomically” differs from that of men’s. Thus, giving some sense as it may be deemed to their own pride – “men’s birth lies in women”. The issue no longer deals with the difference between the two and their respective roles but rather who is the first-rate gender. Men as accustomed to their superiority lifted further by reputation will not just concede especially at times when they think their ‘ego’ is being stepped on. Fed up from being domin