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Showing posts from 2010

Merry Christmas World

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Geseënde Kersfees en 'n gelukkige nuwe jaarGeseënde Kersfees en 'n voorspoedige Nuwe jaar! Gëzuar Krishtlindjet e Vitin e Ri! Kamgan Ukudigaa! E güeti Wïnâchte un e gleckichs Nej Johr! መልከም ልደት! Gozhqq Keshmish! اجمل التهاني بمناسبة الميلاد و حلول السنة الجديدة! Շնորհավոր Ամանոր և Սուրբ Ծնունդ! Cãrciun hãrios shi ti multsã-anji Anlu Nàù! Bones Navidaes y Gayoleru añu nuevu! Sooma Nawira-ra! Zorionak eta urte berri on! З Божым нараджэннем Сзцзаслівыцг Каліадау З Новым годам i Калядамi! শুভ বড়দিন শুভ নববর্ষ! ᖱᒣᖳᒐᒉᑊᖿᒪᔪᖱᖽᐧᒡᒧᐧᖾᒍ! Cestit Bozic i Sretna Nova godina! Nedeleg laouen ha bloavezh mat! Felis Nabidat yan Felis Año Nuebo! ᏓᏂᏍᏔᏲᎯᎲ & ᎠᎵᎮᎵᏍᏗ ᎢᏤ ᎤᏕᏘᏴᎠᏌᏗᏒ! Hoesenestotse & Aa'eEmona'e! 聖誕節快樂, 新年快樂 恭喜發財! 圣诞快乐 新年快乐! Yukpa, Nitak Hollo Chito! Tsaa Nu̶u̶sukatu̶̲ Waa Himaru̶! ᒥᑐ ᒪᑯᓯ ᑫᓯᑲᓐᓯ! Afvcke Nettvcakorakko! ᖁᕕᐊᓱᒡᕕᒻᒥ ᖁᕕᐊᓱᒋᑦ/ ᖁᕕᐊᓱᕝᕕᓯᐅᑦᓯᐊᕆᑦ ᐊᒻᒪ ᕿᑎᙳᒪᕆᒃ! Bonan Kristnaskon kaj feliĉan novan jaron! Rõõmsaid Jõule ja Head Uut Aastat H

All I Want for Christmas is My 2 Front Teeth...

5 days to go… Sensing little time left before Christmas, one is time-pressed to rather complete the season’s requisites. Other than the thought of what to serve for a Christmas feast, gift-giving remains to be one if not the most joyful observed custom. It is after all an expression of what Christmas is all about – Giving. Thus, people are keen on conveying momentous bounty this time of the year. Speaking of which, whatever it is that’s given is secondary compared to the generosity behind it. If such gesture though is carried out just to express “giving” sans sincerity, it defeats the purpose. “It’s the thought that counts” is not to be believed as conscientious of the idea of giving but the consideration of what could possibly be either appreciated or needed – that’s thoughtful liberality as opposed to “as long as I’ve given something”. On the other hand, recipients have to be more thankful of the thought regardless of what it is (unless perhaps it was mockingly given to elicit disgus

Pacquiao 8 Margarito

As free-flowing as the number 8, Manny Pacquiao fatefully (make that f-8-fully) claimed his world record feat of being the only boxer to have won 8 world boxing titles in likewise 8 different divisions. And 8’s quite, err, it’s quite matching that he did it as the new elected Congressman of his hometown. 8 (as validated by their official car plate number) is a Congressman’s number. In the ring, defensively side-stepping as if motioning “8” through body language, Pacquiao quickly waltzed a defensive move while capitalizing on every opening his gloves could penetr-8. At the expense of a taller and heavier Mexican Antonio Margarito, Pacquiao domin-8-ed all throughout the fight. As if living up to his name “pakyaw” (a Filipino term) which means all-encompassing. His control was definitely large-scale given the David-and-Goliath aspect with his persona being the former. The Goliath in Margarito was rather down-scaled. However, he looked bigger with his face badly puffed-up; he could as w

Marketing 143

Marketing is a conscious effort to establish reciprocal advantage subsequent to a sustainable patronage. The awareness factor is a manifestation of one’s seriousness for such trade. The mutually beneficial aspect is rather aimed at expressing impartiality. Jointly put into effect, it initiates realization for growth. Academic as it may sound; one does not have to get into formal learning for marketing adeptness. Come to think of it, at an early age, we already make an effort to market ourselves if only to gain a want or a need; for instance, bargaining ensues between parent and child for (say) good school grades. Citing a more cognizant state, same thing transpires during courtship. A young man (marketer) would most probably “sell” himself (PR) to the girl (as his target market or for partnership) ; whereas girls, in a most likely circumstance, would actually put on a more mindful effort to look attractive (that’s visual merchandising) . Looking good for both parties is an eleme

Beauty is in the Eyes of the (Be)holder

Regardless of how we see one thing, it’s bound to be viewed differently by others. That’s even in reference to others’ liking as compared to the inclination of those from it has a partial attachment. What if the matter at hand is pertaining to physical attributes of people? Needless to say, people have different tastes and inclined from that of different standards. Those with a soft spot for (say) the “assessed” person will probably be defensive of any criticism in contrast with how they positively consider the looks of that person they’ve kind of developed fondness for. Children for instance or babies for that matter, in most likely probability, they’ll be considered adorable by their own parents. Even with a decent disposition in line with accommodating the stark reality bequeathed among them or their children, it would still be hurtful for parents to hear (from other people) how “ugly” their children are. It may not be attributed directly but anything suggestive of an insensitive

When TL actually means Transitory Liking

As normal as the sunset and the moonlight, it gives the impression of a seeming struggle between that of daybreak and twilight. As if caught in the middle of coming forward radiating optimism and just glancing from a distance amidst the stillness of anonymity. It involves a struggling confidence and a submissive timidity… There is this “Crush Message Box” that keeps on popping-up on Facebook. If it were someone really manifesting her feelings for a crush, she’s somehow being bold enough or too forward…  Reminiscing with batch mates, an exchange of thoughts contemplating on the past boiled down to the subject on childhood crushes. I remember the time I had my first crush. She was simply adorable. I never really contemplated on seriously courting her or I just didn’t have the guts. In a time I was still into boys’ toys, being a boy toy wasn’t even an idea to begin with or would’ve been thought of as a toy boy (boys make good pets for a toy so do girls say… - LOL) . Amid such p

"Enjoy Your Shopping!": A Never Ending Story

“Worth it” is what makes shopping considerably inviting. Shopping should be worth the trip; worth the expense; worth the merchandise; worth the experience; worthy of a smile and worthy to be told… One thing every selling personnel should understand is that the whole shopping experience for customers starts from the moment they thought of buying something from a shop. Their expectation of satisfaction begins even before making a purchase; even before hearing those shopping attendant’s uttered welcome greeting “Good morning Sir/Ma’am, enjoy your shopping!” Therefore at a store’s end, they should have a mindset that their goods and services live up to its general idea as feel-good items and moments. More so, their role is to ensure that such experience will be carried out satisfyingly. With that as a selling point, every customer’s day of shopping with them will start off with excitement and anticipation. Thus, selling personnel have to feel the same enthusiasm in making sure that cust

BUT WHY? That's Why!

You know how despite your keenness in exemplifying sense of responsibility that even encompassing circumstances could attest to such commitment, however, some people try to invalidate it just so to elude their own ineffectuality at the expense of your credibility? That sucks! What’s worse is when you can’t seem to defend yourself when that person happens to be superior in position. Yet even worst is when such authority is used to rather gain on subordinates as a means to show who is boss… BUT WHY? This is one common occurrence in work places of which there are values we could learn from as well as do something about it. As normal as it is, we could be as natural in expressing disgust. That would similarly be understandable. With all the right and with circumstantial substantiation to back your claim, you could elevate the concern and refute the other party’s contention if only to point out your side of the story or perhaps even clear your name. BUT WHY? Being vocal about it thoug

A Godfather

August 28 is a day I somehow wrote about way back. As to how the date came to be significant for me is its affirmation on how changes make quite a difference. In such case, its how by some means helped lead to maturity and how the obvious – being older (and larger), quite expectedly constrained my suppleness (LOL). Yesterday, another occasion added to its significance. A couple was wed of which they asked me to be one among their principal sponsors. It would have meant a lot even for me if I were able to attend and stand as a godfather to a wedding for the first time. What I value most though is their consideration to even regard me as godfather-worthy. There was a time (or are opportunities) when in consideration of choosing a godparent, the capacity to give a substantial gift was rather thought of more than the integrity to stand as second-parent. Obviously, I’m quite young to be the couple’s father. Also, I don’t have the means to be as liberal in giving a pricey gift. Thus

Behind Numbers

My father would have been 83 years old today. Before leaving us almost 11 years ago, by his hospital bed in the middle of the night while everyone was soundly asleep, my mother felt his warm and tight embrace seemingly implying of finally letting go. He was 72. Naturally sad as we were, at any rate, we were consoled by the fact that he succumbed to a considered most-painful cancer (pancreatic) peacefully. Quite the opposite, just the other day, my wife’s grandaunt went through a bumpy path. A coarse course so to speak as she was among 41 passengers who chanced on their demise in the course of a bus falling off a 150-foot deep ravine. She was 57. It was tragic. Come to think of it, 57 could be the “mystified” opposite form of 72. The position of “7”, a considered lucky number, was switched. “5” when flipped vertically is “2”. 5 + 2 = 7 but “lucky number” has presumably been severed with the bigger apportionment of the now split luck seems to live up to its oddness which is “5”,

Way to Find It

A trip to the bank as the saying goes connotes satisfaction as it means cashing in. I recently went to a bank but to rather settle an obligation. Still glad though as I still have the finances to clear dues. Affiliation aside, I thought I’d try to go through the standard process if only to prove how their customer service corresponds with their catchphrase. Their slogan seems to be suggestive of getting things done with whatever means just when things are seemingly inaccessible, so they say. Implying that they find ways, I wonder if it holds true in rendering service in an appropriate manner. Does dealing with customers a part of finding ways on how every transaction would be as contentedly attainable? As if rooted on the ground having to stand for quite a while wasn’t wearing enough, the long queue likewise made it all the more uneasy. For a big company, there were no queue numbers for should’ve-been (or preferably) seated clients. The number of clientele might have outnumbere

Of Fashionable Taste and Tasteful Fashion

Fashion is dictated by taste. Or about taste… Is it? During big celebrity gatherings, defining moments for Stars usually get defined with if not by a fashion faux pas. Considering that a Star could have self-expressed gratification over her choice of dress (or gown to even wear it in the first place) only to be criticized with that of poor fashion sense, who then is more credible, the Star or the critic? Isn’t the dress designed by someone tasteful enough to be in the business? The more pushy questions could be, “Are fashion designs (even tastes) based on standards or expression of the artist behind it?” Are fashion designers (or critics) to dictate what is acceptable or not? Aren’t they being cynical about their objective as designers when similarly being disapproving of their co-fashion designers’ work? Having witnessed a fashion show of some sort yesterday, I personally thought that the outfits were outlandish unless if it were for costume purposes. The use of indigenous material

Elemental Surprise

The element in “element of surprise” is, as it actually suggests, an elemental factor in hyping up what is to be open to the elements. Too much elements? Exactly the point. Or (quite apt) exactly the element… Stirring some suspense for an anticipated revelation further intensifies excitement. ‘Teasers’ for one is an element. It drives curiosity to keep track until it’s satisfied. Satisfaction however should have a sustainable touch that would allow for a possible carry-over. The now former Cavalier LeBron James’ recent “The Decision” created quite a stir that made headlines as much as headaches. The group responsible for such hoopla did well in having it hyped as they have probably expected. However, the manner by which it was decided on how it is to take effect was not of a sound decision. It was noise. After which, it has created louder noise… Sound and noise differ like that of marketing and business though complementary. The soundness of marketing basics is to be sounded off

Happy Fathers' Day Today and Tomorrow and the day after that and...

Today we celebrate Fathers’ Day. Now that the celebration is likewise intended for me having two kids of my own, certain still is that I’m also a son. In relation to the occasion, I was a son to my father whom I (still) look up to and to whom I have somehow patterned my fatherhood approach. Fatherhood actually depends on one’s distinct method. It is from these means that fathers are measured up by their children as to how they are as a father. The partiality behind it though is that in such gauging process, considering we normally have one father, comparison is based between one’s own and that of other children’s father. Thus, the probable claim “My Dad’s the best father” of one child will always be disputable… as much as rather than argue with one’s parenting style, regard the difference instead even if only for realization to set in for both father and child as to the idiosyncrasies and exclusive circumstance of their relationship. Recognizing how these disparities could work fo

Title

Title for a title? Sounds inadequate. Somehow suggestive of what’s it all about if not absorbing of what to expect, titles are preferably catchy enough to stir such. If used to address designations, ranking titles manifest some level of authority. What’s in a title anyway? Considering the foregoing points of consideration, titles could be coined to serve such purpose. There are job positions that carry an influential description for a title. It is however intended to establish clout and some respectability but could be unfairly compared to a less significant-sounding title from a bigger entity or company perhaps. For instance, a Branch Manager of a small business could just be comparable to a Supervisor of a bigger department of a far superior store. Though, we cannot dispose of the probability of a subordinate being better than the boss. In such case, we have to be acknowledgeable of that. Accordingly, aiming for a higher position as a subsequent step is the normal trend. As fa

To Each His Own

“No man is an island” is an idiom that means people essentially depend on one another as much as people live for others. I suppose even one’s self-centered tendency expresses some point on how such selfishness allows others who are not to realize their windfall for not being one. But if such egotism influences others to rather be the same, it exemplifies how “no man is an island” should rather be responsibly considered. Other people live their lives with the thought that living it their way without regard for what others will feel as it is their life anyway clearly substantiates their naivety on social responsibility or social relation if I may say so. If self-expression is the reason then do it privately if the only purpose is to assert it for your own satisfaction in the first place. However, if publicly addressed, expect people’s individuality not to uncompromisingly conform with your thoughts as well. Being defensive of criticisms further manifests your egocentricity. How ironic

Politically Inclined

In every election, we are to seat selected officials into public service. On top of it all (say the Presidential election), the top seat will be taken on by a new head. As ordinary citizens, we are all hoping if not assured of the realization of our patriotic hopes in line with the current promises of whoever would claim victory but not necessarily the confidence of a greater number. The “democratic disadvantage” over our system is that too many candidates are allowed to run for the same position. Thus, winning is based on majority vote; however, the rest of the voting public combined who did not support such candidate outnumbers the winning votes. Unless it’s a landslide triumph, there are more people to convince still of the winner’s capacity to lead us. The bigger drawback is that most of these substantial number aren’t as supportive, treating the victor as the adversary, sourly substantiating themselves as the opposition. There is no unity. The biggest setback though is amongst a

Opposites Attract

Last Friday was the Philippines’ 68th commemoration of Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor). Fearlessness would have been a good thing to manifest… courage, a good thing to emulate… A day prior to that, I received a Gold Credit Card from EastWest Bank. It was quite a surprise as I didn’t apply for it. However, they misspelled my name. Possibly intended or otherwise, it seemed a living-up-to-their-name sort of a thing. “Going East but West bound or vice versa?” Or apparently a surprise that does not want to stir astonishment or a ‘go’ ordered stopped... “Activate, deactivate”… It’s about the opposite as the astounding offering also enthused apprehension. Or they could have thought of the coinciding holiday for heroes to lure clients into a daring situation for investment… Does EastWest mean from Northwest to Northeast or Southwest to Southeast? Or does it just denote its global coverage? Why not Northsouth? Just a thought… Not that I’m leaning towards the opposite for a change in subje

SAD

With my wife and two kids scheduled to go down to Manila early today, I kept on reminding my wife of possible occurrences in need of extra heedfulness. How seemingly calculating of me as well to ask my wife to text me every now-and-then if only to inform me of their whereabouts for the duration of their approximately 6-hour trip. Though I was on sick leave, I have to go to work for some pressing issues. Consequently, I wasn’t able to see them off. The only consolation for a worry-free waiting while working would have been text messages as confirmation of their travel status. However, I didn’t receive any. I was concerned of their well-being to the point I can’t fully focus on whatever I was doing. Close to being worried-sick, I thought I was suffering from a separation anxiety disorder. It’s a different case when I’m the one traveling. This time, the thought of their vulnerability in a place they’re not too familiar with gave me apprehensions. After quite a while, a call from my wif

"Footprints In Boracay"

Declared as non-working holidays are the final days of the Holy Week. It is to commemorate how Our Savior manifested His being as such. Redeeming us all from our transgressions, the occasion to gratefully rejoice entreats us. Yet how are we to do that? How does the Lord want us to go about it? With the long weekend serving to be a respite from work exhaustion, quite a lot engage in worldly jubilation. Just when we were saved from our indiscretions, how ironic of us and revel still with the lack of good sense… It’s expected for us to do so through prayers and sacrifices; that’s as far as the church is concerned. What is a 3-day renunciation of earthly desires compared to a year as their dispute beckons us to be as dutiful. As if prayers aren’t implored throughout other days and devotedly working for family’s bread-and-butter most of the time isn’t reparation enough, the rationale to celebrate life is yet questioned. It is but human for us including church elders to see the obvious but

Picture Perfect

I’ve always been interested with photography. Investing on an SLR was thought of since then. Recently though, I found myself owning one finally. It’s digital. As a beginner, I don’t even have an idea on photography’s basic particulars. Canon and Nikon were likewise subjects of discussion as to what among these brands will measure up to my standards as a novice. Relying on the internet, more than the features I don’t know a thing about, “the friendliest DSLR” for a catchphrase caught my fancy instead and so I got myself a Nikon D3000. Nikon and Canon’s advantage over the other isn’t really clear (multi-pixel clear that is) as they still try to outdo each other. It’s more like brand loyalty that dictates what and how users tend to advocate their respective brand for a camera. Nikon users would most likely say their camera is better, whereas those who own Canon would probably be as ardently confirming about their brand. There are even those who invest on these DSLRs but it doesn’t me

Written In My Palm

As if bound to commemorate Palm Sunday, with my right hand's pinky sustaining a fracture, my palm swelled passing more like a palm leaf than a hand. With my arm serving to be its trunk seemingly rooted, I can’t comfortably move nor do much with it. Its orthopedic cast can’t even be soaked thus moving about involving water (taking a bath most particularly) makes it like an initial atonement for the Holy Week. My fracture is nothing compared to being crucified and all though; and it’s not like it will redeem the world. Making it uneasy are the itch I can’t scratch, holding some things with just three fingers, brushing my teeth with my left hand and wanting to be helpful still, I volunteered to wash the dishes with one hand. Contrary to how I got the injury, not getting any younger, I’ve also been jokingly taunted as a “wimp”. But then again, these are tolerable compared to the unbearable agony, however withstood, in self-sacrificing in order to save mankind. Nevertheless, it’s sav

Recognizing Intelligence

Today, we came from my daughter Chakai’s recognition day. It was actually their school’s 6th Commencement Exercise for grade school. Part of the program was to recognize the students’ exemplary curricular achievements. As we were told of such occasion with Chakai being among the honor-students, we were quite surprised to have heard her name called for one more award.  Though very proud of what Chakai has attained, I can’t seem to be contemptibly boastful of having my genes in her as the factor for her accomplishments. Hereditary reasons for ones’ own offspring’s success has been a common leg-puller for a story. The thing is it’s jokingly addressed with a confirming witticism. That’s alright. However, prior to this prideful day, one person was so proud of her “intellectual genetics” that she claims (through FB) of such to be the foundation of Chakai’s academic triumph. Apparently discontented of her assertion, she continued to validate their family’s innate ascendancy by declaring

Leap Day

When my son was about to be born a little over two years ago, we decided for my wife to conceive on the 29th of February instead. Jokingly, we thought it would be cost-effective celebrating his birthday only after every four years. In fact, the idea of one’s birthday falling on a day that rarely comes by has all-the-rage sense into it. A contention on when to annually celebrate it was likewise brought up. Some argues on holding it on the 28th as it is still within the birth month while I believe March 1 to be more precise. As if the 29th occurring after the 28th isn’t enough, birthdays are usually celebrated for the whole year that passed completing a celebrant’s age and for the start of another year. Thus, commemorating it after the 28th is more e xact. Last March 1, we celebrated my son Lucas ’ 2nd birthday. Like that of his sister Chakai’s b-day recently, we rather marked his natal day minus a big party; not that he wouldn’t mind nor he already values practicality, it’s just that